IL303956B2 - Medical equipment carrier - Google Patents

Description

1 MEDICAL EQUIPMENT CARRIER FIELD [001] The present subject matter relates to medical equipment carriers. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to medical equipment carriers transiently connectable to mobile hospital beds. BACKGROUND [002] Hospitalized patients are frequently connected to medical equipment, like infusion systems, monitoring systems, artificial respiration systems, including oxygen tanks, resuscitation systems and other life-support and life-saving systems. The medical equipment is normally positioned aside the patient’s bed. Occasionally there is a need to mobilize the patient with the patient’s bed, within the healthcare facility, for example from a hosptial room to an operating room and the like. However, especially in the case of a patient that is connected to a medical equipment, it is impossible to disconnect the patient from the medical equipment during mobilization. Currently in such cases, the necessary medical equipment is placed on the patient’s bed, aside or even on the patient, during mobilization. This solution is cumbersome, dangerous in the sense that during the mobilization some equipment can fall off the bed because the eqipment is not well secured, not moral in the sense of placing euipment on the patient himself, and can even threat the patient’s life, for example when during the mobilization a certain life-saving equipment may fall off the bed, or disconnect from the patient for any other reason. SUMMARY [003] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this subject matter belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present subject matter, suitable methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. 2 id="p-4"

[004] According to one aspect of the present subject matter, there is provided a medical equipment carrier comprising: a base comprising a plurality of wheels; a body attached over the base and configured to carry medical equipment; and a connector attached to the body and configured to transiently connect to a hospital bed. [005] According to one embodiment, the base further comprising a base frame to which the plurality of wheels is attached, and wherein the base frame is configured to hold the body. [006] According to one embodiment, the plurality of wheels is configured to facilitate mobilization of the carrier. [007] According to one embodiment, the plurality of wheels is configured to facilitate mobilzation of the carrier when the carrier is connected to the bed. [008] According to one embodiment, the plurality of wheels is configured to facilitate stable standing of the carrier when the carrier is disconnected from the bed. [009] According to one embodiment, the plurality of wheels is configured to facilitate mobilization of the carrier when the carrier is disconnected from the bed. [010] According to one embodiment, the body further comprising a body frame that is positioned over the base. [011] According to one embodiment, the body frame is positioned over the base frame. [012] According to one embodiment, the body further comprising at least one equipment holder, configured to hold a medical equipment. [013] According to one embodiment, the at least one equipment holder is at least one gas tank holder, each gas container holder is configured to securely hold a gas tank. [014] According to one embodiment, the carrier comprises two gas tank holders. 3 id="p-15"

[015] According to one embodiment, wherein the at least one equipment holder is at least one device holder, configured to hold at least one medical device. [016] According to one embodiment, the at least one device holder has a structure of a shelf. [017] According to one embodiment, the at least one equipment holder is a hanger configured to hold at least one hangable equipment. [018] According to one embodiment, the hangable equipment is an infusion bag. [019] According to one embodiment, the connector comprising: a bed fastener configured to fasten to a bed; and a height adjuster connected to the bed fastener and configured to adjust a height of the bed fastener. [020] According to one embodiment, the height adjuster is positioned under the bed fastener. [021] According to one embodiment, the bed fastener is configured to be operated manually. [022] According to one embodiment, the height adjuster is configured to be operated by a leg of a user. [023] According to one embodiment, the height adjuster comprising an adjuster pedal configured to be operated by a leg of a user and actuate adjustment of the height of the bed fastener. [024] According to one embodiment, the connector further comprising at least one vertical rail on which the bed fastener is configured to slide up and down. [025] According to one embodiment, the connector further comprising two vertical rails on which the bed fastener is configured to slide up and down. [026] According to one embodiment, the sliding of the bed fastener up and down on the at least one vertical rail is actuated by the adjuster pedal, wherein pressing the adjuster pedal downwards causes the bed fastener to slide downwards, and elevating the adjuster pedal upwards causes the bed fastener to slide upwards. 4 id="p-27"

[027] According to one embodiment, the grasping element comprising: a stopper; and a gripper, wherein the gripper is configured to grip a horizontal pole of the bed, and fasten the horizontal pole against the stopper. [028] According to one embodiment, the stopper is fixed in place and the gripper is configured to move towards the stopper to a grasping state and away from the stopper to a releasing state. [029] According to one embodiment, the fastener lever is configured to actuate movement of the gripper. [030] According to one embodiment, the fastener lever is configured to move between a grasping state and a releasing state. [031] According to one embodiment, in the grasping state the fastener lever is at a low height and in the releasing state the fastener lever is at a high height. [032] According to one embodiment, in the grasping state the fastener lever is at a high height, and in the releasing state the fastener lever is at a low height. [033] According to one embodiment, the bed fastener further comprising a substantially horizontal pallet to which the grasping element is attached. [034] According to one embodiment, the pallet comprising at least one hole configured to allow insertion of a rail into each hole, and sliding of the pallet up and down along the at least one rail. [035] According to one embodiment, the height adjuster further comprising a pedal base attached to the body of the carrier, and a shaft connecting the adjuster pedal to the pedal base, wherein the shaft is axially attached with an axis to the pedal base, thus allowing swivelling of the shaft about the axis in a manner that allows movement of the shaft up and down, and wherein the shaft is connected to the pallet of the bed fastener with a rod. id="p-36"

[036] According to one embodiment, the pedal base, the shaft and the adjuster pedal are poitioned under the bed fastener. [037] According to one embodiment, the pedal base, the shaft and the adjuster pedal are poitioned under the pallet of the bed fastener. [038] According to one embodiment, the rod that connects the shaft with the pallet is connected to a bottom side of the pallet. [039] According to one embodiment, the adjuster pedal is configured to be pressed down and move the bed fastener downwards upon pressing down of the adjuster pedal. [040] According to one embodiment, the adjuster pedal is configured to move upwards and move the bed fastener upwards upon moving upwards of the adjuster pedal. [041] According to one embodiment, the adjuster pedal is configured to move downward, by pressing the adjuster pedal. [042] According to one embodiment, the adjuster pedal is pressed with a foot. [043] According to one embodiment, the adjuster pedal and the rod are configured to automatically return upwards. [044] According to one embodiment, the height adjuster further comprising an elastic element attached to the rod and configured to return the adjuster pedal and the rod upwards. [045] According to another aspect of the present subject matter, there is provided a method for connecting a carrier to a bed, the method comprising: providing the carrier as described above; lowering the grasping element of the carrier to a low position; moving the gripper of the carrier to a releasing distance from the stopper; bringing the carrier to a vicinity of a head side, or a feet side, of the bed, wherein the gripper of the carrier faces the side of the bed, and wherein the grasping element is positioned under a horizontal pole at the side of the bed; elevating the grasping element until the horizontal pole of the bed is positioned between the gripper and the stopper; and 6 moving the gripper to a grasping distance from the stopper, thereby fastening the horizontal pole of the bed between the gripper and the stopper, thus obtaining the carrier connected to the bed. [046] According to yet another aspect of the present subject matter, there is provided a method for disconnecting a carrier from a bed to which the carrier is connected, the method comprising: providing the carrier connected to the bed as dewcribed above; moving the gripper to a releasing distance from the stopper; and lowering the grasping element until the horizontal pole is removed from the grasping element, thus obtaining the carrier disconnected from the bed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [047] Embodiments are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the embodiments. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how several forms may be embodied in practice. [048] In the drawings: [049] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a front view of a medical equipment carrier. [050] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side view of a medical equipment carrier connected to a bed. [051] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a front perspective view of a carrier. 7 id="p-52"

[052] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side view of a carrier. [053] Fig. 5A schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of a bed fastener, in a grasping state. [054] Fig. 5B schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of a bed fastener, in a grasping state while grasping a horizontal pole of a bed. [055] Fig. 5C schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of a bed fastener, in a releasing state. [056] Figs. 6A-B schematically illustrate, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of a height adjuster, bringing a bed fastener to an upper position and a lower position, respectively. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [057] Before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the subject matter is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The subject matter is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. In discussion of the various figures described herein below, like numbers refer to like parts. The drawings are generally not to scale. [058] For clarity, non-essential elements were omitted from some of the drawings. [059] The present subject matter provides a medical equipment carrier configured to carry medical equipment and transiently connect to a mobile hospital bed. The main purpose of the medical equipment carrier is to transiently connect to a hospital bed and carry medical equipment that is connected to a patient lying in the hospital bed, or has to be aside the patient, during mobilization of the hospital bed. 8 id="p-60"

[060] The term "medical equipment carrier" may be occasionally referred to hereinafter as "carrier". [061] The term "medical equipment" relates to any type of medical equipment that is connected to a patient, or has to be present aside the patient, for example in a healthcare facility. Examples of medical equipment include, but not limited to: infusion systems, monitoring systems, artificial respiration systems, including oxygen tanks, resuscitation systems and other life-support and life-saving systems. [062] The term "healthcare facility" relates to any facility where patients are hospitalized, and in some cases, bedridden. Examples of healthcare facilities include, but not limited to: medical centers, hospitals, field hospitals, nursing homes and the like. [063] The term "hospital bed" may be occasionally referred to hereinafter as "patient’s bed", or "bed". [064] The carrier of the present subject matter provides a solution for a current problem raised during mobilization of beds in healthcare facilities, especially when patients that lie in the beds are connected to medical equipment, or there is a need that certain kind of medical equipment will be present aside the patient during mobilization. According to one embodiment, the carrier is configured to carry the medical equipment, connect to a bed and be connected to the bed during mobilization of the bed. Thus, there is no need to disconnect the patient from the medical equipment during the mobilization. In addition, the carrier prevents improvised and non-professional solutions, like placing the equipment on the bed, or even on the patient himself, in an unsecure and dangerous manner. [065] With the carrier of the present subject matter, the patient is always connected to the medical equipment during mobilization, while the medical equipment that is connected to the patient, or has to be aside the patient during mobilization, is well secured, while not posing the patient in any danger during mobilization. In addition, the carrier is configured to easily and rapidly connect to a bed, for example before mobilization of the bed; as well as easily disconnect from the bed, for example when there is no further need to mobilze the bed. This is advantageous also in the sense that there is no need to provide a carrier for every bed in the healthcare facility. Since the carrier is configureed to easily and rapidlt connect to a bed and 9 eaily and rapidly disconnect from the bed, one carrier may be enough for usage with a plurality of beds. [066] Referring now to Fig. 1, schematically illustrating, according to an exemplary embodiment, a front view of a medical equipment carrier. According to one embodiment, the medical equipment carrier 1 comprises: a base 10 comprising a plurality of wheels 12; a body 20 attached over the base 10 and configured to carry medical equipment; and a connector 30 attached to the body 20 and configured to transiently connect to a hospital bed. [067] According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the base 10 comprises a base frame to which the plurality of wheels 12 are attached. According to another embodiment, the base frame 14 is also configured to hold the body 20. It should be noted that the embodiment of the base 10 comprising a base frame 14, as shown in Fig. 1, is only exemplary and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present subject matter. Any type of base 10 is under the scope of the present subject matter, for example a board, or a network of bars, and the like. [068] According to one embodiment, the plurality of wheels 12 is configured to facilitate mobilization of the carrier 1. According to another embodiment, the plurality of wheels 12 is configured to facilitate mobilzation of the carrier 1 when the carrier 1 is connected to the bed. According to yet another embodiment, the plurality of wheels 12 is configured to facilitate stable standing of the carrier 1 when the carrier 1 is disconnected from the bed. This embodiment allows stable standing of the carrier 1 when not in use. According to still another embodiment, the plurality of wheels 12 is configured to facilitate mobilization of the carrier when the carrier 1 is disconnected from the bed. This embodiment allows mobilization of the carrier 1 per se, for example mobilization of the carrier 1 from a storage place to a bed to be connected to, or from one bed to another bed. [069] According to one embodiment, the body 20 further comprises a body frame 22 that is positioned over the base 10. According to another embodiment, the body frame 22 is positioned over the base frame 14, as shown in Fig. 1. It shous be noted that the type of the body 20 as a body frame 22 is only exemplary and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present subject matter. Any type of body 20 is under the scope of the present subject matter.

For example, the body 20 can be a board, a network of bars, a closed structure resembling a closet, and the like. [070] According to one embodiment, the body 20 is configured to carry medical equipment. Thus, according to another embodiment, the body 20 further comprises at least one equipment holder 26, configured to hold a medical equipment 50. Several types of medical holders 26 are shown in Fig. 1, when each type of medical holder 26 is adapted in shape and size to the type of equipment 50 that the medical holder 26 is configured to carry. Following are some examples of equipment holders 26 and the types of medical equipment 50 that they are configured to carry. [071] According to one embodiment, the at least one equipment holder 26 is at least one gas tank holder 262, each gas container holder 262 is configured to securely hold a gas tank 502. For example, the carrier 1 comprises two gas tank holders 262. This embodiment is necessary, for example, for patients that are connected to an artificial respiration system, that comprises at least one oxygen tank. The gas tank holder 262 shown in Fig. 1 is a frame having a cylindrical shape that is configured to hold a gas tank therewithin. Thus, the size and shape of the gas tank holder 262 is adapted to the size and shape of a gas tank 502 that facilitate secure holding of the gas tank 502. In this embodiment, the gas tank 502 does not disturb the patient during mobilization, and cannot fall off during mobilization. The at least one gas tank holder 262 can be placed at any position on the body 20 that facilitates easy function of the gas tank 502 during mobilization of the patient. An exemplary position of the two gas tank holders 262, shown in Fig. 1, is at opposite sides of the body frame 22. [072] According to one embodiment, the at least one equipment holder 26 is at least one device holder 264, configured to hold at least one medical device 504, for example a medical device 504 that is part of an infusion system, a medical device 504 that is part of a monitoring system, a medical device 504 that is part of an artificial respiration system, a medical device 504 that is part of a resuscitation system, a medical device 504 that is part of a life-support system, a medical device that is part of a life-saving system and the like. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the medical device 504 is a monitor. It should be noted, though, that the embodiment of the medical device 504 that is shown in Fig. 1 is only exemplary and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present subject matter. The device holder 264 is configured to hold any type of medical device 504. 11 id="p-73"

[073] According to one embodiment, the structure of the device holder 264 is adapted to the type of medical device 504 that is to be held by the device holder 264. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, according to one embodiment, the at least one device holder 264 has a structure of a shelf. According to another embodiment, the at least one device holder 264 having a structure of a shelf is configured to hold at least one monitor. [074] According to one embodiment, the device holder 264 is positioned on the medical equipment carrier 1 at any position that allows functioning of the medical device 504 that is held by the device holder 264. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the device holder 264 is positioned at an upper part of the body 20, for example at the top of the body 20. This embodiment allows easy viewing of the at least one medical device 504 in a form of a monitor that is held by the device holder 264. Nevertheless, the device holder 264 can be positioned anywhere on the carrier 1. If, for example, there is a need that the medical device 504 will be at a lower height, for example a heavy, or huge, medical device 504 that may fall during transport and hurt the patient that is in the bed that is connected to the carrier 1, then the device holder 264 can be positioned at a lower height on the body 20, for example under the height of the patient that lies in the bed that is connected to the carrier 1. [075] According to one embodiment, the carrier 1 comprises a device holder 264, as shown in Fig. 1. According to another embodiment, the carrier comprises at least one device holder 264. According to yet another embodiment, the carrier 1 comprises a plurality of device holders 264. [076] According to one embodiment, the at least one equipment holder 26 is a hanger 2configured to hold at least one hangable equipment 506. Any type of hangable equipment 5is under the scope of the present subject matter. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the hangable equipment 506 is an infusion bag. Nevertheless, any type of hangable equipment 506 is under the scope of the present subject matter. [077] Referring now to Fig. 2, schematically illustrating, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side view of a medical equipment carrier connected to a bed. As mentioned above, according to one embodiment, the carrier 1 is configured to connect to a bed 700, as can be seen in Fig. 2. According to another embodiment, the carrier 1 is configured to connect to any type of bed 700, of any size and structure. This embodiment emphasizes an advantage of 12 the carrier 1 of the present subject matter, particularly the versatility of the carrier 1 in terms of the type of the bed 700 to which the carrier 1 is suitable to connect. [078] As further shown in Fig. 2, the bed 700 comprises inter alia a plurality of bed wheels 712, thus rendering the bed 700 mobile. In addition, as mentioned above, the carrier 1 also comprises a plurality of wheels 12, in order to facilitate movement of the carrier 1 together with the bed 700 when the carrier 1 is connected to the bed 700, and also facilitate movement of the carrier 1 per se. Additional components of the carrier 1, like the base 10, the body and some types of the equipment holder 26, like the gas tank holders 262, the device holder 264, and the like, as also seen in Fig. 2. [079] Referring now to Fig. 3, schematically illustrating, according to an exemplary embodiment, a front perspective view of a carrier. Fig. 3 provides a clear view of the connector that is attached to the body 20 and is configured to transiently connect to the bed 700. [080] According to one embodiment, the connector 30 comprises a bed fastener 3configured to fasten to a bed 700, and a height adjuster 320 connected to the bed fastener 3and configured to adjust a height of the bed fastener 310. According to another embodiment, the height adjuster 320 is positioned under the bed fastener 310. According to yet another embodiment, the bed fastener 310 is configured to be operated manually. In other words, the bed fastener 310 is configured to be operated by a hand of a user of the carrier 1. According to still another embodiment, the height adjuster 320 is configured to be operated by a leg of a user. [081] According to one embodiment, the height adjuster 320 comprises an adjuster pedal 3configured to be operated by a leg of a user and actuate adjustment of the height of the bed fastener 310. [082] According to one embodiment, seen in Fig. 3, the connector 30 further comprises at least one vertical rail 330 on which the bed fastener 310 is configured to slide up and down. In an exemplary embodiment, shown in Fig. 3, the connector 30 further comprises two vertical rails 330 on which the bed fastener 310 is configured to slide up and down. However, this exemplary embodiment should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present subject matter. The connector 30 can comprise any number of vertical rails 330. 13 id="p-83"

[083] According to one embodiment, the sliding of the bed fastener 310 up and down on the at least one vertical rail 330 is actuated by the adjuster pedal 322, wherein pressing the adjuster pedal 322 downwards causes the bed fastener 310 to slide downwards, and elevating the adjuster pedal 322 upwards causes the bed fastener 310 to slide upwards. [084] Referring now to Fig. 4, schematically illustrating, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side view of a carrier. Fig. 4 shows the adjuster pedal 322 and the at least one vertical rail 330 described above, as well as additional components of the connector described hereinafter. [085] According to one embodiment, the bed fastener 310 comprises a fastener lever 3configured to be operated manually and actuate a grasping element 314 configured to grasp a bed 700, thereby connecting the carrier 1 to the bed 700, and additionally configured to release the bed 700, thereby disconnecting the carrier 1 from the bed 700. [086] Referring now to Fig. 5A, schematically illustrating, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of a bed fastener, in a grasping state. Fig. 5A shows a position of the fastener lever 312 and the grasping element 314 in the grasping state. In the grasping state, the carrier 1 is connected to the bed 700. Fig. 5B, hereinafter, shows how and to which part of the bed 400 the carrier is connected. [087] Referring now to Fig. 5B, schematically illustrating, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of a bed fastener, in a grasping state while grasping a horizontal pole of a bed. According to one embodiment, the grasping element 314 comprises a stopper 3142 and a gripper 3144, wherein the gripper 3144 is configured to grip a horizontal pole 702 of the bed 700, and fasten the horizontal pole 702 against the stopper 3142. Thus, according to another embodiment, the stopper 3142 is fixed in place and the gripper 3144 is configured to move towards the stopper 3142 to a grasping state (shown in Figs. 5A-B) and away from the stopper 3142 to a releasing state (described hereinafter and shown in Fig. 5C). [088] Returning now to Fig. 5A. In the grasping state, the gripper 3144 is at a grasping distance 902 from to the stopper 3142, in which the gripper 3144 is configured to fasten the horizontal pole 702 of the bed 700 between the gripper 3144 and the stopper 3142. The grasping distance 902 is essentially similar to a width of the horizontal pole 702 of the bed 700. 14 Therefore, in this position, the horizontal pole 702 of the bed 700 is fastened between the gripper 3144 and the stopper 3142, as shown in Fig. 5B. [089] Referring now to Fig. 5C, schematically illustrating, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of a bed fastener, in a releasing state. In the releasing state the carrier 1 is disconnected from the bed 700. According to one embodiment, in the releasing state, the gripper 3144 is at a releasing distance 904 from the stopper 3144, which is larger than the grasping distance 902, thus the horizontal pole 702 of the bed 700 is released, as it is not fastened between the gripper 3144 and the stopper 3142. [090] According to one embodiment, the gripper 3144 is configured to move between the grasping distance 902 and the releasing distance 904 from the stopper 3142. According to another embodiment, a movement of the gripper 3144 is actuated by the fastener lever 312. In other words, according to another embodiment, the fastener lever 312 is configured to actuate movement of the gripper 3144. According to one embodiment, the fastener lever 312 is configured to move between a grasping state, shown in Figs. 5A-B, and a releasing state, shown in Fig. 5C. The difference between the grasping state and the releasing state of the fastener lever 312 is in a height of the fastener lever 312. For example, in the grasping state the fastener lever 312 is at a low height, as shown in Figs. 5A-B, and in the releasing state the fastener lever 312 is at a high height, as shown in Fig. 5C. However, this embodiment is only exemplary. According to another embodiment, in the grasping state the fastener lever 312 is at a high height, and in the releasing state the fastener lever 312 is at a low height. [091] According to one embodiment, in the grasping state, shown in Fig. 5A, the grasping lever 312 is in the grasping state, and the gripper 3144 is at the grasping distance 902 from the stopper 3142, while fastening the horizontal pole 702 of the bed 700 between the gripper 31and the stopper 3142, as shown in Fig. 5B. At this state the carrier 1 is connected to the bed 700, because a horizontal pole 702 of the bed 700 is fastened between the gripper 3144 and the stopper 3142. In order to release the carrier 1 from the bed 700, as can be seen in Fig. 5C, the fastener lever 312 is brought to the releasing state, and as a result the gripper 3144 moves away from the stopper 3142, thus bringing the gripper 3144 to the releasing distance 904 from the stopper 3142. At this state, the horizontal pole 702 of the bed 700 is not fastened between the gripper 3144 and the stopper 3142, and is therefore released. This allows disconnection of the carrier 1 from the bed 700. id="p-92"

[092] In Figs. 5A-B, arrow 792 shows the direction of movement of the fastener lever 3toward the grasping state. This causes the gripper 3144 to move toward the stopper 3142 in direction 892, to form the grasping distance 902 between the gripper 3144 and the stopper 3142. In Fig. 5C, arrow 794 shows the direction of movement of the fastener lever 312 toward the releasing state. This causes the gripper 3144 to move away from the stopper 3142 in direction 894, to form the releasing distance 904 between the gripper 3144 and the stopper 3142. [093] It should be noted that the embodiment of the gripper 3144 that is configured to move between a releasing distance 904 and a grasping distance 902 between the gripper 3144 and the stopper 3142 facilitates connection of the carrier 1 to any type of bed 700. Even though all beds 700 comprise a horizontal pole 702, the width of the horizontal pole 702 may differ in different types of beds 700. The ability of the gripper 3144 to move, thus increasing or decreasing the distance between the gripper 3144 and the stopper 3142 allows grasping of any type of horizontal pole 702 in any width. [094] Also shown in Figs. 5A-C is the at least one horizontal rail 330 on which the bed fastener 310 is configured to slide up and down. The height adjuster 320 that is configured to actuate the sliding of the bed fastener 310 up and down on the at least one rail is shown in detail in Figs. 6A-B, hereinafter. [095] Referring now to Figs. 6A-B, schematically illustrating, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of a height adjuster, bringing a bed fastener to an upper position and a lower position, respectively. According to one embodiment, the height adjuster 320 is configured to change a height of the bed fastener 310. This function of the height adjuster 320 allows proper connection of the carrier 1 to the bed 700, and more particularly, proper positioning of the grasping element 314 adjacent to the horizontal pole 702 of the bed 700, as described in detail hereinafter. In addition, this function of the height adjuster 320 facilitates connection of the carrier 1 to any type of bed 700. All beds 700 comprise a horizontal pole 702, however the height of the horizontal pole 702 may differ in different types of beds 700. Thus, adjusting the height of the bed fastener 310 with the height adjuster 320 allows bringing the bed fastener 310, particularly the grasping element 314, to any height of the horizontal pole 702 of the bed 700. In order to describe the function of the height adjuster 320 additional embodiments of the bed fastener 310 have to be disclosed. 16 id="p-96"

[096] Referring now to Fig. 6A. According to one embodiment, the bed fastener 310 further comprises a substantially horizontal pallet 316 to which the grasping element 314 is attached. According to another embodiment, the pallet 316 comprises at least one hole 3162 configured to allow insertion of a rail 330 into each hole 3162, and sliding of the pallet 316 up and down along the at least one rail 330. According to this embodiment, the pallet 316 and with it the entire bed fastener 310 is movably attached to the at least one hole 3162. [097] Now referring to embodiments of the height adjuster 320. According to one embodiment, shown in Figs. 6A-B, the height adjuster 320 further comprising a pedal base 3attached to the body 20 of the carrier 1, and a shaft 3222 connecting the adjuster pedal 322 to the pedal base 326, wherein the shaft 3222 is axially attached with an axis 325 to the pedal base 326, thus allowing swivelling of the shaft 3222 about the axis 325 in a manner that allows movement of the shaft 3222 up and down, and wherein the shaft 3222 is connected to the pallet 316 of the bed fastener 310 with a rod 324. [098] According to another embodiment, the pedal base 326, the shaft 3222 and the adjuster pedal 322 are poitioned under the bed fastener 310. More particularly, the pedal base 326, the shaft 3222 and the adjuster pedal 322 are poitioned under the pallet 316 of the bed fastener 310, as can be seen in Fig. 6A. Thus, according to yet another embodiment, the rod 324 that connects the shaft 3222 with the pallet 316 is connected to a bottom side of the pallet 316. [099] Referring now to Fig. 6B. According to one embodiment, the adjuster pedal 322 is configured to be pressed down, in direction 692. Since, the pedal 322 is attached to the shaft 3222, and the shaft 3222 is attached to the pallet 316 of the bed fastener 310, then the bed fastener 310 moves downwards, in direction 592, upon the pressing of the adjuster pedal 3downwards, in direction 692. In other words, according to one embodiment, the adjuster pedal 322 is configured to be pressed down and move the bed fastener 310 downwards upon pressing down of the adjuster pedal 322. [100] Returning now to Fig. 6A. According to one embodiment, when there is a desire to elevate the bed fastener 310, the adjuster pedal 322 returns upwards, in direction 604, and since the pedal 322 is connected to the bed fastener 310 as described above, then the bed fastener 310 moves upwards in direction 594. In other words, the adjuster pedal 322 is configured to move upwards and move the bed fastener 310 upwards upon moving upwards of the adjuster pedal 322. 17 id="p-101"

[101] It should be noted, again, that the movement of the bed fastener 310 downwards 5and upwards 594 is essentially in a form of sliding of the pallet 316 of the bed fastener 3along the at least one rail 330, through the corresponding at least one hole 3162 that is in the pallet 316. [102] According to one embodiment, the adjuster pedal 322 is configured to move downward 692, by pressing the adjuster pedal 322, for example, with a foot. According to another embodiment, the adjuster pedal 322 and the rod 324 are configured to automatically return upwards 604, for example by an elastic element, for example a spring, that is attached to the rod 324. In other words, according to one embodiment, the height adjuster 320 further comprises an elastic element attached to the rod 324 and configured to return the adjuster pedal 322 and the rod 324 upwards. [103] Some embodiments of the bed 700 that are relevant to the present subject matter are as follows: A head side of the bed 700 is the side of the bed 700 where the head of a patient is positioned. A feet side of the bed 700 is the side of the bed 700 where the feet of the patient are positioned. [104] The present subject matter provides a method for connecting a carrier 1 to a bed 700, the method comprising: providing a carrier 1 as described herein; lowering the grasping element 314 of the carrier 1 to a low position; moving the gripper 3144 of the carrier 1 to a releasing distance 904 from the stopper 3142; bringing the carrier 1 to a vicinity of a head side, or a feet side, of the bed 700, wherein the gripper 3144 of the carrier faces the side of the bed 700, and wherein the grasping element 314 is positioned under a horizontal pole 702 at the side of the bed 700; elevating the grasping element 314 until the horizontal pole 702 of the bed 7is positioned between the gripper 3144 and the stopper 3142; and moving the gripper 3144 to a grasping distance 904 from the stopper 3142, thereby fastening the horizontal pole 702 of the bed 700 between the gripper 3144 and the stopper 3142, thus obtaining the carrier 1 connected to the bed 700. 18 id="p-105"

[105] According to one embodiment, before, or after, connecting the carrier 1 to the bed 700, equipment 50 is loaded on the carrier 1, especially equipment 50 that is connected to a patient that lies in the bed 700 and/or equipment that has to be in a vicinity of the patient during the transportation of the patient the lies in the bed 700, together with the carrier 1 that is connected to the bed 700. [106] According to one embodiment, after connecting the carrier 1 to the bed 700 and loading the equipment 50 on the carrier 1, the bed 700 and the carrier 1 are transported to a desired destiny. [107] The present subject matter additionally provides a method for disconnecting a carrier from a bed 700 to which the carrier 1 is connected, the method comprising: providing the carrier 1 connected to the bed 700, obtained by the previously described method; moving the gripper 3144 to a releasing distance 904 from the stopper 3142; and lowering the grasping element 314 until horizontal pole 702 is removed from the grasping element 314, thus obtaining the carrier 1 disconnected from the bed 700. [108] According to one embodiment, before, or after, the carrier 1 is disconnected from the bed 700, it is possible to unload the equipment 50 from the carrier 1. According to another embodiment, after the carrier 1 is disconnected from the bed 700, it is possible to move the carrier 1 to any desired place, for example to a storage place or to another bed 700. [109] It is appreciated that certain features of the subject matter, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the subject matter, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub combination. [110] Although the subject matter has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims (43)

1. 303956/3 CLAIMS 1. A medical equipment carrier to be transiently connected to a hospital bed, the carrier comprising: a base comprising a plurality of wheels; a body attached over the base and configured to carry medical equipment, and a connector attached to the body and configured to transiently connect to the hospital bed, wherein the connector comprises: a bed fastener configured to fasten to the hospital bed, wherein the bed fastener comprises: a grasping element configured to grasp the hospital bed, wherein the grasping element comprises: a stopper, and a gripper configured to grip a horizontal pole of the hospital bed and fasten the horizontal pole against the stopper.

2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the base further comprising a base frame to which the plurality of wheels is attached, and wherein the base frame is configured to hold the body.

3. The carrier of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the plurality of wheels is configured to facilitate mobilization of the carrier.

4. The carrier of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the plurality of wheels is configured to facilitate mobilzation of the carrier when the carrier is connected to the hospital bed.

5. The carrier of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the plurality of wheels is configured to facilitate stable standing of the carrier when the carrier is disconnected from the hospital bed.

6. The carrier of any one of claims 1-2 wherein the plurality of wheels is configured to facilitate mobilization of the carrier when the carrier is disconnected from the hospital bed.

7. The carrier of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the body further comprising a body frame that is positioned over the base. 303956/3

8. The carrier of claim 7, wherein the body frame is positioned over the base frame.

9. The carrier of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the body further comprising at least one equipment holder, configured to hold a medical equipment.

10. The carrier of claim 9, wherein the at least one equipment holder is at least one gas tank holder, each gas tank holder is configured to securely hold a gas tank.

11. The carrier of claim 10, wherein the carrier comprises two gas tank holders.

12. The carrier of any one of claims 9-11, wherein the at least one equipment holder is at least one device holder, configured to hold at least one medical device.

13. The carrier of claim 12, wherein the at least one device holder has a structure of a shelf.

14. The carrier of any one of claims 9-13, wherein the at least one equipment holder is a hanger configured to hold at least one hangable equipment.

15. The carrier of claim 14, wherein the hangable equipment is an infusion bag.

16. The carrier of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the connector further comprises a height adjuster connected to the bed fastener and configured to adjust a height of the bed fastener.

17. The carrier of claim 16, wherein the height adjuster is positioned under the bed fastener.

18. The carrier of any one of claims 1-17, wherein the bed fastener is configured to be operated manually.

19. The carrier of any one of claims 16-18, wherein the height adjuster is configured to be operated by a leg of a user.

20. The carrier of any one of claims 16-19, wherein the height adjuster comprising an adjuster pedal configured to be operated by a leg of a user and actuate adjustment of the height of the bed fastener.

21. The carrier of any one of claims 1-20, wherein the connector further comprising at least one vertical rail on which the bed fastener is configured to slide up and down. 303956/3

22. The carrier of any one of claims 1-21, wherein the connector further comprising two vertical rails on which the bed fastener is configured to slide up and down.

23. The carrier of any one of claims 21-22, wherein the sliding of the bed fastener up and down on the at least one vertical rail is actuated by the adjuster pedal, wherein pressing the adjuster pedal downwards causes the bed fastener to slide downwards, and elevating the adjuster pedal upwards causes the bed fastener to slide upwards.

24. The carrier of any one of claims 1-23, wherein the stopper is fixed in place and the gripper is configured to move towards the stopper to a grasping state and away from the stopper to a releasing state.

25. The carrier of any one of claims 1-24, wherein the bed fastener further comprises a fastener lever configured to actuate the grasping element.

26. The carrier of claim 25, wherein the fastener lever is configured to actuate movement of the gripper.

27. The carrier of any one of claims 25-26, wherein the fastener lever is configured to move between a grasping state and a releasing state.

28. The carrier of claim 27, wherein in the grasping state the fastener lever is at a low height and in the releasing state the fastener lever is at a high height.

29. The carrier of claim 27, wherein in the grasping state the fastener lever is at a high height, and in the releasing state the fastener lever is at a low height.

30. The carrier of any one of claims 1-29, wherein the bed fastener further comprising a substantially horizontal pallet to which the grasping element is attached.

31. The carrier of claim 30, wherein the pallet comprising at least one hole configured to allow insertion of a rail into each hole, and sliding of the pallet up and down along the at least one rail.

32. The carrier of any one of claims 30-31, wherein the height adjuster further comprising a pedal base attached to the body of the carrier, and a shaft connecting the adjuster pedal to the 303956/3 pedal base, wherein the shaft is axially attached with an axis to the pedal base, thus allowing swivelling of the shaft about the axis in a manner that allows movement of the shaft up and down, and wherein the shaft is connected to the pallet of the bed fastener with a rod.

33. The carrier of claim 32, wherein the pedal base, the shaft and the adjuster pedal are poitioned under the bed fastener.

34. The carrier of claim 32, wherein the pedal base, the shaft and the adjuster pedal are poitioned under the pallet of the bed fastener.

35. The carrier of any one of claims 32-34, wherein the rod that connects the shaft with the pallet is connected to a bottom side of the pallet.

36. The carrier of any one of claims 20-35, wherein the adjuster pedal is configured to be pressed down and move the bed fastener downwards upon pressing down of the adjuster pedal.

37. The carrier of any one of claims 20-35, wherein the adjuster pedal is configured to move upwards and move the bed fastener upwards upon moving upwards of the adjuster pedal.

38. The carrier of any one of claims 20-35, wherein the adjuster pedal is configured to move downward, by pressing the adjuster pedal.

39. The carrier of claim 38, wherein the adjuster pedal is pressed with a foot.

40. The carrier of any one of claims 20-39, wherein the adjuster pedal and the rod are configured to automatically return upwards.

41. The carrier of any one of claims 20-40, wherein the height adjuster further comprising an elastic element attached to the rod and configured to return the adjuster pedal and the rod upwards.

42. A method for connecting a carrier to a hospital bed, the method comprising: providing the carrier of claim any one of claims 1-40; lowering the grasping element of the carrier to a low position; moving the gripper of the carrier to a releasing distance from the stopper; 303956/3 bringing the carrier to a vicinity of a head side, or a feet side, of the hospital bed, wherein the gripper of the carrier faces the side of the hospital bed, and wherein the grasping element is positioned under a horizontal pole at the side of the hospital bed; elevating the grasping element until the horizontal pole of the bed is positioned between the gripper and the stopper; and moving the gripper to a grasping distance from the stopper, thereby fastening the horizontal pole of the hospital bed between the gripper and the stopper, thus obtaining the carrier connected to the hospital bed.

43. A method for disconnecting a carrier from a hospital bed to which the carrier is connected, the method comprising: providing the carrier connected to the hospital bed of claim 42; moving the gripper to a releasing distance from the stopper; and lowering the grasping element until the horizontal pole is removed from the grasping element, thus obtaining the carrier disconnected from the hospital bed.