JP5886966B2 - Lifting bar and lifting bar connector - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to lifting bars and lifting bar connector bars, and more particularly to lifting bars and lifting bar connectors for use with patient lifts.

  The patient lift may include a truck-mounted motor unit configured to travel along an elongated track. A truck may be suspended to descend from a ceiling or other elevated structure, which occupies less space in the room than other lifts, such as floor lifts. A load bearing member, for example a flexible member such as a strap or cable, can extend from the motor unit and can be wound or unwound to raise and lower the lifting bar. The lifting bar can be secured to a sling, cradle, or other patient support to support the patient. The caregiver can use the control unit to control the motor unit moving along the track and / or raising and lowering the lifting bar to move the patient as needed.

  Various lifting bars and lifting bar operations are available depending on how the patient lift is to be used, i.e. how the patient is to be supported and / or moved is there. The caregiver can replace one lifting bar with another by separating the lifting bar from the load bearing member and connecting another lifting bar to the load bearing member.

  As an example, US Pat. No. 7,434,787 (“the '787 patent”) discloses a ceiling lift having a winch that can be attached to an overhead rail. A lifting strap protrudes from the winch and has a free end attached to the spreader bar. According to the '787 patent, the end of the spreader bar is provided with a hook for attaching a sling or the like to hold the patient being lifted. The spreader bar is connected directly to the winch at the female seat, and there is a quick coupling system provided at the free ends of the spreader bar and the lifting bar. The winch can be actuated to wind up the strap to lift the spreader bar attached thereto.

  As another example, US 2010/0064432 ("'432 publication") discloses a patient lifting device for moving a person between various locations or areas. The device includes a lift strap that extends from the housing to the lifting frame. The '432 publication further discloses that the sling may be removably attached to the lifting frame.

US Pat. No. 7,434,787 US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0064432

  Accordingly, there is a need for improved lifting bars and lifting bar connectors that are more efficient and convenient for use in medical lift systems.

  In one aspect, a patient lift connector for attaching and removing a patient lifting bar from a load support member of a patient lifting system is disclosed. The connector includes a connector body that includes a connection block configured to be fixedly attached to a patient lifting bar. The connector further includes a pin holder coupled to the load bearing member and configured to be inserted through the connector body and into the connection block, and fixed to the connector body and within the connector body. An attachment latch configured to operate between an open position and a closed position. When the attachment latch moves from the closed position to the open position, the pin holder can be inserted into the connection block, thereby allowing the lifting bar to be attached to the load bearing member.

In another aspect, a patient lift connector for attaching a patient lifting bar to a load support member of a patient lifting system is disclosed. The connector includes a connector body that includes a connection block configured to be fixedly attached to a patient lifting bar. The connector is further attached to and within the connector body, with a load carrying member termination component configured to be inserted through the connector body and into a slot in the connection body. An attachment latch configured to operate between an open position and a closed position. The end piece is configured to operate the attachment latch from the closed position to the open position so that the lifting bar is attached to the load bearing member, and the slot of the connection block is provided by another part of the connector body. Covered.

In yet another aspect, a method for attaching a patient lifting bar to a load bearing member in a patient lifting system by using a connector is disclosed. The method includes pressing a load bearing member termination component against an attachment latch of the connector, the attachment latch being attached to a connector body configured to be connected to a lifting bar. . The method further includes moving the termination piece through a portion of the connector body and into a slot in the connection block. The attachment latch is configured to move between an open position and a closed position within the connector body, the attachment latch moves to the open position when the end piece is pressed against the attachment latch, and The attachment latch moves to the closed position when the end piece moves along the slot of the connection block.

  The drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments and aspects of the apparatus and method.

1 is a perspective view of a ceiling lift system corresponding to an embodiment disclosed herein. FIG. It is a front view of the lifting bar which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the lifting bar of FIG. 2. It is a partial fracture perspective view of a lifting bar concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the cover arrange | positioned on the lifting bar of FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a lifting bar connector corresponding to the disclosed embodiment and is shown as connected to the lifting bar connector of FIG. 4. It is a figure which shows the assembly state of the lifting bar connector of FIG. It is a figure which shows the attachment method of the load support member with respect to the assembled lifting bar connector of FIG. 6 and FIG. FIG. 8 is a view showing a method of removing a load supporting member from the assembled lifting bar connector of FIGS. 6 and 7. It is a perspective view of the lifting bar which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the lifting bar which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the lifting bar which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the lifting bar which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the lifting bar which concerns on 7th Embodiment.

  Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views. The following detailed description and drawings illustrate embodiments of the devices and methods according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ceiling lift system 2 corresponding to an embodiment described herein. The lift system 2 can include a track system 4 suspended from and extending along a ceiling or other wall or elevated structure, and the ceiling lifter 6 moves along the track system 4. Can do. The lifter 6 may be manually movable along the track system 4 or the lifter 6 may be a powered unit that can be automatically moved along the track system. The load support member 10 may extend from the ceiling lifter 6. In one example, the load support member 10 can extend from the interior space of the sealing lifter 6, where the load support member 10 is wound and unwound by the lifter 6 to raise and lower the lifting bar 12. Composed. In one example, the load support member 10 may be a flexible load support member such as a strap, a cable, a rope, or a cord, or the load support member 10 may be a rigid support made of metal and / or hard plastic. It may be a member.

  The lifting bar 12 can be connected to the load bearing member 10 via a connector 60 described in more detail with respect to FIGS. The ceiling lift system 2 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a lifting bar 12 according to the first embodiment, but other lifting bars, such as the lifting bar of the second embodiment described herein with reference to FIGS. 4, 6 and 7. 112 can also be used. Further, the lifting bar 12 or 112 may be called a support bar, a spreader bar, a lifting member, or the like. Further, a patient support 8, such as a sling, cradle or other device, may be connected to the lifting bar 12 for movably supporting the patient. Patient support 8 may also be referred to as a patient lift device. The lift system 2 is further electrically connected to the lifter 6 to instruct the lifter 6 to travel along the track system 4 and / or lift the lifting bar 12 to move the patient supported by the patient support 8. A control unit (not shown) such as a wired or wireless handheld button controller can be included.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the lifting bar 12 separated from the ceiling lift system 2 shown in FIG. The lifting bar 12 may be an elongate member that includes an elongate body 13, which may include ridges 17 and 18 that protrude from one or more sides of the lifting bar 12. The lifting bar 12 can also include support connectors 14 that extend from opposite ends of the body 13. The support connector 14 may be a hook, clasp, clip or other support and / or fastening member. Each support connector 14 may include an end 16 having a hole 19 extending therethrough. As shown in FIG. 2, in one example, end 16 may be rounded so that it assumes a spherical or cylindrical shape. Hole 19 (which may extend completely through end 16 or through only a portion of end 16) is configured to receive a component such as safety mechanism 28. Is done. The support connector 14 can enable the connection of the load support member 10 to the lifting bar 12 (FIG. 1). As will be described in more detail below, the support connector 14 can be formed on the body 13 of the lifting bar 12 such that the lifting bar 12 is a single element. The support connector 14 may form or define a space 26 for receiving a portion of the patient support 8. The space 26 (which may also be referred to as a recess, socket, gap, etc.) may include a support surface 24 disposed inside each support connector 14. The safety mechanism 28 (which can be a latch, clasp, fastener or other similar movable mechanism) is intended to allow the patient support 8, eg a sling strap in contact with the support surface 24, to be intended from the space 26. It can be operably attached to the support connector to prevent it from coming off.

  Although two support connectors 14 are shown in FIG. 2, additional support connectors 14 may be formed as part of the lifting bar 12. The body 13 of the lifting bar 12 also includes a first surface 21 and a second surface 23 on the opposite side of the body 13 from the first surface 21. Since the lifting bar 12 can be disposed on the ceiling lift system 2 as shown in FIG. 1, the first surface 21 can be referred to as the upper surface and the second surface 23 can be referred to as the lower surface. .

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lifting bar 12 moves from the outermost edge of one support connector 14 to the outermost edge of another support connector 14 disposed at the opposite end of the body 13 of the lifting bar 12. And can have a length 200 that extends. In one example, the length 200 may be about 12.0 to 24.0 inches (about 30.5 to 61.0 cm). For example, in some embodiments, the length 200 may be about 18.0 inches. The lifting bar 112 of FIGS. 4, 6 and 7 can have dimensions similar to that of the lifting bar 12. These values are merely examples, and the lifting bars 12, 112 can have various other lengths, for example depending on the size of the patient supported by the ceiling lift system 2 .

  FIG. 3 shows the bottom surface of the lifting bar 12 shown in FIG. 2, that is, the second (lower) surface 23 shown in FIG. The lifting bar 12 may include a lifting bar opening 29, which may be a through hole extending from the lower surface 23 to the upper surface 21 and configured to receive the lifting bar pin 130 (FIGS. 4 and 4). FIG. 6). The lifting bar opening 29 shown in FIG. 3 is circular, but other shapes, such as oval or rectangular, can be provided to accommodate lifting bar pins having various cross-sectional shapes. Further, in FIG. 3, the lifting bar opening 29 is shown at or near the center of the length 200 of the lifting bar 12, but other types of holes may be used. For example, the lifting bar 12 can include two holes that are evenly spaced from the center of the lifting bar 12.

FIG. 4 is a partially broken perspective view of the lifting bar 112 separated from the ceiling lift system 2 according to another example embodiment. The lifting bar 112 may be a long member. Although the lifting bar 12 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 may be manufactured as a single solid part , the lifting bar 112 shown in FIG. 4 may also be part of a separate lifting bar body and / or one or more. An inner core 150 that extends through a portion of the support connector 114 may be included. The portion of inner core 150 that extends through and is surrounded by one or more support connectors 114 may be referred to as inner core support connector 162. The inner core 150 may have a variety of configurations for extending through any portion of the lifting bar body 113 and support connector 114. The inner core 150 can be manufactured from any material, such as a durable material such as metal or hard plastic. In one example, inner core 150 can be referred to as a metal beam. In some embodiments, the material forming the inner core 150 is more than the material forming the lifting bar body 113 and the support connector 114 (which can be collectively referred to as a skeleton support structure for the inner core 150). It is hard.

  The inner core 150 can include a plurality of sheets. For example, the inner core 150 may include a first sheet 152 and a second sheet 154 that have surfaces in contact with each other. Sheets 152, 154, sometimes referred to as plates, may be joined using any fastening or adhesive configuration, such as, for example, welding, riveting, or applying an adhesive to the contact surface. In an example, the sheets 152 and 154 forming the inner core may be made of metal or hard plastic. FIG. 4 shows an inner core 150 formed from a plurality of laminated sheets 152 and 154. Flanges 156, 158, 160 can extend from the sheets 152, 154. As shown in FIG. 4, the first flange 156 extends from the first sheet 152, and the second and third flanges 158 and 160 extend from the second sheet 154, respectively. A fourth flange (not shown) may extend from the first sheet 152 in a direction opposite to the third flange 160. Inner core 150 may also include a hole 164 (which may be a holding pinhole) formed in inner core 150 so that it can be held in place during the molding process ( This will be explained in more detail below). Although the inner core 150 is described herein as having various features, the inner core can have other shapes and features and / or can be formed from materials other than metal. As will be described in more detail below, the inner core 150 may have a shape and characteristics similar to the lifting bar body 113 and the support connector 114 formed on the inner core 150.

The lifting bar body 113 can include a first or upper surface 121 and a second or lower surface 123 located on the opposite side of the first surface 121 . The first ridge 117 and the second ridge 118 may protrude from one or more side surfaces of the lifting bar 112. Further, the lifting bar 112 can include strips 125 and / or holes extending along the length of the lifting bar 112, which may be the result of a first molding process, and As will be described in more detail below, it can be filled with material during the second molding process.

As described herein, the lifting bar 112 can include support connectors 114 at both ends of the body 113. The support connector 114 may be a hook, clasp, clip, or other support and / or fastening member. Each support connector 114 may include an end 116 having a hole 119 extending therethrough. As shown in FIG. 4, in one example, the end 116 may be rounded so that it exhibits a spherical or cylindrical shape. Hole 119 (which may extend completely through end 116 or through only a portion of end 116) is similar to safety mechanism 102 (FIG. 6). Configured to receive various parts . The support connector 114 can enable the connection of the load support member 10 (FIG. 1) to the lifting bar 112. As described in more detail below, the support connector 114 can be formed with the body 113 of the lifting bar 112 such that the body 113 and the support connector 114 are a single element. Each support connector 114 may form or define a space 126 for receiving a portion of the patient support 8. The space 126, which can also be referred to as a recess, socket, gap, etc., can include a support surface 124 located inside each support connector 114. Although two support connectors 114 are shown in FIG. 4, additional support connectors 114 can be formed as part of the lifting bar 112.

  Similar to the lifting bar 12 shown in FIG. 5, a safety mechanism 102 such as a safety latch can prevent the patient support 8 from being unintentionally detached from the lifting bar 112. The safety mechanism 102 may have a variety of configurations that allow the patient support 8 to be intentionally removed from the lifting bar 112 while reducing the likelihood that the patient support 8 will unintentionally disengage from the lifting bar 112. it can. As shown in FIG. 6, the safety mechanism 102 can be attached to the support connector 114 or to the lifting bar body 112 at the end 116 of the support connector via a hole 119, for example. The safety mechanism 102 may also be formed integrally with the lifting bar body 113 or the support connector 114. This integral molding can ensure that there are no interruptions such as gaps or other seams between the safety mechanism 102 and the lifting bar body 113 or support connector 114.

  The lifting bar 112 may include a lifting bar opening 129 for receiving the lifting bar pin 130. Similar to the lifting bar opening 29 of the lifting bar 12 shown in FIG. 3, the lifting bar opening 129 may be a through hole extending from the lower surface 123 to the upper surface 121. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the lifting bar pin 130 can include a lifting bar pin hole 140 configured to receive the connecting block pin 90 (FIG. 6) therethrough.

  FIG. 5 shows a cover 27 that is detachably disposed on the lifting bar 12 of FIG. The cover 27 may be any type of removable protective pad for covering at least a portion of the lifting bar 12. For example, the cover 27 can cover most of the main body 13 of the lifting bar 12 while leaving the support connector 14 uncovered. The cover 27 may be wrapped around or fixed around the lifting bar 12 in various ways, for example using a fastening device such as a zipper or hook-and-loop fastener disposed along the side of the cover 27. Although the cover 27 is shown as being disposed on the lifting bar 12, the cover 27 can also be used to cover the lifting bar 112 shown in FIGS.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an exemplary connector 60 for the lifting bar 112 shown in FIG. Although connector 60 is shown connected to lifting bar 112, the following description relating to lifting bar 112 and lifting bar connector 60 is also shown in what is described with respect to FIGS. 1-3 and FIG. It may be applicable to the lifting bar 12 as well. As described herein, a safety mechanism 102 such as a latch can be provided on the lifting bar 112. The safety mechanism 102 (which can be coupled to the safety mechanism spring 104) may be connected to the end 116 of the support connector 114 via the safety mechanism pin 106. When assembled (FIG. 7), the spring 104 can bias the safety mechanism 102 to a closed position where the safety mechanism contacts the body 113 of the lifting bar 112 (FIG. 7). By providing the safety mechanism 102 structure including the spring 104, it is possible to intentionally remove the patient support 8 from the lifting bar 112, while reducing the possibility that the patient support 8 is unintentionally detached from the lifting bar 112. it can.

The connector 60 can include a load support member 10, for example, a flexible load support member 10 such as a strap. In an example, a part of the load support member 10 may be a slot 15 for receiving the pin holder 20. The slot 15 and the pin holder 20 can be collectively referred to as a terminal component or terminal member of the load supporting member. In some embodiments, the slot 15 can be coupled to the connection block cover 35 and / or the connection block 65, either directly or through other components , such as the pin holder 20, with clasps, hooks, buckles, or other It can be replaced with a connection or fastening mechanism. The pin holder 20 can comprise a pin holder drum 25 configured to receive a pin 30 therethrough and a pair of wings 22. The pin holder 20 may alternatively or additionally include clasps, hooks, buckles or other connection mechanisms arranged to cooperate with the connection block cover 35 and / or the connection block 65. In an example, the pin holder drum 25 and the pin 30 may be integrated. Further, in certain embodiments, the pin holder drum 25 may be formed as a separate piece and is hinged to the pin holder to allow the pin holder and the pin holder drum 25 to be adjustable. Attachment may be obtained.

The connector 60 can include a connector body, which in one example is comprised of a connection block cover 35 and a connection block 65. The connection block cover 35 may have a block cover socket 40 for accommodating the connection block 65 and the pin holder drum 25 therein. The connector body may also include a recess 45 in the block cover 35 formed on its surface, which allows the pin holder drum 25 and the pin 30 to pass therethrough. The first pin hole 50 (also referred to as the latch pin hole 50) of the block cover 35 may be configured to penetrate the latch pin 110 therethrough and the second pin hole 55 (connection block cover) of the block cover 35. The pin holes (also referred to as pin holes) may also be configured to receive the connection block pins 90 therethrough. The connection block pin 90 can also be configured to receive a connection block pin cover 95 therethrough. The block cover socket 40 can be disposed at any position of the connection block cover 35 along, for example, another desired axis. It may have any form that can accommodate all or a portion of the connection block 65 therein, and the connection block 65 may be removably accommodated within the block cover socket 40. Block cover recess 45 can have a desired configuration that allows to let pass through the part, the pin holder drums 25 and / or the load bearing members 10 of the pin holder 20. In one example, however, the block cover recess 45 will not allow another portion of the pin holder 20 to penetrate it. The block cover recess 45 may be formed in any part of the connection block cover 35 and is not limited to the formation on both side surfaces of the cover 35 or the front surface of the cover 35. For example, one or more recesses , holes, or openings may allow the load support member 10 to be inserted from the side of the connection block cover 35. In some embodiments, the block cover recess 45 may not be formed in the cover 35 and may additionally or alternatively be formed in the connection block 65. The block cover first pin hole 50 may be an arbitrary mechanism for cooperating with the attachment latch 100, for example, either the connection block cover 35 or the connection block 65 by sandwiching a part of the attachment latch 100. A spring biasing surface for securing the attachment latch 100 to the housing. The block cover second pin hole 55 and / or the connection block second hole 85 may alternatively or additionally include a mechanism for securing the connection block cover 35 and the connection block 65 together. . For example, a spring-biased surface configured to clamp a portion of the connection block cover 35 and / or connection block 65 may be provided in place of the connection block pin 90.

As shown in FIG. 6, the connection block 65 can include one or more slots 32 for receiving a portion of the pin holder 20 and / or the load bearing member 10. For example, the pin 30 may be received in the slot 32. The connection block 65 can also include a connection block socket 70 and a connection block cavity 80 for receiving the pin holder drum 25 and the pin 30 therein. A connection block first opening 75 may be provided to accommodate the lifting bar pin 130 therethrough. Also, a connection block second hole 85 (which can be referred to as a connection block hole) may be provided to accommodate a connection block pin 90 passing therethrough. In one example, the connection block 65 and the connection block cover 35 are integrated into one component by providing the connection block 65 with a block cover first pin hole, for example. The connection block socket 70 can be arranged at an arbitrary position of the connection block 65. For example, the socket 70 may open along another desired axis. The connection block socket 70 may have any form capable of receiving all or part of the pin holder 20 (including the pin holder drum 25), the load bearing member 10 and / or the pins 30. In one example, the connection block 65 and / or the connection block cover 35 are not attached to the lifting bar 112 using the lifting bar pin 130. Instead, for example, these parts can be molded together as an integrated part so that the lifting bar pin 130 is not required.

The connector 60 further latch flange so that it can fit into the block cover recess 45 may include an attachment latch 100 with a latch flange 105 that may be complementary to the block cover recess 45. The latch pin 110 of the attachment latch 100 may be housed in the block cover first pin hole 50. The attachment latch 100 further biases the attachment latch 100 toward the “closed” position with the attachment latch body 120 (which in some embodiments may have a finger recess formed therein). And an attachment latch biasing element 115, such as a spring. In the closed position, the latch flange 105 can come into contact with the connection block cover 35 in the block cover recess 45. In one example, the attachment latch 100 may not be attached to the connection block cover 35 or the connection block 65 in a hinged manner or pivotably. The attachment latch 100 may instead have, for example, a push button configuration, in which case the latch 100 is press fit into the connection block socket 70 rather than “swinging” into the connection block socket 70. To open and close. Alternatively, the attachment latch 100 may pivot along different axes or edges. The latch pin 110 can be replaced by any connection, fastening, or fixing mechanism for attaching the attachment latch 100 to the connection block cover 35. For example, instead of the latch pin 110 housed in the block cover first pin hole 50, a part of the attachment latch 100 is slid into a latch pocket formed in the connection block cover 35 or the connection block 65 or a similar structure. It is possible to make it. In one example, an additional latch may be provided in the connection block socket 70 to control the operation of the pin holder drum 25 while the pin holder drum 25 is placed in the connection block socket 70.

The lifting bar 112 can be integrated with the connection block 35 and / or the connection block cover 65. Further, the connector 60 or various components including the connector 60 described herein can be formed on the lifting bar 112 by plastic molding, engraving, or other methods. For example, the load bearing member 10 may be inserted by inserting a portion of the member 10 into the connection block socket 70 that may be engraved on the lifting bar 112, for example, by pushing an attachment latch attached to the lifting bar 112. It can be attached to the lifting bar 112. In order to facilitate rotation between the lifting bar pin 130 and the lifting bar 112, a thrust bearing may be provided between the lifting bar pin 130 and the lifting bar 112. As shown in FIG. 6, the lifting bar pin 130 may include a lifting bar pin hole 140 configured to pass through and receive the connection block pin 90. 6 shows a connector 60 for use with the lifting bar 112 shown in FIG. 4, the connector 60 may also be used with the lifting bar 12 shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5 or various other lifting bars. It can also be used with the embodiments.

Referring to the assembled connector 60 of FIG. 7 (which shows the attachment latch 100 in the closed position), the connection block 65 shown in FIG. 6 is disposed within the connection block cover 35 and the connection block 65 and the block The cover 35 is attached to the lifting bar 112 using a lifting bar pin 130. The load supporting member 10 having the pin holder 20 in the slot 15 is attached to the lifting bar 112 via the connection block 65 and the block cover 35. The attachment latch body 120 covers the connection block socket 70, and the latch flange 105 covers the block cover recess 45 (FIG. 6). This configuration can help secure the load bearing member 10 by preventing the pin holder drum 25 from falling out of the connection block socket 70 via the block cover recess 45. Attachment latch 100 may be spring biased using attachment latch biasing element 115 so that attachment latch 100 moves forward to move attachment latch body 120 and latch flange 105 into connection block socket 70. Can be rotated. However, in one example, the attachment latch 100 may be prevented from further pivoting in the opposite direction behind the closed position, which holds the pin holder drum 25 and the pin 30 within the connection block socket 70. Can help you.

Referring to FIG. 8, in order to attach the load support member 10 to the lifting bar 112, a part of the terminal component such as the pin holder 20 or the pin holder drum 25 rotates the attachment latch 100 in the connection block socket 70. Therefore, as shown by the arrow 300, it may be pressed against the attachment latch body 120. By doing so, the attachment latch 100 moves between the open position and the closed position, for example, from the closed position to the open position. In one example, the pin holder drum 25 can be pressed against the attachment latch body 120 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connection block 65, as shown in FIG. However, the attachment latch 100 may be spring biased against the open position, that is, biased to the closed position. Therefore, once the pin holder drum 25 and the pin 30 are moved through the attachment latch 100, the attachment latch 100 is arranged such that the flange 105 of the attachment latch 100 abuts against the block cover recess 45 as shown in FIG. And turn back to the closed position. The load bearing member 10, pin holder 20 and / or pin 30 can then be lifted upward and slid into the slot 32, as indicated by arrow 302. After being lifted and with the attachment latch 100 in the closed position, the load bearing member 10, pin holder 20 and / or pin 30 is about 90 ° in the first direction, slot 32, as indicated by arrow 304. Within which the wing 22 is arranged at least partially on the connecting block cover 35. Once the wing 22 is in place, the pin holder 20 can resist downward movement. This is because the wing 22 contacts the upper surface of the connection block cover 35. In this way, the load support member 10 can be fixed to the connection block 65, which is fixed to the connection block cover 35 and the lifting bar 112. In one example, the attachment latch 100 remains in the open position until the load bearing member 10, the pin holder 20 and / or the pin 30 are rotated within the connector block such that the wing 22 abuts the upper surface of the connection block cover 35. be able to. Although the lifting bar 112 is shown in FIG. 8, the attachment (detachment) method described herein can be similarly applied to the lifting bar 12 of FIG.

Referring to FIG. 9, in order to separate the load bearing member 10 from the lifting bar 112, the attachment latch 100 is pushed into its open position, either manually or automatically by the user, as indicated by arrow 306, or It can be pushed forward. When the attachment latch 100 is pressed, the load support member 10 is moved about 90 degrees downward in the second direction in the slot 32, for example, as indicated by arrow 308, in the slot 32, and / or the pin holder 20 and / or By rotating the pin 30, it can be separated from the connection block 65, which helps to remove the wing 22 from the upper end of the connection block cover 35. In one example, when the attachment latch 100 is pressed, the load support member 10 moves downward in the slot 32 of the connection block cover 65, for example, as indicated by the arrow 310, and the load support member 10, the pin holder 20 or the pin. It can be separated from the connection block 65 by lowering or moving (eg sliding) 30. This method of removal is accomplished by moving the pin holder drum 25 and the pin 30 from the connecting block cavity 80 through the block cover recess 45 as indicated by arrow 312, thereby allowing the load support member 10, the pin holder 20 and / or the Or it may be possible to separate the pin 30 from the connection block 65. In one example, the load bearing member 10, the pin holder 20 and the pin 30 can be moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connection block 65 during removal. When the pin holder drum 25 and the pin 30 are moved past the block cover recess 45, the attachment latch 100 may be able to return to its closed position.

  Various modifications of the devices and methods disclosed herein may be implemented. For example, the connector 60, more specifically, the connector body may be provided without the connector block cover 35 for covering the connector block 65. If the connector block cover 35 is not provided, other portions of the connector 60, such as the connector block 65, can include any of the features of the connector block cover 35. For example, the connector block 65 can accommodate the attachment latch 100 by having an additional opening or recess configured to receive the latch pin 110 to rotatably support the attachment latch 100 within the connector block 65 and / or. Or it can be configured to support.

Furthermore, the pin holder 20 and / or the load bearing member 10 can be provided with a mechanism for changing the width or other dimensions of the pin holder drum 25 so that the pin holder drum 25 can be connected as required. It can enter the block socket 70. For example, by pressing the button or the flange itself, the flange can be retracted inwardly, partially or completely into the pin holder 20, the pin holder drum 25 and / or the load bearing member 10, thereby The dimensions of the pin holder 20, the pin holder drum 25 and / or the load support member 10 can be manipulated. As a result, the pin holder 20, the pin holder drum 25 and / or the load support member 10 can be fitted through an opening such as the block cover recess 45 opening on the connection block socket 70. . When a flange is present in the connection block socket 70, the flange may be released or otherwise re-protruded, thereby allowing the pin holder 20, the pin holder drum 25 and / or the load support. The member 10 can be prevented from falling out of the connection block socket 70 until the flange is retracted again.

  Further, the lifting bars 12, 122 described herein may have various other forms that can work with the ceiling lift system 2. For example, the lifting bars 12, 112 can include a plurality of bars, connectors, sockets, openings, and the like. Further, the lifting bars 12, 112 may be integrated with the load support member 10 or at least a portion thereof to achieve a smooth and uninterrupted transition from the load support member 10 to the lifting bars 12, 112. .

  10-14 show various additional embodiments of the lifting bar. FIG. 10 shows a third embodiment of the lifting bar 212 according to the present invention. The lifting bar 212 includes a body 213 having a curved structural member 222, a cross member 224, a support member 216 and a connecting member 226. The curved structural member 222 can extend through the opening 228 in the support member 216. In one example, the opening 228 is a through hole that extends completely through the support member 216, where a plurality of curved structural members 222 are provided as a single structural member 222 that connects to the ends of the cross member 224. May be. The lifting bar 212 can also include a support connector 218. The support connector 218 extends from the body 213 and functions as a safety mechanism and can assist in holding a patient support attached to the lifting bar 212, such as a spherical shape as shown in FIG. Can have a different shape. In one example, the lifting bar 212 can also include a handle 220 for operating the lifting bar 212. A lifting bar hole 229 may be formed in the support member 216 to accommodate a lifting bar pin for connection to the connector 60 for attaching the lifting bar 212 to the load support member 10.

  FIG. 11 shows a fourth embodiment of a lifting bar 311 according to the present invention. The lifting bar 311 includes a plurality of elongated members 313 extending from the central structure 318, which can be referred to as a body as a whole. Each elongate member 313 may terminate in a support connector 314 having a movable safety mechanism 316 such as a latch or clamp. The central structure 318 of the lifting bar 311 can include a lifting bar hole 329 to allow connection to a device such as the ceiling lift system 2 shown in FIG. The lifting bar hole 329 can be configured to accommodate a lifting bar pin for connection to the connector 60 so that the lifting bar 311 can be securely connected to the load support member 10.

  FIG. 12 shows a fifth embodiment of a lifting bar 412 according to the present invention. The lifting bar 412 includes a plurality of elongated members 413 extending from the central structure 418, which can be referred to as a body as a whole. Each elongate member 413 may terminate in a support connector 414 having a movable safety mechanism 416 such as a latch or clamp. The central structure 418 of the lifting bar 412 can include a lifting bar hole 429 to allow connection to a device such as the ceiling lift system 2 shown in FIG. The lifting bar hole 429 can be configured to accommodate a lifting bar pin for connection to the connector 60 so that the lifting bar 412 can be securely connected to the load support member 10.

  FIG. 13 shows a sixth embodiment of the lifting bar 512 according to the present invention. Lifting bar 512 includes an elongated body 513 that terminates at two opposing ends with support connectors 514. Each support connector 514 can include a safety mechanism 516 such as a latch, a clamp or the like. The lifting bar 512 can also include a raised member 527 that functions as an additional support, cover or handle for the person operating the ceiling lift system 2 when the lifting bar 512 is installed. The raised member 527 can be formed separately from or integrally with the body 513. In a central position along the body 513, a lifting bar hole 529 may be provided to accommodate a lifting bar pin to connect the connector 60, thereby ensuring that the lifting bar 512 is against the load support member 10. It becomes possible to connect.

FIG. 14 shows a seventh embodiment of a lifting bar 612 according to the present invention. The lifting bar 612 includes a body 613, which can be formed from a plurality of connecting members. The extending member 622 may extend from both ends of the main body 612, and a plurality of support connectors 614 may be provided at different positions along the extending member 622. As shown in FIG. 14, additional support connectors may also be provided on a portion of the body 613. Each support connector 614 can include a safety mechanism 616 configured to securely hold the patient support 8, for example, when the lifting bar 612 is in use. Additional support members 618 may extend from the body 613 and be connected to the central structure 615. In one example, as shown in FIG. 14, the additional support member 618 may extend in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the plane in which the body 613 and the extension member 622 are disposed. The central structure 615 can include a lifting bar hole 629, which is a lifting for connecting the lifting bar 612 to the connector 60 so that the lifting bar 612 can be securely connected to the load bearing member 10. It may be configured to accommodate a bar pin. The various parts of the lifting bar 612, such as the body 613, the additional support member 618 and the extension member 622, can be formed as bars having a rectangular cross-sectional shape, a circular cross-sectional shape, or other cross-sectional shapes.

  Like the lifting bars 12, 112, any of which can be used with the connector 60, any of the lifting bars shown in FIGS. 10-14 can also be used with the connector 60, and the ceiling lift shown in FIG. It can be incorporated into the system 2.

The various lifting bars and connectors 60 disclosed herein can be used with a ceiling lift or other lifting device to removably attach various parts and devices in a variety of medical and non-medical environments. can do. In a medical environment, for example, the ceiling lift system 2 can support a patient with a patient support such as a sling. For example, by using a controller (not shown) electrically connected to the ceiling lifter 6, the operator can move the lifting bar and the load support member 10 via the lifter 6. When the patient is supported by a patient support 8 attached to a lifting bar, the patient can be moved vertically and / or horizontally. The lifter 6 winches or similar cranks so that the take-up can take in more of the load support member to lift the patient while the unwind can release the load support member 10 to lower the patient. Can function as a device. Moving the lifter 6 along the track system 4 can also allow horizontal and / or vertical movement.

The various lifting bars described herein can be manufactured using a variety of methods. For example, the lifting bars shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5, 11, 12, and 13 can be completely manufactured by injection molding in a single step. For example, referring to the lifting bar 12 shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5, the body 13 and the support connector 14 are manufactured simultaneously in a single step so that the lifting bar 12 is a single continuous elongated member. be able to. As used herein, when it refers to the structure of the lifting bar 12, the term “continuous” means that the lifting bar 12 has an interruption, seam, etc. between the body 13 and the support connector 14. It represents that it is a long member that does not. The lifting bar 12 may be shaped so as to be completely solid, i.e. without any open space in the lifting bar body 13 and the support connector 14 (other than the holes 19). However, in another example, the lifting bar 12 may be molded around the core such that there may be voids or hollow spaces in the lifting bar 12. An additional step, for example, a polishing technique such as sanding, may be performed after the single molding step to further smooth the outer surface of the lifting bar 12. The safety mechanism 28 can also be manufactured in a single injection molding step used to manufacture the lifting bar 12, but in some instances the safety mechanism 28 can be manufactured separately from the lifting bar 12. Good. If the safety mechanism 28 is manufactured separately, it may be attached to the lifting bar 12 after the injection molding step is completed.

With respect to the lifting bar shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 7 , the lifting bar 112 can be manufactured in two injection molding steps. The inner core 150 can be fixed at a predetermined position by first connecting holding pins through various holding pin holes 164. These holding pins (not shown) can hold the lifting bar 112 in place during at least the first step of the injection molding process. During the first step, a material such as thermoplastic may be overmolded around the entire inner core 150 to form a capsule such that the inner core 150 is encapsulated or surrounded by the molding material. it can. However, since the inner core 150 is held in place by the holding pins, there may be unfilled spaces or holes where the holding pins are placed. The retaining pin can be removed after the first molding step, and during the second step of injection molding after the first molding step, additional materials can be used in the lifting bar body 113, support connector 114 and / or safety. Injection can be made to shape the mechanism 102. In one example, the safety mechanism 102 may be manufactured separately from the injection molding step, so that the safety mechanism 102 may be attached to the lifting bar 112 after the two injection molding steps are completed. The second step of injection molding may also fill the space formed by the holding pins. The second step may result in a strip of material 125 that is formed along one or more portions of the lifting bar 112. In one example, the material used during the first and second steps may be the same material. However, in another example, the material used to fill the space left by the retaining pins in the second step is the material used to mold the body 113 and the support connector 114 during the first step. May be different. For example, if an unwanted strip or imperfection of material results from two injection molding steps, additional steps such as sanding techniques such as sanding may be employed to smooth the outer surface of the lifting bar 112. .

  In any of the above methods of manufacturing a lifting bar, the final surface finish of the lifting bar may be non-porous, void-free and / or smooth. For example, the lifting bar 12 as shown in FIG. 2 is manufactured in a single injection molding step as a single continuous element with few (if any) cavities and / or other details on its surface. be able to. As shown in FIG. 4, the lifting bar 112 can be manufactured in multiple steps, but it can also exhibit a smooth, generally cavity-free surface finish.

  Hygiene is important in preventing the spread of illness in the medical setting. To prevent cross contamination of infected surfaces and other structures, caregivers must struggle to clean equipment and patient accessible areas, for example, by using well-known disinfectants. The lifting bar can be an operation target in a hospital room so that, for example, it is important to reduce the risk of cross contamination. The lifting bar may facilitate the ease with which the lifting bar can be cleaned, but this can reduce the time required for cleaning, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing cost. The smooth, non-porous surface finish of the lifting bar also allows for good cleaning results due to the rapid and continuous cleaning action that can be employed, which in turn reduces the spread of the disease Can be made. The lifting bar described herein can include one or more of the following: details such as steps between the various profiles that form the lifting bar body or other small unreachable features, individually connected support connectors, effects May be provided without having seams, seams, or the like that may form cavities that may be difficult to clean. For example, a single element design of a lifting bar 12 manufactured in a single step as described herein can contribute to a smooth surface finish and ease of cleaning the lifting bar 12. The lifting bar 112 of FIG. 4 (which can be manufactured in a number of steps) can also have a smooth, uninterrupted surface finish that allows easy cleaning. Furthermore, when the lifting bar is integrated with the load support member 10, the integration can provide a structure that requires less effort to effectively clean. Spaces such as spaces 26 and 126 formed by the support connectors 14 and 114, respectively, of the lifting bars 12 and 112 can also be manually cleaned by the caregiver including the support surfaces 24 and 124. It can be, for example, easily accessible to the caregiver and large and smooth enough to allow the patient support 8 to be inserted or attached to the lifting bars 12,112. In addition to the lifting bar, a hand control (not shown) can also include a smooth and flexible membrane, rather than a highly specialized machined control button. This can facilitate the ease of cleaning the hand control while providing a hand control that is easy to use, ergonomic, aesthetic, compact, and generally inexpensive to manufacture.

  During medical procedures, safety, efficiency, and cleanliness are often important for caregivers to provide effective care to patients. This is especially true when the number of patients and procedures the caregiver is responsible for increases. During the procedure in which the lift device can be used, lifting bars such as the various lifting bars described herein will need to be repeatedly connected to and separated from the load bearing member. The lifting bar connector 60 described herein is compact and easy to clean, allowing quick and easy initiation and robust connection and / or disconnection between the various load bearing members and the lifting bar. It may be a simple device. The lifting bar connector 60 can allow for rapid replacement of another similar or different lifting bar with a lifting bar in a manner that is intuitive and safe for the patient and caregiver. Furthermore, the connector 60 will not significantly reduce the lifting stroke of the ceiling lift system 2, i.e. the vertical distance that the lifting bar and attachment can travel. In addition, the smooth or streamlined design of the connector 60, particularly the connecting block cover 35, may allow easy and effective cleaning of the connector 60 and surrounding area. Because the connector 60 will be handled by a person during the connection and disconnection of the various lifting bars, simple and thorough cleaning of the connector 60 and surrounding area is important to prevent disease spread.

  The attachment and detachment procedures disclosed herein are generally quick and simple. This is because when the load bearing member 10, the pin holder 20 and the pin 30 are pressed against or pulled away from the connection block 65 of the connector 60, it involves a clipping action. This attachment method is particularly advantageous. This is because it is not necessary to first unlock the device before installation. The attachment latch 100 biased to the closed position can, for example, hold the elements in the connection block 65 securely, without having to unlock any part of the device, for example, the load bearing member 10, the pin holder 20. And the pin 30 can be attached. Since the attachment latch 100 is biased to the closed position (eg, by using the attachment latch spring 15), “unlocking” is not required prior to attachment, but the attachment latch 100 is a load bearing member from the lifting bar. 10. It can function as a safety device against accidental separation of the pin holder 20 and the pin 30. As described herein, safety measures are incorporated into the device and method by requiring manual and voluntary manipulation to achieve separation.

  It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed apparatus and method. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the specification and convention of the disclosed systems and methods. The specification and examples should be construed as illustrative only, with the true scope being indicated by the appended claims and their equivalents.

2 Sealing lift system 4 Truck system 6 Sealing lifter 8 Patient support 10 Load support member 12 Lifting bar 13 Lifting bar body 14 Support connector 15 Slot 16 End 17 Ridge 19 Hole 20 Pin holder 21 First surface 22 Wing 23 Second Surface 24 Support surface 25 Pin holder drum 26 Space 27 Cover 28 Safety mechanism 29 Lifting bar hole 30 Pin 32 Slot 35 Connection block cover 40 Block cover socket 45 Block cover recess 50 First pin hole 55 Second pin hole 60 Lifting bar Connector 65 Connector block 70 Connection block socket 75 First opening 80 Connection block cavity 85 Second opening 90 Connection block pin 95 Connection block pin cover 1 00 Attachment latch 102 Safety mechanism 104 Safety mechanism spring 105 Latch flange 106 Safety mechanism pin 110 Latch pin 112 Lifting bar 113 Lifting bar body 114 Support connector 115 Attachment latch biasing element 116 End 117 First ridge 118 Second ridge 119 Hole 120 Attachment latch body 121 Upper surface 123 Lower surface 124 Support surface 125 Strip 126 Space 129 Lifting bar opening 130 Lifting bar pin 140 Lifting bar pin hole 150 Inner core 152 First sheet 154 Second sheet 156 First flange 158 Second flange Flange 160 Third flange 162 Inner core support connector 164 Holding pin hole 212 Lift 213 Bar 213 Main body 216 Support member 218 Support connector 220 Handle 222 Structural member 224 Cross member 226 Connecting member 228 Opening 229 Lifting bar hole 311 Lifting bar 313 Member 314 Support connector 316 Movable safety mechanism 318 Central structure 329 Lifting bar hole 412 Lifting bar 413 Member 414 Support connector 416 Movable safety mechanism 418 Central structure 429 Lifting bar hole 512 Lifting bar 513 Main body 514 Support connector 516 Safety mechanism 527 Lifting member 529 Lifting bar hole 612 Lifting bar 613 Main body 614 Support connector 615 Central structure 616 Safety Mechanism 618 Support member 622 Extension member 629 Lifting Over hole

Claims (15)

A patient lifting connector for detaching and attaching the patient lifting bar relative to the load bearing members of the patient lifting system, the patient lift connector,
A connector body comprising a connection block configured to be fixedly attached to the patient lifting bar and a block cover , wherein the connection block supports the load from the patient lifting bar of the block cover. A connector body disposed in a socket extending in a direction toward the member ;
A pin holder coupled to the load support member and configured to be inserted through the block cover and into the connection block;
Anda attachment latches configured to operate between an open position and a closed position in the block cover is fixed to the block cover, into the open position the attachment latch from the closed position The pin holder can be inserted into the connection block when it moves, thereby allowing the patient lifting bar to be attached to the load bearing member,
The patient lift connector further comprises a slot formed in the connection block; and a pin configured to be disposed in a pin holder drum of the pin holder and protruding from both ends of the pin holder;
The pin holder and the pin are configured to slide within the slot during attachment and removal of the patient lifting bar;
The attachment latch includes a latch pin and the block cover includes a plurality of latch pin openings, and the attachment latch operates between the open position and the closed position by rotating the latch pin within the latch pin opening. Configured to
The slot extends in a direction from the patient lifting bar toward the load bearing member;
The connection block includes a connection block socket extending in a direction from the patient lifting bar toward the load support member, the pin, the pin holder, and the load support member during attachment and removal of the patient lifting bar. Sliding through the connection block socket, the block cover being opened on one side so that the pin holder can be inserted into the connection block and slide along the connection block socket, and the attachment latch When in the closed position, the attachment latch is positioned on the surface of the block cover so as to cover a part of the open side of the block cover , and when the attachment latch is in the open position, the attachment latch is The connection Positioned in a block socket, the slot and the connection block socket are prevented from detaching in a direction parallel to the insertion direction of the pin into the connection block when the pin slides through the slot. patients lift connector characterized that you have been formed so that. The patient lift connector of claim 1, wherein the connection block includes an opening configured to receive a lifting bar pin extending through the patient lifting bar. The block cover includes a recess, and the attachment latch includes a latch flange configured to abut the recess when the attachment latch is in the closed position, and the pins protruding from both ends of the pin holder include: The patient lift connector according to claim 1, wherein the patient lift connector is housed in the connector body by the recess. The patient lift connector of claim 1, wherein the attachment latch includes a biasing element configured to bias the attachment latch to the closed position. The patient lift connector according to claim 4, wherein the biasing element is a spring. The patient lift connector of claim 1, wherein the connection block is configured to allow the pin holder to rotate within the connection block when the attachment latch is in the closed position. . The pin holder includes a plurality of wings configured to abut the upper surface of the connector body to prevent the pin holder from moving downward when the patient lifting bar is attached to the load bearing member. The patient lift connector according to claim 1 . Before SL connection block, the patient lift connector according to claim 1, characterized in that it is fixedly secured with respect to the patient lifting bar by connection block pin extending through the connection block. The patient lifting bar configured to be attached to and removed from the load bearing member;
A long body,
A support connector extending from the body and configured to support a patient lift device on a first surface of the support connector;
A latch operatively connected to the support connector and surrounding a space at least partially formed by the first surface of the support connector and the body;
The support connector of claim 1, wherein the support connector is integrally coupled to a portion of the elongate body such that the patient lifting bar is a single structural element. Patient lift connector. A patient lift connector for attaching a patient lifting bar relative to the load bearing members of the patient lifting system, the patient lift connector,
A connector body comprising a block cover and a connection block configured to be fixedly attached to the patient lifting bar , wherein the connection block supports the load from the patient lifting bar of the block cover. A connector body disposed in a socket extending in a direction toward the member ;
A termination component of the load bearing member configured to be inserted through the block cover and into a slot of the connection block;
Wherein attached to the block cover, and provided with, an attachment latch configured to operate between an open position and a closed position in the block cover, said terminal part, wherein relative to the load bearing member The attachment latch is configured to operate from the closed position to the open position so that a patient lifting bar is attached.
It said slot of said connection block is covered by said block cover of the connector body,
The patient lift connector further comprises pins configured to be disposed within a pin holder drum of the end piece and projecting from opposite ends of the end piece;
The termination piece and the pin are configured to slide within the slot during attachment and removal of the patient lifting bar;
The attachment latch includes a latch pin and the block cover includes a plurality of latch pin openings, and the attachment latch operates between the open position and the closed position by rotating the latch pin within the latch pin opening. Configured to
The slot extends in a direction from the patient lifting bar toward the load bearing member;
The connection block includes a connection block socket extending in a direction from the patient lifting bar toward the load support member, the pin, the end piece, and the load support member during attachment and removal of the patient lifting bar. Sliding through the connection block socket, the block cover being opened on one side so that the end piece can be inserted into the connection block and slid along the connection block socket, and the attachment latch is When in the closed position, the attachment latch is positioned on the surface of the block cover so as to cover a part of the open side of the block cover , and when the attachment latch is in the open position, the attachment latch is , The connection block Positioned in a socket, the slot and the connection block socket are prevented from detaching in a direction parallel to the insertion direction of the pin into the connection block when the pin slides through the slot. patients lift connector characterized that you have been formed as. The patient lifting bar configured to be attached to and removed from the load bearing member comprises:
A long body,
A support connector extending from the body and configured to support a patient lift device on a first surface of the support connector;
A latch operatively connected to the support connector and enclosing a space at least partially defined by the first surface of the support connector and the body;
The patient lift connector of claim 10 , wherein the support connector is configured to be connected to a portion of the elongated body. The patient lift connector according to claim 10 , further comprising a cover removably disposed on the patient lifting bar. A method for attaching a patient lifting bar to a load bearing member in a patient lifting system by using a connector, the method comprising:
Pressing the end piece of the load bearing member against the attachment latch of the connector, wherein the attachment latch is attached to a connector body configured to be connected to the patient lifting bar ; The connector body comprises a block cover and a connection block configured to be fixedly attached to the patient lifting bar, the connection block from the patient lifting bar of the block cover to the load supporting member. A step disposed in a socket extending in a direction toward
A step of moving to the end part of the through part of the block cover and the connection block in the slot, said slot extending in a direction toward the load bearing member from the patient lifting bar, The attachment latch is configured to move between an open position and a closed position within the block cover , and the attachment latch is moved to the open position when the end piece is pressed against the attachment latch. And the attachment latch moves to the closed position when the end piece moves along the slot of the connection block, and the connector is disposed in the pin holder drum of the end piece. Pin configured to protrude from both ends of the end piece Further comprising, said block cover with the attachment latch includes a latch pin includes a plurality of latch pin openings, and the attachment latch is between the closed position and the open position by rotating said latch pin in said latch pin aperture The terminal piece and the pin are configured to slide within the slot during installation and removal of the patient lifting bar, and the connection block is configured to support the load support from the patient lifting bar. A connection block socket extending in a direction toward the member, wherein the pin, the end piece and the load bearing member slide through the connection block socket during attachment and removal of the patient lifting bar, the block Hippopotamus , The end parts are opened in one side so that it can slide along said connection block socket is inserted into the connecting block, when the attachment latch is in the closed position, the attachment latch the block Positioned on the surface of the block cover to cover a portion of the open side of the cover , and when the attachment latch is in the open position, the attachment latch is positioned within the connection block socket, and the slot and the connection block socket, a step wherein the pin when the slide through said slot, that are formed as detachment of the insertion direction parallel to the direction to the connection block in the pin is prevented, A method comprising the steps of: Lifting the end piece within the slot;
Rotating the end piece in a first direction until a portion of the end piece contacts the top surface of the connection block;
The method of claim 13 , further comprising: 14. The method according to claim 13 , wherein the pressing step operates the attachment latch between an open position and a closed position.

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