AU2015203644A1 - A Medical Paraphernalia Carrier Assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A medical paraphernalia carrier assembly for carrying medical paraphernalia has a support that includes a support member on which the medical paraphernalia can be supported in a functional condition. A foot is at one end of the support member. The support has a locating formation. A base assembly carries the support in a removable manner. The base assembly includes a floor on which the foot of the support rests. A complementary locating formation is configured to engage the locating formation of the support to locate the foot relative to the floor. A guide formation is on one of the support and the base assembly. The guide formation is configured to guide the locating formation of the support to align with the complementary locating formation of the base assembly when placing the support on the base assembly. tNJ lu'~' .I~2 tv h ,1 / I ~'Th 9-',-' ) Figure 1

Description

1 A MEDICAL PARAPHERNALIA CARRIER ASSEMBLY FIELD [0001] Various embodiments of a medical paraphernalia carrier assembly are described herein. SUMMARY [0002] Various exemplary embodiments of a medical paraphernalia carrier assembly for carrying medical paraphernalia, comprise: a support that includes: a support member on which the medical paraphernalia can be supported in a functional condition; a foot at one end of the support member; and a locating formation; and a base assembly for carrying the support in a removable manner, the base assembly including a floor on which the foot of the support rests; and a complementary locating formation configured to engage the locating formation of the support to locate the foot relative to the floor; and a guide formation on one of the support and the base assembly, the guide formation configured to guide the locating formation of the support to align with the complementary locating formation of the base assembly when placing the support on the base assembly. [0003] The locating formation may include an opening in the foot. The foot may be a flange having the opening in the centre of the flange. [0004] The support member may include a tube having the foot at one end. The opening in the foot may be open to the tube to receive the complementary locating formation of the base assembly in the bore of the tube. [0005] The complementary locating formation may be a prong projecting upwardly from the floor. [0006] The carrier assembly may include a swivel mechanism that allows for rotation of the base assembly relative to a support structure. [0007] The swivel mechanism includes a stub shaft configured for mounting vertically on said support structure and a disk fastened axially to the stub shaft, the base 2 assembly being rotatable relative to the disk and including a releasable locking mechanism to engage the disk. [0008] The disk may have a plurality of openings that are spaced circumferentially about the disk, with the locking mechanism including a lock pin mechanism with a lock pin capable of engaging any one of the openings. [0009] An upper portion of the stub shaft may extend through an opening in the floor so that the upper portion forms the complementary locating formation in the form of a prong. [0010] The guide formation may include a guide wall that extends upwardly from a portion of a periphery of the floor so that a corresponding portion of the foot can bear against the wall to guide lowering of the support onto the floor. [0011] The guide wall and the foot may have complementary locating formations to facilitate location of the foot with respect to the floor. [0012] The guide arrangement may include a foot locking assembly having a tongue which is displaceable between: [0013] an extended condition wherein the tongue projects through the guide wall and part of the tongue is spaced above the floor; and [0014] a retracted position wherein a tip of the tongue is drawn into the guide wall. [0015] The foot locking assembly may include a locking mechanism configured to lock the tongue in the extended and retracted conditions, in a releasable manner. [0016] The base assembly may include a post and a platform fixed to the post. The floor seats on the platform and is supported by the platform, in use. [0017] A section of the post may project operatively upwardly through the platform of the base assembly. The section of the post projecting operatively upwardly through the platform may be the prong. [0018] The base assembly may include a guide arrangement comprising the floor and the guide formation. The floor may be seated on the platform and may have a central hole through which the prong extends. The floor and the guide formation are preferably integrally formed.

3 [0019] The guide arrangement may include a foot locking assembly having a tongue which is displaceable between: an extended condition wherein the tongue projects through the guide formation and part of the tongue is spaced above the floor; and a retracted position wherein a tip of the tongue is drawn into the guide formation. [0020] The foot locking assembly may include a locking mechanism configured to lock the tongue in the extended and retracted conditions, in a releasable manner. [0021] The guide formation may be a part-circular or curved guide wall extending operatively upwardly from a peripheral edge of the floor. [0022] The bore of the tube may be open to the hole in the foot and the prong may be dimensioned to project into the tube when the foot is seated on the floor. The prong may be dimensioned to have a slightly smaller diameter than the diameter of the bore of the tube so that the prong can nest in the tube. [0023] In one exemplary embodiment, the base assembly may be in the form of a trolley having a wheeled base. [0024] Various exemplary embodiments of a medical paraphernalia carrier assembly extend to the trolley separate and apart from the support assembly. [0025] In another exemplary embodiment, the base assembly includes a mounting arrangement to mount the base assembly on a bed frame. [0026] Various exemplary embodiments of a medical paraphernalia carrier assembly extend to the base assembly separate and apart from the support assembly. [0027] The medical paraphernalia carrier assembly, support assembly and base assembly may include any one or more optional features as herein defined, described, and illustrated. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0028] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional, exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a medical paraphernalia carrier assembly. [0029] Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional view of a support of the medical paraphernalia carrier assembly of figure 1.

4 [0030] Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional view of part of the support of figure 2. [0031] Figure 4 shows a three-dimensional view of the base assembly of the medical paraphernalia carrier assembly of figure 1. [0032] Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional view of part of the base assembly of figure 4. [0033] Figure 6 shows a three-dimensional view of a guide arrangement of the base assembly of figure 4. [0034] Figure 7 shows another three-dimensional view of the guide arrangement of figure 6. [0035] Figure 8 shows a three-dimensional view of part of the base assembly of figure 4. [0036] Figure 9 shows another three-dimensional view of the part of the base assembly of figure 8. [0037] Figure 10 shows a three-dimensional view of the part of the base assembly of figure 4 with a tongue of a lock assembly in a retracted condition. [0038] Figure 11 shows another three-dimensional view of the part of the base assembly of figure 10 with the tongue in an extended condition. [0039] Figures 12A to 12C show the sequence of mounting the support assembly of figure 1 on the base assembly of figure 4. [0040] Figure 13 shows a foot of the support of figure 2 locked to the base assembly of figure 4 by the tongue of the lock mechanism. [0041] Figure 14 shows an in-use example of the transfer of the support of figure 2 from a patient bed to the base assembly of figure 4. [0042] Figure 15 shows a three-dimensional view of another exemplary embodiment of a medical paraphernalia carrier assembly. [0043] Figure 16 shows a three-dimensional view of still another exemplary embodiment of a medical paraphernalia carrier assembly. [0044] Figure 17 shows a three-dimensional view of another exemplary embodiment of a medical paraphernalia carrier assembly.

5 [0045] Figure 18 shows an exploded view of part of the embodiment of figure 17. [0046] Figure 19 shows an exploded view of a guide arrangement of the embodiment of figure 17. [0047] Figure 20 shows the guide arrangement of figure 19 in a released or disengaged condition. [0048] Figure 21 shows the guide arrangement of figure 19 from underneath in an engaged condition. [0049] Figure 22 shows the guide arrangement of figure 19 from above in an engaged condition. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0050] Referring to Figure 1, reference numeral 10 generally indicates an exemplary embodiment of a medical paraphernalia carrier assembly for carrying medical paraphernalia (not shown). Broadly, the carrier assembly 10 includes a support 12 mounted on a base assembly in the form of a trolley 14. The support 12 can be released from the trolley 14. [0051] In this embodiment, the paraphernalia carrier assembly 10 is configured for supporting or suspending an intravenous (IV) medicine bag and optionally, one or more medical devices, such as monitors, pumps and similar equipment from the support 12. The support 12 is supported on the trolley 14 in a removable manner. [0052] Figure 2 shows the support 12. The support 12 includes a support member in the form of a tube 60. The tube 60 is configured to permit medical equipment, such as monitors and pumps and the like to be connected to the tube 60 in a conventional manner. A stem 62 of an IV support formation 64 is held in a holder 66 fixed in the tube 60. The stem 62 can slide up or down relative to the holder 66. A grub screw 65 is threaded into the holder 66 to engage the stem 62 so that a height of an IV hanger 68 can be adjusted. A lower end of the holder 66 is closed so that the stem 62 does not inadvertently drop through the holder 66, which could be dangerous. [0053] A foot in the form of flange 72 is mounted to a bottom end of the tube 60. The flange 72 has a locating formation in the form of a central opening 68. The central opening 68 opens to the bore of the tube 60. The flange 72 is annular having a diameter of between 80mm and 120mm, for example 100mm. The flange 72 has a width of between 2mm and 5mm, for example 3mm.

6 [0054] The support 12 includes a lock pin mechanism 74. The lock pin mechanism 74 has a lock pin 76 that projects through the flange 72. The lock pin 76 is biased into an extended position shown in figure 3. The lock pin 76 operates in the same manner as the lock pin 88 of the lock mechanism 80 for the guide arrangement 28 described below. [0055] The various components of the support 12 can be fabricated from any suitable material. For example, where required, the components can be fabricated from stainless steel. Instead, the components can be chrome plated steel. [0056] Figure 4 shows the trolley 14. The trolley 14 comprises a wheeled base 20, a post 22, a handle 24, a platform 26 (shown in figure 5), and a guide arrangement 28. [0057] The base 20 includes six legs 21, each leg having a castor wheel 23. The post 22 extends from the centre of the base 20, so that the post 22 is longitudinally upright, in use. The post 22 is formed from a tube such as a medical grade stainless steel pipe. [0058] The handle 24 includes a collar 30 which sleeves onto the post 22. A grub screw 32 locks the handle 24 to the post 22 at a desired height. The handle 24 is generally triangular in top plan view. Two arms 24.1, 24.2 extend from the collar 30. The distal ends of the arms 24.1, 24.2 are connect by a bar 24.3. [0059] The platform 26 is a metal disc that is welded to the post 22 as shown in figure 5. The platform 26 has a hole 34 in the centre of the disc in which the post 22 is received. The platform 26 has a diameter of between 80mm and 120mm, for example 100mm. The platform 26 is between 2mm and 5 mm thick, for example 3mm thick. The platform 26 has four holes 36 equi-spaced along a bolt circle diameter about the central hole 34. [0060] A section 22.1 of the post 22 which projects upwardly through the centre of the platform 26 defines a complementary locating formation in the form of a prong 40. The prong 40 includes a domed cap 42. [0061] The various components of the post 22, handle 24 and platform 26 can be fabricated from any suitable material. For example, where required, the components can be fabricated from stainless steel. Instead, the components can be chrome plated steel. [0062] The guide arrangement 28 of the trolley 14 is shown in more detail in Figures 6 and 7. The guide arrangement 28 comprises a disc-shaped floor 50 and a guide 7 formation in the form of a part-circular guide wall 52. The guide wall 52 is partially circular. The floor 50 and the guide wall 52 are integrally formed from a suitable material such as ABS plastic or stainless steel. The guide wall 52 extends upwardly along part of the periphery of the floor 50. The floor 50 has a central hole 54 dimensioned to receive the prong 40. The guide wall 52 stands taller than the prong 40. [0063] The floor 50 has a shallow depression 56 in its underside, which is dimensioned to receive the platform 26. The guide arrangement 28 is mounted to the platform 26 by skewering the floor 50 with the prong 40 so that the platform 26 is received in the depression 56 underneath the floor 50. The prong 40 projects upwardly through the hole 54 in the floor 50 of the guide arrangement 28. [0064] The floor 50 has four holes 58 equi-spaced along a bolt circle diameter about the central hole 54. The holes 58 in the floor 50 align with the holes 36 in the platform 26. The guide arrangement 28 is fixed to the platform 26 by fasteners such as nut-and bolt assemblies 46 which extend through the holes 36 and 58. The holes 58 are countersunk such that the heads of the bolts are flush with the surface of the floor 50. A shank of a bolt of the nut-and-bolt assembly 46 is received through a pair of aligned holes 36, 58. A nut is threaded onto each shank so that when the nuts and bolts are tightened, the floor 50 of the guide arrangement 28 is urged together with the platform 26 to clamp the guide arrangement 28 to the platform 26. [0065] The floor 50 has a pin hole 59, offset from the central hole 54, for receiving the lock pin 76 of lock pin mechanism 74. [0066] The guide arrangement 28 seats on the platform 26, as shown in figures 8 and 9. [0067] The guide arrangement includes a foot locking assembly 80. The foot locking assembly 80 includes a tab or tongue 82 slidably held in a slide 84. The tongue is displaceable between a retracted condition shown in figure 10 and an extended condition shown in figure 11. In the extended condition, part of the tongue 82 extends through a window 85 in the guide wall 52. In the extended condition, part of the tongue 82 is spaced above the floor 50, in a configuration wherein a gap is provided between the tongue 82 and the floor 50. The gap is approximately the thickness of the flange so that the tongue can retain the flange against linear movement. In the retracted condition, the tip of the tongue 82 is drawn into the guide wall 52.

8 [0068] The foot locking assembly 80 includes a lock mechanism 86 to lock the tongue 82 in its respective extended and retracted conditions. The lock mechanism 86 is fixed to the tongue 82. The lock mechanism 86 includes a pin 88 that projects through the tongue 82 and into one of two holes 87 in the slide 84. [0069] The lock mechanism 86 includes a biasing mechanism, for example a spring that urges the pin 88 into the holes 87. The pin 88 is manually displaceable against a bias of the spring to release the tongue to permit sliding between the extended and retracted conditions. A grip 89 is arranged on an end of the pin 88 so that a user can manipulate the pin 88. [0070] The lock mechanism 86 can be a lock pin mechanism of the type in which the pin 88 is lifted and rotated to be retained in the lifted condition against the bias of a spring. Counter-rotation of the pin 88 disengages the pin 88 and allows the pin to be driven by the spring into engagement with a hole. It will be appreciated that such a lock pin mechanism is conventional and so further description is not required. [0071] Figures 12 A to C show the sequence of docking the support 12 with the trolley 14. The support 12 is brought into proximity with the trolley 14 at a height wherein the flange 72 is higher than the prong 40, but lower than the top of the guide wall 52, as shown in figure 12A. The support 12 is then moved laterally to a position wherein the outer rim of the flange 72 bears against the guide wall 52, as shown in figure 12B. The curvature of the outer rim of the flange 72 is the same as the curvature of the guide wall 52 so that the flange 72 is guided into mating relationship with the guide wall 52 as the flange 72 bears against the guide wall 52. The central hole 68 in the underside of the flange 72 is vertically aligned with the prong 40 when the flange 72 is mated with the guide wall 52 as shown in figure 12B. The flange 72 is concentric with the floor 50 when the flange 72 is mated with the guide wall 52. The lateral distance between the guide wall 52 and the centre of the prong 40 is the same as the lateral distance from the outer rim of the flange 72 to the centre of the central hole 68 in the flange 72. The support 12 is dropped/lowered down onto the trolley 14 after the flange 72 is mated with the guide wall 52, to a seated condition of the flange 72 on the guide arrangement as shown in figure 12C. In the seated condition, the prong 40 is received in the tube 60 via the opening 68 in the flange 72 so that the flange 72 can be supported on the floor 50. The flange 72 is concentric with the floor 50 in the mated and seated conditions.

9 [0072] The lock pin 76 is received in the pin hole 59 to lock the support 12 from rotation relative to the trolley 14. The lock pin 76 is not necessarily aligned with the pin hole 59 when the support 12 is lowered onto the trolley 14. It may thus be necessary to twist or rotate the support 12 in the seated condition until the lock pin 76 and pin hole 59 aligns so that the pin 76 springs into the engagement with the pin hole 59. [0073] The support 12 can be locked in the seated condition supported on the trolley 14 by the foot locking assembly 80. The tongue 82 is displaced to its locked condition with the flange 72 supported on the floor 50, as shown in figure 13. The flange 72 is captured below the tongue 82, locking the support 12 to the trolley 14. [0074] Figure 14 shows the in-use transfer of the support 12 from a bedside carrier assembly 90 to the trolley 14. The bedside carrier assembly 90 is described in detail in the applicant's co-pending PCT International application PCT/AU2013/00818, incorporated herein by reference. A patient or nurse transferring the support 12 from the bedside carrier assembly 90 to the trolley 14 has the benefit of the guide wall 52 guiding the support 12 to align with the prong 40 of the trolley 14. The flange 72 seated on the floor provides stable support by the trolley 14 of the support 12. The broken lines showing the support 12 indicate a position of the support 12 as it is being transferred from the bedside carrier assembly 90 to the trolley 14. [0075] The bar 24.3 of the handle 24 is preferably oriented so that the bar 24.3 is square with the guide wall 52. The bar 24.3 can then be used as a visual guide to orientate the support 12 so that the lock pin mechanism 74 is about in line with the pin hole 59 in the floor 50 when mounting the support 12 on the trolley 14. [0076] In figure 15, reference numeral 100 shows another exemplary embodiment of a medical paraphernalia carrier assembly. The carrier assembly 100 comprises the support 12 and a base assembly 102 including the guide arrangement 28. The base assembly 102 comprises the base assembly 12 and the coupling assembly 16 as described in the applicant's co-pending PCT International application PCT/AU2013/00818, together with the guide arrangement 28 described in this application. Reference numerals used in describing the base assembly 12 and the coupling assembly 16 of the PCT International application in this application are the same as the reference numerals used in the co-pending PCT International application. The base assembly 12 is configured to clamp to a patient's bed as described in the co pending PCT International application. The guide arrangement 28 is fixed to a flange 70 of the coupling assembly 16 in the same manner as the guide arrangement 28 is 10 fixed to the platform 26 of the trolley 14. The coupling assembly 16 has a holder 52 which extends through the guide arrangement 28 to be the prong received in the tube 60 of the support 12. [0077] In figure 16, reference numeral 200 shows an exploded view of another exemplary embodiment of a base assembly. With reference to the preceding drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. The guide arrangement 228 of the base assembly 200 is similar to the guide arrangement 28, but includes a tubular cylindrical mounting stub 240 fixed to the floor 50. The mounting stub 240 is closed off by a dome 206 fixed at its upper end. The post 22 is received in the stub 240 to mount the guide arrangement 202 on top of the post 22. The stub 240 is also the prong which is received in the tube 60 of the support 12. The base assembly 200 does not include a platform for supporting the guide arrangement 228, the guide arrangement 228 is rather supported by the post 22 being received in the stub 240 and butting against the dome 206 of the stub 240. [0078] In figure 17 reference numeral 300 shows a three-dimensional view of another exemplary embodiment of a carrier assembly. With reference to the preceding drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. [0079] A guide wall 302 of a base assembly 301 of the carrier assembly 300 defines a locating formation 304. The locating formation 304 projects operatively inwardly to be received in a peripheral notch or recess 306 defined in the flange 72. This facilitates correct or accurate location of the support 12 while it is lowered into position. [0080] Figure 18 shows an exploded view of the base assembly 301 and a lower part of the support 12. [0081] The base assembly 301 incorporates a rotating or swivel mechanism 308 that allows for selective rotation of the base assembly 301 relative to a support structure or holder. [0082] The mechanism 308 includes a stub shaft 310. The shaft 310 can be tubular. A disk 312 is fastened to the shaft, for example, by welding. The disk 312 has a plurality of openings 314 that are spaced circumferentially about the disk 312. [0083] A bottom cover 316 has an opening 318 that accommodates a lower portion of the shaft 310. The disk 312 can seat on the cover 316 and rotate relative to the cover.

11 [0084] The cover 316 defines a slot 320 that extends between the opening 318 and a peripheral edge of the cover 316. A lock pin mechanism 322 is mounted in the slot. The mechanism 322 incudes a carrier 324. A lock pin 326 is mounted on the carrier 324 with a shank 327 that extends through the carrier. A tip 328 of the shank 327 has a reduced diameter and is dimensioned to be received through any one of the openings 314 when the disk is rotated into an appropriate position. [0085] The base assembly 301 has a top cover 330 that incorporates the guide wall 302. The cover 330 has a floor 332. The guide wall 320 and a lower, peripheral wall 334 extend upwardly from a periphery of the floor 332. [0086] The floor 332 defines an opening 336 to accommodate an upper portion of the stub shaft, which is received in the tube 60. A washer bearing 337 is provided to facilitate mounting of the support 12. [0087] The floor 332 is fastened to the cover 316 with the disk 312 interposed and rotatable between the floor and the cover when the shank 327 is retracted from one of the openings 314. Threaded sockets 331 extend from an underside of the floor (figure 19). The sockets 331 correspond with openings 317 in the cover 316 so that the cover can be fastened to the floor with suitable fasteners indicated at 333. [0088] The tab or tongue 82 is housed or accommodated between corresponding protrusions 338 and 340 extending from the covers, respectively. [0089] Operation of the tongue 82 is as described above. However, the assembly is somewhat different. The tongue 82 is mounted between the covers and is capable of reciprocal, linear movement in and out of the window 85 as described above. [0090] As can be seen in figure 19, a spring 342 is mounted on a spring support or anchor 343. The spring 342 is configured and mounted so that the tongue 82 is biased into an operative position in which it extends through the guide wall 302 in the same manner in which the tongue 82 operates with respect to the guide wall 52. Thus, in the extended or operative condition, part of the tongue 82 is spaced above the platform 332. [0091] An end profile of the tongue 82, in this embodiment, corresponds with that of the notch or groove 306 so as not to obstruct movement of the flange 72 towards and away from the floor when the tongue 82 is retracted.

12 [0092] The guide arrangement 28 can be rotated into a selected position. To do so, the locking pin 326 is retracted so that the shank 327 is clear of the disk 312. The protrusions or any other suitable part of the assembly 300 can be grasped to rotate the assembly. Once in the correct position, the locking pin 326 is manipulated into an appropriate opening to stop further rotation of the arrangement. [0093] The locking pin 326 can be spring mounted to be biased towards the disk 312. Once released, the arrangement can be shifted until the shank engages the disk. In this variation, the arrangement will automatically lock if the pin 326 is retracted and the arrangement bumped accidentally. This is a safety feature. [0094] The shank 327 can be coated with a suitable paint so that a user can readily see when the shank is retracted. [0095] As can be seen in figure 19, an underside of the floor 332 has locating formations 344 to facilitate assembly of the arrangement 28. [0096] Figure 20 shows the support 12 disengaged from the guide arrangement 28 and with the tongue 82 in a retracted condition. [0097] Figure 21 shows the guide arrangement 28 from underneath with the support engaged. [0098] Figure 22 shows the guide arrangement 28 from above with the support engaged and with the tongue in an extended, operative position. As can be seen, part of the tongue 82 overlies the flange to retain the support on the platform 332. [0099] The lower portion of the stub shaft is configured for mounting on the bedside carrier assembly 90. It is envisaged that a further guide arrangement could be mounted on a trolley, as illustrated with reference to figures 1 to 5. Thus, relocation of the support 12 from a bedside to a troller is facilitated. [0100] For example, a patient may be in bed and connected to an IV line. A carer can wheel the trolley up to the bed. The support can be disengaged from the floor, as described above and lifted, with an IV bag still hanging from the hanger. The support can then be lowered onto another base assembly mounted on the trolley. The patient can then get up and move around with the trolley. This operation is reversed when the patient returns to the bed.

13 [0101] Thus, entanglement of IV lines and other inconveniences that may arise with moving the bag, and possibly other equipment mounted on the support, onto a trolley can be avoided. [0102] The guide wall facilitates the process, since the flange can be brought to bear against the guide wall and then lowered into the correct position. [0103] Throughout the specification, including the claims, where the context permits, the term "comprising" and variants thereof such as "comprise" or "comprises" are to be interpreted as including the stated integer or integers without necessarily excluding any other integers. [0104] Use of common reference numerals in different embodiments is for the purposes of convenience only and is not to be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the inventor envisages that, where practical, the components or integers of the respective embodiments are interchangeable. It follows that there the specification may describe further embodiments that are not specifically described, but which incorporate a combination or mixture of components drawn from different embodiments. [0105] Use of words that indicate orientation or direction of travel is not to be considered limiting. Thus, words such as "front", "back", "rear", "side", "up", down", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "forwards", "backwards", "towards", "distal", "proximal" and synonyms, antonyms and derivatives thereof have been selected for convenience only. The inventor envisages that various exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter can be supplied in any particular orientation and the claimed subject matter is intended to include such orientations. [0106] Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter, are described herein, textually and/or graphically, including the best mode, if any, known to the inventors for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Variations (e.g., modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, as permitted by law, the claimed subject matter includes and covers all equivalents of the claimed subject matter and all improvements to the claimed subject matter. Moreover, 14 every combination of the above described elements, activities, and all possible variations thereof are encompassed by the claimed subject matter unless otherwise clearly indicated herein, clearly and specifically disclaimed, or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. [0107] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as" and "like") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate one or more embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of any claimed subject matter unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter. [0108] Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument, or clearly contradicted by context, with respect to any claim, whether of this application and/or any claim of any application claiming priority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise: a. there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular described or illustrated characteristic, function, activity, or element, any particular sequence of activities, or any particular interrelationship of elements; b. no characteristic, function, activity, or element is "essential"; c. any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated; d. any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any activity can be performed in multiple jurisdictions; and e. any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary. [0109] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted.

15 [0110] Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, other than the claims themselves, is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and the scope of subject matter protected by any patent that issues based on this application is defined only by the claims of that patent.

Claims (14)

1. A medical paraphernalia carrier assembly for carrying medical paraphernalia, comprising: a support that includes: a support member on which the medical paraphernalia can be supported in a functional condition; a foot at one end of the support member; and a locating formation; and a base assembly for carrying the support in a removable manner, the base assembly including a floor on which the foot of the support rests; and a complementary locating formation configured to engage the locating formation of the support to locate the foot relative to the floor; and a guide formation on one of the support and the base assembly, the guide formation configured to guide the locating formation of the support to align with the complementary locating formation of the base assembly when placing the support on the base assembly.

2. The carrier assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locating formation of the support includes an opening in the foot.

3. The carrier assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the support member includes a tube having the foot at one end, the opening in the foot open to the tube to receive the complementary locating formation in the bore of the tube.

4. The carrier assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the complementary locating formation is a prong projecting operatively upwardly from the floor.

5. The carrier assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes a swivel mechanism that allows for rotation of the base assembly relative to a support structure.

6. The carrier assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the swivel mechanism includes a stub shaft configured for mounting vertically on said support structure and a disk fastened axially to the stub shaft, the base assembly being rotatable relative to the disk and including a releasable locking mechanism to engage the disk. 17

7. The carrier assembly as claimed in claim 6, in which the disk has a plurality of openings that are spaced circumferentially about the disk, with the locking mechanism including a lock pin mechanism with a lock pin capable of engaging any one of the openings.

8. The carrier assembly as claimed in claim 6 or 7, in which an upper portion of the stub shaft extends through an opening in the floor so that the upper portion forms the complementary locating formation in the form of a prong.

9. The carrier assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the guide formation includes a guide wall that extends upwardly from a portion of a periphery of the floor so that a corresponding portion of the foot can bear against the wall to guide lowering of the support onto the floor.

10. The carrier assembly as claimed in claim 9, in which the guide wall and the foot have complementary locating formations to facilitate location of the foot with respect to the floor.

11. The carrier assembly as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the guide arrangement includes a foot locking assembly having a tongue which is displaceable between: an extended condition wherein the tongue projects through the guide wall and part of the tongue is spaced above the floor; and a retracted position wherein a tip of the tongue is drawn into the guide wall.

12. The carrier assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the foot locking assembly includes a locking mechanism configured to lock the tongue in the extended and retracted conditions, in a releasable manner.

13. The carrier assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base assembly is in the form of a trolley having a wheeled base.

14. The carrier assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the base assembly includes a mounting arrangement to mount the base assembly on a bed frame.