WO2005009316A1

WO2005009316A1 - A collapsable portable isolator

Info

Publication number: WO2005009316A1
Application number: PCT/SG2003/000295
Authority: WO
Inventors: William Farrow Roger
Original assignee: International Sos Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2003-07-26
Filing date: 2003-12-30
Publication date: 2005-02-03
Also published as: AU2003290504A1

Abstract

The present invention provides a portable isolation unit (1000) including a frame (1100) to provide support for said isolation unit, a means (1201) of enclosing said portable isolation unit to enclose a volume of air, an air flow mechanism (1300) for the provision of a controlled environment within said isolation unit, and a filter (1320) to remove unwanted contaminants, wherein said frame is collapsible. Further, there is disclosed a transfer means (1210), adapted to be integrated with a portable isolation unit of the present invention including at least two ends, a first end (1212) adapted to be in communication with an interior of said portable isolation unit, and a second end (1213) adapted to be in communication with an exterior of said portable isolation unit, said first and second ends having an additional sealing means (1214) to prevent an airflow therethrough said transfer means.

Description

A COLLAPSABLE PORTABLE ISOLATOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a portable isolation unit for the transport of patients requiring a specialized environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known in the art to provide transportable isolation units for the transport of patients with infectious diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Tuberculosis (TB), Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs) and Meningococacal diseases, amongst others. These units allow the safe transport of the patients by ground, or air ambulances, especially from remote locations.

Generally, these transportable isolation units consist of a rigid metal framework over which a flexible canopy or hood is disposed.

One problem with these transportable isolation units are that, due to their size and rigid framework, they do not fit through the entry doors of most small to medium sized aircraft used worldwide as air ambulances. Also, they do not fit into the back of smaller ground ambulances, used in many parts of the world to transport patients. Further, due to the rigidity of the framework, patients may face discomfort because of the sharp and rigid comers, as patients are given free movement within the isolation units and allowed to roll around. The size and weight of these transportable isolation units also make it difficult to deploy.

Another problem attributed to the sharp and rigid corners is that they prevent a thorough decontamination of the isolation unit due to the hard to reach corners. The large size further renders this task a difficult one.

Yet another problem of current transportable isolation units are that they are unserviceable in field operations should key components fail or are damaged. For example, repair or replacement requires a return to the manufacturer should the air blower or filter units fail. As transportable isolation units of the art are powered by a single rechargeable battery, this limits the length of time these units can be used without recharging from an external power supply, thus limiting the duration of user away from any external power source.

Another problem of pre-existing transportable isolation units are that, being totally isolated, they do not allow transfer of items and material from the exterior, to the interior of the isolation unit. This poses a problem when a patient, when still enclosed within the isolation unit, requires drugs or attention. Also, patients on drips will have difficulty being placed within the isolation unit, and may have to be put off the drip during the period of being within the isolation unit.

It is an object of the present invention to alleviate and ameliorate the above problems.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, there is provided a portable isolation unit including a frame to provide support for said isolation unit, a means of enclosing said portable isolation unit to enclose a volume of air, an air flow mechanism for the provision of a controlled environment within said isolation unit; and a filter to remove unwanted contaminants wherein said frame is collapsible.

Preferably, the frame includes a base, a front end, a rear end, and a plurality of side panels.

Preferably, said frame is made external to said impermeable membrane.

Still preferably, the means of enclosing said portable isolation unit is an impermeable membrane.

In a preferred embodiment, the portable isolation unit further includes a transfer means. Preferably, the transfer means has at least 2 ends, a first end adapted to be in communication with an interior of said portable isolation unit, and a second end adapted to be in communication with an exterior of said portable isolation unit, said first and second ends having an additional sealing means to prevent an airflow therethrough said transfer means.

Still preferably, the sealing means provides an airtight seal.

Preferably, the sealing means is a zip fastener.

Preferably, the isolation unit further includes a housing for said airflow mechanism.

Also preferably, the isolation unit further includes a housing for said filter.

In a preferred embodiment, the air flow mechanism is modular, adaptable to be positioned within said housing for said air flow mechanism.

Preferably, the filter is modular.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the filter is modular, adaptable to be positioned within said housing for said filter.

Still preferably, said housing is integral to the impermeable membrane of the portable isolation unit.

Also preferably, the air supply means can maintain a differential pressure within said portable isolation unit compared to an ambient pressure.

Preferably, the differential pressure is a negative pressure within said portable isolation unit.

Still preferably, the air flow mechanism is a blower.

Still preferably, the portable isolation unit according to claim 17 wherein said blower is reversible. In a preferred embodiment, the isolation unit further includes a plurality of securing means in a spaced relationship external to said frame.

Preferably, the plurality of securing means is positioned at the base of said frame of said portable isolation unit.

In another preferred embodiment, the isolation unit further includes glove ports.

Preferably, the glove port includes a glove, a sleeve, an engagement means to engage said glove to said sleeve, and said sleeve contiguous to said impermeable membrane.

Still preferably, said engagement means is a circular ring.

Still preferably, said circular ring includes a plurality of ribs to provide a frictional resistance to said glove.

Still preferably, the engagement means further includes a band, adaptable to be positioned over said glove over said circular ring to provide further engagement of said glove to said sleeve.

Still preferably, the glove and sleeve are integral.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the isolation unit further includes at least an equipment port as an opening to introduce treatment and intravenous probes provided on a medical stand, into the portable isolation unit.

Preferably, the isolation unit further includes a support for said medical stand, said support including a bottom receptacle attached to the base of the portable isolation unit, to receive a bottom end of said medical stand.

Still preferably, said support further includes straps to secure the medical stand.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the isolation unit further includes a storage compartment, said storage compartment affixed to an interior of said portable isolation unit. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transfer means, adapted to be integrated with a portable isolation unit according to any one of the preceding claims including at least 2 ends, a first end adapted to be in communication with an interior of said portable isolation unit, and a second end adapted to be in communication with an exterior of said portable isolation unit, said first and second ends having an additional sealing means to prevent an airflow therethrough said transfer means.

Preferably, the sealing means provides an airtight seal.

Still preferably, the sealing means is a zip fastener.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows the perspective view of the portable isolation unit of the present invention. Figure 2 shows the side elevation of the portable isolation unit. Figure 3 shows the transfer means of the portable isolation unit. Figure 4 shows the base of the portable isolation unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill of the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and features have been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.

The portable isolation unit 1000 is as seen in Figure 1. This portable isolation unit 1000 consists of a frame 1100, providing the structure of a base 1110, a front end 1 50, a rear end 1160 and a plurality of sides 1120 of the portable isolation unit 1000. The frame 1100 is preferably made external the impermeable membrane 1201.

An impermeable membrane 1201 provides an enclosure for the portable isolation unit 1000. It should be understood that this impermeable membrane 1201 can be any known material of the art, which can impart the property of resilience and flexibility to the material.

The frame 1100 preferably forms an exoskeleton, so that this frame 1100 can either be detachable or flexible, hence allowing the portable isolation unit 1000 to be collapsible.

In the preferred embodiment as shown in Figure 1 , the frame 1100, formed with a base 1110 and a plurality of sides 1120 is constructed with a plurality of hoops 1111 integrated with the impermeable membrane 1201, with at least one pole 1112 extending the length of the portable isolation unit 1000. This pole 1112, is preferably removably attached to the portable isolation unit 1000, and provides the lengthwise structural support for the portable isolation unit 1000. By removing the pole 1112, by way of detaching it from an attachment means 1202 preferably made integral to the impermeable membrane 1201Jhe portable isolation unit 1000 can be folded along the length, to essentially the circumferential size of the hoops 1111. The hoops 1111 forming the breadth wise structure, is preferably made of a resilient material, and in the present example, of fiberglass. When the portable isolation unit 1000 is collapsed, the size is essentially the size of the hoops 1111, and thus can be easily fit into a carrying case. Thus, it can be seen that the portable isolation unit 1000 is easy to collapse and assemble. At least one releasing means 1140 is provided on the impermeable membrane 1201, to allow a patient to be introduced into the portable isolation unit 1000. The releasing means 1140 has to be airtight and water tight to maintain the integrity of the environment within the interior of the portable isolation unit 1000. In the preferred embodiment, the releasing means 1140 is a zip fastener 1141 that is preferably on the front end 1150, of the portable isolation unit 1000.

A closeable opening 1190, in the form of a zip fastener 1141 may also be provided at the rear end 1160, or towards the rear end 1160, extending across the sides 120, breadth wise of the portable isolation unit 1000, stopping short of the base 1110 of the unit 1000 to allow medical personnel easy access to the interior of the isolation unit 1000, for decontamination purposes.

When a patient is identified for use of the portable isolation unit 1000, medical personnel, after assembly of this unit, will open the releasing means 1140 to introduce the patient into the unit 1000. Once the patient is introduced, the medical personnel can then enclose the patient by closing the releasing means 1140, in this case, a zip fastener 1141.

For ease of reference, the end where the patient is introduced into the unit is a front end 1150. The other end of the unit 1000 is the rear end 1160.

To provide comfort to a patient, the impermeable membrane 1201, is preferably predominantly of a transparent or semi-transparent material, so that the patient will not unnecessarily feel the stress of confinement when housed within the unit 1000. This will also allow medical personnel, or an outsider, to visually inspect the patient from time to time.

Further, a storage compartment 1700 is preferably attached to the interior of the portable isolation unit 1000. This storage compartment 1700, seen as a pocket 1710 to allow a patient to contain personal items, for e.g. magazines, etc.

» To maintain a controlled environment within the portable isolation unit 1000, an airflow mechanism 1300, in the form of a blower 1310 is provided, preferably on a rear end 1160 of the unit 1000. At the front end 1150, a filter 1320 is provided, to ensure that air entering the unit 1000 will be cleaned. The controlled environment can be maintained

> in a substantially negative pressure, for scenarios where a patient is contaminated, e.g. patients suffering from SARS, TB or VHFs. To provide a negatively pressured environment interior the unit 1000, the blower 1310 extracts air from the unit 1000, via at least a filter 1320, to ensure air exiting the unit is free from contaminants. However, for instances where the patient is suffering from a immuno-compromised condition, for e.g. post transplant patients, the controlled environment can then be made positive as compared to the ambient pressure. In such a situation, the blower is reversed to extract air from the environment, through the filter 1320, to ensure air entering the unit 1000 is free from contaminants. It is envisioned that the blower 1310 and filter 1320 may be provided in a plurality of units in the portable isolation unit 1000.

Reference will now be made with respect to the provision of a negative pressured controlled environment within the portable isolation unit 1000, but it is to be understood that this disclosure is equally applicable where the controlled environment within the portable isolation unit 1000 is maintained at a positive pressure, compared to the ambient.

For ease of maintenance of the portable isolation unit 1000, the blower 1310, and the filter 1320 is preferably modular, so that they can be easily replaced by commercially available off-the-shelf units or replacement parts. This eradicates the need to order specialty parts, which may take prolonged periods of time to be delivered. A housing 1301, integral to the impermeable membrane 1201 is provided to allow a fit for the blower 1310 and the filter 1320. The blower 1310 is preferably powered by a replaceable rechargeable battery, to allow a prolonged duration of use without an external power source.

A glove port 1400 is shown in Figure 2, which allows medical personnel to provide attention to a patient enclosed within the unit 1000. The glove port 1400 comprises a sleeve 1410, preferably contiguous to the impermeable membrane 1201. A glove 1420 is disposed at the end of the sleeve 1410, both the glove 1420 and the sleeve 1410 are sealed via an engagement means 1430 to ensure the integrity of the controlled environment. This engagement means 1430 is a circular ring, preferably ribbed. Additionally a band may be provided to provide an additional engagement of the glove to the sleeve, by placing the band over the glove. It is envisioned that the sleeve 1410 and the glove 1420 are integral, and that they are pre-formed to be attachable with the impermeable membrane 1201. Further, an equipment port 1500 is provided, integral to the impermeable membrane 1201, to allow treatment and interventional probes to be administered to the patient therein, for e.g. to provide intravenous infusions, administration of oxygen, cable for monitoring devices. Medical personnel can then, by way of the glove ports 1400, manipulate by hand the procedure of providing external treatment. It is envisioned that a plurality of monitoring ports 1500 may be provided throughout the portable isolation unit 1000.

These treatment and interventional probes can be supported using a medical support stand.

A support 1600 is provided for the medical support stand, for e.g. an intravenous drip stand. This support 1600, as seen in Figure 2, includes at least a receptacle 1610 attached to the base 1110, to hold a bottom end of the medical support stand. To further secure the medical support stand to the surface of the portable isolation unit 1000, a strap 1620 is provided, this strap 1620 is attached or integral to the front end 1150 of the portable isolation unit 1000. This strap 1620 is preferably a velcro strip 1621 so that the medical support stand is releasable connected to the surface of the portable isolation unit 1000.

To provide a means of transferring objects into the portable isolation unit 1000, a transfer means 1210 is provided. The transfer means 1210 as seen in Figure 3, consists of a first end 1212 internal the portable isolation unit 1000, and a second end 1213 external the portable isolation unit 1000. A sealing means 1214 is provided on both ends of the transfer means 1210 to maintain the integrity of the controlled environment. A medical personnel who wishes to transfer material, for e.g. a magazine, to a patient within the unit 1000, will have to open the sealing means 1214 on the second end 1213, place the material inside the transfer means 1210, and the patient will then be able to retrieve the material by opening the sealing means 1214 ⁾ found on the first end 1212 of the transfer means 1210. Should a patient not be of a healthy physical state to remove this material, medical personnel can also open the sealing means 1214, by using the glove ports 1400.

It is to be appreciated that, by virtue of the negative pressure within the controlled 5 environment of the unit 1000, the contaminated air within the unit will not pass through the ports, i.e. the glove port 1400 and the monitoring port 1500. However, additional sealing means may be provided to seal the monitoring port 1500 for e.g. using impermeable sealing tape.

To provide a firm base 1110 to the portable unit 1000, a series of securing means 1130 or buckles 1131 are provided external the frame 1100, to allow a stretcher to be secured onto the unit 1000, thus forming the base 1110 as seen in Figure 4. As an additional feature, a patient securing means 1180 in the form of releasable secure straps 1181 can be provided on the base 1110, internal the portable isolation unit 1000, to secure a patient in position within the unit 1000.

Claims

1. A portable isolation unit including a frame to provide support for said isolation unit; a means of enclosing said portable isolation unit to enclose a volume of air; an air flow mechanism for the provision of a controlled environment within said isolation unit; and a filter to remove unwanted contaminants wherein said frame is collapsible.

2. A portable isolation unit according to claim 1 wherein said frame includes a base, a front end, a rear end, and a plurality of side panels.

3. A portable isolation unit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said means of enclosing said portable isolation unit is an impermeable membrane.

4. A portable isolation unit according to claim 3 wherein said frame is external said impermeable membrane.

5. A portable isolation unit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said means of enclosing said portable isolation unit further includes a transfer means.

6. A portable isolation unit according to claim 4 wherein said transfer means has at least 2 ends, a first end adapted to be in communication with an interior of said portable isolation unit, and a second end adapted to be in communication with an exterior of said portable isolation unit, said first and second ends having an additional sealing means to prevent an airflow therethrough said transfer means.

7. A portable isolation unit according to claim 5 wherein said sealing means provides an airtight seal.

8. - A portable isolation unit according to any one of claims 5 or 6 wherein said sealing means is a zip fastener.

9. A portable isolation unit according to claim 1 wherein said unit further includes a housing for said air flow mechanism.

10. A portable isolation unit according to claim 1 wherein said unit further includes a housing for said filter.

11. A portable isolation unit according to any one of claims 1, 9 or 10 wherein the air flow mechanism is modular, adaptable to be positioned within said housing for said airflow mechanism.

12. A portable isolation unit according to claim 10 wherein the filter is modular.

13. A portable isolation unit according to any one of claims 1 , 10 or 12 wherein said filter is adaptable to be positioned within said housing for said filter.

14. A portable isolation unit according to any one of claims 9 to 13 wherein said housing is integral to said impermeable membrane of said portable isolation unit.

15. A portable isolation unit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the air flow mechanism can maintain a differential pressure between said portable isolation unit compared to the ambient pressure.

16. A portable isolation unit according to claim 15 wherein said differential pressure is a negative pressure.

' 17. A portable isolation unit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the air flow mechanism is a blower.

18. A portable isolation unit according to claim 17 wherein said blower is reversible.

19. - A portable isolation unit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said unit further includes a plurality of securing means in a spaced relationship external to said frame.

20. A portable isolation unit according to claim 19 wherein said plurality of securing means is positioned at the base of said frame of said portable isolation unit.

21. A portable isolation unit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said unit further includes at least a glove port.

22. A portable isolation unit according to any one of claims 3 or 21 said glove port including a glove, a sleeve, an engagement means to engage said glove to said sleeve wherein said sleeve is contiguous to said impermeable membrane.

23. A portable isolation unit according to claim 22 wherein said engagement means is a circular ring.

24. A portable isolation unit according to claim 23 wherein said circular ring includes a plurality of ribs.

25. A portable isolation unit according to claim 23 wherein said engagement means further includes a band adaptable to be positioned over said glove on said circular ring to provide enhanced engagement.

26. A portable isolation unit according to claim 21 wherein said glove and sleeve are integral.

27. A portable isolation unit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said unit further includes at least an equipment port for the provision of intravenous treatment.

28. A portable isolation unit according to claim 27 wherein said portable isolation unit further includes a support means to support a medical support stand.

29. A portable isolation unit according to claim 28 wherein said support means includes a receptacle. ). A portable isolation unit according to any one of claims 2 or 28 wherein said support means further includes a strap, said strap connected to said front panel of said portable isolation unit.

I. A transfer means, adapted to be integrated with a portable isolation unit according to any one of the preceding claims including at least 2 ends, a first end adapted to be in communication with an interior of said portable isolation unit, and a second end adapted to be in communication with an exterior of said portable isolation unit, said first and second ends having an additional sealing means to prevent an airflow therethrough said transfer means.

I. A transfer means according to claim 31 wherein said sealing means provides an airtight seal.

3. A transfer means according to claim 31 wherein said sealing means is a zip fastener.