Surgery: light – thermal – and electrical application – Light – thermal – and electrical application – Electrical energy applicator
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-30
2001-12-04
Bockelman, Mark (Department: 3762)
Surgery: light, thermal, and electrical application
Light, thermal, and electrical application
Electrical energy applicator
C191S012400
Reexamination Certificate
active
06327507
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to lead wires for various types of electrical devices, particularly to a device for management of multiple lead wire devices useful in conjunction with electrotherapy apparatus, and most particularly to a retractable lead wire device for electrotherapy environments the construction of which is in compliance with IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) Collateral Standard 601-1, Section 10, paragraph 56.3.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various systems are formed from a plurality of individual components which are interconnected by electrically conductive cabling. Illustrative of such systems are electrotherapy devices, computer systems, stereo systems and the like. A problem common to all such systems is the storage of the various connecting cables or lead wires necessary to interconnect the components. Excessive lengths of jumbled cables are unsightly as well as dangerous. A user or casual bystander might easily become entangled and subsequently injured due to excessive cabling. Furthermore, the cabling can represent a safety hazard, e.g. a fire might accidentally start due to a frayed cable or the user might suffer an electrical shock. Lastly, the excess cable is subject to wear and unnecessary abrasion which will cause it to become worn prematurely. Managing the number of wires required in complex systems becomes problematic, and the various lengths of the wires make it difficult, if not impossible to route them in a neat, organized and safe manner.
What is lacking in the art is an effective device for managing lead wires which utilizes a spring motor which is capable of maintaining a safe degree of tension on the wiring during its entire range of deployment. Additionally, the prior art lacks a wire management device that employs a braking mechanism which automatically maintains the wiring at a desired extension and subsequently enables easy and controlled retrieval, without damaging the wiring or connectors attached thereto.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
U.S. Pat. No. 5,701,981 teaches a retractable and extendable electrical power cord, positionable within a wall. The reels utilize a spring which transfers an ever increasing tension to the cord as it is withdrawn. A locking mechanism or brake is further provided for stopping the reel when a desired amount of cord has been retracted. A particular deficiency inherent in this design is that the brake must be specifically engaged in order to fix the cord in place. Furthermore, the increasing tightness of the spring makes withdrawal more difficult as cord is withdrawn and creates a situation where the spring may retract the cord too forcefully when the brake is released. Lastly, the cable itself is likely to be damaged due to the excessive force necessary for movement.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,960 is drawn to a cord reel assembly which has a fixed cord and a retractable/extendable cord. The assembly is designed to eliminate sliding brushes and is designed to provide a constant connection without noise or interference. The mechanism utilizes a flat stationary cord having an even number of conductors, e.g. an eight conductor cable where 4 of the 8 conductors are used for signal transmission and the remaining 4 carry similar signals in opposite directions. The tension on the wire continually increases as the wire is extended and release of the pawl and ratchet results in a high speed retrieval which can be damaging to fragile wiring and connectors.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,749 is drawn to an electrical cord retraction device having a spiral wound flat conducting cable which can be wound about a mandrel and heat-treated to retain its tightly wound shape. In alternative embodiments, swiveling electrical contacts may be utilized to maintain electrical contact and a spring motor is tightened during extension to provide a force for retraction. The device does not provide a way of maintaining the cable in an extended position without a restraining force being applied by the user. Furthermore, the device is limited in that the wire remains under constant tension and must be of a sufficient strength to remain intact during numerous push/pull cycles.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,964,490 relates to a lead storage apparatus for electromedical devices. The patent discloses a device which is internally incorporated within a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulating (TENS) unit. The device is formed integral with the TENS unit and has no independent utility. The device contains lead wires for the TENS unit in conjunction with a spring motor for developing tension during extension and a spring loaded braking device having an orifice through which the lead travels. Braking is accomplished by bringing pressure to bear upon the insulated lead wire. In a preferred embodiment, two leads are provided in such a manner that they rotate in opposite directions during extension and retraction thereby tensioning or relaxing the spring motor. The electrical contact is maintained via electrically conductive plates which are in contact with the lead wires and in turn with electrical brush contacts which electrically communicate with the TENS device. This device suffers from the fact that the leads are under constantly increasing tension and the braking is accomplished by placing a frictional and deforming force upon the wire and insulative covering. This will lead to premature failure of both the internal wiring and the insulative covering.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed toward a housing or magazine which is designed for efficient storage and management of electrically conductive cabling useful for the interconnection of disparate components, for example audio components, computer system components and the like. In a particular embodiment, the invention is directed toward a retractable lead wire device useful in the connection of patients to various input and output functions of medical testing and treatment devices, for example electrotherapy machines, ultrasound machinery, electrocardiogram machines (EKG) electroencephalograph (EEG) and devices useful for delivering muscle and nerve stimulation to the body. The device may be attached directly to the machine via a modular plug design thereby providing a compact and attractive storage area for lead wires. In a particular embodiment, the modular plug design prevents inadvertent connection to a mains power source and is in compliance with the current IEC safety standards. The device of the instant invention provides a portable lead wire which is independent of the electrotherapy unit or the like apparatus. The unique design provides for unimpeded withdrawal of the lead wire while simultaneously providing automatic braking to prevent unintended retraction, without applying any deforming force to the cable or its insulative jacket. In this manner, one or more of the lead wires may be used at variable lengths providing safe, convenient and reliable interconnection of multiple devices. While in transit or not in use, the outer housing provides a protective covering for the cabling. Furthermore, due to the novel spring design, the cables are not subjected to unduly high levels of tension which might cause stretching, delamination of the insulative jacket or breaking or fraying of strands of the conductor.
Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to provide a housing for retractably storing electrical connecting cables in a safe and effective manner.
It is a further objective of the instant invention to teach a retractable lead wire device for electrotherapy machines.
It is an additional objective of the instant invention to teach a retractable lead wire device which employs an automatic braking system to prevent unintended recoiling.
It is yet another objective of the instant invention provide a device for protecting lead wires when not in use or during transport.
It is still another objective of the instant invention to provide a cable management device which includes an improved preloaded spring motor which acts to provide uniform and relativ
Bockelman Mark
McHale & Slavin
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