Dialysis bag effluent drainage device

Abstract

A support device for supporting a pliable bag includes a first crossbar extending from a first end assembly, a second crossbar extending from a second end assembly to adjustably engage the first crossbar, and a bag holder engaged with either of the first and second crossbars to receive and support a pliable bag.

1 . A support device for supporting a pliable bag, comprising: 
 a first crossbar extending from a first end assembly;    a second crossbar extending from a second end assembly, the second crossbar being longitudinally adjustably engaged with the first crossbar; and    a bag holder engaged with one of the first and second crossbars, the bag holder being adapted to receive and support a pliable bag thereon.    
   
   
       2 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein the first end assembly engages a first support member and the second end assembly engages a second support member.  
   
   
       3 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein engagement of the bag holder with either of the first and second crossbars positions the bag holder above a toilet.  
   
   
       4 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein the first crossbar extends substantially horizontally from the first end assembly.  
   
   
       5 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein the second crossbar extends substantially horizontally from the second end assembly.  
   
   
       6 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein the bag holder is positioned substantially transverse to one of the first and second crossbars.  
   
   
       7 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein the bag holder is a T-bar comprising a pair of hooks for receiving a pliable bag.  
   
   
       8 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein the first crossbar is engaged with the second crossbar via a slotted connection.  
   
   
       9 . The support device of  claim 8  wherein a plurality of holes are formed in the first crossbar whereby the first crossbar is longitudinally adjustable relative to the second crossbar.  
   
   
       10 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein the first crossbar is pivotally connected to the first end assembly.  
   
   
       11 . The support device of  claim 10  wherein the first crossbar is connected to the first end assembly via a swivel pin.  
   
   
       12 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein the second crossbar is pivotally connected to the second end assembly.  
   
   
       13 . The support device of  claim 12  wherein the second crossbar is connected to the second end assembly via a swivel pin.  
   
   
       14 . The support device of  claim 1  comprising a pliable bag wherein the pliable bag is a dialysis bag.  
   
   
       15 . A support device for supporting a pliable bag in a spaced relation from a toilet, comprising: 
 means for providing a substantially horizontal support above the toilet;    means for securing the horizontal support to a pair of fixed bars disposed adjacent to the toilet; and    means for supporting a pliable bag on the horizontal support to position a pliable bag above the toilet.    
   
   
       16 . The support device of  claim 15  comprising a pliable bag wherein the pliable bag is a dialysis bag.  
   
   
       17 . The support device of  claim 16  wherein the horizontal support is adjustable.  
   
   
       18 . A support device for supporting a pliable bag, comprising: 
 a first crossbar extending from a first end assembly;    a second crossbar extending from a second end assembly, the second crossbar being longitudinally adjustably engaged with the first crossbar in a telescoping arrangement; and    a bag holder engaged with both the first and second crossbars to secure the first and second crossbars to one another and wherein the bag holder is adapted to receive and support a pliable bag thereon.    
   
   
       19 . The support device of  claim 18  wherein the first and second crossbars are cylindrical rods.  
   
   
       20 . The support device of  claim 18  wherein the bag holder is secured to the first and second crossbars via a pair of cotter pins.  
   
   
       21 . A method for supporting a pliable bag during drainage of the pliable bag into a toilet, comprising: 
 providing a support device for engaging a pair of fixed bars, the support device being positioned above the toilet;    placing a pliable bag on the support device whereby the support device supports the pliable bag; and    opening a spout of the pliable bag to drain the pliable bag.    
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the support device is adjustable.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the pliable bag is a dialysis bag.