Patient Single Surface System

Abstract

This invention is directed towards a patient single surface system, PS3, which is a next generation system solution for patient accommodation, diagnosis, treatment, transfer and transport. PS3 provides a single surface for the patient to remain on from the trauma site through diagnosis, treatment and convalescence. Needs addressed by the PS3 system include improved patient treatment through reduction in time to treatment, reduced or eliminated unnecessary patient movement and injury, as well as improved comfort throughout treatment and convalescence. In addition, the PS3 system solves significant economic considerations.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A single surface system useful for continuous support, transfer and treatment of an individual throughout a plurality of medical environments and procedures comprising:
 a single surface;   a single surface transport and transfer frame constructed and arranged for reversible engagement with said single surface; and   at least one single surface-to-frame interface for effecting engagement of said single surface and said single surface transport and transfer frame;   whereby engagement of said single surface-to-frame interface results in positioning of said single surface upon said single surface transport and transfer frame.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said single surface is constructed and arranged to include at least one matable receiving surface, said matable receiving surface is adapted to receive at least one auxiliary component therein,
 whereby universal and infinitely adjustable engagement of a plurality of auxiliary components is enabled.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  further including at least one auxiliary block assembly effective for reversible attachment of auxiliary components to said system, said at least one auxiliary block assembly having at least one component for releasable engagement with said matable receiving surface. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said single surface transport and transfer frame includes:
 a pair of frame lower legs positioned at opposite ends of said frame; and   a cantilever column in engagement with each said frame lower legs.   
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4  wherein said matable surface is a T-slot. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5  wherein said matable surface is a T-slot containing one or more channels adapted to receive said catch tips. 
     
     
         7 . A single surface system useful for continuous support, transfer and treatment of an individual throughout a plurality of medical environments and procedures comprising:
 a single surface having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis; said single surface including at least one matable receiving surface coextensive with a lateral edge thereof, which surface is adapted to receive at least one auxiliary component therein;   said single surface further including an articulation inter-lock module adapted for reversible engagement with said single surface and including articulation inter-lock blocks incorporating therein coupling means adapted for reversible engagement with corresponding mating means affixed to a mating surface, said articulation inter-lock blocks being in mechanical engagement with an articulation inter-lock module securement means, which inter-lock module securement means is operable to convey each of said articulation inter-lock blocks from a coupling orientation to a locking orientation subsequent to positive coupling with each said mating means; and   a single surface transport and transfer frame constructed and arranged for reversible engagement with said primary single surface.