Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a Medical Ambulance Pod System (MAPS) that can transport a patient in lying condition along with a medical support person generally sitting at the patient's head-end. More particularly, the present invention relates to the ambulance system with integrated medical support devices and support structures to permit active resuscitative support to the lying patient by the medical support person, while the ambulance is in transit or at rest.

Background of the invention Ambulances are used to transport patient to the hospitals or to transfer patients from one place to another. Most of the time (except during mass casualties) it is a single patient that is transported. Existing ambulances are large (4 wheelers), expensive to purchase* expensive to outfit, expensive to maintain, fuel inefficient, eco-unfriendly and unable to traverse narrow paths, city traffic jams and village tracks, dirt tracks or negotiate tight curves on mountain roads. This causes difficulty in moving a patient to the hospital speedily. Further, due to lack of proper roads or due to traffic jams, use of present day, road ambulances could lead to delays which could cause worsening of the patient's condition and could, in some cases lead to death.

To combat the problem of the regular ambulances, two wheeler ambulances such as motorcycles/ scooters and similar vehicles are being used. These two wheeler ambulances can be driven by a medical person to carry life supporting or emergency care to a patient at sites where a 4 wheeler ambulance cannot reach. These two wheeler vehicles however, cannot carry a lying patient to a hospital for definitive or emergency care. Further, the existing two wheeler ambulances that can traverse narrow paths have two major short comings.

1. They can only take a medical person to the patient for medical support but cannot carry the patient to hospital, and

2. No active in-transit care/resuscitation can be provided to the patient. Providing resuscitative care to a patient in an ambulance during transit, is well documented as a means of improving the patient's clinical condition and/or chances of survival. Attempts have been made at carrying patients in lying condition in two wheeled ambulances but none in a manner that would include carriage of a medical person positioned in a way that he/she is able to carry out in-transit clinical and or resuscitative care of the patient along with monitoring of various clinical parameters.

Accordingly, there exists a need to provide an ambulance system that overcomes the abovementioned drawbacks.

Objects of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a narrow width, all-weather, Medical Ambulance Pod System (MAPS) that can transport a patient in a supine/prone position and traverse narrow roads, dirt tracks, crowded slums, walking paths, pavements and similar 'difficult to access' terrain.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a Medical Ambulance Pod System (MAPS) in which a medical person can accompany the patient while actively monitoring and provide him/her with resuscitative care, both in-transit and when stationary.

Yet another object of the present invention is to ensure that by providing a removable joining and locking mechanism, the Medical Ambulance Pod System (MAPS) would riot need its own propulsion system, though it could have one and instead, could be connected to, powered and mobilized by many types of vehicles (including two wheelers) and animals.

Still another object of the present invention is to ensure acceptance and locking of most kinds of stretchers into the Medical Ambulance Pod System.

One more object of the present invention is to ensure a low cost of acquisition, maintenance and running of the Medical Ambulance Pod System vis-a-vis present 4 wheeler ambulances.

Summary of the invention

The present invention provides a medical ambulance pod system that can be attached to a prime mover, preferably a two wheeler automobile vehicle, that can transport a patient in a supine/prone position and traverse narrow roads, dirt tracks, crowded slums, walking paths, pavements and similar 'difficult to access' terrain. The medical ambulance pod system is attached to the prime mover through a removable connector, with joining and locking mechanism. The connecter can be secured to the medical ambulance pod system at one end and to the prime mover at the other end with the help of clamps. A small hard rubber nose wheel is also configured to the lower portion of the front end of the medical ambulance pod system, near the first clamp of the connector that touches the ground when there is excessive pitch, so as to negotiate with the speed hump or pothole.

The medical ambulance pod system further provides an arrangement for accommodating a medical attendant to monitor the patient actively and to provide the patient with resuscitative care, both in-transit and when stationary. The medical ambulance pod system comprises of an elongated frame, covered with a retractable canopy made of fiber reinforced plastic material. The retractable canopy allows ingress and egress of the stretcher and /or patient into the medical ambulance pod system. The medical ambulance pod system is also provided with an effective suspension system to ensure a comfortable ride and better road holding properties, especially on village dirt tracks which are very uneven. The medical ambulance pod system is further provided with wheels replaceable with skies for use on snow or with a stand to anchor the system to the surface it is placed on. The axis rod of the wheels can also be lengthened, for certain situations, where greater stability is required. The medical ambulance system is battery powdered and includes storage cabinets, stands, clamps etc for holding basic and advanced life saving equipments and medications. The telemedicine software and phone capability allows remote two-way consultancy and audio/video conferencing between the medical attendant and remote medical expert, both, when the medical ambulance pod system is stationary or in motion.

Brief description of the drawings

Figures 1 to 7 and figure 9 show various views of a Medical Ambulance Pod System, and figure 8 shows the perspective view of a link connecting the medical ambulance pod system to a prime mover, in accordance with the present invention. Detailed description of the invention

The foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art, techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiment.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a medical ambulance pod system that can be attached to a prime mover, preferably a two wheeler automobile vehicle, that can transport a patient in a supine/prone position and traverse narrow roads, dirt tracks, crowded slums, walking paths, pavements and similar 'difficult to access - terrain. The medical Ambulance Pod System provides an arrangement for accommodating a medical attendant to accompany a patient, monitor the patient actively and to provide the patient with resuscitative care, both in-transit and when stationary.

The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in bracket in the following description. Referring now to figures 1-8, the present invention provides a Medical Ambulance Pod System (100) (hereinafter the MAPS (100)). The MAPS (100) includes a hollow elongated frame (10) made like a capsule cut in half along its length. The hollow elongated frame (10) is made lightweight, yet strong, by using a metal enforced frame. The upper portion of the frame (10) is covered on the outside with a light skin that may be crafted in any one of various materials including lightweight metals, fiberglass, carbon- fiber, cloth, tarpaulin, or a combination, thereof.

In an embodiment, the frame (10) includes curved semicircular part at the lower end while the flat portion would face upper end. The frame (10) includes a front end (12) and a rear end (14). Specifically, the front end (12) is gently sloped upwards at an angle to accommodate a comfortable, ergonomically sloped seat for seating the medical person.

The MAPS (100) further includes at least two removable wheels configured on lower portion of the frame (10). The wheels are operably connected to a braking system. The braking system includes a lever configured within the frame (10) near the seating of the medical person. Brakes are connected to the prime mover (101) rear brakes by an easy-to-connect link. This would ensure that braking of the motorcycle would simultaneously activate braking of the MAPS (100) thereby preventing jack-knifing.

The MAPS (100) also includes a hydraulic suspension system (16) configured within the frame (10) for the comfort of the occupants. In an embodiment, the hydraulic suspension is placed near the center of gravity of the frame (10) such that the weight on the front end (12) is slightly more than the rear end (14). Wishbone independent suspensions are also provided to each major wheel, to ensure a comfortable ride and better road holding properties, especially on village dirt tracks which are very uneven. In an embodiment, the wheels (16) can be removed and replaced with skis for use on snow. The wheels (16) can also be replaced by two stands that can stabilize and anchor the MAPS (100) to the surface it is placed on.

Further, the MAPS (100) includes at least one retractable stand (18a) configured in front portion (12) and at least one retractable stand (18b) configured on rear portion (14) of the frame (10). The retractable stands (18a, 18b) are capable of retracting down to provide stability to the MAPS (100) when parked. In an embodiment, the retractable stands (18a, 18b) can also be replaced with wheels or skis or other add^ ons in case of requirements for mobility, stability or anchorage.

In an embodiment, the MAPS (100) includes a retractable canopy (20) configured on the roof and upper side walls of the frame (10). The canopy is made of a fiber reinforced plastic material, more particularly, the canopy (20) if made up of a fiber glass material. It is evident to those skilled in the art that depending on the environmental, comfort, safety, aesthetics requirements and cost factors, the canopy can be designed in a desired manner. To quote a few examples, the canopy (20) is made of a translucent, flexible, light cover for temperate weather; an opaque, flexible, light cover for hot weather; transparent rigid, light cover for cold areas and a translucent, rigid, light cover for cold areas and for aesthetics.

In an embodiment, the canopy (20) can be made retractable by use of a hydraulic mechanism. The canopy (20) can also be made foldable and flexible using plastic, cloth, or any number of flexible materials depending on requirement and/or for keeping costs low. This would allow ingress and egress of the stretcher and /or patient into the MAPS. The MAPS also contains a side door for comfortable ingress/egress of the medical person (image x).

In an embodiment, the MAPS (100) is designed to have a low center of gravity to reduce chances of toppling. The axis rod of the wheels can also be lengthened, for certain situations, where greater stability may be required. The MAPS (100) further includes a battery driven rotating flashing light and siren (22) on the top and front portion of the frame (10) of the MAPS (100). The rotating flashing light and siren (22) are controlled by the driver of the prime mover (101) through the cables (not shown) connected through a quick connect plug-socket. There is also a connection from the rear brake lights of the prime mover (101) for activation of brake lights on the MAPS (101) rear, when brakes are applied on the motorcycle.

The MAPS (100) also includes a connector (24) secured to the lower portion of the front end (12) and connecting the MAPS (100) to a prime mover (101) such as a two wheeled vehicle. Referring to the figure 8, the connecter (24) comprises of a first clamp (24 A) secured to the lower portion of the front end (12), a pair of second clamps (24B) configured to fit around the foot rest of the prime mover (101) and a strap (24C) wrapped around the rear seat of the prime mover (101) securing the connector (24) to the prime mover (101). In an embodiment, a small hard rubber nose wheel is configured to the lower portion of the front end (12), near the first clamp (24A) that touches the ground when there is excessive pitch, (e.g. while negotiating a speed hump or pot hole). The connector (24) is designed in such a way that when the MAPS (100) is connected to the prime mover (101), the front end (12) of the MAPS (100) is slightly uplifted and a part of the connector (24) weight is allowed to rest on the prime mover (101) to ensure increased grip. The connector (24) provides a firm, safe and easy linking to prime mover models without requiring major modifications in linking. It allows limited pitching and banking of the motorcycle, ensures increased grip of the rear wheel of the motorcycle with the ground and allows left/right turning of the combination of the prime mover (101) and MAPS (100) to take sharp and hairpin turns.

In an embodiment, the connector (24) is designed in such a way that it connects to a variety of vehicles or animals.

The MAPS (100) further includes at least one colored reflector/caution light (26) configured thereon to ensure visibility to oncoming and trailing vehicles. The MAPS (100) also includes mud-guards (28). Specifically, the front portion (61) and rear (60) have been suitably signposted to identify it as an ambulance.

The rear end (14) of the MAPS (100) includes a flexible opening (30) for entry of a stretcher (32a) with or without the patient. In an embodiment, the stretcher (32a) can be pushed inside the MAPS (100) by retracting of the canopy (20), opening clam shell and the like.

Referring now to figure 4, there is shown a cross sectional view of the MAPS (100). A locking device (32) is configured on the floor of the MAPS (100) the locking device (32) holds the stretcher (32a) in place once it is loaded inside the MAPS (100). Specifically, the MAPS (100) is designed in such a way that most of single patient stretchers can be accommodated therein. The MAPS (100) is just wide enough to accommodate even a fat patient comfortably.

The MAPS (100) further includes a seat (34) for seating a medical person facing backwards. The positioning of the medical person with respect to the patient head is such that the medical person can conveniently attend to, and provide clinical care to the patient. The medical person can communicate with driver of the prime mover, where required by the use of a wired or wireless communication system. The MAPS (100) includes at least one battery configured on lower portion thereof for providing power to all the electrical devices within the MAPS (100). The battery can be a solar powered battery or mains powered battery. Optionally, an electricity generator set can also be included for operations during night or cloudy days when solar power generation is inadequate. In an embodiment, the electricity generator could also be used to power a small air conditioning system to maintain a comfortable temperature in the cabin.

Specifically, the driver of the prime mover can also monitor vitals, where required. The MAPS (100) includes various medical devices, resuscitative equipment and medications placed conveniently and within reach of the medical person seated in the MAPS (100). For example, an oxygen cylinder (36), and IV bottles (38) are clamped to a stand as shown in figure 5. The oxygen cylinder (36), and IV bottles (38) are held in place by a stand, hence opening of the retractable canopy (20) does not disturb these clamps. Specifically, left armrest (34a) of the medical person's seat (34) is next to the right wall of the canopy (20). This arm rest can be opened to access medicines and devices as and when required. The MAPS (100) also includes storage cabinets (40) for storing devices like hand held suction, Resuscitation Ambu Bag, drinking water, and the like. These storage cabinets (40) can be accessed during transit. There are more storage areas (42) that can be accessed when the vehicle is parked.

The MAPS (100) also includes a stand (44) configured on left side of the wall for holding devices like Pulse-oxy meter, BP apparatus, Thermometer, torch, auroscope and the like. The MAPS also includes an instrument panel (44c) from where devices like LED lights (44a), Fan (44b), headphone/mike, can be accessed/connected.

In preferred embodiment, two flexible windows (46) on each side of the canopy (20) are provided. However, it may be evident to those skilled in the art to provide more windows as per user requirement. The windows (46) provide light and can be opened for ventilation. In a preferred embodiment, the MAPS (100) also includes a flexible door (48) configured on the canopy (20) for entry/exit of the medical person therein. The emergency services provided by the present invention are identical to those provided by existing ambulances, as small or miniaturized medical equipment are utilized in the MAPS (100). Data from these devices can be transmitted if required, to remote centers using Telemedicine software, internet connectivity and a multifunction, hand-held, SDVl enabled, tablet computer. The telemedicine software and phone capability allows remote two-way consultancy and audio/video conferencing between the medical attendant and remote medical expert, both, when the MAPS (100) is parked or in motion. This allows the invention to be utilized not just as an ambulance but also a mobile clinic.

The invention has all the modern equipment required of a full sized B/ALS (Basic/Advanced Life Saving) Ambulance. A large number of miniaturized medical equipment are used to fit within the invention without compromising on functionality. The equipment are selected from PulseOxy meter, Sphygmomanometer, stethoscope, Thermometer, Glucometer, Hemoglobin strips, Malaria detection strips, Dengue detection strips, Suction Device, Ambu Bag, Oxygen Cylinder and set, Light-weight Stretcher, Weighing machine, Height measure, LED Torch, ENT Scope, Fire Extinguisher, Internal Fans, Internal lighting, Power points and sockets (12v), USB charging points, Flashing lights and siren, etc. Further, depending upon patients need, other equipment are selected from ECG machine, IV Drips, Injectables, Medicines, Splints, Nebuliser, Defibrillator, Computer, Telemedicine Enabled Cloud Apps, and Streaming EMR, Foldable tent for clinic, Folding chairs, Folding table, Folding stool, Folding bed, etc.

More could be added in future with newer medical discoveries. Resuscitative equipment are placed within the MAPS (100) in a way that they are placed ergonomically and within convenient hand reach of the seated medical attendant. Controls required to be operated by the driver of the vehicle, like the siren and flashing lights, are ergonomically placed within finger/thumb reach of the driver (while his hands are placed on the driving/riding controls).

Advantages of the invention

• The MAPS (100) ensures all-weather capability and can traverse narrow roads, dirt tracks, crowded slums, walking paths, pavements and other difficult to access terrain including those with sand and snow. Being a narrow track vehicle, MAPS (100) can negotiate tracks or paths that are as less as three feet in width. This allows access to remote or congested areas that are not accessible to existing patient carrying ambulances.

• The MAPS (100) being a narrow track vehicle can negotiate tracks or paths that are as less as three feet in width. This allows access to remote or congested areas that are not accessible to existing patient carrying ambulances.

• The MAPS (100) can be mobilized by any one of a large number of vehicles or animals.

• The MAPS (100) can carry the patient in a lying position along with a medical person.

The MAPS (100) carries the patient and medical person such positioned that the same is convenient for patient care.

The MAPS (100) is designed to be socially acceptable.

The MAPS (100) also carry medicines and medical devices for treatment and resuscitative care. The MAPS (100) includes the medical person is seated in a position that would allow monitoring and provision of active treatment and resuscitative care while stationary and during transit.

The MAPS (100) can be disconnected from a prime mover and into aircrafts, land-crafts or sea-crafts without the need to stop or pause emergency/clinical care to the patient.

The MAPS (100) can change from a wheel mode to a snow/sand mode or parked mode without the need to stop or pause emergency/clinical care.

• The MAPS (100) can allow customization of the interiors to ensure use of different modalities of medical care. · The MAPS (100) would have a low cost of acquisition and maintenance as compared to 4 wheeler ambulances.

The foregoing objects of the invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with prior art techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention described in the present embodiment. Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein; however, it is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure, or matter.

The embodiments of the invention as described above and the methods disclosed herein will suggest further modification and alterations to those skilled in the art. Such further modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.