TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a modular mannequin. The invention particularly, though not necessarily, relates to a modular mannequin which is suitable for training healthcare professionals in the treatment of bariatric patients.

BACKGROUND

Obesity levels in the UK have more than trebled in the last 30 years and it is now estimated that one in every four adults living in the UK is obese. Moreover, it is estimated that there are over 670 million obese people worldwide. Consequently, hospitals and other healthcare providers are treating increasing numbers of bariatric patients, i.e. patients who are classified as being clinically obese. Caring for these patients presents healthcare professionals and others, such as emergency service personnel, with a number of challenges, including how to safely and respectfully move a bariatric patient. Moving or repositioning a bariatric patient can cause healthcare professionals to sustain musculoskeletal injuries, e.g. sprains, strains and excessive spinal loading. There is also a risk of injury to a bariatric patient during their moving or repositioning. Plainly, there is a need to ensure healthcare professionals are adequately trained before administering treatment to bariatric patients. Therefore, bariatric mannequins, i.e. mannequins being of a suitable size and/or weight to simulate an obese human, are used to train healthcare professionals in the treatment of bariatric patients.

It is an object of embodiments of the invention to at least mitigate one or more of the problems associated with prior art arrangements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular mannequin comprising a plurality of individual mannequin sub-parts and one or more flexible couplings, each of the flexible couplings being configured to releasably connect two or more of the plurality of individual mannequin sub-parts to one another, wherein one or more of the individual mannequin sub-parts are each configured to receive at least one removable material. This arrangement may improve the ease of which a bariatric mannequin, i.e. a mannequin having a sufficient size and/or weight to simulate an obese human, is transported and/or stored when not in use and may improve the simulation of an anatomically correct weight distribution in such a mannequin. In certain embodiments, one or more of the plurality of individual mannequin sub-parts may each comprise a compartment configured to contain the at least one removable material. Optionally, one or more of the compartments are each selectively sealable. In certain embodiments, the modular mannequin may further comprise one or more fastening means, each of the fastening means being associated with at least one respective flexible coupling and configured to facilitate the releasable connection of two or more of the plurality of individual mannequin sub-parts to one another. Optionally, one or more of the fastening means each comprises a male portion and a female portion, the female portion being configured to receive and selectively retain the male portion.

In certain embodiments, the modular mannequin may further comprise one or more adjustment means, each of the adjustment means being associated with at least one respective flexible coupling and configured to permit adjustment of a length of each respective flexible coupling. Optionally, one or more of the adjustment means may each comprise a hook and loop fastener. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the adjustment means may each comprise a slide buckle.

One or more of the flexible couplings may be configured to selectively provide a hinge between a first individual mannequin sub-part and a second individual mannequin subpart when the first individual mannequin sub-part and the second individual mannequin sub-part are connect to one another.

Preferably, one or more of the flexible couplings each comprises a flexible fabric. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the individual mannequin sub-parts each comprises a flexible fabric.

In certain embodiments, the modular mannequin may further comprise the at least one removable material received by at least one of the plurality of individual mannequin sub- parts. In certain embodiments, the modular mannequin may further comprise at least two removable materials received by at least one of the plurality of individual mannequin subparts, each of the removable materials having a different density to that of the at least one other of the at least two removable materials. The total weight of the modular mannequin may be 100kg or greater. Further, the total weight of the modular mannequin maybe any predetermined weight between 100kg and 500kg. The modular mannequin may be 100cm or greater in at least one dimension when fully assembled. The modular mannequin may be any predetermined size between 100cm and 300cm in at least one dimension when fully assembled.

In certain embodiments, the modular mannequin may further comprise one or more prosthetic body parts, each of the prosthetic body parts being configured to be releaseably connectable to one or more of the plurality of individual mannequin subparts. Optionally, two or more of the plurality of individual mannequin sub-parts may be configured to provide a limb of the modular mannequin. Two or more of the plurality of individual mannequin sub-parts may be configured to provide a torso of the modular mannequin.

In certain embodiments, the modular mannequin may further comprise an outer casing configured to selectively at least partially receive two or more of the individual mannequin sub-parts.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular mannequin comprising a plurality of individual mannequin sub-parts and a plurality of flexible couplings, each of the flexible couplings connecting two or more of the plurality of mannequin sub-parts to one another, wherein one or more of the plurality of flexible couplings is configured to selectively form a hinge between a first individual mannequin sub-part and a second individual mannequin sub-part when the first individual mannequin sub-part and the second individual mannequin sub-part are connected to one another. This arrangement may provide a bariatric mannequin with improved simulation of an anatomically correct human joint, while providing a mannequin which is robust and easy to clean and repair.

In certain embodiments, one or more of the individual mannequin sub-parts are each configured to receive at least one removable material. In certain embodiments, one or more of the plurality of individual mannequin sub-parts may each comprise a compartment configured to contain the at least one removable material. Optionally, one or more of the compartments are each selectively sealable.

In certain embodiments, the modular mannequin may further comprise one or more fastening means, each of the fastening means being associated with at least one respective flexible coupling and configured to facilitate the releasable connection of two or more of the plurality of individual mannequin sub-parts to one another. Optionally, one or more of the fastening means each comprises a male portion and a female portion, the female portion being configured to receive and selectively retain the male portion.

In certain embodiments, the modular mannequin may further comprise one or more adjustment means, each of the adjustment means being associated with at least one respective flexible coupling and configured to permit adjustment of a length of each respective flexible coupling. Optionally, one or more of the adjustment means may each comprise a hook and loop fastener. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the adjustment means may each comprise a slide buckle.

Preferably, one or more of the flexible couplings each comprises a flexible fabric. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the individual mannequin sub-parts each comprises a flexible fabric. In certain embodiments, the modular mannequin may further comprise the at least one removable material received by at least one of the plurality of individual mannequin subparts. In certain embodiments, the modular mannequin may further comprise at least two removable materials received by at least one of the plurality of individual mannequin subparts, each of the removable materials having a different density to that of the at least one other of the at least two removable materials.

The total weight of the modular mannequin may be 100kg or greater. Further, the total weight of the modular mannequin maybe any predetermined weight between 100kg and 500kg. The modular mannequin may be 100cm or greater in at least one dimension when fully assembled. The modular mannequin may be any predetermined size between 100cm and 300cm in at least one dimension when fully assembled.

In certain embodiments, the modular mannequin may further comprise one or more prosthetic body parts, each of the prosthetic body parts being configured to be releaseably connectable to one or more of the plurality of individual mannequin subparts. Optionally, two or more of the plurality of individual mannequin sub-parts may be configured to provide a limb of the modular mannequin. Two or more of the plurality of individual mannequin sub-parts may be configured to provide a torso of the modular mannequin.

In certain embodiments, the modular mannequin may further comprise an outer casing configured to selectively at least partially receive two or more of the individual mannequin sub-parts. In certain embodiments, one or more of each of the flexible couplings may releasably connect two or more of the plurality of mannequin sub-parts to one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a modular mannequin according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of selective sub-parts of the modular mannequin shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a side view of a limb of the modular mannequin shown in Figure 1 , the limb being configured to include a non-flexing hinge; and

Figure 4 shows a further side view of the limb shown in Figure 3, the limb being configured to include a flexing hinge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a modular mannequin 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The mannequin 10 is a bariatric mannequin, i.e. the mannequin 10 is intended for use in the training of healthcare professionals and/or others in the safe and dignified treatment of bariatric patients. The mannequin 10 comprises a plurality of individual mannequin sub-parts 12 and a plurality of flexible couplings 14. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of flexible couplings 14 may comprise a flexible material. The flexible couplings 14 are configured to releasably connect two or more of the individual mannequin sub-parts 12 to one another. Moreover, each of the individual mannequin sub-parts 12 are configured to receive a removable material.

The individual mannequin sub-parts 12 may be configured to simulate various portions of human anatomy. Consequently, when connected by the flexible couplings 14, the mannequin sub-parts 12 are arranged relative to one another such that the mannequin 10 may simulate the overall external anatomy of an obese human adult. As illustrated in the accompanying figures, two or more of the plurality of individual mannequin sub-parts 12 may be configured to provide a limb of the modular mannequin, e.g. two of the individual mannequin sub-parts parts may, when connected to one another, provide an arm or leg of the modular mannequin 10. Also, as best illustrated in Figure 2, two or more of the plurality of individual mannequin sub-parts 12 may be configured to provide a torso of the modular mannequin 10. Further, the mannequin may comprise an outer casing 16 to at least partially receive two or more of the individual mannequin sub-parts 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer casing 16 is in the form of a vest and is configured to receive a number of the individual mannequin sub-parts 12 which, when connected together, comprise the torso of the mannequin 10. The addition of the outer casing 16 may provide a more realistic appearance and/or improved functionality of the assembled modular mannequin 10.

The individual mannequin sub-parts 12 may each comprise a respective compartment configured to contain the removable material therein. Further, each of the compartments may comprise a respective opening (not shown) configured to permit the receipt and/or removal of the removable material from each of the compartments. The openings may each comprise a respective zip or other means to selectively seal each of the compartments, and thereby selectively retain the removable material therein. In certain embodiments, the removable material may be a particulate solid, e.g. sand, gravel, plastic beads. However, while any suitable particulate solid may be used, shredded car tyres or other shredded rubber products have been found to be particularly suitable. In certain embodiments, the removable material may be a liquid, e.g. water. In certain embodiments, the removable material may comprise multiple removable sub-materials, each removable sub-material having a different density to that of at least one other removable sub-material. Combinations of sub-materials may permit the weight of the individual mannequin sub-parts 12 (and, consequently, the overall weight of the assembled modular mannequin 10) to be controlled for a given volume of the individual mannequin sub-parts 12 and/or for a given volume of the removable material. For example, in certain embodiments, expanded polystyrene beads may be combined with a denser material, e.g. shredded rubber, and the combined sub-materials used to fill the individual mannequin sub-parts 12. By varying the proportion of one sub-material relative to another, the weight of the modular mannequin 10 may be easily modified by an end user. Moreover, the ability control the weight of the mannequin 10 and/or the weight of each of the sub-parts 12 may allow improve the simulation of an anatomically correct weight distribution.. One or more of the individual mannequin sub-parts 12 may be fabricated from a flexible fabric 18. The fabric 18 may be woven or non-woven. In certain embodiments, the fabric 18 may comprise a base-cloth and a coating. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable that the fabric 18 have flame retardant properties. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable for the fabric 18 to have anti-microbial properties. Of course, it will be understood that the exact properties of the fabric 18 will depend upon the intended use of the modular mannequin 10. Moreover, the individual mannequin sub-parts 12 may be fabricated from any suitable material. In certain embodiments, the fabric 18 will be at least durable, waterproof and easy to clean.

In certain embodiments, the plurality of flexible couplings 14 may each comprise one or more flat strips of flexible, i.e. pliable, fabric. The flat strips of fabric may be woven fabric strips. Each of the flat strips of fabric may be any suitable width. However, in preferable embodiments the width of the flat strips of fabric may be between 2cm and 10cm. In certain embodiments, the plurality of flexible couplings 14 may each comprise one or more flexible cords. The plurality of flexible couplings 14 may each comprise one of a plurality of first flexible portions. In certain embodiments, the plurality of flexible couplings 14 may each further comprise one of a plurality of a second flexible portions. Each of first flexible portions may be associated with one of the individual mannequin sub-parts 12 and each of the second flexible portions may be associated with another of the subparts 12. Therefore, with the first and second flexible portions each associated with respective individual mannequin sub-parts 12, each of first flexible portions may be tied, i.e. knotted, to at least one of the second flexible portions to releaseably connect two or more of the individual mannequin sub-parts 12 to one another.

Referring now to the numerals indicted in Figure 2, the modular mannequin 10 may further comprise fastening means 20. The fastening means 20 may be associated with at least one of the flexible couplings 14 and configured to facilitate the releasable connection of two or more of the individual mannequin sub-parts 12 to one another. The fastening means 20 may facilitate connection and disconnection of the individual mannequin sub-parts 12 in order to rapidly and easily assemble and dissemble the modular mannequin 10. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the fastening means 20 may each comprise a plurality of side release buckles 22. Therefore, in certain embodiments, one or more of the fastening means 20 may each comprise a male portion 24 and female portion 26, the female portion 26 being configured to receive and selectively retain the male portion 24 therein. It will be understood that each male portion 24 may be associated with one of the individual mannequin sub-parts 12 and that each corresponding female portion may be associated with another of the sub-parts 12. Therefore, each of the male portions 24 may be selectivity retained within one of the female portions 26 to releaseably connect two or more of the individual mannequin sub- parts 12 to one another. Moreover, each male portion 24 may be associated with one of the plurality of first flexible portions and each corresponding female portion 26 may be associated with one of the plurality of second flexible portions. The fastening means 20 may additionally or alternatively comprise a plurality of hook and loop fasteners 28 (this type of fastener is often colloquially referred to using the registered trade mark "VELCRO") and a plurality of rings 30, each of the rings 30 being configured to allow a portion of one or more of the plurality of hook and loop fasteners 28 to pass therethrough. Each of the hook and loop fasteners 28 may comprise a flexible strip of fabric having a hook portion at a respective first end and a loop portion at a respective opposing second end. Thus, as is conventional, folding one of the plurality of the hook and loop fasteners 28 back on itself permits fastening the hook and loop fastener 28 by joining together the respective hook and loop portions. Each of the hook and loop fasteners 28 may be associated with one of the individual mannequin sub-parts 12 and each of the plurality of rings 30 may be associated with another of the sub-parts 12. Therefore, each of the plurality of hook and loop fasteners 28 may be passed through one or more of the plurality of rings 30, folded back on itself and fastened to releaseably connect two or more of the individual mannequin sub-parts 12 to one another. It will also be understood that each of the plurality of hook and loop fasteners 28 may be associated with one of the plurality of first flexible portions and each of the plurality of rings 30 be associated with one of the plurality of second flexible portions.

In certain embodiments, the modular mannequin 10 may further comprise adjustment means 32. The adjustment means 32 may be associated with at least one of the flexible couplings 14 and configured to permit adjustment of a length of each of the respective flexible couplings 14. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, one or more of the hook and loop fasteners 28 may provide the adjustment means 28. Accordingly, one or more of the hook and loop fasteners 28 may simultaneously provide the fastening means 20 and the adjustment means 32 associated with a single flexible coupling 14. In certain embodiments, the adjustment means may comprise a slide buckle (not shown).

One or more of the flexible couplings 14 may be configured to selectively provide a hinge, i.e. a joint, between at least two of the plurality of individual mannequin sub-parts 12 when said individual mannequin sub-parts 12 are connected to one another. By way of example, Figure 3 and Figure 4 show two of the plurality of individual mannequin subparts 12a, 12b connected to one another by four of the plurality of flexible couplings 14a, 14 b, 14c. The flexible couplings 14a, 14b, 14c are configured to selectively provide a hinge between the connected mannequin sub-parts 12a, 12b.

Figure 3 shows the hinge in a first configuration, in which the flexible couplings 14a, 14b, 14c limit relative movement of the connected mannequin sub-parts 12a, 12b. In the first configuration, the hinge is in a non-flexing condition. Figure 4 shows the hinge in a second configuration, in which the flexible couplings 14a, 14b, 14c permit relative movement of the connected mannequin sub-parts 12a, 12b. In the second configuration, the hinge is in a flexing condition. The length of one or more of the flexible couplings 14a, 14b, 14c associated with the hinge may be adjusted, by way of the adjustment means 32 (as described above), to transition the hinge between the first and second configurations. In the illustrated embodiment, two of the pluraury of flexible couplings 14a, 14b are longer in the second configuration than in first configuration, thereby permitting relative movement of the connected individual mannequin sub-parts 12a, 12b. The adjustment means 32 may be adjusted to limit the maximum angle of flexing between the connected individual mannequin sub-parts 12a, 12b, i.e. the length of the flexible couplings 14a, 14b may be selected to limit the maximum angle of flexing. While any suitable angle is possible, the maximum angle may be limited to an angle of 90° or less. In certain embodiments, the maximum angle may be limited to an angle of 45° or less. Limiting the maximum angle of flexing between the connected individual mannequin sub-parts 12a, 12b may improve the simulation of an anatomically correct human joint. In certain embodiments, two or more of the plurality of flexible couplings 14 may together selectively provide the hinge. In certain embodiments, three or more of the plurality of flexible couplings 14 may together selectively provide the hinge. Of course any suitable number of the plurality of flexible couplings 14 may together selectively provide the hinge.

The modular mannequin 10 may further comprise one or more prosthetic body parts. Each of the prosthetic body parts may be releaseably connectable to one or more of the plurality of individual mannequin sub-parts 12. Each of the prosthetic body parts may be releaseably connectable in a manner as described above regarding the releasable connection of two or more of the individual mannequin sub-parts 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the modular mannequin 10 further comprises prosthetic body parts including a prosthetic head 34, prosthetic hands 36 and prosthetic feet 38. In certain embodiments, the prosthetic head 34, prosthetic hands 36 and prosthetic feet 38 may each be provided in isolation, in combination with one another or in combination with additional prosthetic body parts. In addition to training healthcare professionals in the treatment of bariatric patients, the modular mannequin 10 may be used to train others in the moving and lifting of obese persons. Therefore, by way of non-limiting example only, fire and rescue services may use the modular mannequin 10 to simulate the rescue of an obese person. Further, the modular mannequin 10 may be used to train police officers, custody staff and/or prison officers in the handling of obese prisoners.

It will be understood that the exact size and weight of the modular mannequin 10 may vary depending upon the particular requirements of an end user. The modular mannequin 10 may be configured to simulate a patient of any size and/or weight, including children. However, in certain embodiments, the total weight of the assembled modular mannequin 10, including the sum of the removable material received by each of the individual mannequin sub-parts 12, may be between 100kg and 500kg. In certain embodiments, the total weight of the assembled modular mannequin 10, including the sum of the removable material received by each of the individual mannequin sub-parts 12, may be 500kg or greater. It will also be understood that the total number of individual mannequin sub-parts may be any suitable number. In certain embodiments, the total number of individual mannequin sub-parts may be five sub-parts or more. In certain embodiments, the total number of individual mannequin sub-parts may be ten sub-parts or more.

While the embodiment of the invention shown in the accompanying figures simulates the overall external anatomy of an obese human adult, the invention is not limited to simulating human anatomy. Indeed, the individual mannequin sub-parts 12 may be configured to simulate various portions of animal anatomy. Thus, the assembled modular mannequin 10 may simulate the overall external anatomy of an animal, e.g. a horse. Such a mannequin may aid in the training of fire and rescue services and/or veterinarians to deal with injured or trapped large and/or heavy animals, including domesticated animals, wild animals, and animals kept in captivity. Particularly when configured to simulate large animals, the total weight of the assembled modular mannequin 10, including the sum of the removable material received by each of the individual mannequin sub-parts 12, may be 500kg or greater.

Any embodiment of the invention may improve the ease of which a bariatric mannequin, i.e. a mannequin having a sufficient size and/or weight to simulate an obese human, is transported and/or stored when not in use. Additionally or alternatively, embodiments of the invention may improve the simulation of an anatomically correct weight distribution in a bariatric mannequin. Moreover, any embodiment of the invention may be robust, easy to clean and easy to repair. Any embodiment of the invention may provide an economic and durable mannequin suitable for training healthcare professionals in the treatment of bariatric patients. Embodiments of the invention may be supplied to an end user with or without the removable material, as supplying without the removable material may significantly reduce delivery costs. The end user may then configure the invention to contain the removable material upon delivery.

The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings) may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings). The claims should not be construed to cover merely the foregoing embodiments, but also any embodiments which fall within the scope of the claims.