Phlebotomy Belt Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/624,330, which was filed on Jan. 24, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of phlebotomy belt devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a belt to hold items to perform a blood draw. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in phlebotomy belt devices. Generally, drawing blood can be dangerous to both a healthcare worker and a patient. A patient may try grabbing the supplies and accidentally hit the needle causing injury and pain. Handling multiple supplies while trying to position a patient can be difficult and result in dropped supplies.

As is known, medical procedures and treatments not only often require specific equipment but also require medical supplies that are used to perform a certain medical procedure, etc. One common medical procedure that is performed in a number of different settings is the drawing of blood for testing and analysis or even for blood collection efforts. This being said, the compartments used for the storage of hypodermic needles, packets of gauze, sanitary wipes, vacuum tubes, and other needed supplies for drawing blood have been lacking and disorganized. Many phlebotomists are forced to bring supplies to a patient or a patient's bedside. Problems with samples being lost or misplaced and chances of blood samples being damaged or tainted are always possible. This can cause loss of time and money and risk to patient health and hospital accountability.

Accordingly, there is a demand for an improved phlebotomy belt device that holds all the items needed in an organized fashion. More particularly, there is a demand for a phlebotomy belt device that keeps the supplies readily accessible when a blood draw is performed.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a phlebotomy belt device that provides users with a belt to hold items such as needles, gauze, tubes, alcohol pads, and bandages to perform a blood draw. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a phlebotomy belt device that allows for an easier collection from any position or for anyone unable to sit in the drawing chair. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a phlebotomy belt device that assists any healthcare setting in which a blood draw or phlebotomy is performed. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that secures easily to the waist area of the user for a hassle and hands-free blood draw experience. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a phlebotomy belt device that eliminates supplies not being readily accessible or the need for additional assistance. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a phlebotomy belt device that has an adjustable buckle.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a phlebotomy belt device. The device is a belt for holding the required tools and supplies for drawing blood from a patient's body. The phlebotomy belt device comprises a body component that is configured in a rectangular shape as a small basket or as a pouch. The body component holds needles, draw tubes, gauzes, swabs, band aids, etc. The body component also comprises an adjustable waist belt that buckles together, securing the body component at a user's front. Thus, once the device is strapped around a user's waist, a user can place all the supplies needed for a blood draw inside the body component to quickly and smoothly draw blood from a patient. Accordingly, the device helps the healthcare provider draw blood in an efficient and orderly manner, all while preventing the need for an assistant to hold or hand the provider multiple items.

In this manner, the phlebotomy belt device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that allows for easier blood collection. The device is a body component that is secured around a user's waist. The device has an adjustable waist belt.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a phlebotomy belt device. The device is a belt for holding the required tools and supplies for drawing blood from a patient's body. The phlebotomy belt device comprises a body component and an adjustable waist belt that secures around a user's waist. Thus, once the device is strapped around a user's waist, a user can place all the supplies needed for a blood draw inside the body component to quickly and smoothly draw blood from a patient.

In one embodiment, the phlebotomy belt device of the present invention assists any healthcare setting in which a blood draw or phlebotomy is performed. The phlebotomy belt device secures easily to a user's waist area and provides a hassle and hands-free blood draw experience. The phlebotomy belt device provides for all blood draw supplies to be readily available, as needed. The phlebotomy belt device includes internal storage along with other optional features to facilitate a health professional to perform a phlebotomy. The device is portable in that it is configured to be easily carried by a person and is sized so as to be used with human patients.

In one embodiment, the phlebotomy belt device comprises a body component. The body component is typically configured in a rectangular shape but can be configured in any suitable shape as is known in the art. Generally, the body component is shaped to resemble a small basket but could also be shaped as a pouch or other suitable container as is known in the art. Typically, the body component comprises a bottom surface, opposing side walls, and opposing top and bottom walls which define an interior cavity accessed by an open top.

In one embodiment, if the body component is a pouch, it can include a zippered closure which secures the interior cavity and its contents. If the body component is a basket, the interior cavity remains open and is not releasably secured with a zipper or other securing means. However, the basket configuration can have a pivotable lid to secure the interior cavity. The pivotable lid can have a lock or latch feature to ensure that the pivotable lid remains closed in a covering relationship over the interior cavity. For example, the pivotable lid can have a first fastener that mates with a second fastener that is part of the body component. In one embodiment, the first fastener can be a hook and loop tab at the front edge of the lid that mates with hook and loop material that is coupled to the body component. Other types of fasteners, such as snaps, buttons, etc., can be used. In addition, a mechanical lock device can likewise be used to lock the pivotable cover in place over the body component.

In one embodiment, the body component is sized and shaped to retain a plurality of phlebotomy supplies, such as, but not including, needles, draw tubes, gauzes, swabs, and band aids, etc., or any other suitable phlebotomy supplies as is known in the art. Typically, the interior cavity is an open cavity where the phlebotomy supplies are stored, to be easily accessed as needed. However, in one embodiment, the interior cavity comprises storage components for retaining draw tubes/vacuum tubes in an upright position. For example, the storage components can store several 35 mm holes for vacuum tubes, several 13 mm holes for vacuum tubes, multiple 11 mm holes for vacuum tubes, and several 17 mm holes for vacuum tubes, etc. The interior cavity also comprises storage areas for gauze, pads, tape, wrappers, alcohol wipes, etc. The interior cavity also comprises a storage compartment for needles and used needles and other used supplies, and any other suitable compartments or components for storing the phlebotomy supplies in an organized fashion, such as tube racks, clamps, storage containers, etc.

In one embodiment, the phlebotomy belt device comprises an adjustable waist belt that secures around a user's waist during use. The adjustable waist belt is secured to the body component to hold it in place at the front of a user. The waist belt is secured to the body component via a buckle, threaded through slots of the body component, adhesives, glue, etc., or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art. Typically, the waist belt is adjustable via a sliding buckle or any other suitable adjusting means as is known in the art. Further, the waist belt is then positioned around a user's waist and secured via a buckle, snap, Velcro, etc., or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art.

In one embodiment, the phlebotomy belt device in accordance with the present invention can be produced in various colors, designs, patterns, etc., and feature logos, emblems, and or designs, such as a medical facility's requests and/or a user's desires.

In one embodiment, the phlebotomy belt device is manufactured of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or any other suitable materials as is known in the art. Any number of different types of materials can be used to make the phlebotomy belt device including, but not limited to, plastics, nylon, textile materials, etc.

In use, the user secures the adjustable waist belt to the body component. The adjustable waist belt is then positioned around a user's waist and secured, such that the body component is positioned in front of the user. A user then fills the interior cavity of the body component with a plurality of phlebotomy supplies, such as needles, gauze, draw tubes, band aids, alcohol swabs, etc. The user can then utilize the device while performing blood draws, which allows for all the phlebotomy supplies to be readily accessible during use. Thus, the phlebotomy belt device makes venipuncture safer, faster, more convenient, and more hygienic to complete than ordinary methods. By storing the necessary tools and the disposable materials generated from the use of such tools, the device ensures a clean and sanitary environment for the phlebotomist and the patient. Further, it eliminates the risk of phlebotomy tools causing discomfort to the patient when they become misplaced in a patient's bed, and also the accidental, temporary misplacement of tube-stored blood samples, etc.

It will also be appreciated that there are a number of additional add-on features that can be incorporated into the device and moreover, the phlebotomy belt device can take many different forms as is known in the art.

In yet another embodiment, the phlebotomy belt device comprises a plurality of indicia.

In yet another embodiment, a method of conveniently retaining a plurality of phlebotomy supplies while drawing blood is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a phlebotomy belt device comprising a body component and an adjustable waist belt. The method also comprises inserting phlebotomy supplies into the body component, such as needles, draw tubes, gauzes, swabs, band aids, etc. Further, the method comprises securing the body component around a user's waist, such that the body component is positioned in front. Finally, the method comprises utilizing the device while drawing blood.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the phlebotomy belt device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the phlebotomy belt device of the present invention showing the body component of the device filled with supplies in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the phlebotomy belt device of the present invention showing the device secured around a user's waist in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the phlebotomy belt device of the present invention showing the body component of the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of conveniently retaining a plurality of phlebotomy supplies while drawing blood in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a phlebotomy belt device that provides users with a belt to hold items such as needles, gauze, tubes, alcohol pads, and bandages to perform a blood draw. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a phlebotomy belt device that allows for an easier collection from any position or for anyone unable to sit in the drawing chair. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a phlebotomy belt device that assists any healthcare setting in which a blood draw or phlebotomy is performed. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that secures easily to the waist area of the user for a hassle and hands-free blood draw experience. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a phlebotomy belt device that eliminates supplies not being readily accessible or the need for additional assistance. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a phlebotomy belt device that has an adjustable buckle.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel phlebotomy belt device for holding the required tools and supplies for drawing blood from a patient's body. The phlebotomy belt device comprises a body component that is configured in a rectangular shape as a small basket or as a pouch. The body component holds needles, draw tubes, gauzes, swabs, band aids, etc. The body component also comprises an adjustable waist belt that buckles together, securing the body component at a user's front. Thus, once the device is strapped around a user's waist, a user can place all the supplies needed for a blood draw inside the body component to quickly and smoothly draw blood from a patient. The present invention also includes a novel method of conveniently retaining a plurality of phlebotomy supplies while drawing blood. The method includes the steps of providing a phlebotomy belt device comprising a body component and an adjustable waist belt. The method also comprises inserting phlebotomy supplies into the body component, such as needles, draw tubes, gauzes, swabs, band aids, etc. Further, the method comprises securing the body component around a user's waist, such that the body component is positioned in front. Finally, the method comprises utilizing the device while drawing blood.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the phlebotomy belt device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the phlebotomy belt device 100 is an improved phlebotomy belt device 100 that provides a user 108 with a belt for holding the required tools needed for drawing blood. Specifically, the phlebotomy belt device 100 comprises a body component 102 with an adjustable waist belt 104. Thus, once the device 100 is strapped around a user's waist 106, a user 108 can place all the supplies 110 needed for a blood draw inside the body component 102 to quickly and smoothly draw blood from a patient.

Generally, the phlebotomy belt device 100 of the present invention assists any healthcare setting in which a blood draw or phlebotomy is performed. The phlebotomy belt device 100 secures easily to a user's waist area 106 and provides a hassle and hands-free blood draw experience. The phlebotomy belt device 100 provides for all blood draw supplies to be readily available, as needed. The phlebotomy belt device 100 includes internal storage along with other optional features to facilitate a health professional to perform a phlebotomy. The device 100 is portable in that it is configured to be easily carried by a person and is sized so as to be used with human patients.

As shown in FIG. 2, the phlebotomy belt device 100 comprises a body component 102. The body component 102 is typically configured in a rectangular shape but can be configured in any suitable shape as is known in the art. Generally, the body component 102 is shaped to resemble a small basket but could also be shaped as a pouch or other suitable container as is known in the art. Typically, the body component 102 comprises a bottom surface 200, opposing side walls 202, and opposing top and bottom walls 204 which define an interior cavity 206 accessed by an open top 208.

Further, if the body component 102 is a pouch 210, it can include a zippered closure 212 which secures the interior cavity 206 and its contents. If the body component 102 is a basket 214, the interior cavity 206 remains open and is not releasably secured with a zipper or other securing means. However, the basket configuration 214 can have a pivotable lid 216 to secure the interior cavity 206. The pivotable lid 216 can have a lock 218 or latch feature to ensure that the pivotable lid 216 remains closed in a covering relationship over the interior cavity 206. For example, the pivotable lid 216 can have a first fastener that mates with a second fastener that is part of the body component 102. In one embodiment, the first fastener can be a hook and loop tab at the front edge of the lid 216 that mates with hook and loop material that is coupled to the body component 102. Other types of fasteners, such as snaps, buttons, etc., can be used. In addition, a mechanical lock device can likewise be used to lock the pivotable cover 216 in place over the body component 102.

Generally, the body component 102 is sized and shaped to retain a plurality of phlebotomy supplies 110, such as, but not including, needles, draw tubes, gauzes, swabs, and band aids, etc., or any other suitable phlebotomy supplies 110 as is known in the art. Typically, the interior cavity 206 is an open cavity where the phlebotomy supplies 110 are stored, to be easily accessed as needed. However, in one embodiment, the interior cavity 206 comprises storage components 220 for retaining draw tubes/vacuum tubes in an upright position. For example, the storage components 220 can store several 35 mm holes for vacuum tubes, several 13 mm holes for vacuum tubes, multiple 11 mm holes for vacuum tubes, and several 17 mm holes for vacuum tubes, etc. The interior cavity 206 also comprises storage areas for gauze, pads, tape, wrappers, alcohol wipes, etc. The interior cavity 206 also comprises a storage compartment for needles and used needles and other used supplies, and any other suitable compartments or components 220 for storing the phlebotomy supplies 110 in an organized fashion, such as tube racks, clamps, storage containers, etc.

Further, the phlebotomy belt device 100 comprises an adjustable waist belt 104 that secures around a user's waist 106 during use. The adjustable waist belt 104 is secured to the body component 102 to hold it in place at the front of a user 108. The waist belt 104 is secured to the body component 102 via a buckle, threaded through slots of the body component 102, adhesives, glue, etc., or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art. Typically, the waist belt 104 is adjustable via a sliding buckle 222 or any other suitable adjusting means as is known in the art. Further, the waist belt 104 is then positioned around a user's waist 106 and secured via a buckle 224, snap, Velcro, etc., or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art.

As shown in FIG. 3, in use, the user 108 secures the adjustable waist belt 104 to the body component 102. The adjustable waist belt 104 is then positioned around a user's waist 106 and secured, such that the body component 102 is positioned in front of the user 108. A user 108 then fills the interior cavity 206 of the body component 102 with a plurality of phlebotomy supplies 110, such as needles, gauze, draw tubes, band aids, alcohol swabs, etc. The user 108 can then utilize the device 100 while performing blood draws, which allows for all the phlebotomy supplies 110 to be readily accessible during use. Thus, the phlebotomy belt device 100 makes venipuncture safer, faster, more convenient, and more hygienic to complete than ordinary methods. By storing the necessary tools and the disposable materials generated from the use of such tools, the device 100 ensures a clean and sanitary environment for the phlebotomist and the patient. Further, it eliminates the risk of phlebotomy tools causing discomfort to the patient when they become misplaced in a patient's bed, and also the accidental, temporary misplacement of tube-stored blood samples, etc.

As shown in FIG. 4, the phlebotomy belt device 100 in accordance with the present invention can be produced in various colors, designs, patterns, etc., and feature logos, emblems, and or designs, such as a medical facility requests and/or a user 108 desires.

In one embodiment, the phlebotomy belt device 100 is manufactured of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or any other suitable materials as is known in the art. Any number of different types of materials can be used to make the phlebotomy belt device 100 including, but not limited to, nylon, textile materials, heat-scalable plastic, or polymers, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or any other suitable material as is known in the art, such as, but not limited to, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, etc. Generally, the phlebotomy belt device 100 is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or waterproof, or the body component 102 comprises a coating that is water resistant or waterproof.

In yet another embodiment, the phlebotomy belt device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 400. The body component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the body component 102, or any other indicia 400 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 400 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be phlebotomy, blood, or brand related.

It will also be appreciated that there are a number of additional add-on features that can be incorporated into the device 100 and moreover, the phlebotomy belt device 100 can take many different forms as is known in the art.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of the method of conveniently retaining a plurality of phlebotomy supplies while drawing blood. The method includes the steps of at 500, providing a phlebotomy belt device comprising a body component and an adjustable waist belt. The method also comprises at 502, inserting phlebotomy supplies into the body component, such as needles, draw tubes, gauzes, swabs, band aids, etc. Further, the method comprises at 504, securing the body component around a user's waist, such that the body component is positioned in front. Finally, the method comprises at 506, utilizing the device while drawing blood.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “phlebotomy belt device”, “phlebotomy device”, “belt device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the phlebotomy belt device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the phlebotomy belt device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the phlebotomy belt device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-5 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the phlebotomy belt device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the phlebotomy belt device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the phlebotomy belt device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.