FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of biomedical and mechanical engineering applications and more particularly to an apparatus for monitoring vital signs of a pregnant patient.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The medical science in collaboration with mechanical engineering has been pursuing new heights in the field of biomedical devices and application thereof. The devices and equipment's employed in the field of radiology, surgery, ophthalmology, gynecology and the like have provided the doctors and researchers an easy and flexible system to monitor or examine the patient for a particular issue. The advancement of the devices in the field of gynecology have provided gynecologists a more advance and precautionary measure for patients. Typically, various parameters are to be monitored for a pregnant patient includes but not limited to contraction and relaxation of the uterine muscles, fetal heart rate, and other vital parameters for the patient.
Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need for an apparatus that can ergonomically and efficiently monitor the vital parameters of the pregnant patient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure seeks to provide an apparatus for monitoring contraction and relaxation of the uterine muscles, fetal heart rate, and other vital parameters of a pregnant patient.
In an embodiment, an apparatus for monitoring vital signs of a pregnant patient disclosed. The apparatus includes a first end portion comprises a flexible zigzag branch which expands during the expansion of the uterine muscles of the patient, whereas the zigzag branch retains to original size upon completion of the expansion of the uterine muscles of the patient. The apparatus further includes a second end portion includes a central opening through which the cylindrical pole is passed and the annual ring facilitates locking of the second end portion with the cylindrical pole in the folding state, wherein second end portion

is substantially circular in shape and includes circuitry, and control elements to receive signals from the electrodes and transmit the received signals to a remote device. The apparatus further includes a middle portion comprises a centrally placed cylindrical pole and an annular ring around the cylindrical pole.
In an embodiment, the zigzag branch comprises the electrode at one end and is mechanically coupled to the cylindrical pole to ensure that the electrode remains at a fixed location and does not loose contact with the body of the patient during contraction and expansion of the uterine muscles.
In an embodiment, a plurality of branches emanating from the centrally placed cylindrical pole. At least one branch among the plurality of branches facilitates mechanical coupling of the cylindrical pole to the first end portion and another branch among the plurality of branches facilitates mechanical coupling of the cylindrical pole to the second end portion.
In an embodiment, the remaining branches facilitate mechanical coupling of the cylindrical pole with the plurality of electrodes such as the electrode configured to receive electrical impulses from the surface of the abdominal region of the pregnant woman, wherein the pluralities of branches are flexible branches which adjust to bodily movements of the pregnant woman or the different dimensions of the body part during operation of the apparatus.
In an embodiment, a body comprised of the first end portion and middle portion is having an upper flexible layer, a lower flexible layer and a flexible PCB sandwiched between the upper flexible layer and the lower flexible layer.
In an embodiment, the lower flexible layer includes a plurality of recesses for receiving the respective snap buttons having a protruding arm, whereas the flexible PCB includes a plurality of recesses for receiving the protruding arm of the respective snap button.
In an embodiment, a bottom portion of the each of the snap button includes a surface profile for detachably coupling to the respective electrode.

In an embodiment, the second end portion of the apparatus includes a top portion, a bottom portion and a rigid PCB sandwiched between the top portion and the bottom portion which is electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes via the flexible.
In an embodiment, at least one communication port such as a USB port is provided on the rigid PCB to transfer data from the apparatus to a mobile terminal or any other remote monitoring device.
In an embodiment, the second end portion comprises an annular upper part and an annular lower part mechanically secured to each other for securing the rigid printed circuit board, wherein the annular upper part comprises a rigid arm for securely holding a portion of the flexible upper layer, whereas the annular lower part includes a rigid arm for securely holding a portion of the flexible lower layer.
An object of the present disclosure is to monitor contraction and relaxation of the uterine muscles, fetal heart rate, and other vital parameters of a pregnant patient.
Yet another object of the present invention is to deliver an expeditious and cost-effective portable apparatus for monitoring vital signs of a pregnant patient.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an apparatus for monitoring vital parameters of a patient in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the apparatus for monitoring vital parameters of a patient in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a first end portion of the apparatus illustrating arrangement of a plurality of layers of components within the first end portion in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a second end portion of the apparatus illustrating arrangement of plurality of layers of components within the second end portion in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a middle portion of the apparatus illustrating arrangement of plurality of layers of components within the middle portion in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6A and 6B illustrates exemplary perspective views of the apparatus in a flattened state and in a folding state respectively in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 7 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus for monitoring vital signs of a pregnant patient in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no

limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
Reference throughout this specification to "an aspect", "another aspect" or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises...a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to Figure 1, an exemplary perspective view of an apparatus for monitoring vital parameters of a patient is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus 100 comprises a first end portion 102, a second end portion 104 disposed opposite to the first end portion 102 and a middle portion 106 in a flattening state of the apparatus 100. The second end portion 104 is designed to be folded over the middle portion 106 in the folding state of the apparatus 100.
In an embodiment, the middle portion 106 comprises a centrally placed cylindrical pole 110 and an annular ring 120 around the cylindrical pole 110. The second end portion 104 includes a central opening 122 through which the cylindrical pole 110 is passed and the annual ring 120 facilitates locking of the second end portion 104 with the cylindrical pole 110 in the folding state of the apparatus 100. The second end portion 104 is substantially circular in shape and includes circuitry, and control elements to receive signals from the electrodes and transmit the received signals to a remote device.
Further, the middle portion 106 includes a plurality of branches emanating from the centrally placed cylindrical pole 110. At least one branch among the plurality of branches facilitates mechanical coupling of the cylindrical pole 110 to the first end portion 102 and another branch among the plurality of branches facilitates mechanical coupling of the cylindrical pole 110 to the second end portion 104. The remaining branches facilitate mechanical coupling of the cylindrical pole 100 with the plurality of electrodes such as the electrode 112a-112e. The plurality of electrodes alone or in combination is configured to receive electrical impulses from the surface of the abdominal region of the pregnant woman. The pluralities of branches are flexible branches which adjust to bodily movements of the pregnant woman or the different dimensions of the body part during operation of the apparatus.
The first end portion 102 comprises a flexible zigzag branch 114 which expands during the expansion of the uterine muscles of the patient, whereas the zigzag branch 114 retains to original size upon completion of the expansion of the uterine muscles of the patient. The zigzag branch 114 comprises the electrode 112e at one end and is mechanically coupled to the cylindrical pole 110. The design of the zigzag branch 114 ensures that the electrode 112e remains at a fixed location and does not loose contact with the body of the patient during contraction and expansion of the uterine muscles.

The apparatus 100 is employed in gynecology services to monitor vital parameters of the pregnant woman such as expansion and contraction of the uterine muscles, and heart rate and other vital parameters of fetus and abdomen of the patient.
Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the apparatus 100 for monitoring vital parameters of a patient in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the apparatus 100 includes an upper flexible layer 202, a lower flexible layer 204 and a flexible PCB 206 sandwiched between the upper flexible layer 202 and the lower flexible layer 204. The upper flexible layer 202 is securely fixed to the lower flexible layer 204 through mechanical or adhesive fixation means. The lower flexible layer 204 includes a plurality of recesses for receiving the respective snap buttons 208a-208e. A top portion of the each of the snap button includes a protruding arm. Further, the flexible PCB 206 includes a plurality of recesses for receiving the protruding arm of the respective snap button. A bottom portion of the each of the snap button includes a surface profile for detachably coupling to the respective electrode. Further, the second end portion 104 of the apparatus 100 includes a top portion 210, a bottom portion 212 and a rigid PCB 214 sandwiched between the top portion 210 and the bottom portion 212. The rigid PCB 214 is electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes via the flexible PCB 206. Further, at least one communication port such as a USB port is provided on the rigid PCB 214 to transfer data from the apparatus to a mobile terminal or any other remote monitoring device.
Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a first end portion 102 of the apparatus 100 illustrating arrangement of plurality of layers of components within the first end portion 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The zig-zag branch 114 comprises at least a portion of the upper flexible layer 202 and a portion of the lower flexible layer 204. The upper flexible layer 202 comprises a dome like structure 310 which is hollow from the inside and includes an internal surface profile which can receive protruding arm of the respective snap button. An internal surface of the lower flexible layer 204 includes opening for the respective snap button in a manner such that the surface profile of the openings accommodates an external surface profile of the snap button.
Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a second end portion 104 of the apparatus 100 illustrating arrangement of plurality of layers of components within the second

end portion 104 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The second end portion 104 comprises an annular upper part 410 and an annular lower part 412 mechanically secured to each other. A rigid printed circuit board 414 is sandwiched between the annular upper part 410 and the annular lower part 412. Internal surface profiles of the annular upper part 410 and the annular lower part 412 are designed to support protruded electronic components of the rigid printed circuit board 414. The rigid printed circuit board 414 is connected to the flexible PCB track 206 to which the plurality of electrodes are electrically coupled via respective plurality of snap buttons. Further, the annular upper part 410 comprises a rigid arm 450 for securely holding a portion of the flexible upper layer 202, whereas the annular lower part 412 includes a rigid arm 480 for securely holding a portion of the flexible lower layer 204. When the annular upper part 410 fits over the annular lower part 412, the flexible upper layer 202 and the flexible lower layer 204 ensure that no undue forces are exerted on the flexible PCB track 206.
Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a middle portion 106 of the apparatus 100 illustrating arrangement of plurality of layers of components within the middle portion 106 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the upper flexible layer 202 of the middle portion 106, sandwiched flexible PCB 206 and the lower flexible layer 204 of the middle portion are concentrically positioned. Further, the inner surface of the lower flexible layer 204 of the middle portion 106 comprises a circularly elevated surface 512 around which the flexible PCB 206 is mounted. Further, a portion of the flexible PCB 206 is of substantially circular in nature and diameter of the portion of the flexible PCB 206 is greater than diameter of the cylindrical pole 110. The cylindrical pole 110 includes a surface profile which supports the annular upper part 410 and lower part 412 of the first end portion 104 of the apparatus in the folding state.
Figure 6A and 6B illustrates exemplary perspective views of the apparatus 100 in a flattened state and in a folding state respectively in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. During operational state, the apparatus 100 is in flattened state. As illustrated in Figure 6A, the second end portion 104 is away from the middle portion 106, whereas in the folding state, the second end portion 104 surrounds the cylindrical pole 110 of the middle portion 106. Specifically, the second end portion is rotated in an anti-clockwise direction and subsequently, the second end portion is pushed to snap into the cylindrical pole 110. Since, the rigid components of the second end portions are securely disposed within the

annular upper and lower part of the second end portion 104, the second end portion 104 can be easily mounted on the cylindrical pole 110 without causing any undue stress on the electronic circuitry of the apparatus 100.
Figure 7 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus for monitoring vital signs of a pregnant patient in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus 700 includes a first end portion 102 comprises a flexible zigzag branch 114 which expands during the expansion of the uterine muscles of the patient, whereas the zigzag branch 114 retains to original size upon completion of the expansion of the uterine muscles of the patient.
In an embodiment, a second end portion 104 includes a central opening 122 through which the cylindrical pole 110 is passed and the annual ring 120 facilitates locking of the second end portion 104 with the cylindrical pole 110 in the folding state, wherein second end portion 104 is substantially circular in shape and includes circuitry, and control elements to receive signals from the electrodes and transmit the received signals to a remote device.
In an embodiment, a middle portion 106 comprises a centrally placed cylindrical pole 110 and an annular ring 120 around the cylindrical pole 110.
In an embodiment, the zigzag branch 114 comprises the electrode 112e at one end and is mechanically coupled to the cylindrical pole 110 to ensure that the electrode 112e remains at a fixed location and does not loose contact with the body of the patient during contraction and expansion of the uterine muscles.
In an embodiment, a plurality of branches emanating from the centrally placed cylindrical pole 110. At least one branch among the plurality of branches facilitates mechanical coupling of the cylindrical pole 110 to the first end portion 102 and another branch among the plurality of branches facilitates mechanical coupling of the cylindrical pole 110 to the second end portion 104.
In an embodiment, the remaining branches facilitate mechanical coupling of the cylindrical pole 110 with the plurality of electrodes such as the electrode configured to receive electrical impulses from the surface of the abdominal region of the pregnant woman, wherein the pluralities of branches are flexible branches which adjust to bodily movements of

the pregnant woman or the different dimensions of the body part during operation of the apparatus.
In an embodiment, a body comprised of the first end portion 102 and middle portion 106 is having an upper flexible layer 202, a lower flexible layer 204 and a flexible PCB 206 sandwiched between the upper flexible layer 202 and the lower flexible layer 204.
In an embodiment, the lower flexible layer 204 includes a plurality of recesses for receiving the respective snap buttons 208a-208e having a protruding arm, whereas the flexible PCB 206 includes a plurality of recesses for receiving the protruding arm of the respective snap button.
In an embodiment, a bottom portion 212 of the each of the snap button includes a surface profile for detachably coupling to the respective electrode.
In an embodiment, the second end portion 104 of the apparatus includes atop portion, a bottom portion and a rigid PCB 214 sandwiched between the top portion 210 and the bottom portion 212 which is electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes via the flexible PCB 206.
In an embodiment, at least one communication port such as a USB port is provided on the rigid PCB 214 to transfer data from the apparatus to a mobile terminal or any other remote monitoring device.
In an embodiment, the second end portion 104 comprises an annular upper part and an annular lower part mechanically secured to each other for securing the rigid printed circuit board, wherein the annular upper part comprises a rigid arm for securely holding a portion of the flexible upper layer, whereas the annular lower part includes a rigid arm for securely holding a portion of the flexible lower layer.
The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another

embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.
Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any component(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component of any or all the claims.

We Claim:

1. An apparatus for monitoring vital signs of a pregnant patient, the apparatus
comprises:
a first end portion comprises a flexible zigzag branch which expands during the expansion of the uterine muscles of the patient, whereas the zigzag branch retains to original size upon completion of the expansion of the uterine muscles of the patient;
a second end portion includes a central opening through which the cylindrical pole is passed and the annual ring facilitates locking of the second end portion with the cylindrical pole in the folding state, wherein second end portion is substantially circular in shape and includes circuitry, and control elements to receive signals from the electrodes and transmit the received signals to a remote device; and
a middle portion comprises a centrally placed cylindrical pole and an annular ring around the cylindrical pole.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the zigzag branch comprises the electrode at one end and is mechanically coupled to the cylindrical pole to ensure that the electrode remains at a fixed location and does not loose contact with the body of the patient during contraction and expansion of the uterine muscles.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of branches emanating from the centrally placed cylindrical pole. At least one branch among the plurality of branches facilitates mechanical coupling of the cylindrical pole to the first end portion and another branch among the plurality of branches facilitates mechanical coupling of the cylindrical pole to the second end portion.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the remaining branches facilitate mechanical coupling of the cylindrical pole with the plurality of electrodes such as the electrode configured to receive electrical impulses from the surface of the abdominal region of the pregnant woman, wherein the pluralities of branches are flexible branches which adjust to bodily movements of the pregnant woman or the different dimensions of the body part during operation.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a body comprised of the first end portion and middle portion is having an upper flexible layer, a lower flexible layer and a flexible PCB sandwiched between the upper flexible layer and the lower flexible layer.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the lower flexible layer includes a plurality of recesses for receiving the respective snap buttons having a protruding arm, whereas the flexible PCB includes a plurality of recesses for receiving the protruding arm of the respective snap button.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein a bottom portion of the each of the snap button includes a surface profile for detachably coupling to the respective electrode.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second end portion includes a top portion, a bottom portion and a rigid PCB sandwiched between the top portion and the bottom portion which is electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes via the flexible.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least one communication port such as a USB port is provided on the rigid PCB to transfer data to a mobile terminal or any other remote monitoring device.
10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second end portion comprises an annular upper part and an annular lower part mechanically secured to each other for securing the rigid printed circuit board, wherein the annular upper part comprises a rigid arm for securely holding a portion of the flexible upper layer, whereas the annular lower part includes a rigid arm for securely holding a portion of the flexible lower layer.