U.S. patent application number 09/934226 was filed with the patent office on 2002-01-03 for surgical table apparatus.
Invention is credited to Borders, Richard L..
Application Number | 20020000008 09/934226 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26744812 |
Filed Date | 2002-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020000008 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Borders, Richard L. |
January 3, 2002 |
Surgical table apparatus
Abstract
A surgical table apparatus includes a base and an upper support
frame coupled to the base to support a person. The surgical table
apparatus also includes a pair of foot support portions coupled to
the upper support frame to support the person's feet.
Inventors: |
Borders, Richard L.;
(Cincinnati, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Timothy E. Niednagel
Bose McKinney & Evans LLP
Suite 2700
135 N. Pennsylvania Street
Indianapolis
IN
46204
US
|
Family ID: |
26744812 |
Appl. No.: |
09/934226 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09934226 |
Aug 21, 2001 |
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09734487 |
Dec 11, 2000 |
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6276012 |
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09734487 |
Dec 11, 2000 |
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09187990 |
Nov 6, 1998 |
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6202230 |
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60064709 |
Nov 7, 1997 |
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60083673 |
Apr 30, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/622 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 2210/90 20130101;
A61G 13/1285 20130101; A61G 13/08 20130101; A61G 7/05769 20130101;
A61G 13/12 20130101; A61G 13/1245 20130101; A61B 2090/401 20160201;
A61G 2200/325 20130101; A61F 7/02 20130101; A61G 13/121 20130101;
A61G 13/0009 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/622 |
International
Class: |
A47B 007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A patient support apparatus comprising a base and an upper
support frame coupled to the base, the upper support frame
including a head frame section, a seat frame section, and first and
second separate leg support sections, each of the first and second
leg support sections being pivotably coupled to a foot support
portion, each foot support portion including a an upwardly-facing
surface movable between a generally flat position and a generally
concave calf support position.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second leg
support sections each include a first frame section pivotally
coupled to the seat frame section by a first joint for independent
movement about a first pivot axis, and a second frame section
pivotably coupled to the first frame section by a second joint for
independent movement about a second pivot axis, the first and
second pivot axes being transverse to a longitudinal axis of the
upper support frame.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the foot support portions are
pivotably coupled to the second frame sections of the first and
second leg support sections.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first joint of each of the
first and second leg support sections includes an arm movably
coupled to the seat frame section to permit a length of the first
and second leg support sections to be adjusted relative to the seat
frame section.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the seat frame section
includes first and second side portions, and the first and second
leg support sections are pivotable outwardly relative to the seat
frame section about first and second vertical pivot axes located
adjacent the first and second side portions of the seat frame
section, respectively.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising first and second
separate mattress sections located on the first and second leg
support sections, respectively.
7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first frame section of
each of the first and second leg support sections is pivotable
relative to the seat frame section through a range of motion of
+/-90.degree. relative to the seat frame section.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second frame section of
each of the first and second leg support sections is pivotable
relative to the first frame section through a range of motion of
+/-90.degree..
9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first joint of each of the
first and second leg support sections includes a clevis pivotably
coupled to the first frame section, and a coupler pivotably coupled
to the clevis about a pivot axis transverse to the first pivot
axis, the coupler being pivotally coupled to the seat frame
section.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a cylinder having
a movable piston to control pivotable movement of the first frame
section relative to the seat frame section, one of the cylinder and
piston being pivotably coupled to the seat frame section, and the
other of the cylinder and piston being pivotably coupled to the
coupler.
11. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the second frame section of
each of the each of the first and second leg support sections
includes a selectively removable thigh support panel coupled to the
first frame section.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each foot support portion is
coupled to a ball connector and each leg support section is formed
to include a socket configured to receive the ball so that the foot
support portion is movable relative to the leg support section.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein each of the first and second
leg support sections includes an actuator configured to release the
ball for pivotable movement relative to the leg support
section.
14. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each of the first joints
includes a latch configured to secure the first frame section to
the seat frame section, the latch being releasable to permit the
first and second leg support sections to be removed from the seat
frame section.
15. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first joint includes an
arm movably coupled to the seat frame section to permit a length of
the leg support to be adjusted relative to the seat frame section,
the first frame section being pivotably coupled to the arm.
16. A patient support apparatus comprising a base and an upper
support frame coupled to the base, the upper support frame
including a head frame section, a seat frame section, and first and
second separate leg support sections, the first and second leg
support sections each including a foot support portion pivotably
thereto, each foot support portion being coupled to a ball
connector and each leg support section being formed to include a
socket configured to receive the ball so that the foot support
portion is movable relative to the respective leg support
section.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein each of the first and second
leg support sections includes an actuator configured to release the
ball for pivotable movement relative to the leg support
section.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first and second leg
support sections each include a first frame section pivotally
coupled to the seat frame section by a first joint for independent
movement about a first pivot axis, and a second frame section
pivotably coupled to the first frame section by a second joint for
independent movement about a second pivot axis, the first and
second pivot axes being transverse to a longitudinal axis of the
upper support frame.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first frame section of
each of the first and second leg support sections is pivotable
relative to the seat frame section through a range of motion of
+/-90.degree. relative to the seat frame section, and wherein the
second frame section of each of the first and second leg support
sections is pivotable relative to the first frame section through a
range of motion of +/-90.degree..
20. A patient support apparatus comprising a base and an upper
support frame coupled to the base, the upper support frame
including a head frame section, a seat frame section, and first and
second separate leg support sections, each of the first and second
leg support sections being pivotably coupled to a foot support
portion, each foot support portion including means for selectively
providing one of a generally flat support surface and a generally
concave support surface.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 09/734,487, filed Dec. 11, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,012
which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/187,990,
filed Nov. 6, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,230, which claims the
benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/064,709 filed
Nov. 7, 1997 and U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/083,673
filed Apr. 30, 1998.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a surgical table apparatus.
More particularly, the present invention relates to improved leg
support sections and head support sections for a surgical table
apparatus.
[0003] The surgical table apparatus of the present invention
includes a variety of upper support frame configurations configured
to support a patient in many different positions during a surgical
procedure. The upper support frame is configured to receive a
mattress or other support surface on which the patient is
positioned. The upper support frame is supported on a pedestal
extending upwardly from a base. A leg support section of the upper
support frame of the surgical table apparatus is either a one-piece
two section leg support, a two-piece longitudinally split leg
support, or a two-piece two section leg support. Each of the leg
supports are designed to articulate about two transverse
spaced-apart axes over a range of +/-90.degree.. The length of each
leg support is adjustable relative to the rest of the upper support
frame. The pivotable leg support sections provide a wide range of
positioning capabilities for positioning a patient during a
surgical procedure.
[0004] The upper support frame also includes different types of
optional head supports configured to support the head of a patient
on the table. Each of the head supports has an adjustable length
and is removable. A first optional head support is a one-piece
multifunction head section. This head section is pivotable to
support the patient in either a supine or prone position. The head
section may be elevated relative to the remainder of the patient
support surface to provide lateral support when the patient is
positioned on one side or the other.
[0005] A second optional head support is a two-piece head section
including inner and outer pivotable sections. The inner and outer
sections may be substantially co-planar to provide full head and
neck support for the patient. The outer section is pivoted
downwardly to provide full neck support with head access. The inner
section may be pivoted downwardly to provide airway access in a
prone position. The outer section may be pivoted upwardly above the
remainder of the patient support surface to provide lateral support
for the patient's head when the patient is situated on one side or
the other.
[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a surgical
table apparatus includes a base and an upper support frame coupled
to the base. The upper support frame includes a head frame section,
a seat frame section, and first and second separate leg support
sections. The first and second leg support sections each include a
first frame section pivotably coupled to the seat frame section by
a first joint for independent movement about a first pivot axis,
and a second frame section pivotably coupled to the first frame
section by a second joint for independent movement about a second
pivot axis. The first and second pivot axes are transverse to a
longitudinal axis of the upper support frame.
[0007] In an illustrated embodiment, the first joint of each of the
first and second leg support sections includes an arm movably
coupled to the seat frame section to permit a length of the first
and second leg support sections to be adjusted relative to the seat
frame section. In another illustrated embodiment, the seat frame
section includes first and second side portions, and the first and
second leg support sections are pivotable outwardly relative to the
seat frame section about first and second vertical pivot axes
located adjacent the first and second side portions of the seat
frame section, respectively. Also in an illustrated embodiment,
first and second separate mattress sections located on the first
and second leg support sections, respectively.
[0008] The first frame section of each of the first and second leg
support sections is pivotable relative to the seat frame section
through a range of motion of +/-90.degree. relative to the seat
frame section. The second frame section of each of the first and
second leg support sections is pivotable relative to the first
frame section through a range of motion of +/-90.degree..
[0009] In one illustrated embodiment, the first joint of each of
the first and second leg support sections includes a clevis
pivotably coupled to the first frame section, and a coupler
pivotably coupled to the clevis about a pivot axis transverse to
the first pivot axis. The coupler is pivotably coupled to the seat
frame section. The illustrated apparatus also includes a cylinder
having a movable piston to control pivotable movement of the first
frame section relative to the seat frame section. One of the
cylinder and piston is pivotably coupled to the seat frame section,
and the other of the cylinder and piston being pivotably coupled to
the coupler.
[0010] In another illustrated embodiment, each of the first and
second leg support sections includes a foot support panel pivotably
coupled to the second frame section. The first and second leg
support sections each also include a removable thigh support panel
coupled to the first frame section. Illustratively, each foot
support panel is coupled to a ball connector and each second frame
section is formed to include a socket configured to receive the
ball so that the foot support panel is movable relative to the
second frame section. Each of the first and second leg support
sections includes an actuator coupled to the second frame section
to release the ball for pivotable movement relative to the second
frame section. Also illustratively, each foot support panel
includes a bottom plate having first and second separate sections
pivotably coupled together so that the foot support panels are
foldable to form generally concave calf supports.
[0011] In yet another illustrated embodiment, each second joint
includes a third frame section pivotably coupled to the second
frame section. The third frame section is slidably coupled to the
first frame section to permit the position of the second frame
section to be adjusted relative to the first frame section.
[0012] Illustratively, each of the first joints includes a latch
configured to secure the first frame section to the seat frame
section. The latch is releasable to permit the first and second leg
support sections to be removed from the seat frame section.
[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
surgical table apparatus includes a base, an upper support frame
coupled to the base to support a person, and a head support coupled
to the upper support frame. The head support includes a first arm
movably coupled to the upper support frame to permit a length of
the head support to be adjusted relative to the upper support
frame. The head support also includes a second arm having a first
end pivotably coupled to the first arm by a first joint and a
second end. The head support further includes a head support
section pivotably coupled to the second end of the second arm by a
second joint.
[0014] In an illustrated embodiment, the head support section
includes a bottom plate pivotably coupled to the second arm and a
pad located on the plate. The bottom plate includes an end edge
located adjacent the upper support frame and the pad includes a
portion covering the end edge of the plate. Illustratively, the
portion of the pad covering the end edge of the plate is generally
U-shaped.
[0015] Also in an illustrated embodiment, the upper support frame
includes a support surface thereon. The second arm and the head
support section are movable to an elevated position so that the
head support section is located above the support surface on the
upper support frame. The head support section is pivotable upwardly
relative to the second arm to define an opening between the head
support section and an end of the upper frame section.
[0016] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a
surgical table apparatus includes a base and an upper support frame
coupled to the base. The upper support frame includes a head frame
section, a seat frame section, and a leg support movably coupled to
the seat frame section to permit a length of the leg support to be
adjusted relative to the seat frame section. The leg support
includes a first frame section pivotably coupled to the seat frame
section by a first joint for movement about a first pivot axis, and
a second frame section pivotably coupled to the first frame section
by a second joint for movement about a second pivot axis. The first
and second pivot axes are transverse to a longitudinal axis of the
upper support frame.
[0017] In an illustrated embodiment, the first joint includes an
arm movably coupled to the seat frame section to permit a length of
the first and second leg support sections to be adjusted relative
to the seat frame section. The first frame section is pivotably
coupled to the arm.
[0018] The first frame section is pivotable relative to the seat
frame section through a range of motion of +/-90.degree. relative
to the seat frame section. The second frame section is pivotable
relative to the first frame section through a range of motion of
+/-90.degree..
[0019] In another illustrated embodiment, the first joint includes
a latch configured to secure the first frame section to the seat
frame section. The latch is releasable to permit the leg support to
be removed from the seat frame section.
[0020] According to still another aspect of the present invention,
a surgical table apparatus includes a base, an upper support frame
coupled to the base to support a person, and a head support coupled
to the upper support frame. The head support includes a pair of
spaced apart first arms slidably coupled to the upper support frame
to permit a length of the head support to be adjusted relative to
the upper support frame. The head support also includes a pair of
second arms. Each second arm has a first end pivotably coupled to
one of the first arms by a first joint and a second end. The head
support further includes an outer head support section pivotably
coupled between the second ends of the second arms by a pair of
second joints, and an inner head support section coupled to one of
the first and second arms by a third joint. Therefore, the inner
and outer head support sections and the first and second arms are
all independently movable relative to each other.
[0021] In an illustrated embodiment, the inner head support section
is pivotable downwardly relative to the outer head support section
to provide an opening between the outer head support section and an
end of the upper support frame. The second arms and the outer head
support section are pivotable upwardly so that the outer head
support section is located above a support surface on the upper
support frame. The outer head support section is also pivotable
downwardly relative to the inner head support section so that the
inner head support section is used to support the neck of the
person.
[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer head support
section is generally U-shaped and surrounds a portion of the inner
head support section. The inner head support section is coupled to
a pair of posts. Each post is pivotably coupled to one of the first
joints.
[0023] Additional features and advantages of the invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of
the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments
exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as
presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The detailed description particularly refers to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a
surgical table apparatus of the present invention including a
one-piece, two section leg support;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the surgical table
apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating pivotal movement of an upper
support frame relative to a pedestal supported on a base about an
axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the upper support frame
so that the upper support frame can be moved between a
Trendelenburg position and a reverse Trendelenburg position;
[0027] FIG. 3 is an end view of the surgical table apparatus of
FIG. 1 illustrating lateral tilting movement of the upper frame
section relative to the pedestal about a longitudinal axis of the
upper support frame;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
present invention including a two-piece leg support split along a
longitudinal axis of the upper frame section;
[0029] FIG. 5 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating
movement of the first and second leg support sections relative to
the remainder of the upper support frame;
[0030] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
present invention including a two-piece, two section leg
support;
[0031] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view illustrating pivoting
movement of the leg support sections of the surgical table
apparatus about a first pivot axis and illustrating pivotal
movement of a head frame section of the upper support frame;
[0032] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 7
illustrating pivotal movement of the leg support sections about a
second pivot axis;
[0033] FIG. 9 illustrates further pivotal movement of the leg
support sections relative to the remainder of the upper support
frame;
[0034] FIG. 10 illustrates independent pivotal movement of the
two-piece leg support sections of the surgical table apparatus;
[0035] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating further details
of the leg support sections of the embodiment of FIG. 6;
[0036] FIG. 12 is a side elevational view illustrating additional
details of a linkage for coupling the leg support sections of FIG.
11 to the upper support frame;
[0037] FIG. 13 illustrates the leg support sections of FIG. 11
pivoted upwardly into urology and OB/GYN leg support positions;
[0038] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a one-piece head
support of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 15 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 14
illustrating movement of the head support to adjust the length of
the head support;
[0040] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating the head support
pivoted upwardly to provide support for a side of a patient's
head;
[0041] FIG. 17 illustrates pivotal movement of the head support to
provide a head support for a patient in a supine position or an
airway access head support for a patient in a prone position;
[0042] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a two-piece head support of
the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 19 illustrates movement of the head support to extend
the length of the head support and pivotable movement of an inner
support section to provide airway access when the patient is in a
prone position;
[0044] FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating an inner support
section in a downwardly pivoted position and an outer support
section in an upwardly pivoted position to provide lateral support
for the side of a patient's head; and
[0045] FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating the outer support
section in a downwardly pivoted position so that the inner support
section supports the patient's neck while providing full head
access to the patient.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0046] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a first
embodiment of a surgical table apparatus 10 in accordance with the
present invention. The apparatus 10 includes a base 12 and a
pedestal 14 coupled to the base 12. An upper support frame 16 is
coupled to the pedestal 14. The upper support frame 16 includes a
head section 18, a back section 20, a seat section 22, and a leg
section 24. The pedestal 14 includes a hi/lo mechanism (not shown)
for moving the telescoping pedestal 14 upwardly and downwardly in
the direction of double-headed arrow 26 to raise and lower the
upper support frame 16 relative to the ground.
[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the upper support frame 16 is
coupled to a convex bearing surface 28 which is then coupled to a
concave bearing surface 30 on the pedestal 14. A driver (not shown)
such as a cylinder, gear, or other mechanism is used to provide
powered pivotable movement of the upper support frame 16 about
transverse pivot axis 32 in both directions to move the upper
support surface 16 between a Trendelenburg position a reverse
Trendelenburg position as illustrated by the dotted line positions
shown in FIG. 2.
[0048] Bearing portion 28 also includes a concave bearing surface
34 extending along a longitudinal axis 36 of the upper support
frame 16 as shown in FIG. 3. Upper support frame 16 is coupled to a
convex bearing surface 38 configured to engage bearing surface 34
and permit rotation of the upper support frame 16 about axis 36 to
provide lateral tilting of the upper support frame 16 to the dotted
positions shown in FIG. 3. Appropriate cylinders, gears, or other
drive mechanisms (not shown) are used to provide powered lateral
rotational movement of the upper support frame 16 about axis
36.
[0049] Referring again to FIG. 1, the surgical table apparatus 10
includes mattress sections 40 located on each of the upper frame
sections 18, 20, 22, and 24 to support a patient. Mattress sections
40 can be any type of support surface including foam, air, gel,
liquid, air fluidized or other support material.
[0050] Details of another suitable mattress or support surface for
use on upper support frame 16 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,073,284, entitled SURGICAL TABLE, which is incorporated herein by
reference. Details of a controller for the mattress or support
surface and the surgical table apparatus 10 are disclosed in U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/187,825, entitled MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
CONTROLLER, filed Nov. 6, 1998 which is also incorporated herein by
reference.
[0051] Various types of head support sections 18 will be discussed
in detail below with reference to FIGS. 14-21. Back frame section
20 is pivotably coupled to seat frame section 22 about transverse
pivot axis 44. Leg support 24 includes a first frame section 46
pivotably coupled to seat section 22 about pivot axis 48. A second
leg frame section 50 is pivotably coupled to section 46 about pivot
axis 52. Separate mattress portions 40 are located above the first
leg frame section 46 and the second leg frame section 50. Accessory
rails 54 are mounted to various frame sections 20, 22, 46, 50 of
upper support frame 16. Leg support 24 is extendable relative to
the seat section 22 by extendable arms located between the first
frame section 46 and the seat frame section 22 or between the first
and second frame sections 46 and 50. In addition, leg support 24 is
removable from the seat section by the caregiver without the use of
tools as discussed below.
[0052] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate another embodiment of a leg support
56. Those numbers referenced by numbers in FIGS. 1-3 perform the
same or similar function. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5,
the leg support 56 is a two-piece support including separate leg
support sections 58 and 60 which are split along the longitudinal
axis 36 of the upper support frame 16. Each of the first and second
leg support sections 58 and 60 include first frame member 62
pivotably coupled to seat frame section 22 about pivot axis 48.
Second leg frame sections 64 are pivotably coupled to first frame
sections 62 about pivot axis 52. First and second leg sections 58
and 60 are also pivotable outwardly about a first axis 66 and a
second axis 68, respectively, as illustrated by arrows 70 and 72 in
FIG. 5. Therefore, first and second leg support sections 58 and 60
can be pivoted outwardly relative to the remainder of upper support
frame 16 as illustrated by the dotted line positions 58 and 60 in
FIG. 5. First and second leg support sections 58 and 60 also
include telescoping portions which slide into the seat frame
section 22 and permit the first and second leg sections 60 to be
moved in the direction of arrows 74 to lengthen the leg support
section 56. First and second leg support sections 58 and 60
removable as discussed below.
[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention in which the surgical table apparatus 10 includes a
two-piece, two section leg support 79 having first and second leg
support sections 80 and 82 split along longitudinal axis 36. Each
of the first and second leg support sections 80 and 82 includes a
first frame section 88 pivotably coupled to the seat section about
pivot axis 48. A second frame section 90 is pivotably coupled to
first frame section 88 about pivot axis 52. In addition, first and
second leg support sections 80 and 82 are pivotably coupled to seat
section 22 about vertical pivot axes 90 and 92, respectively, as
discussed in detail below. Therefore, first and second leg support
sections 80 and 82 can pivot outwardly in the direction of arrows
94 and 96, respectively, similar to leg sections 58 and 60 shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0054] Articulation of the leg supports 24, 56, and 79 of the
present invention is illustrated in detail with reference to FIGS.
7-10. The FIG. 6 embodiment is used to illustrate pivotable
movement of the leg supports 24, 56, and 79. FIG. 7 also
illustrates upward pivotal movement of the head frame section 20
relative to the seat frame section 22.
[0055] Each of the leg supports 24, 56, and 79 can pivot about the
first transverse pivot axis 48 through range of motion of
+/-90.degree.. Illustrated movement of leg section 79 about pivot
axis 48 is shown in FIG. 7. Each of the leg supports 24, 56, and 79
can also pivot about the second transverse pivot axis 52 through a
range of motion of +/-90.degree. relative to the adjacent frame
section. Illustrative movement of frame members 90 of foot section
79 relative to frame members 88 is shown in FIG. 8. When pivoted
upwardly to the dotted line position of FIG. 8, frame member 90 may
be used as a foot prop for the patient. It is understood that foot
frame sections 50 and 64 of leg supports 24 and 56, respectively,
can also pivot in a manner similar to FIG. 8 about pivot axis
52.
[0056] FIG. 9 illustrates another possible configuration for leg
supports 24, 56, and 79. Since the separate frame members 88 and 90
of leg support section 79 are independently pivotable, the leg
section can assume numerous desired configurations depending on a
particular surgical procedure. FIG. 10 illustrates the first and
second leg support sections 80 and 82 of leg support 79 in
different configurations. The embodiments in FIGS. 4-6 can assume
different orientations with each leg support section 58, 60 or 80,
90 since these leg support sections are independently adjustable.
FIG. 9 also illustrates that first and second leg support sections
are extendable as illustrated by dimension 98 as discussed in
detail below.
[0057] Further details of the leg support 79 are illustrated in
FIGS. 11-13. As best shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, first frame section
88 is pivotably coupled to a clevis 100 about axis 48. The clevis
100 has spaced-apart side flanges 102 configured to receive an end
of the frame section 88 for pivotably coupling the frame section 88
member to the clevis 100. As best shown in FIG. 12, clevis 100
further includes a mounting portion 104 having an aperture
configured to receive a post 106 extending upwardly from coupler
108. Latches 107 actuatable by a caregiver without the use of tools
are provided to secure the coupler 108 to the clevis 100.
Therefore, leg support sections 80, 82 are easily removable for
replacement with other leg supports 24 or 56 or for better access
to end 109 of seat section 22 for access to the patient.
[0058] Coupler 108 is pivotably coupled to the seat frame section
22 about pivot connection 112. A cylinder 114 is pivotably coupled
to a flange 116 extending from seat frame section 22 by pivot
connection 118. A piston 120 is pivotably coupled to coupler 108 by
pivot connection 122. Piston 120 is movable from a retracted
position shown in solid lines in FIG. 12 to an extended position.
In the extended position, the piston moves the coupler 108, the
clevis 100, and the leg frame section 88 upwardly to the dotted
position shown in FIG. 12 to elevate the leg support section 82
relative to the seat support section 22. In another embodiment, the
coupler 108 is coupled to an arm member which is slidably received
within an aperture of seat frame section 22 to permit the entire
leg support section 82 to slide inwardly and outwardly relative to
the seat support section 22 to lengthen the leg support section
82.
[0059] Frame member 88 is pivotably coupled to frame member 90 by
joint connection 124. Joint connection 124 is either articulated by
a piston and cylinder arrangement similar to FIG. 12 or is manually
operatable with a suitable joint 124 which is rigid enough to
support the patient. All the joint connections of the present
invention may be any suitable clutch assembly or latch mechanism.
The latch mechanisms may include separate mating portions including
a plurality of teeth to permit the joint to be pivoted to a desired
location and then held in that location by the joint. Frame member
90 may also be mounted to a separate arm which is slidably received
in frame member 88 to permit the length of leg support section 79
to be further adjusted as discussed below with reference to FIG.
13.
[0060] Frame section 90 includes a curved portion 126 and a
cylindrical end portion 128. Cylindrical end portion 128 includes a
socket and slot 130 configured to receive a ball 132 therein. A
post 134 coupled to ball 132, post 134 is also coupled to a
connector 136 of foot support 86. Therefore, foot support 86 is
pivotably coupled to the cylindrical portion. A handle 138 coupled
to cylindrical portion 128 is configured to lock the ball 132 and
post 134 in a desired orientation. The handle 138 is actuated
either by movement toward frame section 90 or by rotational
movement. The post 134 is rotatable about a first axis 140 when in
the position of FIG. 11. The post 134 can also be rotated toward a
foot end of the table 10 to lie within slot 130 and then rotate
about axis 142.
[0061] The foot support 86 includes separate panels 144 and 146
coupled together by a hinge 148 as illustrated in FIG. 11. A
mattress portion 40 is located above both panels 144 and 146. Thigh
panels 84 are coupled to frame sections 88 by connectors 150.
Connector 150 may be any suitable connector such as a latch, clamp,
etc. The connector 150 may also be a tab configured to enter the
slot 151 formed between frame member 88 and accessory rail 54. The
thigh panels 84 are removable so that the leg support sections 80
and 82 can be articulated upwardly as shown in FIG. 13 to urology
and OB/GYN examination positions. The foot panels 86 are manually
adjustable into folded positions shown in dotted lines in FIG. 13
to form concave calf supports.
[0062] FIG. 13 also illustrates a separate arm 152 pivotably
coupled to frame member 90 about axis 52. The arm 152 is slidably
received within frame member 88 so that the arm 152 may be extended
to adjust the length of the leg support sections as illustrated by
dimension 154.
[0063] In operation, the leg sections 80 and 82 may be manually or
automatically moved to desired positions. When the leg sections 80
and 82 are moved upwardly to the position of FIG. 13, handle
actuator 138 is actuated to release the ball 132 and permit the
ball 132 to be rotated within slot 130 so that the post 134 extends
upwardly to provide the calf supports.
[0064] The removable leg supports 24, 56 and 79 provide a flexible
surgical table apparatus 10 which can be modified by a caregiver as
desired quickly and easily without the use of separate tools. Leg
supports 24, 56 and 79 are removable to expose the end 109 of seat
section 20 to provide better access to the patient during certain
medical procedures. In addition, the removable leg supports 24, 56
and 79 permit the leg supports 24, 56 and 79 to be interchangeable
on the of the surgical table apparatus 10. The removable leg
supports 24, 56 and 79 also permit attachment of special
orthopaedic frames to the seat frame section 22 for orthopedic
surgery. of the leg supports 24, 56 and 79 is also length
adjustable relative to the seat frame section 22. This permits
flexibility of the caregiver in positioning the leg supports 24, 56
and 79 at a desired location to align the patient in a desired
position for a surgical procedure. Since the leg supports 24, 56,
and 79 are all pivotable about two pivot axes 48, 52, the leg
supports 24, 56, and 79 can be articulated to provide a knee shelf
for the patient in a prone position without requiring separate
components to be attached to the upper support frame 16. In
addition, a foot prop position and a knee gatch position are easily
obtainable by the leg supports 24, 56, and 79 without separate
attachments.
[0065] FIGS. 14-17 illustrate a one-piece head support 160 of the
present invention. Head support 160 includes a pair of spaced-apart
arms 162 which are received within slots formed in head frame
section 20. Arms 162 are pivotably coupled to a second pair of arms
164 by joints 166 so that arms 162 and 164 can pivot about pivot
axis 168 as shown by doubleheaded arrow 170 in FIG. 14. A bottom
plate 172 is pivotably coupled to arms 164 by joint connections
174. Therefore, plate 172 can pivot relative to arms 164 about axis
176 as illustrated by doubleheaded arrow 178 in FIG. 14. A pad
section 180 is located over plate 172. A U-shaped portion 182 of
pad 180 extends around an end edge 184 of plate 172 as best
illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17.
[0066] The head support 160 is movable to a plurality of different
positions relative to the back frame section 20 to support the head
and neck of a patient. A first position is shown in FIG. 14 to
provide head and neck support. Arms 162 may be extended from the
slots in head frame section 20 in the direction of arrow 186 in
FIG. 14 to an extended position shown in FIG. 15. Head support 160
is also removable from head frame section 20. Arms 164 are also
pivotable upwardly in the direction of arrow 188 in FIG. 16 to
raise the pad 180 to a height above the level of mattress 40 on
head frame section 20. In the FIG. 16 configuration, head support
160 provides lateral support for a side of the patient's head when
a patient is positioned on one side or another on the mattress
40.
[0067] Head support 160 is also pivotable to the position shown in
FIG. 17 to provide support for the patient's head only. The
patient's head can rest on the U-shaped portion of the pad in
either a supine position or a prone position as shown in FIG. 17.
In the prone position, an opening 190 is provided between the arms
164 and the plate 172 for airway access. Tubes or hoses 192 can be
routed through the opening 190 to the patient 194.
[0068] The joint connections 166 and 174 include suitable clutch
assemblies which have, for instance, Belleville washers or other
mechanisms to hold the arms 162 and 164 and plate 172 at desired
relative positions. It is understood that other types of locking
mechanisms or latches may be used. In addition, movement of the
arms 162 and 164 and plate 172 may be controlled by suitable
automatic controls, such as by cylinder and piston arrangements if
desired.
[0069] FIGS. 18-21 disclose a two-piece head support 200 of the
present invention. Head support 200 includes an inner support
section 202 and an outer U-shaped support section 204. Inner
support section 202 includes an inner support plate 206, and outer
support section 204 on an outer support plate 208. Head support 200
includes a pair of spaced apart arms 210 which are received within
slots formed in head frame section 20. A pair of posts 212 are
rotatably coupled to arms 210 by joints 214. Plate 206 is coupled
to posts 212. Therefore, inner support section 202 is pivotably
coupled to arms 210 by joints 214 about pivot axis 216. Arms 218
are pivotably coupled to the arms 210 by joints 214, independently
of posts 212. Therefore, arms 218 can independently rotate about
pivot axis 216 separately from inner support section 202. Plate 208
of outer support section 204 is pivotably coupled to arms 218 by
joints 220. Therefore, plate 208 can rotate about axis 222 relative
to arms 218.
[0070] In operation, two-piece head support 200 can be positioned
as shown in FIG. 18 to provide both head and neck support for the
patient. The entire head support 200 is movable outwardly in the
direction of arrow 224 by moving the arms 210 to the extended
position shown in FIG. 19. Head support 200 is also removable from
upper support frame 20. Inner support section 202 is pivotable
downwardly in the direction of arrow 226 in FIG. 19 to provide an
opening 228 for airway access when a patient is in a prone position
on the mattress 40. The patient's forehead is supported by the
outer support section 204 in the prone position.
[0071] In another configuration, the inner support section 202 is
pivoted downwardly out of the way as shown in FIG. 20. The second
arms 218 and plate 208 are pivoted so that the outer support
section 204 is elevated relative to the mattress portion 40 on head
frame section 20. This provides lateral support for a side of a
patient's head when the patient is located on one side or another
on mattress 40.
[0072] Finally, plate 208 and arms 218 are pivotable to the
position shown in FIG. 21. In this position, inner support section
202 provides support for a patient's neck while providing full head
access to the patient during a procedure.
[0073] The joint connections 214 and 220 include suitable clutch
assemblies which have, for instance, Belleville washers or other
mechanisms to hold the position of arms 214 and 220, posts 212 and
plate 208 at desired relative positions. It is understood that
other types of locking mechanisms or latches may be used. In
addition, movement of the arms 210 and 218, rods 212 and plate 208
may be controlled by suitable automatic controls, such as by
cylinder and piston arrangements.
[0074] Although the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 15-21
illustrate a pair of arms 162, 164, 210, and 218, it is understood
that single arms may be used to support the head supports 160, 200.
The arm coupled to the plates 172 and 208 may be a single piece
curved yoke attached to opposite sides of the plate, if
desired.
[0075] Although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to a certain illustrated embodiment, variations and
modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as
described and as defined in the following claims.
* * * * *