U.S. patent application number 12/886383 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-26 for table.
Invention is credited to Gianna Marzilli Ericson, Dennis Hogle, Craig LaRosa, Adria Marallo, Kisoon Augusta Kim Meill, Jonathan Stephen Podolsky.
Application Number | 20110120352 12/886383 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44061122 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110120352 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marallo; Adria ; et
al. |
May 26, 2011 |
TABLE
Abstract
Disclosed herein is specialized furniture, including a table
having a sliding top. The table may be adapted for use in medical
procedures, such as for use as a phlebotomy table.
Inventors: |
Marallo; Adria; (Kingston,
NY) ; Hogle; Dennis; (Valencia, CA) ; LaRosa;
Craig; (Natick, MA) ; Ericson; Gianna Marzilli;
(Cambridge, MA) ; Meill; Kisoon Augusta Kim;
(Jamaica Plain, MA) ; Podolsky; Jonathan Stephen;
(Maynard, MA) |
Family ID: |
44061122 |
Appl. No.: |
12/886383 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61245209 |
Sep 23, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
108/25 ; 108/115;
108/143 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 13/081
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/25 ; 108/143;
108/115 |
International
Class: |
A47B 13/08 20060101
A47B013/08; A47B 3/00 20060101 A47B003/00 |
Claims
1. A table comprising: a first side and second side substantially
parallel to an axis of the table, a slidable upper surface attached
to a fixed lower surface, wherein the upper surface is capable of
lateral translation relative to the fixed surface in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the axis, and a third side
substantially perpendicular to the axis of the table, said third
side capable of being attached to a wall.
2. The table of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first side and
the second side of the slidable upper surface comprises a
substantially curved edge that reduces the distance between the
edge of the first side and the edge of the second side along an
axis perpendicular to the axis of the table.
3. The table of claim 2, wherein each of the first side and the
second side of the slidable upper surface comprises a substantially
curved edge that reduces the distance between the edge of the first
side and the edge of the second side along an axis perpendicular to
the axis of the table.
4. The table of claim 2, wherein at least one side of the fixed
lower surface comprises a substantially curved edge that aligns
with the substantially curved edge of the slidable upper surface
when the upper surface is at its point of maximum translation
relative to the fixed lower surface.
5. The table of claim 1, wherein the table further comprises a
locking system capable of fixing the translational position of
slidable upper surface relative to the fixed lower surface.
6. The table of claim 5, wherein the locking system comprises a
reversibly engagable pin and one or more mating holes configured
such that the slidable upper surface is fixed relative to the fixed
lower surface when the pin is engaged with a mating hole.
7. The table of claim 6, wherein the locking system comprises a
locking strip defining the one or more mating holes, the locking
strip mounted to fixed lower surface.
8. The table of claim 6, wherein the one or more mating holes are
features of the fixed lower surface.
9. The table of claim 1, further comprising a drawer affixed to the
underside of the slidable upper surface.
10. The table of claim 1, wherein the slidable upper surface
further comprises an opening.
11. The table of claim 10, wherein the opening is adapted to accept
an insertable tray.
12. The table of claim 1, wherein the third side is permanently
attached to the wall.
13. The table of claim 12, wherein the attachment between the third
side and the wall comprises a hinge.
14. The table of claim 1, wherein the third side is removably
attached to the wall.
15. The table of claim 13, wherein the table further comprises legs
configured such that the table is capable of free-standing support
when not attached to the wall.
16. The table of claim 15, wherein at least one of the legs is
foldable or removable.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application 61/245,209, filed Sep. 23, 2009, hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to medical furniture,
workstations and equipment, including phlebotomy tables and/or work
stations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In the phlebotomy field, it is typical for patients to use a
customized phlebotomy chair. Phlebotomy chairs are characterized as
having a seating platform laterally defined by specialized armrests
which aid the phlebotomist in positioning the patient's arm during
blood draws and injections. Optionally, one or both of the armrests
are capable of rotating or being removed in order to facilitate the
patient's entry and exit from the chair. The relatively rigid and
confined nature of these chairs provides difficulties for certain
patients including those that are mobility impaired, bariatric, or
other special needs patients. For example, many patients encounter
difficulties associated with exiting and re-entering a wheel chair
to sit in the phlebotomy chair for a medical procedure. Bariatric
and other patients often find an insufficient amount of room to sit
down and/or find that the armrests do not have sufficient length or
functional range of motion to accommodate their body type.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates to tables, and in particular
to tables for performing medical procedures, such as phlebotomy
tables. In one aspect, the invention provides a table defined by a
first and second side that are substantially parallel to an axis of
the table, and a third side that is substantially perpendicular to
that axis which is adapted for attachment to a wall. The table has
a slidable upper surface and a fixed lower surface, wherein the
upper surface is capable of lateral translation relative to the
lower surface in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to
the table axis (i.e., parallel to the wall). Optionally, at least a
portion of the table is supported by at least one leg (preferably
attached to the lower surface), but the table may be constructed
such that the wall attachment is the only point of support for the
table.
[0005] In some embodiments, at least one of the first side and the
second side of the slidable upper surface have a substantially
curved edge that reduces the distance between the edge of the first
side and the edge of the second side along an axis perpendicular to
the axis of the table. Optionally, both the first and second side
of the upper surface have a curved edge, which is not necessarily
symmetrical between the two sides. In another configuration of this
embodiment, the fixed lower surface has a substantially curved edge
that aligns with a curved edge of the slidable upper surface when
the upper surface is at its point of maximum translation relative
to the fixed lower surface.
[0006] In other embodiments, the table has a locking system capable
of fixing the translational position of slidable upper surface
relative to the fixed lower surface. Suitable locking systems
include a reversibly engagable locking pin and one or more mating
holes, wherein the slidable upper surface is fixed (locked) when
the pin is engaged in a mating hole. The mating holes may be
present in a locking strip mounted either on the underside of the
upper surface or the topside of the lower surface. Alternatively,
the mating holes may be features of the upper or lower surface
(e.g., drilled into the surface).
[0007] In other embodiments, the table has one or more drawers,
removable legs, and/or folding legs. Optionally, the table the legs
of the table are configured such that the table is capable of
free-standing support when not attached to the wall.
[0008] In other embodiments, the third side of the table is capable
of either permanent attachment to the wall or reversible attachment
to the wall In one embodiment, the table is permanently attached to
the wall and the attachment has a hinged such that the table can be
folded against the wall for storage (in an inoperative
position).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 depicts a front elevation view schematic of a
phlebotomy table according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 depicts a side elevation view schematic of the
phlebotomy table of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 depicts a plan view schematic of the phlebotomy table
of FIG. 1 in a first sliding position;
[0012] FIG. 4 depicts a plan view schematic of the phlebotomy table
of FIG. 1 in a second sliding position;
[0013] FIG. 5 depicts a plan view schematic of the sliding work
surface of the phlebotomy table of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 6 depicts a plan view schematic of the fixed support
surface of the phlebotomy table of FIG. 1; and
[0015] FIG. 7 depicts a side elevation view schematic of the
locking system of the phlebotomy table of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The present invention provides a table having a slidable top
(upper working surface). In one embodiment, the table is attached
to a wall through a first side and is optionally supported by one
or more legs. In other embodiments, the table is free-standing
(i.e., not attached to a wall). The slidable table of the invention
may be used for a variety of purposes including for medical
procedures. The slidable top optionally may be shaped or have
specialized fixed devices or features appropriate for its intended
purpose. In one embodiment, the table is used as a phlebotomy
table.
[0017] The table of the invention will now be exemplified with
specific reference to the figures. The embodiments illustrated in
the figures are not intended to be limiting, but rather to
illustrate certain principles and features of the invention. In a
first embodiment, the table having a slidable top is configured as
a phlebotomy table. Table 100, as depicted, is removably or
permanently attached to a wall 10, and supported by one or more
legs 105 (two legs 105 are shown in FIG. 2). In another embodiment
(not illustrated), phlebotomy table 100 is a free standing table
having one or more additional legs 105, or other support means.
When permanently attached to a wall 10, table 100 may be attached
to a load-bearing or non-load-bearing wall member and any
convenient attachments or fasteners may be used.
[0018] In another embodiment, table 100 is removably attached to
the wall. The removable attachment may use any convenient fastening
mechanism that provides suitable support for adequate stability and
user operability. For example, a rib-and-receiver mechanism may be
used, wherein the attachment edge of the table 100 contains a
series of downwardly pointing ribs that fit into a receiver
attached to the wall.
[0019] In this embodiment, table 100 may have permanently affixed
legs, removable legs, or foldable legs capable of supporting the
table when detached from the wall. Fixed legs may be recessed from
the edge of the table in order that they provide adequate support
but do not interfere with the wall-attachment mechanism. Removable
legs optionally may be configured to attach to the same mechanism
used to attach the table to the wall. Alternatively, removable legs
may attach elsewhere on the table and optionally may be designed to
either remain in place or be detached when the table is attached to
the wall. Foldable legs are permanently attached to table 100 but
are configured such that they do not interfere with the
wall-attachment mechanism and are stowed in a closed configuration
in a manner that does not interfere with either the use or the
comfort of the operator or patient. Typically, foldable legs are
attached to the underside of the table using a hinging mechanism
and optionally have an internal hinge in order to effectively
shorten the length of the leg for stowage. Finally, in a removable
configuration, the table may have no legs that support the table in
place of the wall, when removed from the wall. In these
embodiments, the table is not intended for use as a free-standing
table. Instead, the absence of these additional legs may increase
the portability of the table by reducing the weight and/or
dimension. Although the exact number and placement of the legs in
any embodiment is not critical to the function of the phlebotomy
table 100, when used for its intended purpose (i.e., in the
performance of a phlebotomy procedure), it is understood that the
legs and/or other support means are configured such that the
phlebotomy table 100 is a stable working platform suitable for its
intended purpose.
[0020] In other embodiments, table 100 is permanently or removably
attached to wall 10 by a hinging mechanism which allows the table,
when not in use, to be folded against the wall, typically
vertically. In some embodiments, the legs 105 are detachable or are
attached to the table by a hinging or folding mechanism which
allows the legs to fold against at least one side of the table when
the table is in the storage position. In one example, the hinging
mechanism is located at the point of attachment between the leg and
the table in order that the leg lays flat against one side. One
suitable folding mechanism involves legs which are attached to the
table by a hinging mechanism, extend along bisecting planes, and
are joined together by a pivotable fastener. This folding mechanism
extends and retracts the legs in a scissor-like fashion and is
typical of household ironing boards. Optionally, the table, wall,
and/or hinging mechanism has a locking or other fastening mechanism
to secure the table in the storage conformation (i.e., folded
against the wall). Further, the table or hinging mechanism has a
locking mechanism to secure the table in the operational position.
This may be conveniently achieved by securable attachment between
one or more of the legs 105 and the floor. Such a locking mechanism
is particularly desirable for embodiments in which the movement of
the table between the storage and operational positions is
mechanically assisted (e.g., spring-assisted).
[0021] Table 100 further includes a fixed lower surface 110 and an
upper sliding work surface 120 that is capable of sliding
(translation) in relation to the lower surface 110. Upper surface
120 slides substantially parallel to the wall 10 (i.e., back and
forth between a patient side A and a medical practitioner side B).
Lower surface 110 and upper surface 120 may be made of a suitable
material, such as, for example formica counter top stock, stainless
steel, or any other material suitable for such a table or counter
top surface. For medical applications, upper surface 120 is
preferably a hard smooth surface that is resistant to bleach and
typical chemical disinfectants. Optionally, the surface of the
upper surface 120, or countertop that makes up the upper surface
120 itself is configured for easy removal and replacement in the
case of wear or biological hazard. As depicted, although not
intended to be limiting, sliding upper surface 120 is affixed
utilizing drawer glides 130 that allow upper surface 120 to slide
in a direction parallel to a mounting direction of drawer glides
130. This direction is also substantially parallel to the wall.
Table 100 may also be mounted over top of a wall wherein the
patient side A sits substantially on one side of the wall and the
medical practitioner side B sits substantially on another side of
the wall and the table slides back and forth over the wall. It
accordance with the present invention, other mounting apparatus may
be used that allow for similar linear translation of the slidable
upper surface 120 in relation to the fixed lower surface 110.
[0022] When in use as a phlebotomy table with a patient, such a
configuration allows upper surface 120 to slide away from the
patient to allow the patient easier access to a chair, bench, stool
or other seating or standing arrangement suitable for use with
phlebotomy table 100. The sliding configuration then allows a
medical practitioner to slide upper surface 120 back towards the
patient to in order to perform a medical procedure. Additionally,
in this configuration, it is not necessary to have a chair
permanently affixed to the work surface (e.g., upper surface 120)
of the table 100. Accordingly, the table 100 may be used in
association with more convenient seating options such as a bench,
stool, chair, or wheelchair.
[0023] In some embodiments, upper surface 120 further includes a
contoured cut-out portion 120a, in the form of a curved edge, that
allows for the medical practitioner to reduce the distance across
table 100 between the patient and the medical practitioner while
still providing a sufficient work area to perform the medical
procedure. Optionally, a contoured cut-out may be present on the
patient side, the practitioner side, or both. The contoured cut-out
is preferably substantially curved or curved, but any convenient
shape (e.g., polygonal) may be used. This is a particularly useful
configuration when the table 100 is configured as a phlebotomy
table because the medical procedures (e.g., drawing blood) are
performed on the arm of the patient which is held laterally from
the patient's body, toward the bulbous areas of the work surface.
Optionally, fixed lower surface 110 includes a similarly shaped
contoured portion 110a so that when upper surface 120 is extended
towards the patient (e.g., fully-extended), the two contours of
110a and 120a align to allow the aforementioned medical
practitioner the desired access to countertop 120. Although curving
contours 110a and 120a are depicted in the figures, any suitably
shaped cut-out may be utilized to allow similar engagement by a
medical practitioner with table 100.
[0024] Table 100 also includes a drawer 140 for holding suitable
tools, materials, etc. that may be of use to the medical
practitioner. Drawer 140 may be of any suitable construction known
in the art. In conjunction with drawer 140, fixed lower surface 110
includes a drawer shaped cut-out 110b to allow for drawer 140 to be
mounted on the underside of upper surface 120 such that drawer 140
can be deeper than the vertical distance between countertop 120 and
lower surface 110 while still allowing the full amount of desired
lateral movement of upper surface 120 in relation to lower surface
110. Cut-out 110b must be of sufficient size and shape to allow
movement of countertop 120 with respect to lower surface 110 while
still accommodating drawer 140. Although the figures illustrate
drawer 140 on the right-hand side of the practitioner, table 100
may be configured to provide a drawer on the left-hand side of the
practitioner either in addition to or instead of drawer 140.
Although the figures illustrate the drawer being attached to the
upper surface 120, allowing it to remain in the same position
relative to the practitioner regardless of the position of sliding
upper surface 120, drawer 140 (or any other drawers) may be
conveniently attached to fixed lower surface 110.
[0025] Optionally, table 100 also includes an opening 150 in the
upper surface 120. Opening 150 may be adapted to support, for
example, for the insertion of an instrument tray 160. Typically in
the medical fields, instrument trays are made of stainless steel,
but could be made of any suitable material. Additionally, the tray
or other insert may be used for any convenient purpose and is not
limited to an instrument tray. As illustrated in FIG. 4, opening
150 is positioned on the practitioner's right-hand side and apart
from drawer 140. It is recognized that opening 150 may be
positioned in any convenient location that does not interfere with
the operation of the table 100 or any of its components (e.g.,
drawer 140). For example, upper surface 120 may have one, two,
three, or more openings 150 of the same or different dimensions and
such openings 150 may be to the practitioner's left or right, or be
located between the practitioner and the subject. Optionally,
opening 150 may be located above drawer 140. In this configuration,
the instrument tray 160 is preferably shallow in order that it does
not significantly impair the utility of the drawer 140.
[0026] Table 100 optionally further includes a locking system 200
to allow sliding upper surface 120 to be locked into a variety of
positions in relation to lower surface 110. In one embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 7, locking system 200 comprises a lock hole
strip 210 having a plurality of positioning holes 220 mounted onto
fixed lower surface 110. Positioning holes 220 allow for mating of
a locking pin 230 which secures the sliding upper surface 120 into
fixed position. The lock hole strip 210 may be made of steel,
aluminum, wood, or any other suitable material. Alternatively,
positioning holes 220 may also be formed directly into lower
surface 110 without the need for a lock hole strip.
[0027] In one embodiment, locking pin 230 is mounted through upper
surface 120 and has a convenient pull knob or other feature to
facilitate operation. Locking pin 230 may be a completely separate
pin that a user may remove and insert as desired or locking pin 230
may be fixedly attached to upper surface 120 in such a manner, for
example having a spring tensioner (not shown), that allows a user
to pull knob 230 far enough so as to disengage from the positioning
holes 220 while upper surface 120 is moved to a new position and
then the spring tensioner draws pull knob 230 back toward lock hole
bar 210 and into another of holes 220 when upper surface 120 is
suitably aligned. One of skill in the art will understand that
other similar locking systems known in the art may be utilized
without deviating from the scope of the present invention.
[0028] In some embodiments, both lower surface 110 and upper
surface 120 include curved corners so as to reduce the potential
hazards of sharp corners. In some embodiments, lower surface 110
and upper surface 120 include molding, for example, bumper tee
molding that is commonly available in such institutional furniture
applications, along the periphery to aid in reducing sharp corners
and edges thus improving user safety.
[0029] Table 100 may be used in conjunction with standard or
customized patient seating to create a phlebotomy station whereby a
patient is seated or otherwise positioned in relation to table 100.
This station would be in contrast to existing phlebotomy chairs
where the patient is required to sit in a chair with a work surface
attached to the chair. Such phlebotomy chairs often present
problems for persons with disabilities or the elderly or simply
people who may have difficulty entering and exiting such phlebotomy
chairs. A phlebotomy station of the kind envisioned by the present
invention allows for standard seating, for example a bench or chair
or stool or even simply an area for a patient to stand while upper
surface 120 of table 100 is moved out of the way to allow the
patient ease of access to the seating or standing area. Upper
surface 120 may then be moved into position thereafter to allow for
both patient and medical practitioner to be in an optimally
desirable position in relation to each other and upper surface 120.
Such standard seating may also allow for additional people, such as
a patient's parent or chaperone to sit with the patient, for
example to provide additional restraint or comfort more easily than
with traditional phlebotomy chairs.
[0030] Features of any above embodiments or figures may be used in
combination with any one or more other features of the above
embodiments of figures.
[0031] Given the disclosure of the present invention, one skilled
in the art should appreciate that there are other embodiments and
modifications within the scope and spirit of the present invention.
Accordingly, all modifications attainable by one of ordinary skill
in the art from the present disclosure within the scope and spirit
of the present invention are to be included as further embodiments
of the present invention.
* * * * *