U.S. patent application number 12/706384 was filed with the patent office on 2011-08-18 for overbed table assembly.
Invention is credited to Ethan S. Abernathey, VISHWANATH A. BHAVE, Richard P. Derks.
Application Number | 20110197796 12/706384 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44368722 |
Filed Date | 2011-08-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110197796 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BHAVE; VISHWANATH A. ; et
al. |
August 18, 2011 |
OVERBED TABLE ASSEMBLY
Abstract
Overbed table assemblies and table assemblies for use with a
patient support surface are presented herein. In one embodiment,
the overbed table assembly includes a movable base for supporting
the overbed table assembly and a tabletop spaced from the base. A
support beam structure interconnects the tabletop and the base. The
support beam structure is attached to the base at a point below the
upper surface thereof. In other embodiments, one or more elongated
glide arms project transversely from the base to abut the ground
and thereby provide cantilevered support for the tabletop.
Optionally, the glide arm(s) are generally parallel with the
ground, and less than approximately one inch high. The base may
include an array of wheels, at least three of which are positioned
directly under one side of the tabletop. The tabletop may be
vertically adjustable, having an adjustable height of approximately
20-40 inches from the ground.
Inventors: |
BHAVE; VISHWANATH A.;
(Mundelein, IL) ; Abernathey; Ethan S.; (Chicago,
IL) ; Derks; Richard P.; (Hawthorn Woods,
IL) |
Family ID: |
44368722 |
Appl. No.: |
12/706384 |
Filed: |
February 16, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/147.19 ;
108/144.11; 108/150 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 13/06 20130101;
A47B 23/046 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/147.19 ;
108/150; 108/144.11 |
International
Class: |
A47B 23/04 20060101
A47B023/04; A47B 13/02 20060101 A47B013/02; A47B 9/20 20060101
A47B009/20; A47B 9/00 20060101 A47B009/00 |
Claims
1. An overbed table assembly comprising: a base configured to
movably support the overbed table assembly, the base having an
upper surface and a lower surface; a tabletop spaced from the base;
and a support beam structure operatively connected at a first end
thereof to the tabletop and at a second end thereof to the base,
wherein the second end of the support beam structure is attached to
the base at a point below the upper surface of the base.
2. The overbed table assembly of claim 1, wherein a longitudinal
tip of the support beam structure is generally coplanar with the
lower surface of the base.
3. The overbed table assembly of claim 1, wherein the second end of
the support beam structure is attached to the lower surface of the
base.
4. The overbed table assembly of claim 1, wherein the base
comprises a plurality of interconnected crossbeams, a mounting
plate attaching the second end of the support beam structure to an
underside of at least one of the plurality of crossbeams.
5. The overbed table assembly of claim 1, wherein the base
comprises at least one glide arm projecting transversely from the
base to abut the ground and thereby provide cantilevered support
for the tabletop.
6. The overbed table assembly of claim 5, wherein the at least one
glide arm is generally parallel with the ground, the at least one
glide arm having a height of less than approximately one inch.
7. The overbed table assembly of claim 5, wherein the at least one
elongated glide arm includes at least one rounded protrusion
projecting from an underside surface thereof.
8. The overbed table assembly of claim 7, wherein the at least one
rounded protrusion lies between the at least one elongated glide
arm and the ground and is configured to reduce sliding friction
between the at least one elongated glide arm and the ground.
9. The overbed table assembly of claim 1, wherein the base
comprises at least three wheels positioned directly under one
longitudinal side of the tabletop.
10. The overbed table assembly of claim 9, wherein the at least
three wheels are casters swivel mounted to the lower surface of the
base.
11. The overbed table assembly of claim 1, wherein the support beam
structure includes a generally hollow outer column coupled to one
of the tabletop and the base, and an inner column coupled to the
other of the tabletop and base, the inner column being
telescopically mounted within the outer column such that the
tabletop is selectively movable between a raised position and a
lowered position.
12. The overbed table assembly of claim 11, wherein the support
beam structure includes a constant force spring attached at a first
end to the outer column and at a second end to the inner column,
the constant force spring biasing the tabletop toward the raised
position.
13. The bed assembly of claim 1, wherein the tabletop is vertically
adjustable, the tabletop having an adjustable height of
approximately 20-40 inches from the ground.
14. A table assembly comprising: a tabletop having first and second
opposing sides, the tabletop being configured to cantilever above a
patient support surface; a base with at least three wheels
positioned directly under the first side of the tabletop; a support
beam structure connecting the tabletop to the base; and at least
one elongated glide arm projecting transversely from the base to
abut the ground and thereby provide cantilevered support for the
tabletop.
15. The table assembly of claim 14, wherein the at least one
elongated glide arm is generally parallel with the ground, the at
least one elongated glide arm having a height of approximately 1/2
an inch over a longitudinal length thereof.
16. The table assembly of claim 14, wherein the at least one
elongated glide arm includes at least one rounded protrusion
projecting downwardly therefrom between the at least one elongated
glide arm and the ground, the at least one rounded protrusion being
configured to reduce sliding friction between the at least one
elongated glide arm and the ground.
17. The table assembly of claim 14, wherein the base has an upper
surface and a lower surface, the support beam structure being
attached to the base at a point below the upper surface of the
base.
18. The table assembly of claim 14, wherein a longitudinal tip of
the support beam structure is generally coplanar with the lower
surface of the base.
19. The table assembly of claim 14, wherein the base comprises a
plurality of interconnected crossbeams, a mounting plate attaching
one end of the support beam structure to an underside of at least
one of the plurality of crossbeams.
20. An overbed table assembly comprising: a tabletop with a
generally planar body having first and second generally congruent
sides, the tabletop being configured to cantilever above a patient
support surface; a base with at least three wheels positioned
directly under the first side of the tabletop, the base having an
upper surface and a lower surface; a support beam structure
operatively connected at a first end thereof to the tabletop and at
a second end thereof to the base, wherein the second end of the
support beam structure is attached to the base at a point below the
upper surface thereof; and at least one elongated glide arm
projecting transversely outward from the base to abut the ground
and thereby provide cantilevered support for the tabletop.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to tables, and more
particularly to movable table assemblies with a cantilevered
tabletop that is designed to extend over a patient support
surface.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Many hospitals, medical offices, nursing homes, and other
healthcare and non-healthcare facilities provide tables for use by
attending physicians, nurses, and other facility personnel as work
surfaces, and for patient convenience by providing an available
surface. Some such tables, which are typically referred to in the
art as "overbed tables," have a tabletop that is designed to extend
over a patient support surface, such as a bed, chair, examination
table, and the like. In most conventional arrangements, the
tabletop is a cantilevered surface that is buttressed on a
rectangular base which is supported at each corner by a caster or
wheel. The cantilevered tabletop can often be raised and lowered to
accommodate different needs, preferences and patient support
surfaces of varying heights.
[0003] During common use, the overbed table is wheeled up to the
patient bed, chair, etc. The wheeled-base of the overbed table
slides underneath the patient support surface such that the
horizontal tabletop extends over the patient support surface. The
vertical support beam of the overbed table assembly is either
pressed against or merely lies adjacent to one side of the patient
support surface. The tabletop may then be adjusted to a more
convenient height over the support surface. A locking mechanism may
be employed to secure the tabletop at the desired height.
[0004] In general, overbed tables are classified as either
standard-height tables or low-profile tables. Standard-height
overbed tables utilize conventional wheels, and typically provide
an adjustable tabletop-height range of 30-45 inches. In contrast,
low-profile overbed tables typically provide an adjustable
tabletop-height range of 19-28 inches, utilizing small-radius
casters which provide a low profile base for rolling under
equipment and support surfaces with low underside clearances.
[0005] Recent developments in hospital equipment include
vertically-adjustable support surfaces. Adjustable-height bed
frames, for example, have an underside clearance of only a few
inches when adjusted to their lowest-most heights. The wheeled-base
of conventional overbed assemblies will not clear a bed that has a
full height of 7 inches from top of deck to floor in the low
position. Attempting to slide the wheeled-base of prior art overbed
tables underneath these support surfaces will damage the underside
support frame and any associated electronics.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Various advantages of the invention will become apparent
upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference
to the drawings.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective-view illustration of an overbed
table assembly in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective-view illustration of the
overbed table assembly of FIG. 1.
[0009] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of
example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It
should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended
to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the
invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0010] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail representative embodiments of the invention
with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be
considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention
and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to
the embodiments illustrated. To that extent, elements and
limitations that are disclosed, for example, in the Figures,
Abstract, and Description of the Illustrative Embodiments, but not
explicitly set forth in the claims, should not be incorporated into
the claims, singly or collectively, by implication, inference or
otherwise.
[0011] The present invention will be described herein in the
context of an overbed table assembly for providing a convenient,
readily-available surface for vertically-adjustable long-term care
beds. However, the present invention is by no means limited to this
particular application. By way of example, and not limitation, the
concepts of the present invention may just as easily be applicable
to other support platforms, such as examination tables and chairs,
wheelchairs, sofas, stretchers, hospital beds, nursing home beds,
stationary beds, and the like. In addition, the drawings presented
herein are not to scale and are provided purely for instructional
purposes. As such, absent explicit claim language to the contrary,
the individual and relative dimensions and orientations shown in
the drawings are not to be considered limiting.
[0012] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals
refer to like components throughout the several views, FIG. 1 is a
side perspective-view illustration of an exemplary overbed table
assembly, designated generally as 10, in accordance with various
aspects of the present invention. While the arrangement shown in
FIG. 1 is referred to as an overbed table, it is not so limited. In
fact, the table assembly 10 can also be positioned in front of or
next to other support surfaces, such as those enumerated in the
previous paragraph. To that end, the overbed table assembly 10 can
be employed in both healthcare facilities (e.g., hospitals and
doctor offices) and non-healthcare facilities (e.g., nursing homes
and long-term care homes) alike without departing from the intended
scope and spirit of the present invention.
[0013] The overbed table assembly 10 comprises three primary
segments: a base 12, a support beam structure 14, and a tabletop
16. The base 12 is configured to movably support the entire overbed
table assembly 10. For instance, the base 12 may comprise a rigid
platform with an array of wheels that allow the overbed table
assembly 10 to be easily maneuvered about the floor (designated FL
in FIG. 1) without inadvertently tipping. In the illustrated
embodiment, for example, the base 12 includes a plurality of
laterally-oriented and longitudinally-oriented crossbeams 18A-B and
20A-C, respectively, which are interconnected to form a horizontal
support platform. Two locking casters 22 are swivel mounted to the
under-side surface of the rearmost laterally-oriented crossbeam
18A, whereas two non-locking casters 24 are swivel mounted to the
under-side surface of the forward-most laterally-oriented crossbeam
18B. Optional tube plugs (two of which are illustrated in FIG. 2 at
26) can be inserted into the open ends of the laterally-oriented
crossbeams 18A-B for aesthetic and/or safety purposes.
[0014] Recognizably, the base 12 may comprise more or fewer than
the five crossbeams 18A, 18B, 20A, 20B, 20C illustrated in FIG. 1.
It is likewise contemplated that one or more of the crossbeams
18A-B, 20A-C can be replaced with alternate structure, such as a
rigid plate or box. Moreover, the length, width, and height of each
crossbeam 18A-B, 20A-C can be modified, individually or
collectively, to accommodate the intended application of the
overbed table assembly 10. To that end, the crossbeams 18A-B, 20A-C
are exemplified in the drawings as elongated, square tubes.
Alternatively, the crossbeams 18A-B, 20A-C may be fabricated as
solid bars, and may take on varying geometries. As another optional
configuration, one of the locking casters 22 or the non-locking
casters 24 could eliminated, with the remaining caster being
centrally oriented along its respective crossbeam 18A or 18B.
[0015] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the tabletop 16 is shown with a generally
planar, rectangular body 28 having rounded corners. The tabletop 16
is configured, as described below, to cantilever above a patient
support surface, such as a hospital bed or wheel chair. For
descriptive purposes, the tabletop body 28 may be split into two
generally congruent sections--i.e., a first side 30A that is in
longitudinally opposing relation with a second side 30B. It should
be recognized, however, that the tabletop 16 length, width, and
overall geometry may be varied without departing from the intended
scope of the present invention. In addition, the tabletop 16 may be
provided with various optional features, such as cup holders, cubby
holes, electronic devices, etc.
[0016] According to one facet of the present concepts, the overbed
table assembly 10 includes one or more glide arms 32 that are
oriented so as to abut the floor FL (also referred to herein as
"ground") and thereby provide cantilevered support for the tabletop
16. For example, a pair of generally parallel, elongated glide arms
32 are attached to (e.g., via welding or screws) or integrally
formed with (e.g., via thermoplastic molding) the base 12. The
glide arms 32 project transversely outward from a front side of the
base 12, in a substantially horizontal orientation with respect to
the tabletop 16 and a substantially perpendicular orientation with
respect to the support beam structure 14. In the illustrated
embodiment, each glide arm 32 is attached to the forward-most
laterally-oriented crossbeam 18B, and curves downward therefrom
such that substantially all of the glide arm 32 is immediately
adjacent to and generally parallel with the floor FL. In some
embodiments, the base 12 has an overall maximum height equal to or
less than approximately seven inches, whereas the elongated glide
arms 32 each have a maximum height over the length thereof of less
than approximately one inch and, in some configurations, less than
approximately 1/2 an inch. This arrangement provides an
exceptionally low-profile base that can fit under adjustable
"hi-low" beds and other patient support structures with minimal
underside clearances without damaging the underside thereof.
[0017] The casters 22, 24 are shown positioned at the corners of
the interconnected crossbeams 18A-B, 20A-C to provide sufficient
lateral stability for wheeling the overbed table assembly 10 to
different locations. The casters 22, 24 also cooperate with the
glide arms 32 to provide sufficient cantilever support for the
tabletop 16 if vertically loaded. For instance, in the exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 1, all of the casters 22, 24 are positioned
directly under the first longitudinal side 30A of the tabletop 16.
This arrangement provides sufficient subjacent support for the
tabletop 16 when there is no load exacted thereon. However, if a
load is applied which creates a sufficient moment arm on the
tabletop 16 such that the overbed table assembly 10 pitches forward
(e.g., counterclockwise with respect to FIG. 1), the glide arms 32
will press into the floor FL and create a counteracting force to
offset the moment arm. In a similar regard, if a load is applied
which creates a sufficient moment arm on the tabletop 16 such that
the overbed table assembly 10 pitches rearward (e.g., clockwise
with respect to FIG. 1), the glide arms 32 will press upwards into
the underside surface of the hospital bed to create a counteracting
force to offset the moment arm.
[0018] In some preferred embodiments, one or more rounded
protrusions 34 project downwardly from an underside surface of each
elongated glide arm 32. As seen in FIG. 2, for example, each
protrusion 24 has a rounded head with a flanged shank. The flanged
shank is pressed into a corresponding receiving hole 36 (FIG. 2),
thereby attaching the protrusion 34 to a respective glide arm 32.
Alternative means, such as, but not limited to, adhesives or
helical threading, can be utilized to attach the rounded
protrusions 34 to the glide arms 32. The rounded protrusions 34 lie
between the elongated glide arms 32 and the floor FL. The contoured
shape and/or the material of the protrusions 34 reduce sliding
friction between the elongated glide arms 32 and the floor FL. The
protrusions 34 also help prevent accidental scratching of the floor
FL. The glide arm 32 is shown in FIG. 1 with two rounded
protrusions 34; however, more or less than two can be utilized
without departing from the intended scope of the present
invention.
[0019] With continuing reference to FIG. 1, the support beam
structure 14 operatively connects the tabletop 16 to the base 12.
The support beam structure 14 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, for
example, is composed of a generally hollow outer column 40 that is
coupled directly to the base 12 and an inner column 42 that is
coupled directly to the tabletop 16. Alternatively, the outer
column 40 can be coupled to the tabletop 16 while the inner column
42 is coupled to the base 12. The outer column 40 and inner column
42 are exemplified in the drawings as elongated,
vertically-oriented square tubes. It should be recognized, however,
that the inner column 42 may be fabricated as a solid bar, whereas
the shape, orientation, and dimensions of the inner and outer
columns 40, 42 can be selectively varied. Likewise, other
structural arrangements can be used to attach the base 12 to the
tabletop 16. For example, a twist-and-pull or slide-rail stanchion
arrangement can be utilized instead of the telescoping arrangement
shown in the drawings.
[0020] In accordance with another optional facet, the tabletop 16
may be raised and lowered to allow the user to selectively adjust
the height of the overbed table assembly 10. According to the
exemplary arrangement shown in the drawings, the outer column 40 is
secured to and extends upwardly from one end of the base 12. The
upper end of the outer column 40 is open, as seen in FIG. 2. The
inner column 42 is secured (e.g., via the U-shaped bracket 44
illustrated in FIG. 2), to the underside of the horizontal table
top 16 adjacent one end thereof. The inner column 42 is received
inside the outer column 40 such that the inner column 42 can
telescope in and out of the outer column 40. The cross-sectional
area of the outer column 40 is slightly larger than the
cross-sectional area of the inner column 42 so that the inner
column 42 can slide vertically relative to the outer column 40 with
ease, and can maintain the tabletop 16 in a generally horizontal
position throughout its range of movement. In so doing, the
tabletop 16 is selectively movable between a raised position (shown
with hidden lines at 28A in FIG. 1) and a lowered position
(indicated at 28B in FIG. 1). A pair of optional column guides 46
can be hooked to the inner wall of the outer column 42, providing a
guide surface upon which the inner column 42 slides when
telescoping with respect to the outer column 40.
[0021] A constant force spring 48 is mounted inside the lower end
of the outer column 40 in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 2. The constant force spring 48 is composed of a coil of
flexible yet resilient metal ribbon which is wound on a shaft 50
that is mounted to the outer column 40. The external end of the
spring 48 is secured to an outside surface of the inner column 42
while the internal end of the spring 48 may be secured to the shaft
50 or merely freely wound thereon. As the external end of the
spring 48 is drawn away from the shaft 50, the spring 48
straightens out with a portion thereof remaining wound on the shaft
50. The straightening action produces a spring force that tends to
pull the external end of the spring 48 back into the coil.
Regardless of the length of the straight portion of the spring 48,
the portion on the shaft 50 remains substantially the same length.
Thus, the spring force acting to pull the inner column 42 upward
remains the same. As a result, the portion of the spring 48 mounted
on the shaft 50 constitutes a constant force spring which applies a
constant force tending to pull the inner column 42 and, thus, the
entire tabletop 16 upwardly. Other devices for biasing the tabletop
16 in a preferred direction are also envisioned. Such arrangements
may include, for example, pneumatic devices, mechanized arms,
motorized assemblies, etc.
[0022] The overbed table assembly 10 may also be provided with a
releasable locking device that is associated between the inner and
outer columns 40, 42. The locking device of FIG. 2, for example, is
composed of a latch plate 52 that is pivotally secured for movement
about a pair of circular hinge mounts 54, which project outward
from opposite sides of the inner column 42. As a result, the latch
plate 52 is vertically movable with the inner column 42. A spring
may be provided so that the latch plate 52 is urged upwardly (i.e.,
in a counterclockwise direction with respect to FIG. 2) about the
axis of the circular hinge mounts 54. A vertical rod 56 extends
down through the hollow center of the inner column 42, a lower end
of which is received by the latch plate 52. The spring which acts
on the latch plate 52 tends to bias the latch plate 52 into
engagement with, and to thereby support, the vertical rod 56. The
opposite end of the vertical rod 56 extends through an opening in
the upper end of the inner column 42. In this particular
embodiment, a guide plate 66 is secured to the inner column 42. The
guide plate 66 has an opening through which the rod 56 is received
and, as a result, the vertical rod 56 is maintained in a vertically
aligned and centered orientation within the inner column 42. There
are alternative means by which the tabletop 16 can be locked at a
preferred height (e.g., a pin-and-slot arrangement).
[0023] Continuing with the above exemplary locking device, a
release lever 58 is pivotally secured to the tabletop 16--namely,
U-shaped bracket 44, by a pivot pin 60. The release lever 58 has a
handle portion on an external side of the pivot pin 60 and an
engagement portion on the opposite side of the pivot pin 60. The
engagement portion of the release lever 58 lays on top of or
otherwise engages the upper end of the vertical rod 36. By pressing
or pulling up on the underside of the handle portion, the release
lever 58 is pivoted (e.g., counterclockwise in FIG. 1) about the
axis of the pivot pin 60, pushing downwardly on the vertical rod
56.
[0024] In use, the tabletop 16 may be moved vertically throughout
its range by simply lifting on the tabletop body 28. When the
desired elevation is achieved, the latch plate 52 will prevent
downward movement of the tabletop 16 by the wedging of the latch
plate 52 between the inner and outer columns 40, 42. When it is
desired to lower the tabletop 16, the release lever 58 is actuated
(i.e., pivoted upwardly about the axis of the pivot pin 60) so that
the engagement portion presses down on the upper end of the
vertical rod 56. This action will also serve to disengage the latch
plate 52 from engagement with the outer column 40. Thereafter, the
tabletop 16 can be lowered to the desired height. Upon release of
the lever 58, the latch plate 52 will be biased into engagement
with the inner wall of the outer column 40 so that continued
downward movement of the tabletop 16 is prevented.
[0025] According to one embodiment, the tabletop 16 is vertically
adjustable, having an adjustable height of approximately 20-40
inches from the ground. In another embodiment, the tabletop 16 has
an adjustable height of approximately 23-39 inches from the ground.
In yet another embodiment, the adjustable height of the tabletop 16
is approximately 23.5-38 inches. Other ranges of motion are also
envisioned as being within the scope of the present invention.
[0026] To provide the overbed table assembly 10 with a tabletop 16
having a substantial range of motion and a significantly low
minimum height, while maintaining the ultra-low base profile, the
lower end of the support beam structure 14 is attached to the base
12 at a point below the upper surface thereof. Purely by way of
clarification, the upper surface of the base 12 may be delineated,
for example, by the plane defined by the upper surfaces of the
interconnected crossbeams 18A-B, 20A-C, whereas the lower surface
of the base 12 may be characterized by the plane defined by the
lower surfaces of the interconnected crossbeams 18A-B, 20A-C. In
the illustrated embodiment, a mounting plate 62 is welded or
otherwise attached to the under-side surface of the rearmost
laterally-oriented crossbeam 18A to provide an ultra-low platform
for the column 40 to mount. The outer column 40 is then fastened to
the mounting plate 62--e.g., via threaded screws 64 of FIG. 2. When
attached, the lower longitudinal tip of the outer column 40 is
generally coplanar with the lower surface of the base 12.
Exemplary Alternate Embodiments
[0027] The following exemplary embodiments of the invention are not
intended to represent each embodiment, or every aspect, of the
present invention. The above features and advantages, and other
features and advantages of the present invention, will become more
readily apparent from the following examples.
[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an
overbed table assembly is provided. In this embodiment, the overbed
table assembly includes a base configured to movably support the
overbed table assembly, and a tabletop spaced apart from the base.
A support beam structure is operatively connected at a first end
thereof to the tabletop and at a second end thereof to the base.
The second end of the support beam structure is attached to the
base at a point below the upper surface thereof.
[0029] In accordance with one optional facet of the present
invention, a longitudinal tip of the support beam structure is
generally coplanar with the lower surface of the base. In a similar
respect, the second end of the support beam structure may be
attached to the lower surface of the base.
[0030] In accordance with another optional facet, the base
comprises a plurality of interconnected crossbeams. In this
instance, a mounting plate attaches the second end of the support
beam structure to an underside of at least one of the
crossbeams.
[0031] As part of another optional facet of the present invention,
the base comprises one or more elongated glide arms that projecting
transversely from the base to abut the ground and thereby provide
cantilevered support for the tabletop. Each elongated glide arm may
be generally parallel with the ground, having a height of less than
approximately one inch and, in some configurations, less than
approximately 1/2 an inch over a longitudinal length thereof.
Optionally, each elongated glide arm may be fabricated with one or
more rounded protrusions that project from an underside surface
thereof. The rounded protrusions are generally located between the
glide arm and the ground. Each rounded protrusion is configured to
reduce sliding friction between the elongated glide arm and the
ground.
[0032] According to yet another aspect, the base comprises at least
three wheels positioned directly under one longitudinal side of the
tabletop. In one optional arrangement, the wheels are casters
swivel mounted to the lower surface of the base.
[0033] As part of yet another aspect of the present invention, the
support beam structure includes a generally hollow outer column
coupled directly to the base (or the tabletop), and an inner column
coupled directly to the tabletop (or the base). The inner column is
telescopically mounted within the outer column such that the
tabletop is selectively movable between a raised position and a
lowered position. In one optional arrangement, a constant force
spring is attached at a first end to the outer column and at a
second end to the inner column. The constant force spring biases
the tabletop toward the raised position.
[0034] In accordance with another optional facet, the tabletop is
vertically adjustable, with an adjustable height of approximately
20-40 inches from the ground.
[0035] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
table assembly is presented. The table assembly of this embodiment
includes a tabletop that is configured to cantilever above a
patient support surface. The table assembly also includes a base
with at least three wheels, all of which are positioned directly
under one side of the tabletop. A support beam structure
operatively connects the tabletop to the base. One or more
elongated glide arms project transversely from the base to abut the
ground and thereby provide cantilevered support for the
tabletop.
[0036] According to one optional facet, the elongated glide arms
are generally parallel with the ground, each having a height of
less than approximately one inch, and preferably less than
approximately 1/2 an inch above the ground.
[0037] According to an additional optional facet, the elongated
glide arms include at least one rounded protrusion that projects
downwardly therefrom, lying between the glide arm and the ground.
Each rounded protrusion is configured to reduce sliding friction
between the elongated glide arm and the ground.
[0038] According to another optional facet, the base has upper and
lower surfaces, wherein the support beam structure is attached to
the base at a point below the upper surface thereof.
[0039] According to yet another optional facet, a longitudinal tip
of the support beam structure is generally coplanar with the lower
surface of the base.
[0040] According to even yet another optional facet, the base
comprises a plurality of interconnected crossbeams, a mounting
plate attaching one end of the support beam structure to an
underside of at least one of the plurality of crossbeams.
[0041] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention,
an overbed table assembly is featured. In this embodiment, the
overbed table assembly includes a tabletop with a generally planar
body having first and second generally congruent sides. The
tabletop is configured to cantilever above a patient support
surface, such as a bed, chair, couch, and the like. The overbed
table assembly also includes a base with at least three wheels that
are positioned directly under the first side of the tabletop. A
support beam structure is operatively connected at a first end
thereof to the tabletop and at a second end thereof to the base.
The second end of the support beam structure is attached to the
base at a point below the upper surface thereof. At least one
elongated glide arm projects transversely outward from the base to
abut the ground and thereby provide cantilevered support for the
tabletop.
[0042] While the best modes for carrying out the present invention
have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which
this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs
and embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of
the appended claims.
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