U.S. patent application number 17/160737 was filed with the patent office on 2022-07-28 for over bed table with enhanced base.
The applicant listed for this patent is Industrial Woodworking Corporation. Invention is credited to Bradford L. Davis, Lawrence W. Kelly.
Application Number | 20220232969 17/160737 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220232969 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davis; Bradford L. ; et
al. |
July 28, 2022 |
OVER BED TABLE WITH ENHANCED BASE
Abstract
A base for an over bed table usable with patient beds having a
retractable under-bed wheel(s) (e.g. a 5.sup.th wheel or drive
wheels). The base includes a central portion, a pair of inner wings
extending from the central portion to support a pair of inner
casters, and a pair of outer wings extending from central portion
to support a pair of outer casters. At least a segment of the
central portion has a profile low enough to pass below a retracted
under-bed wheel, while each of the outer wings has a caster segment
of sufficient height to accommodate an outer caster and too high to
pass below a retracted under-bed wheel. The base is configured so
that, when fully inserted under a bed, the low-profile segment of
the central portion is aligned with the under-bed wheel and the
caster segments of the outer wings are offset beyond the under-bed
wheels.
Inventors: |
Davis; Bradford L.;
(Holland, MI) ; Kelly; Lawrence W.; (Zeeland,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Industrial Woodworking Corporation |
Zeeland |
MI |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/160737 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2021 |
International
Class: |
A47B 23/04 20060101
A47B023/04; A47B 13/02 20060101 A47B013/02 |
Claims
1. An over bed table for use with a patient bed having a
retractable under-bed wheel comprising: a base supported on a
plurality of casters, the base including a central portion having
an inner end and an outer end, the base further including a pair of
inner wings extending from the inner end of the central portion and
a pair of outer wings extending from the outer end of the central
portion, the central portion having at least an outer segment with
a low profile having a height less than a retracted height of an
under-bed wheel, whereby the outer segment of the central portion
is able to pass below a retracted under-bed wheel, each of the
inner wings supporting one of the plurality of casters, each of the
outer wings support one of the plurality of casters, the wings
having a raised profile with a height of greater than a retracted
height of a retracted under-bed wheel; a column affixed to and
extending upwardly from the base; a table top mounted atop the
column.
2. The over bed table of claim 1 wherein the central portion has a
longitudinal extent; and each of the outer wings extends at an
angle to the longitudinal extent of the central portion.
3. The over bed table of claim 1 wherein at least one of the outer
wings includes an extension segment, a transition segment and a
caster segment, the extension segment having a low profile with a
height less than a retracted height of an under-bed wheel, whereby
the extension segment is able to pass below a retracted under-bed
wheel.
4. The over bed table of claim 1 wherein each of the outer wings
includes an extension segment, a transition segment and a caster
segment, each extension segment having a low profile with a height
less than a retracted height of an under-bed wheel, whereby each
extension segment is able to pass below a retracted under-bed
wheel.
5. The over bed table of claim 4 wherein the transition segments of
the outer wings are spaced apart a sufficient distance to allow a
retracted under-bed wheel to pass there between.
6. The over bed table of claim 5 wherein each transition segment
defines a transition surface extending at an angle to a
longitudinal extent of the central portion.
7. The over bed table of claim 5 wherein each transition segment
defines a transition surface extending at an angle of between about
5 degrees to about 60 degrees to a longitudinal extent of the
central portion.
8. The over bed table of claim 7 wherein the outer segment of the
central portion is at least 1/4 of an inch above a floor.
9. The over bed table of claim 8 wherein the plurality of casters
have a diameter of at least 1 inch.
10. The over bed table of claim 9 wherein the outer wings extend
from the central portion at an angle of between about 95 degrees to
about 150 degrees from relative to a longitudinal extent of the
central portion.
11. The over bed table of claim 10, wherein the inner wings extend
from the central portion at an angle of about 90 degrees.
12. The over bed table of claim 11 wherein the base is a one-piece
unitary component in which the central portion, inner wings and the
outer wings are integrally formed.
13. The over bed table of claim 12 wherein the central portion
includes an inner segment and a transition segment, the inner
segment having a raised profile with a height of greater than a
retracted height of a retracted under-bed wheel, the transition
segment bridging between the outer segment and the inner
segment.
14. The over bed table of claim 11 wherein the transition segments
of each outer wing are offset from an innermost face of the column
at least 24 inches in a longitudinal direction of the central
portion.
15. The over bed table of claim 14 wherein each outer wing has an
outer edge, a lateral edge and a medial edge extending at an angle
relative to a longitudinal extent of the central portion.
16. A base for an over bed table intended for use with a patient
bed having a retractable under-bed wheel comprising: a central
portion having an inner end, an outer end and a longitudinal
extent; a plurality of outer wings extending from the outer end of
the central portion; a pair of inner casters supported toward the
inner end of the central portion; and a pair of outer casters
supported by the outer wings toward the outer end of the central
portion; and wherein at least a portion of the central portion has
a low profile segment with a height less than a retracted height of
an under-bed wheel, the base being configured such that the low
profile segment is laterally aligned with an under-bed wheel when
the base is fully inserted under a bed; wherein each of the outer
wings includes a caster segment supporting one of the outer
casters, each the caster segments having a raised profile with a
height greater than a retracted height of a retracted under-bed
wheel, the base configured such that each caster segment is offset
from the inner end of the central portion a sufficient distance for
the caster segments to be offset beyond an under-bed wheel when the
base is fully inserted under a bed; whereby the base is able to
provide a fully inserted over bed table with free movement in a
fore and aft direction relative to a bed as the low profile segment
of the central portion is aligned with and able to pass below a
retracted under-bed wheel and the high profile caster segments of
the outer wings are offset from a retracted under-bed wheel.
17. The base of claim 16 further including a plurality of inner
wings extending from the inner end of the central portion, each of
the wings supporting one of the inner casters.
18. The base of claim 17 wherein the outer wings extend at an angle
of between about 95 degrees and about 150 degrees relative to the
longitudinal extent of the central portion.
19. The base of claim 18 wherein each outer wing includes an
extension segment and a transition segment, the extension segment
having a low profile with a height less than a retracted height of
an under-bed wheel, the transition segment joining the extension
segment to the caster segment.
20. The base of claim 19 wherein the transition segments of the
outer wings are spaced apart from each other a sufficient distance
to allow a retracted under-bed wheel to pass there between.
21. The base of claim 20 wherein each transition segment defines a
transition surface extending at an angle of between about 5 degrees
to about 60 degrees to the longitudinal extent of the central
portion.
22. The base of claim 21 wherein the central portion, the inner
wings and the outer wings are integrally formed.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to over bed tables ("OBT"),
and more specifically to bases for OBTs.
[0002] Over bed tables are in widespread use in hospitals and other
patient care facilities where patients are treated in beds. OBTs
provide a convenient work surface that can be removable situated
over a patient's bed. Conventional OBTs include casters, wheels are
other rolling components and are easily movable into position over
the patient bed from the side with a base that extends under the
patient bed. There is a consistent problem with hospital and other
patient beds in use today and it involves the extremely low
clearance of many manufacturers' beds. This low clearance is due to
the overall form and function of these beds, but of particular
concern is the use of OBTs with patient beds that have a "5th
wheel" or "drive wheels". In these types of patient beds, there is
a "5th wheel" located either in the center or close to the center
of the bed or two drive wheels somewhere in-between the four
casters located on or about the four corners of the bed. In all of
these configurations, the 5th wheel or drive wheels (collectively
referred to as "under-bed wheels") are intended for use during
patient transport only to make the transport easier on the staff by
using the wheels as a fulcrum when turning corners etc. As a
result, under-bed wheels are typically configured to be raised and
lowered. When a patient is being transported in the patient bed,
the under-bed wheels are lowered for use. However, when a patient
is in their room, the 5th wheel or drive wheels are disengaged and
lifted off the floor so the four primary casters can sit evenly and
level with the floor. Although under-bed wheel specifications vary
from bed to bed, even when raised, under-bed wheels can have as
little as 1'' of clearance from the bottom of the under-bed wheel
to the floor.
[0003] As a result of the limited clearance, current OBT offerings
do not work well with patient beds that incorporate under-bed
wheels. As noted above, conventional OBT offerings include a base
that is fitted under the patient bed when the OBT is moved into
position for use over the patient bed. Current OBT base offerings
run into the 5th wheel or the drive wheels even when raised.
Further, the placement of these under-bed wheels make the use of
OBTs almost impossible, and in many cases the OBTs purchased do not
work at all. The reason for this is that the base of the OBT must
be placed either fore or aft of the under-bed wheel(s), this
creates the issue of the OBT top being either too close to the
patient or too far away to be comfortably used. Conventional OBTs
have a variety of different base configuration. For example, some
bases are U-shaped, with the opening of the "U" facing toward the
patient bed (See FIG. 1A). Other bases are H-shaped with the
openings in the "H" facing fore and aft (See FIG. 1B). Still other
bases are C-shaped and can be oriented with the opening of the "C"
facing fore or aft (See FIG. 1C). None of these configurations work
well with patient beds that include under-bed wheels. If a U-shaped
base is used, the OBT can be positioned fore or aft of the
under-bed wheels or so that the legs straddle the under-bed wheels.
Positioning the base fore of the under-bed wheels limits movement
of the OBT in the aft direction, which is likely to cause the OBT
to be too close to the patient. Positioning the base aft of the
under-bed wheels limits movement of the OBT in the fore direction,
which is likely to cause the OBT to be too far from the patient.
Positioning the base to straddle the under-bed wheels will capture
the under-bed wheels between the legs and severely limit fore and
aft movement of the OBT. If an H-shaped base configuration is used,
the OBT must be positioned so that the inner end of the "H" is not
aligned with any under-bed wheels (e.g. fore or aft of the
under-wheels) before the OBT can be moved into position over the
bed. Once the OBT has been pushed into position, it can be moved
fore or aft until the base abuts the under-bed wheels. Although the
"H" configuration allows a bit more movement in the fore and aft
position than a U-shape base, an H-shaped base can create issues in
a "Crash" situation when the patient is coding (life or death
emergency situation) when the base is positioned so that the
under-bed wheels are positioned with the one of the openings in the
"H". In the rush and frenzy to save the patient, the OBT base can
become entangled with the 5th or drive wheels when seconds count. A
C-shaped base suffers from much the same issues as the H-shaped
base. Fore and aft movement of the OBT is limited by the under-bed
wheels and the under-bed wheels can become entangled in the opening
of the "C", thereby making it difficult to remove the OBT from the
patient bed in emergency situations. Hospitals know this full well
so OBTs with H-shaped and C-shaped bases are generally not used
with these patient beds having under-bed wheels.
[0004] As a result of the foregoing, there remains room for
improvement in the field of OBTs, including a long-felt and unmet
need for an OBT that is more suitable for use with patient beds
that include retractable under-bed wheels, such as a 5th wheel or
drive wheels.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides an over bed table ("OBT")
with a base specially configured for use with patient beds having
retractable under-bed wheels. The OBT includes a
longitudinally-extended base, a column extending upwardly from one
end of the base and a table top mounted atop the column and
extending in a cantilevered manner over the base. The base includes
a longitudinal central portion, a pair of inner wings that extend
from opposite sides of the central portion adjacent the column and
a pair of outer wings that extend from opposite sides of the
central portion opposite the column. The central portion has a
profile low enough to pass below the under-bed wheels and each of
the wings has a caster portion of sufficient height to accommodate
caster, wheels or other rolling elements there beneath.
[0006] In one embodiment, the outer wings extend from the central
portion at an angle to the longitudinal extent of the central
portion. For example, the outer wings may extend from the central
portion at an angle of between about 95 and about 150. In one
embodiment, the inner wings extend at an angle of about 90 degrees
from the longitudinal extent of the central portion.
[0007] In one embodiment, each outer wing includes a low-profile
extension portion that extends from the central portion and a
transition portion that bridges between the low-profile extension
portion and the raised-profile caster portion. The transition
portion defines a surface that is disposed as an angle to the
central portion, for example, at an angle of between about 15 and
about 90.
[0008] In one embodiment, the central portion is of sufficient
length that the raised-profile portions of the outer wings are
laterally offset beyond the under-bed wheel when the OBT is in a
fully-inserted position over the bed. In this position, the OBT can
be moved fore and aft by the patient with the central portion
passing under the raised under-bed wheel without interference.
[0009] In one embodiment, all of the surfaces of the outer wings
that are of sufficient height to engage a raised under-bed wheel
are arranged at an angle to the longitudinal extent of the central
portion. As a result, the angled surfaces of the outer wings
facilitate removal of the over bed table from beneath the bed in
the lateral direction. This can be particularly helpful in
emergency situations.
[0010] In one embodiment, the base includes a one-piece unitary
structural fabricated from sheet or plate stock. The central
portion, inner wings and outer wings may, for example, be laser cut
from a single sheet or plate stock. After cutting, the inner and
outer wings of the preform may be bent to form the extension
portions, the transition portions and the caster portions.
[0011] In one embodiment, the outer wings include compound angles
that facilitate rapid removal of the OBT in emergency situations.
The transition portion of each outer wing may be oriented at an
angle of about 5 degrees to about 60 degrees with respect to the
longitudinal extent of the central portion. The outer edge of each
outer wing caster portion may be oriented at an angle of about 5
degrees to about 60 degrees. The lateral edge of each outer wing
caster portion may be oriented at an angle of about 95 degrees to
about 150 degrees. The medial edge of each outer wing caster
portion may be oriented at an angle of about 95 degrees to about
150 degrees.
[0012] The present invention provides a stable base for an OBT
table that facilitates use with patient beds that include
retractable under-bed wheels, such as 5.sup.th wheels or drive
wheels. The low profile central portion of the base is configured
to pass below a raised under-bed wheel. As a result, once the OBT
has been pushed into place over the patient bed, the outer wings
will be beyond the under-bed wheels and it will be possible to move
the OBT fore and aft without interference from the under-bed
wheels. The use of wings with a raised-profile allows the base to
include casters, wheels or other rolling components of sufficient
size to provide smooth and easy rolling movement of the OBT along
the floor. By minimizing the wings, the portions of the base that
are high enough to engage the raised under-bed wheel are minimized,
thereby reducing the likelihood of interference between the base
and the under-bed wheel. Further, the outer wings (i.e. the wings
that extend under the bed) are configured with angled surfaces that
facilitate insertion and removal of the OBT from beneath a patient
bed. In the event that the outer wings do come into engagement with
the under-bed wheel as the OBT is being moved in a lateral
direction (e.g. roughly perpendicular to the length of the patient
bed), the angled surfaces help to guide the base around the
under-bed wheel. This can be particularly helpful in emergency
situations when it is important to remove the OBT from beneath the
patient bed as quickly as possible.
[0013] These and other objects, advantages, and features of the
invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by
reference to the description of the current embodiment and the
drawings.
[0014] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to
the details of operation or to the details of construction and the
arrangement of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be
implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or
being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed
herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and
"comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items
listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional
items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in
the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly
stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting
the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor
should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the
scope of the invention any additional steps or components that
might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or
components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1A is an image of a portion of an OBT having a
conventional U-shaped base.
[0016] FIG. 1B is an image of a portion of an OBT having a
conventional H-shaped base.
[0017] FIG. 1C is an image of a portion of an OBT having a
conventional C-shaped base.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an over bed table having a
base in accordance with a current embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a left side view of the OBT.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a front view of the OBT
[0021] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a base preform.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the base.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the base.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a left side view of the base.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a front view of the base.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a representational view showing the base
positioned with respect to the under-bed wheel of a first patient
bed.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a representational view showing the base
positioned with respect to the under-bed wheel of a second patient
bed.
[0028] FIGS. 12A-B show a first alternative embodiment of the base
with outer wings at a reduced angle.
[0029] FIGS. 13A-B show a first alternative embodiment of the base
with outer wings at an increased angle.
[0030] FIGS. 14A-B show a first alternative embodiment of the base
with outer wings incorporating a compound angle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Overview.
[0032] A current embodiment of an over bed table ("OBT") having a
base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is
show in FIGS. 2-11 and generally designated 10. The OBT 10 includes
a base 12 that is specially configured for use with hospital and
other patient beds that have retractable under-bed wheels, such as
5.sup.th wheels or drive wheels (See, e.g. FIGS. 10 and 11).
Referring now to FIG. 1, the base 12 include a central portion 14,
a pair of inner wings 16a-b and a pair of outer wings 18a-b. The
central portion 14 has an inner end that is configured to support a
column 20 and table top 22 and an outer end that is configured to
pass under the patient bed B. The central portion 14 has a low
profile that is configured to pass under retracted under-bed wheels
W. The inner wings 16a-b extend from opposite sides of the central
portion 14 and support inner casters 70. The outer wings 18a-b
extend from opposite sides of the central portion 14 and support
outer casters 70. The outer wings 18a-b have a high enough profile
to support the outer casters 70. The outer wings 18a-b are arranged
at angle to the longitudinal extend of the central portion to
mitigate the effects of engagement between the outer wings 18a-b
and an under-bed wheel.
[0033] Over Bed Table.
[0034] As noted above, the present invention provides base 12 for
an over bed table 10 ("OBT"). The base 12 is specially configured
for use with patient beds having retractable under-bed wheels. For
purposes of disclosure, the base 12 is described in the context of
an OBT 10 having a table top mounted to an adjustable-height column
(See FIGS. 2-4). The OBT 10 shown and described herein is merely
exemplary and OBT bases in accordance with the present invention
can be incorporated into OBTs of essentially any design and
configuration.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 1, the OBT 10 generally includes base
12, column 20 and table top 22. In this embodiment, the column 20
is a conventional telescopic column including a lower section 30
that is secured to the base 12 and an upper section 32 that is
telescopically fitted over the lower section 30. A wide range of
telescopic columns are available on the market. The present
invention may be incorporated into OBTs that do not include a
telescopic column. For example, the column may be of fixed length
or may be extend and retracted through arrangements other than
telescopic arrangements. In this embodiment, the table top 22 is
mounted atop the upper section 32 of the column 20 in a
cantilevered arrangement. As shown, the table top 22 extends from
the column 20 parallel to the general longitudinal extent of the
base 12. The illustrated table top 22 is merely exemplary and the
OBT may be fitted with a wide range of alternative table tops,
including table tops that present a work surface and others that
include one or more drawers, shelves and/or other features and
accessories.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 6-9, the base 12 of the illustrated
embodiment generally includes a longitudinal central portion 14, a
pair of inner wings 16a-b that extend from opposite sides of the
central portion 14 adjacent the column 20 and a pair of outer wings
18a-b that extend from opposite sides of the central portion 14
near the end of the central portion 14 opposite the column 20. As
perhaps best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the central portion 14 is a
longitudinally extending structure having an inner end and an outer
end. In this embodiment, the central portion 14 configured with an
inner segment 40, a low profile outer segment 42 and a height
transition segment 44 joining the inner segment 40 and the outer
segment 42. In this embodiment, the inner segment 40 has a
relatively high profile and is of about the same height as the
inner wings 16a-b, which as described in more detail is selected to
accommodate casters, wheels or other rolling components (See FIGS.
8 and 9). The outer segment 42 has a relatively lower profile being
configured so that it is capable of passing under a raised
under-bed wheel. For example, in one implementation, the outer
segment 42 is configured to extend parallel to the floor with its
bottom surface extending about 3/8'' off the floor (See FIGS. 3 and
4). The height of the outer segment 42 above the floor may vary
from application to application depending, for example, on the
amount of clearance available beneath the under-bed wheels. As
perhaps best shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, the transition segment 44
joins the inner segment 40 and the outer segment 42 bridging the
height difference there between. Although the angle at which the
transition segments 44 extends between the inner segment 40 and the
outer segment 42 may vary, the transition segment 44 of the
illustrated embodiment extends between at an angle of about 45
degrees or at an angle in the range of about 5 degrees to about 90
degrees.
[0037] The central portion 14 of the illustrated embodiment is of
sufficient length that the outer wings 18a-b are beyond the
under-bed wheel W when the OBT 10 is in a fully-inserted position
over the patient bed B. In this position, the OBT 10 can be freely
moved fore and aft relative to the bed B, for example, by the
patient, with the low profile outer segment 42 of the central
portion 14 passing under the raised under-bed wheel W without
interference. FIG. 3 includes a broken line W' delineating a range
of potential positions for the under-bed wheel. As shown the outer
wings 18a-b are offset beyond the under-bed wheel W. In the
illustrated embodiment, the transition segment 52 of each outer
wing 18a-b is spaced apart from the inner end of the central
portion a distance of at least 24 inches in a direction extending
parallel to the longitudinal extent of the central portion 20. It
should be understood that this spacing is primarily a function of
the length of the central portion 20, the angle of the outer wings
18a-b, the length of the extension segment 52, and the angle of the
transition segment 52, and that these factors may be varied to
provide the desired spacing. This spacing is merely exemplary and
the spacing may vary from application to application depending in
part on the position of the under-bed wheel(s).
[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the inner wings 16a-b extend
at an angle of about 90 degrees to the longitudinal extent L of the
central portion 14. However, the inner wings 16a-b may extend from
the central portion 14 at other angles. The inner wings 16a-b are
configured with sufficient height to accommodate caster, wheels or
other rolling elements there beneath. In the illustrated
embodiment, the inner wings 16a-b have an upper surface with a
height of about 1.94 inches above the floor. The height may have,
however, from application to application. Given that the inner
wings 16a-b do not pass under the patient bed B, the height of the
inner wings 16a-b can be selected without concern for engagement
with an under-bed wheel. In this embodiment, the inner wings 16a-d
are of essentially the same height as the inner segment 40 of the
central portion 14. However, there may, in alternative embodiments,
be variation between the height of the inner wings 16a-b and the
height of the inner segment 40, if desired.
[0039] The outer wings 18a-d of the illustrated embodiment extend
from the free end of the outer segment 42 of the central portion
14. As shown, the outer wings 18a-d extend at an angle to the
longitudinal extent of the central portion 14. For example, the
outer wings 18a-d may extend from the central portion 14 at an
angle of between about 95 degrees and about 150 degrees from the
longitudinal extent of the central portion 14. In this embodiment,
each outer wing 18a-b includes a caster segment 50, an extension
segment 54 and a transition segment 52. The caster segment 50 has a
relatively high profile with a height selected to accommodate
casters, wheels or other rolling elements there beneath. The
extension segment 54 has a low-profile with a height that is
essentially the same as the outer segment 42 of the central portion
14. The lengths of the extension segments 54 and selected so that
an under-bed wheel is able to pass freely between opposite outer
wings 18a-b. For example, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the outer
wings 18a-b are configured to accommodate passage of an under-bed
wheel W there between as the base 12 is pushed into position under
or removed from beneath the bed B. In this embodiment, the
extension segments 54 increase the spacing between the transition
segments 54 on opposite sides of the base 12, thereby widen the low
profile section of the base 12. The transition segment 52 joins the
caster segment 50 to the extension segment 54 bridging the height
difference between the low-profile extension segment 54 and the
raised-profile caster segment 50. Although the angle at which the
transition segments 54 extends between the low-profile and
raised-profile heights may vary, each transition segments 54 in the
illustrated embodiment extends between the caster segment 50 and
the extension segment 54 at an angle of about 45 degrees or at an
angle in the range of about 5 degrees to about 90 degrees. Each
transition portion 52 defines a surface that is disposed at an
angle to the longitudinal extent of the central portion 14. For
example, the transition portions 52 may extend from the central
portion 14 at an angle of between about 5 degrees and about 60
degrees from the longitudinal extent of the central portion 14.
[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, all of the surfaces of the
outer wings 18a-b that are of sufficient height to engage a raised
under-bed wheel W are oriented at an angle to the longitudinal
extent of the central portion 14 (See FIG. 7). The angled surfaces
of the outer wings 18a-b facilitate typical OBT movements, such as
inward and outward movement in a generally lateral direction with
respect to the bed B. For example, the angled outer edges 60 of the
outer wings 18a-b facilitate insertion of the base 12 under the bed
B. If the base 12 is being pushed under the bed B in a generally
lateral direction and either outer edges 60 engages an under-bed
wheel W, the outer edges 60 will, as a result of the angle, guide
the base 12 to the side of the under-bed wheel W. As another
example, the medial edges 62 of the outer wings 18a-d also
facilitate insertion of the base 12 under the bed B. As with the
outer edges 60, the angled medial edges 62 will guide the base 12
around the under-bed wheel W if they engage when the base is being
inserted in a generally lateral direction. As a further example,
the lateral edges 64 of the outer wings 18a-b are angled to
facilitate removal of the base 12 from beneath the bed B. The
angled lateral edges 62 will guide the base 12 around the under-bed
wheel W if they happen to engage when the base 12 is being removed
in a generally lateral direction. Additionally, the angled surface
of each transition segment 52 also facilitates removal of the base
12 in a generally lateral direction as the surface is able to guide
the base 12 around the under-bed wheel W if they engage. As can be
seen, the angled transition segments 52 and angled lateral edges 64
can be particularly beneficial when removing the OBT 10 from the
bed B in a generally lateral direction, which is typical when
trying to quickly remove the OBT 10 in emergency situations.
[0041] As noted above, the column 20 is mounted to the base 12. In
this embodiment, the lower section 30 of the column 20 is affixed
to the base 12 by fasteners (not shown) that extend up through
holes 34 in the base 12 into corresponding screw bosses integrated
into the lower section 30 of the column 20 (See FIG. 7). In this
embodiment, the mounting holes 34 are defined in the inner segment
40 of the central portion 14. This mounting structure is merely
exemplary and the column 20 may be mounted to the base 12 using
essentially any suitable mounting structure capable to securing the
lower section 20 to the base 12, such as welding, fasteners,
clamping mechanism, post and seats just to name a few alternative
options.
[0042] Although not shown, table top 22 may be mounted to the
column 20 using essentially any suitable mounting structure. For
example, a mounting plate 23 may be affixed to the upper section 32
of the column 20, and the table top 22 can be affixed to the
mounting plate 23 by fasteners. In one embodiment, the mounting
plate may be joined to the upper section 32 by welding or by
fasteners. It should be understood that the described table top
mounting structure is merely exemplary and that the present
invention may be incorporated into OBT that utilize any table top
mounting structure.
[0043] The OBT 10 of the illustrated embodiment includes casters 70
mounted beneath the inner wings 16a-b and the outer wings 18a-b. In
this embodiment, caster mounts 72 are secured to the undersurfaces
of each of the inner wings 16a-b and the outer wings 18a-b. More
specifically, in this embodiment, caster mounts 72 are affixed by
welding to undersurface of the inner wings 16a-b and to the caster
segments 50 of the outer wings 18a-b. The caster mounts 72 may,
however, be secured to the wings using any suitable attachment,
such as bolts, rivets and other fastener. In this embodiment, the
base 12 includes four identical casters 70. In alternative
embodiments, the casters 70 need not be identical. For example, the
casters 70 mounted to the inner wings 16a-b may be different from
the casters 70 mounted to the outer wings 18a-b. In the illustrated
embodiment, the casters 70 are selected to support the base 12 with
the outer segment of the central portion 14 positioned about 3/8''
above the floor. In this embodiment, the casters have a diameter of
about 36 millimeters. The caster size can be varied from
application to application as desired. When the caster size is
varied, the transition segments 52 can be varied to maintain the
outer segment of the central portion 14 at the same height relative
to the floor, or the height of the central portion 14 relative to
the floor can be varied, as desired. The illustrated casters 70 are
merely exemplary, and the base 12 may be fitted with alternative
casters, or with wheels, rollers or other rolling components. For
purposes of this disclosure, the term "caster" is intended to
encompass all types of rolling components, including without
limitation casters, wheels, and rollers.
[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 12 includes a
one-piece unitary structural fabricated from sheet or plate stock.
For example, in one embodiment, the central portion 14, inner wings
16a-b and outer wings 18ab may be cut as a single piece from sheet
or plate stock by laser, plasma, waterjet, CNC mills/machine tools
or any other manner of cutting or machining the parts or shape
needed. A planar preform P cut from a single piece of plate stock
is shown in FIG. 5. As an alternative, the base 12 may be formed
from separate parts that are joined into the base, for example, by
welding or other joining techniques. In one embodiment, the preform
is cut from about 3/8'' plate, but the thickness may vary from
application to application. As an alternative to plate or sheet
stock, the preform may be manufactured from solid bar stock or
other suitable materials. After cutting, the preform P may be bent
at the appropriate angles to form the transition portions and the
caster portions, as shown in the drawings and as described above.
Bending and other shaping operations may be performed using
conventional presses, brakes and other metal forming equipment to
achieve the design and function as described herein and shown in
the drawings. The manufacturing process could and may vary. Metal
and or plastics may be used as well as stamping, forging, casting,
injection molding, sintered materials, additive printing
methodologies and any other manner of forming or manufacturing such
product.
[0045] The angles and dimensions of the base 12, including the
inner portion 14, inner wings 16a-b and outer wings 18a-b shown can
vary, particularly as newly designed and released beds come to
market. If bed wheel diameters increase or decrease the angles and
dimensions of the base 12 may be changed. As disclosed, the lowest
height and vast majority of the base 12 and the outer segment of
the central portion 14 which sits under the bed is 0.75'' in height
thereby leaving 0.25'' of clearance between the bottom of a
retracted 5th or drive wheel and the top of the OBT base 12. This
allows the OBT to be placed directly under the 5th when or a drive
wheel of a hospital bed and be used comfortably by allowing the
patient or care giver to position the OBT in the fore/aft direction
so the patient can easily use the OBT.
[0046] The OBT base of the present invention also addresses safety
in patient crash situations. The very low height of the base 12
running the entire length of the outer segment of the central
portion 14 combined with the angles incorporated into the outer
wings 18a-b (which are pushed under the bed when in use) help to
reduce the issues associated conventional OBT bases. The very low
height OBT base 12 has a central portion 14 with an upper surface
at about 0.75'' running the length of the base 12 combined with the
angled geometry allows the base to be very quickly pulled from
under the bed B in a crash or emergency situation. As described
above, the angled portions of the outer wings 18a-b and the
geometry of the base 12 is designed, in part, to center a 5th or
drive wheel into the very low height area of the OBT base 12.
Either when inserting the OBT 10 under the bed or while performing
the reverse having the OBT base 12 pulled from underneath the bed
B, the geometry works similarly. This makes dealing with under-bed
wheels (e.g. a 5th wheel or a drive wheel) much easier and there is
a tactile feel too guiding the OBT 10 under the bed B easily
without having to look for the 5th wheel or drive wheels. In an
emergency, the enhanced angles that are in place for removal are
designed to center around or guide away from the 5th or drive wheel
much more easily than conventional OBT bases, thereby generally
allowing the OBT 10 to be quickly and simply pulled from service
without thought to the base 12 and the under-bed wheels W
whatsoever. FIGS. 10 and 11 show the interrelationship between the
base 12 and the under-bed wheel W for two different patient bed B
configurations. These two examples are merely exemplary and it
should be understood that the position of under-bed wheels can vary
between different models, types and styles of patient beds. The
design and configuration of the present invention has been selected
to work with many, if not all, currently available patient beds
that incorporate under-bed wheels.
[0047] As noted above, the dimensions, geometry and angles of the
various parts of the base 12 may vary from application. For
example, the configuration of the base 12 may vary to provide
enhanced performance with different types, styles and models of
patent beds, whether it be different beds that are available on the
market now or new beds that may be introduced in the future. To
illustrate this point, FIGS. 12A-B, 13A-B and 14A-B show
alternative embodiments of the present invention. In alternative
embodiments, the angle of the outer wings relative to the central
portion can be reduced. For example, FIGS. 12A and 12B show an
alternative configuration in which in which the angle of the outer
wings 18a-b' has been reduced to about 95 degrees. FIG. 12B shows
how a conventional under-bed wheel fits within the constraints of
the base 12'. In other alternative embodiments, the angle of the
outer wings relative to the central portion can be increased. For
example, FIGS. 13A and 13B show an alternative configuration in
which in which the angle of the outer wings 18a-b'' has been
increased to about 150 degrees from the central portion 14''. FIG.
13B shows how a conventional under-bed wheel fits within the
constraints of the base 12''. In other alternative embodiments, the
outer wings include compound angles that further facilitate rapid
removal of the OBT in emergency situations. One embodiment
incorporating compound angles is shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B. In
this embodiment, the extension segments 54''' and the caster
segment 50''' extend at different angles to further facilitate
removal of the base 12''' from beneath the bed. In the illustrated
embodiment, the extension segments 54''' extend at an angle of
about 111 degrees from the longitudinal extent of the central
portion 14 and the caster segments 50''' extend at an angle of
about 143 degrees from the extension segments 54'''. These angles
are merely exemplary and the angles of the extension segments and
the caster segment may vary in alternative embodiments. For
example, the angle of the extension segments 54''' may be in the
range of between about 95 degrees and about 150 degrees, and the
angle of the caster segments 50''' may be in the range of between
about 95 degrees and about 150 degrees. The use of compound angles
helps to provide the transition segments 52''' with relatively
large angles that are effective in guiding an under-bed wheel
between the outer wings 18a-b, while at the same time providing the
lateral edges 65''' of the caster segments 50''' with relatively
large angles that are effective in guiding the base 12 around an
under-bed wheel W if the under-bed wheel is located outside the
region between the transition segments 52'''. FIG. 14B shows how a
conventional under-bed wheel fits within the constraints of the
base 12'''.
[0048] Directional terms, such as "vertical," "horizontal," "top,"
"bottom," "upper," "lower," "inner," "inwardly," "outer" and
"outwardly," are used to assist in describing the invention based
on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations.
The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the
invention to any specific orientation(s).
[0049] In addition, when a component, part or layer is referred to
as being "joined with," "on," "engaged with," "adhered to,"
"secured to," or "coupled to" another component, part or layer, it
may be directly joined with, on, engaged with, adhered to, secured
to, or coupled to the other component, part or layer, or any number
of intervening components, parts or layers may be present. In
contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly joined
with," "directly on," "directly engaged with," "directly adhered
to," "directly secured to," or "directly coupled to" another
element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers
present. Other words used to describe the relationship between
components, layers and parts should be interpreted in a like
manner, such as "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent" and similar
words. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all
combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0050] The above description is that of current embodiments of the
invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without
departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as
defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in
accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine
of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative
purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description
of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the
claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in
connection with these embodiments. For example, and without
limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention
may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially
similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This
includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such
as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art,
and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such
as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development,
recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments
include a plurality of features that are described in concert and
that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The
present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that
include all of these features or that provide all of the stated
benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the
issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for
example, using the articles "a," "an," "the" or "said," is not to
be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Any reference
to claim elements as "at least one of X, Y and Z" is meant to
include any one of X, Y or Z individually, any combination of X, Y
and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; Y, Z, and/or any other
possible combination together or alone of those elements, noting
that the same is open ended and can include other elements.
* * * * *