Patent Application
20050155525
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to a table top for tables that support patients, or clients of professionals who provide therapy or other services, and to tables having such table tops. In particular, the present invention is directed to such tables and table tops in which the table top is provided with a sloped shape.
2. Description of Related Art
Table tops of different shape and configuration are known in the art. Most table tops are planar and implemented with a planar table surface member that provides a flat surface for supporting an object placed on the table. Correspondingly, the undersurface of the table top is also planar. In applications where the table top is used to support patients or clients for therapy or other services, the table top is often provided with a cushioned surface to enhance the comfort of the patient or client laying on the table. Service providers may include massage or physical therapists, dentists, or other medical professionals who need easy access to the patient or client laying on the table top.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,965 and No. 6,192,809 issued to the applicant of the present invention disclose massage tables having padded top sections for comfortably supporting a patient or a client laying on top of the tables. Some table tops are made in sectional pieces to allow the table to be folded. Again, the above noted U.S. patents disclose two top sections for the table, the top sections being hingeably secured together to allow the table to be folded for transport or storage.
In such applications where a service provider renders services to a patient or client laying down on the table, proper positioning by the service provider to render such services can often be difficult. For instance, to be properly positioned to access the patient/client's neck and shoulders, a massage therapist generally positions himself/herself near the head of the patient/client. In certain situations, it would be advantageous for the service provider to sit with his/her legs tucked under the table top so that access to the patient/client's neck and shoulder is facilitated.
Presently, most table tops are implemented with thick padding surfaces, and also typically have support members that extend downwardly along the edges of the table tops. The thick padding and the support members impede the service provider's ability to attain an ergonomically appropriate position to render their services. In particular, the relatively thick padding and the support members add to the increase the total thickness of the table top. Thus, in order for the service provider to sit with his/her legs tucked under the table top, the table has to be sufficiently elevated, or conversely, the seat on which the service provider sits must be relatively low in height.
However, when positioned in such manner, the height distance between the service provider's shoulder and the patient/client laying on the table top is substantially reduced. Such a position significantly reduces the vertical advantage that can otherwise be used by the service provider to increase the amount of force exerted on the patient/client. In addition, such a position is not ergonomic for the service provider in that it leads to increased tension in the shoulders of the service provider, and requires uncomfortable, non-relaxed positioning of the service provider's wrists in order to reach the patient/client laying on the table top.
In view of the above, there exists an unfulfilled need for a table top that facilitates ergonomic positioning of a service provider to enhance his/her access to a patient or client laying down on the table top. In addition, there exists an unfulfilled need for a table with such a table top that facilitates ergonomic positioning of a service provider.
In view of the foregoing, one aspect of the present invention is in providing a table top that facilitates ergonomic positioning of a service provider to enhance his/her access to a patient or client laying down on the table top.
Another aspect of the present invention is in providing a table that facilitates ergonomic positioning of a service provider.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a table top is provided, the table top including a substantially rigid table surface member having a lateral planar section and a sloped section at an end of the table surface member, the sloped section being angled upwardly toward an end edge relative to the lateral planar section of the table surface member. In one embodiment, the sloped section is angled approximately between 5 to 25 degrees, preferably approximately 15 degrees, relative to the lateral planar section.
In accordance with another embodiment, the table top further includes a first layer cushion supported on the table surface member, the first layer cushion including a wedge portion supported on the sloped section of the table surface member. The table surface member may be provided with another sloped section at an opposing end of the table surface member. In still another embodiment, the table top is also provided with a plurality of support members secured to the periphery of the table surface member and extending downwardly from the table surface member, but not from the end edge. The support members may include curved portions proximate to the sloped section.
Another aspect of the present invention is in providing a table including a table top with a substantially rigid table surface member, and a leg structure that elevates the table top. In accordance with the present invention, the table surface member includes a lateral planar section and a sloped section at an end of the table surface member, the sloped section being angled upwardly toward an end edge relative to the lateral planar section.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is in providing a table including an articulating table top, and a leg structure that elevates the table top. In accordance with one embodiment, the articulating table top has a plurality of pivotably hinged table sections that are positionable in a substantially lateral planar configuration, each of the plurality of table section having a substantially rigid table surface member. In addition, at least one of the plurality of table sections that is positioned at an end of the articulating table includes a sloped section, the sloped section being angled upwardly toward an end edge when in the substantially lateral planar configuration.
In another embodiment, the sloped section is angled approximately between 5 to 25 degrees, preferably approximately 15 degrees. The table may further include at least one first layer cushion supported on a surface member. The first layer cushion may have a wedge shaped portion that is supported on the sloped section.
In still another embodiment, the table may further include a plurality of support members secured to the periphery of the table surface members and extending downwardly from the table surface members, but not from the end edge. In this regard, the support members of the table section with the sloped section may be implemented with curved portions proximate to the sloped section. The table section with the sloped section is preferably implemented to be downwardly pivotable and/or upwardly pivotable.
In accordance with still another embodiment, the leg structure of the table is adjustable to allow height elevation of the table to be adjusted. In one implementation, the leg structure has a scissor configuration, and further includes a motor and a mechanized cylinder actuable to adjust the height elevation of the table. The leg structure may be provided with at least one foot with wheels secured thereto. Moreover, the table may be further implemented with an adjustment mechanism to articulate at least one of the plurality of table sections.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Both
The table top 1 includes a table surface member 2 made of a substantially rigid material such as wood, metal, synthetic material, etc. designed to withstand and support the weight of a patient/client laying down on the table top 1. The table surface member 2 in accordance with the present embodiment includes a lateral planar section 6 and a sloped section 10, the details of which are described in further detail below.
In addition, padding is preferably provided on the table surface member 2 of the table top 1 to increase comfort to the patient/client. In this regard, in the illustrated embodiment, first layer cushion 3 is provided on the table surface member 2 and a second layer cushion 4 is provided on top of the first layer cushion 3, both layers of cushions providing comfortable support to the patient/client laying on the table top 1. Of course, in other embodiments, only one layer of cushion material, or more than two layers of cushion material may be provided. Moreover, the cushions may be segmented into smaller portions that only partially extend along the length of the table top 1. In addition, the table top 1 may also be covered with a durable upholstery material such as vinyl or other material (not shown).
In the illustrated embodiment, optional support members 8 are provided to increase the rigidity of the table top 1, and to further enhance the esthetic appeal of the table top 1. In particular, support members 8 are attached to the lateral planar section 6, as well as a portion of the sloped section 10 of the table surface member 2 to increase load capacity of the table surface member 2. In the illustrated embodiment, a support member is not provided at end edge 5 of the sloped section 10 which is described below. In addition, as shown in
In accordance with the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the sloped section 10 of the table surface member 2 increases both the function of the table top 1, and the ergonomic comfort to the service provider such as a massage or physical therapist, a dentist, or other medical professional that provide services to patient/client laying down on the table top 1. In particular, as shown in
In the illustrated embodiment, the sloped section 10 is angled approximately 15 degrees from the substantially horizontal orientation of the lateral planar section 6. Of course, in other embodiments, the slope may be implemented with a different angle, for example, between 5 to 25 degrees from the substantially horizontal orientation of the lateral planar section 6 of the table surface member 2. Preferably, this sloped section 10 is sized in proportion to the table top 1 so that it begins around where the neck and/or knees of a typical patient/client would be supported when the patient/client is laying down on the table top 1. This ensures that the torso of the patient/client is supported by the full thicknesses of the first layer cushion 3 and the second layer cushion 4 so as to provide maximum comfort to the patient/client. In this regard, the length of the sloped section 10 may be between approximately 1 to 2 feet in length in example implementations.
As also shown in
Correspondingly, the combined thickness of the cushions, and for that matter, the total thickness of the table top 1 near the end edge 5, is thinner than for the rest of the table top 1 in the illustrated embodiment. However, it has been found that the padding in the area of the head or the feet need not be as thick as the padding in the area that supports larger mass areas of the body such as the torso in order to provide comfort to the patient/client laying thereon. The wedge shaped portion 7 allows the table top 1 to be upholstered with plush, thicker foam system that includes the second layer cushion 4, for example, so as to provide comfortable support to the larger mass areas of the body (such as the torso) without increasing the thickness of the table top 1 at one or more of the ends from where the service provider often renders his/her services.
In addition, as can also be seen, the table top 1 of the illustrated embodiment is not provided with a support member at the end edge 5 of the sloped section 10. Because of the absence of a support member and the upward sloping of the table surface member 2, ergonomics for the service providers such as therapist or the like can be improved. For instance, if the table top I is implemented in a table having a low height that allows the service provider to provide services while sitting down, the absence of a support member and the upward sloping at the sloped section 10 of the table surface member 2 allows the service provider to easily place his or her legs underneath the table top 1 with the service provider's thighs positioned underneath the sloped section 10. This enhances the ability of the service provider to get close to the patient or client laying down on the table top 1.
More importantly, by providing a sloped section 10 with the wedge shaped portion 7, and optionally, not providing a support member at the end edge 5 of the sloped section 10, the thickness of the table top 1 is significantly reduced near the end edge 5 as compared to the midsections of the table top 1. Thus, the seat position of the service provider at one or both of the ends of the table top can be more elevated relative to the patient/client laying down on the table top 1 than would otherwise be possible with conventional table tops. This allows the service provider to be ergonomically seated with his/her shoulders well above the head (or feet) of the patient/client laying on the table top 1. Such positioning provides the height advantage desirable for rendering the required services, reduces tension on the shoulders of the service provider, and providers a more natural orientation of the service provider's wrists. All of these ergonomic benefits minimize fatigue and improve comfort for the service provider.
The table 11 shown in
Each of the table sections 14A-14D of the articulating table top 12 include a table surface member, only table surface member 40A of table section 14A being indicated in
The articulating table top 12 is supported by a leg structure 20 which supports the articulating table top 12, and further allows the height of the articulating table top 12 to be adjusted to a desired elevation. The adjustability of the articulating table top 12 allows the patient/client to be elevated or lowered to better correspond to the ergonomic needs of the service provider such as a therapist, dentist or other medical professional. In the illustrated embodiment of
As can also be seen, the legs 22 are provided with feet 26 which stabilize the table 11 in its operating configuration shown in
Furthermore, the leg structure 20 of the table 11 in accordance with the example implementation of the present invention is provided with mechanized cylinder 32 that is operable via motor 34 to variably adjust the height elevation of the articulating table top 12. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, when the motor 34 is actuated to extend the mechanized cylinder 32, the articulating table top 12 is elevated to an increasing height. If the motor 34 is operated to retract the mechanized cylinder 32, the articulating table top 12 is lowered closer to the ground surface. Of course, in other implementations of the present invention, different mechanisms for adjusting the height of the articulating table top 12 may be provided.
Thus, the table 11 of
In accordance with the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the articulating table top 12 is further provided with specialized features that increase both the function of the table 11, and the ergonomic comfort to the service provider using the table 11. In particular, as shown in
In accordance with the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the table sections 14A-14D of the articulating table top 12 are also adapted to be articulated into alternate position or positions that will facilitate providing of appropriate services to the patient/client by the service provider. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the table 11 is provided with position adjustment mechanisms 44A and 44C which allow table sections 14A and 14C to be articulated, respectively. In particular, by operating the position adjustment mechanism 44C, the table section 14C may be angled upwardly relative to the other table sections of the articulating table top 12. For example, this feature may be used to elevate the knees of the patient/client laying on the articulating table top 12. Such articulation may be attained by providing a cam, a crank, or a clamp device that is operated by the adjustment mechanisms 44A and 44C.
In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the position adjustment mechanism 44A may be actuated to change the angle of the sloped table section 14A upwardly in the direction of arrow “U”, or downwardly in the direction of arrow “D” illustrated in
As can be seen, the table section 14A is provided with a table surface member 40A having a sloped section 16 which slopes upwardly toward the end edge 43 of the table 11. Correspondingly, the table 11 is provided with the benefits discussed above relative to the table top 1 of
Moreover, when the service provider actuates the position adjustment mechanism 44A to downwardly angle the table section 14A as shown in
Thus, by providing a sloped table section 14A in which the table surface member 40A is not parallel to the cushion surface, but instead, is sloped upward, the ergonomic comfort for the service provider can be greatly improved when the table section 14A is angled downwardly. In addition, as also shown most clearly in
Moreover, as most clearly shown in
The table surface member 52 in accordance with the present embodiment includes lateral planar section 54, and sloped sections 56 and 58 at the ends thereof. In contrast to the embodiment of
Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the padding provided on the table surface member 52 to increase comfort to the patient/client is implemented in separate segments. In this regard, in the illustrated embodiment, first layer cushion 60 is provided on the lateral planar section 54 of the table surface member 52. In addition, two wedge portions 62 and 64 are provided on the sloped sections 56 and 58 of the table surface member 52, respectively. A second layer cushion 66 is provided on top of the first layer cushion 60 and the two wedge portions 62 and 64, both layers of cushions providing comfortable support to the patient/client laying on the table top 50. As noted, the cushions may be implemented in a single layer. The table top 50 may also be covered with a durable upholstery material such as vinyl or other material (not shown).
The above described sloped sections 56 and 58 of the table surface member 52 and the wedge portions 62 and 64 increases both the function of the table top 50, and the ergonomic comfort to the service provider. These ergonomic benefits to the service provider have been discussed in detail above and thus, omitted here to avoid repetition.
While various embodiments in accordance with the present invention have been shown and described, it is understood that the invention is not limited thereto. The present invention may be changed, modified and further applied by those skilled in the art. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the detail shown and described previously, but also includes all such changes and modifications.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/531,627, filed Dec. 23, 2003, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60531627 | Dec 2003 | US |
