Patent Grant
10159617
The present invention relates to surgical tables and to tabletop sections therefor.
Surgical tables, or operating tables, comprising a base for standing on a floor, a column extending from the base, and a tabletop providing a patient support surface are well known.
In order for surgical tables to be versatile, it is necessary for the tabletop to be disposable in a variety of different configurations. It is known to provide a surgical table with a tabletop that is divided into multiple separate tabletop sections, which are detachable from the table to enable replacement of one or more of the tabletop sections with a different form of tabletop section. Accordingly, different combinations of tabletop sections can be provided to vary the profile of the patient support surface, in order to best support a patient's body for surgery thereon or examination thereof.
There is a need for a tabletop section having an alternative mechanism for connecting the tabletop section to another tabletop section of a surgical table.
There also is a need for a tabletop section having an improved mechanism for locking the tabletop section to another tabletop section of a surgical table.
There further is a need for a tabletop section that is easier to manipulate during transport.
Still further, there is a need for a tabletop section that is easier to manipulate during connection to, and disconnection from, another tabletop section of a surgical table.
A first aspect of the present invention provides a tabletop section for a surgical table, the tabletop section comprising a first connector for connecting the tabletop section to a second tabletop section, the first connector having a hook disposed around a space and defining an opening into the space, and a lock pin for locking the connector to the second tabletop section, the lock pin being movable relative to the hook to change a degree to which the lock pin blocks the opening.
Optionally, the hook lies in a first plane and the opening is in the first plane.
Optionally, the tabletop section comprises first and second ends extending substantially parallel to a first direction, and first and second sides connecting the first and second ends, each of the first and second sides extending substantially parallel to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the first connector is at the first end. Further optionally, the first and second sides comprise respective first and second handle portions.
Optionally, the first direction is normal to the first plane.
Optionally, the lock pin is movable in the first plane relative to the hook to change the degree to which the lock pin blocks the opening.
Optionally, the lock pin is restricted to movement in the first plane relative to the hook to change the degree to which the lock pin blocks the opening.
Optionally, the lock pin is movable linearly relative to the hook to change the degree to which the lock pin blocks the opening.
Optionally, the lock pin is movable in a direction parallel to the second direction relative to the hook to change the degree to which the lock pin blocks the opening.
Optionally, the tabletop section comprises a switch for moving the lock pin relative to the hook to change the degree to which the lock pin blocks the opening.
Optionally, the switch is movable in a direction having at least a component parallel to a third direction perpendicular to each of the first and second directions for moving the lock pin relative to the hook to change the degree to which the lock pin blocks the opening. Further optionally, the switch is movable one of linearly and rotationally. Still further optionally, the switch is movable only one of linearly and rotationally.
Optionally, the first and second handle portions comprise first and second walls defining respective first and second recesses in the first and second sides. Further optionally, the switch is movably located within a hole in the first wall.
Optionally, the switch is movable relative to the first wall between a first position and a second position, wherein when the switch is at the first position a greater degree of the switch is disposed in the first recess than when the switch is at the second position. Further optionally, the switch is biased towards the first position.
Optionally, the lock pin is movable relative to the hook between a first position and a second position, wherein when the lock pin is at the first position the lock pin blocks the opening to a greater degree than when the lock pin is at the second position. Further optionally, the lock pin is biased towards the first position.
Optionally, movement of the switch from the first position to the second position causes movement of the lock pin from the first position to the second position.
Optionally, the tabletop section comprises a second connector for connecting the tabletop section to the second tabletop section, the second connector having a second hook disposed around a second space and defining a second opening into the second space, and a second lock pin movable relative to the second hook to change a degree to which the second lock pin blocks the second opening, wherein the second connector is spaced from the first connector.
Optionally, the second hook lies in a second plane and the second opening is in the second plane.
Optionally, the second plane is parallel to and spaced from the first plane.
A second aspect of the present invention provides a combination of the tabletop section of the first aspect of the present invention and a second tabletop section, wherein the second tabletop section comprises a peg, and wherein the space is for receiving the peg of the second tabletop section.
A third aspect of the present invention provides a tabletop section for a surgical table, the tabletop section comprising first and second ends extending substantially parallel to a first direction, a connector at the first end for connecting the tabletop section to a second tabletop section, the connector comprising a lock pin for locking the connector to the second tabletop section, first and second sides connecting the first and second ends, each of the first and second sides extending substantially parallel to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first and second sides comprising respective first and second handle portions, and a switch at the first handle portion movable relative to the first handle portion for moving the lock pin in a direction parallel to the second direction relative to the first handle portion.
Optionally, the lock pin is restricted to movement in the direction parallel to the second direction.
Optionally, the switch is movable in a direction having at least a component parallel to a third direction perpendicular to each of the first and second directions for moving the lock pin in the direction parallel to the second direction relative to the first handle portion.
Optionally, the switch is movable one of linearly and rotationally. Further optionally, the switch is movable only one of linearly and rotationally.
Optionally, the first and second handle portions comprise first and second walls defining respective first and second recesses in the first and second sides. Further optionally, the switch is movably located within a hole in the first wall.
Optionally, the switch is movable relative to the first wall between a first position and a second position, wherein when the switch is at the first position a greater degree of the switch is disposed in the first recess than when the switch is at the second position. Further optionally, the switch is biased towards the first position.
Optionally, the connector comprises a hook disposed around a space and defining an opening into the space, and the lock pin is movable relative to the hook to change a degree to which the lock pin blocks the opening.
Optionally, the hook lies in a first plane and the opening is in the first plane. Further optionally, the first direction is normal to the first plane.
Optionally, the lock pin is restricted to movement in the first plane.
Optionally, the lock pin is movable relative to the hook between a first position and a second position, wherein when the lock pin is at the first position the lock pin blocks the opening to a greater degree than when the lock pin is at the second position. Further optionally, the lock pin is biased towards the first position.
Optionally, movement of the switch from the first position to the second position causes movement of the lock pin from the first position to the second position.
A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a tabletop section for a surgical table, the tabletop section comprising first and second ends extending substantially parallel to a first direction, a connector at the first end for connecting the tabletop section to a second tabletop section, the connector comprising a lock pin for locking the connector to the second tabletop section, first and second sides connecting the first and second ends, each of the first and second sides extending substantially parallel to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first and second sides comprising respective first and second handle portions, and a switch at the first handle portion movable relative to the first handle portion in a direction having at least a component parallel to a third direction perpendicular to each of the first and second directions for moving the lock pin relative to the first handle portion.
Optionally, the switch is movable one of linearly and rotationally. Further optionally, the switch is movable only one of linearly and rotationally.
Optionally, the first and second handle portions comprise first and second walls defining respective first and second recesses in the first and second sides. Further optionally, the switch is movably located within a hole in the first wall.
Optionally, the switch is movable relative to the first wall between a first position and a second position, wherein when the switch is at the first position a greater degree of the switch is disposed in the first recess than when the switch is at the second position. Further optionally, the switch is biased towards the first position.
Optionally, the lock pin is movable in a direction parallel to the second direction relative to the first handle portion. Further optionally, the lock pin is restricted to movement in the direction parallel to the second direction.
Optionally, the connector comprises a hook disposed around a space and defining an opening into the space, and the lock pin is movable relative to the hook to change a degree to which the lock pin blocks the opening.
Optionally, the hook lies in a first plane and the opening is in the first plane. Further optionally, the first direction is normal to the first plane.
Optionally, the lock pin is restricted to movement in the first plane.
Optionally, the lock pin is movable relative to the hook between a first position and a second position, wherein when the lock pin is at the first position the lock pin blocks the opening to a greater degree than when the lock pin is at the second position. Further optionally, the lock pin is biased towards the first position.
Optionally, movement of the switch from the first position to the second position causes movement of the lock pin from the first position to the second position.
Optionally, in the tabletop section of any one of the first, third and fourth aspects of the present invention, a centre of mass of the tabletop section is between the first and second handle portions.
A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a tabletop section for a surgical table, the tabletop section comprising first and second ends, a connector at the first end for connecting the tabletop section to a second tabletop section, and first and second sides connecting the first and second ends and comprising respective first and second handle portions, wherein a centre of mass of the tabletop section is between the first and second handle portions.
Optionally, the centre of mass is approximately midway between the first and second handle portions.
Optionally, the first and second handle portions comprise first and second walls defining respective first and second recesses in the first and second sides.
Optionally, the first and second ends extend substantially parallel to a first direction and each of the first and second sides extends substantially parallel to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
The tabletop section of the fifth aspect of the present invention may comprise any of the above-described optional features of any one of the tabletop sections of the first, third and fourth aspects of the present invention.
Optionally, in the tabletop section of any one of the first, third and fourth aspects of the present invention the second tabletop section is a tabletop section that is disposed upon, and coupled to, a column of a surgical table.
A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a surgical table comprising a tabletop section according to any one of the first, third, fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:—
With reference first to
Although not shown in the Figures, in the present embodiment the second tabletop section 200 is disposed upon, and is coupled to, the top of a column of the surgical table 1. The column is of adjustable height and extends from a base, which stands on a floor. In a variation to this embodiment, the column is not of adjustable height. The base may include wheels for moving the surgical table along the floor.
As is more clearly visible in
In a variation to the illustrated embodiment, the first and second connector devices 202, 204 may be rigidly connected to the main frame 201, so that the first and second connector devices 202, 204 and the first tabletop section 100 are not rotatable relative to the main frame 201 of the second tabletop section 200.
Since the first tabletop section 100 is detachable from the second tabletop section 200, the table 1 may be made compact for storage. Moreover, the first tabletop section 100 may be replaced with a tabletop section of a different form to that shown, for supporting a different portion of a patient.
As used herein, a longitudinal axis of the tabletop 10 is the major axis of the tabletop 10 and a transverse axis of the tabletop 10 is the orthogonal minor axis of the tabletop 10. A longitudinal direction of the tabletop 10 is parallel to the major axis and a transverse direction of the tabletop 10 is parallel to the minor axis. That is, the transverse direction of the tabletop 10 is perpendicular to, or orthogonal to, the longitudinal direction of tabletop 10.
With reference again to
The first tabletop section 100 has first and second sides 103, 105 and first and second ends 107, 108, the first and second sides 103, 105 effectively connecting the first and second ends 107, 108. The first and second sides 103, 105 are defined by the first and second side members 102, 104, whereas the first and second ends 107, 108 are defined primarily by the plate 106, but also by opposite longitudinal ends of the first and second side members 102, 104. The first and second ends 107, 108 extend substantially parallel to a first direction (marked as D1 in
At the first end 107 of the first tabletop section 100, the first tabletop section 100 comprises first and second connectors 110, 120. Each of the connectors 110, 120 is connected to a respective one of the first and second side members 102, 104, so that the connectors 110, 120 are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the first direction D1. The second connector 120 is substantially the same as the first connector 110, except that it is a mirror image about the longitudinal axis of the tabletop 10. Accordingly, for conciseness, only the first connector 110 will now be described in detail, with reference to
The first connector 110 comprises a hook 112 and a lock pin 115. Although in other embodiments the hook 112 could take a different form, in the illustrated embodiment the hook 112 takes the form of an inverted, or upside-down, J. The hook 112 lies in a first plane, to which first plane the first direction D1 is normal. The hook 112 is disposed around a space 113 in the first plane and defines an opening 114 into the space 113, which opening 114 also is in the first plane. The opening 114 is below the space 113 in normal use of the first tabletop section 100 and the surgical table 1. The space 113 is for receiving a cylindrical peg 203 of the first connector device 202 of the second tabletop section 200, as will be described in more detail below.
The lock pin 115 is for locking the first connector 110 to the second tabletop section 200, more specifically to the first connector device 202 of the second tabletop section 200. The lock pin 115 is moveable linearly in a direction parallel to the second direction D2 within the first side member 102 and relative to the hook 112 to change a degree to which the lock pin 115 blocks the opening 114 in the first plane. Indeed, the lock pin 115 is restricted to movement in a direction parallel to the second direction D2 and in the first plane. The lock pin 115 is movable relative to the hook 112 between first and second positions. In
In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 114 is only partially blocked by the lock pin 115 when the lock pin 115 is at the first position. However, in variations to the illustrated embodiment, the opening 114 is fully blocked by the lock pin 115 when the lock pin 115 is at the first position.
Although the second connector 120 will not be described in detail, it is to be noted that the second connector 120 comprises a second hook, a second space and a second opening, corresponding to the hook 112, space 113 and opening 114 of the first connector 110, which second hook, second space and second opening lie in a second plane that is parallel to and spaced from the first plane.
With reference again to
A centre of mass of the first tabletop section 100 (i.e. the first tabletop section 100 in isolation and disconnected from the second tabletop section 200) is between the first and second handle portions 103a. That is, the second direction D2 is normal to a plane that passes through the first and second handle portions 103a and through the centre of mass of the first tabletop section 100. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the centre of mass of the first tabletop section 100 is approximately midway between the first and second handle portions 103a. Accordingly, the first and second handle portions 103a are disposed relative to the rest of the first tabletop section 100 so that a user is best able to manipulate and hold the first tabletop section 100, during transport of the first tabletop section 100 and during connection to and disconnection from the second tabletop section 200, by gripping the first and second handle portions 103a with their hands.
In the present embodiment, an axis extending in a direction parallel to the first direction D1 and through the first and second handle portions 103a passes through the centre of mass of the first tabletop section 100. In variations to the illustrated embodiment, such an axis extending in a direction parallel to the first direction D1 and through the first and second handle portions 103a is offset from the centre of mass of the first tabletop section 100 in a direction parallel to a third direction (marked as D3 in
The first tabletop section 100 further comprises first and second user-operable switches 109 (although only the first switch 109 at the first handle portion 103a is visible in the Figures) at the respective first and second handle portions 103a. The first switch 109 is for moving the lock pin 115 of the first connector 110 relative to the hook 112 of the first connector 110 and the first handle portion 103a, thereby to change the degree to which the lock pin 115 of the first connector 110 blocks the opening 114 of the first connector 110. The second switch is for moving the second lock pin of the second connector 120 relative to the second hook of the second connector and the second handle portion, thereby to change the degree to which the second lock pin of the second connector blocks the second opening of the second connector. The second switch is substantially the same as the first switch 109 so, for conciseness, only the first switch 109 will now be described in detail.
The first switch 109 is movably located within a hole 103d in the first wall 103b. More specifically, the hole 103d is in a portion of the first wall 103b that faces away from the plate 106 (downwards during normal use of the first tabletop section 100 and the surgical table 1), and the first switch 109 is movable linearly in a direction parallel to the third direction (marked as D3 in
While in the illustrated embodiment the first switch 109 is movable linearly in a direction parallel to the third direction D3, in variations to the illustrated embodiment the first switch 109 may be movable linearly in a direction having only a component parallel to the third direction D3. In some such variations, the movement of the first switch 109 may be in a direction having a component parallel to the first direction D1 or the second direction D2, in addition to the component parallel to the third direction D3. In other such variations, the first switch 109 may be movable rotationally relative to the first wall 103b, so that the movement of the first switch 109 may be in a direction having a component parallel to the first direction D1 and/or the second direction D2, in addition to the component parallel to the third direction D3. Such rotational movement of the first switch 109 relative to the first wall 103b may be about an axis that extends in a transverse direction of the tabletop 10, i.e. in a direction parallel to the first direction D1.
The first switch 109 is movable relative to the first wall 103b between first and second positions. Movement of the first switch relative to the first wall 103b from the first position to the second position is in an upwards direction in normal use of the first tabletop section 100 and the surgical table 1. That is, the movement is movement of the first switch 109 towards a plane in which the plate 106 lies, to which plane the third direction D3 is normal.
In
It will be appreciated that the second switch (not shown) correspondingly is movably located within a hole in the second wall, is movable in the same manner as the first switch 109, and is mechanically linked to the second lock pin of the second connector 120 so that movement of the second switch from its first position to its second position causes movement of the second lock pin of the second connector 120 from its first position to its second position.
In variations to the illustrated embodiment the second switch may be omitted. In some such variations, the first switch 109 also is mechanically linked to the second lock pin of the second connector 120 so that movement of the first switch 109 from its first position to its second position causes movement of the second lock pin of the second connector 120 from its first position to its second position. In other such variations, the second connector 120 may be omitted, so that the first connector 110 is the only connector of the first tabletop section 100 for connecting the first tabletop section 100 to the second tabletop second 200.
Disconnection and subsequent connection of the first tabletop section 100 to the second tabletop section 200 will now be described with reference to the Figures.
In
In order to unlock the first tabletop section 100 from the second tabletop section 200, a user grasps the first and second handle portions 103a with their hands, so that fingers on their respective left and right hands contact the first and second walls 103b and the index fingers of their respective left and right hands contact the first switch 109 and the second switch, respectively. The user then moves their index fingers in a direction having at least a component parallel to the third direction D3, so as to move the first and second switches 109, against the bias of the biasing devices (not shown), from their respective first positions to their respective second positions, thereby to move the lock pin 115 of the first connector 110 and the second lock pin of the second connector 120 from their respective first positions to their respective second positions, to reach the state shown in
Once the lock pins 115 of the connectors 110, 120 are at their respective second positions, the lock pins 115 no longer block the openings 114 to a sufficient degree to prevent removal of the pegs 203 from the spaces 113. Accordingly, the user can then use their fingers to exert a force in a direction having at least a component parallel to the third direction D3, so as to lift the whole first tabletop section 100 from the second tabletop section 200 in a direction parallel to the third direction D3. This movement removes the first and second pegs 203 from the first and second spaces 113 via the first and second openings 114, parts the downward-facing portion 116 of the hook 12 from the upward-facing ledge 206 of the first connector device 202 of the second tabletop section 200, and parts the downward-facing portion of the second hook of the second connector 120 from the upward-facing ledge of the second connector device 204 of the second tabletop section 200, thereby to disconnect the first tabletop section 100 from the second tabletop section 200, to reach the state shown in
It will be noted that the user does not need to change their grip on the first tabletop section 100 between first moving the first and second switches 109 to their respective second positions and subsequently lifting the whole first tabletop section 100 from the second tabletop section 200. Accordingly, the first tabletop section 100 is easy to manipulate during disconnection from the second tabletop section 200.
Once the first and second pegs 203 have been removed from the first and second spaces 113 of the first and second connectors 110, 120, the user is able to transport the first tabletop section 100 away from the second tabletop section 200, as shown in
The user is able to connect the first tabletop section 100 to the second tabletop section 200 by reversing the order of these steps, as follows.
The user grasps the first and second handle portions 103a with their hands, so that fingers on their respective left and right hands contact the first and second walls 103b and the index fingers of their respective left and right hands contact the first switch 109 and the second switch, respectively. The user then moves their index fingers in a direction having at least a component parallel to the third direction D3, so as to move the first and second switches 109, against the bias of the biasing devices (not shown), from their respective first positions to their respective second positions, thereby to move the lock pin 115 of the first connector 110 and the second lock pin of the second connector 120 from their respective first positions to their respective second positions, to reach the state shown in
The user then moves the first tabletop section 100 relative to the second tabletop section 200 thereby to align the first and second pegs 203 with the first and second openings 114 of the first and second connectors 110, 120, to reach the state shown in
With the lock first and second pins 115 of the first and second connectors 110, 120 at their respective second positions, the first and second lock pins 115 do not block the first and second openings 114 to a sufficient degree to prevent movement of the first and second pegs 203 through the first and second openings 114 into the first and second spaces 113. Accordingly, the user can then lower the first tabletop section 100 relative to the second tabletop section 200 in a direction parallel to the third direction D3 to cause the first and second pegs 203 to enter the first and second spaces 113 through the first and second openings 114, to cause the downward-facing portion 116 of the hook 12 to rest on the upward-facing ledge 206 of the first connector device 202 of the second tabletop section 200, and to cause the downward-facing portion of the second hook of the second connector 120 to rest on the upward-facing ledge of the second connector device 204 of the second tabletop section 200, thereby to connect the first tabletop section 100 with the second tabletop section 200, to reach the state shown in
The user is then able to release the first and second switches 109 to permit the biasing devices to move the first and second switches 109 and the first and second lock pins 115 their respective first positions, to reach the state shown in
It will be noted that the user does not need to change their grip on the first tabletop section 100 between first moving the first and second switches 109 to their respective second positions and subsequently connecting the first tabletop section 100 with the second tabletop section 200. Accordingly, the first tabletop section 100 is easy to manipulate during connection with the second tabletop section 200.
Various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1312522.4 | Jul 2013 | GB | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2014/064473 | 7/7/2014 | WO | 00 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2015/004068 | 1/15/2015 | WO | A |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4159822 | Ota et al. | Jul 1979 | A |
| 5535466 | Snell | Jul 1996 | A |
| 5628078 | Pennington et al. | May 1997 | A |
| 6195820 | Heimbrock | Mar 2001 | B1 |
| 6336412 | Heimbrock | Jan 2002 | B2 |
| 6698044 | Greenfield | Mar 2004 | B2 |
| 7669262 | Skripps | Mar 2010 | B2 |
| 8966687 | Wilson | Mar 2015 | B2 |
| 8997281 | Daley | Apr 2015 | B2 |
| 9615987 | Worm | Apr 2017 | B2 |
| 20010050033 | Heimbrock | Dec 2001 | A1 |
| 20020170116 | Borders et al. | Nov 2002 | A1 |
| 20030182726 | Greenfield | Oct 2003 | A1 |
| 20060242765 | Skripps et al. | Nov 2006 | A1 |
| 20070136947 | Limpert | Jun 2007 | A1 |
| 20100235995 | Liang | Sep 2010 | A1 |
| 20110277241 | Schejbal | Nov 2011 | A1 |
| 20120063838 | Sahu et al. | Mar 2012 | A1 |
| 20120205509 | Marugg | Aug 2012 | A1 |
| 20130019883 | Worm et al. | Jan 2013 | A1 |
| 20130129416 | Huggler et al. | May 2013 | A1 |
| 20130247301 | Daley | Sep 2013 | A1 |
| 20130312184 | Wilson | Nov 2013 | A1 |
| 20160143798 | Campbell | May 2016 | A1 |
| 20180066689 | Trempert | Mar 2018 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 0630637 | Dec 1994 | EP |
| 0917867 | May 1999 | EP |
| 1297054 | Nov 1989 | JP |
| 06114087 | Apr 1994 | JP |
| 200000152 | Jan 2000 | WO |
| 2002023057 | Mar 2002 | WO |
| 2002058617 | Aug 2002 | WO |
| 200303802 | Apr 2003 | WO |
| 2010039102 | Aug 2010 | WO |
| 2013069952 | May 2013 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| Search and Examination Report dated May 27, 2016 in corresponding application GB1606240.8. |
| Int'l. Search Report and Written Opinion dated Oct. 28, 2014 in corresponding application PCT/EP2014/064472. |
| Search and Examiner Report dated Dec. 4, 2013 in corresponding application GB1312307.0. |
| Int'l. Search Report and Written Opinion dated Jan. 7, 2015 in corresponding application PCT/EP2014/062471. |
| Int'l. Search Report and Written Opinion dated Mar. 20, 2015 from priority application PCT/EP2014/064473. |
| Search and Examination Report dated Dec. 4, 2013 from priority application GB1312522.4. |
| Search and Examination Report dated May 12, 2016 in corresponding application GB1606232.5. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20160143798 A1 | May 2016 | US |
