Head section support for a surgical table apparatus

• US 6,739,006 B2
• Filed: 01/25/2002
• Issued: 05/25/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/07/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Hill-Rom Services Incorporated (Baxter International Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hill-Rom Services Incorporated (Baxter International Inc.)
• Inventors: Reinke, Christian H., Hamberg, Stephen R., Newkirk, David C., Graham, Mark, Siegle, Gary S., Borders, Richard L.
• Primary Examiner(s): TRETTEL, MICHAEL
• Application Number:
  US10/056,959
• Publication Number:
  US 20020170116A1
• Time in Patent Office: 851 Days
• Field of Search: 562/2, 563/7, 564/0, 563/8, 128/845
• US Class Current: 5/622
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/401 using air flow
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/0487 Motor-assisted positioning
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/02 Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 12/00 Accommodation for nursing, e.g. in hospitals, not covered by groups A61G1/00 - A61G11/00, e.g. trolleys for transport of medicaments or food service or tea-tables, trolleys or wagons A47B31/00; Prescription lists
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 12/002 Supply appliances, e.g. columns for gas, fluid, electricity supply vertical ducts or channels for receiving utility lines E04F17/08; installations of electric cables or lines, wall trunking H02G3/0431; structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles F21V33/0068; stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles F16M11/00; buildings for public purposes E04H3/08
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 13/0009 Obstetrical tables or delivery beds chairs for gynaecological purposes A61G15/005
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 13/02 Adjustable operating tables; Controls therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 13/06 raising or lowering of the whole table surface A61G13/04 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 13/08 the table being divided into different adjustable sections
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 13/10 Parts, details or accessories surgical drape sheets A61B46/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 13/107 Supply appliances supply appliances for dental machines A61C1/0007
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 13/12 Rests specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of patient-supporting surfaces rests for the surgeon A61B90/60; restraining devices A61F5/37
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 13/121 Head or neck
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 13/1245 Knees, upper or lower legs
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 13/125 Ankles or feet
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 13/1275 having air-evacuated chambers in order to adapt to the form of the patient for preventing bed-sores A61G7/05753
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2200/325 prone
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2203/12 Remote controls
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2210/90 for heating
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/018 Control or drive mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/05753 : air-evacuated, e.g. in order to adapt to the form of the patient air-evacuated splints A61F5/05833
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/05769 : with inflatable chambers
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/072 : for the head only
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/0755 : for the legs or feet
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 11/0365 : Tandem constructions
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 15/1404 : in clusters, e.g. multiple cylinders in one block
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 15/149 : Fluid interconnections, e.g. fluid connectors, passages

Abstract

A surgical table apparatus is provided for supporting a patient before, during, or after a surgical procedure. The surgical table apparatus includes a base and a table top. The table top includes a body support section adapted to support the body of a patient and a head support section adapted to support the head of a patient.

Claims

1. A surgical table apparatus configured to support the head and body of a patient, the surgical table apparatus comprising

a base,

a body support section adapted to support the body of the patient, and

a head support section including a head support member defining a head support surface configured to support the head of the patient and a first pair of parallel links configured to support the head support member, the head support member including first and second spaced-apart ends, the first end being positioned adjacent the body support section, the links including first and second ends, the first ends being pivotally supported to permit movement of the head support section relative to the body support section, the head support member being pivotally supported proximate the second end by the second ends of the links to permit movement of the head support member relative to the links, the head support member extending from the second ends of the links toward the body support section.

2. The surgical table apparatus of claim 1, wherein the head support section is removably coupled to the body support section.

3. The surgical table apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body support section includes a body support surface configured to support the body of the patient and the links are configured to permit lowering of the head support surface below the level of the body support surface.

4. The surgical table apparatus of claim 1, wherein the head support member is cantilevered from the links.

5. The surgical table apparatus of claim 1, wherein the head support section further includes a second pair of parallel links configured to support the head support member.

6. The surgical table apparatus of claim 1, wherein the head support section includes a first position holder movable between a first position permitting movement of the links and a second position blocking movement of the links.

7. The surgical table apparatus of claim 6, wherein the head support section further includes a second position holder movable between a first position permitting movement of the head support member relative to the links and a second position blocking movement of the head support member relative to the links.

8. A surgical table apparatus configured to support the head and body of a patient, the surgical table apparatus comprising

a base,

a body support section adapted to support the body of the patient, the body support section having a longitudinal axis, and

a head support section including a head support member defining a head support surface configured to support the head of the patient and a first link extending away from the body support section, the link including a link body and first and second ends and defining a space lateral of the link body, the head support member being movably coupled to the second end of the link to permit movement of the head support member in the space lateral of the link body.

9. The surgical table apparatus of claim 8, wherein the head support section includes a second link, the first and second links are laterally spaced apart and cooperate to define the space therebetween.

10. The surgical table apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first and second links are parallel.

11. The surgical table apparatus of claim 8, wherein the body support section defines a body support surface and the links are configured to permit lowering of the head support surface of the head support member below the level of the body support surface.

12. The surgical table apparatus of claim 8, wherein the link is configured to permit lowering of the head support surface below the first end of the link.

13. The surgical table apparatus of claim 8, wherein the head support section further includes a first position holder movable between a first position permitting movement of the link and a second position blocking movement of the link.

14. The surgical table apparatus of claim 12, wherein the head support section further includes a second position holder movable between a first position permitting movement of the head support member relative to the link and a second position blocking movement of the head support member relative to the link.

15. The surgical table apparatus of claim 8, wherein the link is a component of a four-bar linkage configured to maintain the head support surface of the head support member is a generally horizontal orientation during movement of the head support member.

16. A surgical table apparatus configured to support the head and body of a patient, the surgical table apparatus comprising

a base,

a body support section including a body support surface adapted to support the body of the patient, and

a head support section including a head support surface and a first four-bar linkage configured to permit lowering of the head support surface below the level of the body support surface, the first four-bar linkage being configured to permit the head support surface to tilt relative to the body support section, the head support surface being coplanar with the body support surface in a first position and parallel with body support surface in a second position below the body support surface.

17. The surgical table apparatus of claim 16, wherein the head support section further includes a second four-bar linkage that is parallel with the first four-bar linkage and configured to permit lowering of the head support surface below the level of the body support surface.

18. The surgical table apparatus of claim 17, wherein the head support member is positioned between the first and second four-bar linkages.

19. The surgical table apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first four-bar linkage is configured to maintain the head support surface of the head support member in a generally horizontal orientation during movement of the head support member.

20. The surgical table apparatus of claim 16, wherein the head support section further includes a first position holder movable between a bound position blocking movement of the first four-bar linkage and an unbound position permitting movement of the first four-bar linkage.

21. A surgical table apparatus configured to support the head and body of a patient, the surgical table apparatus comprising

a base,

a body support section including a body support section adapted to support the body of the patient,

a head support section including a head support surface, a first four-bar linkage configured to permit lowering of the head support surface below the level of the body support surface, a first position holder movable between a bound position blocking movement of the first four-bar linkage and an unbound position permitting movement of the first four-bar linkage, and a second position holder movable between a first position permitting movement of the head support member relative to the first four-bar linkage and a second position blocking movement of the head support member relative to the first four-bar linkage.

22. A surgical table apparatus configured to support the head and body of a patient, the surgical table apparatus comprising

a base,

a body support section including a body support section adapted to support the body of the patient,

a head support section including a head support surface and a first four-bar linkage configured to permit lowering of the head support surface below the level of the body support surface, and the first four-bar linkage including a first link, a second link pivotably coupled to the first link at a first pivot location, a third link pivotably coupled to the second link at a second pivot location, and a fourth link pivotably coupled to the third link at a third pivot location and pivotably coupled to the first link at a fourth pivot location.

23. The surgical table apparatus of claim 22, wherein the first link is removably coupled to the body support section.

24. The surgical table apparatus of claim 22, wherein the first link is coupled to the body support section and the head section support further includes a position holder positioned to block pivotably movement of the second link relative to the first link at the first pivot location.

25. The surgical table apparatus of claim 24, wherein the head section support further includes a second position holder movable between a first position permitting movement of the head support member relative to the first four-bar linkage and a second position blocking movement of the head support member relative to the first four-bar linkage.

26. The surgical table apparatus of claim 22, wherein the head support member is coupled to the third link.

27. The surgical table apparatus of claim 22, wherein the first and second pivot locations are spaced apart by a first distance and the third and fourth pivot locations are spaced apart by a second distance that is greater than the first distance.

28. The surgical table apparatus of claim 22, wherein the first and third links are non-parallel.

29. The surgical table apparatus of claim 28, wherein the second and fourth links are non-parallel.

30. A surgical table apparatus configured to support the head and body of a patient, the surgical table apparatus comprising

a base,

a body support section including a body support section adapted to support the body of the patient, and

a head support section including a head support surface, a first four-bar linkage configured to permit lowering of the head support surface below the level of the body support surface, and a notched portion defining a clearance space through which at least a portion of the first four-bar linkage passes during lowering of the head support surface below the level of the body support surface.

31. A surgical table apparatus configured to support the appendages and body of a patient, the surgical table apparatus comprising

a base,

a body support section adapted to support the body of the patient, and

an appendage support section coupled to the body support section, the appendage support section including an appendage support surface and a linkage configured to permit movement of the appendage support surface through first and second ranges of elevations relative to the body support section, the appendage support surface being substantially parallel to the body support section though the first range of elevations and substantially non-parallel to the body support section through the second range of elevations.

32. The surgical table apparatus of claim 31, wherein the linkage is a four-bar linkage.

33. The surgical table apparatus of claim 32, wherein the linkage includes a first link, a second link pivotably coupled to the first link at a first pivot location, a third link pivotably coupled to the second link at a second pivot location, and a fourth link pivotably coupled to the third link at a third pivot location and pivotably coupled to the first link at a fourth pivot location.

34. The surgical table apparatus of claim 33, wherein the first link is removably coupled to the body support section.

35. The surgical table apparatus of claim 33, wherein the first link is coupled to the body support section and the appendage support section further includes a position holder positioned to block pivotably movement of the second link relative to the first link at the first pivot location.

36. The surgical table apparatus of claim 33, wherein the appendage support surface is coupled to the third link.

37. The surgical table apparatus of claim 33, wherein the first and second pivot locations are spaced apart by a first distance and the third and fourth pivot locations are spaced apart by a second distance that is greater than the first distance.

38. The surgical table apparatus of claim 33, wherein the first and third links are non-parallel.

39. The surgical table apparatus of claim 38, wherein the second and fourth links are non-parallel.

40. The surgical table apparatus of claim 31, wherein the appendage support section includes a notched portion defining a clearance space through which at least a portion of the linkage passes during lowering of the appendage support surface below the level of the body support section.

41. The surgical table apparatus of claim 31, wherein the linkage is configured to rotate relative to the body support section about a first pivot axis in a clockwise direction and an opposite counterclockwise direction, the head support member is configured to rotate relative to the linkage about a second pivot axis in the clockwise direction and an opposite counter clockwise direction, the linkage is configured to automatically rotate the head section member in the clockwise direction when the linkage is rotating in the counterclockwise direction.

42. The surgical table apparatus of claim 31, wherein the appendage section support includes a position holder movable between a first position permitting movement of the linkage relative to the body support section and a second position blocking movement of the linkage relative to the body support section.

43. The surgical table apparatus of claim 31, wherein the appendage section support includes a position holder movable between a first position permitting movement of the head support member relative to the linkage and a second position blocking movement of the head support member relative to the linkage.

44. A surgical table apparatus configured to support the head and body of a patient, the surgical table apparatus comprising

a base,

a body support section including a body support surface adapted to support the body of a patient,

a head support section including a head support member defining a head support surface adapted to support the head of a patient and a member support configured to support the head support member, the member support being configured to permit movement of the head support surface of the head support member between a first use position and a storage position with the head support surface and the body support surface cooperating to define an angle of greater than 270°

therebetween, the member support being configured to permit movement of the head support surface to a second use position elevated above the body support surface, the head support surface facing toward the floor when in the storage position.

45. A surgical table apparatus configured to support the head and body of a patient, the surgical table apparatus comprising

a base,

a body support section including a body support surface adapted to support the body of a patient, and

a head support section including a head support member defining a head support surface adapted to support the head of a patient and a member support including a four-bar linkage and configured to support the head support member, the member support being configured to permit movement of the head support surface of the head support member between a first use position and a storage position with the head support surface and the body support surface cooperating to define an angle of greater than 270°

therebetween, the member support being configured to permit movement of the head support surface to a second use position elevated above the body support surface.

46. A surgical table apparatus configured to support the head and body of a patient, the surgical table apparatus comprising

a base,

a body support section including a body support surface adapted to support the body of a patient, and

a head support section including a head support member including a head support surface adapted to support the head of a patient, the head support surface and the body support surface cooperating to define an angle therebetween, the head support section further including a first position holder configured to permit adjustment of the angle, the head support member including a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the second end being positioned between the first end and the body support section, the position holder being positioned adjacent to the first end of the head support member.

47. The surgical table apparatus of claim 46, wherein the head support section further includes a second position holder configured to move between a first position permitting movement of the head support member relative to the body support section.

48. The surgical table apparatus of claim 46, wherein the first position holder includes a worm gear mechanism having first and second gears that mate.

49. The surgical table apparatus of claim 46, wherein the head section support further includes a member support positioned to support the head support member relative to the body support section and the first position holder is configured to permit movement of the head support member relative to the member support.

50. The surgical table apparatus of claim 49, wherein the member support includes a first end pivotably supported by the body support section and a second end spaced apart from the first end, and the first position holder is positioned adjacent to the second end of the member support.

51. The surgical table apparatus of claim 49, wherein the first position holder is configured to permit movement of the second end of the head support member to elevations above and below the first end of the head support member.

52. The surgical table apparatus of claim 46, wherein the first position holder is movable between a first position blocking movement of the head support member relative to the body support section and a second position permitting movement of the head support member relative to the body support section.

53. A surgical table apparatus configured to support the head and body of a patient, the surgical table apparatus comprising

a base,

a body support section adapted to support the body of a patient, and

a head support section including a head support member adapted to support a patient'"'"'s head and a position holder configured to permit movement of the head support member relative to the body support section, the position holder including a binding member and a bound member, the binding member including an edge defining a void sized to receive a portion of the bound member, the binding member being movable relative to the portion of the bound member between a bound position in which a projection of the void relative to the portion of the bound member has a first area and an unbound position in which the projection of the void relative to the portion of the bound member has a second area that is greater than the first area.

54. The surgical table apparatus of claim 53, wherein the position holder further includes a member mover configured to move the binding member between first and second positions moving the binding member between the bound and unbound positions.

55. The surgical table apparatus of claim 54, wherein the member mover slides relative to the binding member between the first and second positions.

56. The surgical table apparatus of claim 54, wherein the member mover includes a cam positioned to engage the binding member to move the binding member between the first and second positions.

57. The surgical table apparatus of claim 54, wherein the member mover is biased toward the first position.

58. A surgical table apparatus configured to support the head and body of a patient, the surgical table apparatus comprising,

a base,

a body support section including a body support surface adapted to support the body of a patient, and

a head support section including a head support member defining a head support surface adapted to support the head of a patient and a four-bar linkage configured to support the head support member and to permit movement of the head support surface between a first use position and a storage position, the four-bar linkage including a first link and a second link, the first and second links including a first end and second end, the first end of the first link being pivotally coupled to a first pivot point on the head support surface, the first end of the second link being pivotally coupled to a second pivot point on the head support surface, the second end of the first link being pivotally coupled to a third pivot point on the body support section, the second end of the second link being pivotally coupled to a fourth pivot point on the body support section, the first and second pivot points being spaced apart by a first distance, the third and fourth pivot points being spaced apart by a second distance, the first distance being unequal to the second distance.

59. The surgical table apparatus of claim 58, wherein the first link is non-linear.

60. The surgical table apparatus of claim 58, wherein the first link is curved.

61. The surgical table apparatus of claim 58, wherein the first link is longer than the second link.

62. A surgical table apparatus configured to support the head and body of a patient, the surgical table apparatus comprising,

a base,

a body support section including a body support surface adapted to support the body of a patient, and

a head support section including a head support member defining a head support surface adapted to support the head of a patient, a four-bar linkage configured to support the head support member, and an independent adjuster coupled between the four-bar linkage and the head support surface and configured to permit adjustment of the head support surface relative to the four-bar linkage, the four-bar linkage including a first link and a second link, the first and second links including a first end and second end, the first end of the first link being pivotally coupled to a first pivot point on the head support surface, the first end of the second link being pivotally coupled to a second pivot point on the head support surface, the second end of the first link being pivotally coupled to a third pivot point on the body support section, the second end of the second link being pivotally coupled to a fourth pivot point on the body support section, the first and second pivot points defining a first axis, the third and fourth pivot points defining a second axis, the first axis being non-parallel to the second axis.

63. The surgical table apparatus of claim 62, wherein the first link is non-linear.

64. The surgical table apparatus of claim 62, wherein the first link is curved.

65. The surgical table apparatus of claim 62, wherein the first link is longer than the second link.

66. A surgical table apparatus configured to support the head and body of a patient, the surgical table apparatus comprising,

a base,

a body support section including a body support surface adapted to support the body of a patient, and

a head support section including a head support member defining a head support surface adapted to support the head of a patient and a four-bar linkage configured to support the head support member and to permit movement of the head support surface between a first upwardly facing position and a second downwardly facing position, the four-bar linkage including a first link and a second link, the first and second links including a first end and second end, the first end of the first link being pivotally coupled to a first pivot point on the head support surface, the first end of the second link being pivotally coupled to a second pivot point on the head support surface, the second end of the first link being pivotally coupled to a third pivot point on the body support section, the second end of the second link being pivotally coupled to a fourth pivot point on the body support section, the first link having a first length defined between the first and third pivot points, the second link having a second length defined between the second and fourth pivot points, the first length being greater than the second length.

67. The surgical table apparatus of claim 66, wherein the first link is non-linear.

68. The surgical table apparatus of claim 66, wherein the first link is curved.

69. The surgical table apparatus of claim 66, wherein the second link is non-linear.

70. The surgical table apparatus of claim 66, wherein the second link is curved.