AU2019201413B2 - Surgery table attachment apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

OF THE DISCLOSURE An adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table utilizing a platform having first and second end portions. First and second end supports are used to mount the platform which is adjusted by a carriage having a pawl operator. The carriage includes studs having support surfaces for the platform. A tower utilizing a gear rack interacts with the carriage pawl operator to positon the platform relative to the first and second end support of the surgery table. 21 19 1028 30 10 32 14 3 18 ~ 22 1 =P,1-20 24e 1261 FIG.2I 28 30 10 3 0 32 0 - 14 34 1 -0- 18 22 1 Ef- 20 24 26 FIG.32

Description

1028 30

10 32

14 3 18 ~ 22 1 =P,1-20

24e 1261 FIG.2I 28 30

3

0 32 0

- 14 34 1 -0- 18 22 1 Ef- 20

24 26 FIG.32

SURGERY TABLE ATTACHMENT APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an adjustable support

apparatus for surgery table.

Medical and surgical procedures require placement of a

patient on a surgical table in various positions to allow a

practitioner surgical access. For example, a patient platform on

a surgical table must be moved upwardly or downwardly, or tilted

about a horizontal axis. In addition, the head or foot portions

of a patient platform on a surgical table must be independently

depressed or elevated to achieve particular orientations, referred

to as Trendelenberg or reverse Trendelenberg positions.

As heretofore stated it is important to configure a

surgery table to accommodate the needs of a surgeon. In certain

cases, table movement may be employed to shift the patient's

internal organs relative to the patients head for the sake of

surgical access. In addition, a reverse Trendelenberg position on

a surgical table may also increase blood flow to the patient's

head to minimize shock during surgery and permit anterior or

posterior access to the patient.

In the past, adjustments of surgical table platforms have

been manually accomplished by the interaction of such surgical

platform with the end supports of a surgical table specifically

adjustments of the surgical platform had been achieved through the

removal and insertion of a rod between parallel bars having

openings for accommodating the rod. Although being functional, such a system requires great care on the part of the surgical team to prevent a patient from accidentally being lowered on the surgical platform. In addition, the raising, lowering, tilting, and independently elevating or lowering the head and foot portions of a surgical platform was often difficult and inconvenient through the mechanisms of the prior art.

Reference is made to US Patent 6,260,220 as representative of a typical prior

art adjustable surgery table.

A positioning system for a surgical table that is safe and easy to

manipulate would be a notable advance in the medical field.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent

specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this

is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features

of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such

external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such

documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art,

or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there

is provided a system of an adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table,

comprising:

a first post extending vertically between a first and a second

end of the first post;

a first crossbar mounted to the first post proximate to the

second end of the first post, the first crossbar capable of being oriented

perpendicular to the first post such that a first and a second end ofthe first

crossbar being in a different plane than the first and second ends of the first

post, the first crossbar comprising top and bottom surfaces, the first crossbar

able to be fixed to at least one first tower and at least one second tower;

a first tower extending between first and second ends of the

first tower, the second end of the first tower being coupled to the top surface

of the first crossbar so that the first tower is perpendicular to the first

crossbar, the first tower configured to removably fix with the first crossbar

such that the first crossbar and the first tower securely engage with each

other, the first crossbar configured to rotate around an axis perpendicular to a

plane of the first crossbar while fixed to the first tower; and

a first carriage coupled to the first tower, the first carriage

configured to move in upward and downward directions with respect to the

first crossbar, the first carriage comprising:

a first handle and a second handle at opposite first end and

second end of the first carriage,

at least one pawl,

3a at least one gear rack, and a controller configured to move the at least one pawl into and out of engagement with the at least one gear rack, wherein when the at least one pawl is in engagement with the at least one gear rack, the first carriage is prevented from moving in the upward and downward directions.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention,

there is provided a system of an adjustable support apparatus for a surgery

table, comprising:

a crossbar mounted to a post, the crossbar capable of being

oriented perpendicular to the post such that first and second ends of the

crossbar being in a different plane than first and second ends of the post;

a tower extending in a vertical direction between first and

second ends of the tower, the tower configured to removably fix with the

crossbar at a first opening formed in one of the crossbar and tower such that

the crossbar and the tower securely engage with each other, the crossbar

configured to rotate along an axis perpendicular to a plane of the crossbar

while fixed to the tower; and

a carriage coupled to the tower, the carriage configured to move

in upward and downward directions with respect to the crossbar, the carriage

is not configured to move in the upward and downward directions without

rotation of a slide lock knob coupled to the carriage, the rotation of the slide

lock knob configured to disengage one or more pawls from a gear rack upon

inward rotation of the one or more pawls.

3b

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there

is provided a system of an adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table,

comprising:

a first post extending vertically between a first and a second

end of the first post;

a first crossbar mounted to the first post proximate to the

second end of the first post, the first crossbar capable of being oriented

perpendicular to the first post such that a first and a second end of the first

crossbar being in a different plane than the first and second ends of the first

post, the first crossbar comprising top and bottom surfaces, the first crossbar

able to be fixed to at least one first tower and at least one second tower;

a first tower extending between first and second ends of the

first tower, the second end of the first tower being coupled to the top surface

of the first crossbar so that the first tower is perpendicular to the first

crossbar, the first tower configured to removably fix with the first crossbar

such that the first crossbar and the first tower securely engage with each

other, the first crossbar configured to rotate along an axis perpendicular to a

plane of the first crossbar while fixed to the first tower;

a first carriage coupled to the first tower, the first carriage

configured to move in upward and downward directions with respect to the

first crossbar, the first carriage comprising a first handle and a second handle

at opposite first end and second end of the first carriage;

a gear rack extending along a vertical direction of the first

tower, the gear rack coupled to a pawl mechanism, the pawl mechanism

incorporated in the first carriage, the pawl mechanism configured to engage

3c and disengage the gear rack as the first carriage moves in the upward and downward directions with respect to the first crossbar; and a first platform coupled to the first carriage, the first platform extending perpendicular to the first carriage such that the plane of the first crossbar is perpendicular to a plane of the first platform, wherein the first carriage is not configured to move in the upward and downward directions without rotation of a slide lock knob coupled to the first carriage, the rotation of the slide lock knob configured to disengage and engage one or more pawls from the gear rack.

In accordance with the present disclosure a novel and useful

adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table is herein provided.

The apparatus of the present disclosure is utilized with a patient

platform having a first and second end portions. First and second end

supports are also employed with the present apparatus and are linked to the

first and second end portions of the patient platform in a manner that is safe

and easy to accomplish.

In this regard, the apparatus includes a crossbar mounted to and

forming a portion of either end support. A carriage is also employed and

utilizes a base housing and first and second studs that extend from the base

housing. Each of the first and second studs provides an engagement surface

for connectors associated with either end portion of the patient platform.

Each connector may take the form of a claw-like member that rotatably locks

at the first and second stud engagement surfaces extending from the base

housing of the carriage.

3d

In addition, at least one tower is employed to be removably

fixed to the first and/or second end supports, preferably to the crossbar.

Each tower is provided with at least one gear rack having alternating recesses

and shoulders. The combined carriage and one or more towers forms a tower

assembly. A controller associated with the carriage moves at least one pawl

into and out of engagement with any of the gear racks, thus,

3e allowing the end portions of the patient platform and the carriage to move upwardly and downwardly relative to a tower through a ratchet mechanism.

Needless to say, the use of a carriage, one or more towers and controllers,

hereinabove described, may be utilized with the first and second end supports

of the surgery table. Consequently, the first and second end portions of the

patient platform may be independently raised and lowered relative to the first

and second end supports.

Moreover, each tower assembly may include a mechanism for

removably fixing the same to the crossbar of the first, and/or second end

support. In essence the tower may be formed with a single protuberance

having a boss engaging an opening in a crossbar. However, such mechanism

preferably includes the provision of first and second openings in the

crossbar. Each tower is then fitted with first and second protuberances. The

first protuberance rotatably fits within the first opening of a crossbar, while

the second protuberance fits into the second opening of such cross bar upon

rotation of the first protuberance. A locking mechanism audibly actuates and

holds the second protuberance in the second opening ofthe crossbar,

achieving a bayonet type of connection.

It may be apparent that a novel and useful adjustable support

apparatus for a surgery table has been herein above described.

It is therefore an object of at least an embodiment of the present

disclosure to provide an adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table that

provides for patient safety and facilitates manipulation by a surgical staff.

Another object of at least an embodiment of the present

disclosure is to provide an adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table

that permits multiple movements of a patient platform to allow positioning of

a patient that is convenient for a surgeon.

Another object of at least an embodiment of the present

disclosure is to provide an adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table

that eliminates hazards associated with surgery tables of the prior art,

including inadvertent unlocking of the table, uncontrolled movement of the

table, or inability to position the patient platform in certain instances.

Another object of at least an embodiment of the present

disclosure is to provide an adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table

that provides for audible indicators, signaling locking and unlocking of

various components of the surgery table.

Another object of at least an embodiment of the present

disclosure is to provide an adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table

that eliminates carriage drift under patient weight.

Another object of at least an embodiment of the present

disclosure is to provide an adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table

that is relatively maintenance free.

Another object of at least an embodiment of the present

disclosure is to provide an adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table

which achieves a high degree of stability during use.

Another object of at least an embodiment of the present

disclosure is to provide an adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table that employs a tower attached to an end support by the way of a crossbar via a bayonet type fitting that prevents removal of a linked patient supporting tabletop.

Yet another object of at least an embodiment of the present

disclosure is to provide an adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table

that complies with governmental standards for lift limits.

An additional or alternative object of the present disclosure is

to provide the public with a useful choice.

The disclosure possesses other objects and advantages

especially as concerns particular characteristics and features thereof which

will become apparent as the specification continues.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification and claims

means "consisting at least in part of'. When interpreting statements in this

specification and claims which include the term "comprising", other features

besides the features prefaced by this term in each statement can also be

present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be

interpreted in a similar manner.

Reference may be made in the description to subject matter

which is not in the scope of the appended claims. That subject matter should

be readily identifiable by a person skilled in the art and may assist putting

into practice the invention as defined in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a side schematic elevational view of the

apparatus of the present invention indicating a reverse

Trendelenberg movement of an H-frame in phantom.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of

the present invention utilizing an H-frame and a patient support.

FIG. 3 is a side schematic elevational view of the

apparatus of the present invention where the H-frame and patient

support have been rotated 180 degrees.

FIG. 4 is a top left isometric view of the head portion

of a surgery table utilizing the apparatus of the present

application.

FIG. 5 is a top left partial isometric view of a

surgery table employing an adjustment mechanism of the prior art.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the tower

assembly including a pair of towers and carriage mechanism of the

present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the controlling

mechanism of the carriage of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along 8-8 of FIG 7.

FIG. 8A is a top plan view of a crossbar of an end

support having a single opening for capture of a single

protuberance of a tower.

FIG. 8B. is a sectional view along line 8B-8B of FIG.

8A with a tower protuberance in place.

FIG. 9 is a partial front elevational view of the fixing mechanism of the tower portion of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a left side view of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a right side view of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a surface of a crossbar of an end

support receiving the tower fixing mechanism, depicted in FIGS. 9-11.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a carriage of an end support

depicting the tower in phantom and indicating its movement into fixation

relative to a crossbar of an end support.

FIG. 14 is a partial top elevational view of the connectors

employed with respect to a platform and stud engagement surfaces of a

carriage.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the paddle release

structure.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 16.

For a better understanding of the invention reference is made to

the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the

invention which should be taken in conjunction with the above described

drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the present invention will evolve

from the following detailed description of the preferred

embodiments thereof. Such descriptions should be taken in

conjunction with the prior delineated drawings to fully understand

the idea sought for patenting.

The adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table of

the present invention is shown in the drawings, as a whole, by

reference character 10. With reference to FIGS 1-3, it may be

observed that apparatus 10 is used in conjunction with a surgery

table 12. Surgery table 12 is shown as possessing end supports or

posts 14 and 16. Posts 14 and 16 are connected to feet or bases

18 and 20, respectively. Bases 18 and 20 are linked to one

another by spanning member 22. Plurality of casters 24 allow

surgery table 12 to be rolled along surface 26.

Apparatus 10 further includes tower assemblies 28 and

found at the head and foot end of surgical table 12,

respectively. FIG. 1 denotes surgical table 12 with a basic H

frame 32 linked to tower assembles 28 and 30. In addition, FIGS.

2 and 3 show an additional table top or platform 34 which may take

the form of a spinal surgery top, orthopedic trauma top, radio

lucent imaging top, and the like. It should be seen that FIGS. 2

and 3 represents that the position of H-frame 32 and table top 34

may be reversed by rotation about axis 36 through a known

mechanism. In addition, FIG. 1 illustrates the fact that H-frame

32 may be moved vertically along either tower assembly 28 and/or through the apparatus 10 of the present application, which will be discussed in greater detail as the specification continues.

With reference now to FIG. 4, apparatus 10 is depicted

in further delineated. Apparatus 10 includes tower assembly 28

associated with first end support at the head end of surgery table

12. It should be noted that a similar tower assembly 30 is

associated with second end support 16 at the foot end of surgery

table 12, shown schematically in FIGS. 1-3. Tower assembly 28

includes a crossbar or mount 40 which is connected directly to and

forms a part of first end support 14. Crossbar 40 orients towers

42 and 44 outwardly therefrom and, as depicted in FIG. 4, in a

generally vertical orientation. Tower assembly 28 also possesses

carriages 46 and 48 that move along towers 42 and 44 via a ratchet

mechanism which will be further discussed hereinafter. Carriage

46 is depicted in FIG. 4, for clarity without engagement and

support of a table top as shown in FIGS 2 and 3. Carriage 46

includes a first stud 50 and a second stud 52 that extend from a

base housing 54. Engagement surfaces 56 and 58 lie intermediate

base housing 54 and handles 60 and 62 of studs 50 and 52,

respectively. Engagement surfaces 56 and 58 are shown as being

generally cylindrical members. However, engagement surface 58 is

longer than engagement surface 56 in order to aid in the

orientation of table top 34 or H-frame 32. With further reference

to FIG. 4, it may be seen that H-frame 32 is connected to carriage

48 by the use of connectors 64 and 66, which will be further

detailed as the specification continues. Directional arrows 68 and 70 are intended to show the inward and outward movement of carriages 46 and 48 relative to crossbar 40, respectively, as well as a table top connected to carriage 46 and H-frame 32 connected to carriage 48.

Turning now to FIG. 5, a schematic rendition of a prior

art adjustment mechanism for a surgery table 72 is depicted, such

as that found in U.S. Patent 6,260,220. A patient platform 74 is

held to an H-frame 76 by the use of a removable rod or pin 78

which selectively engages openings 75 through H-frame 76.

Needless to say, rod 78 must be cautiously removed and reinserted

in any of the openings of H-frame 76 to move table top 74 upwardly

or downwardly according to directional arrow 80.

In contrast, the adjustment apparatus 10 of the present

application offers superior advantages and is illustrated in FIG.

6 by exemplary tower 42 and carriage 46. Again, it should be

noted that carriage 48 of tower assembly 28, and other carriages

associated with the tower assembly 30 on the foot end of surgery

table 12, are similarly constructed. Carriage 46, in FIG. 6 is

shown at its rear side, opposite to the front side orientation

shown in FIG. 4. As it may be seen, tower 42 includes an inner

open chamber 82 which hold gear racks 84 and 86. Carriage 46

includes a pawl mechanism 88 detailed in FIGS 7 and 8.

Viewing FIGS. 7 and 8, a controller in the form of a

slide lever lock actuator 90 connects to slide lock knob 92 which

is manually rotated according to directional arrow 94. Cam

follower 96 moves along cam surface 98 to urge slide lever lock actuator 90 outwardly according to directional arrow 100. Such movement displaces lever lock actuator 102, in slot 108 as shown, by directional arrow 100 in FIGS 7 and 8. Lever lock actuator 102 lies between plates 104 and 106. Plate 106 has been removed from

FIG. 7 for sake of visibility of the pawl mechanism 88. Lever

lock actuator 102 rotatably attaches to ratchet pawls 110 and 112

at pins 114 and 116, respectively. Again, movement of lever lock

actuator 102, according to directional arrow 100, causes the

rotation of ratchet pawls 110 and 112, indicated by directional

arrows 122 and 124. Pawl notches 126 and 128 are held in

engagement with the gear racks 84 and 86, respectively, in tower

42 by biasing springs 130 and 132. The inward rotation of ratchet

pawls 110 and 112 according to directional arrows 122 and 124 will

disengage pawl notches 126 and 128 from gear racks 84 and 86,

respectively, allowing carriage 46 to travel upwardly and

downwardly relative to gear racks 84 and 86. The release of knob

92 will cause pawls 110 and 112 to reengage gear racks 84 and 86

through the action of biasing springs 130 and 132, respectively.

Of course, pawls 110 and 112 as well as gear racks 84 and 86 may

be configured to allow carriage 46 to travel in an upward

direction without the operation of slide lock knob 92, yet

prohibit the downward motion of carriage 46 without the turning of

slide lock knob 92, as heretofore described. It should be

apparent that ratchet pawls 110 and 112 rotate relative to plates

104 and 106 by the use of pawl pins 134 and 136 held by plates 104

and 106, FIG. 8. Return spring 138 between slide lever lock actuator 90 and buttress 140 turns knob 94 to a rest position where pawls 110 and 112 are extended into engagement with gear racks 84 and 86. Buttress 140 is firmly attached to body member

142 of carriage 46.

A basic mechanism 143 is revealed in FIGS. 8A and 8B

for removably fixing tower 42 to crossbar 40 of first end support

14. In this regard an opening 145 is formed in crossbar 40 with

undercut chambers 147 and 149. Protuberance 151 extends from

tower 42 and includes lateral projections 153 and 155. Placement

of protuberance 151 within opening 145 and twisting or turning of

tower 42 and protuberance 151 will cause lateral projections 153

and 155 to engage surfaces or ceilings 157 and 159 of undercut

chambers 153 and 155, respectively. Directional arrow 161 of FIG.

8B includes such twisting. Protuberance 151 and projections 153

and 155 remain in opening 145 by a tight tolerance construction of

such components. However, a preloaded spring may be employed to

bear against protuberance 151 within opening 145, if desired.

With reference to FIGS 9-13, a preferred mechanism 144

is depicted for removably fixing tower 42 to crossbar 40 of first

end support 14. In this regard, tower 142 includes an end surface

146 into which protuberances 148 and 150 extend. Protuberance 148

bears a slot 152. Protuberance 150 is formed in a generally

cylindrical shape with an extending boss 154. As may be apparent,

upper surface 148 of crossbar 40 is formed with a first opening

158 having a recess 160 with an undercut hollow 162 shown in

phantom on FIG. 12. A second opening 164 is also found on surface

148 of crossbar 40 and includes a spring loaded plunger 166.

Plunger 166 is intended to engage slot 152 of protuberance 148.

With reference to FIG. 13, once protuberance 150 is placed in

opening 158, boss 154 rides in undercut hollow 162 and tower 42 is

swung into place such that protuberance 148 of tower 142 enters

second opening 164 and is held in place by spring biased plunger

166, concomitant with a snapping noise. As such, tower 42 engages

and fits into crossbar 40 in a bayonet connection fashion. Knob

168 maybe pulled to retract spring loaded plunger 166 via shaft

170 connected knob 168. Mechanism 144 also fixes tower 44 to

crossbar 40 and fixes a similar tower or towers to a crossbar of

tower assembly 28.

With respect to FIGS 14 and 15, the connection of

platform 34 to carriage 46 is illustrated in that a pair of

connectors 172 and 174 are shown. Connectors 172 and 174 are

linked by a spanning body 176 having a handle 178. It should be

noted that connectors 172 and 174 are similar to connectors 64 and

66 shown partially in FIG. 4 that are employed with respect to H

frame 32. Pairs of connectors, similar to connectors 172 and 174,

are used at each end of platform 34 and H-frame 32. Each

connector 172 and 174 is constructed as a claw-like member,

illustrated in section on FIG. 15 with respect to connector 172.

As may be seen from FIG. 15, claw-like connector 174 fits over

engagement surface 56 of stud 52. Likewise, connector 172 would

fit over engagement surface 58 of stud 50. Connectors 172 and 174

click into place by the use of a retractable tip, such as exemplary ball tip 180 used with respect to connector 174. Tip

180 also allows the rotation of connector 174, directional arrow

182, and is linked to paddle structure via rods 184 and 186.

Paddle structure 188 which may be employed to release or retract

tip 180 from its position against engagement surface 56 of stud

52, directional arrows 190 and 192. Springs 194 and 196 bias tip

180 in its extended position 198 (phantom) to hold claw-like

connector 174 against engaging surface 156 of stud 52. Needless

to say, table top 34 may be rotated should the table top 34, at

the second end support 30, lie at a higher or lower level than the

table top portion connected to first end support and tower

assembly 28, and vice versa.

FIGS. 16 and 17 depict a front view of connectors 172

and 174 as well as paddle structure 188 that rotates about axis

190. Paddle structure 190 links to alternate flattened projection

tips 192 and 194 of connectors 172 and 174 via hubs 196 and 198,

respectively. Spanning member 176 holds connectors 172 and 174

together. With particular reference to FIG. 17, another operation

mechanism 202 for maneuvering tip 194 is shown. A similar

mechanism maneuvers projection tip 192 associated with connector

172. A rotor 204 connects to hub 190 and turns with any force

applied to upper portion 206 or lower portion 208 of paddle

structure 188, directional arrows 210 and 212, FIG. 16. Slotted

arms 214 and 216 engage pin 218 on body 220 which pivots about

axis 222. Directional arrow 224 indicated such rotation and the

release or retraction of flattened projection tip 194 from stud 52 when either slotted arm 214 or 126 moves toward pin 218, according to directional arrows 226 and 228, respectively. Spring 230 holds flattened projection tip 194 in place against stud 52, absent any force on paddle structure 188. In summary, paddle structure 186 releases flattened projection tip 194 by pressing of either upper portion 206 or lower portion 208, thereof.

In operation, the user attaches H-frame 32 and/or table

top 34 to tower assemblies 28 and 30, which are similarly

constructed, at the first end support 14 and the second end

support 16 of surgery table 12. Tower assemblies 28 and 30 are

erected using the bayonet structure illustrated in FIGS. 9-13,

showing the exemplary connection of tower 42 to crossbar 40, FIG.

4. H-frame 32 and/or table top 34 are fastened to tower structure

28 by the interaction of the exemplar connectors 172 and 174 shown

in FIGS 14 and 15, which are similar to the connectors 64 and 66

illustrated in FIG. 4. The exemplar connectors 172 and 174 are

held to exemplar tower 42 by the use of engagement surfaces 56 and

58 of studs 52 and 50. Paddle structure 188, FIGS 16 and 17 may

be employed to release connectors 172 and 174 from studs 50 and 52

via the exemplar mechanism 202, thus, freeing table top 34 from

end supports 14 and 16. Exemplary carriage 46 positions tabletop

34 relative to exemplary tower 42 by the ratchet mechanism

described in FIGS. 6-8. Of course, the structure described with

respect to tower 42 and carriage 46 also applies to H-frame 32,

tower 44, and carriage 48, as well as a similar arrangement with

respect to tower assembly 30 associated with table top 34 and H frame 32. Using the ratchet assembly illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, the user of surgery table 12 may adjust either end of H-frame 32 or table top 34 upwardly, downwardly and/or into a Trendelenberg or reverse Trendelenberg configuration.

While in the foregoing, embodiments of the present

invention have been set forth in considerable detail for the

purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, it may

be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may

be made in such detail without departing from the spirit and

principles of the invention.

Claims (54)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system of an adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table, comprising:

a first post extending vertically between a first and a second end of the first post;

a first crossbar mounted to the first post proximate to the second end of the first post,

the first crossbar capable of being oriented perpendicular to the first post such that a first and

a second end of the first crossbar being in a different plane than the first and second ends of

the first post, the first crossbar comprising top and bottom surfaces, the first crossbar able to

be fixed to at least one first tower and at least one second tower;

a first tower extending between first and second ends of the first tower, the second end

of the first tower being coupled to the top surface of the first crossbar so that the first tower is

perpendicular to the first crossbar, the first tower configured to removably fix with the first

crossbar such that the first crossbar and the first tower securely engage with each other, the

first crossbar configured to rotate around an axis perpendicular to a plane of the first crossbar

while fixed to the first tower; and

a first carriage coupled to the first tower, the first carriage configured to move in

upward and downward directions with respect to the first crossbar, the first carriage

comprising:

a first handle and a second handle at opposite first end and second end of the

first carriage,

at least one pawl,

at least one gear rack, and

a controller configured to move the at least one pawl into and out of engagement with

the at least one gear rack, wherein when the at least one pawl is in engagement with the at least one gear rack, the first carriage is prevented from moving in the upward and downward directions.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein,

one of the first tower and the first crossbar comprises a first protuberance, and the

other of the first crossbar and the first tower includes a first opening, the first opening

configured to receive the first protuberance as the first tower engages with the first crossbar.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a first platform coupled to the first

carriage by a combination of at least one engagement surface and at least one claw-like

connector, the claw-like connector being disengaged from the engagement surface by

activating a paddle structure.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first tower is configured to engage and

disengage the first crossbar as the first tower is removably fixed to the first crossbar.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first tower disengages from the first

crossbar by means of a spring-loaded knob.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a second tower extending in a vertical direction between first and second ends of the

second tower, the second tower configured to removably fix with the first crossbar such that

the first crossbar and the second tower securely engage with each other, the first crossbar

configured to rotate around the axis perpendicular to the plane of the first crossbar while

fixed to the second tower.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein,

the first crossbar comprises a top and a bottom surface, and

the second end of the second tower being coupled to the bottom surface of the first

crossbar.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein,

one of the second tower and first crossbar comprises a first protuberance, and

the other one of the first crossbar and second tower comprises a first opening, the first

opening configured to receive the first protuberance as the second tower engages with the

first crossbar.

9. The system of claim 6, further comprising:

a second carriage coupled to the second tower, the second carriage configured to

move in upward and downward directions with respect to the first crossbar.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising:

a first platform coupled to the first carriage; and

a second platform coupled to the second carriage by at least one engagement surface,

the second platform extending perpendicular to the second carriage such that the plane of the

first crossbar is perpendicular to a plane of the second platform.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the second tower further comprises,

a gear rack extending along a vertical direction of the second tower, the gear rack

coupled to a pawl mechanism, the pawl mechanism incorporated in the second carriage, the pawl mechanism configured to engage and disengage the gear rack as the second carriage moves in the upward and downward directions with respect to the first crossbar.

12. The system of claim 6, wherein the second tower is configured to engage and

disengage the first crossbar as the second tower is removably fixed to the first crossbar.

13. The system of claim 6, wherein the first crossbar, the first tower and the

second tower configured to rotate simultaneously around the axis perpendicular to the plane

of the first crossbar.

14. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a second post extending vertically between first and second ends of the second post,

the second post spaced apart from the first post; and

a second crossbar mounted to the second post proximate to the second end of the

second crossbar, the second crossbar capable of being oriented perpendicular to the second

post such that first and second ends of the second crossbar being in a different plane the first

and second ends of the second post.

15. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a first platform coupled to the first carriage, the first platform extending perpendicular

to the first carriage such that the plane of the first crossbar is perpendicular to a plane of the

first platform; and

wherein, the gear rack extending along a vertical direction of the first tower, the gear

rack coupled to a pawl mechanism comprising the at least one pawl, the pawl mechanism

incorporated in the first carriage, the pawl mechanism configured to engage and disengage the gear rack as the first carriage moves in the upward and downward directions with respect to the first crossbar.

16. A system of an adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table, comprising:

a crossbar mounted to a post, the crossbar capable of being oriented perpendicular to

the post such that first and second ends of the crossbar being in a different plane than first and

second ends of the post;

a tower extending in a vertical direction between first and second ends of the tower,

the tower configured to removably fix with the crossbar at a first opening formed in one of

the crossbar and tower such that the crossbar and the tower securely engage with each other,

the crossbar configured to rotate along an axis perpendicular to a plane of the crossbar while

fixed to the tower; and

a carriage coupled to the tower, the carriage configured to move in upward and

downward directions with respect to the crossbar, the carriage is not configured to move in

the upward and downward directions without rotation of a slide lock knob coupled to the

carriage, the rotation of the slide lock knob configured to disengage one or more pawls from

a gear rack upon inward rotation of the one or more pawls.

17. The system of claim 16, further comprising:

a platform coupled to the carriage by at least one engagement surface, the platform

extending perpendicular to the carriage such that the plane of the crossbar is perpendicular to

a plane of the platform.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the tower comprises the gear rack extending

along a vertical direction of the tower, the gear rack coupled to a pawl mechanism, the pawl mechanism is incorporated in the carriage and configured to engage and disengage the gear rack as the carriage moves in the upward and downward directions with respect to the crossbar.

19. A system of an adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table, comprising:

a first post extending vertically between a first and a second end of the first post;

a first crossbar mounted to the first post proximate to the second end of the first post,

the first crossbar capable of being oriented perpendicular to the first post such that a first and

a second end of the first crossbar being in a different plane than the first and second ends of

the first post, the first crossbar comprising top and bottom surfaces, the first crossbar able to

be fixed to at least one first tower and at least one second tower;

a first tower extending between first and second ends of the first tower, the second end

of the first tower being coupled to the top surface of the first crossbar so that the first tower is

perpendicular to the first crossbar, the first tower configured to removably fix with the first

crossbar such that the first crossbar and the first tower securely engage with each other, the

first crossbar configured to rotate along an axis perpendicular to a plane of the first crossbar

while fixed to the first tower;

a first carriage coupled to the first tower, the first carriage configured to move in

upward and downward directions with respect to the first crossbar, the first carriage

comprising a first handle and a second handle at opposite first end and second end of the first

carriage;

a gear rack extending along a vertical direction of the first tower, the gear rack

coupled to a pawl mechanism, the pawl mechanism incorporated in the first carriage, the

pawl mechanism configured to engage and disengage the gear rack as the first carriage moves

in the upward and downward directions with respect to the first crossbar; and a first platform coupled to the first carriage, the first platform extending perpendicular to the first carriage such that the plane of the first crossbar is perpendicular to a plane of the first platform, wherein the first carriage is not configured to move in the upward and downward directions without rotation of a slide lock knob coupled to the first carriage, the rotation of the slide lock knob configured to disengage and engage one or more pawls from the gear rack.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a slide lock knob, and

the one or more pawls configured to engage the gear rack upon release of the slide lock knob.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the slide lock knob is configured to displace

a lever lock actuator in a slot upon rotation of the slide lock knob, the lever lock actuator

rotatably attached to the one or more pawls, and wherein the displacement of the lever lock

actuator causes rotation of the one or more pawls.

22. The system of claim 16, wherein the one or more pawls configured to engage

the gear rack upon release of the slide lock knob.

23. The system of claim 16, wherein the slide lock knob is configured to displace

a lever lock actuator in a slot upon rotation of the slide lock knob, the lever lock actuator

rotatably attached to the one or more pawls, and wherein the displacement of the lever lock

actuator causes rotation of the one or more pawls.

24. The system of claim 19, wherein the one or more pawls configured to engage

the gear rack upon release of the slide lock knob.

25. The system of claim 19, wherein the slide lock knob is configured to displace

a lever lock actuator in a slot upon rotation of the slide lock knob, the lever lock actuator

rotatably attached to the one or more pawls, and wherein the displacement of the lever lock

actuator causes rotation of the one or more pawls.

26. The system of claim 1, wherein the first carriage is not held to the tower by a

rod or pin.

27. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller and the first and second handles

are configured to allow a user to move the carriage in the upward and downward directions.

28. They system of claim 27, wherein the controller comprises a slide lock knob.

29. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to be engaged by a

user simultaneously with at least one of the first and second handles.

30. They system of claim 29, wherein the controller comprises a slide lock knob.

31. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller and at least one of the first and

second handles are configured to be engaged simultaneously by a user's hand.

32. They system of claim 31, wherein the controller comprises a slide lock knob.

33. The system of claim 1, wherein the first carriage, the controller, the at least

one pawl and the at least one gear rack are configured to allow a user to disengage the at least

one pawl to move the first carriage in the upward and downward directions, and reengage the

at least one pawl into engagement with the at least one gear rack at a desired location in the

upward and downward directions.

34. They system of claim 33, wherein the controller comprises a slide lock knob.

35. The system of claim 1, wherein rotation of the controller causes the at least

one pawl to disengage the at least one gear rack.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein the at least one pawl is configured to

disengage the at least one gear rack based on inward rotation of the at least one pawl.

37. The system of claim 36, wherein the first carriage is configured to travel in the

upward and downward directions relative to the at least one gear rack upon the

disengagement of the at least one pawl from the at least one gear rack by the controller.

38. The system of claim 37, wherein the at least one pawl is configured to

reengage the at least one gear rack upon release of the controller.

39. The system of claim 38, wherein the first carriage is configured to travel in the

upward and downward directions through simultaneous manipulation by a user of the

controller and at least one of the first handle and the second handle.

40. The system of claim 39, wherein the controller comprises a slide lock knob.

41. The system of claim 16, further comprising first and second handles at

opposite ends of the carriage, wherein the slide lock knob and the first and second handles are

configured to allow a user to move the carriage in the upward and downward directions.

42. The system of claim 16, further comprising first and second handles at

opposite ends of the carriage, wherein the slide lock knob is configured to be engaged by a

user simultaneously with at least one of the first and second handles.

43. The system of claim 16, wherein the carriage, the slide lock knob, the one or

more pawls and the gear rack are configured to allow a user to disengage the one or more

pawl to move the carriage in the upward and downward directions, and reengage the one or

more pawls into engagement with the gear rack at a desired location in the upward and

downward directions.

44. The system of claim 16, wherein the carriage is configured to travel in the

upward and downward directions relative to the gear rack upon the disengagement of the one

or more pawls from the gear rack by the slide lock knob.

45. The system of claim 44, wherein the one or more pawls are configured to

reengage the gear rack upon release of the slide lock knob.

46. The system of claim 45, wherein the carriage is configured to travel in the

upward and downward directions through simultaneous manipulation by a user of the slide

lock knob and of one of first and second handles.

47. The system of claim 19, wherein the slide lock knob and the first and second

handles are configured to allow a user to move the carriage in the upward and downward

directions.

48. The system of claim 19, wherein the slide lock knob is configured to be

engaged by a user simultaneously with at least one of the first and second handles.

49. The system of claim 19, wherein the slide lock knob and at least one of the

first and second handles are configured to be engaged simultaneously by a user's hand.

50. The system of claim 19, wherein the first carriage, the slide lock knob, the one

or more pawls and the gear rack are configured to allow a user to disengage the one or more

pawls to move the first carriage in the upward and downward directions, and reengage the

one or more pawls into engagement with the gear rack at a desired location in the upward and

downward directions.

51. The system of claim 19, wherein the one or more pawls are configured to

disengage the gear rack based on inward rotation of the one or more pawls.

52. The system of claim 51, wherein the first carriage is configured to travel in the

upward and downward directions relative to the gear rack upon the disengagement of the one

or more pawls from the gear rack by the slide lock knob.

53. The system of claim 52, wherein the one or more pawls are configured to

reengage the gear rack upon release of the slide lock knob.

54. The system of claim 53, wherein the first carriage is configured to travel in the

upward and downward directions through simultaneous manipulation by a user of the slide

lock knob and of one of the first handle and the second handle.