US2647516A - Bedside tray-table support - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 4, 1953 2,647,516

J. L. WHITAKER BEDSIDE TRAY-TABLE SUPPORT Filed June 15, 1951 I5 Sheets-Sheet l Jsse Z. PVfi/fa/r e/ A77'URNEY 1953 J. L. WHITAKER 2,647,516

BEDSIDE TRAY-TABLE SUPPORT Filed June 15, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V EN TOR.

3 J. L. WHITAKER 2,647,516

BEDSIDE TRAY-TABLE SUPPORT Filed June 15, 1951 3-Sheets-Sheet 3 K50 IA 60 INVENTOR. JZsseL. VVfi/fa/rer BY Patented Aug. 4, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE BEDSIDE TRAY-TABLE SUPPORT Jesse L. Whitaker, Great Falls, Mont.

ApplicationJune 15, 1951, Serial No. 231,845

This invention relates generally to therapeutic apparatus and is directed particularly to an improved support structure designed for bedside use by sick persons, although it may be used in other capacities.

A particular object of the present invention is to provide a novel stand or support structure by means of which a convenient means is provided for supporting a tray or other object adjacent to or over a sick bed either for the purpose of providing the occupant of the bed with means for supporting a magazine, book, foodtray or the like or for supporting a therapeutic instrument such as a heat cradle or the like.

Another object of the invention is to provide a supporting structure of the character stated having a novel base unit by means of which it may be readily attached to the side frame of a bed and rigidly secured in position thereon.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a supporting structure of the character stated having a top structure which may be turned in a horizontal plane to any desired position and which may also be raised or lowered on a horizontal pivotal axis or may be raised or lowered upon a vertical supporting standard thus providing means for placing the top structure of the support in any one of a number of positions for use.

A still further object of the invention is to provide in a device of the above described character a novel means for coupling together a tray and a heat unit designed for physical therapy, the tray portion of the structure being a permanent part of the top part of the support with the heat treating unit detachably connected therewith.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description of the same proceeds and the invention will be best understood from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specification, with the understanding, however, that the invention is not to be limited to the exact details of construction shown and described since obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a view in side elevation of a support structure constructed in accordance with the present invention and showing the same mounted upon a bed rail and further showing the table tray in dotted outline in a tilted position.

Figure2 is a view in elevation of the device looking at the outer side thereof.

Claims. (Cl. 128-375) Figure 3 is a horizontal section taken substantially on the line 33 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a horizontal section taken substantially on the line 4-4 of Figure 1, looking upwardly in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Figure 5 is a view in side elevation of the base portion of the structure showing the manner of using the same as a pedestal to rest on the floor.

Figure 6 is a view in side elevation of the top portion of the structure showing in side elevation thereon a heat oven.

Figure 7 is a view in perspective of the heat oven looking toward the open front end thereof.

Figure 8 is a view in perspective of the back end portion of the heat oven.

Figure 9 is a vertical transverse section taken substantially on the line 9-9 of Figure 6.

Figure 10 is a view in top plane of the heat oven showing the cover opened to show the heating elements therein.

Figure 11 is a view in perspective of one end portion of the table tray showing the grooved side flanges.

Figure 12 is a view in perspective of a clamp element.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings the numeral l0 generally designates a portion of an angle beam representing a side rail of a bed structure, upon which the present supporting device is designed to be secured. The device may, however, be stood uponany fiat surface such as the floor or the like as will be hereinafter set forth.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention as here illustrated there is provided a base unit which is generally designated l2 and which is here shown as being in the form of a frame having the side rail or bar I 4 which is preferably of angle iron material, from each end of which extends one of two parallel arms l6. As shown the arms l6 extend from the same side of the side rail l4 and they are connected intermediate their ends by the bar l8 which is parallel with the rail l4.

Each of the arms l6 terminates in the underturned hook forming portion 20 which is designed to receive the inner edge of the horizontal flange portion of the bed rail ID with the arm lying across the top of such flange whereby the unit I2 is disposed horizontally, and extending outwardly, from and with respect to the bed rail.

In order to secure the unit 12 to the bed rail when the hooked ends 20 of the arms are engaged therewith as described, each arm has slidably supported thereon a clamp element 22 which is moved up against the outer side of the bed rail and secured to the arm against movement thereon so that the hook end of the arm cannot be disengaged from the bed rail.

The clamp elements each comprises a short length of substantially U-shaped material having the bottom portion 23 and the opposite upstanding flange portions 24 through each of which is formed a slot 25. An arm 16 extends through the two slots across the bottom portion 23 of the clamp and there is threaded through a tapped opening 26 in the bottom portion 25, a binding screw 27 which is threaded upwardly into tight contact with the arm so as to hold the against movement on the arm.

Secured to the outer side ofthe base rail i is a vertical guide 28. This guide has threaded through the side thereof the set screw 29 for the purpose about to be described.

At the ends of the base l2, each arm it? carries a brace reu stand tl'ise trace reds are its outwardly directed convergent relation and are secii'red to and support at their outer ends, upper guide '3! which is in vertital alignment with the uide 28. I I

The humeral 32 designates a vertical post or standard which extends at its lower end through the aligned guides 28 3| is secured in adjusted position by the set screw I miserably supperted upon the upper sne r the post '32 is the top unit which is generally designated 33. This top linit also includes a tray iihit which is generally designated 35". and while it is removably secured to the top unit and may be "considered as an integral part there'orit may be removed if desired although it normally remains as a fixed part of the top unit.

I The unit 33 com rises a horizontal bar 3t which has secured thereto and upon one side thereof midway between its ends, a socket 3 6 which, in the set up structure, is downwardly directed. Dis posed in spaced parallel relation with the bar 35 and t-eiew the same, is an angle bar at, one flange of which is vertically disposed as shown and this angle bar is connected with the top bar 35 by the vertical legs 38. I I I I secure-ti vertically t'o the outer side of the vertieal flange portion of the angle bar 31, is a guide sleeve 39. I I I The upper end ti the post 32 extend through the guide sleeve and is positioned at its tep in the socket 38 so that the entire 33 with the tray 3% is supported on the post 32 its free re= tation in a horizontal plane andinay be easily and quicl'rly lifted from the post if desired.

the side er the top bar 35 opposite from the secret is a rectangular frame consisting of the spaced parallel inner and outer members t!) and '4] respectively and the connecting side new tests 42, the latter being formed of angle iron material preferably as shown.

The inner member 49 of the top unit frame is connected by hinges ea with the bar '35 so that the name my swing vertically.

For the bracing of the frame of the tee unit in a set position, there are provided the two brace 4'4, each of which is pivotally attached as at 43 to a side member 4 2 of the frame and extends downwardly and across the top edge of the vertical flangeportion of the angle bar 3?. Each of the arms '44 is provided with a number of notches 46 for engagement with the flange of the angle bar 31 to support the top unit frame in adjusted position. I I

To add to the strength and rigidity of the structure and also to provide a convenient means for grasping the arms 44 to disengage them from the angle bar 31' or engage them as desired, the inner and lower ends of the arms 44 are connected by the yoke bar 41.

The tray 34 overlies the bar 35 and rests upon the frame which is hingedly attached to the bar and is secured thereto by the screws 48. This tray comprises a bottom portion &9 and the upstanding side flanges and end flanges 5i as shown. This tray may be of any suitable form or shape but it is preferred that it be of elongated rectangular design and about twice as long as it is wide and is set upon the top unit frame so that the long sides 50 will be parallel with the side members 42 of the frame on which it is resting.

The major portion of the length of the tray or table 34 extends beyond the outer member 4| of the top unit frame which is the side thereof remote from the bar 35 and since the supporting structure when set up upon a bed rail has the bar 35 toward the outside or away irom the bed it will be seen that the tray or tabie proiects in: wardiy a substantial distance over the bed beyond the top unit 33. Thus by manipulating the brace arms 44 the top unit 'fr'ame can be tilted to that the table or tray can be placed at an elevation thus making it convenient f'or the occupant of the bed over which the tray is placed, to position a book, magazine or the like at a convenient angle for reading.

Designed for use upon the support and for att'achrrient to the tray tr table is an electric ing unit or oven which is generally designated 52. This oven etmprises an elongated body having the side walls 53 which are cohrieted together at one end by the end wall 5h v'z'hil'e the opposite end of the body is open and the body is also open throughout its length in the bottom thereof. There is thus provided an elongate even like strilctiire which is eeen at one end and throughout the bottom. The tee of the heating strtiet re comprises a denied hood 55 which hinged along one side as indicated at 56 to one side wall while at the opposite side suitable fasteners 5! are pietitled to secure the team position on the side walls of the structure. Within the domed top 55 of the heating device are housed suitable electric heating units 58, the electric current flow to such unit being controlled by a suitable switch 59 mounted on one side wall 53.

The side walls 5'3 carry upon their inner races and adjacent to the bottom edges thereof the longitudinally extending flanges 66 and the distanee between the lower edges of the walls 53 is substantially the same as the overall width of the tray or table 34 so that the heating unit or oven may be placed directly over and rested upon the tray 3-4 and in order to maintain the unit in ecupl'ed relation with the tray or table, the side flanges es of the tray are provided with the longitudin'ally extending slots 6! which slidably receive the flanges 60 of the heating unit or oven. Thus in placing the heating unit in position it is slid onto the tray or table from one end of the latter, the flanges St being guided into the slots 5|. The heating unit or even 52 would be positioned on the tray or table with the wall 54 away from the bed so that a per-sch lying in the bed could place his arm or leg in the even ccnveniently and comrortabiy to receive treatmeiit from the heat generated by the heating units 58. I

It "will be "readily seen that the support of the present invention when mounted upon a bed rail 223 in the manner described, can be raised or lowered :as desired by loosening the binding screw 29 so as to permit the post to slide through the uides 28 and 3|. If it is more convenient to use the support on the floor this may be done by extending the lower end of the post 32 a short dis tance below the bottom rail I4 of the base unit 12 so as to function as a third leg in conjunction with the clamp screws 21, the heads of which would rest upon the floor surface.

From the foregoing it will be readily seen that there is provided in the present invention a novel and very desirable device for use particularly in connection with a sick bed or for a person desiring heat therapy, whereby the patient will be able to enjoy many conveniences which are at the present time not easily available with stands or tables of the type at present in use.

It will also be apparent that the support structure when secured to the frame of a bed, will be rigidly located so that it cannot be accidently shifted or tipped over as is the case with bedside tables or trays which are intended to be stood directly upon the surface of the bed.

By means of the socket 36 and guide 39, the base frame and post can be allowed to remain in position and the top unit can be easily and quickly removed if and when necessary or replaced without difficulty so as to be instantly ready for use and the top unit can also be swung around to an out of the way position if it is not desired to completely remove it from the supporting post or standard 32.

I claim:

1. A support structure of the character set forth comprising a base, a pair of vertically spaced guides carried thereby, a post slidably engaged in said guides, means for securing the post in a guide, a top unit including a rigid member, means for mounting said rigid member on the top end of said post, a flat body providing a tray table, means pivotally coupling said body to the rigid member for swinging from a horizontal position to a tilted position, and means for adjustably holding the body in one of said positions, said rigid member comprising a bar, the said means pivotally coupling the flat body to the rigid member including a frame having one side adjacent to and parallel with the bar and hinges coupling the said side of the frame to the bar, and the said means for adjustably holding the flat body in one of the said positions comprising a second bar below and parallel with the rigid member, a pair of arms each pivoted at one end to a side of said frame and extending across said second bar, a connecting member between the other ends of said arms and means for adjustably coupling the arms with said second bar.

2. A support structure of the character set forth comprising a base, a pair of vertically spaced guides carried thereby, a post slidably engaged in said guides, means for securing the post in a guide, a top unit including a rigid member, means for mounting said rigid member on the top end of said post, a flat body providing a tray table, means pivotally coupling said body to the rigid member for swinging from a horizontal position to a tilted position, and means for adjustably holding the body in one of said positions, said base being in the form of a rectangular unit and including two arms forming two opposite sides of the base and each having a hook at one end for engagement with a supporting body, and a clamp on each arm for coaction with the hook thereon in securing the hook to said supporting body, the hook ends Of the arms being at one of the other two opposite sides of the base and said guides being adjacent to the other one of the said other two opposite sides of the base from the hooks.

3. A device of the character set forth comprising, in combination, a base unit, a post supported for vertical adjustment thereon, a top unit comprising a frame, a member supported on the top of said post, a hinge coupling between the frame and member by which the frame may swing vertically, a tray-table secured to the frame, and a limb treating heat oven removably secured on said tray-table, the means for securing the oven to the tray table comprising grooves in and longitudinally of two opposite sides of the tray table, and ribs extending longitudinally of the inner sides of two side walls of the oven at the bottom edges of such walls for sliding engagement in said grooves.

4. A bedside fixture adapted for support either on a bed rail or on the floor to maintain an article in position relative to the bed; said fixture comprising a substantially rectangular base unit including two spaced substantially parallel arms, a hook carried at one end of each arm for engaging a flange of a bed rail when the arm is disposed thereacross, a bar connecting the other ends of the arms together, a pair of alined vertically spaced guides carried by the unit, the lower guide being secured to said bar, a clamp element supported on each arm for movement relative to the adjacent hook to engage a side of the bed rail and secure the hook to the bed rail, a post adjustably engaged through said guides, means carried by a guide to secure the post against -movement therein, and means carried by each clamp for and projecting downwardly from the underside of the base unit to function as a foot to rest upon a floor in coaction with the bottom end of the post when the unit is detached from the bed rail.

5. The invention as set forth in claim 4, wherein the said clamp element comprises a substantially U-shaped member having upstanding slotted legs through which an arm extends and a binding screw threaded upwardly through said member between the legs for engagement with the overlying arm, said binding screw constituting the last named means which functions as a floor engaging foot.

JESSE L. WHITAKER.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 866,522 Scanlon Sept. 17, 1907 1,028,932 Collins June 11, 1912 1,046,479 McPherson Dec. 10, 1912 1,183,949 Burdick May 23, 1916 1,287,955 Gay Dec. 17, 1918 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 360,583 Germany Oct. 4, 1922

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