US3348893A - Physician's examining table - Google Patents

Description

Oct 24, 1967 J. M. KATZFEY ETAL PHYSICIAN'S EXAMINING TABLE 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 11, '1965 I I 72118 215715 @mesflffd f [Uar ren Jfi zgis 1967 J. M. KATZFEY ETAL 3,

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PHYSI'CIAN'S EXAMINING. TABLE 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Oct. 11, 1965 $3 Q? m .lliTikllfir E Oct. 24, 1967 J. M. KATZFEY ETAL PHYSICIAN'S EXAMINING TABLE 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. 11, 1965 w? m Q H QM mm WNW N? www www 1 5 www was g1 QM QN Oct. 24, 1967 J. M. KATZFEY ETAL 3,

I PHYSICIAN'S EXAMINING TABLE Filed Oct. 11, 1965 I 7 Sheets-Sheet e w o o o 4 n F n 1 u A a%$$N&$$Nw-vv$uwm United States Patent 3,348,893 PHYSICIANS EXAIVMING TABLE James M. Katzfey and Warren J. Peterson, Two Rivers, Wis, assignors. to Hamilton Manufacturing Company, Two Rivers, Wis, a corporation of Wisconsin Filed Oct. 11, 1965, Ser. No. 494,853 16 Claims. (Cl. 312-209) This invention relates to physicians examining tables, and more particularly to apower actuated examining table and to an improved upholstered top for such a table.

Physicians examining tables presently in use usually comprise a cabinet which rests on the floor and an upholstered top which is secured to the top of the cabinet. The top is frequently provided in two sections which are hingedly connected together.

Such tables have a fixed height, which is usually designed for the convenience of a physician of average height. However, a table of this height is very often inconvenient for a patient because considerable effort may be required of the patient to climb onto it. In the case of a patient suffering from a heart condition, considerable danger to the patients health may be involved, and this may also be true for a very heavy patient. Very frequently, a physician must permit such a patient to rest for, say, fifteen minutes after he has climbed onto the table, until the patients pulse rate settles down, before beginning his examination.

Similar difficulties are also encountered after the patient is in a sitting position on top of the table and must be placed in a reclining position. For heart patients and very heavy persons, it is often dangerous as Well as diflicult to go from a sitting position to a reclining position and, later, vice versa while on an examining table.

Further the longitudinal upper edges of the upholstered top of an examining table are usually round and gradually slope downwardly from the upper level of the top. For a very young and also for very old patients, such a contour is not desirable because such a patient may easily roll over an edge and accidentally fall oif the table, or at least be fearful that he might do so.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a physicians examining table including power means for raising the table from a relatively low level at which a patient may sit down on the table as when sitting down on a chair, to a higher level which is more convenient for the physician.

Another object is to provide a table of the foregoing character, which is exceptionally stable at all levels.

Still another object is to provide a table of the foregoing character, wherein the power means takes up very little space and does not decrease the amount of space available for cabinets.

A still further object is to provide a physicians examining table including an articulated upholstered top, and compact power means for pivoting at least one section of the top.

Still a further object is to provide a physicians examining table including an improved, articulated upholstered top, including means tending to prevent a patient from accidentally rolling off the table.

A still further object is to provide an improved top of the foregoing character, which gives a patient a feeling of security while reclining on it.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures of the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an examining table embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the table;

3,348,893 Patented Get. 24, 1967 FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary end view of the foot end of the table;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view taken on the line 44 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 5 is a view taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an end view of the head end of the table;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are further enlarged fragmentary views of portions of the table;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a portion of the table;

FIG. 10 is a view of the underside of the top of the table;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken on the line 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary View of another portion of the table;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary view taken on the line 13-13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a sectional View, on a reduced scale, taken on the line 14-14 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on th line 15-15 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary plan view, with portions broken away of the structure shown in FIG. 15; and

FIGS. 17 to 19 are schematic diagrams showing the electrical wiring of the table.

In general, a physicians examining table in accordance with the invention comprises a base adapted to rest on the floor, a top support supported by the base, and an articulated top secured to the top support. A first power unit and mechanism actuated thereby connects the cabinet to the base for varying the height of the cabinet and the top, and second power unit and mechanism actuated thereby connects one portion of the top to the cabinet F for varying the inclination of that portion of the top.

Both of the power units and mechanisms are exceptionally steady and are very compact.

The construction of the upholstered top is such that it presents a very neat and attractive appearance, and at the same time is sturdy and resists wear. The upper surface of the top is raised at the head end and at the longitudinal edges, the latter giving a patient reclining on the top a feeling of security. The top includes a head end section and a foot end section which are hingedly connected together, and the construction of the hinge connection being such that a neat appearance is presented whether the two sections are horizontal or whether one of the sections is inclined. Further, there are no areas of the top which are more subject towear due to the hinging than other areas.

In greater detail, a physicians examining table embodying the invention comprises a base 21 which is adapted to rest on the floor, a cabinet 22 which is supported by the base 21, and an upholstered top 23 which is secured to the upper surface of the cabinet 22. The cabinet 22 is generally rectangular and preferably has storage space formed therein, such as a plurality of drawers 24 and 25 and a shelf which is closed by a door 27. The cabinet 22 also preferably supports stirrups 28 and 29 and additional accessories such as a treatment pan 31. An electrical control panel 32 is also mounted in the cabinet 22 for the purpose to be described hereinafter. In addition to the control panel 32, an auxiliary floor control panel 32' may also be provided.

The base 21 comprises two longitudinally extending, laterally spaced pedestals 33 and 34, the two pedestals being parallel and substantially identical, and each being of an inverted T shape and each having a flat lower surface which rests on the floor. Adjacent both ends of each pedestal are raised portions or projections 36 and 37 having holes 38 formed therethrough adapted to receive screws 3? which pivotal-1y connect the pedestals 33 and 34 to a first power actuated mechanism for raising and lowering the cabinet 22 relative to the pedestals 33 and 34. The projections 36 are located at the foot end of the table and the projections 37 are located at the head end of the table. The previously referred to control panels 32 and 32' control the operation of first and second power units which respectively. actuate the mechanism for moving the cabinet and a second power actuated mechanism for varying the inclination of a portion of the upholstered top 23 as will be described hereinafter.

The first power unit and mechanism is designed to move the cabinet, when energized, between a lowered position shown in full lines in FIG. 2 where a patient may sit down on the top of the table, and a raised position shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2 Where a patient is at a height which is convenient for the examining physician. One advantage of the first power actuated mechanism employed will beapparent in FIG. 2 where it will be noted that the amount of longitudinalmovement of the cabinet relative-to the pedestals is relatively small as compared with the vertical movement of the cabinet. This is advantageous because relatively little clearance need be provided at the ends of the examining table to accommodate the longitudinal shift of the cabinet when it is raised or lowered.

The first power actuated mechanism comprises a foot end frame 41 and a head end frame 42 which are pivotally connected to the pedestals 33 and 34 at their lower ends and are pivotally connected to a pair of longitudinally extending, laterally spaced base rails 43 and 44 at their upper ends. The foot end frame 41,:comprises a pair of laterally spaced arms 46 and 47 (FIGS. 3 and and a laterally extending cross brace 48 in the form of a cylindrical tube, and the head end frame 42 similarly comprises a pair of laterally spaced arms 51 and 52 and a cross brace 53 (FIGS. 5 and 6). Each ofthe arms 46, 47, 51 and 52 are rigidly secured as by welding to the associated cross braces 48 and 53 and may be made from generally rectangular tubing. At the lower end of each arm, the two laterally extending walls 55 are cut out (FIG. 8) and the two longitudinally extending walls 58 are positioned adjacent the longitudinally extending side surfaces of the associated projections 36 and 37 of the pedestals 33 and 34.

FIG. 8 shows the connection of the arm 51 with the associated projection 37 which is identical with the pivotal connections between the other arms and the associated projections. As previously stated, each projection has a hole 38 formed therethrough, and prior to assembly of the arm 51 with the projection 37, an internally threaded bushing 56 is rotatably positioned within the hole 38. Holes 57 are formed through the two longitudinally extending walls 58 at the lower end of the arm 51, and the walls 58 are positioned adjacent and overlie the outer end surfaces of the bushing 56. Felt washers 59 are preferably positioned around the bushing 56 between the walls 58 and the projection 37. Afterthe holes 57 have been lined up with the hole through the bushing 56, spanner screws 39 are placed through the holes 57 and are threaded into the bushing 56. A lock washer 61 is preferably positioned between each wall 58 and the head of the associated screw 39 to lock the screws 39 against accidental disengagement. Thus, after assembly, the weight of the arms 51 is supported by the screws 39 and the screws 39 are in turn supported by the bushing 56 and the projection 37. To assist in disassembling the arm 51 from the projection 37,. a hole 62 is formed in the projection 37 from its outer surface to the interior of the hole, 38, and ahole 63 is formed through the bushing 56, the two holes 62 and 63 being located such that they may be lined up upon rotation of the.

bushing 56 to a proper position. Thus, to disassemble the pivotal connection shown in FIG. 8, a pin may be inserted through the hole 62 and into the hole 63 to prevent the. bushing 56 from turning, and thereafter thescrews 39 may beunthreaded from the bushing 56.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, two laterally extending sides 55 of each of the arms 46, 47, 51 and 52 are preferably cut away to the points indicated by the numeral 64 so thatthe arms may be pivoted relative to the pedestals 33 and 34 without the laterally extending sides 55 of the arms engaging the projections 37 and 38. The

ends of the cross brace 48 are provided with plates 66 thesicles of the associated plates 66 and 67. As shown in FIG. 5, the base rail 43 is connected to the pins 68 at one side of the table and the base rail 44 is connected to the pins 68 at the other side of the table. Each of the base rails 43 and 44 (FIG. 7) comprises. a generally U-shaped channel member having one vertically extending relatively long arm 69 and a relatively short arm 70', the long arm 69 being adjacent the plates 66 and 67.1I-Ioles 71 are formed through the long arm 69 and the pins 68 extend through the holes 71. Holes 72arealso formed in the short arm 70 of the rails and the ends of the pins 68extend into the holes 72. Adjacent the upper end of the long arms 69 of the rail 43 is welded channel members or brackets 73, the brackets 73 having arms 74 which extend longitudinally of the table in a vertical plane. To attach the cabinet 22 to the first power actuated mechanism, the longitudinally extending, vertical sides of the cabinet 22, indicated generally by the numeral 76, are

rabbeted at 79, and the short arm 70 of the rails 43 and.

44 extends into the rabbets 79, so that the outer surfaces of the sides 76 slightly overhang the outer surfaces of the base rails 43 and 44. While theforegoing description has dea-ltprimarily with the construction of rail 43, it should be understood that it is equally applicable to rail 44.

The two frames 41 and 42 are positioned such that; the arms 46, 47, 51 and 52 extend parallel to each other,. and the two frames 41 and 42 are connected together by a thrust member in the form of thrust tube 81 which? maintains this parallel relation and which is located ad-- jacent one side of the cabinet; The thrust tube 81. (FIGS.- 4 and S) is positioned over the two cross braces 48 and- 53 and is pivotally connected to the braces 48 and 53 by means of two pairs of arms 82 and 83. The arms 82- are secured as by welding to the cross brace 48 and extend substantially upwardly therefrom, and the arms 82 are pivotally connected to one .end of the thrust tube 81 by four sides of a parallelogram, the corners of which are defined by the axes of the pins 39 and the pins 84 and 86. To swing the two frames 41 and. 42 about the axes ofthe pins 39, and thus raise or lower the base rails 43 and 44 which are suspended from the upper ends of the frames 41 and 42, mechanism is provided including another pair of channel-shaped arms 91 (FIG. 4) which are rigidly secured as by welding to the cross brace 48 and extend generally parallel to the arms 82. Another pair of channel-shaped arms 92 are rigidly secured to the other cross brace 53. While the arms 91 extend generally upwardly and toward the foot end from the brace 48, the other arms 92 extend generally downwardly and toward the head end from the other brace 53, the arms 91 and 92 being substantially parallel with each other. Further, the one set of the arms 91 and 92 is longer than the other. In the present instance, the arms 91 are approximately twice as long as the arms 92.

When the frames 41 and 42 are pivoted around the axes of the pins 39, the arms 91 and 92, being rigidly secured to the frames 41 and 42, respectively, also swing about the axes of the pins 39, and since the arms extend in opposite directions, the distance between the outer ends of the arms 91 and 92 changes as the frames 41 and 42 are pivoted. When the frames 41 and 42 are upwardly inclined from the projections 36 and 37, the distance from the outer ends of the arms 91 to the outer ends of the arms 92 is greater than when the frames 41 and 42 are substantially horizontal. Since the cabinet is suspended from the upper ends of the frames, the cabinet will be in the raised position shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2 in the former instance and will be in the lowered position shown in full lines in the latter instance. This change in the distance between the outer ends of the arms 91 and 92 is utilized to effect a raising and lowering of the cabinet relative to the base. The unequal lengths of the arms changes the rate of pivotal movement of the frames with change in the distance between the ends of the arms.

A first hydraulic unit, indicated generally by the numeral 93, comprising a cylinder 94 and a longitudinally movable piston (not shown) having a connecting rod 96 secured thereto is provided for moving the ends of the arms 91 and 92 toward and away from each other. A solenoid actuated valve indicated generally by the numeral 95 controls the flow of fluid into and out of the cylinder 94. The outer end of the connecting rod 96 is pivotally connected by means of pin 97 to the arms 91 adjacent their outer ends, and the cylinder 94 is pivotally connected to the outer ends of the arms 92 by means of a link 98 and a stabilizer arm 99. The link 98 and the arm 99 (FIG. 5) are pivotally connected to the arms 92 by means of a pin 101, and the other end of the link 98 is connected to the cylinder 94 by means of still another pin 102. The stabilizer arm 99 is also connected to the arms 92 by the pin 101 and to the cylinder 94 by the pin 102 and the stabilizer arm 99 extends longitudinally beyond the pin 102 alongside of the cylinder 94 is secured to the cylinder by means of a strap 103. Thus, the stabilizer arm 99 holds the cylinder 94 and the link 98 in longitudinal alignment during operation. Further, since the connecting rod 96 may move only longitudinally relative to the cylinder 94, the assembly including the hydraulic unit 93, the link 98 and the stabilizer arm 99 all extend in a straight line between the pins 97 and 101.

When it is desired to raise the cabinet 22, the valve 95 is opened and a motor is energized to drive a fluid pump in one direction. The fluid is forced into the cylinder in front of the piston, that is, into the left end of the cylinder as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and at the same time the fluid in the cylinder behind the piston flows out of the cylinder. The piston and the connecting rod 96 are forced longitudinally toward the foot of the table relative to the cylinder, and, consequently, the distance between the pins 97 and 101 is increased. As previously explained, this increase in distance causes the cabinet 22 to rise.

When the desired height is reached, the pump motor is deenergized and the valve 95 is closed. The fluid in the left end or" the cylinder is then prevented by the valve from leaking out of the cylinder from in front of the piston, and consequently the mechanism is locked in the raised position.

To lower the cabinet, the pump motor is energized in the opposite direction and the valve 95 is again opened. The pumping action and the weight of the cabinet cause the piston and the connecting rod to move back into the cylinder as the fluid fiows out of the cylinder from in front of the piston and into the cylinder at the back of the piston. The electrical and hydraulic circuits for eifecting the foregoing movements will be described hereinafter.

The first power unit and the mechanism for raising and lowering the cabinet have numerous advantages. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, they are relatively compact and are located primarily within the outline of the cabinet 22. Only the arms 46, 47, 51 and 52 may be seen by a person standing adjacent the table, and these arms are not unsightly and are easy to keep clean of dust.

The unit and mechanism do not substantially interfere with or detract from the amount of storage space normally provided in such cabinets. FIGS. 3 and 6 show that only portions of the arms 91 and the connecting rod 96 are above the main bottom Wall 22 of the cabinet 22, and these portions take up little space at the rear side of the table.

Another advantage is that there is relatively little longitudinal movement of the cabinet due to the vertical movement. The cabinet swings on the upper ends of the frames and since the frames move between horizontal and inclined positions, there is relatively little horizontal movement.

Still another advantage is that the cabinet is exceptionally steady, or stable, even though it is movably mounted. The mechanism employ pivotal connections, as distinguished from sliding, screw or gear connections, and the pivotal axes are horizontal and the pivotal connections are widely spaced. Further, the arms 46, 47, 51 and 52 are always inclined from the vertical, and the combination of these factors makes the table very stable.

The upholstered top 23 is mounted on the upper surface of the cabinet 22, and includes a head end section 111 (see FIGS. 1 and 9) and a foot end section 112, both of the sections 111 and 112 being hingedly connected to the cabinet 22. With reference to FIG. 11, the head end section 111 comprises a substantially fiat, generally rectangular support member 113 which may be made, for example, of a sheet of plywood, and two longitudinally extending aprons 114 and 115 which extend adjacent the two longitudinal sides of the member 113, and a laterally extending apron 115' adjacent the head end of the table, the aprons being U-shaped channels which are secured to the underside of the support member 113. Adjacent the head end of the section 111, the support member 113 is cut out as indicated at 116 to provide space for a roll 1' 7 of tissue.

Similarly, the foot end section 112 also includes a support member 117 which may also be made of plywood, and two longitudinally extending aprons 118 and 119 which are secured to the underside of the member 117. The aprons 118 and 119 are similar to the aprons 114 and 115 and are positioned, when the head and foot end sections 111 and 112 are horizontally disposed, in endto-end alignment with aprons 114 and 115.

The head and foot end sections 111 and 112 are hingedly fastened to the cabinet 22 by two hinge plates 121 and 122 (FIGS. ll, 15 and 16) each of which is in the form on an angle. A horizontal arm of each of the plates 121 and 122 is rigidly secured to the cabinet 22 as by bolts or screws and the other or vertical arm of each of the hinge plates 121 and 122 extends upwardly laterally outside the adjacent ends of the aprons 114, 115, 118 and 119. On the inner face of the vertical arm of each of the hinge plates 121 and 122 is rigidly secured a plate 123 which extends upwardly above the upper edge of the associated plate 121 or 122, and each of the plates 123 has a pair of longitudinally spaced holes formed therethrough, which receive pivot pins 124 and 125. The pins 124 are also pivotally connected to the aprons 114 and 115 of the head end section 111, by means of fingers 127 which are secured to the aprons 114 and 115 and extend upwardly above the aprons and between the adjacent ends of support members 113 and 117, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 15. The pair of fingers 127 have holes formed therethrough which pivotally receive the pins 124. Similarly, the foot end section 112 is pivotally connected to the mounting brackets 121 and 122 by other fingers131 which are secured to the aprons 118 and 119 adjacent the brackets 121 and 122. The fingers 131 also extend upwardly above the upper surface of the aprons 118 and 139 and have holes formed therethrough which receive the pins 126. Thus, the foot end section 112 may be pivoted about a horizontal axis defined by the two pins 126, and the head end section 111 may be pivoted about another horizontal axis defined by the pins 124.

The table further includes a second power unit and mechanism for varying the inclination of the head end section 111 between a substantially horizontal position, shown in dashed lines in FIG. 9, through an intermediate position, shown in full lines of FIG. 9, and a substantially vertical position, shown in dash-dot lines in FIG. 9. The mechanism includes a lever 136 which is pivotally connected to the cabinet 22 and movably connected to the underside of the head end section 111. The lever 136 (FIGS. 9 and 12) comprises a pair of parallel armsor rods which are pivotally connected by a pin 137 to two laterally spaced vertically extending walls 139 of a frame 138. The frame 135 is a longitudinally extending member which is secured to the cabinet 22 below the upper surface of the cabinet, as shown in FIG. 6. The pin 137 is located substantially at the lateral center of the top wall of the cabinet, which wall is cut out to receive the frame 138. When the head end section 111 is in the horizontal position, the lever 136 extends, from the pin 137, upwardly and toward the head end of the table. As shown in FIG. 9, the lever 136 is bent substantially midway between its ends such that it bows downwardly when the head end section 111 is in the horizontal position.

At the outer or free ends of the two rods forming the lever 136, a roller 141 is rotatably connected to the lever 136 by a pin 142 (FIGS. 6 and9). A longitudinally extending guide 143, in the form of a downwardly opening channel (FIGS. 6, 9 and is secured to the underside of the head end section 111, and the roller 141 rolls along the length of the web of the guide 143 as the head end section 111 is pivoted. The edges of the vertically extending arms of the guide 143 are turned inwardly as indicatedat 144 (FIGS. 6 and 10), and the ends of the pin 142 normally extend between the portions 144 and the web of the guide 143 while the head end section 111 is inclined so that the head end section may not accidentally become disengaged from the lever 136. At the end of the guide 143, which is adjacent the head end of the table, the vertical arms of the guide 143 are cut away as indicated at 146 (FIGS. 9 and 10), so that the outer ends of the pin 142 may be disengaged from the guide 143 when the head end section 111 is in the horizontal position. Thus, if it is desired to disengage the head end section 111 from the lever 136, the head end section is first moved to horizontal position and then the head end section 111 may be manually lifted upwardly into an inclined position without moving the lever 136'.

To pivot the head end section 111 upwardly to an inclined position, using the second power actuated mechanism, a second hydraulic unit 150 (FIGS. 6, 9 and '12) is connected to the lever 136 to pivot the lever 136 about the axis of the pin 137. The hydraulic unit tl-is similar to the unit 93, and comprises a cylinder 151, a piston (not shown) within the cylinder, a solenoid actuated Valve 155 and a connecting rod 152 connected to the piston. The cylinder 151 and the connecting rod 152 extend longitudinally of the table and are positioned within the frame 138 as shown in FIG. 12. The end of the cylinder, 151 which is adjacent the head end of the table is secured to the frame 133 by means of a mounting bracket 15.3 and a pin-154. The connecting rod 152 is movable toward and away from the foot end of the table relative to the cylinder 151, and a yoke 156-is secured to the outer end of the connecting rod 152. A link 157 is positioned between the arms of the yoke 156 andone end of the link 157 is pivotally connectedto the yoke 156'by a pin 158. The other end of the link 157 is positioned between thearms of the lever 136 and is pivotally connected to the lever 136 by still another pin:159. The connection of the link 157 with the lever 136 is at a point which is approximately one-fourth the distance from the pin 137 to. the, rollers 141, as shown in FIG. 9. Further, the pin 158 carries a pair of rollers 161 which are connected to the outer ends of the pin 158 on the outside of the arms of the yoke 156.

With reference to FIG. 9, assume that the head end section 111 is initially in the horizontal or lower position shown in dashed lines, where the connecting rod 152 is.

retracted into the cylinder 151 and the lever 136 is substantially horizontal. To raise the head end section 111 the 1 out of the cylinder from in back of the cylinder. The connecting rod 152 and the rollers 161 move longitudinally toward the foot end of the table, the rollers 161 rolling:

along the bottom wall 162 of the-frame 138 during such movement. The end of the link 157, which is connected to the pin 158 also moves. longitudinally toward the foot end of the table, and such movement causes the link 157 to exert a force on the lever 136 tending to pivot the lever 136 in the clockwise direction as seen in FIG. '9,

around the axis of the pin 137. The lever 136 is urged in the clockwise direction because the pin 159 is located above a line drawn between the pins 158 and 137 and the distance between the latter two pins decreases as the connecting rod 152 is moved toward the foot end of the table. Thus, the pin 159 and the lever 136 pivot about the axis of the pin 137 as the connecting rod 152 is forced toward the foot end of table, and upward swinging movement of reaches a desired position, the valve 155 is closed and the motor is deenergized thereby locking the section 111 at that position. Subsequent opening of the valve 155 and energization of the .pump motor in the opposite direction cause the fluid to be drawn out of the cylinder from in front of the cylinder andto be introduced into the cylinder at the back of the piston. The piston and the connecting rod 152 then retract into the cylinder 151. When the head end section 111 is in the horizontal position, it is supported on the upper wall of the cabinet by a pair of resilient bumpers or cushions 166 (FIGS. 6 and 9) which are secured to the lower sides of-the apron sections 114 and adjacent the head end of a table.

The foot end section 112. of the top is normally in the horizontal position as shown in FIG. 11, and is supported at one end by the pins 126 and adjacent its other end by t a pair of resilient cushions 167 (FIGS. 6 and 9). A generally rectangular laterally extending support block 168" is hingedly connected to the upper surface of the cabinet 22 underneath the cushions 167. The width of the block 168 is substantially greater than its thickness, and when the block 168 is placed in one position its-uppermost surface under the cushions 167 is relatively low and the foot end section 112 is substantially horizontal. To place the i foot end section 112 in a slightly inclined position, the

9 hinged block 168 is pivoted to place it on edge where its uppermost surface is higher than formerly, and the cushions 167 are then supported by the block 168 at a higher level.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 10, the foot end section 112 has a cutout section 171 at its end which is adjacent the foot of the table, and the cutout section 171 is designed to receive an insert 172. A pair of brackets 173 are secured to the foot end section 112 at the margin of the cutout 171 and are designed to extend underneath and support the insert 172.

The upper surface of the top 23 is upholstered and covered with a relatively tough wear resistant material such as vinyl and the upholstering is designed to give a patient lying on the top a feeling of security and possibly to restrain a person from accidentally rolling off of the top. Over the support members 113 and 117 is provided a flat rectangular sheet 176 (FIGS. 11 and 14) of resilient material such as foam rubber. The sheet 176 extends from the foot of the table up into a point 179 which is spaced from the head end of the table. Adjacent the head end of the table, at the portion of the support member 113 containing the cutout for the roll 177 of tissue shown in dash lines in FIG. 11, the support member 113 is built up by placing an additional sheet 178 of a material such as plywood over the top of the sheet 113 and securing it thereto as by gluing. The cutout 116 is thus then formed in both the sheet 113 and the sheet 178, and the sheet 176 of foam rubber extends up to the sheet 178 of the support means. In the lateral direction (FIG. 14), the sheet 176 extends to the points indicated by the numerals 181 and 182 (see FiG. 14), which points are laterally spaced from the longitudinally extending side edges of the support members 113 and 117. As shown in FIG. 11, the sheet 176 extends over the gap formed between the adjacent ends of the sheets 113 and 117.

Secured to the upper surface of the sheet 176, as by gluing, is a cover 183 which may be made of a relatively though material such as vinyl. The sheet 183 extends completely over the upper surface of the sheet 176, and at both longitudinally extending side edges of the sheet 176, the cover 183 includes an upper flap 184 and an inner flap 186 (FIG. 14). Similarly at the head end of the table (FIG. 11), the cover 183 extends beyond the point 179 and includes an upper flap 187 and a relatively short inner flap 188. At the foot end of the table, the cover 183 is sufficiently long to be folded over the end of the sheet 176 and underneath the support member 117.

Between the longitudinally extending side edges of the sheet 176 and the adjacent longitudinal edges of the support members 113 and 117 are positioned two foam rubber wedges 191 and 192 (FIG. 14). After the wedges 191 and 192 have been placed on the support members 113 and 117, the inner flaps 186 (FIG. 14) are folded over the tops of the wedges 191 and 192 and secured to the upper surfaces of the support members 113 and 117 adjacent the longitudinally extending side edges of the support members, as by stapling the flaps 186 to the support members 113 and 117. Thereafter, additional foam rubber wedges 193 and 194 are positioned over the tops of the inner flaps 186, and the outer flaps 184 are folded over the tops of the wedges 193 and 194 downwardly over the longitudinal side edges or" wedges 193 and 194 and the longitudinal side edges of the members 113 and 117, and underneath the bottom surfaces of suppport members 113 and 117, and are secured to the members 113 and 117 as by stapling. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, a head 1% is preferably formed on the outer flaps 184 and is located such that these flaps are in the proper position to be secured to the undersides of the support members 113 and 117 when the beads 196 are at the lower longitudinal corners of the support members 113 and 117. The bead 1% preferably 18 extends entirely around the cover 183, including the pottions of the cover of the head end and at the foot end of the table, as shown in FIG. 11.

As shown in FIG. 14, the wedges 193 and 194 have a substantial vertical dimension adjacent the side edges of the table, and the construction of the wedges 191 to 194 is such that the upper surface of the cover is highest adjacent the longitudinally extending side edges of the top and slope downwardly and laterally inwardly to the points 181 and 182. Between the points 181 and 182, the upper surface of the top is substantially flat, and a patient lying on the top 23 would normally be between the two points 181 and 182. While the wedges 131 to 194 are resilient, they are nevertheless firm enough to provide some resistance in the event a patient tended to roll off the top. Whether or not a patient tended to roll off the top, the presence of the raised sides alone is sufiicient to give a patient a feeling or sense of security while reclining on the top.

At the head end of the table, a pillow is formed by a relatively large foam rubber wedge 202 (FIG. 11) which extends laterally of the table on top of the member 178 of the support means 113 and between the point 179 and the head end of the table. Underneath the edge of the wedge 202, which is adjacent the point 179 the member 178 is slanted downwardly and a relatively small foam rubber wedge 203 is positioned over the slanted edge of the member 178, and the inner flap 188 is stretched over the top of the wedge 203 and secured as by stapling to the member 178. At the ends of the wedge 202 additional wedges are positioned on top of the member 178, and then the outer flap 187 is laid over the tops of the wedges 202 and the additional wedges at the ends thereof, downwardly over the sides of these wedges, and folded underneath the support means 113 and secured thereto as by stapling. The wedge 202 and the additional wedges at the head end of the table thus provide a pillow which extends laterally across the head end of top and, as shown in FIG. 1, the raised side edges of the top blend smoothly into the pillow portion.

After the cover 183 has been secured to the support members 113 and 117, a plate 204 (FIGS. 10 and 11) is positioned on the underside of the support member 113 and secured thereto and a plate 285 is positioned on the underside of the support member 117 and secured thereto. The plates 204 and 205 may be sheets of relatively thin, hard plastic, and they overlap the edges of the cover 183 on the underside of the top. The plates 204 and 205 extend longitudinally to the space or gap between the adjacent ends of the support members 113 and 117, and a laterally extending piece 206 of fabriclike material is positioned over the gap at the underside of the top and covers the gap. The aprons and the guide 143 are positioned on the lower side of the plates 204 and 205 and are secured to the support members.

Since the cover 183 extends longitudinally across the gap or space between the two support members 113 and 117, at both the sides and the underside of the top, special precautions must be taken to prevent tearing or excessive wear of the cover 183 at the hinge connection of the sections 111 and 112 with the cabinet. This is especially true in the present construction where the hinge axes for the two sections 111 and 112 are longitudinally spaced apart and are spaced upwardly from the lower surface of the top. To this end, two flexible bridging elements 210 and 211 are provided, which extend across the gap between the adjustment ends of the support members 113 and 117 at the longitudinally extending side edges of the members 113 and 117. As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the side edges of the two support members 113 and 117, adjacent the gap, are notched as indicated at 212 and 213. The bridging elements have substantially the same thickness as the support members 113 and 117, and the width of the notches is substantially equal to the width of the bridging elements. In the present instance the bridging elements are substantially square in cross section as shown in FIG. 14. When the head endand foot end sections 111 and 112 are in the horizontal positions, the bridging elements extend longitudinally of the table and are substantially flush with the upper and lower surfaces of the support members 113 and 117, and flush with the side edges of the support members. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the bridging elements 210 and 211 are secured at their ends to the support members 113 and 117 by relatively long staples 214 which extend laterally inwardly from the side edges of the bridging elements through the bridging elements and into the two support members 113 and 1.17. Thus, the ends of the two bridging elements are rigidly secured to the support members 113 and 117 but are free to flex in their central portions when one of the two sections 111 or 112 is raised or lowered.

The bridging elements 210 and 211 are made of a material such as vinyl, and are flexible so that they may be bent in a smooth curve. Since the cover 183 overlies the elements at the sides and the underside of the top, the bridging elements and the portions of the cover at the hinge connection will be bent in smooth curves when one or both of the sections 111 or 112 are inclined. Such a smooth curve does not result in areas of the cover 183 which might be likely to wear out rapidly, and it presents a very neat appearance, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 9, because there is no gap between the two sections 111 and 112 and there is a smooth curve between them when one or both of the two sections are raised.

As previously stated, the power units for raising and lowering the cabinet and for Varying the inclination of the head endsection 111 of thetop, comprise, in the present instance, hydraulic units. A pump and motor assembly for actuating the hydraulic units is located in a power pack 226 (FIGS. 3, 4 and 5) which is positioned underneath the cabinet 22 and is secured to the two base rails 43 and 44 by three braces 227, 228 and 229. The braces 227 and 228 are secured to the base rail 43 and, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, from the rail 43 the braces 227 and 228 extend upwardly and are then bent to extend laterally inward over the top of the thrust tube 81 to the power pack 226. The third brace 229 is rigidly secured to the other base rail 44 and from the rail 44., the brace 229extends laterally inwardly underneath the cylinder 94, then upwardly to the upper side of the power pack 226 to which it is secured. The power pack 226 comprises a pan 232 and a cover 233 which enclose a pump and a motor. Suitable electrical and hydraulic connections between the power pack 226, the cylinders and the control panels are pro vided, such connections being conventional and not shown in the drawings for the sake of clarity of the drawings. Portions 231 and 231 of the hydraulic connections for the cylinder 94 are shown in FIG. 5. Each hydraulic cylinder 94 and 151 has a fluid connection at each end thereof for fluid flow on both sides of the associated piston, and an electrical connection to a solenoid actuated fluid valve located at the end of the cylinder, which is away from the connecting rod.

FIG. 17 shows the electrical wiring of the examination table. The apparatus comprises a chassis 236 which is mounted within the cabinet behind the control panel 32. A pair of conventional electrical outlets 237 and 238 are mounted on the chassis such that they are accessible from the front of the panel 32. The chassis 236 also carries aswitch 239 which is also accessible from the front of the panel and is preferably of the type that is illuminated when it is turned on, the switch 239 being connected to control energization of two electric light bulbs 241 and 242. The bulbs 241 and 242 are preferably located within the cabinet 22 adjacent one or more of the storage areas and, in addition to being a light source, also serves as instrument warmers.

The chassis 236 also has mounted thereon four switches, 243 to 246,the switches 243 and 244 controlling vertical movement of the cabinet and the switches 245 and 246 controlling the pivoting movement of the head end section of the. top. As shown in FIG. 2, a single pivotally mounted actuator plate 247 for the two switches 243 and 244 is provided, the pivotal axis of the plate extending longitudinally and passing through substantially the horizontal center line of the plate 247. When the plate 247 is pressed adjacent itsupper edge, the upper end moves laterally inwardly and turns on the switch 243, and when the lower edgev of the plate 247 is pressed inwardly, the other switch 244 is turned on. Release of pressure on either the top or bottom edge of the plate permits it to return, as by spring action to a vertical neutral plane, and the switches'243 and 244 are automatically moved to their off positions.

Similarly, the actuator plate 248 for the two switches 245 and 246 is pivotally mounted on the same axis as the plate 247. When the plate 248 is pressed adjacent its upper edge, the switch 245 is turned on and when the plate 248 is pressed adjacent its lower edge, the switch 246 is turned on. When pressure on the plate 248 is .released, the plate 248 is moved as'by spring action to a vertical plane, and both switches 245 and-246 are moved to the off position.

Power to operate the various electrical elements of the. system is derived from a conventional volt, 6O cycle,

power supply, and a three wire electrical connector 247 and cord are preferably provided to connectthe system to the power supply. One wire 2470 of the cord is connected to the chassis to ground it, and the other two wires 249 and 250 of the cord are connected in parallel across the outlets 237 and 238 and the two lights 241 and 242 in the cabinet. The two conductors 249 and 250 are also connected to a female connector 251 which is designed to receive a male connector 252 for connecting power to the power pack, or motor-pump assembly 226.

The power pack 226 comprises a reversible electric motor 254 including a rotor 256, one winding 257 which turns the rotor 256 in one direction when energized, and another winding 258 which turns the rotor 256 in the opposite direction when energized. The shaft of the rotor.

256 is connected to drive a pump 261 for the hydraulic fluid of the system.

Two wires 262 and 263 extend from the male connector 252 to the power pack 226, and when the two connectors 251 and 252 are coupled together, the wires 262 and 263 are respectively connected to the wires 249 and 250. A

third wire 264 is also provided for grounding the power the flow of hydraulic fluid into and out of the associated.

cylinders. The solenoid of the unit 93 includes a winding or coil 276 and the solenoid of the unit includes a.

coil 277. The operation of the valves is such that, when one of the solenoid coils 276 or 277 is energized by passing electric current through it, the valve of the energized solenoid opens and permits the flow of hydraulic fluid therethrough. Conversely, when the solenoid coil is not energized, the valve closes and effectively prevents the flow of hydraulic fluid either into or out of the cylinder associated therewith. To energize one or the other of the two solenoids, the terminal 266 is connected by a wire 278 to the solenoid coil 276, and the terminal 271 is connected by a wire 279 to the solenoid coil 277. The terminal board 268 also includes four additional terminals 281 to 284 which are respectively connected to the winding 257, the winding 258, the solenoid 277, and the solenoid 276. To selectively energize the motor windings and solenoid coils, electrical connections must he made be 13 tween the terminal 267 and one of the other four terminals 281 to 284, and this is accomplished by the four switches 243 to 246.

The four terminals 281 to 284 are connected by wires of a cord 285 to a female connector 286 which is adapted to mate with a five pronged male connector 287 mounted on the side of the chassis 236. The five prongs of the male connector 287 are electrically connected to five wires 288 to 292 which, when the two connectors 286 and 287 are plugged together, are electrically connected to the terminals267 and 281 to 284, respectively. Also connected to the five wires 288 to 292 are five additional wires 294 to 298 which are connected to a female connector 299 mounted on the chassis 236. The female connector 299 is adapted to mate with a male connector 300 which is electrically connected to the floor control panel 32. The floor control panel 32' includes four switches (not shown) which are similar to the switches 243 to 246. Since the two sets of switches in the two control panels are connected in parallel, it will be apparent that either one or both may be used to control energization of the motor 254 and the two solenoids of the hydraulic units.

The four switches 243 to 246 are identical and the construction of switch 244 is shown in detail in FIGS. 18 and 19. FIG. 18 shows switch 244 in the oif position and FIG. 19 shows switch 244 in the on position. Switch 244 includes four stationary contacts 302 to 305 mounted within a housing 307, and a pair of movable contacts 308 and 309. The contacts 308 and 309 are electrically connected together by a jumper 311, and the stationary contact 303 is electrically connected by another jumper 312 to the jumper 311. The switch also includes a movable button or plunger 314 which is actuated by the plate 247 and is designed to move the contacts 308 and 309 from a position where they electricallyengage stationary contacts 302 and 303 when the switch is in the off position, to a position where the contacts 308 and 309 electrically en-' gage the other pair of stationary contacts 304 and 305 (FIG. 19) when the switch is in the on position. The construction of the switch is such that the plunger 314 moves the movable contacts 308 and 309 and automatically returns the latter to engagement with the stationary contacts 302 and 303, which is the 01? position shown in FIG.

18 when pressure on the plunger 314 is released, the movement of the contacts 308 and 309 being a snap action.

The stationary contacts 302 to 305 are also designated by the numerals 1 to 4, respectively, in FIGS. 17 to 19.

With reference again to FIG. 17, wire 288 is electrically connected to stationary contact 302 of switch 243, wire 289 is electrically connected to stationary contacts 305 and 304 of switches 243 and 245 respectively, wire 290 is electrically connected to contacts 305 and 304 of switches 244 and 246 respectively, wire 291 is electrically connected to contacts 305 of both switches 245 and 246, and wire 292 is electrically connected to contacts 304 of switches 243 and 244. In addition another wire 321 is connected between contacts 303 and 302 of switches 243 and 245 respectively, a wire 322 is electrically connected between the contacts 302 and 303 of switches 244 and 246 respectively, a wire 323 is electrically connected between contacts 303 of switches 244 and 245, and a wire 324 is connected between the contacts 302 of the switches 243 and 246.

When the upper edge of plate 247 is pressed inwardly to raise the cabinet switch 243 is moved to the on position (FIG. 19) and a circuit is completed through the motor Winding 257 and the solenoid coil 276 and the power supply along the path including the wire 288 (which leads to the power supply), wire 324 contacts 302 and 303 of switch 246 (which is in the oil? position) wire 322, contacts 302 and 303 of the switch 244 (which is also in the 01? position), wire 323 contacts 303 and 302 of switch 245 (which is also in the 01? position), and contact 303 of switch 243. Contact 303 is electrically connected through the jumpers 311 and 312 to contacts 304 and 305 of switch 243. Contact 304 of switch 243 is connected to wire 292, terminal 284, solenoid coil 276, wire 278 and terminal 266, while contact 305 of switch 243 is electrically connected to wire 289, terminal 281, motor winding 257, wire 272, and terminal 266. Thus the solenoid 276 and the motor winding 257 are electrically connected, through the switch 243, across the terminals 266 and 267, and since the latter two terminals are connected by the wires 262 and 263 to the power supply, the solenoid coil 276 and the motor winding 257 will be simultaneously operated when switch 243 is closed.

Upon energization of the coil 276, the valve for the cylinder 151 is opened, and upon energization of the motor winding 257 the direction of rotation of the pump 261 will cause fluid flow in such a direction that the piston in the cylinder 94 moves toward the foot of the table and causes the cabinet to rise. When the desired height of the cabinet is reached the operator releases pressure on the plate 247, thereby permitting the switch 243 to return to the off position shown in FIG. 18 and open the circuit through the coil 276 and the winding 257. Deenergization of the motor winding 257 halts rotation of the pump 261, and deenergization of the solenoid coil 276 causes the valve to close, which etfectively locks the piston at the adjusted position relative to the cylinder 94. The cabinet is then held at the adjusted position until either the switch 243 or the switch 244 is closed.

By the circuit arrangement shown in FIG. 17, it is possible simultaneously to raise the cabinet and raise the inclination of the head end section of the top, or alternately, simultaneously to lower the cabinet and lower the inclination of the head end section of the top. Assuming that the switch 243 has been closed and the cabinet is being raised as described above, if the switch 245 is also closed by pressing the upper edge of the plate 248, switch contact 303 of switch 245 will be electrically connected to contacts 304 and 305. While the circuit through switch 243 formerly relied upon a connection between contacts 302 and 303 of switch 245 to connect contact 303 and consequently contacts 304 and 305 to the power supply, which circuit has been interrupted due to the movement of switch 245 to the on position where contacts 302 and 304 are electrically disconnected, contacts 304 and 305 of switch 243 will still be connected to the power supply due to the connection between contact 304 of switch 245 and contact 305 of switch 243. Consequently, wire 288 will be electrically connected to contacts 304 and 305 of both switches 243 and 246 through the circuit including contacts 302 and 303 of switch 246 (which is closed), contacts 302 and 303 of switch 244 (which is also closed), wire 323, contact 203 of switch 245, jumper 311 of switch 245, contacts 304 and 305 of switch 245, the electrical connection between contacts 304 and 305 of switches 245 and 243, respectively, and contact 304 of switch 243 through the jumper 311 of the latter switch. Consequently simultaneous closing of the two switches 243 and 245 results in energization of both solenoid coils 276 and 277, and motor winding 257,

It would not, however, be possible to simultaneously energize, for example, the switches 243 and 244 because the plate 247 can be pivoted in only one direction at a time. Similarly, switches 245 and 246 cannot be energized simultaneously because the plate 248 can be pivoted in only one direction at a time. If switch 243 is closed and switch 246 is subsequently closed, the circuit to contact 303 of switch 243, which is through contacts 302 and 303 of switch 246, is opened by the closing of switch 246. The same result is obtained when switches 244 and 245 are closed at the same time. Consequently, only one or the other of the motor windings 257 and 258 can be energized at a time.

An analysis of the electrical connections for energizing the winding 258 and one or the other, or both simultaneously, of the solenoid coils 276 and 277 by closing one or the other, or both, of the switches 244 and 246 is move the cabinet to the lowermost position. .An adult pa-- tient can then readily sit down on the foot end section 112 of the upholstered top as though he were sitting on a chair. As for a youthful patient, it is relatively simple for the chlid to climb on to the foot of the end section of the upholstered top 23. Assuming again that the patient is an elderly person, the patient maysit on the foot end section 112 facing the foot end of the examining table. The physician then closes switch 245 in order to move the cabinet 22, the top 23 and the patient sitting thereon upwardly to a level which is convenient for the physician. If the physician wishes to examine the patient while in a reclining position, and again assuming that the patient is an adult, the physician closes switch 245 to cause the head end section 111 of the upholstered top 23 to swing upwardly until it is substantially vertical. The patient then leans backwardly against the head end section 111 and the physician closes switch 246, thereby causing the head end section 111 to swing downwardly, to the horizontal position with the patient lying on it. After the examination has been completed, the physician returns the patient to the sitting position by closing switch 245, thereby causing the head end section 111 to return to the vertical position where the patient is in a sitting position. Thereafter, the physician closes switch 244 in order to lower the cabinet 22: and the top 23 with the patient sitting thereon, until the patients feet either engage or are close to the floor, and the patient may simple step off or stand up,with little or no unusual exertion required.

Of course the head end section 111 of the upholstered top may be swung upwardly before the cabinet is raised and the head end section could be raised after the cabinet is lowered.

The foregoing method of operation is especially advantageous when dealing with heart patients, since an examination may be completed without any unusual exertion by the patient. With conventional examining tables, it is necessary for the patient to climb on to the top ofthe table and lie down, and very frequently it is necessary for the physician to allow the patient to rest for approximately fifteen minutes or until his pulse rate returns to normal because of the exertion involved, before beginning his examination. Thus, the present power examining table not only reduces the time required for the examination, but it also makes such an examination safer for a heart patient because it eliminates the necessity for the exertion required to climb up on the upholstered top and lie down and then sit up and climb down again after the examination.

Similarly, the power examining table makes it easy for a child to climb up on to the upholstered top since the top may be moved downwardly to a relatively low position,

and it is also a simple matter for a very large person to get on to the upholstered top, lie down, and sit up again.

In addition to the foregoing advantages, the power examining table has the further advantages that the upholstering of the top 23 is such that a patient lying down on it has a sense or feeling of security because of the raised side edges of the top. The foam rubber, while resilient, nevertheless resists a tendency of the patientto roll off of the side, and the presence of the raised sides alone tends to make a patient feel more secure while lying down on the table. Furthermore, the construction of the upholstered top at the hinge construction between the foot end and head end sections and the cabinet is such that a very neat appearance is presented and stress or wear areas which might tend to wear more rapidly than other areas are eliminated by the bridging elements at the lower side corners of the upho stered top.

We claim:

1. A physicians examining table comprising a base structure adapted to rest on the floor, a cabinet located over said base structure, means in said cabinet forming.

storage space, a plurality of lever means connected to said base structure and to the lower portion of said cabinet, and power operated means connected to said lever means for raising and. lowering said cabinet relative to said base structure, said power operated means being located within the lower portion of said cabinet, whereby the major portion of said cabinet is available for storage space,

said lever means being spaced apart and extending from said base structure upwardly to ,said cabinet and below said storage space,.the lower portions of said lever means being connected to said base structure and the upper portions of said lever means being connected to said cabinet, said power operated means also extending below and at one side of said. means forming said storage space, whereby said lever means and said power operated means do not interfere with said storage space.

2. A physicians examining table comprising a base structure adapted to rest on the floor, a cabinet located over said base structure, said cabinet including means forming a storage space, a plurality of lever means connected to said base structure and to the lower portion of said cabinet, and power operated means connectedto said lever means for raising and lowering said cabinet relative to said base structure, said power operated means being located within the lower portion of said cabinet,. whereby the major portion of said cabinet is available for storage space, wherein said frames are longitudinally spaced and extend in parallel planes from said base structure upwardly to said cabinet and below said storage space, the lower portions of said frames being connected to said base structure and the upper portions of said frames being connected to said cabinet, said power operated means being connected to the .upper portions of said frames, said power operated means also extending gen-.

erally longitudinally of the cabinet below and at one side of said means forming said storage space, whereby said frames and said power operated means do not interfere with said storage space.

3. A physicians examining table comprising a cabinet 7 adapted to be supported on the floor, a top located over said cabinet, means for pivotally connecting a section of said top to the upper surface of said cabinet, a lever pivotally mounted adjacent the upper portion of said cabinet and engaging said section to cause said section to swing about its pivotal connection when said lever is pivoted, and power operated means connected to said cabinet and to said lever for pivoting said lever to cause said section to swing, when said power means is energized said power operated means being located within the upper portion of said cabinet, whereby the major portion of said cabinet is available for storage space, said lever extending in a generally vertical plane. upwardly from said cabinet and engaging said top, and said power operated means extending longitudinally of said cabinet and adjacent the upper side thereof and being pivotally connected to said lever.

4. A physicians examining table comprising a base,

17 tion of said cabinet and engaging said section to cause said section to swing about its pivotal connection when said lever is pivoted, and second power operated means connected to said lever and to said cabinet to pivot said lever and cause said section to pivot when said second power operated means is energized, said second power operated means being located within the upper portion of said cabinet, whereby the major portion of said cabinet is available for storage space.

5. A physicians examining table comprising a base structure adapted to rest on the floor, a top structure located over said base structure, a plurality of frames, means pivotally connecting the lower portions of said frames to said base structure at longitudinally and laterally spaced points, means pivotally connecting the upper portions of said frames to said top structure at longitudinally and laterally spaced points, and power operated means pivotally connected to said frames to swing said frames and thereby raise and lower said top structure relative to said base structure, the spacing of the pivots connecting the frames to the base structure and the spacing of the pivots connecting the frames to the top structure maintaining the top structure steady when in a raised position, wherein said plurality of frames comprises first and second frames and said first and second frames are parallel to each other, said first frame including a first arm secured to the upper portion thereof, said second frame including a second arm secured to the upper portion thereof, said power operated means extending between and being pivotally connected to said arms at the free ends thereof, said power operated means being longitudinally extendable and contractable, such extension and contraction effecting raising and lowering of said table.

6. A table as in claim 5, wherein said first arm extends generally upwardly and away from said second frame, and said second arm extends generally downwardly and away from said first frame.

7. A table as in claim 6, wherein said first arm is longer than said second arm.

8. A table as in claim 6, wherein said first and second arms are substantially parallel.

9. A physicians examining table comprising a base structure adapted to rest on the floor, a top structure located over said base structure, said top being adapted to support a patient, a plurality of lever means, means pivotally connecting the lower portions of said lever means to said base structure at longitudinally and laterally spaced points, means pivotally connecting the upper portions of said lever means to said top structure at longitudinally and laterally spaced points, and power operated means pivotally connected to said lever means to swing said lever means and thereby raise and lower said top structure relative to said base structure, the spacing of the pivots connecting the lever means to the base structure and the spacing of the pivots connecting the lever means to the top structure maintaining the top structure steady when in a raised position, each of said lever means including an arm secured to the upper portion thereof, said power operated means extending between and being pivotally connected to said arms, said power operated means being extendable and contractable, such extension and contraction effecting raising and lowering of said top structure.

10. A table as in claim 9, wherein the pivotal connections at the upper portions of each of said lever means are normally longitudinally offset a substantial distance from the pivotal connections at the lower portions thereof, whereby a line passing through the pivotal connections at the upper and lower portions of each of said lever means moves from a substantially horizontal position to an upwardly inclined position and consequently the pivotal connections of said lever means with said top structure move a relatively large vertical distance and a relatively small longitudinal distance when said lever means are swung upwardly to raise said top structure.

11. A physicians examining table comprising a top support member, a top member positioned over said top support member, hinge means connecting a section of said top member to said top support member such that said section may be 'swung between a substantially horizontal lowered position and a substantially vertical raised position, a lever pivotally connected to one of said members and engaging the other of said members for swinging said section when said lever is pivoted, and power operated means mounted on one of said members and connected to said lever for pivoting said lever when said power operated means is energized, said lever being pivotally connected to said top member and movably engaging said section, said power operated means being mounted on said top support member adjacent said lever, said power operated means including a rod which is movable longitudinally of the table, said rod being connected to said lever by a link which is pivotally connected to said rod and is pivotally connected to said lever, said link pivoting said lever when said rod is moved longitudinally of the table, wherein said power operated means includes means for moving said rod horizontally, and guide means for confining the end of said link which is pivotally connected to said rod for horizontal movement.

12. A physicians examining table comprising a top support member, a top member positioned over said top support member, hinge means connecting a section of said top member to said top support member such that said section may be swung between a substantially horizontal lowered position and a substantially vertical raised position, a lever pivotally connected to one of said members and engaging the other of said members for swinging said section when said lever is pivoted, and power operated means mounted on one of said members and connected to said lever for pivoting said lever when said power operated means is energized, said lever being pivotally connected to said top support member and movably engaging said section, said end of said lever which engages said section having a roller rotatably mounted thereon, said roller engaging and rolling along the underside of said section as said section swings about this pivotal connection, wherein said section is provided with guide means on its underside receiving said roller to hold said roller in engagement with said section during swinging movement, said roller being releasable from said guide means when said section is in its horizontal position.

13. A physicians examining table comprising a base structure adapted to rest on the floor, a top support positioned over said base structure, a top positioned over said top support, a first mechanism connecting said base structure with said top support for raising and lowering said top support, a first hydraulic unit connected to actuate said first mechanism, a second mechanism connecting said top with said top support for varying the inclination of said top, a second hydraulic unit connected to actuate said second mechanism, a reversible motor-pump unit connected to supply hydraulic fluid to said first and second units, first, second, third and fourth electrical circuits, each of said circuits including said motor-pump unit and said circuits respectively including first, second, third and fourth electrical switches, said first and second circuits energizing said motor-pump unit for rotation in one direction when their respective switches are actuated and said third and fourth circuits energizing said motorpump unit for rotation in the opposite direction when their respective switches are actuated, rotation of said motor-pump unit in said one direction supplying said fluid to said first and second hydraulic units to raise said top support and to increase the inclination of said top and rotation of said motor-pump unit in said opposite direction supplying said fluid to said first and second hydraulic units to lower said top support and to decrease the inclination of said top, and means connected to said switches for preventing one of said first and second switches from being actuated simultaneously with one of said second and third switches.

14. A table as in claim 13, wherein said last named means comprises mechanical interlock between said first and third switches and another mechanical interlock between said second and fourth switches.

15. A table as in claim 14, wherein said last named means further comprises an electrical interlock between said first and fourth switches and another electrical interlock between said second and third switches.

16. A table as in claim 13, wherein each of said first and second hydraulic units includes a solenoid actuated valve, said solenoid of said first hydraulic unit being con nected in said first and third circuits and being energized when one of said first and third switches is actuated, and said solenoid of said second hydraulic unit being connected in said and fourth circuits and being energized when one of said second and fourth switches is actuated.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 7/1895 Lentz 3l2209 7/1921 Sponsel 2544-10 1/1930 Groenke 25410 1/1952 Schnippel 5'68 11/1953 Travis 5-68 5/1963 'Burton 312-223 8/1963 f Kaye 5-345 6/1964 Wolf 25410 8/1964 Lunn 32-22 9/1964 2 Hillenbrand 563 12/ 1964 Hood 5345 12/1965 Pruirn 568 FOREIGN PATENTS 4/1961. France.

CHANCELLOR E. HARRIS, Primary Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. A PHYSICIAN''S EXAMINING TABLE COMPRISING A BASE STRUCTURE ADAPTED TO REST ONE ON THE FLOOR, A CABINET LOCATED OVER SAID BASE STRUCTURE, MEANS IN SAID CABINET FORMING STORAGE SPACE, A PLURALITY OF LEVER MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID BASE STRUCTURE AND TO THE LOWER PORTION OF SAID CABINET, AND POWER OPERATED MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID LEVER MEANS FOR RAISING AND LOWERING SAID CABINET RELATIVE TO SAID BASE STRUCTURE, SAID POWER OPERATED MEANS BEING LOCATED WITHIN THE LOWER PORTION OF SAID CABINET, WHEREBY THE MAJOR PORTION OF SAID CABINET IS AVAILABLE FOR STORAGE SPACE, SAID LEVER MEANSA BEING SPACED APART AND EXTENDING FROM SAID BASE STRUCTURE UPWARDLY TO SAID CABINET AND BELOW SAID STORAGE SPACE, THE LOWER PORTIONS OF SAID LEVER MEANS BEING CONNECTED TO SAID BASE STRUCTURE AND THE UPPER PORTIONS OF SAID LEVER MEANS BEING CONNECTED TO SAID CABINET SAID POWER OPERATED MEANS ALSO EXTENDING BELOW AND AT

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