WO2024259023A1

WO2024259023A1 - Mobile medical exam table and methods of using the same

Info

Publication number: WO2024259023A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/033690
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eden CARDOZO; Alexandra DELAITE; Steven Greco; Justin Sirotin; Ryan Coyle
Original assignee: Sundial Health Inc
Current assignee: Sundial Health Inc
Priority date: 2023-06-12
Filing date: 2024-06-12
Publication date: 2024-12-19
Anticipated expiration: 2025-12-12

Abstract

A portable or mobile medical examination table and methods for setting up and using the same are described. Medical professionals may use the examination table as described to effectively examine patients in atypical settings. The medical examination table includes adjustable patient positioning making it appropriate to all examinations including those in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Urology, Colorectal examination, Imaging or any medical procedure requiring specialized anatomical positioning.

Description

MOBILE MEDICAL EXAM TABLE AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates generally to the field of medical examination tables, namely mobile medical tables that can be used by medical professionals to assist in the effective examination of a patient in an atypical environment. More particularly the tables as described allow patient examinations and other services to be rendered outside the typical medical professional's office where standard nonportable and specialized medical examination tables are required to properly position a patient during examination. Still more particularly, the disclosure describes portable or mobile medical examination tables that can be folded into a relatively compact arrangement to facilitate transport of the medical examination table for medical examinations to a patient’s location or to a depressed area where specialized medical equipment may not be available. Finally, the collapsible examination table as described includes position-able stirrups making it particularly useful in the fields of Obstetrics and Gynecology ("OB/GYN"), colorectal care or other position dependent medical areas.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Typical medical examination tables are large, and bulky and are not intended to be portable. Some, which claim portability often refer to the inclusion of one or more wheels or rollers making it possible to reposition that table within the medical environment or doctor’s office. Portable medical tables, including stirrups and other features necessary for proper patient positioning during some examinations do not currently exist in a form that facilitates their transportation outside a medical facility to a patient’s location.

[0003] While attempts have been made to develop a mobile examination table, particularly for use in underserved and rural areas, the mobile medical examination table designs proposed still do not properly position the patient as may be needed for an obstetric or gynecological examination or procedure. Examination tables that have adjustable stirrups and adjustable seatback positioning are generally either too heavy and therefore difficult to transport or are too light thereby lacking stability during use. The result is that OB/GYN examinations or procedures carried out outside of an OB/GYN clinic or medical office, such as in an emergency room, urgent care, rural clinic, or mobile clinic, are typically done without proper patient positioning. This persistent practice can cause harm to the patient both in terms of physical discomfort and the potential for a less accurate, less comprehensive exam.

[0004] Prior art attempts to address these problems and shortcomings include everything from modifying heavy typical examination tables in an attempt to make them mobile at one extreme all the way to getting rid of the table altogether and mounting a footrest assembly onto a table that already exists in the patient’s location. All of these solutions lack the same things, 1 ) true portability, meaning the examination table is compact enough and light enough to be readily moved while still providing sufficient stability to allow examinations to be carried out without any risk to the patient; and 2) proper patient positioning, meaning that the seat back and stirrups can be adjusted in a manner so that individuals of different sizes can be properly positioned for an examination. Despite these prior art attempts to address this need, there remains demand for a medical examination table that is actually portable and which allows patients to be properly positioned for all examinations required, including, for example OB/GYN or rectal examinations.

[0005] Described herein is a mobile medical examination table that can be folded into a compact form that is storable and light enough to be moved and set up by an individual. The mobile medical examination table as described includes both adjustable stirrups and an adjustable seatback allowing for proper patient positioning during a variety of examinations. The compact folded design is similar in look and feel to a portable massage table providing a stable and steady surface upon which a patient can recline during examination. The mobility of the medical examination table as described opens up new opportunities to provide patients with examination capability in atypical locations, for example their home or places or work. Likewise, the examination table can be carried to areas where medical facilities are unavailable and any room can be set up as a make-shift examination room being able to accommodate and treat a variety of patients including those that may require specialized positioning during examination or treatment, including surgery. [0006] There is yet a further need for a medical examination table that is highly customizable yet still portable to provide optimal positioning for examination and comfort for the patient.

SUMMARY

[0007] It is to be understood that this summary is not comprehensive. The sole purpose of this summary is to explain and exemplify certain concepts of the disclosure as an introduction to the following complete and extensive detailed description.

[0008] In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a mobile medical examination table, including a first support surface; a second support surface pivotally connected thereto providing a main body; an adjustable seatback connected to the main body; a pair of stirrups, each having a telescoping column, the telescoping columns being connected to the main body; the telescoping columns each having a respective footrest end and an opposing free end; the telescoping columns of the stirrups being pivotally connected to the main body; the opposing free ends of the telescoping columns including a spring-loaded plunger to releasably engage with lock apertures in respective column glides; whereby pulling up on the footrest end of the telescoping columns causes the opposing free ends to unseat its locking pin from a lock aperture for free angular adjustment of the stirrups.

DESCRIPTION

[0009] The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures can be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medical examination table according to one embodiment in a folded position.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a medical examination table according to one embodiment in a partially opened position. [0012] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a medical examination table according to one embodiment in an opened position

[0013] FIG. 4 is a cut-away showing placement of the seat back according to one embodiment of the medical examination table.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a cut-away showing placement of the seat back according to another embodiment of the medical examination table.

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates an extendable footrest arrangement according to one embodiment of the medical examination table.

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates an extendable footrest arrangement according to another embodiment of the medical examination table.

[0017] FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the medical examination table with the seatback in an upright position.

[0018] FIG. 9 is an elevation view of the medical examination table with the seatback in a lowered position for supine patient placement.

[0019] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of one embodiment of a seatback adjustment mechanism for the medical examination table.

[0020] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the seatback adjustment mechanism of

FIG. 10

[0021] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the seatback adjustment mechanism of

FIG. 10

[0022] FIGs. 13 to 15 illustrate the operation of the seatback adjustment mechanism according to one embodiment of the medical examination table.

[0023] FIGs.16 and 17 illustrate the positioning of the seatback adjustment mechanism during use.

[0024] FIGs.18 and 19 are rear plan views of the examination table illustrating the telescoping extension of the stirrups.

[0025] FIGs. 20 and 21 are enlarged views of the actuating mechanism for moving the telescoping columns into and out of the examination table.

[0026] FIGs. 22 and 23 illustrate the nested and extended telescoping columns.

[0027] FIGs. 24 and 25 illustrate coupling of the stirrups to the telescoping columns according to one embodiment of the medical examination table. [0028] FIGs. 26-28 illustrate independent adjustment of the telescoping columns and stirrups.

[0029] FIGs. 29 and 30 illustrate angular adjustment of the stirrups according to one embodiment of the medical examination table.

[0030] FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of the mechanism in the telescoping columns that releases the columns unlocking angular movement of the columns and stirrups.

[0031] FIGs. 32 and 33 illustrate the angular movement of the stirrups.

[0032] FIG. 34 is a view of the underside of the examination table according to one embodiment showing the arcuate movement of the telescoping columns.

[0033] FIG. 35 illustrates one embodiment of the medical examination table as described with a folded seatback.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0035] The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present devices, systems, and/or methods in their best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof.

[0036] As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a quantity of one of a particular element can comprise two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0037] For purposes of the present disclosure, a material property or dimension measuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scale measures within a range between X plus an industry-standard upper tolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standard lower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances can vary between different materials, processes and between different models, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particular component can fall within a range of tolerances.

[0038] As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description comprises instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0039] The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also comprises any combination of members of that list. In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including,” “comprising,” and “is” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to.”

[0040] To simplify the description of various elements disclosed herein, the conventions of “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” and/or “vertical” may be referenced. Unless stated otherwise, “top” describes that side of the system or component that is facing upward and “bottom” is that side of the system or component that is opposite or distal the top of the system or component and is facing downward. Unless stated otherwise, “side” describes that an end or direction of the system or component facing in horizontal direction. “Horizontal” or “horizontal orientation” describes that which is in a plane aligned with the horizon. “Vertical” or “vertical orientation” describes that which is in a plane that is angled at 90 degrees to the horizontal. [0041] The present invention preserves the advantages of prior art medical examination tables. In addition, it provides new advantages not found in currently available medical examination tables and methods and overcomes many disadvantages of current commercially available medical examination tables.

[0042] The present invention provides a new and novel medical examination table that is portable and may be made more compact for ease of transport and storage. The present medical examination table is particularly well-suited for medical examinations in the field of OB/GYN. Moreover, medical examination table of the present invention is highly customizable yet still portable to provide optimal positioning for examination and comfort for the patient.

[0043] The present invention is directed to a foldable medical examination table that includes a seatback adjustment and stirrup adjustment mechanism. More specifically, the length and angle of the stirrups are adjustable in accordance with the present invention. The multi-purpose adjustment mechanism is configured to be low profile in order to fit inside a compact exam table and lightweight to allow for the table to be transported. The mechanism may be easily modified to allow for differing ranges of adjustment options.

[0044] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a new and unique medical examination table that may be made more compact for ease of transport and storage.

[0045] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a portable medical examination table that is well suited for OB/GYN examination and procedures.

[0046] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a medical examination table that is highly customizable and adjustable to improve examination by a medical professional and comfort for the patient.

[0047] More specifically, another objective of the present invention is to provide a lightweight examination table with adjustable stirrups and an adjustable seatback which result in proper patient positioning which can be easily transported, stored, and used in situations where proper positioning for an OB/GYN exam or procedure was previously unavailable. [0048] Referring first to FIG. 1 shows the medical examination table 100 of the present invention in a folded compact form where a number of handles 105 are provided to facilitate carrying and storing the examination table when in this compact form. Preferably, a latch 110 is provided on each side of the table to secure it in a folded condition when such folded condition is desired. One of the latches can be seen in Fig. 1 where the second latch is preferably located on the opposite side of the table (not seen in Fig. 1 ). Bumpers/feet, seen on the top of the folded table assist in protecting the table and upholstery when it is standing in a folded state, or during the folding or unfolding process.

[0049] In FIG. 2, it can be seen how the medical examination table 220 of Fig. 1 is unfolded in preparation for use where two halves of the examination table are pivotably open relative to each other, in the shown embodiment with hinges. For example, it is preferred that when the two halves of the table are opened, legs 230 of the table and supports 240 are unfolded during use of the table 220, as will be described in detail below. The handles 205 and latches 210 are also seen in the unfolded configuration of FIG. 2

[0050] FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of medical examination table 320 that shows details of the unfolding/folding legs 330, the backrest adjustment mechanism 360, and the stirrups telescoping mechanism as well as the stirrups angular adjustment mechanism, not numbered in this figure.

[0051 ] T urning now to FIGs. 4 and 5, the setup and adjustment of the seat back 440 is shown. In FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the seatback pad can be seen attached is reverse orientation to the seatback member when the table is in a compact folded condition. In FIG. 5, in preparation for use, the seatback pad 540 is reversed and then reattached to the seatback member, which is pivotally attached to the examination table. As a result, the seatback pad and the seatback member will pivotally travel with each other during adjustment as will be discussed below.

[0052] In FIG. 6, a rear perspective view of the medical examination table with the support surface removed for illustration purposes, and FIG. 7, a front perspective view of the medical examination table with the support surface removed for illustration purposes, shows the mechanism 690 for adjusting the angle of the seatback 640 relative to the surface of the medical examination table. Also, in FIGs. 6 and 7, the different adjustment mechanisms of the medical examination table of the present invention can be seen. For example, the stirrups telescoping mechanism, angular stirrups adjustment mechanism and the seatback angular adjustment mechanism can all be seen in FIGs. 6 and 7 as the support surfaces of the table have been hidden for illustration purposes. It should also be noted that FIG.

7 shows the keyholes 790 for receipt of posts on the back of the seatback pad for the reversal thereof when the table is being preparing for use.

[0053] Referring now to FIGs. 8-17, mechanism for adjustment of the seatback 840 is shown in detail. An armature (or adjustment column) 890 is provided with a number of holes 1096 therethrough whereby a pin 1097 is spring-biased 1095 into engagement with the holes 1096. One free end of the armature 1092 is attached to the back face of the seatback member 840 and the other end is routed through the mechanism of FIG. 10. Additional view of this mechanism are shown in FIGs. 11 and 12.

[0054] Thus, as shown in FIGs. 13-17, when the lock release 1370 is pulled, the locking pin is retracted out of the holes against the forces of the compression spring to permit the armature1590 to freely pass through the mechanism, namely through the aperture at the top of the mechanism. The desired angle of the seatback member 1545 and pad 1540 thereon is selected and then the pull tether 1570 is released which permits the locking pin 1097 to retract with the assistance of the compression spring 1095 and into engagement with one of closest selected holes1096 through the armature 1092.

[0055] As can be seen in FIG. 16, there are preferably eight lock positions corresponding to eight holes through the armature. However, the present invention may have more or less than eight lock positions. When the seatback member 940 is completely flat, such as seen in FIGs. 9 and 17, the armature 1790 nests up into the bottom of the support surface for a further compact structure to enable the two halves to be folded onto each other into the form shown in FIG. 1 .

[0056] Another important feature of the present invention is the ability to adjust the length of the stirrups 1880 to accommodate patients of different sizes. FIGs. 18- 28 show a telescoping adjustment of the stirrups for carrying out this feature of the present invention. FIG. 18 shows the legs of the stirrups 1880 fully nested inside the examination table while FIG. 19 shows the stirrup legs 1890 fully extended. For example, the legs of stirrups can telescope from 3 inches to as much as 23 inches but the table can be modified to accommodate other lengths.

[0057] FIGs. 20 and 21 shows details of the construction of how the rails of the stirrup legs actuate in and out of the examination table and how they are locked in place after they are adjusted to the desired length. The rails of the stirrup legs preferably use another spring-biased locking pin type arrangement. A lock release pull retracts a spring-biased pin to unseat it from one of the selected holes in the underside of the rail/column. The rail/column preferably nests flush into the examination table so a compression spring is preferably used to help eject the rail column so it can be extended. In FIG. 22, the rail column is pushed into the body of the examination table support surfaces so it nests flush, as seen in FIG. 23. It is preferred that a locking mechanism be provided so the press of the rail column causes it to lock against the forces of the spring so it stays flush. The column is preferably released by pulling the same spring-biased pin used to adjust the length thereof. Moreover, the spring acts only as an ejector mechanism. Thus, pushing the column inwards locks the column via the spring-biased pin into the last hole in the column.

[0058] In FIGs. 24 and 25, the footrest portion of the stirrups are releasably connected to the free ends of the rail columns for later receipt of the patient's feet. A thumbscrew preferably retains the footrest in place. In FIGs. 26-28, the pull tabs connected to the spring-biased pins, one for each the stirrups respectively, permit the user to retract the spring-biased pins for length adjustment of the stirrup legs to customize the examination table for the patient.

[0059] Finally, FIGs. 29-34 show the angular adjustment of the stirrups for even further custom adjustment of the medical examination table of the present invention. FIGs. 29 and 30 show the general range of angular adjustment of the legs of the stirrups. For example, FIG. 29 shows the stirrup legs substantially parallel at a zero degree adjusted position while FIG. 30 show a more substantial angle of 30 percent. The preferred range of adjustment is between zero and 30 degrees but this may be modified as desired. [0060] In general, each of the legs of the stirrups pivot at a pivot point where movement of the footrest end of the respective stirrups causes the opposing free end thereof to move up and down slightly. Thus, pulling upwardly on the footrest end of the stirrup telescoping member causes the opposing end to move downwardly. As seen in FIG. 31 , a spring-loaded plunger is provided on each of the free ends of the telescoping columns of the stirrups, respectively. Thus, pulling up on the footrests causes the opposing ends thereof to urge the spring-loaded plunger downwardly against the forces of the compression spring thereby freeing a locking pin from one of lock apertures in the top of a pair of stirrup column guides. Such freeing of the locking pin by this action enables the free end of the telescoping column to freely glide between the two arcuate surfaces. This enables the relative angle of each of the telescoping columns, and the stirrups as whole, to be freely adjusted. For example, a number of locking apertures are provided along the path of the columns guides to permit the user to select the desired angle of each stirrup telescoping column. When the desired angular location is reached, the footrest end of the telescoping stirrup column is released so the locking pin may extend into the closed lock aperture. If the locking pin is not exactly aligned with one of the lock apertures, the telescoping column is pivoted to the left or right, as desired, and then locking pin will slide into a lock aperture to lock the angular position of a given telescoping stirrup column. For example, four locking locations (using four lock apertures on each respective arcuate glide columns may be used but more or less than four locking positions may be employed if desired.

[0061] FIG. 35 provides another embodiment of the portable medical examination table as described. The medical examination table 3520 includes a support surface, 3525 resting on legs 3530 which are further supported by support members 3535. In this embodiment, the seat back 3540 is not pivoted for reattachment but the search is hinged along fold line 3545 allowing the seat back to be folding to fit along the outside of the support surface upon after folding the examination table up. The examination table 3520 has adjustment tabs 3570 for controlling the adjustment mechanisms as discussed above. In this embodiment, an extended leg rest 3501 and arm rest 3502 have been included for the comfort of the patient. [0062] In view of the foregoing, the present invention provides a mobile and transportable medical examination table that provides specific accommodations for

[0063] OB/GYN examination, namely, an angularly adjustable seatback and fully adjustable stirrups for an examination table that provides all of the features of a full standard in office table. The ability to provide such full adjustability in a mobile and collapsible/foldable configuration is a significant advance over prior art medical examination tables.

[0064] The portable medical examination table as described can be used to treat or examination patients in the lithotomy position which is typical for gynecologic, rectal and urological examinations or surgery, but it is also useful for any examination that can be during carried out on a flat table including physical examinations, ultrasounds, blood draws, physical therapy. In areas where medical facilities may not be available, the portable medical table as described can be used to examine and treat a most conditions that can be addressed in a medical office having specialized examination table.

[0065] The portable table as described may also find use, for example, as equipment in an ambulance, or a nursing home, or for a doula should one need to provide assistance to a women in active labor who may be too far along to reach a medical facility.

DEFINITIONS

[0066] As used herein, “portable medical examination table,” “medical table,” “examination table,” and “portable table” are used interchangeably to refer to the table as described that may be folded as seen in FIG. 1 and fully opened as seen in FIG. 35.

[0067] As used herein the terms “footrests,” “footpads,” and “stirrups” all refer to the object at the end of the telescoping member upon which a patient’s foot would rest. Any art recognized stirrup or footrest configuration may be used with the instant examination table.

[0068] Although several aspects have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other aspects will come to mind to which this disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific aspects disclosed hereinabove, and that many modifications and other aspects are intended to be included within the scope of any claims that can recite the disclosed subject matter.

[0069] One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects or that one or more particular aspects necessarily comprise logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular aspect.

[0070] It should be emphasized that the above-described aspects are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any process descriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which comprise one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included in which functions may not be included or executed at all, can be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described aspect(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspects discussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1 . A mobile medical examination table, comprising: a first support surface; a second support surface pivotably connected thereto providing a main body; an adjustable seatback connected to the main body; a pair of stirrups, each having a telescoping column and connected to the main body; the telescoping columns each having a respective footrest end and an opposing free end; the telescoping columns of the stirrups being pivotally connected to the main body; the opposing free ends of the telescoping columns including a spring-loaded plunger to releasably engage with lock apertures in respective column glides; whereby pulling up on the footrest end of the telescoping columns causes the opposing free ends to unseat its locking pin from a lock aperture for free angular adjustment of the stirrups.

2. The examination table according to claim 1 , further comprising handles to facilitate carrying the table in a closed position.

3. The examination table according to claim 1 , wherein when closed, the examination table is the approximate size of the first and second support surfaces.

4. The examination table according to claim 1 , wherein the seat back may be raised or lowered via a seatback adjustment mechanism.

5. The examination table according to claim 4, wherein the seat back position is secured by a pin biased into a hole in the adjustment mechanism.

6. The examination table according to claim 5, wherein the pin is removed from the hole via a pull tether to allow for additional adjustment of closing.

7. The examination table according to claim 1 , wherein the seat back adjustment mechanism nest into the bottom of the support member when the two supports surfaces are folded during closing.

8. The examination table according to claim 1 , further comprising an arm rest removably coupled to the side of the table.