US2730422A - Overbed table - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 10, 19 56 H. HOLMBERG 2,730,422

OVERBED TABLE Filed March 15, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR. H9717 7 0/777Ze7 Jan. 10, 1956 H. HOLMBERG 2,730,422

OVERBED TABLE Filed larch l5, 5 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 rain 2345f Jan. 10, 1956 H. HOLMBERG 2,730,422

OVERBED TABLE Filed. larch 15, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet :5

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OVERBED TABLE Henry Holrnberg, Ludington, Mich, assignor to Marquette Manufacturing Co., Ludington, Mich, a corporation of Michigan Application March 15, 1954, Serial No. 416,354

11 Claims. (Cl. 312-316) This invention relates to new and useful improvements in overbed tables.

- Overbedtables conventionally are made with a top which projects laterally from an upright supporting standard. The standard usually is vertically adjustable to position the table at a selected height most convenient to the user. In practice, the top is pushed across the bed from the side with the top suitably spaced above the bed so as to provide a convenient supporting surface. These tables have a variety of uses. For example, they may be used as a dining table to: support a patients meals or as a writing desk or as a support for a book or magazine. .Also, these tables conventionally are equipped with a smallJd-rawer at one side thereof in which various sundries such as cigarettes, playing cards, cosmetics and the like can be kept.

Conventional overbed tables of the type referred to above have the disadvantage that the drawer is accessible with the supporting standard at one side only of the bed. If the table is used with a standard at the wrong side of the bed the drawer opens toward the foot of the bed and is practically inaccessible to the patient. Also, the top'of a conventional table usually is fixedly mounted in a horizontal position and thus does not position -a book or the like properly for reading by a patient lying-on .the bed.

An important object of the present invention is to providean overbed table having a central compartment in the top equipped with a top cover that can be opened from either side of the table so as to make the compartment readily accessible with the standard disposed at either side of the bed.

Another object of the invention is to provide an overbed table of the above-mentioned character wherein the cover for the compartment is flush with the table top so that when closed it serves as a part of the top and also as a coverfor the compartment.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an overbed table of the above-mentioned character having a novel pivot mounting forthe cover which permits the latter to be opened as easily from one side of the table as from the other.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an overbed tableof the above-mentioned character wherein the pivot mountings for the cover hold the latter securely stationary when closedv and flush with the table top.

A further object of the invention is to provide an .overbed table of the above-mentioned character wherein the cover. is adapted for use as a support for books and the like and which includes means for holding the cover in a selected partially open position so that it can be disposed to'position the book for maximum reading convenience.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In-the drawings forming a part of this specification, wherein like numerals are employed todesignate like parts throughout the same:

i (not shown).

ice

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an overbed table embodying the invention showing parts broken away for clearness of illustration and illustrating the cover in an open position;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged, vertical, sectional view taken on the line 22 of Fig. 1 illustrating the manner in which the cover is open from either side of the table;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged, transverse, sectional view taken on the line 33 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary, plan view of the table top, parts of the top being broken away and shown in section to better illustrate a part of the pivot mounting for the cover; I

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken on the line 55 of Fig. 4 but showing the cover open instead of closed;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary, vertical, sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary, vertical, sectional view taken on the line 77 of Fig. 4; and

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary, elevational view looking in the direction of the arrow 8 in Fig. 2.

As perhaps best shown in Fig. 1, the overbed table embodying the instant invention comprises a top 10 mounted on and fastened to a standard 12 which in turn is carried by a suitable base 14. The instant invention is concerned primarily with the top 10 and theparticular supporting means here shown is more or less conventional. It should perhaps be pointed out, however, that the standard 12 is disposed at corresponding ends of the top 10 and of the base 14 so that both the top and the base extend laterally in the same direction from the standard. As a result of this particular relationship between the primary parts of the structure, the base is positioned'properly to support the weight of the top 10. Also, this particular unique relationship between the parts permits the table to be used conveniently with a bed The top 10 is simply pushed over the bed from the side and the base 14 extends under the bed to support the top in this position. In the form of the invention shown the standard 12 comprises inner and outer telescoping members 16 and 18 that can be adjusted as required to position the top 10 at a desired height. Any suitable or conventional means such as a set screw 19 or the like can be employed to hold the members 16 and 18 in a selected adjusted position. Also, the base 14 preferably is equipped with wheels or casters 20 for convenience in moving the table. 12 is provided at the upper end thereof with a header 22 that supports the top It), and screws (not shown) extending upwardly into the top through holes 24 in the header hold the top fastened securely to the standard.'

- The top 10 here shown comprises a pair of spaced top panels 26 and 28 on a generally rectangular frame con sistingof longitudinal members 31} which extend along the sides of the panels and transverse members 32 at the ends of the panels. Screws'34 countersunk into the lower edges of the frame members 30 and 32 fasten the top securely thereto. The spacing between the two top panels 26 and 28- provides an opening 36 therebetween, and a movable cover 38 is provided in the opening. When the .cover 38 is closed it extends flush with the fixed top The standard 7 for patients that are able to sit up in bed. Also, the table top can be used conveniently for writing letters and for many similar related and analogous purposes.

In addition to the above, it is desirable in a table of this kind to provide a drawer or compartment 104 in which various sundries can be kept. Manifestly, it is not possible or convenient in every instance to position the table at one side only of the bed. In many situations it. may be most convenient to position the table at one side of the bed, and under other circumstances it may be most convenient to have the table at the opposite side of the bed. Consequently, it is desirable that the drawer or compartment 104 be equally accessible from either side of the table.

Also, it. is desirable to provide the table with. an up wardly swinging, panel 38 that can be used to support a book or the like and to provide the undersurface of this panel with a mirror 39 that can be conveniently used by the person lying or sitting on the bed. The same problem is presented by the panel 38 as with the drawer. Either two panels must be provided, each operable from opposite sides of the table, or, a single panel must be provided that can be opened or raised from either side of the table. The latter expedient is preferred in the interest of economy of construction and simplicity of operation.

It is a feature of the present invention that a compartment is incorporated in the top 10 below the cover 38 and that the latter is uniquely mounted so that it can be raised from either side of the table. When the cover 38 is closed it extends flush with the two top panels 26 and 28 and closes the compartment. On the other hand, when it is opened as shown in Fig. 1 it opens the compartment. Thus the cover 13 serves both as a part of the table top and also as a cover for the compartment. Also, the instant construction is unique in that the cover 38 is positioned behind the compartment, whether it is opened from one side of the table or the other, and this is a matter of some convenience to the user as it disposes of cosmetics or other sundries kept in the compartment for ready accessibility and positions the mirror on the undersurface of the cover where it can be used most conveniently.

The manner in which the cover 38 is mounted for convenient operation from either side of the table is now described in detail. Specifically, pairs of pivot mountings are provided at opposite ends of the cover 38. Thus, four pivot mountings are provided, one at each corner of the cover.

The four pivot mountings are identical and a detailed description of one therefore is sutficient. Each mount-- ing: comprises a pin or pivot 40, a bearing plate 42, and a supporting plate 44. The pivot 40 is embedded in the inner edge of the adjacent top panel and it projects for a short. distance into the top opening 36. The bearing. plate 42 is fastened to an edge of the cover 38 by screws 46, and the plate is provided with a downwardly" opening. slot 48 which receives the pin 40. The bearing plate 42 is countersunk into the edge of the cover 38 so that it extends flush with the edge, and since the cover fits snug ly between the top panels 26 and 28 the pin 40 extends into the slot 48. As perhaps best shown in Fig- 3, the inner portion of the slot 48 which opens through the bottom edge of the bearing plate 42 is inclined. upwardly and outwardly, and the outer portion of the slot isessentially horizontal or parallel with the top surface of the cover 38. At the outer side thereof, the-bearing plate 42 is provided with a downwardly projecting portion 50 which extends below the cover 38, and it is significant that the inner edge 52 of the projection extends downwardly from the slot 48 so that it provides 8.. guide for the pin 4.0 as it moves into and out of the slot. The supporting plate 44 is fastened by screws 56 or the like toone or the other of the frame members 32 at the sides of opening 36. Preferably, the supporting plate 44 is made of relatively thin sheet metal, and the mounting screws 56 are countersunk into the plate so as not to interfere with pivctal movement of the cover 38. Of particular signif icance, in so far as the instant invention is concerned, is the fact that each supporting plate 44 is provided with an inwardly projecting arcuate flange 58 disposed concentrically with respect to the pin 40 and spaced radially therefrom a distance equal or substantially equal to the distance between the end of the slot 48 and the adjacent edge of the cover 38. The longitudinal framepieces 30 are recessed as at 60 below the cover 38 and the flanges 58 extend from the recessed edge of the framepieces.

The pins of the two pivot mountings at. each. end of the cover 38 are aligned transversely of the opening 36, and the aligned pins in each instance define a pivot axis for the cover when the latter is opened or closed. Also, the pins 40 are so arranged that they mutually support the cover 33 when the latter is closed. As perhaps best shown in Fig. 3, each of the pins 40 is disposed in its respective slot 48 when the cover 38 is closed, and the pins are disposed at substantially the junctures of the angularly related.

inner and outer portions of the slots. Thus, since the pins 40- extend inwardly from the stationary top panels 26 and 28, the cover 38 when in the closed position is in.

effect suspended on. the four pins 40.

A primary advantage of this arrangement is that it permits they cover 38 to be opened from either side of the table. For example, if the left-hand end of the cover 38 (as viewed in Fig. 3), is raised, initial opening movement causes the inclined portions of the slots 48 of the bearing plates 42, at the left side of the cover to move along. the co-operating pins 40. As this action occurs, the edges of the slots act against the. pins 40 to shift the cover 38. transversely to the left of the table top. As the cover 38 shifts in the manner described, the pins 40 of the right-hand pivot mountings move outwardly in their slots 48 and by the time the left-hand pins 48 dis:- engage their respective slot 48, the right-hand pins 40 are positioned at or substantially at the outer ends of their slots 48. It will be observed in this connection that. the cover 38 projects slightly beyond the longitudinal framepieces 30 and the transverse shifting movement of the cover also brings the right-hand end of the cover (as viewed in Fig. 3) into register with the inturned flange 58 of the adjacent supporting plates 44. Continued upward pivotal movement of the cover causes the edges 52 of the left-hand bearing plates 42 to ride. along the pins 40. As this action: occurs, the right-hand end of the cover 38 moves onto the co-operating flanges 58. Thus, by the time the edges 52' disengage the pins 40, the right-hand end of the cover is supported by the flanges 58. Thereafter, continued opening movement of the cover 38 causes the latter to swing or pivot about the right-hand pins 40 as the right-hand end thereof is supported by the cooperating flanges 58. If desirable, the ends of the cover can be provided with wear plates 62 to withstand the rubbing; action which occurs between the cover and the supporting plates 44. Suitable stops in the form of pins 64 are provided at the inner ends of the supporting plates 44 to. limit upward swinging movement of the cover 38. The stops 64 preferably are positioned sufficiently inwardly with respect to the pivot pins 40 so that the cover may assume an upwardly and outwardly inclined position when fully opened, as shown in Fig. 1.

The converse action occurs when the cover 38 is I opened from the opposite side of the table. As the'righthand end of the cover 38 (as viewed in Fig. 3) is raised, the left-hand pivot pins 40 move outwardly in their slots 48 and: the right-hand pivot pins 40 ride along the guiding edges 52 to cause the cover 38 to shift laterally so as to bring the left-hand end thereof into alignment with the supporting flanges 58 of the cooperating plates 44. Thereafter, continuing opening movement of the cover 38 causes the right-hand bearing plates 42 to disengage the right-hand bearing plates 42 altogether, and thereafter the cover 38 swings about the left-hand pivots 40 and is supported by the left-hand supporting plates 44. The mirror 39 is positioned for use when the cover 38 is raised or opened regardless of whether it is opened from the right or left side of the top 10.

Mechanism is provided for holding the cover 38 in different adjusted, partially open positions and this mechanism comprises separate devices located at diagonally opposite corners of the cover. These devices are identical, and a detailed description of one therefore is sufficient. As perhaps best shown in Figs. 5, 6, and 7, each of the cover-holding devices comprises an elongated arm 66 hav ing a longitudinal slot 68 which receives pins 70 and 72 secured to the adjacent frame members 32. The pins 70 and 72 are here shown in the form of ordinary wood screws, and suitable spacers 74 are interposed between the arm 66 and the supporting framepiece 32 to hold the arm away from the framepiece a distance sufficient to clear the adjacent supporting plate 44 and stop 64. Washers 74 and 76 under the heads of the screws 70 and 72 hold' the arm 66 properly for sliding movement on the screws. In this connection it will be observed that the washer 76 is spaced outwardly from the arm 66 and a spring 76 interposed therebetween is normally tensioned to press against the arm and thus yieldably resist sliding movement thereof. If necessary or desirable a second washer 80 can be interposed between the arm 69 and the inner end of the spring '78 to serve as a friction member against the arm. Thus, it will be seen that the arm 66 is free to slide back and forth on the pins or screws 70 and 72 within limits defined by the slot 68 and that movement of the arm is yieldably resisted by the spring 78.

When the arm 66 is in the outermost position, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the outer end thereof is disposed in proximity to the adjacent side frame member 30, and a notch 82 in the upper edges thereof is disposed to receive a pin 84 extending laterally from a depending supporting bracket 86 fastened to the underside of the cover 38 by screws 88. The arrangement is such that the pin 84 enters the notch 82 after the cover 38 has been partially raised. After the pin 84 enters the notch 82, continued opening movement of the cover 38 causes the pin to move the arm inwardly or away from the adjacent side frame member 30. When the cover 38 is fully opened, the arm 66 occupies substantially the position shown in Fig. 5. By properly tensioning the spring 78, the cover 38 can be held in substantially a desired, partially open position after the pin 84 enters the notch 82. The resilient action of the spring 78 of course holds the cover 38 yieldably in the fully open position and tends to prevent inadvertent closure of the cover. In the particular form of the invention shown, the arm 66 is formed with two angularly related portions 90 and 92 in order to accommodate the arcuate swinging movement of the cover 38.

Boxlike guards 94 are mounted over the arms 66 at opposite sides and at substantially the middle of the opening 36. These guards are fastened in any suitable and convenient way to the top and in the form of the invention shown are fastened to the adjacent frame members 32-by screws 96 and 93. Holes 100 are provided in the guards in register with the screws '70 in order to permit the spring 78 to be selectively tensioned without removal of the guards.

As perhaps best shown in Fig. 6 the guards 94 are spaced downwardly from the cover 38 so as to accommodate the extending flanges 102 of a tray 1%. As shown in Fig. 1 the tray 104 is placed in the opening 36 with the supporting flanges 102 resting on and supported by the guards 94 at opposite sides of the opening. The tray 104 is narrower than the opening so as to accommodate the lower portions of the cover 33 when the latter is raised, as shown in Fig. 2. It is, of course, necessary that ample space be provided at both sides of the tray to accommodate the cover 38 when the latter is opened from either side of the table. inturned flanges 106 on opposite ends of the guards 94 embrace the tray and hold the same properly centered in the opening 36. Manifestly, the tray 104 is covered, concealed, and protected when the cover 38 is closed, and it is exposed for use in front of the cover when the latter is opened from either side of the table (Fig. 2).

Having thus described the invention, I claim:

1. A table including a top having an opening therein; a movable cover in the opening; means supporting said cover for upward pivotal opening movement from either side of said top comprising pairs of pivot mountings at opposite ends of the cover, each pair of mountings comprising a pair of aligned pivots projecting from the top into said opening at opposite sides thereof, bearing plates on said cover having downwardly opening slots receiving said pivots, and supporting plates on the table at opposite sides of said opening having inturned arcuate flanges disposed concentrically with respect to said pivots for supporting said cover during pivotal movement thereof.

2. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said bearing plates mutually coact with said pivots to hold the closed cover against lateral sliding movement.

3. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein the ends of the cover extend beyond said supporting plates, and including cam means operable by initial opening movement of the cover to move the pivoted end thereof laterally inwardly into register with the flanges of said supporting plates.

4. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein the slots in said bearing plates have angularly upwardly inclined portions terminating in outward extensions forming guides for directing the pivoted end of the cover into register with the flanges of said supporting plates.

5. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said bearing plates have downward extensions engageable with said pivots to prevent movement of the pivoted end of the cover laterally outwardly away from the supporting plates during initial opening movement of said cover.

6. A table including a top having an opening therein; a movable cover in the opening; means supporting said cover for upward pivotal opening movement from either side of said top comprising pairs of pivot mountings at opposite ends of the cover, each pair of mountings comprising a pair of aligned pivots projecting from the top into said opening at opposite sides thereof, bearing plates on said cover having downwardly opening slots receiving said pivots, supporting plates on the table at opposite sides of said opening having inturned arcuate flanges disposed concentrically with respect to said pivots for supporting said cover during pivotal movement thereof, and means for holding said cover in different adjusted partially open positions.

7. A table including a top having an opening therein; a movable cover in the opening; means supporting said cover for upward pivotal opening movement from either side of said top comprising pairs of pivot mountings at opposite ends of the cover, each pair of mountings comprising a pair of aligned pivots projecting from the top into said opening at opposite sides thereof, bearing plates on said cover having downwardly opening slots receiving said pivots, and supporting plates on the table at opposite sides of said opening having inturned arcuate flanges disposed concentrically with respect to said pivots for supporting said cover during pivotal movement thereof; and means for holding said cover in different adjusted partially open positions comprising a slidable arm carried by said table at each side of said opening and below said cover, yieldable means frictionally engaging said arms to resist sliding movement thereof, and elements on said cover at opposite ends thereof selectively movable individually into engagement with and detachably connectible to said arms by pivotal actuation of said cover.

8. The combination as set forth in claim 7 wherein said arms have notches and said selectively movable elements are in the form of pins movable into and interlocki'ngly engageable with said notches.

9". The combination as set forth in claim 7 including a removable tray in the opening, and covers for said arm supporting said tray.

10. The combination as set forth in claim 7 wherein said yieldable means includes spring members and adjusting screws for selectively tensioning said spring members, and including a removable tray in the opening of said table, and covers for said arms. fastened to the top supporting said tray, said covers having openings in register with and providing access to said adjusting screws.

11. A table including a top having an opening therein; a movable cover in the opening having projecting end portions; means supporting said cover for upward pivotal opening movement from either side of said top comprising pairs of pivot mountings at opposite ends of the cover, each pair of mountings comprising a pair of aligned pivots projecting from the top into said opening at opposite sides thereof, bearing plates on said cover having downwardly opening slots receiving said pivots, and supporting plates on the table at opposite sides of the opening having inturned arcuate flanges disposed concentrically with respect to said pivots for supporting said cover during pivotal movement thereof, said slots having angularly upwardly and outwardly inclined portions terminating in outward extensions forming guides coactive with said pivots during initial opening movement of the cover to move the adjacent end portion of the cover into register with said supporting plates.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,346,919 Hillenbrand Apr. 18, 1944 2,628,147 Berner Feb. 10, 1953 2,685,486 Woller Aug. 3, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS 89,686 Austria Mar. 15, 1922

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