GB1589192A

GB1589192A - Adjustable frame assembly for supporting a surgical tray

Info

Publication number: GB1589192A
Application number: GB1122/78A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1978-01-11
Filing date: 1978-01-11
Publication date: 1981-05-07

Description

(54) ADJUSTABLE FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR SUPPORTING A SURGICAL TRAY 871) I, GERALD SEYMOUR LINDER, a citizen of the United States of America of 16693 Charmel Lane, Pacific Palisades, California 90272, United States of America, do hereby declare the invention, for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- This invention relates to an adjustable frame assembly for use with an operating table to support a surgical tray.

The conventional operating table in use in hospital operating theatres comprises a base mounted upon adjustable castors, a central elevating column extending upward from the base, and a table top composed of several sections each of which may be independently adjusted with respect to the other. The operating table may be rolled into a desired position and the castors released, allowing the base to rest firmly upon floor jacks.

The operating table is provided with controls for selecting a variety of operating positions. To accommodate these various positions, the table top generally comprises relatively movable head rest section, back section, seat section and leg section.

A number of accessories are used in conjunction with the standard operating table depending, in part, upon the nature of the operation. These may include an arm rest, leg holder, a foot extension, and an anaesthesia screen support, for example. In addition, a movable floor stand for supporting a surgical tray is generally placed in position next to the operating table for holding the instruments needed for the operation. This floor stand consists of a single vertical column mounted upon a forked base member and supporting a cantilevered frame for holding the surgical tray. The frame supporting the tray may be raised or lowered relative to the floor of the operating room by means of a hand crank.

Then positioned adjacent the operating table, the conventional floor stand presents a number of serious problems. For certain operations, such as open heart, kidney and gall bladder for example, the presence of the floor stand crowds the surgeon and obstructs his freedom of movement. In certain instances, it may become necessary to move the floor stand, causing a shift in the location of the surgical tray with its instruments. In other cases, the location of the floor stand obstructs the view of the site of the operation to the assisting personnel. In cases requiring an unrestricted view of the site of the operation by the surgical team, the floor stand with its tray of instruments may be positioned beyond the reach of the surgeon, thereby requiring the instruments to be handled by a nurse.

Other problems are presented by the presence of the floor stand when it becomes necessary to raise or lower the operating table during the operation, which may require the simultaneous raising or lowering of the surgical tray with its instruments by assisting personnel. Additional problems arise when movement of operating room personnel may inadventently cause an undesired movement of the floor stand with its tray of instruments, should personnel step upon or accidently kick the forked base member or lean against the stand during an operation.

The present invention overcomes the above serious problems by the complete elimination of the need for the floor stand, thereby resulting in an appreciable increase in working space surrounding the site of the operation while placing the surgical tray in a more suitable location within easy reach of the operating surgeon.

According to the invention there is provided an adjustable frame assembly adapted for attachment to an operating table for receiving and supporting a surgical tray, such frame assembly comprising first and second supporting columns each of which, in use, is upright with upper and lower ends, the lower end being adapted for secure attachment to the operating table; a horizontal bar attached to the upper ends of the upright supporting columns for limited angular rotation about the longitudinal axis of the bar relative to the columns; locking means coupled between one end of the horizontal bar and one of the supporting columns for locking the angular position of the bar with respect to said one supporting column; a substantially rectangular open frame member for receiving and supporting a surgical tray; and an adjustable support means mounted upon the horizontal bar to support the rectangular open frame member, said adjustable support means comprising first and second blocks spaced apart and mounted upon said bar intermediate the ends of the bar so as to be adjustably positionable lengthwise of the bar, first and second posts, adapted to be vertically-extending in use of the assembly, supported, respectively, by said first and second blocks, said first and second posts extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said bar, and first and second elongate connecting members supported, respectively, by the upper ends of the first and second posts, said first and second connecting members having ends attached to the rectangular open frame member.

Preferably the first and second connecting members are U-shaped with verticallyextending ends attached to the lower surface of said substantially rectangular frame.

The invention will be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a view of a conventional hospital operating table with an adjustable frame assembly embodying the present invention installed; Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the adjustable frame assembly adapted to receive a surgical tray; and Figure 3 illustrates the manner in which upright supporting columns of the frame assembly of the invention are attached to side rails of the operating table.

Referring to Figure 1, a conventional hospital operating table 10 is illustrated having a central elevating column 11 supporting a padded table top 12 comprising a number of adjustable sections. A head rest 13 appears at the right hand end of the table top 12, followed by a back or chest section 14, a seat section 15, and a foot section 16.

Standard side rails 17 are attached to each individual section along each side of the table 10 for use with accessories.

The adjustable sections 13 to 16 may be positioned into a number of basic operating positions by conventional controls (not shown) located beneath the operating table immediately below the head section 13.

These controls are usually located at the end of a movable control arm for the convenience of hospital personnel. The anaesthetist, stationed at the head position of the table, may, during the course of an operation, readjust the position of the various sections as may be required by the operating surgeon.

The height of the operating table may be raised or lowered with respect to the floor of the operating room over a range of approximately eighteen inches; may be laterally tilted by as much as plus or minus twenty degrees; inclined or Trendelenburg by as much as plus or minus thirty degrees; and flexed into a number of basic operating positions such as gall bladder, lithotomy, neurosurgery, proctology and kidney articulations.

An adjustable frame assembly 20 for supporting a surgical tray is shown attached to side rails 17 at the back or chest section 14 of the operating table.

Referring to Figure 2, the adjustable frame assembly 20 includes first and second upright supporting columns 21, 22 of rectangular cross-section. The lower ends of each of these supporting columns are provided with pairs of holes 23, 24 and 25, 26 for securing the supporting columns to the side rails 17 of operating table 10, as shown in detail in Figure 3. These holes enable the frame assembly to be mounted at one of two different appropriate heights above the table top 12. The upper end of each supporting column 21, 22 is provided with a round hole for receiving th ends of a horizontal bar 31; The horizontal bar 31 is of square crosssection over most of its length and extends from one side to the other side of the operating table. The ends of the bar are machined to a cylindrical shape and rotatably fit within the round holes at the upper ends of the supporting columns 21, 22. The centre of each end is tapped for receiving a machine screw 34 with washer 35, as shown at the upper end of column 22, for retaining the bar 31 between the upper ends of the two upright supporting columns.

Angular rotation of the bar 31 about its longitudinal axis relative to the supporting columns is limited by first and second arm members 41, 42 which extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bar and parallel, respectively, with support columns 21, 22.

The upper ends of arm members 41, 42 are provided with a square aperture to fit over square bar 31. The lower ends of the arm members are provided with arcuate slots 43, 44, respectively, for determining the extent of angular rotation of bar 31.

First and second knurled locking knobs 51, 52 are supported by columns 21, 22, respectively, opposite the arcuate slots 43, 44.

Threaded bolts 53, 54 extend through the arcuate slots 43, 44, respectively, and through apertures in the supporting columns into the threaded bores of the knobs 51, 52. The range of angular rotation of bar 31 about its longitudinal axis is determined by the length of the arcuate slots 43, 44 and may, for example, extend over a range of plus or minus thirty degrees.

First and second blocks 61, 62 with square apertures are slidably mounted upon hori zontal bar 31. Each block is provided with a cylindrical hole extending entirely through the block and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of bar 31. The position of each cylindri cal hole is located such that an opening exists within each block between the inner surface of the cylindrical hole adjacent the horizontal bar 31 and the square aperture through the block. Opposite each of these openings and threadably mounted into each block are first and second locking wing bolts 63, 64.

A removable open frame unit consisting of first and second vertically-extending posts 71, 72; first and second U-shaped connecting members 81, 82; and a rectangular frame 91 is supported by the slidable blocks 61, 62.

The vertically-extending posts 71, 72 are cylindrical in shape and are slidably mounted, respectively, in the cylindrical holes of blocks 61, 62. The posts are locked in position by rotatably advancing the locking wing bolts 63, 64 which presses posts 71, 72 firmly against the surface of horizontal bar 31 through the openings within each of the blocks described above. This single locking procedure not only locks the position of the vertically-extending posts 71, 72 with respect to their corresponding blocks 61, 62 but also locks the position of blocks 61, 62 with respect to horizontal bar 31.

The upper ends of vertically-extending posts 71, 72 are provided with a cylindrical aperture or bushing 73, 74 extending per pendicular to the axes of the posts for slidably supporting the straight, central portion of members 81, 82. The straight, central portion of members 81, 82 are longitudinally slidable through and angularly positionable within their supports, respec tively. The vertically-extending ends of U shaped members 81, 82 are securely attached to the lower surface of rectangular frame 91, as shown.

The rectangular frame 91 is provided with rounded corners and is adapted for receiving a standard surgical tray 95. The open frame unit consisting of rectangular frame 91 and its connecting members 81, 82 and vertically extending posts 71, 72 may be removed from supporting blocks 61, 62 and replaced with either larger or smaller size units to accom modate different sizes of standard surgical trays, as may be required by the nature of the operation.

Figure 3 illustrates the manner in which vertical column 22 is attached to side rail 1 of the operating table 10. A square block 97 is provided with a horizontally-extending rectangular aperture or slot for sliding over the ends of the side rail 17 to the position at - which the adjustable frame assembly 20 is to be located. The upright supporting column 22 is then inserted into a vertically-extending rectangular aperture or slot within square block 97, as shown, until one of the holes 25 or 26 at the lower end of column 22 is aligned with the centre of the block. A threaded thumb screw 98 is then inserted into block 97 passing through one of the holes 25 or 26 and tightened against side rail 17.

The location and position of the adjustable frame assembly 20 over the operating table is determined primarily by the nature of the operation to be performed. For eye, hip, or plastic surgery, the frame assembly is generally located over the chest or back section 14, as illustrated in Figure 1. For leg or knee surgery, the frame assembly is located over seat section 15, while for ab dominal surgery, the frame assembly may be located over foot section 16. For thoraco tomies such as open heart, back, side, or chest, the assembly is located over head section 13.

The position and level of the surgical tray over the operating table is readily adjusted by knurled locking knobs 51, 52; by wing bolts 63, 64, and by sliding the U-shaped supporting members 81, 82 through their journal supports. For example in Trendelen burg, reverse Trendelenburg, or in flex, the operating table, or certain of its sections, is inclined. To maintain the surgical tray level, it is necessary to adjust the angular position of horizontal bar 31 about its longitudinal axis. This is accomplished by loosening knurled knobs 51, 52 and adjusting the angular position of arm members 41, 42 relative to supporting columns 21, 22.

For operations requiring the table to be laterally tilted, adjustment of the height of one or both vertically-extending posts 71, 72 is necessary to maintain the tray level.

This is achieved by loosening one or both of the wing bolts 63, 64. If desired, the tray may be positioned closer to one side of the operating table than the other by laterally sliding the open frame unit with both blocks 61, 62 along the horizontal bar 31.

The surgical tray may be moved about in a flat plane, if desired, by sliding rectangular frame 91 with its supporting members 81, 82 through their journal supports 73, 74 in the upper ends of the posts 71, 72.

It also is possible to rotate the surgical tray through a limited angle about a vertical axis by slightly rotating one or both of the vertically-extending posts 71, 72 while sliding supporting members 81 or 82 through their journal supports. This procedure places the surgical tray at an angle relative to the side of the operating table for the convenience of the surgeon.

An important feature is the use of the adjustable frame assembly with surgical tray in place as a support for a sterile screen, thereby shielding the sterile site of the operation from the station of the anaesthesiologist.

Since the adjustments for the positioning of the frame assembly are then located below the sterile screen and within the easy reach of the anaesthesiologist, or assisting personnel, the readjustment of the position of the surgical tray with its instruments in place may, when necessary, be readily accomplished even during the performance of the operation.

This feature provides maximum convenience and efficiency to the operating surgeon without danger of compromising the sterile field.

The operating table may be raised or lowered when desired without the necessity of adjusting the location or position of the adjustable frame assembly and without disturbing the placement and support of the sterile screen. The surgical tray may be readily removed from the frame assembly during an operation, if necessary, without disturbing the position and adjustments to the assembly.

The adjustability of the frame assembly provides a wide variety of important uses for the invention. If desired, the frame assembly may be mounted on one side only of the operating table by suitable modification of upright supporting columns 21, 22 or by providing a suitable adaptor fixture for securing the supporting columns to side rails 17. With this installation the functions of knurled knobs 51, 52 and wing bolts 63, 64 would be reversed.

WHAT I CLAIM IS: 1. An adjustable frame assembly adapted for attachment to an operating table for receiving and supporting a surgical tray, such frame assembly comprising first and second supporting columns each of which, in use, is upright with upper and lower ends, the lower end being adapted for secure attachment to the operating table; a horizontal bar attached to the upper ends of the upright supporting columns for limited angular rotation about the longitudinal axis of the bar realtive to the columns; locking means coupled between one end of the horizontal bar and one of the supporting columns for locking the angular position of the bar with respect to said one supporting column; a substantially rectangular open frame member for receiving and supporting a surgical tray; and an adjustable support means mounted upon the horizontal bar to support the rectangular open frame member, said adjustable support means comprising first and second blocks spaced apart and mounted upon said bar intermediate the ends of the bar so as to be adjustably posi tionable lengthwise of the bar, first and second posts, adapted to be vertically extending in use of the assembly, supported, respectively, by said first and second blocks, said first and second posts extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said bar, and first and second elongate connecting members supported, respectively, by the upper ends of the first and second posts, said first and second connecting members having ends attached to the rectangular open frame member.

2. An adjustable frame assembly according to claim 1, wherein locking means are provided between both ends of the horizontal bar and th respective supporting columns.

3. An adjustable frame assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the or each locking means comprises an arm member having one end attached to one end of the bar, said arm member extending perpendicular to the axis of the bar beside one of said upright supporting columns, and means intercoupled between the other end of the arm member and the or a respective one upright supporting column for locking the angular position of the bar with respect to the one upright supporting column.

4. An adjustable frame assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said first and second blocks are slidably mounted upon said bar, means being associated with at least one of the first and second blocks for locking the position of said block relative to the bar.

5. An adjustable frame assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first or second posts is slidably mounted within its corresponding block for adjusting the vertical extent to which said one post projects above said corresponding block, means being associated with said corresponding block for locking the position of said one vertically-extending post to said corresponding block.

6. An adjustable frame assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein separate means are associated with each of the first and second blocks for locking the position of said first and second vertically-extending posts, respectively, with respect thereto, such means being operative also to lock the position of each of the blocks with respect to the horizontal extending bar.

7. An adjustable frame assembly as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the means for locking the position of one of the blocks relative to the bar includes a screw threadably mounted within the block for holding said one vertically-extending post in physical engagement with the horizontal bar upon rotational advancement of the screw.

8. An adjustable frame assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein a central portion of each of the first and second connecting members is slidably supported at the upper ends of the first and second verticallyextending posts, said first and second con

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. thereby shielding the sterile site of the operation from the station of the anaesthesiologist. Since the adjustments for the positioning of the frame assembly are then located below the sterile screen and within the easy reach of the anaesthesiologist, or assisting personnel, the readjustment of the position of the surgical tray with its instruments in place may, when necessary, be readily accomplished even during the performance of the operation. This feature provides maximum convenience and efficiency to the operating surgeon without danger of compromising the sterile field. The operating table may be raised or lowered when desired without the necessity of adjusting the location or position of the adjustable frame assembly and without disturbing the placement and support of the sterile screen. The surgical tray may be readily removed from the frame assembly during an operation, if necessary, without disturbing the position and adjustments to the assembly. The adjustability of the frame assembly provides a wide variety of important uses for the invention. If desired, the frame assembly may be mounted on one side only of the operating table by suitable modification of upright supporting columns 21, 22 or by providing a suitable adaptor fixture for securing the supporting columns to side rails 17. With this installation the functions of knurled knobs 51, 52 and wing bolts 63, 64 would be reversed. WHAT I CLAIM IS:

1. An adjustable frame assembly adapted for attachment to an operating table for receiving and supporting a surgical tray, such frame assembly comprising first and second supporting columns each of which, in use, is upright with upper and lower ends, the lower end being adapted for secure attachment to the operating table; a horizontal bar attached to the upper ends of the upright supporting columns for limited angular rotation about the longitudinal axis of the bar realtive to the columns; locking means coupled between one end of the horizontal bar and one of the supporting columns for locking the angular position of the bar with respect to said one supporting column; a substantially rectangular open frame member for receiving and supporting a surgical tray; and an adjustable support means mounted upon the horizontal bar to support the rectangular open frame member, said adjustable support means comprising first and second blocks spaced apart and mounted upon said bar intermediate the ends of the bar so as to be adjustably posi tionable lengthwise of the bar, first and second posts, adapted to be vertically extending in use of the assembly, supported, respectively, by said first and second blocks, said first and second posts extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said bar, and first and second elongate connecting members supported, respectively, by the upper ends of the first and second posts, said first and second connecting members having ends attached to the rectangular open frame member.

necting members being angularly positionable within their slidable support.

9. An adjustable frame assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the central portion of each of the connecting members is longitudinally slidable through its support.

10. An adjustable frame assembly as claimed in any precding claim, wherein said bar has a substantially rectangular cross section.

11. An adjustable frame assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the substantially rectangular frame member is provided with rounded corners.

12. An adjustable frame assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said first and second connecting members are U-shaped.

13. An adjustable frame assembly for use with an operating table, such frame assembly being constructed and arranged substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.