NZ530179A - A veterinary table - Google Patents

Abstract

A veterinary table (10) that includes a platform (tabletop) (11) to receive an animal thereon, a lower frame (13) adjacent a ground (support) surface, supporting means supporting the platform above the lower frame, the supporting means being adapted to raise and lower the platform relative to the frame. The supporting means includes at least one pair of struts (15, 16) pivotally coupled together and diagonally coupling the platform and the lower frame. One of the struts (15) is coupled by a fixed pivot (13a) to the lower frame and coupled by a sliding pivot (20a) to the platform. The other of the struts (16) is coupled by a sliding pivot (19a) to the lower frame and coupled by a fixed pivot (17a) to an additional frame (17) that is pivotally coupled to the platform. A first ram (34) is coupled between the platform and the lower frame to, in use, raise and lower the platform. A second ram (38) is coupled between the platform and the additional frame to, in use, enable the platform to be tilted relative to the lower frame.

Description

16/12 '03 12:23 FAX 64 6 3590198 D HOPKINS ASSOC PATENT OFFICE @003/005 530179 No: Divided out of NZ 512239 of 13 June 2002 NEW ZEALAND Patents Act 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION A VETERINARY TABLE WE, ASHHURST ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION CO. (1989) LIMITED a New Zealand company of 85-87 York Street, Ashhurst, New Zealand do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a Patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z.

DEC 2003 RECEIVED "A VETERINARY TABLE' BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a veterinary table.

Veterinary work requires the use of equipment with diverse functions, due to the numerous types of animals that are treated. Handling of animals is a particular problem, especially for veterinarians that are not physically strong. For example, in order to examine an animal, it must generally be lifted onto an examination table. Such a procedure can be physically demanding and cause back strain for the veterinarian (in some cases even a domestic animal such as a large dog may be close to or exceed the weight of the vet).

Hoisting apparatus has been developed for the task of lifting larger animals onto an examination/surgery table. These devices may be uncomfortable/distressing for the animal in addition to being an extra and expensive piece of equipment.

Spec1400 2 24 May 2002 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a veterinary table with built in functionality for assisting the veterinarian.

In one broad aspect of the invention there is provided a veterinary table that includes a platform (tabletop) to receive an animal thereon, a lower frame adjacent a ground (support) surface, supporting means supporting the platform above the lower frame, said supporting means being adapted to raise and lower the platform relative to the lower frame, the supporting means including at least one pair of struts pivotally coupled together and diagonally coupling the platform and lower frame, one strut being coupled by a fixed pivot to the lower frame and coupled by a sliding pivot to the platform, the other of the struts being coupled by a sliding pivot to the lower frame and by a fixed pivot to an additional frame that is pivotally coupled to the platform, a first linear actuator coupled between the platform and the lower frame to, in use, raise and lower the platform and a second linear actuator coupled between the platform and the additional frame to, in use, enable the platform to be titled relative to the lower frame.

Preferably the upper and/or lower frame includes a kinked or otherwise recessed section, a strut being pivotally coupled to the frame within that kinked section.

INTELLECTS i. PROPERTY OFFICE 2 0 JUL 2005 RECEIVED Preferably the platform is stainless steel. Preferably, the platform includes a drain hole. Preferably the drain hole leads into a collection receptacle that is removable from the table.

Preferably each linear actuator is electrically powered, there being a remote control unit to activate movement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The veterinary table of the present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating a preferred embodiment, where:- Figure 1 is an underneath perspective view of a veterinary table according to the present invention in a lowered position, Figure 2 is an underneath perspective view of the veterinary table in a raised position, Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the veterinary table in the lowered position, Figure 4 is a top perspective view of the veterinary table in the raised position, Figure 5 is a top perspective view of the veterinary table in the raised position but with the tabletop tilted, Figure 6 is an underneath perspective view of the veterinary table in the raised position with the tabletop tiled, Figure 7 is an underneath perspective view of the veterinary table illustrating an actuator means, and Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 2 but showing further features of the veterinary table. 24 May 2002 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Figures 1 to 8 show an all-round view of the veterinary table according to the present invention. Table 10 generally includes a table top platform 11, an upper frame 12, a lower frame 13 (at each corner of which are mounted swivel wheels 14), a first pair of diagonal struts 15 and a second pair of struts 16.

Platform 11 is directly fitted to upper frame 12 in the illustrated embodiment. Generally, upper frame 12 and lower frame 13 are arranged for relative vertical movement. There is no lateral movement in the preferred embodiment. However, angular tilting of the platform 11 is provided for as will be apparent from the following description.

As best illustrated by Figure 2, each strut 15 is pivotally coupled (e.g. by bolt/washer arrangement) by one end to fixed points 13a on the lower frame 13 (preferably substantially adjacent a corner). As illustrated, each strut 15 is pivotally coupled to the outside corner of the lower frame 13.

Spec1400 6 24 May 2002 Each strut 16 can be pivotally coupled in a similar manner to the upper frame 12 but to the inside of side members of upper frame 12 (preferably adjacent a corner of the upper frame) . However, preferably and is best illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 each strut 16 is pivotally coupled by one end to a fixed point 17a on a tilting frame 17 (See Figure 6) . The tilting frame 17 is itself pivotally coupled (pivots 17b) to the upper frame 11 (also see Figure 6).

Each side pair of struts 15 and 16 are respectively joined at substantially a half way point by a pivotal connection 18.

The other ends of each strut (i.e. distant from each of the pivot points 12 and 17) are slidably engaged with respective of the upper frame 12 and lower frame 13. Two sliding engagement channels 19 are provided on the inside of lower frame 13 to receive the sliding pivot couplings 19a of the other ends of diagonally extending struts 16.

Correspondingly, two sliding engagement channels 20 situated on the outside of upper frame 12 to receive the sliding pivot couplings 20a other ends of diagonally extending struts 15.

Spec1400 7 24 May 2002 It will be noted that the elongate sides of each frame 12 and 13 are constructed from overlapping box section members 21 and 22. The overlap 23 provides a * kink' in the side to accommodate the struts, but more particularly to enable the (moving) struts to be as compact as possible, i.e. without "kink" 23 struts 15 and 16 would not be able to be directly coupled at 18. It would be necessary to use a spacing bush, due to the thickness of the frame 13.

The tilt frame 17 preferably comprises a cross member 24 which is pivotally coupled to the upper frame 12 by pivots 25. Extending from the cross member 24 are a pair of arms 26 to the distal ends of which are pivotally coupled at 17a to struts 16.

A cross member 27 is provided at substantially a mid way point along the length of the upper frame 12. Substantially in the middle of this cross member 27 are a pair of mounting lugs 28. Diagonal bracing members 29 extend from cross member 27 to the sliding channel member 21 of the upper frame 12.

Spec1400 8 24 May 2002 Corresponding mounting lugs 30 are found on a short downwardly projecting member 30a on an end member 32 of lower frame 13. Diagonal bracing members 31 extend from lugs 30 to a cross member 33 about mid length in lower frame 13.

Spanning between lugs 28 and 30 is a linear actuator or ram 34. Ram 34 is a standard telescopic design with running gear found within box 35. Ram 34 may be pneumatic or hydraulic, however, the preferred embodiment of the invention is mechanical, driven by an electric motor. By way of example, the ram can have a 450mm stroke and 5000N of force. This enables the platform 11 to be raised from a "ground level" of approximately 400mm (Figures 1 and 3) to a maximum "working -level" of 1100mm (Figures 2 and 4) depending on the desired working height.

It will be apparent that the extension of ram 34, connected between lugs 28/30 will lift upper frame 12 relative to lower frame 13 and cause a scissor action of struts 15/16.

Spec 1400 9 24 May 2002 The widest end of upper frame 12 has a set of mounting lugs 36 at a short distance off the centre of the frame 12.

A corresponding mounting lug 36a is located on a lever arm 37 extending from the tilt frame cross member 24. Spanning between mounting lugs 36 and 36a is a linear actuator or ram 38. This ram is a standard telescopic design with running gear found in box 39. Ram 38 may be hydraulic or pneumatic, however, the preferred embodiment of the invention is mechanical driven by an electric motor. By way of example the ram 38 can have a 100mm stroke and 3500N of force.

It will be apparent that the extension of ram 38 will cause a tilting action of upper frame 12 in relation to the lower frame 13 and tilting frame 1 7.

Figure 8 illustrates a remote operator 40 connected via a cable 43 to control module 42 for activating the raising, lowering and tilting actions. Operator 40 could also be infra-red or radio controlled.

It is intended that a battery B to operate rams 34 arid 38 would last for a full day of constant operation.

IN fELLECl UAL^PROPERTV OFFICE 4 - JUL 2005 —Received Componentry known in the art can provide the required specifications. The ability to recharge the battery over night is a useful feature for many veterinarians.

Figures 3 and 4 show the top of platform 11. A drain hole 41 at the termination of an incline in the surface of platform 11 is provided to receive blood, urine and other fluids which may be expelled by the animal placed on platform 11 during an operation or examination procedure, e.g. animals in surgery or generally incapacitated. Drain 41 is preferably at one end of platform 11 and includes a receptacle 42 underneath platform 11 (see Figures 8) for receiving fluid. In its preferred form the receptacle 42 will be removable for ease of emptying/cleaning.

In use, platform 11 can be set to its lowest position (Figures 1 and 3) for loading an animal thereon. After possibly restraining the animal (with restraining straps, not illustrated) the platform 11 is raised to a working height comfortable for the veterinarian (Figure 4). Once on platform 11 the table 10 can be wheeled to wherever necessary (e.g. into surgery etc - where there is no need to transfer the animal from one table top to another) by virtue of wheels 14.

Spec1400 11 24 May 2002 Wheels 14 preferably have a locking feature as known in the art such that the table 10 is stable when in operation.

A telescopic element can be further fitted to a side of or underneath platform 11 for extension and use as a drip holder (i.e. in surgery).

Underneath platform 11 a lead blanket can be fitted to enable the animal to be x-rayed anywhere on the table top.

It will be appreciated that the general construction (minus wheels 14) can be fixed to the floor (i.e. bolt, dynabolt etc.) for permanency.

It is to be understood that the foregoing detailed description is given merely by way of illustration and that numerous modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example an optional feature may be an onboard weighing system whereby an animal may be weighed on the platform.

Spec1400 12 24 May 2002 The veterinary table of the present invention therefore provides a versatile apparatus for a veterinarian by helping to save time and effort. Furthermore, when constructed from materials such as coated box-aluminium (frames, struts) and stainless steel (platform 11) the veterinary table is able to be used in wet or dry environments.

Spec1400 13 24 May 2002

Claims (11)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:-

1. A veterinary table that includes a platform (tabletop) to receive an animal thereon, a lower frame adjacent a ground (support) surface, supporting means supporting the platform above the lower frame, said supporting means being adapted to raise and lower the platform relative to the lower frame, the supporting means including at least one pair of struts pivotally coupled together and diagonally coupling the platform and lower frame, one strut being coupled by a fixed pivot to the lower frame and coupled by a sliding pivot to the platform, the other of the struts being coupled by a sliding pivot to the lower frame and by a fixed pivot to an additional frame that is pivotally coupled to the platform, a first linear actuator coupled between the platform and the lower frame to, in use, raise and lower the platform and a second linear actuator coupled between the platform and the additional frame to, in use, enable the platform to be titled relative to the lower frame. A veterinary table as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second linear actuator is pivotally coupled to the platform and is pivotally coupled to an arm projecting from a cross member pivotally coupled to the platform, said additional frame being fixed to the cross member to be movable therewith. Spec!719 14 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE N.Z.

2 0 JUL 2005 RECEIVED May 2005

3. A veterinary table as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the platform is attached to an upper frame to which the or each strut is slidingly coupled, the additional frame is pivotally coupled and the first and second linear actuator are coupled.

4. A veterinary table as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 3 whererin the additional frame includes a pair of arms to each of which is coupled by a fixed pivot a said strut.

5. A veterinary table as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein swivel wheels are mounted to the lower frame.

6. A veterinary table as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the upper and/or lower frame includes a kinked or otherwise recessed section, a strut being pivotally coupled to the frame within that kinked section.

7. A veterinary table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the platform is constructed from stainless steel.

8. A veterinary table as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the platform includes a drainage means. Specl719 15 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N2 -7 JUN 2005 May|2005 RECEIVED

9. A veterinary table as claimed in claim 8 wherein the drainage means includes a drain hole leading into a collection receptacle that is removable from the table.

10. A veterinary table as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein each linear actuator is electrically powered, there being a remote control unit to activate movement.

11. A veterinary table substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. ASHHURST ENGINERRING & CONSTRUCTION CO. (1989) LTD By their Attorneys DON HOPKINS & ASSOCIATES Spec1719 16 INTELLECTUAL^PROPERTY OFFICE -7 JUN 2005May2OC _ RECEIvrn