US20010000363A1 - Surgical table apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A surgical table apparatus includes a base and an upper support frame coupled to the base to support a person. The surgical table apparatus also includes a head support coupled to the upper support frame to support the person's head.

Description

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• 1. This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/187,990, filed Nov. 6, 1998, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/064,709 filed Nov. 7, 1997 and U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/083,673 filed Apr. 30, 1998.
• 2. The present invention relates to a surgical table apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved leg support sections and head support sections for a surgical table apparatus.
• 3. The surgical table apparatus of the present invention includes a variety of upper support frame configurations configured to support a patient in many different positions during a surgical procedure. The upper support frame is configured to receive a mattress or other support surface on which the patient is positioned. The upper support frame is supported on a pedestal extending upwardly from a base. A leg support section of the upper support frame of the surgical table apparatus is either a one-piece two section leg support, a two-piece longitudinally split leg support, or a two-piece two section leg support. Each of the leg supports are designed to articulate about two transverse spaced-apart axes over a range of +/−90°. The length of each leg support is adjustable relative to the rest of the upper support frame. The pivotable leg support sections provide a wide range of positioning capabilities for positioning a patient during a surgical procedure.
• 4. The upper support frame also includes different types of optional head supports configured to support the head of a patient on the table. Each of the head supports has an adjustable length and is removable. A first optional head support is a one-piece multifunction head section. This head section is pivotable to support the patient in either a supine or prone position. The head section may be elevated relative to the remainder of the patient support surface to provide lateral support when the patient is positioned on one side or the other.
• 5. A second optional head support is a two-piece head section including inner and outer pivotable sections. The inner and outer sections may be substantially co-planar to provide full head and neck support for the patient. The outer section is pivoted downwardly to provide full neck support with head access. The inner section may be pivoted downwardly to provide airway access in a prone position. The outer section may be pivoted upwardly above the remainder of the patient support surface to provide lateral support for the patient's head when the patient is situated on one side or the other.
• 6. According to one aspect of the present invention, a surgical table apparatus includes a base and an upper support frame coupled to the base. The upper support frame includes a head frame section, a seat frame section, and first and second separate leg support sections. The first and second leg support sections each include a first frame section pivotably coupled to the seat frame section by a first joint for independent movement about a first pivot axis, and a second frame section pivotably coupled to the first frame section by a second joint for independent movement about a second pivot axis. The first and second pivot axes are transverse to a longitudinal axis of the upper support frame.
• 7. In an illustrated embodiment, the first joint of each of the first and second leg support sections includes an arm movably coupled to the seat frame section to permit a length of the first and second leg support sections to be adjusted relative to the seat frame section. In another illustrated embodiment, the seat frame section includes first and second side portions, and the first and second leg support sections are pivotable outwardly relative to the seat frame section about first and second vertical pivot axes located adjacent the first and second side portions of the seat frame section, respectively. Also in an illustrated embodiment, first and second separate mattress sections located on the first and second leg support sections, respectively.
• 8. The first frame section of each of the first and second leg support sections is pivotable relative to the seat frame section through a range of motion of +/− 90° relative to the seat frame section. The second frame section of each of the first and second leg support sections is pivotable relative to the first frame section through a range of motion of +/−90°.
• 9. In one illustrated embodiment, the first joint of each of the first and second leg support sections includes a clevis pivotably coupled to the first frame section, and a coupler pivotably coupled to the clevis about a pivot axis transverse to the first pivot axis. The coupler is pivotably coupled to the seat frame section. The illustrated apparatus also includes a cylinder having a movable piston to control pivotable movement of the first frame section relative to the seat frame section. One of the cylinder and piston is pivotably coupled to the seat frame section, and the other of the cylinder and piston being pivotably coupled to the coupler.
• 10. In another illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second leg support sections includes a foot support panel pivotably coupled to the second frame section. The first and second leg support sections each also include a removable thigh support panel coupled to the first frame section. Illustratively, each foot support panel is coupled to a ball connector and each second frame section is formed to include a socket configured to receive the ball so that the foot support panel is movable relative to the second frame section. Each of the first and second leg support sections includes an actuator coupled to the second frame section to release the ball for pivotable movement relative to the second frame section. Also illustratively, each foot support panel includes a bottom plate having first and second separate sections pivotably coupled together so that the foot support panels are foldable to form generally concave calf supports.
• 11. In yet another illustrated embodiment, each second joint includes a third frame section pivotably coupled to the second frame section. The third frame section is slidably coupled to the first frame section to permit the position of the second frame section to be adjusted relative to the first frame section.
• 12. Illustratively, each of the first joints includes a latch configured to secure the first frame section to the seat frame section. The latch is releasable to permit the first and second leg support sections to be removed from the seat frame section.
• 13. According to another aspect of the present invention, a surgical table apparatus includes a base, an upper support frame coupled to the base to support a person, and a head support coupled to the upper support frame. The head support includes a first arm movably coupled to the upper support frame to permit a length of the head support to be adjusted relative to the upper support frame. The head support also includes a second arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the first arm by a first joint and a second end. The head support further includes a head support section pivotably coupled to the second end of the second arm by a second joint.
• 14. In an illustrated embodiment, the head support section includes a bottom plate pivotably coupled to the second arm and a pad located on the plate. The bottom plate includes an end edge located adjacent the upper support frame and the pad includes a portion covering the end edge of the plate. Illustratively, the portion of the pad covering the end edge of the plate is generally U-shaped.
• 15. Also in an illustrated embodiment, the upper support frame includes a support surface thereon. The second arm and the head support section are movable to an elevated position so that the head support section is located above the support surface on the upper support frame. The head support section is pivotable upwardly relative to the second arm to define an opening between the head support section and an end of the upper frame section.
• 16. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a surgical table apparatus includes a base and an upper support frame coupled to the base. The upper support frame includes a head frame section, a seat frame section, and a leg support movably coupled to the seat frame section to permit a length of the leg support to be adjusted relative to the seat frame section. The leg support includes a first frame section pivotably coupled to the seat frame section by a first joint for movement about a first pivot axis, and a second frame section pivotably coupled to the first frame section by a second joint for movement about a second pivot axis. The first and second pivot axes are transverse to a longitudinal axis of the upper support frame.
• 17. In an illustrated embodiment, the first joint includes an arm movably coupled to the seat frame section to permit a length of the first and second leg support sections to be adjusted relative to the seat frame section. The first frame section is pivotably coupled to the arm.
• 18. The first frame section is pivotable relative to the seat frame section through a range of motion of +/−90° relative to the seat frame section. The second frame section is pivotable relative to the first frame section through a range of motion of +/−90°.
• 19. In another illustrated embodiment, the first joint includes a latch configured to secure the first frame section to the seat frame section. The latch is releasable to permit the leg support to be removed from the seat frame section.
• 20. According to still another aspect of the present invention, a surgical table apparatus includes a base, an upper support frame coupled to the base to support a person, and a head support coupled to the upper support frame. The head support includes a pair of spaced apart first arms slidably coupled to the upper support frame to permit a length of the head support to be adjusted relative to the upper support frame. The head support also includes a pair of second arms. Each second arm has a first end pivotably coupled to one of the first arms by a first joint and a second end. The head support further includes an outer head support section pivotably coupled between the second ends of the second arms by a pair of second joints, and an inner head support section coupled to one of the first and second arms by a third joint. Therefore, the inner and outer head support sections and the first and second arms are all independently movable relative to each other.
• 21. In an illustrated embodiment, the inner head support section is pivotable downwardly relative to the outer head support section to provide an opening between the outer head support section and an end of the upper support frame. The second arms and the outer head support section are pivotable upwardly so that the outer head support section is located above a support surface on the upper support frame. The outer head support section is also pivotable downwardly relative to the inner head support section so that the inner head support section is used to support the neck of the person.
• 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer head support section is generally U-shaped and surrounds a portion of the inner head support section. The inner head support section is coupled to a pair of posts. Each post is pivotably coupled to one of the first joints.
• 23. Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• 24. The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying drawings in which:
• 25.FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a surgical table apparatus of the present invention including a one-piece, two section leg support;
• 26.FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the surgical table apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating pivotal movement of an upper support frame relative to a pedestal supported on a base about an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the upper support frame so that the upper support frame can be moved between a Trendelenburg position and a reverse Trendelenburg position;
• 27.FIG. 3 is an end view of the surgical table apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating lateral tilting movement of the upper frame section relative to the pedestal about a longitudinal axis of the upper support frame;
• 28.FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention including a two-piece leg support split along a longitudinal axis of the upper frame section;
• 29.FIG. 5 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating movement of the first and second leg support sections relative to the remainder of the upper support frame;
• 30.FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention including a two-piece, two section leg support;
• 31.FIG. 7 is a side elevational view illustrating pivoting movement of the leg support sections of the surgical table apparatus about a first pivot axis and illustrating pivotal movement of a head frame section of the upper support frame;
• 32.FIG. 8 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 7 illustrating pivotal movement of the leg support sections about a second pivot axis;
• 33.FIG. 9 illustrates further pivotal movement of the leg support sections relative to the remainder of the upper support frame;
• 34.FIG. 10 illustrates independent pivotal movement of the two-piece leg support sections of the surgical table apparatus;
• 35.FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating further details of the leg support sections of the embodiment of FIG. 6;
• 36.FIG. 12 is a side elevational view illustrating additional details of a linkage for coupling the leg support sections of FIG. 11 to the upper support frame;
• 37.FIG. 13 illustrates the leg support sections of FIG. 11 pivoted upwardly into urology and OB/GYN leg support positions;
• 38.FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a one-piece head support of the present invention;
• 39.FIG. 15 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 14 illustrating movement of the head support to adjust the length of the head support;
• 40.FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating the head support pivoted upwardly to provide support for a side of a patient's head;
• 41.FIG. 17 illustrates pivotal movement of the head support to provide a head support for a patient in a supine position or an airway access head support for a patient in a prone position;
• 42.FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a two-piece head support of the present invention;
• 43.FIG. 19 illustrates movement of the head support to extend the length of the head support and pivotable movement of an inner support section to provide airway access when the patient is in a prone position;
• 44.FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating an inner support section in a downwardly pivoted position and an outer support section in an upwardly pivoted position to provide lateral support for the side of a patient's head; and
• 45.FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating the outer support section in a downwardly pivoted position so that the inner support section supports the patient's neck while providing full head access to the patient.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• 46. Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of asurgical table apparatus10 in accordance with the present invention. Theapparatus10 includes abase12 and apedestal14 coupled to thebase12. Anupper support frame16 is coupled to thepedestal14. Theupper support frame16 includes ahead section18, aback section20, aseat section22, and aleg section24. Thepedestal14 includes a hi/lo mechanism (not shown) for moving thetelescoping pedestal14 upwardly and downwardly in the direction of double-headedarrow26 to raise and lower theupper support frame16 relative to the ground.
• 47. As illustrated in FIG. 2, theupper support frame16 is coupled to aconvex bearing surface28 which is then coupled to aconcave bearing surface30 on thepedestal14. A driver (not shown) such as a cylinder, gear, or other mechanism is used to provide powered pivotable movement of theupper support frame16 abouttransverse pivot axis32 in both directions to move theupper support surface16 between a Trendelenburg position a reverse Trendelenburg position as illustrated by the dotted line positions shown in FIG. 2.
• 48.Bearing portion28 also includes aconcave bearing surface34 extending along alongitudinal axis36 of theupper support frame16 as shown in FIG. 3.Upper support frame16 is coupled to aconvex bearing surface38 configured to engage bearingsurface34 and permit rotation of theupper support frame16 aboutaxis36 to provide lateral tilting of theupper support frame16 to the dotted positions shown in FIG. 3. Appropriate cylinders, gears, or other drive mechanisms (not shown) are used to provide powered lateral rotational movement of theupper support frame16 aboutaxis36.
• 49. Referring again to FIG. 1, thesurgical table apparatus10 includesmattress sections40 located on each of theupper frame sections18,20,22, and24 to support a patient.Mattress sections40 can be any type of support surface including foam, air, gel, liquid, air fluidized or other support material.
• 50. Details of another suitable mattress or support surface for use onupper support frame16 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,284, entitled SURGICAL TABLE, which is incorporated herein by reference. Details of a controller for the mattress or support surface and thesurgical table apparatus10 are disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 09/187,825, entitled MEDICAL EQUIPMENT CONTROLLER, filed Nov. 6, 1998 which is also incorporated herein by reference.
• 51. Various types ofhead support sections18 will be discussed in detail below with reference to FIGS. 14-21.Back frame section20 is pivotably coupled toseat frame section22 abouttransverse pivot axis44.Leg support24 includes afirst frame section46 pivotably coupled toseat section22 aboutpivot axis48. A secondleg frame section50 is pivotably coupled tosection46 aboutpivot axis52.Separate mattress portions40 are located above the firstleg frame section46 and the secondleg frame section50. Accessory rails54 are mounted tovarious frame sections20,22,46,50 ofupper support frame16.Leg support24 is extendable relative to theseat section22 by extendable arms located between thefirst frame section46 and theseat frame section22 or between the first andsecond frame sections46 and50. In addition,leg support24 is removable from the seat section by the caregiver without the use of tools as discussed below.
• 52.FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate another embodiment of aleg support56. Those numbers referenced by numbers in FIGS. 1-3 perform the same or similar function. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, theleg support56 is a two-piece support including separateleg support sections58 and60 which are split along thelongitudinal axis36 of theupper support frame16. Each of the first and secondleg support sections58 and60 includefirst frame member62 pivotably coupled toseat frame section22 aboutpivot axis48. Secondleg frame sections64 are pivotably coupled tofirst frame sections62 aboutpivot axis52. First andsecond leg sections58 and60 are also pivotable outwardly about afirst axis66 and asecond axis68, respectively, as illustrated byarrows70 and72 in FIG. 5. Therefore, first and secondleg support sections58 and60 can be pivoted outwardly relative to the remainder ofupper support frame16 as illustrated by the dotted line positions58 and60 in FIG. 5. First and secondleg support sections58 and60 also include telescoping portions which slide into theseat frame section22 and permit the first andsecond leg sections60 to be moved in the direction ofarrows74 to lengthen theleg support section56. First and secondleg support sections58 and60 removable as discussed below.
• 53.FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention in which thesurgical table apparatus10 includes a two-piece, twosection leg support79 having first and secondleg support sections80 and82 split alonglongitudinal axis36. Each of the first and secondleg support sections80 and82 includes afirst frame section88 pivotably coupled to the seat section aboutpivot axis48. Asecond frame section90 is pivotably coupled tofirst frame section88 aboutpivot axis52. In addition, first and secondleg support sections80 and82 are pivotably coupled toseat section22 about vertical pivot axes90 and92, respectively, as discussed in detail below. Therefore, first and secondleg support sections80 and82 can pivot outwardly in the direction ofarrows94 and96, respectively, similar toleg sections58 and60 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
• 54. Articulation of the leg supports24,56, and79 of the present invention is illustrated in detail with reference to FIGS. 7-10. The FIG. 6 embodiment is used to illustrate pivotable movement of the leg supports24,56, and79. FIG. 7 also illustrates upward pivotal movement of thehead frame section20 relative to theseat frame section22.
• 55. Each of the leg supports24,56, and79 can pivot about the firsttransverse pivot axis48 through range of motion of +/−90°. Illustrated movement ofleg section79 aboutpivot axis48 is shown in FIG. 7. Each of the leg supports24,56, and79 can also pivot about the secondtransverse pivot axis52 through a range of motion of +/−90° relative to the adjacent frame section. Illustrative movement offrame members90 offoot section79 relative to framemembers88 is shown in FIG. 8. When pivoted upwardly to the dotted line position of FIG. 8,frame member90 may be used as a foot prop for the patient. It is understood thatfoot frame sections50 and64 of leg supports24 and56, respectively, can also pivot in a manner similar to FIG. 8 aboutpivot axis52.
• 56.FIG. 9 illustrates another possible configuration for leg supports24,56, and79. Since theseparate frame members88 and90 ofleg support section79 are independently pivotable, the leg section can assume numerous desired configurations depending on a particular surgical procedure. FIG. 10 illustrates the first and secondleg support sections80 and82 ofleg support79 in different configurations. The embodiments in FIGS. 4-6 can assume different orientations with eachleg support section58,60 or80,90 since these leg support sections are independently adjustable. FIG. 9 also illustrates that first and second leg support sections are extendable as illustrated bydimension98 as discussed in detail below.
• 57. Further details of theleg support79 are illustrated in FIGS. 11-13. As best shown in FIGS. 11 and 12,first frame section88 is pivotably coupled to aclevis100 aboutaxis48. Theclevis100 has spaced-apartside flanges102 configured to receive an end of theframe section88 for pivotably coupling theframe section88 member to theclevis100. As best shown in FIG. 12,clevis100 further includes a mountingportion104 having an aperture configured to receive apost106 extending upwardly fromcoupler108.Latches107 actuatable by a caregiver without the use of tools are provided to secure thecoupler108 to theclevis100. Therefore,leg support sections80,82 are easily removable for replacement with other leg supports24 or56 or for better access to end109 ofseat section22 for access to the patient.
• 58.Coupler108 is pivotably coupled to theseat frame section22 aboutpivot connection112. Acylinder114 is pivotably coupled to aflange116 extending fromseat frame section22 bypivot connection118. Apiston120 is pivotably coupled tocoupler108 bypivot connection122.Piston120 is movable from a retracted position shown in solid lines in FIG. 12 to an extended position. In the extended position, the piston moves thecoupler108, theclevis100, and theleg frame section88 upwardly to the dotted position shown in FIG. 12 to elevate theleg support section82 relative to theseat support section22. In another embodiment, thecoupler108 is coupled to an arm member which is slidably received within an aperture ofseat frame section22 to permit the entireleg support section82 to slide inwardly and outwardly relative to theseat support section22 to lengthen theleg support section82.
• 59.Frame member88 is pivotably coupled toframe member90 byjoint connection124.Joint connection124 is either articulated by a piston and cylinder arrangement similar to FIG. 12 or is manually operatable with a suitable joint124 which is rigid enough to support the patient. All the joint connections of the present invention may be any suitable clutch assembly or latch mechanism. The latch mechanisms may include separate mating portions including a plurality of teeth to permit the joint to be pivoted to a desired location and then held in that location by the joint.Frame member90 may also be mounted to a separate arm which is slidably received inframe member88 to permit the length ofleg support section79 to be further adjusted as discussed below with reference to FIG. 13.
• 60.Frame section90 includes acurved portion126 and acylindrical end portion128.Cylindrical end portion128 includes a socket and slot130 configured to receive aball132 therein. Apost134 coupled toball132,post134 is also coupled to aconnector136 offoot support86. Therefore,foot support86 is pivotably coupled to the cylindrical portion. Ahandle138 coupled tocylindrical portion128 is configured to lock theball132 and post134 in a desired orientation. Thehandle138 is actuated either by movement towardframe section90 or by rotational movement. Thepost134 is rotatable about afirst axis140 when in the position of FIG. 11. Thepost134 can also be rotated toward a foot end of the table10 to lie withinslot130 and then rotate about axis142.
• 61. Thefoot support86 includesseparate panels144 and146 coupled together by ahinge148 as illustrated in FIG. 11. Amattress portion40 is located above bothpanels144 and146.Thigh panels84 are coupled to framesections88 byconnectors150.Connector150 may be any suitable connector such as a latch, clamp, etc. Theconnector150 may also be a tab configured to enter theslot151 formed betweenframe member88 andaccessory rail54. Thethigh panels84 are removable so that theleg support sections80 and82 can be articulated upwardly as shown in FIG. 13 to urology and OB/GYN examination positions. Thefoot panels86 are manually adjustable into folded positions shown in dotted lines in FIG. 13 to form concave calf supports.
• 62.FIG. 13 also illustrates aseparate arm152 pivotably coupled toframe member90 aboutaxis52. Thearm152 is slidably received withinframe member88 so that thearm152 may be extended to adjust the length of the leg support sections as illustrated bydimension154.
• 63. In operation, theleg sections80 and82 may be manually or automatically moved to desired positions. When theleg sections80 and82 are moved upwardly to the position of FIG. 13,handle actuator138 is actuated to release theball132 and permit theball132 to be rotated withinslot130 so that thepost134 extends upwardly to provide the calf supports.
• 64. The removable leg supports24,56 and79 provide a flexiblesurgical table apparatus10 which can be modified by a caregiver as desired quickly and easily without the use of separate tools. Leg supports24,56 and79 are removable to expose theend109 ofseat section20 to provide better access to the patient during certain medical procedures. In addition, the removable leg supports24,56 and79 permit the leg supports24,56 and79 to be interchangeable on the of thesurgical table apparatus10. The removable leg supports24,56 and79 also permit attachment of special orthopaedic frames to theseat frame section22 for orthopedic surgery.
• 65. Each of the leg supports24,56 and79 is also length adjustable relative to theseat frame section22. This permits flexibility of the caregiver in positioning the leg supports24,56 and79 at a desired location to align the patient in a desired position for a surgical procedure. Since the leg supports24,56, and79 are all pivotable about twopivot axes48,52, the leg supports24,56, and79 can be articulated to provide a knee shelf for the patient in a prone position without requiring separate components to be attached to theupper support frame16. In addition, a foot prop position and a knee gatch position are easily obtainable by the leg supports24,56, and79 without separate attachments.
• 66.FIGS. 14-17 illustrate a one-piece head support160 of the present invention.Head support160 includes a pair of spaced-apartarms162 which are received within slots formed inhead frame section20.Arms162 are pivotably coupled to a second pair ofarms164 byjoints166 so thatarms162 and164 can pivot aboutpivot axis168 as shown bydoubleheaded arrow170 in FIG. 14. Abottom plate172 is pivotably coupled toarms164 byjoint connections174. Therefore,plate172 can pivot relative toarms164 aboutaxis176 as illustrated bydoubleheaded arrow178 in FIG. 14. Apad section180 is located overplate172. AU-shaped portion182 ofpad180 extends around anend edge184 ofplate172 as best illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17.
• 67. Thehead support160 is movable to a plurality of different positions relative to theback frame section20 to support the head and neck of a patient. A first position is shown in FIG. 14 to provide head and neck support.Arms162 may be extended from the slots inhead frame section20 in the direction ofarrow186 in FIG. 14 to an extended position shown in FIG. 15.Head support160 is also removable fromhead frame section20.Arms164 are also pivotable upwardly in the direction ofarrow188 in FIG. 16 to raise thepad180 to a height above the level ofmattress40 onhead frame section20. In the FIG. 16 configuration,head support160 provides lateral support for a side of the patient's head when a patient is positioned on one side or another on themattress40.
• 68.Head support160 is also pivotable to the position shown in FIG. 17 to provide support for the patient's head only. The patient's head can rest on the U-shaped portion of the pad in either a supine position or a prone position as shown in FIG. 17. In the prone position, anopening190 is provided between thearms164 and theplate172 for airway access. Tubes orhoses192 can be routed through theopening190 to thepatient194.
• 69. Thejoint connections166 and174 include suitable clutch assemblies which have, for instance, Belleville washers or other mechanisms to hold thearms162 and164 andplate172 at desired relative positions. It is understood that other types of locking mechanisms or latches may be used. In addition, movement of thearms162 and164 andplate172 may be controlled by suitable automatic controls, such as by cylinder and piston arrangements if desired.
• 70.FIGS. 18-21 disclose a two-piece head support200 of the present invention.Head support200 includes aninner support section202 and an outerU-shaped support section204.Inner support section202 includes aninner support plate206, andouter support section204 on anouter support plate208.Head support200 includes a pair of spaced apartarms210 which are received within slots formed inhead frame section20. A pair ofposts212 are rotatably coupled toarms210 byjoints214.Plate206 is coupled to posts212. Therefore,inner support section202 is pivotably coupled toarms210 byjoints214 aboutpivot axis216.Arms218 are pivotably coupled to thearms210 byjoints214, independently ofposts212. Therefore,arms218 can independently rotate aboutpivot axis216 separately frominner support section202.Plate208 ofouter support section204 is pivotably coupled toarms218 byjoints220. Therefore,plate208 can rotate aboutaxis222 relative toarms218.
• 71. In operation, two-piece head support200 can be positioned as shown in FIG. 18 to provide both head and neck support for the patient. Theentire head support200 is movable outwardly in the direction ofarrow224 by moving thearms210 to the extended position shown in FIG. 19.Head support200 is also removable fromupper support frame20.Inner support section202 is pivotable downwardly in the direction ofarrow226 in FIG. 19 to provide anopening228 for airway access when a patient is in a prone position on themattress40. The patient's forehead is supported by theouter support section204 in the prone position.
• 72. In another configuration, theinner support section202 is pivoted downwardly out of the way as shown in FIG. 20. Thesecond arms218 andplate208 are pivoted so that theouter support section204 is elevated relative to themattress portion40 onhead frame section20. This provides lateral support for a side of a patient's head when the patient is located on one side or another onmattress40.
• 73. Finally,plate208 andarms218 are pivotable to the position shown in FIG. 21. In this position,inner support section202 provides support for a patient's neck while providing full head access to the patient during a procedure.
• 74. Thejoint connections214 and220 include suitable clutch assemblies which have, for instance, Belleville washers or other mechanisms to hold the position ofarms214 and220,posts212 andplate208 at desired relative positions. It is understood that other types of locking mechanisms or latches may be used. In addition, movement of thearms210 and218,rods212 andplate208 may be controlled by suitable automatic controls, such as by cylinder and piston arrangements.
• 75. Although the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 15-21 illustrate a pair ofarms162,164,210, and218, it is understood that single arms may be used to support the head supports160,200. The arm coupled to theplates172 and208 may be a single piece curved yoke attached to opposite sides of the plate, if desired.
• 76. Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to a certain illustrated embodiment, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and as defined in the following claims.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A surgical table apparatus comprising a base, an upper support frame coupled to the base to support a person, and a head support coupled to the upper support frame, the head support including a first arm movably coupled to the upper support frame to permit a length of the head support to be adjusted relative to the upper support frame, a second arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the first arm by a first joint and a second end, and a first head support section pivotably coupled to the second end of the second arm by a second joint, and a second head support section pivotably coupled to one of the first and second arms so that the first and second head support sections are independently movable.

2. The apparatus of

claim 1

, wherein the first head support section includes a bottom plate pivotably coupled to the second arm and a pad located on the plate.

3. The apparatus of

claim 2

, wherein the bottom plate includes an end edge located adjacent the upper support frame and the pad includes a portion covering the end edge of the plate.

4. The apparatus of

claim 3

, wherein the portion of the pad covering the end edge of the plate is generally U-shaped.

5. The apparatus of

claim 1

, wherein the upper support frame includes a support surface thereon, the second arm and the first head support section being movable to an elevated position so that the first head support section is located above the support surface on the upper support frame.

6. The apparatus of

claim 1

, wherein the first head support section is pivotable upwardly relative to the second arm to define an opening between the first head support section and an end of the upper frame section.

7. The apparatus of

claim 1

, wherein a pair of spaced apart first arms are movably coupled to the upper support frame, a separate second arm is pivotably coupled to each of the first arms, and the first head support section is pivotably coupled between the second arms.

8. The apparatus of

claim 1

, wherein the first head support section is pivotable downwardly relative to the second head support section to provide an opening between the second head support section and an end of the upper support frame.

9. The apparatus of

claim 1

, further comprising a support surface located on the upper support frame, the second arm and the head second support section being pivotable upwardly so that the second head support section is located above the support surface on the upper support frame.

10. The apparatus of

claim 1

, wherein the second head support surface is pivotable downwardly relative to the first head support surface so that the first head support surface is used to support the neck of the person.

11. The apparatus of

claim 1

, wherein the first head support section is an inner support section and the second head support section is an outer support section.

12. The apparatus of

claim 11

, wherein the second head support section is generally U-shaped and surrounds a portion of the first head support section.

13. The apparatus of

claim 1

, wherein the first head support section is pivotably coupled to the first joint and the second head support section is pivotably coupled to the second end of the second arm.

14. The apparatus of

claim 13

, wherein the first head support section is pivotably coupled to a post extending away from the first joint, the first head support section and the second arm being independently pivotable relative to the first arm.

15. A surgical table apparatus comprising a base, an upper support frame coupled to the base to support a person, and a head support coupled to the upper support frame, the head support including a pair of spaced apart first arms slidably coupled to the upper support frame to permit a length of the head support to be adjusted relative to the upper support frame, a pair of second arms, each second arm having a first end pivotably coupled to one of the first arms by a first joint and a second end, an outer head support section pivotably coupled between the second ends of the second arms by a pair of second joints, and an inner head support section coupled to one of the first and second arms by a third joint so that the inner and outer head support sections and the first and second arms are all independently movable relative to each other.

16. The apparatus of

claim 15

, wherein the inner head support section is pivotable downwardly relative to the outer head support section to provide an opening between the outer head support section and an end of the upper support frame.

17. The apparatus of

claim 15

, further comprising a support surface located on the upper support frame, the second arms and the outer head support section being pivotable upwardly so that the outer head support section is located above the support surface on the upper support frame.

18. The apparatus of

claim 15

, wherein the outer head support section is pivotable downwardly relative to the inner head support section so that the inner head support section is used to support the neck of the person.

19. The apparatus of

claim 15

, wherein the outer head support section is generally U-shaped and surrounds a portion of the inner head support section.

20. The apparatus of

claim 15

, wherein the inner head support section is coupled to a pair of posts, each post being pivotably coupled to one of the first joints.

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