US20110197796A1 - Overbed table assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

Overbed table assemblies and table assemblies for use with a patient support surface are presented herein. In one embodiment, the overbed table assembly includes a movable base for supporting the overbed table assembly and a tabletop spaced from the base. A support beam structure interconnects the tabletop and the base. The support beam structure is attached to the base at a point below the upper surface thereof. In other embodiments, one or more elongated glide arms project transversely from the base to abut the ground and thereby provide cantilevered support for the tabletop. Optionally, the glide arm(s) are generally parallel with the ground, and less than approximately one inch high. The base may include an array of wheels, at least three of which are positioned directly under one side of the tabletop. The tabletop may be vertically adjustable, having an adjustable height of approximately 20-40 inches from the ground.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates generally to tables, and more particularly to movable table assemblies with a cantilevered tabletop that is designed to extend over a patient support surface.
BACKGROUND
• Many hospitals, medical offices, nursing homes, and other healthcare and non-healthcare facilities provide tables for use by attending physicians, nurses, and other facility personnel as work surfaces, and for patient convenience by providing an available surface. Some such tables, which are typically referred to in the art as “overbed tables,” have a tabletop that is designed to extend over a patient support surface, such as a bed, chair, examination table, and the like. In most conventional arrangements, the tabletop is a cantilevered surface that is buttressed on a rectangular base which is supported at each corner by a caster or wheel. The cantilevered tabletop can often be raised and lowered to accommodate different needs, preferences and patient support surfaces of varying heights.
• During common use, the overbed table is wheeled up to the patient bed, chair, etc. The wheeled-base of the overbed table slides underneath the patient support surface such that the horizontal tabletop extends over the patient support surface. The vertical support beam of the overbed table assembly is either pressed against or merely lies adjacent to one side of the patient support surface. The tabletop may then be adjusted to a more convenient height over the support surface. A locking mechanism may be employed to secure the tabletop at the desired height.
• In general, overbed tables are classified as either standard-height tables or low-profile tables. Standard-height overbed tables utilize conventional wheels, and typically provide an adjustable tabletop-height range of 30-45 inches. In contrast, low-profile overbed tables typically provide an adjustable tabletop-height range of 19-28 inches, utilizing small-radius casters which provide a low profile base for rolling under equipment and support surfaces with low underside clearances.
• Recent developments in hospital equipment include vertically-adjustable support surfaces. Adjustable-height bed frames, for example, have an underside clearance of only a few inches when adjusted to their lowest-most heights. The wheeled-base of conventional overbed assemblies will not clear a bed that has a full height of 7 inches from top of deck to floor in the low position. Attempting to slide the wheeled-base of prior art overbed tables underneath these support surfaces will damage the underside support frame and any associated electronics.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Various advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective-view illustration of an overbed table assembly in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective-view illustration of the overbed table assembly ofFIG. 1.
• While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
• While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail representative embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. To that extent, elements and limitations that are disclosed, for example, in the Figures, Abstract, and Description of the Illustrative Embodiments, but not explicitly set forth in the claims, should not be incorporated into the claims, singly or collectively, by implication, inference or otherwise.
• The present invention will be described herein in the context of an overbed table assembly for providing a convenient, readily-available surface for vertically-adjustable long-term care beds. However, the present invention is by no means limited to this particular application. By way of example, and not limitation, the concepts of the present invention may just as easily be applicable to other support platforms, such as examination tables and chairs, wheelchairs, sofas, stretchers, hospital beds, nursing home beds, stationary beds, and the like. In addition, the drawings presented herein are not to scale and are provided purely for instructional purposes. As such, absent explicit claim language to the contrary, the individual and relative dimensions and orientations shown in the drawings are not to be considered limiting.
• Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components throughout the several views,FIG. 1 is a side perspective-view illustration of an exemplary overbed table assembly, designated generally as10, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. While the arrangement shown inFIG. 1 is referred to as an overbed table, it is not so limited. In fact, thetable assembly10 can also be positioned in front of or next to other support surfaces, such as those enumerated in the previous paragraph. To that end, theoverbed table assembly10 can be employed in both healthcare facilities (e.g., hospitals and doctor offices) and non-healthcare facilities (e.g., nursing homes and long-term care homes) alike without departing from the intended scope and spirit of the present invention.
• Theoverbed table assembly10 comprises three primary segments: abase12, asupport beam structure14, and atabletop16. Thebase12 is configured to movably support the entireoverbed table assembly10. For instance, thebase12 may comprise a rigid platform with an array of wheels that allow theoverbed table assembly10 to be easily maneuvered about the floor (designated FL inFIG. 1) without inadvertently tipping. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, thebase12 includes a plurality of laterally-oriented and longitudinally-oriented crossbeams18A-B and20A-C, respectively, which are interconnected to form a horizontal support platform. Twolocking casters22 are swivel mounted to the under-side surface of the rearmost laterally-oriented crossbeam18A, whereas twonon-locking casters24 are swivel mounted to the under-side surface of the forward-most laterally-oriented crossbeam18B. Optional tube plugs (two of which are illustrated inFIG. 2 at26) can be inserted into the open ends of the laterally-oriented crossbeams18A-B for aesthetic and/or safety purposes.
• Recognizably, thebase12 may comprise more or fewer than the fivecrossbeams18A,18B,20A,20B,20C illustrated inFIG. 1. It is likewise contemplated that one or more of thecrossbeams18A-B,20A-C can be replaced with alternate structure, such as a rigid plate or box. Moreover, the length, width, and height of eachcrossbeam18A-B,20A-C can be modified, individually or collectively, to accommodate the intended application of theoverbed table assembly10. To that end, thecrossbeams18A-B,20A-C are exemplified in the drawings as elongated, square tubes. Alternatively, thecrossbeams18A-B,20A-C may be fabricated as solid bars, and may take on varying geometries. As another optional configuration, one of thelocking casters22 or thenon-locking casters24 could eliminated, with the remaining caster being centrally oriented along itsrespective crossbeam18A or18B.
• InFIGS. 1 and 2, thetabletop16 is shown with a generally planar,rectangular body28 having rounded corners. Thetabletop16 is configured, as described below, to cantilever above a patient support surface, such as a hospital bed or wheel chair. For descriptive purposes, thetabletop body28 may be split into two generally congruent sections—i.e., afirst side30A that is in longitudinally opposing relation with asecond side30B. It should be recognized, however, that thetabletop16 length, width, and overall geometry may be varied without departing from the intended scope of the present invention. In addition, thetabletop16 may be provided with various optional features, such as cup holders, cubby holes, electronic devices, etc.
• According to one facet of the present concepts, theoverbed table assembly10 includes one or moreglide arms32 that are oriented so as to abut the floor FL (also referred to herein as “ground”) and thereby provide cantilevered support for thetabletop16. For example, a pair of generally parallel,elongated glide arms32 are attached to (e.g., via welding or screws) or integrally formed with (e.g., via thermoplastic molding) thebase12. The glidearms32 project transversely outward from a front side of thebase12, in a substantially horizontal orientation with respect to thetabletop16 and a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to thesupport beam structure14. In the illustrated embodiment, eachglide arm32 is attached to the forward-most laterally-oriented crossbeam18B, and curves downward therefrom such that substantially all of theglide arm32 is immediately adjacent to and generally parallel with the floor FL. In some embodiments, thebase12 has an overall maximum height equal to or less than approximately seven inches, whereas theelongated glide arms32 each have a maximum height over the length thereof of less than approximately one inch and, in some configurations, less than approximately ½ an inch. This arrangement provides an exceptionally low-profile base that can fit under adjustable “hi-low” beds and other patient support structures with minimal underside clearances without damaging the underside thereof.
• Thecasters22,24 are shown positioned at the corners of theinterconnected crossbeams18A-B,20A-C to provide sufficient lateral stability for wheeling theoverbed table assembly10 to different locations. Thecasters22,24 also cooperate with theglide arms32 to provide sufficient cantilever support for thetabletop16 if vertically loaded. For instance, in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1, all of thecasters22,24 are positioned directly under the firstlongitudinal side30A of thetabletop16. This arrangement provides sufficient subjacent support for thetabletop16 when there is no load exacted thereon. However, if a load is applied which creates a sufficient moment arm on thetabletop16 such that theoverbed table assembly10 pitches forward (e.g., counterclockwise with respect toFIG. 1), theglide arms32 will press into the floor FL and create a counteracting force to offset the moment arm. In a similar regard, if a load is applied which creates a sufficient moment arm on thetabletop16 such that theoverbed table assembly10 pitches rearward (e.g., clockwise with respect toFIG. 1), theglide arms32 will press upwards into the underside surface of the hospital bed to create a counteracting force to offset the moment arm.
• In some preferred embodiments, one or morerounded protrusions34 project downwardly from an underside surface of eachelongated glide arm32. As seen inFIG. 2, for example, eachprotrusion24 has a rounded head with a flanged shank. The flanged shank is pressed into a corresponding receiving hole36 (FIG. 2), thereby attaching theprotrusion34 to arespective glide arm32. Alternative means, such as, but not limited to, adhesives or helical threading, can be utilized to attach the roundedprotrusions34 to theglide arms32. The roundedprotrusions34 lie between theelongated glide arms32 and the floor FL. The contoured shape and/or the material of theprotrusions34 reduce sliding friction between theelongated glide arms32 and the floor FL. Theprotrusions34 also help prevent accidental scratching of the floor FL. Theglide arm32 is shown inFIG. 1 with tworounded protrusions34; however, more or less than two can be utilized without departing from the intended scope of the present invention.
• With continuing reference toFIG. 1, thesupport beam structure14 operatively connects thetabletop16 to thebase12. Thesupport beam structure14 illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, for example, is composed of a generally hollowouter column40 that is coupled directly to thebase12 and aninner column42 that is coupled directly to thetabletop16. Alternatively, theouter column40 can be coupled to thetabletop16 while theinner column42 is coupled to thebase12. Theouter column40 andinner column42 are exemplified in the drawings as elongated, vertically-oriented square tubes. It should be recognized, however, that theinner column42 may be fabricated as a solid bar, whereas the shape, orientation, and dimensions of the inner andouter columns40,42 can be selectively varied. Likewise, other structural arrangements can be used to attach the base12 to thetabletop16. For example, a twist-and-pull or slide-rail stanchion arrangement can be utilized instead of the telescoping arrangement shown in the drawings.
• In accordance with another optional facet, thetabletop16 may be raised and lowered to allow the user to selectively adjust the height of theoverbed table assembly10. According to the exemplary arrangement shown in the drawings, theouter column40 is secured to and extends upwardly from one end of thebase12. The upper end of theouter column40 is open, as seen inFIG. 2. Theinner column42 is secured (e.g., via theU-shaped bracket44 illustrated inFIG. 2), to the underside of thehorizontal table top16 adjacent one end thereof. Theinner column42 is received inside theouter column40 such that theinner column42 can telescope in and out of theouter column40. The cross-sectional area of theouter column40 is slightly larger than the cross-sectional area of theinner column42 so that theinner column42 can slide vertically relative to theouter column40 with ease, and can maintain thetabletop16 in a generally horizontal position throughout its range of movement. In so doing, thetabletop16 is selectively movable between a raised position (shown with hidden lines at28A inFIG. 1) and a lowered position (indicated at28B inFIG. 1). A pair of optional column guides46 can be hooked to the inner wall of theouter column42, providing a guide surface upon which theinner column42 slides when telescoping with respect to theouter column40.
• Aconstant force spring48 is mounted inside the lower end of theouter column40 in the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2. Theconstant force spring48 is composed of a coil of flexible yet resilient metal ribbon which is wound on ashaft50 that is mounted to theouter column40. The external end of thespring48 is secured to an outside surface of theinner column42 while the internal end of thespring48 may be secured to theshaft50 or merely freely wound thereon. As the external end of thespring48 is drawn away from theshaft50, thespring48 straightens out with a portion thereof remaining wound on theshaft50. The straightening action produces a spring force that tends to pull the external end of thespring48 back into the coil. Regardless of the length of the straight portion of thespring48, the portion on theshaft50 remains substantially the same length. Thus, the spring force acting to pull theinner column42 upward remains the same. As a result, the portion of thespring48 mounted on theshaft50 constitutes a constant force spring which applies a constant force tending to pull theinner column42 and, thus, theentire tabletop16 upwardly. Other devices for biasing thetabletop16 in a preferred direction are also envisioned. Such arrangements may include, for example, pneumatic devices, mechanized arms, motorized assemblies, etc.
• Theoverbed table assembly10 may also be provided with a releasable locking device that is associated between the inner andouter columns40,42. The locking device ofFIG. 2, for example, is composed of alatch plate52 that is pivotally secured for movement about a pair of circular hinge mounts54, which project outward from opposite sides of theinner column42. As a result, thelatch plate52 is vertically movable with theinner column42. A spring may be provided so that thelatch plate52 is urged upwardly (i.e., in a counterclockwise direction with respect toFIG. 2) about the axis of the circular hinge mounts54. Avertical rod56 extends down through the hollow center of theinner column42, a lower end of which is received by thelatch plate52. The spring which acts on thelatch plate52 tends to bias thelatch plate52 into engagement with, and to thereby support, thevertical rod56. The opposite end of thevertical rod56 extends through an opening in the upper end of theinner column42. In this particular embodiment, aguide plate66 is secured to theinner column42. Theguide plate66 has an opening through which therod56 is received and, as a result, thevertical rod56 is maintained in a vertically aligned and centered orientation within theinner column42. There are alternative means by which thetabletop16 can be locked at a preferred height (e.g., a pin-and-slot arrangement).
• Continuing with the above exemplary locking device, arelease lever58 is pivotally secured to thetabletop16—namely,U-shaped bracket44, by apivot pin60. Therelease lever58 has a handle portion on an external side of thepivot pin60 and an engagement portion on the opposite side of thepivot pin60. The engagement portion of therelease lever58 lays on top of or otherwise engages the upper end of thevertical rod36. By pressing or pulling up on the underside of the handle portion, therelease lever58 is pivoted (e.g., counterclockwise inFIG. 1) about the axis of thepivot pin60, pushing downwardly on thevertical rod56.
• In use, thetabletop16 may be moved vertically throughout its range by simply lifting on thetabletop body28. When the desired elevation is achieved, thelatch plate52 will prevent downward movement of thetabletop16 by the wedging of thelatch plate52 between the inner andouter columns40,42. When it is desired to lower thetabletop16, therelease lever58 is actuated (i.e., pivoted upwardly about the axis of the pivot pin60) so that the engagement portion presses down on the upper end of thevertical rod56. This action will also serve to disengage thelatch plate52 from engagement with theouter column40. Thereafter, thetabletop16 can be lowered to the desired height. Upon release of thelever58, thelatch plate52 will be biased into engagement with the inner wall of theouter column40 so that continued downward movement of thetabletop16 is prevented.
• According to one embodiment, thetabletop16 is vertically adjustable, having an adjustable height of approximately 20-40 inches from the ground. In another embodiment, thetabletop16 has an adjustable height of approximately 23-39 inches from the ground. In yet another embodiment, the adjustable height of thetabletop16 is approximately 23.5-38 inches. Other ranges of motion are also envisioned as being within the scope of the present invention.
• To provide theoverbed table assembly10 with atabletop16 having a substantial range of motion and a significantly low minimum height, while maintaining the ultra-low base profile, the lower end of thesupport beam structure14 is attached to the base12 at a point below the upper surface thereof. Purely by way of clarification, the upper surface of the base12 may be delineated, for example, by the plane defined by the upper surfaces of theinterconnected crossbeams18A-B,20A-C, whereas the lower surface of the base12 may be characterized by the plane defined by the lower surfaces of theinterconnected crossbeams18A-B,20A-C. In the illustrated embodiment, a mountingplate62 is welded or otherwise attached to the under-side surface of the rearmost laterally-orientedcrossbeam18A to provide an ultra-low platform for thecolumn40 to mount. Theouter column40 is then fastened to the mountingplate62—e.g., via threadedscrews64 ofFIG. 2. When attached, the lower longitudinal tip of theouter column40 is generally coplanar with the lower surface of thebase12.
Exemplary Alternate Embodiments
• The following exemplary embodiments of the invention are not intended to represent each embodiment, or every aspect, of the present invention. The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages of the present invention, will become more readily apparent from the following examples.
• According to one embodiment of the present invention, an overbed table assembly is provided. In this embodiment, the overbed table assembly includes a base configured to movably support the overbed table assembly, and a tabletop spaced apart from the base. A support beam structure is operatively connected at a first end thereof to the tabletop and at a second end thereof to the base. The second end of the support beam structure is attached to the base at a point below the upper surface thereof.
• In accordance with one optional facet of the present invention, a longitudinal tip of the support beam structure is generally coplanar with the lower surface of the base. In a similar respect, the second end of the support beam structure may be attached to the lower surface of the base.
• In accordance with another optional facet, the base comprises a plurality of interconnected crossbeams. In this instance, a mounting plate attaches the second end of the support beam structure to an underside of at least one of the crossbeams.
• As part of another optional facet of the present invention, the base comprises one or more elongated glide arms that projecting transversely from the base to abut the ground and thereby provide cantilevered support for the tabletop. Each elongated glide arm may be generally parallel with the ground, having a height of less than approximately one inch and, in some configurations, less than approximately ½ an inch over a longitudinal length thereof. Optionally, each elongated glide arm may be fabricated with one or more rounded protrusions that project from an underside surface thereof. The rounded protrusions are generally located between the glide arm and the ground. Each rounded protrusion is configured to reduce sliding friction between the elongated glide arm and the ground.
• According to yet another aspect, the base comprises at least three wheels positioned directly under one longitudinal side of the tabletop. In one optional arrangement, the wheels are casters swivel mounted to the lower surface of the base.
• As part of yet another aspect of the present invention, the support beam structure includes a generally hollow outer column coupled directly to the base (or the tabletop), and an inner column coupled directly to the tabletop (or the base). The inner column is telescopically mounted within the outer column such that the tabletop is selectively movable between a raised position and a lowered position. In one optional arrangement, a constant force spring is attached at a first end to the outer column and at a second end to the inner column. The constant force spring biases the tabletop toward the raised position.
• In accordance with another optional facet, the tabletop is vertically adjustable, with an adjustable height of approximately 20-40 inches from the ground.
• According to another embodiment of the present invention, a table assembly is presented. The table assembly of this embodiment includes a tabletop that is configured to cantilever above a patient support surface. The table assembly also includes a base with at least three wheels, all of which are positioned directly under one side of the tabletop. A support beam structure operatively connects the tabletop to the base. One or more elongated glide arms project transversely from the base to abut the ground and thereby provide cantilevered support for the tabletop.
• According to one optional facet, the elongated glide arms are generally parallel with the ground, each having a height of less than approximately one inch, and preferably less than approximately ½ an inch above the ground.
• According to an additional optional facet, the elongated glide arms include at least one rounded protrusion that projects downwardly therefrom, lying between the glide arm and the ground. Each rounded protrusion is configured to reduce sliding friction between the elongated glide arm and the ground.
• According to another optional facet, the base has upper and lower surfaces, wherein the support beam structure is attached to the base at a point below the upper surface thereof.
• According to yet another optional facet, a longitudinal tip of the support beam structure is generally coplanar with the lower surface of the base.
• According to even yet another optional facet, the base comprises a plurality of interconnected crossbeams, a mounting plate attaching one end of the support beam structure to an underside of at least one of the plurality of crossbeams.
• In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, an overbed table assembly is featured. In this embodiment, the overbed table assembly includes a tabletop with a generally planar body having first and second generally congruent sides. The tabletop is configured to cantilever above a patient support surface, such as a bed, chair, couch, and the like. The overbed table assembly also includes a base with at least three wheels that are positioned directly under the first side of the tabletop. A support beam structure is operatively connected at a first end thereof to the tabletop and at a second end thereof to the base. The second end of the support beam structure is attached to the base at a point below the upper surface thereof. At least one elongated glide arm projects transversely outward from the base to abut the ground and thereby provide cantilevered support for the tabletop.
• While the best modes for carrying out the present invention have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. An overbed table assembly comprising:

a base configured to movably support the overbed table assembly, the base having an upper surface and a lower surface;

a tabletop spaced from the base; and

a support beam structure operatively connected at a first end thereof to the tabletop and at a second end thereof to the base, wherein the second end of the support beam structure is attached to the base at a point below the upper surface of the base.

2. The overbed table assembly ofclaim 1, wherein a longitudinal tip of the support beam structure is generally coplanar with the lower surface of the base.

3. The overbed table assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the second end of the support beam structure is attached to the lower surface of the base.

4. The overbed table assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the base comprises a plurality of interconnected crossbeams, a mounting plate attaching the second end of the support beam structure to an underside of at least one of the plurality of crossbeams.

5. The overbed table assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the base comprises at least one glide arm projecting transversely from the base to abut the ground and thereby provide cantilevered support for the tabletop.

6. The overbed table assembly ofclaim 5, wherein the at least one glide arm is generally parallel with the ground, the at least one glide arm having a height of less than approximately one inch.

7. The overbed table assembly ofclaim 5, wherein the at least one elongated glide arm includes at least one rounded protrusion projecting from an underside surface thereof.

8. The overbed table assembly ofclaim 7, wherein the at least one rounded protrusion lies between the at least one elongated glide arm and the ground and is configured to reduce sliding friction between the at least one elongated glide arm and the ground.

9. The overbed table assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the base comprises at least three wheels positioned directly under one longitudinal side of the tabletop.

10. The overbed table assembly ofclaim 9, wherein the at least three wheels are casters swivel mounted to the lower surface of the base.

11. The overbed table assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the support beam structure includes a generally hollow outer column coupled to one of the tabletop and the base, and an inner column coupled to the other of the tabletop and base, the inner column being telescopically mounted within the outer column such that the tabletop is selectively movable between a raised position and a lowered position.

12. The overbed table assembly ofclaim 11, wherein the support beam structure includes a constant force spring attached at a first end to the outer column and at a second end to the inner column, the constant force spring biasing the tabletop toward the raised position.

13. The bed assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the tabletop is vertically adjustable, the tabletop having an adjustable height of approximately 20-40 inches from the ground.

14. A table assembly comprising:

a tabletop having first and second opposing sides, the tabletop being configured to cantilever above a patient support surface;

a base with at least three wheels positioned directly under the first side of the tabletop;

a support beam structure connecting the tabletop to the base; and

at least one elongated glide arm projecting transversely from the base to abut the ground and thereby provide cantilevered support for the tabletop.

15. The table assembly ofclaim 14, wherein the at least one elongated glide arm is generally parallel with the ground, the at least one elongated glide arm having a height of approximately ½ an inch over a longitudinal length thereof.

16. The table assembly ofclaim 14, wherein the at least one elongated glide arm includes at least one rounded protrusion projecting downwardly therefrom between the at least one elongated glide arm and the ground, the at least one rounded protrusion being configured to reduce sliding friction between the at least one elongated glide arm and the ground.

17. The table assembly ofclaim 14, wherein the base has an upper surface and a lower surface, the support beam structure being attached to the base at a point below the upper surface of the base.

18. The table assembly ofclaim 14, wherein a longitudinal tip of the support beam structure is generally coplanar with the lower surface of the base.

19. The table assembly ofclaim 14, wherein the base comprises a plurality of interconnected crossbeams, a mounting plate attaching one end of the support beam structure to an underside of at least one of the plurality of crossbeams.

20. An overbed table assembly comprising:

a tabletop with a generally planar body having first and second generally congruent sides, the tabletop being configured to cantilever above a patient support surface;

a base with at least three wheels positioned directly under the first side of the tabletop, the base having an upper surface and a lower surface;

a support beam structure operatively connected at a first end thereof to the tabletop and at a second end thereof to the base, wherein the second end of the support beam structure is attached to the base at a point below the upper surface thereof; and

at least one elongated glide arm projecting transversely outward from the base to abut the ground and thereby provide cantilevered support for the tabletop.

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