OVER BED TABLE WITH IMPROVED BASE

Abstract

A base for an over bed table (OBT) optimized for use with both retractable under-bed wheel(s) and corner structures (e.g. legs/corner wheels). The base includes a column-support portion and a wishbone-shaped extension configured to pass under the bed when the OBT is in use. The wishbone-shaped extension has a U-shaped portion with a profile low enough to pass below raised under-bed wheels, thereby allowing interference-free movement of the base under much of the bed. The wishbone configuration also facilitates movement of the base adjacent to and about the corner structures. For example, the unique shape provides lateral gaps on opposite sides of the base that allow the OBT to be moved farther into the corners of the bed before the base encounters interference from the corner structures, as well as a large central opening that allow the base to deeply straddle corner structures.

Claims

1. An over bed table for use with a patient bed having an extendable and retractable under-bed wheel comprising: a table top having first and second ends; a column having a top and a bottom, the column extending vertically with the top coupled to the first end of the table top; and a base having first and second ends, the bottom of the column joined to the base toward the first end of the base, the base having a column-support portion and a wishbone-shaped extension, the column-support portion disposed toward a first end the base and supported on primary casters, the column-support portion having an elevated profile with a height greater than a retracted height of an underbed wheel, the wishbone-shaped extension extending from the column-support portion in an inward direction, the wishbone-shaped extension including a longitudinal segment and a U-shaped portion, the longitudinal segment extending in a longitudinal direction between an approximate center of the column-support portion and an approximate center of the U-shaped portion, the U-shaped portion having a low profile region with a height less than a retracted height of an under-bed wheel, whereby the low profile region is able to pass below a retracted under-bed wheel, the U-shaped portion terminating in secondary caster segments, the secondary caster segments supported on secondary casters, the secondary caster segments having an elevated profile with a height of greater than a retracted height of an under-bed wheel.

2. The over bed table of claim 1 wherein the column-support portion is generally T-shaped with a lateral segment and a longitudinal segment.

3. The over bed table of claim 1 wherein longitudinal segment of the base is a transition segment joining the elevated column-support portion with the low profile region of the U-shaped portion.

4. The over bed table of claim 3 wherein the longitudinal segment of the base extends at an transition angle of between about 5 degrees to about 60 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

5. The over bed table of claim 4 wherein the base includes a support rib coupled to the transition segment.

6. The over bed table of claim 4 wherein the base includes a vertical support rib coupled to the transition segment and the curved segment of the U-shaped portion.

7. The over bed table of claim 1 wherein the U-shaped portion includes a curved segment and a pair of linear segments, the curved segment and the linear segments each having a low profile with a height less than a retracted height of an under-bed wheel, whereby the curved segment and the linear segments are able to pass below a retracted under-bed wheel.

8. The over bed table of claim 7 wherein the curved segment is semicircular.

9. The over bed table of claim 8 wherein each linear segment is joined to one of the secondary caster segments.

10. The over bed table of claim 9 wherein the primary casters have a diameter of at least 1 inch and the secondary casters have a diameter of no more than inch.

11. The over bed table of claim 10 wherein the table top has a maximum width and the base has a maximum width that is lesser than the maximum width of the table top.

12. The over bed table of claim 11 wherein the base is assembled from a T-shaped blank and a pair of mirror-image curved blanks.

13. The over bed table of claim 12 wherein the U-shaped portion is spaced apart from the lateral segment of the column-support portion by a distance of at least about five inches and no more than about twelve inches.

14. A base for an over bed table intended for use with a patient bed having corner structures that engage a floor and an extendable and retractable under-bed wheel comprising: a column-support portion adapted to receive and support a column and a table top, the column supporting portion including a lateral segment extending laterally across the base; a pair of primary casters disposed beneath the column-support portion, the primary casters joined to the column-support portion toward opposite ends of the lateral segment of the column-support portion, the primary casters supporting the column-support portion at an elevated height greater than a retracted height of an under-bed wheel; a wishbone-shaped extension extending from the column-support portion, the wishbone-shaped extension having a longitudinal segment and a U-shaped portion, the longitudinal segment of the wishbone-shaped extension having a longitudinal extent and joining the column-support portion and the U-shaped portion, the U-shaped portion including a curved segment and a pair of linear segments extending from opposite ends of the curved segment, the curved segment and the linear segments cooperatively defining a low profile region with a height less than a retracted height of an under-bed wheel, the base being configured such that the low profile region is aligned with an under-bed wheel when the base is fully inserted under a bed such that the base can be moved along a bed with the low profile region passing under a retracted under-bed wheel, the curved segment being longitudinally offset from the lateral segment of the column-support portion by a longitudinal offset, the U-shaped portion having a longitudinal extent at least three times the longitudinal offset, the column-support portion and the wishbone-shaped extension defining a pair of lateral gaps with one of the lateral gaps on each side of the base, the lateral gaps being of sufficient longitudinal extent to straddle a corner structure, the U-shaped portion defining a central gap of sufficient lateral extent to straddle a corner structure; a pair of secondary caster segments, each secondary caster segment extending from a corresponding one of the linear segments; and a pair of secondary casters disposed beneath the secondary caster segments, each of the secondary casters being joined to a corresponding one of the secondary caster segments.

15. The base of claim 14 wherein the column-support portion includes a longitudinal segment, the longitudinal segment extending from an approximate center of the lateral segment of the column-support portion.

16. The base of claim 15 wherein the longitudinal segment of the wishbone extension extends from the longitudinal segment of the column-support portion.

17. The base of claim 16 wherein at least one of the longitudinal segment of the column-support portion and the longitudinal segment of the wishbone extension is a transition segment extending from an elevated height of the column-support portion and the lower height of the low profile portion.

18. The base of claim 17 wherein the curved segment of the U-shaped portion is semicircular.

19. The base of claim 18 wherein the base is assembled from a T-shaped blank and a pair of mirror-image curved blanks, the blanks being separately cut, formed and joined together by welding.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an over bed table (OBT) having a wishbone base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the OBT.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the OBT.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the base.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the base.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a right side view of the base

[0025] FIG. 7 is a front view of the base.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a representational view showing the base positioned with respect to a raised under-bed wheel of a patient bed.

[0027] FIG. 9 is a representational view showing two different bases positioned adjacent a first and second corner legs/corner wheels of the bed.

[0028] FIG. 10 is a representational view showing the base positioned with the U-shaped portion straddling a corner leg/corner wheel of the bed.

[0029] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of an alternative base.

[0030] FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the alternative base of FIG. 11.

[0031] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS

Overview of Illustrated Embodiment

[0032] A current embodiment of an over bed table (OBT) having a wishbone base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is show in FIGS. 1-7 and generally designated 10. The OBT 10 includes a base 12 that is specially configured for use with hospital and other patient beds that have retractable under-bed wheels, such as 5.sup.th wheels or drive wheels (See, e.g. FIG. 9), as well as corner structures, such as legs and corner wheels, that might create clearance issues or otherwise interfere with movement of the OBT 10 relative to the bed. Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, OBT 10 generally includes a base 12, a column 14 and a table top 16. As shown, the column 14 is position toward one end of the base 12 and extend upwardly to support the table top 16. The table top 16 is mounted upon and extends from the column 14 over the base 12 in a cantilevered configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 12 includes a column-support portion 18 and a wishbone-shaped extension 20. The column-support portion 18 is elevated to accommodate primary casters 26. The wishbone-shaped extension 20 includes a U-shaped portion 22 that extends through a plane close to the floor and generally has a low enough profile to pass under raised under-bed wheel(s) W. The U-shaped portions terminates in a pair of secondary caster segments 24 that are elevated to accommodate secondary casters 28. The base 12 is configured so that, in use, the U-shaped portion 20 can be fitted under the patient bed while the elevated column-support portion 18 and the column 14 remain out from beneath the bed. The wishbone configuration of the base 12 provides the OBT with an optimized balance between strength, stability and underbed clearancenot only with respect to the under-bed wheels and other under-bed structures, but also with respect to other bed structures, such as legs and corner wheels, that are typically engaged with the floor and therefore have no clearance.

Over Bed Table.

[0033] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1-10. As noted above, the present invention provides base 12 for an over bed table 10 (OBT). The base 12 is specially configured for use with patient beds having retractable under-bed wheels and other under-bed structures that provide limited clearance. For purposes of disclosure, the base 12 is described in the context of an OBT 10 having a table top mounted to an adjustable-height column (See FIGS. 1 and 2). The OBT 10 shown and described herein is merely exemplary and OBT bases in accordance with the present invention can be incorporated into OBTs of essentially any design and configuration with different columns and different tops.

[0034] Referring again to FIG. 1, the OBT 10 generally includes base 12, column 14 and table top 16. In this embodiment, the column 14 is a conventional telescopic column including a lower section 30 that is secured to the base 12 and an upper section 32 that is secured to the table top 16. The upper section 32 is telescopically fitted over the lower section 30 and can be moved vertically relative to the lower section 30 to vary the height of the table top 16. A wide range of telescopic columns are available on the market. The present invention may be incorporated into OBTs that do not include a telescopic column. For example, the column may be of fixed length or may be extended and retracted through arrangements other than telescopic arrangements.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the table top 16 is mounted atop the column 14 in a cantilevered arrangement. As shown, the table top 16 extends from the column 14 approximately parallel to the general longitudinal extent of the base 12. In this embodiment, a table top mounting plate 17 is affixed to the top of the column 14 and the table top 16 is affixed to the mounting plate 17, for example, by screws. The illustrated table top 16 is merely exemplary and the OBT may be fitted with a wide range of alternative table tops, including table tops that present a work surface and others that include one or more drawers, shelves and/or other features and accessories.

[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 3-7, the base 12 of the illustrated embodiment generally includes a column-support portion 18 and a wishbone-shaped extension 20. The column-support portion 18 of the illustrated embodiment is generally T-shaped with a lateral segment 40 and a longitudinal segment 42. The lateral segment 40 extends laterally across the width of the OBT and is supported primary casters 26. The longitudinal segment 42 extends from the approximate center of the lateral segment 40. In this embodiment, the lateral segment 40 and the longitudinal segment 42 extend through a common horizontal plane, though the two segments need not be strictly planar or strictly horizontal. As shown, the column support portion 18 is elevated to accommodate the underlying primary casters 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the column 14 is mounted to the upper surface of the column-support portion 18 proximate the intersection of the lateral segment 40 and the longitudinal segment 42. The column 14 may be coupled to the base 12 by any suitable method. For example, the column 14 may be welded or attached by fasteners to the column-support portion 18.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the wishbone-shaped extension 20 extends from the column-support portion 18 in a longitudinal direction generally underlying the table top 16. For example, the wishbone-shaped extension 20 may extend from the end of the longitudinal segment 42 of the column-support portion 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 12 is assembled from several component parts that are joined together, for example, by welding (discussed in more detail below with reference to FIG. 13). In alternative embodiments, the base 12 may be of a generally one-piece, unitary construction, excluding only the primary and secondary casters and the support rib (as described elsewhere herein).

[0038] The wishbone-shaped extension 20 generally includes a transition segment 50 and U-shaped portion 22. In this embodiment, the transition segment 50 extends longitudinally and joins the U-shaped portion 22 to the column-support portion 18. As shown, the transition segment 50 may extend from the longitudinal segment 42 of the column-support portion 18. The transition segment 50 of the illustrated embodiment extends at an angle to bridge the vertical offset between the elevated column-support portion 18 and the low-profile U-shaped portion 22. The illustrated transition segment 50 extends at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to a horizontal plane, but the angle may vary from application to application, for example, may extend at an angle of between about 15 degrees and about 90 degrees. The transition segment 50 need not be planar and may bridge the vertical offset using essentially any suitable shape. In alternative applications, the longitudinal segment 42 of the column-support portion 18 be angled (alone or in combination with the transition segment 50) to bridge the vertical offset.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the U-shaped portion 22 generally includes a curved segment 52, a pair of linear segments 54 and a pair of secondary caster segments 24. The precise shape of the curved segment 52 may vary from application to application, but the curved segment of the illustrated embodiment is a semicircular arc with a constant curvature of radius. In this embodiment, the curved segment 52 is centered on the transition segment 50. In other applications, the curved segment 52 may have variations in radius and/or have a combination of regions that are linear or have different radiuses of curvature. The linear segments 54 extend from opposite ends of the curved segment 52. As shown, the linear segments 54 extend generally parallel to one another, though they may be askew in alternative applications. In the illustrated embodiment, the linear segments 54 terminate in secondary caster segments 24. The secondary caster segments 24 are elevated to accommodate secondary casters 28. The secondary casters 28 of the illustrated embodiment have a lower profile than the primary casters 26, but the relative sizes of the primary and secondary casters may vary from application to application. For example, the primary and secondary casters may be of the same size or have other differences in size. To account for the height difference between the secondary caster segments 24 and the linear segments 54, the secondary caster segments 56 may include secondary transition segments 56. The size, shape and configuration of the secondary transition segments 56 may vary from application to application, but in the illustrated embodiment, the secondary transition segments 56 are generally planar and extend at an angle of about 45 degrees or at an angle in the range of about 5 degrees to about 90 degrees.

[0040] The U-shaped portion 22 includes a low profile region that generally extends through a horizontal plane situated close to the floor so that it has a low enough profile to pass under raised under-bed wheel(s) W and other under-bed structures that might present reduced clearance. For example, the low profile region (which includes the curved segment 52 and the linear segments 54 in the illustrated embodiment, but excludes the secondary transition segments 56 and secondary caster segments 24) may have an upper surface that is no more than , or 1 inch from the floor and a bottom surface that is no more/less , or inch from the floor.

[0041] To reinforce the base 12 and reduce the risk of bouncing/flexing and other undesirable movement, the wishbone-shaped extension 20 includes a support rib 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the support rib 58 is affixed to the transition segment 50 and at least one of the curved segment 52 and the longitudinal segment of the column-support portion 18. The illustrated support rib 58 is generally triangular in shape and is affixed in a vertical orientation to the top surface of the transition segment 50 and the top surface of the curved segment 52. While the illustrated embodiment includes a single support rib 58, the number of support ribs may vary from application to application. In alternative embodiments, the support rib 58 may be supplemented by or replaced with one or more support ribs affixed to the undersurface of the longitudinal segment of the column-support portion 18 and the undersurface of the transition segment 50. The number, size, shape and configuration of the support rib(s) may vary from application to application. The support rib may be replaced by other structures intended to reinforce the wishbone-shaped extension and/or its connection with the column-support portion 18, such as folds, bends or flanges formed in the transition segment 50 and/or adjacent portions of the base 12, or such as supplemental structure components that are affixed to the transition segment 50 and/or adjacent portions of the base 12. For example, FIGS. 11 and 12 show an alternative embodiment of the base 12 in which support rib 58 is replaced by a pair of support ribs 58. FIGS. 11 and 12 use reference numerals that are identical to those used in FIGS. 1-10, except that the prime symbol () has been added to the end of each to signify that base 12 is an alternative embodiment. In addition to revised support ribs 58, the alternative embodiment of FIG. 11 is configured so that the column (not shown in FIGS. 11 and 12) mounts to the longitudinal segment 42 of the column-support portion 18. More specifically, the mounting holes 84 for the column are approximately centered on the longitudinal segment 42. It should be understood that the column mounting positions shown in base 12 and base 12 are merely exemplary and that the mounting position may vary in alternative implementations of the present invention.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal segment 42 of the column-support portion 18 and the transition segment 50 of the wishbone-shaped extension 20 cooperatively space the U-shaped portion away from the column 14 to create lateral gaps 80 that are configured to straddle legs and/or wheels situated at the corners of the patient bed. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral gaps 80 are defined in part by the curved segment 52 of the U-shaped portion 22. As a result, the lateral gaps become increasingly wider away from the centerline of the base 12. The curved segment 52 also provide a curved surface that will help to shepherd the OBT 10 into place about the leg/corner wheels if somewhat misaligned during fore/aft movement of the OBT 10. The same curved surface will help to shepherd the OBT 10 around the leg/corner wheel if a user attempts to withdraw the OBT 10 from beneath the bed while it is straddling a leg/corner wheel. In the illustrated embodiment, the innermost end of the lateral gaps (adjacent the center of the base and denoted by A in FIG. 5) is about to about the overall length of the base 12 (denoted by A+B in FIG. 5). The size of the lateral gaps 80 adjacent the center of the base 12 (denoted by A in FIG. 5) may vary from application to application. For example, it may be about 7.25 inches, in a range of about 3-12 inches, or in a range of about 5-12 inches in different alternative embodiments. In other implementations, the longitudinal distance between the lateral segment 40 and the curved segment 52 (denoted by A in FIG. 5) is at least 6 inches and not more than 18 inches. Further, while the curved segment 52 facilitates interaction between the base 12 and the legs/corner wheels, the shape of the lateral gaps may vary from application to application. It should be noted that the position and depth of the longitudinal gap 82 (see FIGS. 8-10) created by the U-shaped portion 22 is also a function of the relative size of the various segments of the base 12, such as the length of the longitudinal segment 42, the transition segment 50, the curved segment 52, the linear segments 54, the secondary transition segments 56 and the secondary caster segments 24. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the depth of the longitudinal gap 82 is approximately 27.475 inches. The depth of the longitudinal gap 82 may vary from application to application, such as in a range of about 22 inches to about 28 inches and in a range of about 18 inches to about 36 inches.

[0043] FIGS. 8-11 illustrate some key functions of the OBT 10 by showing the interrelationship between the base 12 and the under-bed wheel W or the legs/corner wheels C for a typical patient bed B configuration. These examples are merely exemplary and it should be understood that the position of under-bed wheels can vary between different models, types and styles of patient beds. The design and configuration of the present invention has been selected to work with many, if not all, currently available patient beds that incorporate under-bed wheels, but the design and configuration may be tuned to provide enhanced performance with alternative bed constructions. As noted above, FIG. 8 is a representative view showing the illustrated base 12 positioned beneath a representative patient bed B with an under-bed wheel W and four legs/corner wheels C located toward the four corners of the patient bed B. In the fully inserted position, the secondary caster segments 24 are positioned inwardly beyond the under-bed wheel W, which allows the OBT 10 to move freely relative to the bed B in the fore and aft direction (as denoted by Arrow M1 in FIG. 8). This is permitted because the central region of the U-shaped portion has a low enough profile to pass under the raised under-bed wheel W without interference. It should be understood that this spacing is primarily a function of the physical characteristics of the various segments of the base 12. These characteristics may be varied to provide the desired inward spacing of the secondary caster segments 24 depending, for example, on the position of the under-bed wheel(s) and other under-bed structures that might present interference issues. Further, the deep U-shaped longitudinal gap 82 in the base 12 also the OBT 10 to function when the under-bed wheel W is engaged with the ground or is not raised high enough to provide clearance for the low-profile region of the U-shaped portion. For example, with reference again to FIG. 8, regardless of whether the under-bed wheel W is raised or lowered, the OBT 10 can be moved into and removed from the illustrated position a direction perpendicular to the direction denoted by arrow M1.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a representational view similar to FIG. 8 showing the illustrated base 12 adjacent to the two of the legs/corner wheels C. As shown, the lateral gaps 80 are configured to receive a leg/corner wheel C when the OBT 10 is fully inserted over the bed B. This allows the OBT 10 to be moved farther in the fore-aft direction (as denoted by arrows M2 and M3 in FIG. 9) than would otherwise be possible. Additionally, the curved segment 52 provides a curved edge facilitates movement of the base 12 relative to the legs/corner wheels C. For example, if the OBT 10 is not fully inserted under the bed B, fore-aft movement of the OBT 10 might result in a leg/corner wheel C abutting the curved edge such that further fore-aft movement in the same direction will urge the OBT 10 farther under the bed B. As another example, if a user attempts to withdraw the OBT 10 from beneath the bed B when a leg/corner wheel C is received in a lateral gap 80, the curved edge will engage the leg/corner wheel C and will help to guide the base 12 around the leg/corner wheel.

[0045] FIG. 10 is another representational view similar to FIGS. 8 and 9 showing how the base 12 is optimized to provide enhanced interaction with patient beds. In this illustration, the OBT 10 is positioned with the U-shaped portion 20 straddling a leg/corner wheel C. This position may be particularly useful for stowing the OBT 10 when it is not in use. As shown, the leg/corner wheel C is positioned within longitudinal gap 82. The depth of the longitudinal gap 82 (in the direction denoted by arrow M4) is helpful in reducing how far the OBT 10 extends from the bed B when stowed in this position. As can be seen, the base 12 of the illustrated embodiment is configured to optimize performance not only with respect to under-bed wheels (and similar under-bed structure) that have low clearance, but also with legs/corner wheels that generally remain engaged with the ground and have no under-clearance.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral segment 40 of the column-support portion 18 has an upper surface with a height of about 2 inches above the floor. The height may vary, however, from application to application. Given that the lateral segment does not pass under the patient bed B, the height of lateral segment can be selected largely without concern for engagement with an under-bed wheel or the legs/corner wheels.

[0047] As noted above, the column 14 is mounted to the base 12. In this embodiment, the column 20 is affixed to the base 12 by fasteners (not shown) that extend up through holes in the base 12 into corresponding screw bosses integrated into the lower section of the column 20. This mounting structure is merely exemplary and the column 14 may be mounted to the base 12 using essentially any suitable mounting structure capable to securing the column 14 to the base 12, such as welding, fasteners, clamping mechanism, post and seats just to name a few alternative options.

[0048] Although not shown, table top 16 may be mounted to the column 14 using essentially any suitable mounting structure. For example, a mounting plate 17 may be affixed to the column 20, and the table top 16 can be affixed to the mounting plate 17 by fasteners. In one embodiment, the mounting plate may be joined to the column 14 by welding or by fasteners. It should be understood that the described table top mounting structure is merely exemplary and that the present invention may be incorporated into OBT that utilize any table top mounting structure.

[0049] The OBT 10 of the illustrated embodiment includes primary casters 26 that support the outer end of the base 12 (i.e. the end that supports the column 14 and does not extend under the bed) and secondary casters 28 that support the inner end of the base 12 (i.e. the end that is intended to be fitted under the bed). In this embodiment, primary casters 26 are secured to the undersurfaces of each of the lateral segment 40 of the column-support portion. More specifically, in this embodiment, caster mounts are affixed by fasteners to undersurface of the lateral segment 40 and the undersurfaces of the secondary caster segments 24. The caster mounts may, however, be secured to the wings using any suitable attachment, such as welding. In this embodiment, the primary casters 26 are substantially larger than the secondary casters 28. In alternative embodiments, the casters 70 need not vary is size, but may instead be identical. For example, the base 12 may be configured to place the secondary caster segments 24 at the same height as the lateral segment 80 so that four identical casters might be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the primary casters 26 and secondary casters 28 are selected to support the base 12 with the low profile central region positioned about above the floor. In this embodiment, the primary casters 26 have a diameter of about 75 millimeters and secondary casters have a diameter of about 36 millimeters. The caster sizes can, however, be varied from application to application as desired. The illustrated casters 70 are merely exemplary, and the base 12 may be fitted with alternative casters, or with wheels, rollers or other rolling components. For purposes of this disclosure, the term caster is intended to encompass all types of rolling components, including without limitation casters, wheels, and rollers.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 12 is manufactured from an assembly of several component parts, each fabricated from sheet or plate stock. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the column-support portion 18 and a central portion of the wishbone-shaped extension 20 are formed together from a single T-shaped blank B1 and the opposite legs of the U-shaped segment 52 are formed from a pair of separate curved blanks B2 and B3. This configuration of blanks help to reduce waste. For example, the curved blanks B2 and B3 can be closely nested creating very little waste. In this embodiment, the curved blanks B2 and B3 are identical and the forming step converts them into left or right side curved portions. As another example, the T-shaped blanks can be arranged in an alternating pattern that creates rectangular remnants that can be cut to form the gussets or support ribs 58, 58. Each of the blanks B1, B2 and B3 are formed from a single piece of sheet or plate stock, such as by laser cutting, plasma cutting, waterjet cutting, CNC mills/machine tools or any other manner of cutting or machining of the stock to arrive that the desired shape. In one implementation, planar preforms are cut from sheet or plate stock. In one embodiment, the preform is cut from about plate, but the thickness may vary from application to application, such as in the range of about to about . After cutting, each preform may be bent or otherwise formed to arrive at the desired three-dimensional shape as described above. Bending and other shaping operations may be performed using conventional presses, brakes and other metal forming equipment to achieve the design and function as described herein and shown in the drawings. Once shaped, the blanks B1, B2 and B3 are joined together, for example, by welding. The manufacturing process could and may vary. Metal and or plastics may be used as well as stamping, forging, casting, injection molding, sintered materials, additive printing methodologies and any other manner of forming or manufacturing such product. As an alternative, the base 12 may be formed essentially from a one-piece unitary structure fabricated from sheet or plate stock.

[0051] The configuration of the base 12, including the column-support portion 18 and wishbone-shaped extension 20, can vary, particularly as newly designed and released beds come to market. For example, the relative size of the column-support portion 18 and the wishbone-shaped extension 20, as well as the precise size and shape of the various segments of the base 12 may vary from application. The configuration of the base 12 may vary to provide enhanced performance with different types, styles and models of patient beds, whether it be different beds that are available on the market now or new beds that may be introduced in the future. If the position or number of under-bed wheel or legs/corner wheels vary, the dimensions and shape of the base 12 may be changed to accommodate the varied bed construction.

[0052] Directional terms, such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper, lower, inner, inwardly, outer and outwardly, are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientation(s).

[0053] In addition, when a component, part or layer is referred to as being joined with, on, engaged with, adhered to, secured to, or coupled to another component, part or layer, it may be directly joined with, on, engaged with, adhered to, secured to, or coupled to the other component, part or layer, or any number of intervening components, parts or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being directly joined with, directly on, directly engaged with, directly adhered to, directly secured to, or directly coupled to another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between components, layers and parts should be interpreted in a like manner, such as adjacent versus directly adjacent and similar words. As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0054] The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles a, an, the or said, is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Any reference to claim elements as at least one of X, Y and Z is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, any combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; Y, Z, and/or any other possible combination together or alone of those elements, noting that the same is open ended and can include other elements.