The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 08, 1990
Filed:
Dec. 01, 1988
Frank M Damico, Neenah, WI (US);
Thill, Inc., Oshkosh, WI (US);
Abstract
An overbed table is provided with a linear positioning mechanism for fixing the height of the table relative to the base. An upper outer column depends from the underside of the table, and a lower inner column is received within the upper outer column. In this manner, spillage of any liquids onto the support for the overbed table drips single fashion past the joint between the columns. The linear positioning mechanism incorporates a high lead screw which is rotatably mounted to the overbed table within the upper outer column. A fixed nut is attached to the upper end of the inner column, and receives the threads of the high lead screw. Up-down movement of the overbed table causes rotation of the high lead screw within the fixed nut. A spring clutch mechanism is provided for selectively preventing and allowing rotation of the high lead screw when a downward force is applied to the table. When rotation of the lead screw is prevented, downward movement of the overbed table is thus prevented. Upon release of the clutch so as to allow rotation of the lead screw, the overbed table can be moved downward to a desired elevation. An upward force applied to the table allows the table to be moved upward without actuation of the clutch mechanism.