WO2004098351A1

WO2004098351A1 - Overbed table

Info

Publication number: WO2004098351A1
Application number: PCT/US2003/012053
Authority: WO
Inventors: G. Brent Fagan; Jennifer Mari Hageman; Robert Cooks, Jr.; Ethan Andrew Pochman; David S. Shane; David W. Williams; Richard H. Heimbrock; Michael E. Cerimele
Original assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
Priority date: 2003-04-18
Filing date: 2003-04-18
Publication date: 2004-11-18

Abstract

An overbed table (10) or the like having a base (12), a column (14), and a tabletop (16) is provided, the base (12) being supported by a pair of casters (74) laterally spaced from a column and a support caster (76) positioned substantially between the pair of laterally spaced casters (74). The support caster (76) may be offset from the alignment of the laterally spaced casters. A tray (30) may be provided above the column (14) and adjacent to a tabletop (16). An upwardly opening storage receptacle (32) may also be provided, the storage receptacle (32) extending from an intermediate portion (22) of the column (14).

Description

OVERBED TABLE

The present invention relates to devices such as overbed tables having a base which moves under a patient support and a platform or table that moves over the patient support. More particularly, the present invention relates to overbed tables supported on caster wheels for movement relative to a patient support such as a hospital bed.

BACKGROUND A number of different types of overbed tables are known. There are, for example, the overbed tables illustrated and described in U.S. Patents 5,473,997, 4,715,295, 3,854,428, 2,357,588, 2,352,837, 2,346,919, and 2,329,902, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises one or more of the following features or combinations thereof. An overbed table or device which comprises a base which moves under a patient support and a platform or table which moves over the patient support is provided. The table or device comprises a base having a proximal end and a distal end spaced in a lateral direction from the proximal end. A column extends upwardly from the proximal end of the base, the column having an upper portion, a lower portion, and an intermediate portion. A platform or table is carried by the column to extend from the column upper portion in the lateral direction over the patient support and typically over a patient on the support. A pair of casters is coupled to the distal end of the base and spaced apart along a line transverse to the lateral direction to movably support the base distal end. Casters are also illustratively coupled to the proximal end of the base.

In one embodiment, a support caster is coupled to the distal end of the base, the support caster being positioned substantially between the pair of casters at the distal end of the base. The support caster is offset from a line defined between the pair of casters. The pair of casters is configured to engage a flat surface or floor having a floor contact plane, and the support caster is upwardly spaced from the floor contact plane. Each of the pair of distal casters has an illustrative wheel diameter less than 50 millimeters. The support caster also has an illustrative wheel diameter less than 50 millimeters, and illustratively has a diameter equal to that of each of the pair of casters. However, the support caster wheel diameter is not necessarily the same diameter as that of the pair of casters, and may be smaller or larger.

An upwardly opening storage receptacle extending outwardly from the intermediate portion of the column is also provided. The storage receptacle may comprise a frame and a replaceable liner. The frame may be wire mesh, coated wire, plastic mesh, or any other material known in the art. Alternatively, the storage receptacle can be formed from a single piece. The storage receptacle is carried by a support member that is positioned on the upper portion of the column. A plurality of storage receptacles may be carried by the support member. The support member extends downwardly from the upper portion of the column along the intermediate portion of the column. Illustratively, the support member is removably coupled to a tabletop support frame supported by the upper portion of the column, and the support member is further coupled to the intermediate portion of the column.

A support arm laterally extends from the support member, the support arm being configured to support the storage receptacle thereon. The storage receptacle is formed to include an inset for receiving a portion of the column. A strap cooperates with the storage receptacle to enclose a portion of the column in the inset of the storage receptacle.

A support platform is also provided, the support platform being carried by the column and extending substantially the lateral dimension of the base. The support platform is formed to include a tray positioned above the upper portion of the column, adjacent a tabletop.

Additional features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an overbed table of the general type used in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, the table portion of the overbed table being shown in phantom;

Fig. 2 illustrates a fragmentary perspective view of the intermediate portion of the column, showing upwardly opening storage receptacles extending outwardly therefrom, the storage receptacles having removable liners;

Fig. 3 illustrates a fragmentary perspective view of the intermediate portion of the column, taken from a view substantially opposite that of Fig. 2, showmg a manner in which the storage receptacles can be attached to the column; Fig. 4 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the base of the overbed table, showing a base frame comprising caster support members coupled to each end of a laterally extending beam;

Fig. 5 illustrates an enlarged view of a caster support member of Fig. 4, showing apertures formed in the support member for coupling casters or the column thereto, and showing the substantially square-shaped recess formed in the support member for mounting a supplemental support caster thereon;

Fig. 6 illustrates a sectional fragmentary view of one end of the base, showing the supplemental support caster positioned such that it is spaced from the floor and not in alignment with the primary caster; Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective fragmentary view of the receptacle support member fastened to a frame positioned on the upper portion of the column;

Fig. 8 illustrates a fragmentary view of the intermediate portion of the column, showing the assembly of the storage receptacles and the support member;

Fig. 9 illustrates a sectional fragmentary view similar to that of Fig. 6, showing another embodiment wherein a roller is used in place of the supplemental support caster;

Fig. 10 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an alternative configuration for the base, showing two arms extending from the proximal end of the base, each arm carrying a primary caster and a supplemental support caster; Fig. 11 illustrates a sectional fragmentary view similar to that of Figs.

6 and 9, showing another embodiment wherein a protrusion or foot is used in place of the supplemental support caster; and Fig. 12 illustrates a bottom perspective view of another alternative configuration for the base, showing a single arm extending from the proximal end of the base, the arm carrying a primary caster and a supplemental support caster.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An overbed table 10, shown in Fig. 1, illustratively includes a base 12, a column 14, and a tabletop 16. The overbed table 10 is illustrative of the type of patient care device having a base which moves under a patient support and a platform or other structure such as a tabletop which moves over the patient support. As another example, a bassinette may be constructed according to the disclosure.

Column 14 is illustratively telescoping, however, it should be understood that fixed- height columns and columns having alternative constructions are within the scope of the disclosure.

Tabletop 16 is shown in phantom as a rectangular top in Fig. 1; however, it should be understood that any construction for a tabletop or other platform or structure is within the scope of the present disclosure, and that the disclosure is not limited by the present illustrations. For example, tabletop 16 may comprise a plurality of tabletop surfaces movable relative to each other, examples of which can be seen in U.S. Patent No. 5,473,997, incorporated by reference. As can be seen in Fig. 1, column 14 illustratively comprises a lower portion 18, an upper portion 20, and an intermediate portion 22. Lower portion 18 of column 14 is supported on base 12, and a tabletop support frame 24 is supported on upper portion 20 of column 14, as can be seen in Figs. 7-8. Illustratively, lower portion 18 is mounted on base 12 with welding, and tabletop support frame 24 is illustratively welded to upper portion 20 of column 14. Further illustratively, upper portion 20 and intermediate portion 22 are constructed as a single member that is slidably positioned relative to lower portion 18. However, it is within the scope of the disclosure to utilize any method of attachment or interrelation for such elements. It is also within the scope of the disclosure to mount column 14 on either end of base 12, or to mount column 14 in a middle portion of base 12 between the ends.

As can be seen in Fig. 1, a support platform 28 is illustratively positioned over tabletop support frame 24 (tabletop support frame 24 also being visible in Fig. 7). The support platform 28 is configured to carry a tabletop 16 thereon. Illustratively, a tray 30 is formed in support platform 28, the tray 30 being positioned above column 14 and adjacent to tabletop 16. The tabletop 16 is illustratively carried by support platform 28 to extend from the side of tray 30 in the same lateral direction as that which base 12 extends. It should be understood, however, that support platform 28 can be omitted and tabletop 16 carried directly by tabletop support frame 24.

While the illustrative embodiment discloses a support platform 28 having a tray 30 formed therein, it should be understood that other configurations for tabletops and support platforms are within the scope of the disclosure, and the inventive features described and claimed herein are not limited to applications having the illustrated configuration.

According to the disclosure, an upwardly opening storage receptacle, or in the illustrative case, a plurality of upwardly opening storage receptacles 32A, 32B extend outwardly from an intermediate portion 22 of column 14, as can be seen in Figs. 1-3 and 8. Receptacles 32A, 32B are supported by an elongated support member 34, which is illustratively fastened to tabletop support frame 24 with conventional fasteners, such as bolts 36, washers, and nuts 37, as can be seen in Figs. 7-8.

Elongated support member 34 is illustratively a metal bar having a 90- degree bend 38 such that lower support arm 42 is formed at lower end 40 of support member 34, as can be seen in Fig. 8. Storage receptacle 32B, shown detached from support arm 42 in Fig. 8, is supported by and welded to support arm 42 in the illustrated embodiment, however, it should be understood that other attachment methods and other constructions are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, support member 34 and storage receptacles 32A, 32B could be integrally formed, or support member 34 and storage receptacles 32A, 32B could be heat-sealed together.

In the illustrated embodiment, a second support arm (not shown) is welded to a central portion of support member 34, the second support arm supporting a second storage receptacle 32A, as shown in Fig. 8, although any number of storage receptacles 32A can be mounted to support member 34.

Each storage receptacle 32A, 32B is illustratively a polymer-coated wire basket 33 carrying a liner 44 formed to be carried by the basket, as can be seen in Figs. 2 and 8. Liner 44 is illustratively formed of a polymer or paper material that is either re-usable or disposable. Liners 44 provide the advantage of being removable from the basket 33 for cleaning or replacement purposes. It should be understood, however, that a liner 44 is not required by the present disclosure, and storage receptacles 32A, 32B could be designed such that a liner is not required. Storage receptacles 32A, 32B could also be formed of only a polymer.

Storage receptacles 32A, 32B, as seen in Fig. 8, are formed with an inset 46 that is shaped for receiving column 14. Liners 44 are also illustratively similarly formed. Such an inset 46 provides for mounting of receptacles 32 A, 32B and support member 34 on column 14. As can be seen in the illustrative view in Fig. 3, two mounting plates 48 are welded to storage receptacle 32 A (and storage receptacle 32B would be similarly formed), one on each side of inset 46, such that mounting strap 50, when fastened to mounting plates 48 with fasteners 52, cooperates with inset 46 to enclose a portion of column 14 in inset 46, thereby preventing lateral movement of storage receptacle 32A. Other mounting configurations are within the scope of the disclosure, however. For example, inset 46 may be formed such that the dimensions of inset 46 are small enough that inset 46 maintains a friction fit on column 14. In the alternative, hooks may be positioned on either column 14 or receptacle 32A for cooperation with a hook receiver positioned on the other of the column or receptacle. h the illustrative embodiment, as can be seen in Figs. 7-8, a mount bar

56 is transversely mounted on upper end 54 of support member 34. Such a mount bar 56 is illustratively welded to upper end 54, but could alternatively be fastened, formed integrally with, or have a number of other constructions connecting it to upper end 54 of support member 34. Apertures 58 are formed in mount bar 56 and fasteners 36 pass through apertures 58 and are mated with nuts 37 to fasten mount bar 56 to tabletop support frame 24. In the alternative, a fastener could directly attach support member 34 to tabletop support frame 24. In yet another alternative, support member 34 and/or mount bar 56 could be mounted on column 14.

Base 12 is assembled and formed in the following fashion. Base 12 includes a base frame 60, as can be seen in Fig. 4. Base frame 60 illustratively comprises a beam 62 extending from a proximal end 64 of base 12 to a distal end 66 of base 12. Beam 62 is illustratively a solid metal beam and provides ballast support for overbed table 10, however, it is within the scope of the disclosure to utilize a tubular beam, an I-shaped beam, or other constructions. Lower portion 18 of column 14 is illustratively welded to proximal end 64 of base 12, as seen in Fig. 4. At proximal end 64, a proximal support member 68 is welded in a substantially transverse fashion to gusset 63, which is in turn welded to beam 62. Member 68 illustratively has a first leg and second leg positioned at an angle thereto, the member 68 resembling a boomerang shape. A substantially identical distal support member 70 is welded in a transverse fashion to beam 62 at distal end 66.

Gusset 63 bridges the elevation difference between proximal end 64 and distal end 66 of base 12. Specifically, the uppermost surface of gusset 63 defines a declining ramp (viewable in Fig. 1 in the conforming cover 92 as ramp 65) between proximal support member 68 and beam 62. Distal support member 70 is also at the same elevation as beam 62. Such an elevation difference results from casters with larger wheel diameters that support proximal end 64, in contrast to casters with smaller wheel diameters that support distal end 66, described in further detail herein. Proximal support member 68 carries two casters 72, each caster 72 being positioned toward one extremity of the boomerang-shaped member 68, as can be seen in Fig. 4. Casters 72 illustratively have 50 millimeter (50 mm) wheel diameters and can be purchased from Faultless Caster Division in Evansville, Indiana, as part number 47967-IT032UN-50MM BLK. Continuing to refer to Fig. 4, distal support member 70 carries two casters 74, each caster 74 being positioned toward one extremity of the boomerang- shaped member 70. Casters 74 illustratively have wheels of smaller dimension than that of casters 72, the wheel diameter of such casters 74 being 35 millimeters (35 mm) in the illustrated embodiment. The illustrative smaller wheel diameter for casters 74 allows distal end 66 of base 12 to have a lower profile relative to a floor 80, permitting overbed table 10 to be positioned under hospital beds or other medical devices that have small clearances. Illustratively, distal end 66 of base 12 has a height 84 (shown in Fig. 6) no greater than one and seven-eighths inch (1 7/8") (47.6 mm), as can be seen in Fig. 6. The lower profile of distal end 66 can also be viewed in Fig. 1, with cover 92 mounted on base 12. The illustrative casters 74 have 35 mm wheel diameters and can be purchased from Tente Caster, Inc., located in Hebron, Kentucky, as part number 5920 UOI 035 L51-9. Distal support member 70 further carries a substantially centrally located support caster 76. Support caster 76 is mounted to a central portion of distal support member 70, the central portion being stamped such that an indentation or recess 78 is formed, visible in Figs. 5-6. Such a configuration causes support caster 76 to be carried above a level floor 80 by a height 82 when both distally located casters 74 are in contact with floor 80, as can be seen in Fig. 6. Height 82 is illustratively in the range of 0.060 to 0.125 inch (1.524 mm - 3.175 mm). Such a height permits normal operation and steering of overbed table 10 with the primary casters 72, 74 when floor 80 is level, while support caster 76 will become load- bearing and come into contact with a floor when the floor is uneven or when overbed table 10 is moved over door thresholds.

While the illustrative supporting caster 76 also has a 35 mm wheel diameter and can be purchased from Tente Caster, Inc., located in Hebron, Kentucky, as part number 5920 UOI 035 L51-9, other wheel diameters and constructions may be used for supporting caster 76. For example, a supporting caster may have a wheel diameter even smaller than that of casters 74, thereby eliminating the need to provide a recess 78 in distal support member 70. In another embodiment, shown in Fig. 9, a roller 94 may be used instead of a support caster, the roller being illustratively manufactured from a spherical ball 96 movably housed in a housing 98. Alternatively, a cylindrical roller may be used (not shown). However, it is within the scope of the disclosure to have other heights, structures, and configurations, with the goal of providing a support that is spaced from floor 80, the support aiding with movement over uneven floors and thresholds. The support may even comprise a protrusion or foot 104 (visible in Fig. 11) extending from distal support member 70, the foot 104 being composed of a substance, such as a polymer, that slides easily over a floor, and the foot being configured to receive and pass over thresholds without being stopped by an edge of the threshold. Illustratively, foot 104 has a rounded bottom end 106 that facilitates movement over uneven surfaces with which it may come into contact. The constructions disclosed permit the use of casters (such as casters

74) having relatively smaller wheel diameters. In operation, smaller casters tend to become caught or stuck in door thresholds, elevator thresholds, cracks and variations in floor surfaces. By providing another support caster, support roller, or even just a slidable support member like the foot described above, such thresholds and floor variations are more manageable and less likely to topple or stop an overbed table or the like. Meanwhile, the smaller profile of the distal end 66 of the base allows the overbed table or the like to be used with beds or similar devices having smaller clearances.

As can be seen in Fig. 5, a line 86 can be defined between the illustrative mounting apertures 88 of casters 74. In the illustrative embodiment, support caster 76 is mounted in an aperture 90 that is offset from line 86. The offset alignment can also be seen in an elevation view in Fig. 6. Alternatively, support caster 76 does not need to be offset from line 86.

The present disclosure also includes a method of supporting a patient care apparatus for movement relative to a floor. While the patient care apparatus is illustratively an overbed table, other devices for use in medical care and for caretaking of patients are within the scope of the disclosure. Any device having casters, rollers, or the like configured for movement can benefit from the above- disclosed configurations. A lower profile for the base of the device can be achieved, and furthermore, the system better accommodates uneven floors and thresholds. As described above, such a configuration prevents the drop or retention of distal end 66 as a result of cracks, thresholds, and uneven surfaces. The method includes the steps of mounting a pair of casters to a column-carrying end of a base of the apparatus, mounting a second pair of casters to the opposite end of the base, and mounting a raised caster to a recessed central portion of the opposite end of the base. The raised caster is not load-bearing when the overbed table is supported on a floor that is flat, but the raised caster is mounted to engage a floor or threshold otherwise. The elevation of the raised caster may be established by placing the caster in a recess.

It is conceivable that proximal end 64 of base can be configured similarly to distal end 66, such that proximal end 64 has two primary casters mounted thereon, and a support caster mounted therebetween. It is also conceivable that distal end 66 can have two primary casters 74 mounted thereto, the two casters 74 having smaller wheel diameters than a caster 72 positioned at proximal end 64. Such a configuration may be construction without a support caster 76. It is also within the scope of the disclosure to modify the configuration of the base, for example, the base could be configured to be substantially "Z"-shaped, "C"-shaped, or "U"-shaped, the latter of which can be seen in Fig. 10. i such an embodiment, two distally extending arms 100, 102 extend transversely from proximal end 64' of base 12'. Each arm 100, 102 has a distally mounted caster 74, and a support caster 76 mounted proximal thereto. Support casters 76 are illustratively shown positioned toward the proximal end 64' of base 12' relative to casters 74, however, it should be understood that alternative placements are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, support casters 76 could be placed alongside casters 74, or alternatively at a more distal point than casters 74 relative to base 12'. Casters 76 are illustratively mounted in recesses 78', however, as described above, other configurations which permit casters 76 to be spaced above a level floor are within the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, it is within the scope of the disclosure to utilize rollers, protrusions, or other described embodiments in substitution for caster 76. Yet another embodiment can be seen in Fig. 12, wherein base 12" is formed to substantially resemble a "T" shape. In such an embodiment, a single distally extending arm 104 extends transversely from proximal end 64" of base 12". Arm 104 illustratively has a distally mounted caster 74, and a support caster 76 mounted proximal thereto. Although support caster 76 is shown positioned toward the proximal end 64" of base 12" relative to caster 74, it should be understood that alternative placements are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, support caster 76 could be placed alongside caster 74, or at a more distal point than caster 74 relative to base 12". Caster 76 is illustratively mounted in recess 78", however, as described above, other configurations which permit caster 76 to be spaced above a level floor are within the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, it is within the scope of the disclosure to utilize rollers, protrusions, or other described embodiments in substitution for caster 76.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have herein been described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

There is a plurality of advantages of the present invention arising from the various features of the overbed table and associated method described herein. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of the overbed table and associated method of the present invention may not include all of the features described yet still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations of an overbed table and associated method that incorporate one or more of the features of the present invention and fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A patient care device of the type having a base portion for movement under a patient support and a structure such as a table portion for movement over the patient support, the device comprising: a base having a proximal end and a distal end spaced in a lateral direction from the proximal end, a column extending upwardly from the proximal end of the base, the column having an upper portion, a lower portion, and an intermediate portion, a table carried by the column to extend from the column upper portion in the lateral direction, a pair of casters coupled to the distal end of the base and spaced apart along a line transverse to the lateral direction, and a support caster coupled to the distal end of the base, the support caster being positioned substantially between the pair of casters.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein one of the pair of casters is mounted on one side of the distal end of the base, the other of the pair of casters is mounted on the other side of the distal end of the base, the casters defining a line therebetween transverse to the lateral direction, and the support caster is offset from the defined line.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the pair of casters is configured to engage a floor having a floor contact plane, and the support caster is spaced from the floor contact plane.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the support caster is upwardly spaced relative to the floor contact plane.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a frame, the frame having a distal end comprising a central portion, a first leg extending from the central portion, and a second leg extending from the central portion at an angle relative to the first leg.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein each one of the pair of casters is mounted on one of the first and second legs.

7. The device of claim 5, wherein the support caster is mounted on the central portion.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of casters has a wheel diameter less than 50 millimeters.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the support caster has a wheel diameter less than 50 millimeters.

10. The device of claim 1 , wherein the support caster has a wheel diameter equal to that of each of the pair of casters.

11. The device of claim 1 , wherein the support caster has a wheel diameter that is different than that of the pair of casters.

12. The device of claim 1, further comprising a second pair of casters coupled to the proximal end of the base and spaced apart along a line transverse to the lateral direction.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein each of the second pair of casters has a larger wheel diameter than that of the first pair of casters.

14. An overbed table comprising: a base having a proximal end and a distal end spaced in a lateral direction from the proximal end, the base being configured to support the overbed table on a flat surface, a column extending upwardly from the proximal end of the base, a table carried by the column to extend from the column upper portion in the lateral direction, and three casters mounted on the distal end of the base, at least one of the three casters being mounted such that it is spaced apart from contact with the flat surface.

15. The overbed table of claim 14, wherein the at least one caster is spaced apart from the flat surface a distance ranging between 0.060 inch and 0.125 inch (1.524 mm - 3.175 mm).

16. The overbed table of claim 14, wherein the distal end of the base has a height no greater than 1 7/8 inch (47.6 mm).

17. A method of supporting a patient care apparatus for movement relative to a floor, the method comprising the steps of: mounting a column on one end of a base of the apparatus, mounting a pair of casters to the opposite end of the base, each one of the pair being mounted on a side of the opposite end, and mounting one of a roller, a caster, and a protrusion to a central portion of the opposite end of the base, wherein the selected one of the roller, caster, and protrusion is not load-bearing when the apparatus is supported on a floor that is flat.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the roller is cylindrical.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the roller is spherical.

20. An overbed table comprising: a base having a proximal end and a distal end spaced in a lateral direction from the proximal end, a column extending upwardly from the proximal end of the base, the column having an upper portion, a lower portion, and an intermediate portion, a table carried by the column to extend from the column upper portion in the lateral direction, and an upwardly opening storage receptacle extending outwardly from the intermediate portion of the column.

21. The overbed table of claim 20, wherein the storage receptacle comprises a frame and a replaceable liner.

22. The overbed table of claim 20, wherein the storage receptacle is foimed from a single piece.

23. The overbed table of claim 20, further comprising a support member positioned on the upper portion of the column, the storage receptacle being carried by the support member.

24. The overbed table of claim 23, wherein the support member extends downwardly from the upper portion of the column along the intermediate portion of the column.

25. The overbed table of claim 23 , further comprising a tabletop support frame coupled to the upper portion of the column, the support member being coupled to the tabletop support frame.

26. The overbed table of claim 25, wherein the support member is removably coupled to the intermediate portion of the column.

27. The overbed table of claim 23, further comprising a support arm laterally extending from the support member, the support arm being configured to support the storage receptacle thereon.

28. The overbed table of claim 20, wherein the storage receptacle is formed to include an inset for receiving a portion of the column.

29. The overbed table of claim 28, further comprising a strap formed to cooperate with the inset of the storage receptacle to enclose a portion of the column in the inset.

30. The overbed table of claim 20, further comprising a strap fastened to the storage receptacle for holding the storage receptacle adjacent the column.

31. The overbed table of claim 20, further comprising at least a second storage receptacle extending outwardly from the intermediate portion of the column.

32. An overbed table comprising: a base having a proximal end and a distal end spaced in a lateral direction from the proximal end, a column extending upwardly from the proximal end of the base, the column having an upper portion, a lower portion, and an intermediate portion, a frame carried by the column to extend from the column upper portion in the lateral direction, a support platform carried by the frame and extending substantially the dimension of the frame, the support platform being formed to include a tray positioned above the upper portion of the column, and a table carried by the support platform to extend from the side of the tray in the lateral direction.

33. The overbed table of claim 32, further comprising a pair of primary casters coupled to the distal end of the base and a support caster coupled in a position substantially between the primary casters.

34. A patient care device of the type having a base portion for movement under a patient support and a structure such as a table portion for movement over the patient support, the device comprising: a base having a proximal portion and a plurality of laterally extending arms extending toward a distal portion, a column extending upwardly from the proximal portion of the base, a table carried by the column to extend from the column in the lateral direction, a primary caster coupled to each of the plurality of laterally extending arms, each primary caster being coupled to a distal portion of the arm for engagement with a floor having a floor contact plane, and a support caster coupled to the distal portion of at least one of the plurality of laterally extending arms, the support caster being spaced from the floor contact plane.

35. The patient care device of claim 34, wherein the support caster is positioned between the proximal portion and the primary caster.

36. The patient care device of claim 34, wherein the support caster is spaced apart from the floor contact plane a distance in the range of 0.060 inch to 0.125 inch (1.524 mm - 3.175 mm).

37. The patient care device of claim 34, wherein the distal portion of the base has a height no greater than 1 7/8 inch (47.6 mm).

38. A patient care device of the type having a base portion for movement under a patient support and a structure such as a table portion for movement over the patient support, the device comprising: a base having a proximal portion and a laterally extending arm extending toward a distal portion, a column extending upwardly from the proximal portion of the base, a table carried by the column to extend from the column in the lateral direction, a primary caster coupled to the laterally extending arm, the primary caster being coupled to a distal portion of the arm for engagement with a floor having a floor contact plane, and a support caster coupled to the distal portion of the laterally extending arm, the support caster being spaced from the floor contact plane.

39. The patient care device of claim 38, wherein the support caster is positioned between the proximal portion and the primary caster.

40. The patient care device of claim 38, wherein the support caster is spaced apart from the floor contact plane a distance in the range of 0.060 inch to 0.125 inch (1.524 mm - 3.175 mm).

41. The patient care device of claim 38, wherein the distal portion of the base has a height no greater than 1 7/8 inch (47.6 mm).

42. A method of supporting a patient care apparatus for movement relative to a floor, the method comprising the steps of: mounting a column on a first end of a base of the apparatus, mounting at least one of a roller and a caster to the first end of the base, the selected at least one having a first wheel diameter, mounting at least one caster to the opposite end of the base, the at least one caster having a second wheel diameter smaller than the first wheel diameter.