Adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table

Abstract

An adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table utilizing a platform having first and second end portions. First and second end supports are used to mount the platform which is adjusted by a carriage having a pawl operator. The carriage includes studs having support surfaces for the platform. A tower utilizing a gear rack interacts with the carriage pawl operator to position the platform relative to the first and second end support of the surgery table.

Claims

1. A system of an adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table, comprising: a crossbar mounted to a post, the crossbar capable of being oriented perpendicular to the post such that first and second ends of the crossbar being in a different plane than first and second ends of the post; a tower extending in a vertical direction between first and second ends of the tower, the tower configured to removably fix with the crossbar at a first opening formed in one of the crossbar and tower such that the crossbar and the tower securely engage with each other, the crossbar configured to rotate along an axis perpendicular to a plane of the crossbar while fixed to the tower; and a carriage coupled to the tower, the carriage configured to move in upward and downward directions with respect to the crossbar, the carriage is not configured to move in the upward and downward directions without rotation of a slide lock knob coupled to the carriage, the rotation of the slide lock knob configured to disengage one or more pawls from a gear rack upon inward rotation of the one or more pawls.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a platform coupled to the carriage by at least one engagement surface, the platform extending perpendicular to the carriage such that the plane of the crossbar is perpendicular to a plane of the platform.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the tower comprises the gear rack extending along a vertical direction of the tower, the gear rack coupled to a pawl mechanism, the pawl mechanism is incorporated in the carriage and configured to engage and disengage the gear rack as the carriage moves in the upward and downward directions with respect to the crossbar.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more pawls configured to engage the gear rack upon release of the slide lock knob.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the slide lock knob is configured to displace a lever lock actuator in a slot upon rotation of the slide lock knob, the lever lock actuator rotatably attached to the one or more pawls, and wherein the displacement of the lever lock actuator causes rotation of the one or more pawls.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising first and second handles at opposite ends of the carriage, wherein the slide lock knob and the first and second handles are configured to allow a user to move the carriage in the upward and downward directions.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising first and second handles at opposite ends of the carriage, wherein the slide lock knob is configured to be engaged by a user simultaneously with at least one of the first and second handles.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the carriage, the slide lock knob, the one or more pawls and the gear rack are configured to allow a user to disengage the one or more pawl to move the carriage in the upward and downward directions, and reengage the one or more pawls into engagement with the gear rack at a desired location in the upward and downward directions.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the carriage is configured to travel in the upward and downward directions relative to the gear rack upon the disengagement of the one or more pawls from the gear rack by the slide lock knob.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the one or more pawls are configured to reengage the gear rack upon release of the slide lock knob.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the carriage is configured to travel in the upward and downward directions through simultaneous manipulation by a user of the slide lock knob and of one of first and second handles.

12. A system of an adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table, comprising: a first post extending vertically between a first and a second end of the first post; a first crossbar mounted to the first post proximate to the second end of the first post, the first crossbar capable of being oriented perpendicular to the first post such that a first and a second end of the first crossbar being in a different plane than the first and second ends of the first post, the first crossbar comprising top and bottom surfaces, the first crossbar able to be fixed to at least one first tower and at least one second tower; a first tower extending between first and second ends of the first tower, the second end of the first tower being coupled to the top surface of the first crossbar so that the first tower is perpendicular to the first crossbar, the first tower configured to removably fix with the first crossbar such that the first crossbar and the first tower securely engage with each other, the first crossbar configured to rotate along an axis perpendicular to a plane of the first crossbar while fixed to the first tower; and a first carriage coupled to the first tower, the first carriage configured to move in upward and downward directions with respect to the first crossbar, the first carriage comprising a first handle and a second handle at opposite first end and second end of the first carriage, at least one pawl, at least one gear rack, and a controller configured to move the at least one pawl into and out of engagement with the at least one gear rack, wherein when the at least one pawl is in engagement with the at least one gear rack, the first carriage is prevented from moving in the upward and downward directions.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein, one of the first tower and the first crossbar comprises a first protuberance, and one of the first crossbar and the first tower includes a first opening, the first opening configured to receive the first protuberance as the first tower engages with the first crossbar.

14. The system of claim 12, further comprising a first platform coupled to the first carriage by a combination of at least one engagement surface and at least one claw-like connector, the claw-like connector being disengaged from the engagement surface by activating a paddle structure.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the first tower is configured to engage and disengage the first crossbar as the first tower is removably fixed to the first crossbar.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the first tower disengages from the first crossbar by means of a spring-loaded knob.

17. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a second tower extending in a vertical direction between first and second ends of the second tower, the second tower configured to removably fix with the first crossbar such that the first crossbar and the second tower securely engage with each other, the first crossbar configured to rotate along the axis perpendicular to the plane of the first crossbar while fixed to the second tower.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein, the first crossbar comprises a top and a bottom surface, and the second end of the second tower being coupled to the bottom surface of the first crossbar.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein, one of the second tower and first crossbar comprises a first protuberance, and one of the first crossbar and second tower comprises a first opening, the first opening configured to receive the first protuberance as the second tower engages with the first crossbar.

20. The system of claim 17, further comprising: a second carriage coupled to the second tower, the second carriage configured to move in upward and downward directions with respect to the first crossbar.

21. The system of claim 20, further comprising: a second platform coupled to the second carriage by at least one engagement surface, the second platform extending perpendicular to the second carriage such that the plane of the first crossbar is perpendicular to a plane of the second platform.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the second tower further comprises, a gear rack extending along a vertical direction of the second tower, the gear rack coupled to a pawl mechanism, the pawl mechanism incorporated in the second carriage, the pawl mechanism configured to engage and disengage the gear rack as the second carriage moves in the upward and downward directions with respect to the first crossbar.

23. The system of claim 17, wherein the second tower is configured to engage and disengage the first crossbar as the second tower is removably fixed to the first crossbar.

24. The system of claim 17, wherein the first crossbar, the first tower and the second tower configured to rotate simultaneously along the axis perpendicular to the plane of the first crossbar.

25. The system of claim 12, further comprising: a second post extending vertically between first and second ends of the second post, the second post different from the first post and spaced apart from the first post; and a second crossbar mounted to the second post proximate to the second end of the second crossbar different from the first crossbar, the second crossbar capable of being oriented perpendicular to the second post such that first and second ends of the second crossbar being in a different plane the first and second ends of the second post.

26. The system of claim 12, further comprising: a first platform coupled to the first carriage, the first platform extending perpendicular to the first carriage such that the plane of the first crossbar is perpendicular to a plane of the first platform; and wherein, the gear rack extending along a vertical direction of the first tower, the gear rack coupled to a pawl mechanism comprising the at least one pawl, the pawl mechanism incorporated in the first carriage, the pawl mechanism configured to engage and disengage the gear rack as the first carriage moves in the upward and downward directions with respect to the first crossbar.

27. The system of claim 12, wherein the controller comprises a slide lock knob, and the one or more pawls configured to engage the gear rack upon release of the slide lock knob.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein the slide lock knob is configured to displace a lever lock actuator in a slot upon rotation of the slide lock knob, the lever lock actuator rotatably attached to the one or more pawls, and wherein the displacement of the lever lock actuator causes rotation of the one or more pawls.

29. The system of claim 1, where in the first carriage is not held to the tower by a rod or pin.

30. The system of claim 12, wherein the controller and the first and second handles are configured to allow a user to move the carriage in the upward and downward directions.

31. They system of claim 30, wherein the controller comprises a slide lock knob.

32. The system of claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to be engaged by a user simultaneously with at least one of the first and second handles.

33. They system of claim 32, wherein the controller comprises a slide lock knob.

34. The system of claim 12, wherein the controller and at least one of the first and second handles are configured to be engaged simultaneously by a user's hand.

35. They system of claim 21, wherein the controller comprises a slide lock knob.

36. The system of claim 12, wherein the first carriage, the controller, the at least one pawl and the at least one gear rack are configured to allow a user to disengage the at least one pawl to move the first carriage in the upward and downward directions, and reengage the at least one pawl into engagement with the at least one gear rack at a desired location in the upward and downward directions.

37. They system of claim 36, wherein the controller comprises a slide lock knob.

38. The system of claim 12, wherein rotation of the controller causes the at least one pawl to disengage the at least one gear rack.

39. The system of claim 38, wherein the at least one pawl is configured to disengage the at least one gear rack based on inward rotation of the at least one pawl.

40. The system of claim 39, wherein the first carriage is configured to travel in the upward and downward directions relative to the at least one gear rack upon the disengagement of the at least one pawl from the at least one gear rack by the controller.

41. The system of claim 40, wherein the at least one pawl is configured to reengage the at least one gear rack upon release of the controller.

42. The system of claim 41, wherein the first carriage is configured to travel in the upward and downward directions through simultaneous manipulation by a user of the controller and at least one of the first handle and the second handle.

43. The system of claim 42, wherein the controller comprises a slide lock knob.

44. A system of an adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table, comprising: a first post extending vertically between a first and a second end of the first post; a first crossbar mounted to the first post proximate to the second end of the first post, the first crossbar capable of being oriented perpendicular to the first post such that a first and a second end of the first crossbar being in a different plane than the first and second ends of the first post, the first crossbar comprising top and bottom surfaces, the first crossbar able to be fixed to at least one first tower and at least one second tower; a first tower extending between first and second ends of the first tower, the second end of the first tower being coupled to the top surface of the first crossbar so that the first tower is perpendicular to the first crossbar, the first tower configured to removably fix with the first crossbar such that the first crossbar and the first tower securely engage with each other, the first crossbar configured to rotate along an axis perpendicular to a plane of the first crossbar while fixed to the first tower; a first carriage coupled to the first tower, the first carriage configured to move in upward and downward directions with respect to the first crossbar, the first carriage comprising a first handle and a second handle at opposite first end and second end of the first carriage; a gear rack extending along a vertical direction of the first tower, the gear rack coupled to a pawl mechanism, the pawl mechanism incorporated in the first carriage, the pawl mechanism configured to engage and disengage the gear rack as the first carriage moves in the upward and downward directions with respect to the first crossbar; and a first platform coupled to the first carriage, the first platform extending perpendicular to the first carriage such that the plane of the first crossbar is perpendicular to a plane of the first platform, wherein the first carriage is not configured to move in the upward and downward directions without rotation of a slide lock knob coupled to the first carriage, the rotation of the slide lock knob configured to disengage and engage one or more pawls from the gear rack.

45. The system of claim 44, wherein the one or more pawls configured to engage the gear rack upon release of the slide lock knob.

46. The system of claim 44, wherein the slide lock knob is configured to displace a lever lock actuator in a slot upon rotation of the slide lock knob, the lever lock actuator rotatably attached to the one or more pawls, and wherein the displacement of the lever lock actuator causes rotation of the one or more pawls.

47. The system of claim 44, wherein the slide lock knob and the first and second handles are configured to allow a user to move the carriage in the upward and downward directions.

48. The system of claim 44, wherein the slide lock knob is configured to be engaged by a user simultaneously with at least one of the first and second handles.

49. The system of claim 44, wherein the slide lock knob and at least one of the first and second handles are configured to be engaged simultaneously by a user's hand.

50. The system of claim 44, wherein the first carriage, the slide lock knob, the one or more pawls and the gear rack are configured to allow a user to disengage the one or more pawls to move the first carriage in the upward and downward directions, and reengage the one or more pawls into engagement with the gear rack at a desired location in the upward and downward directions.

51. The system of claim 44, wherein the one or more pawls are configured to disengage the gear rack based on inward rotation of the one or more pawls.

52. The system of claim 51, wherein the first carriage is configured to travel in the upward and downward directions relative to the gear rack upon the disengagement of the one or more pawls from the gear rack by the slide lock knob.

53. The system of claim 52, wherein the one or more pawls are configured to reengage the gear rack upon release of the slide lock knob.

54. The system of claim 53, wherein the first carriage is configured to travel in the upward and downward directions through simultaneous manipulation by a user of the slide lock knob and of one of the first handle and the second handle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

(1) FIG. 1 is a side schematic elevational view of the apparatus of the present invention indicating a reverse Trendelenberg movement of an H-frame in phantom.

(2) FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of the present invention utilizing an H-frame and a patient support.

(3) FIG. 3 is a side schematic elevational view of the apparatus of the present invention where the H-frame and patient support have been rotated 180 degrees.

(4) FIG. 4 is a top left isometric view of the head portion of a surgery table utilizing the apparatus of the present application.

(5) FIG. 5 is a top left partial isometric view of a surgery table employing an adjustment mechanism of the prior art.

(6) FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the tower assembly including a pair of towers and carriage mechanism of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the controlling mechanism of the carriage of the present invention.

(8) FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along 8-8 of FIG. 7.

(9) FIG. 8A is a top plan view of a crossbar of an end support having a single opening for capture of a single protuberance of a tower.

(10) FIG. 8B. is a sectional view along line 8B-8B of FIG. 8A with a tower protuberance in place.

(11) FIG. 9 is a partial front elevational view of the fixing mechanism of the tower portion of the apparatus of the present invention.

(12) FIG. 10 is a left side view of FIG. 9.

(13) FIG. 11 is a right side view of FIG. 9.

(14) FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a surface of a crossbar of an end support receiving the tower fixing mechanism, depicted in FIGS. 9-11.

(15) FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a carriage of an end support depicting the tower in phantom and indicating its movement into fixation relative to a crossbar of an end support.

(16) FIG. 14 is a partial top elevational view of the connectors employed with respect to a platform and stud engagement surfaces of a carriage.

(17) FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14.

(18) FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the paddle release structure.

(19) FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 16.

(20) For a better understanding of the invention reference is made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention which should be taken in conjunction with the above described drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

(21) Various aspects of the present invention will evolve from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof. Such descriptions should be taken in conjunction with the prior delineated drawings to fully understand the idea sought for patenting.

(22) The adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table of the present invention is shown in the drawings, as a whole, by reference character 10. With reference to FIGS. 1-3, it may be observed that apparatus 10 is used in conjunction with a surgery table 12. Surgery table 12 is shown as possessing end supports or posts 14 and 16. Posts 14 and 16 are connected to feet or bases 18 and 20, respectively. Bases 18 and 20 are linked to one another by spanning member 22. Plurality of casters 24 allow surgery table 12 to be rolled along surface 26.

(23) Apparatus 10 further includes tower assemblies 28 and 30 found at the head and foot end of surgical table 12, respectively. FIG. 1 denotes surgical table 12 with a basic H-frame 32 linked to tower assembles 28 and 30. In addition, FIGS. 2 and 3 show an additional table top or platform 34 which may take the form of a spinal surgery top, orthopedic trauma top, radio-lucent imaging top, and the like. It should be seen that FIGS. 2 and 3 represents that the position of H-frame 32 and table top 34 may be reversed by rotation about axis 36 through a known mechanism. In addition, FIG. 1 illustrates the fact that H-frame 32 may be moved vertically along either tower assembly 28 and/or 30 through the apparatus 10 of the present application, which will be discussed in greater detail as the specification continues.

(24) With reference now to FIG. 4, apparatus 10 is depicted in further delineated. Apparatus 10 includes tower assembly 28 associated with first end support at the head end of surgery table 12. It should be noted that a similar tower assembly 30 is associated with second end support 16 at the foot end of surgery table 12, shown schematically in FIGS. 1-3. Tower assembly 26 includes a crossbar or mount 40 which is connected directly to and forms a part of first end support 14. Crossbar 40 orients towers 42 and 44 outwardly therefrom and, as depicted in FIG. 4, in a generally vertical orientation. Tower assembly 28 also possesses carriages 46 and 48 that move along towers 42 and 44 via a ratchet mechanism which will be further discussed hereinafter, carriage 46 is depicted in FIG. 4, for clarity without engagement and support of a table top as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Carriage 46 includes a first stud SO and a second stud 52 that extend from a base housing 54. Engagement surfaces 56 and 58 lie intermediate base housing 54 and handles 60 and 62 of studs SO and 52, respectively. Engagement surfaces 56 and 58 are shown as being generally cylindrical members. However, engagement surface 56 is longer than engagement surface 56 in order to aid in the orientation of table top 34 or H-frame 32. With further reference to FIG. 4, it may be seen that H-frame 32 is connected to carriage 48 by the use of connectors 64 and 66, which will be further detailed as the specification continues. Directional arrows 66 and 70 are intended to show the inward and outward movement of carriages 46 and 48 relative to crossbar 40, respectively, as well as a table top connected to carriage 46 and H-frame 32 connected to carriage 48.

(25) Turning now to FIG. 5, a schematic rendition of a prior art adjustment mechanism for a surgery table 72 is depicted, such as that found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,260,220. A patient platform 74 is held to an H-frame 76 by the use of a removable rod or pin 76 which selectively engages openings 75 through H-frame 76. Needless to say, rod 78 must be cautiously removed and reinserted in any of the openings of H-frame 76 to move table top 74 upwardly or downwardly according to directional arrow 80.

(26) In contrast, the adjustment apparatus 10 of the present application offers superior advantages and is illustrated in FIG. 6 by exemplary tower 42 and carriage 46. Again, it should be noted that carriage 48 of tower assembly 28, and other carriages associated with the tower assembly 30 on the foot end of surgery table 12, are similarly constructed. Carriage 46, in FIG. 6 is shown at its rear side, opposite to the front side orientation shown in FIG. 4. As it may be seen, tower 42 includes an inner open chamber 82 which hold gear racks 84 and 86. Carriage 46 includes a pawl mechanism 88 detailed in FIGS. 7 and 8.

(27) Viewing FIGS. 7 and 8, a controller in the form of a slide lever lock actuator 90 connects to slide lock knob 92 which is manually rotated according to directional arrow 94. Cam follower 96 moves along cam surface 98 to urge slide lever lock actuator 90 outwardly according to directional arrow 100. Such movement displaces lever lock actuator 102, in slot 108 as shown, by directional arrow 100 in FIGS. 7 and 8. Lever lock actuator 102 lies between plates 104 and 106. Plate 106 has been removed from FIG. 7 for sake of visibility of the pawl mechanism 88. Lever lock actuator 102 rotatably attaches to ratchet pawls 110 and 112 at pins 114 and 116, respectively. Again, movement of lever lock actuator 102, according to directional arrow 100, causes the rotation of ratchet pawls 110 and 112, indicated by directional arrows 122 and 124. Pawl notches 126 and 128 are held in engagement with the gear racks 84 and 86, respectively, in tower 42 by biasing springs 130 and 132. The inward rotation of ratchet pawls 110 and 112 according to directional arrows 122 and 124 will disengage pawl notches 126 and 126 from gear racks 64 and 86, respectively, allowing carriage 46 to travel upwardly and downwardly relative to gear racks 84 and 86. The release of knob 92 will cause pawls 110 and 112 to reengage gear racks 64 and 86 through the action of biasing springs 130 and 132, respectively. Of course, pawls 110 and 112 as well as gear racks 84 and 86 may be configured to allow carriage 46 to travel in an upward direction without the operation of slide lock knob 92, yet prohibit the downward motion of carriage 46 without the turning of slide lock knob 92, as heretofore described. It should be apparent that ratchet pawls 110 and 112 rotate relative to plates 104 and 106 by the use of pawl pins 134 and 136 held by plates 104 and 106, FIG. 8. Return spring 138 between slide lever lock actuator 90 and buttress 140 turns knob 94 to a rest position where pawls 110 and 112 are extended into engagement with gear racks 84 and 66. Buttress 140 is firmly attached to body member 142 of carriage 46.

(28) A basic mechanism 143 is revealed in FIGS. 8A and 8B for removably fixing tower 42 to crossbar 40 of first end support 14. In this regard an opening 145 is formed in crossbar 40 with undercut chambers 147 and 149. Protuberance 151 extends from tower 42 and includes lateral projections 153 and 155. Placement of protuberance 151 within opening 145 and twisting or turning of tower 42 and protuberance 151 will cause lateral projections 153 and 155 to engage surfaces or ceilings 157 and 159 of undercut chambers 153 and 155, respectively. Directional arrow 161 of FIG. BB includes such twisting. Protuberance 151 and projections 153 and 155 remain in opening 145 by a tight tolerance construction of such components. However, a preloaded spring may be employed to bear against protuberance 151 within opening 145, if desired.

(29) With reference to FIGS. 9-13, a preferred mechanism 144 is depicted for removably fixing tower 42 to crossbar 40 of first end support 14. In this regard, tower 142 includes an end surface 146 into which protuberances 148 and 150 extend. Protuberance 148 bears a slot 152. Protuberance 150 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with an extending boss 154. As may be apparent, upper surface 148 of crossbar 40 is formed with a first opening 156 having a recess 160 with an undercut hollow 162 shown in phantom on FIG. 12. A second opening 164 is also found on surface 148 of crossbar 40 and includes a spring loaded plunger 166. Plunger 166 is intended to engage slot 152 of protuberance 148. With reference to FIG. 13, once protuberance 150 is placed in opening 158, boss 154 rides in undercut hollow 162 and tower 42 is swung into place such that protuberance 148 of tower 142 enters second opening 164 and is held in place by spring biased plunger 166, concomitant with a snapping noise. As such, tower 42 engages and fits into crossbar 40 in a bayonet connection fashion. Knob 168 maybe pulled to retract spring loaded plunger 166 via shaft 170 connected knob 168. Mechanism 144 also fixes tower 44 to crossbar 40 and fixes a similar tower or towers to a crossbar of tower assembly 28.

(30) With respect to FIGS. 14 and 15, the connection of platform 34 to carriage 46 is illustrated in that a pair of connectors 172 and 174 are shown. Connectors 172 and 174 are linked by a spanning body 176 having a handle 178. It should be noted that connectors 172 and 174 are similar to connectors 64 and 66 shown partially in FIG. 4 that are employed with respect to H-frame 32. Pairs of connectors, similar to connectors 172 and 174, are used at each end of platform 34 and H-frame 32. Each connector 172 and 174 is constructed as a claw-like member, illustrated in section on FIG. 15 with respect to connector 172. As may be seen from FIG. 15, claw-like connector 174 fits over engagement surface 56 of stud 52. Likewise, connector 172 would fit over engagement surface 58 of stud 50. Connectors 172 and 174 click into place by the use of a retractable tip, such as exemplary ball tip 180 used with respect to connector 174. Tip 180 also allows the rotation of connector 174, directional arrow 182, and is linked to paddle structure via rods 184 and 186. Paddle structure 188 which may be employed to release or retract tip 180 from its position against engagement surface 56 of stud 52, directional arrows 190 and 192. Springs 194 and 196 bias tip 180 in its extended position 198 (phantom) to hold claw-like connector 174 against engaging surface 156 of stud 52. Needless to say, table top 34 may be rotated should the table top 34, at the second end support 30, lie at a higher or lower level than the table top portion connected to first end support and tower assembly 26, and vice versa.

(31) FIGS. 16 and 17 depict a front view of connectors 172 and 174 as well as paddle structure 188 that rotates about axis 190. Paddle structure 190 links to alternate flattened projection tips 192 and 194 of connectors 172 and 174 via hubs 196 and 198, respectively. Spanning member 176 holds connectors 172 and 174 together. With particular reference to FIG. 17, another operation mechanism 202 for maneuvering tip 194 is shown. A similar mechanism maneuvers projection tip 192 associated with connector 172. A rotor 204 connects to hub 190 and turns with any force applied to upper portion 206 or lower portion 208 of paddle structure 188, directional arrows 210 and 212, FIG. 16. Slotted arms 214 and 216 engage pin 218 on body 220 which pivots about axis 222. Directional arrow 224 indicated such rotation and the release or retraction of flattened projection tip 194 from stud 52 when either slotted arm 214 or 126 moves toward pin 218, according to directional arrows 226 and 228, respectively. Spring 230 holds flattened projection tip 194 in place against stud 52, absent any force on paddle structure 188. In summary, paddle structure 186 releases flattened projection tip 194 by pressing of either upper portion 206 or lower portion 208, thereof.

(32) In operation, the user attaches H-frame 32 and/or table top 34 to tower assemblies 26 and 30, which are similarly constructed, at the first end support 14 and the second end support 16 of surgery table 12. Tower assemblies 28 and 30 are erected using the bayonet structure illustrated in FIGS. 9-13, showing the exemplary connection of tower 42 to crossbar 40, FIG. 4. H-frame 32 and/or table top 34 are fastened to tower structure 28 by the interaction of the exemplar connectors 172 and 174 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, which are similar to the connectors 64 and 66 illustrated in FIG. 4. The exemplar connectors 172 and 174 are held to exemplar tower 42 by the use of engagement surfaces 56 and 58 of studs 52 and 50. Paddle structure 186, FIGS. 16 and 17 may be employed to release connectors 172 and 174 from studs 50 and 52 via the exemplar mechanism 202, thus, freeing table top 34 from end supports 14 and 16. Exemplary carriage 46 positions tabletop 34 relative to exemplary tower 42 by the ratchet mechanism described in FIGS. 6-8. Of course, the structure described with respect to tower 42 and carriage 46 also applies to H-frame 32, tower 44, and carriage 46, as well as a similar arrangement with respect to tower assembly 30 associated with table top 34 and H-frame 32. Using the ratchet assembly illustrated in FIGS. 6-6, the user of surgery table 12 may adjust either end of H-frame 32 or table top 34 upwardly, downwardly and/or into a Trendelenberg or reverse Trendelenberg configuration.

(33) While in the foregoing, embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, it may be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such detail without departing from the spirit and principles of the invention.