Adjusting mechanism for stirrup extension bar for medical examination table
AssigneeAmerican Hospital Supply Corporation
InventorFloyd F. Mueller
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A stirrup extension bar is slidably received in an elongated tubular channel equipped at its mouth with a brake pad, and the innermost end of the extension bar is equipped with a brake pad. If the coefficient of friction between the pads and interior channel walls is greater than about 0.9, the horizontal frictional forces tending to hold the bar in place are sufficiently greater than the force tending to unseat the bar, so that the bar remains locked in place. When the stirrup assembly held by the outer end of the extension bar is raised, the brake pads release and the extension bar may be adjusted horizontally. Normal use forces apply the locking force after adjustment.
Claims4
In an examination table having first and second foot rest assemblies located respectively at the left and right sides of the foot end of the table, the improvement wherein each of said foot rest assemblies comprises:
- a horizontal support bar having inner and outer ends;
- a stirrup assembly carried by the outer end of said bar;
- a closed tubular channel in said table for telescopically receiving said bar and conforming to the shape of said bar with clearances on all sides;
- and first and second brake pads of resilient, compressible material located respectively on the upper surface of the inner end of said bar and the lower surface of said channel adjacent the mouth thereof, the material of said channel and said brake pads being such that the coefficient of friction therebetween is at least about 0.9, whereby a downward force on said stirrup assembly will cause said extension bar to frictionally engage said second brake pad and pivot thereabout while said first brake pad frictionally engages the under surface of the top of said channel to lock said bar against further horizontal movement, said frictional engagement between said bar and channel being the sole force locking said bar in place.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.