MODULAR, STERILIZABLE SURGICAL TABLE FOR USE IN MEDICAL PROCEDURES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Application No. 60/682,851 filed on May 20, 2005, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates generally to medical tables commonly covered with sterilized disposable surgical drapes and used during surgical or other medical procedures to both store and provide surgeon and nurse access to sterilized medical instruments and supplies and, more particularly, to an improved medical table that is compact and eliminates the need to use sterilized drapes or disposable covers.

Related Art

[0003] Various types of specialized equipment are used to perform surgeries and other medical procedures. In particular, stainless-steel tables found in doctor's offices and operating rooms are used to hold a wide variety of sterilized medical instruments and supplies during surgical or other medical procedures. Examples of such items include, but are not limited to: scalpels, forceps, IV tubes, needles/syringes, spreaders, clamps, saws, staplers, staple removal tools, staples, catheters, stents, feeding tubes, instrument retrieval and soaking trays, instrument sterilization trays and baskets, as well as gauze, gloves, topical cleaning solutions, sterilized lubricants, rods, screws, plates, cages, and other sterile items.

[0004] The requirement for such tables originates from the needs of doctors and nurses to quickly reach a medical instrument or accessory during various medical or surgical procedures. The requirement that medical instruments and

supplies, as well as work surfaces of the table itself, be sterilized prior to use (and kept sterile until used) derives from rigorous local, state, and/or national health codes, and/or standard medical practices.

[0005] For example, many hospital regulations require routine sterilization of all parts of medical tables used in surgery that are at about thirty inches or higher from the floor of an operating room. As another example, the Centers For Disease Control and various medical organizations strongly recommend the routine sterilization of medical instruments, examination tables, and other medical equipment. Because most conventional surgical tables are not easily disassembled for sterilization, the sterilization requirements are typically met by laying a sterilized disposable drape (cover) on the table surface(s) prior to the start of a medical procedure and then disposing of the drape(s) after the procedure is completed. In contrast, smaller medical instruments and supplies are typically sterilized in an autoclave located in the hospital or other healthcare facility. Examples of acceptable instrument sterilization methods include steam under pressure, dry heat, chemical vapor, radiation, cold sterilization, or ethylene oxide gas.

[0006] Conventional suigical tables are typically made from surgical grade stainless steel and their size makes them bulky and awkward to use. Such tables generally have two or more horizontal shelves stacked one above the other and attached to four upright corner posts. The edges of the shelves and other parts of the tables are typically rounded to avoid snagging or tearing a sterilized disposable surgical drape that is laid over a particular shelf or shelves. To provide mobility, such tables are commonly equipped with an anti-static wheel at each bottom corner. The lower and upper shelves of conventional tables are structured to hold instrument sterilization trays and baskets, lap trays, scope trays, plastic baskets, wire baskets, packaged medical supplies and accessories, and other health care products.

[0007] The sizes of conventional tables vary, but a typical surgical table measures about seventy-two inches wide, about thirty-four inches high, and about twenty-four inches deep, and has a uni-body construction that prevents sterilizing the table (or its components) in standard hospital autoclaves, which typically measure about three feet wide, about six feet tall, and about five feet deep. Thus, conventional surgical tables used in the operating rooms of most hospitals cannot be readily sterilized using steam under pressure, dry heat, chemical vapor, or other types of sterilization methods. Consequently, the shelves of conventional surgical tables are covered with sterile disposable surgical drapes prior to use. A typical use of a conventional surgical table is described below.

[0008] Prior to a surgery, a nurse or technician will prepare the operating room. This is typically accomplished by cleaning the surgical table using a hand- scrubbing method and/or an ultrasonic cleaning method. Once the table is cleaned, the nurse covers the table's work surface(s) with a sterilized disposable surgical drape (or drapes). After the drape(s) have been properly positioned, the nurse loads previously sterilized medical instruments and/or supplies directly onto the surgical drape(s). Generally, the instruments themselves will have been removed from the hospital autoclave a short time before; however, sterilized pre-packaged instruments and/or supplies may be loaded onto the drapes as well. Typical medical instruments and/or supplies may include kits of surgical instruments and medical devices and materials appropriate to the particular surgery that will be performed, as well as autoclave instrument sterilization trays and other sterilization receptacles. Depending on the medical procedure involved, it is not uncommon for a six foot long conventional surgical table to be covered from end to end (and front to back) with sterilized instruments and/or supplies by the time the nurse completes the preparations.

[0009] During surgery, the nurse is typically positioned between the doctor and the surgical table. From this position, the nurse can retrieve sterilized instruments and/or supplies and hand them to the doctor as necessary. The nurse can also take contaminated instruments from the doctor and place them on the surgical drape or in sterilization receptacles that were pre-positioned on the surgical table. Because most conventional surgical tables are about six feet long, the nurse often has to move back and forth from one end of the table to the other in order to retrieve (or set down) a sterilized or contaminated item. The size of the table hinders free and easy movement of the table and the people in and around the operating room. Small operating rooms further exacerbate this problem, because the bulky dimensions of a conventional surgical table leaves the nurse (and/or doctor(s)) with little floor space in which to work. Additionally, instruments and/or drapes positioned on the table may fall to the floor if the table is bumped or a drape is snagged. After the surgery or other medical procedure is finished, the drapes are considered to be biohazands, and must be properly incinerated, which increases disposal costs and adds regulatory compliance.

[0010] Health care equipment suppliers have proposed numerous approaches for configuring surgical tables and methods for sterilizing them. For instance, one conventional configuration solution adds a top shelf to the table. This top shelf is as long as the tabletop, but slightly narrower. Although the plane of the top shelf is not adjustable relative to the plane of the tabletop, the top shelf may be raised and lowered between heights of about twelve inches to about fifteen inches above the tabletop. This adjustability feature allows persons of about five feet four inches or less to reach instruments on the top shelf without having to use step stools. However, this conventional approach suffers drawbacks in that in addition to traversing the six foot length of the table, the nurse may also have to tilt the trays or baskets on the top shelf and/or stand on tiptoe or on a step stool) to see what

instruments and/or supplies are inside. Moreover, instrument trays and other supplies are likely to fall off the narrow top shelf and cascade onto those on the tabletop. Additionally, use of the top shelf requires an extra disposable drape, which increases the hospital's overhead costs.

[0011] Yet another proposed, but to Applicant's knowledge never commercialized, approach is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,927,214 to Kaufman, et a/., which discloses an operating room instrument table assembly formed of a plurality of modular table units. Each table unit includes castor wheel supports, a base frame attached to the castor wheel supports, a table top support frame connected to the base frame, and a removable table top detachably connected to the table top support frame. The removable table top is sterilizable as a unit with the instruments used in a medical procedure. The bare frame includes two upright posts. The table top support frame includes two tabular supports connected by a center connector. Each tabular support is sized to fit over one of the upright posts.

[0012] One disadvantage associated with this operating room instrument table is that it consumes a large area of floor space since only a single table top is included for each movable base/table support frame. Further, if a larger work area is desired, then separate table tops, each on its own movable base, must be disposed side-by-side, and or in a circular configuration, with the surgeon or nurse in the middle. This leads to yet another disadvantage, which is that the person handling the instruments is not free to move about the operating room, but rather is confined within the center of the modular table units. To move about the operating room, the person must push one of the modular table units out of position, and risk bumping another table unit and thereby knocking instruments into disarray and/or onto the floor. Additionally, to access instruments during a medical procedure, the person may be required to move back and forth from one portion of the table to another. During long medical procedures, this may generate fatigue and/or increase the risk

that instruments may be bumped and/or dropped. In addition, only the table top is removable for sterilization. The table support frame (e.g. tubular supports connected by a center connector) remains connected to the movable base, and thus is not sterilizablewith the removable table top and/or the instruments.

[0013] Another approach is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6, 189,459 to DeAngelis, which describes a collapsible auxiliary instrument shelf for use in surgical operating rooms. As described in this patent, a conventional surgical table includes a main shelf that is supported at each corner by a leg. A castor is attached to the bottom of each leg. The auxiliary shelf is supported above the main shelf by a pair of posts. Each post is affixed to one of the rear legs that support the main shelf.

[0014] One disadvantage of this apparatus is that neither the auxiliary shelf nor the surgical table to which it is attached are detachable for sterilization. Another disadvantage is that paper and/or clear plastic surgical drapes, with all the drawbacks referenced above, must be used to cover the auxiliary shelf and table before the auxiliary shelf and table can be used in surgery. A further disadvantage is that the auxiliary shelf cannot be angled relative to the main shelf. Consequently, it is difficult for a user of the table to view and/or access items placed on the auxiliary shelf.

[0015] Yet another proposed approach is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,551 ,674 to Boyd, et al., which discloses an accessory tray for use in a surgery, and, more particularly, a sterilizable accessory tray for supporting absorbent material pads for use in neurosurgery. The tray is supported on a conventional surgical stand, which has a movable base, an adjustable support pole attached the base, and a single shelf cantilevered from the top of the support pole. The accessory tray is removable from and in a fixed angular position relative to the shelf of the surgical stand. However, the shelf and other parts of the surgical stand cannot be readily

disassembled and sterilized. Preferably, the accessory tray is made of a disposable plastic material, but it may also be made of a sterilizable plastic or metal material.

[0016] A disadvantage of the accessory tray of Boyd, et al. is that the tray is particularly adapted to store sterile absorbent pads commonly used in neurosurgery to absorb blood or retain accumulated blood or brain fluids, meaning it has little if any utility for other medical procedures. Although the accessory tray may be removed from the shelf and sterilized, the tray, much like a surgical drape, is preferably removed and thrown away. Consequently, each use of the surgical stand requires either a new sterilized disposable drape or a new sterilized accessory tray. Another disadvantage of this apparatus is that the shelf of the surgical stand is equipped with a continuous raised lip that tends to retain blood and other fluids drained from any used surgical instruments and/or supplies that may be placed on the shelf during a procedure.

[0017] Although today's health care facilities are crowded with new types of medical devices, instruments, equipment, and packaged supplies, virtually no significant improvements have been made to the commercially available medical tables themselves, particularly those used during surgical procedures in hospital operating rooms.

[0018] Recent medical studies have generated stringent sterilization requirements, most of which are difficult or impossible to satisfy simply by hand cleaning and ultrasonic cleaning alone. In addition to being bulky and non- ergonomic, conventional surgical tables are difficult to sterilize and are costly because they require the use of expensive sterilized disposable drapes.

[0019] Thus, there is a need for an improved configuration of a surgical table, particularly a compact table, used during surgery in a hospital operating room, which is easier to sterilize and use in surgery than conventional surgical tables.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The invention meets the foregoing needs and avoids the drawbacks and disadvantages of the prior art by providing a compact, ergonomically-designed, medical table for use in surgery and other medical procedures that has components that may be readily disassembled and sterilized in a standard autoclave of the type typically found in hospitals, thereby either completely obviating the need for conventional disposable drapes or making their use optional.

[0021] A table manufactured according to the principles of the invention may be used in surgeries or other medical procedures performed in human health care facilities or in animal health care facilities. Both types of medical facilities may include autoclaves or similar sterilizers. The table of the invention may be used either to store medical equipment and/or instruments or as a workspace for performing a medical procedure. Users of a table manufactured according to the principles of the invention may include, but are not limited to, veterinarians, traditional doctors and surgeons, medical staff, and other persons who work in the animal or the health care industry.

[0022] Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention, a modular surgical table has a movable base to which a plurality of posts may be fixedly attached. A plurality of sterilizable sleeves is detachably coupled to the plurality of lower support members. A first sterilizable platform structured to hold sterilized medical instruments and/or supplies during a medical procedure is detachably coupled to at least one of the sleeves. A second sterilizable platform structured to hold sterilized medical instruments and/or supplies during a medical procedure is detachably coupled to at least another one of the upper support members. Each of the upper support members, the first sterilizable platform, and the second sterilizable platform is removable from the table for sterilization, which obviates Ihe need for sterilized surgical drapes and facilitates re-use of the table in additional medical procedures.

[0023] In another aspect of the invention, the lower support members may be generally upright posts that extend upwardly from the base, and the upper support members may be generally vertical sleeves, each having an opening that receives at least a portion of one of the lower support members. A gap may separate the first and second platforms or they may overlap and/or be coupled together. The height and/or angle of the first and second platforms may each be adjustable relative to a floor upon which the table is supported. At least one of the first and second platforms may comprise a shelf. The support members and the platforms may be sized to fit within an opening of a standard hospital autoclave, which typically has a width of about three feet, a height of about six feet, and a depth of about five feet. Additionally, the surgical table may be used during surgical or non-surgical medical procedures performed in a hospital, doctor's office, or health care facility.

[0024] The first sterilizable platform may occupy a fixed, first generally planar position that is generally parallel or non-parallel to a second generally planar position occupied by the second sterilizable platform. The second platform may occupy a fixed vertical position higher than a fixed vertical position of the first platform, and the second platform may be disposed behind the first platform. Additionally, at least one of the platforms may be adjustable such that the first and second platforms occupy substantially similar or substantially different vertical positions. At least one of the platforms may further comprise a lateral support member fixedly or detachably coupled to one of the upper support members. Moreover, means for adjusting at least one of the height, angle, and/or horizontal position of the first and second platforms may be provided.

[0025] In another aspect of the invention, at least one of the first and second platforms may comprise a plurality of panels occupying positions in substantially the same or substantially different planes. The panels of each platform may be fixed or adjustable relative to each other. At least one platform of the first and second

platforms may include a rim extending upwardly from the plane of the platform that prevents the medical instruments and/or supplies from sliding off either the first platform or said second platform. The rim may include a gap, optionally formed at a corner where two rims meet, to conduct fluid away from the at least one platform. The components of the modular surgical table may be made from surgical-grade 304 stainless-steel, or similar material(s). The panels of each platform may also be detachably interlocked by a tab-and-slot arrangement or other means known in the art to form a substantially smooth and/or continuous platform surface.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, a method may be provided for sterilizing a drapeless surgical table used in a medical procedure, the table having a separable support member and a platform. The method may include, inter alia, sterilizing the platform and separable support member in a standard hospital autoclave; removing the platform and separable support member from the standard hospital autoclave upon completion of a sterilization cycle; assembling the sterilized platform and separable support member onto a sterilizable movable base; and placing sterilized medical instruments and/or supplies directly onto the platform without use of any surgical drapes. The platform may also be inserted and/or removed from the autoclave with one or more other objects attached thereto. Such objects include, but are not limited to, baskets of instruments or instruments themselves.

[0027] According to yet another embodiment, the surgical table may include first means for movably supporting the table on a floor, and second means for supporting sterilized medical instruments and/or supplies during a medical procedure, as well as third means for supporting the second means on the first means. The second and third means may be removable from the first means for sterilization, thereby obviating a need for sterilized surgical drapes and facilitating reuse of the table in additional medical procedures. Additionally, the surgical table may

include fourth means for adjusting a planar angle of the second means and fifth means for adjusting a height of said second means. The fifth means may be operatively connected to the third means.

[0028] In yet another embodiment, a modular surgical table includes a movable base havhg a plurality of support members attached thereto, each support member may have a platform support. The table also includes a first and second sterilizable platforms that can be removably connected to corresponding platform supports. The first and second platforms are held in place relative to the respective panels supports using a releasable locking mechanism. The sterilizable platforms are removable from the table for sterilization. Thus, the need for sterilized surgical drapes is obviated, which facilitates re-use of the table for additional medical procedures.

[0029] If appropriately sized, embodiments of the invention may provide ability to store about the same quantity of surgical instruments and packaged medical supplies as a conventional surgical table, but may do so within the confines of a floor area having exemplary dimensions of about forty inches by about thirty-eight inches. This configuration saves floor space and allows a nurse or other user to readily retrieve instruments and supplies while standing or sitting in a virtually stationary position. Most importantly, however, the surgical table may be used without costly disposable surgical drapes.

[0030] Standard commercial components may be used with minimal modification (for example, standard sheets and tubes of surgical-grade stainless steel) to form the table of the invention. Thus, manufacturing costs should not be adversely impacted and embodiments of the invention may be competitively priced.

[0031] Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth in the following detailed description, drawings, and claims, including methods of using the invention to perform various medical procedures. Although

numerous implementations and examples of the invention are set forth herein - including in this "Summary of Invention" section -the examples and implementations described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification to illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. Together with the detailed description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the invention. No attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention and the various ways in which it may be practiced. In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a compact surgical table constructed according to the principles of the invention;

[0034] Figure 2 is a top view of the table of Figure 1 ;

[0035] Figure 3 is a side view of the table of Figure 1 ;

[0036] Figure 4 is a front view of the table of Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 5 is an exploded, perspective view of a second embodiment of a compact surgical table constructed according to the principles of the invention, which may be used in veterinary applications;

[0038] Figure 6 is a side view of the table of Figure 5;

[0039] Figure 7 is a front view of the table of Figure 5;

[0040] Figure 8 is another perspective view of the table of Figure 5 that more clearly illustrates the lips provided at the perimeter of the platforms on the invention;

[0041] Figure 9 is a side view of a third embodiment of a surgical table constructed according to the principles of the invention in which the platforms are supported by three legs and partially overlap;

[0042] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the table of Figure 9 showing the flanged connection of the posts and sleeves of this embodiment;

[0043] Figure 11 is a back perspective view of the table of Figure 9;

[0044] Figure 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a base of the invention;

[0045] Figure 13 is a plan view of a front left panel of the invention, which may be employed in the embodiment of Figures 1 - 4;

[0046] Figure 14 is a front view of the panel of Figure 13;

[0047] Figure 15 is a right side view of the panel of Figures 13 and 14;

[0048] Figure 16 is a front view of a rear left panel of the invention, which may be employed in the embodiment of Figures 1-4, and illustrates rear lip 111 A bent downward;

[0049] Figure 17 is a right side view of the rear panel of Figure 16;

[0050] Figure 18 is a left side view of the rear panel of Figure 16;

[0051] Figure 19 is a front view of the front panel of Figures 13 and 14;

[0052] Figure 20 is a right side view of a rear right panel of the invention, which may be employed as the rear right panel 109B in the embodiment of Figures 1- 4;

[0053] Figure 21 is a front view of a front right panel of the invention, which may be employed as the front right panel 107B in the embodiment of Figures 1-4;

[0054] Figure 22 is a plan view of the underside of the panel of Figure 18 illustrating the channel and gussets of the invention;

[0055] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the panel, channel, and post taken along lines A-A' of Figure 22;

[0056] Figure 24 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a surgical table constructed according to the principles of the invention in which the panels are readily attached and removable from the posts;

[0057] Figure 25 is an exploded perspective view of the table of Figure 24; [0058] Figure 26 is a perspective view of a post of Figure 24; and [0059] Figures 27-29 are perspective views that illustrate various steps of attaching a panel to a post of the table of Figure 24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0060] The embodiments of the invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non- limiting embodiments and examples that are described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well- known components and manufacturing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the invention. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the appended claims and applicable law. Moreover, it is noted that like reference numerals may represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

[0061] Figures 1 - 29 herein illustrate various embodiments of a compact medical table particularly adapted for use during surgical or similar medical procedures performed in the operating room of a hospital, doctor's office, or other health care facility. Embodiments of the invention are configured to provide ergonomic access to a variety of sterilized instruments and/or packaged medical

supplies stored on the table, while permitting use of the table without sterilized disposable surgical drapes, e.g., by permitting quick disassembly of the table components for sterilization in a hospital autoclave or similar sterilizer. The modular design of certain embodiments of the invention also allows the surgical table to be configured to accommodate a variety of medical procedures, differently sized operating rooms, various medical instruments and/or prepackaged supplies, and/or various known or future-developed sterilization methods.

[0062] Figures 1 - 4 illustrate a first example of a surgical table constructed according to the principles of the invention. Referring to Figure 1 , an example of a surgical table 100 is shown with a wheeled base 101 , detachable support sleeves 103A, 103B, 105A and 105B, and detachable shelves 107A, 107B, 109A, and 109B. The base 101 may be equipped with conventional anti-static polyolefin wheels 102, some or all of which may be locking and/or non-locking. The base 101 may _. have a generally rectangular or square shape and include one or more cross-braces 115 that may be fixedly attached to one or more lower posts 114A, 114B, 116A, and 116B, which extend upwardly from the base. The cross-braces 115 and the lower posts 114A, 114B, 116A, and 116B may each be formed of tubed, surgical-grade 304 stainless-steel, which can be laser-cut or die-cut from blanks and welded. Of course, the base 101 may be formed in other configurations or shapes as long as it provides adequate structural support for the upper portion discussed below.

[0063] One or more of the cross-braces 115 may serve as a footrail. In one embodiment, the table 100 may be equipped with one or more clips or brackets so that two tables can be attached and/or moved together. Each detachable shelf 107A, 107B, 109A, and 109B may be configured to support at least sixty pounds, but the loading may change based upon the desired application.

[0064] Each post 114A, 114B, 116A, and 116B has a portion detachably connected to a corresponding one of upper support sleeves 103A, 103B, 105A, and

105B, respectively. For example, the bottom portion of the sleeve 103A may slidably fit over a narrower cross-sectional top portion of the corresponding post 114A. A friction-fit or detent or other connection may be used to fix the relative position of each sleeve and mated post.

[0065] For example, as shown in Figure 1 , the cross-section (or diameter, if the posts and sleeves are circular in shape rather than square or rectangular as illustrated) of the top portion of the post 114A may be approximately uniform along its entire length. Consequently, the corresponding upper sleeve 103Amay overlap the lower post 114A and rest in a pre-determined position on one or more of the cross- braces 115. Alternatively, the post 114A may include a shim (or insert) at its free end, over which the bottom portion of the corresponding detachable sleeve 103A slidably fits, preferably in a flush-mounted position as shown in Figures 6 and 7. In a flush-mounted position, the exterior surfaces of the free end of a sleeve (i.e., 103A) are aligned in the same or substantially the same plane as the exterior surfaces of the free end of the corresponding post (i.e., post 114A) to which the sleeve is detachably coupled. In other words, the outer surface of the sleeve proximate an adjacent portion of the post does not substantially protrude outwardly from an outer surface of the post. Of course, a non-flush mounted position (i.e., one where an outer portion of the sleeve proximate an adjacent portion of the post protrudes outwardly from an outer surface of the post) may also be implemented. Preferably, in both a flush mounted position and in a non-flush mounted position, a portion of the end of the sleeve overlaps or adjoins an edge portion of the corresponding post.

[0066] The posts 114B, 116A, and 116B and corresponding sleeves 103B, 105A, and 105B may be configured in a like manner to detachably couple to each other in a flush-mounted (or non-flush mounted) position. In either case, the sleeves 103A, 103B, 105A, and 105B occupy pre-determined vertical positions along a length of their corresponding posts 114A, 114B, 116A, and 116B.

[0067] Like the posts 114A, 114B, 116A, and 116B, the corresponding sleeves 103A, 103B, 105A, and 105B may be formed of any suitable material for use in surgical and other medical procedures, including but not limited to, tubed, surgical- grade, 304 stainless-steel, which may be laser-cut or die-cut from blanks. If the posts 114A, 114B, 116A, and 116B each have the same fixed height, the rear sleeves 105A and 105B may have a fixed height that is greater than a fixed height of the front sleeves 103A and 103B. Alternatively, if the sleeves 103A, 103B, 105A, and 105B each have the same fixed height, the rear posts 116A and 116B may have a fixed height that is greater than a fixed height of the front posts 114A and 114B. This will enable a shelf supported by the rear sleeves and posts to occupy a different vertical position than a shelf supported by the front sleeves and posts, as discussed in more detail below. In another embodiment, the posts 114A, 114B, 116A, and 116B may each occupy vertical positions relative to the sleeves 103A, 103B, 105A, and 105B that are infinitely adjustable or adjustable in predetermined increments. Of course, any other configurations that permit the total length of the post-sleeve combination to be adjustable in length may be used.

[0068] As shown in Figure 1, the surgical table 100 includes a detachable front shelf 107 and a detachable back shelf 109. Each of the detachable shelves 107 and 109 may include two or more panels that fit together to form a substantially continuous and planar top work surface. For example, the front detachable shelf 107 may include mated panels 107A and 107B, while the back detachable shelf 109 may include mated panels 109A and 109B. Each panel 107A, 107B, 109A, and 109B may be detachably coupled to a corresponding upper portion of sleeves 103A, 103B, 105A, and 105B, respectively. For example, front panel 107A may detachably couple to front sleeve 103A; front panel 107B may detachably couple to front sleeve 103B; back panel 109Amay detachably couple to back sleeve 105A; and back panel

109B may detachably couple to back sleeve 105B.

[0069] Although the panels 107A and 107B are illustratively shown at substantially the same height and planar orientation, it is contemplated that the panels 107A and 107B may be individually positioned at the same and/or different heights and/or the same and/or different planar angles. Similarly, although the panels 109A and 109B are illustratively shown at substantially the same height and/or planar orientation, it is contemplated that each of panels 109A and 109B may be individually positioned at the same and/or different heights and/or the same and/or different planar angles (relative to each other and/or to the heights of the panels 107A and 107B).

[0070] The plane of the detachable back shelf 109 may be parallel to, but preferably intersects the plane of the front shelf 107 at a small angle as shown in Figure 1. Illustratively, the plane of the back shelf 109 may be fixedly angled downwards at about 10° from the horizontal (about 80° upwards from the vertical). This angle allows a user of the surgical table to place boxes and/or other packaging receptacles such as baskets, trays, etc., which are not needed as frequently as other materials, above the front shelf 107, which may be reserved for storing instruments and/or supplies used more frequently such as those taken from the boxes, baskets, or trays on the back shelf 109.

[0071] To increase retentive functions and utility, the front shelf 107 may have a raised lip 111 formed or attached about its entire perimeter, except for one or more corners, where a gap may optionally be provided between otherwise adjoining raised lips. The one or more corner gaps may be structured to allow fluid collected on the shelf 107 to drain. Of course, other fluid draining means known to a skilled artisan may also be used. As shown in Figure 1 , front left panel 107A may have a raised lip formed on three sides (front, left, and top); and front right panel 107B may have a raised lip formed on three sides (front, right, and top). When the panels 107A and 107B are detachably positioned on their corresponding support members 103A

and 103B, their non-lipped edges abut to form a seam, and their lipped edges rim all, or substantially all, of the perimeter of the front shelf 107. The raised edges may be blunted to avoid cutting or scraping a user, and may be structured to keep medical items placed on one or other of the panels 107A or 107B from sliding off.

[0072] Additionally, the back shelf 109 may have a raised lip 113 formed about a portion of its entire perimeter, except for one or more corners, where a gap may optionally be provided between otherwise adjoining raised lips. The one or more corner gaps may be provided to allow fluid collected on the shelf 109 to drain. As shown in Figure 1, left back panel 109Amay have a raised lip formed on two sides (front and left); and right back panel 109B may have a raised lip formed on two sides (front and right). When the panels 109A and 109B are detachably positioned on their corresponding sleeves 105A and 105B, their respective right and left, non- lipped edges abut to form a seam, and their lipped edges rim the left, front, and right sides of the back shelf 109. The raised edges may be blunted to avoid cutting or scraping a user, and may also function to restrain medical items placed on one or other of the panels 109A or 109B from sliding off.

[0073] The front shelf 107 and the back shelf 109, and their component panels, may each be laser-cut or die-cut from any suitable material for use in surgical and other medical procedures, such as a planar sheet of sterilizable, surgical-grade, 304 stainless-steel. Other manufacturing techniques known in the art may also be employed.

[0074] The angled back shelf 109 also permits a user of the surgical table to easily and freely access the interiors of boxes, baskets, or trays placed on the back shelf. Raised lip 113 is provided at the front edge of the back shelf 109 to prevent the boxes, baskets, or trays from sliding onto the lower front shelf 107. Similarly, raised lips 113 on the left side and right side of the back shelf 109 prevent the boxes, baskets, or trays from sliding off the back shelf 109 and onto the floor of an operating

room. Of course, the back shelf 109 may also be structured to have an angle with the horizontal that is infinitely adjustable or that is adjustable in predetermined increments.

[0075] Preferably, the plane of the front shelf 107 parallels the horizontal to provide a flat work surface that is positioned at a lowerheight than the back shelf 109. The horizontal front shelf 107 may be used to store medical instruments and/or supplies removed from a box, basket, or tray stored on the back shelf 109. In one embodiment of the invention, the plane of the front shelf 107 is fixed relative to the horizontal. A raised lip 111 formed along each of the perimeter edges of the front shelf 107 prevents instruments and/or supplies from sliding off the front shelf 107 and onto the floor of an operating room. Of course, the front shelf 107 may also be structured to have an angle with the horizontal that is infinitely adjustable or that is adjustable in predetermined increments.

[0076] Figure 2 is a top view of the surgical table 100 of Figure 1 that illustrates an exemplary placement and positioning of back panels 109A and 109B and front panels 107Aand 107B. As shown in Figure 2, the table 100 may be configured to have a gap 118 between the front edges 160 of the back panels 109A and 109B and the corresponding back edges 162 of the front panels 107A and 107B. This arrangement maximizes the use of the work surface of the lower shelf 107 and prevents items placed on the lower shelf 107 from being hidden or obscured by the top shelf 109. In an alternative embodiment, the shelves may be flush and the gap 118 may be eliminated or the shelves may overlap, e.g., as described in other embodiments below. Additionally, a gap may be provided between adjacent back panels 109A and 109B and/or between adjacent front panels 107A and 107B. Preferably, however, adjacent panels are flush-mounted (i.e., butt jointed), overlapped, and/or interlocked. In a flush-mounted position, the exterior surfaces of adjacent portions of the panels (i.e., 107A/ 107B) are aligned in the same or

substantially the same plane. In other words, the upper planar work surfaces of adjacent panels are aligned to be in the same or substantially the same plane. Of course, a non-flush mounted position (i.e., one where the upper planar work surfaces of adjacent panels occupy different planes) may also be implemented. In both a flush mounted position and in a non-flush mounted position, a portion of one panel may overlap or adjoin an adjacent edge of a corresponding adjacent panel.

[0077] The dimensions of the table 100 may vary depending on its desired use. However, in one particularly advantageous embodiment designed for use in hospital operating rooms, the overall depth 117 of the table 100 may measure about forty-three inches from the front edge of the front shelf 107 to the back edge of the back shelf 109. The depth 119 of the front shelf 107 may measure about twenty-one inches. The width 121 of each of the shelves 107 and 109 may measure about forty inches. The height of shelf 107 above the floor is discussed below in Figure 4, but may vary. For example, the height above the floor may range from approximately twenty-eight inches to approximately forty inches, as measured from the floor to a top surface of the front shelf. The height of the rear shelf 109 above the floor may range from approximately thirty-three inches to approximately forty-five inches, as measured from the floor to a top surface of the back edge of the rear shelf 109.

[0078] Figure 3 is a side view of the table 100 shown in Figure 1. At least one reinforcing gusset 124 or 126 may be secured underneath each panel 107A, 107B, 109A, and 109B. The gussets 124 and 126 may have a v-shape as shown in Figure 5 at gussets 224 and 226, and may extend across a corresponding panel. Because Figure 3 is a side view, the description of the gussets 124 and 126 will be made with regard to the rear right panel 109B and the front right panel 107B. Although the rear left panel 109A and the front left panel 107A are obscured in this Figure, the skilled artisan will appreciate that gussets may be provided for each of these panels in a manner similar to that described with reference to the panels 109B

and 107B. Alternatively, each panel may include two v-shaped gussets placed back- to-back. In a plan view, the back-to-back gussets may form an x-shape, as shown in Figure 22, for example.

[0079] Referring again to Figure 3, the gusset 124 may be fixedly or detachably connected to the underside of the panel 107B by welding or other attachment means known to a skilled artisan. The gusset 124 imay also include a recess 133 that slidably and detachably fits over the top portion of the front sleeve 103B. Again, this is shown better in connection with recesses 233 and 235 of gussets 224 and 226 shown in Figure 5.

[0080] The top portion of the front sleeve 103B may be secured in the recess 133 by a friction-fit, a set screw, and/or other known attachment means. Similarly, the back panel 109B may be supported by a support gusset 126, which extends across the full or partial width of the panel 109B. The gusset 126 may be fixedly connected to the underside of the panel 109B by welding or other attachment means known to a skilled artisan.

[0081] The gusset 126 also may be provided with a recess 135 that slidably and detachably fits over the top portion of the back sleeve 105B, which may be bent to angle the panel 109B relative to the sleeve, as discussed below. The top portion of the back sleeve 105B may be secured in the recess 135 by a friction-fit, set screw, and/or other attachment means known to a skilled artisan.

[0082] As shown in Figure 3, the top portion of the rear sleeve 105B may be angled forward at a fixed angle 127 relative to the vertical for the purpose of angling the top shelf 109 towards the front shelf 107. Other arrangements for angling the shelf 109 may be employed, e.g., as discussed in connection with Figures 22 and 23 below.

[0083] While Figure 3 shows an angle 127 of about 80° relative to the vertical, other angles such as those in the range of about 70° to about 90° may also

be employed. The front panel 107A, back panel 109A and back support member 105 may be fixed in a substantially horizontal position as shown in Figure 5, or angled as shown in Figure 3.

[0084] The table 100 may further include means for adjustably tilting one or both of the shelves 107 and 109 in any number of pre-set or infinitely variable positions relative to the horizontal. Means for adjusting the height of each shelf above the floor in any number of pre-set or infinitely variable positions may also be provided. Any such adjustment means known to a skilled artisan may be employed, e.g., means for altering the length of one or more of the sleeves 103A, 103B, 105A, and 105B and/or means for altering the length of one or more of the posts 114A, 114B, 116A, and 116B as discussed above. Moreover, one or more of the lower posts and/or upper sleeves (and/or one or both of the shelves 107 and 109) may be equipped with hydraulic, pneumatic, electromagnetic strut, pin-detent, or other mechanical, and/or electromechanical assemblies permitting limited relative movement between the posts, sleeves, and/or shelves. By way of illustration and not limitation, the front shelf 107 and/or the rear shelf 109 may vertically adjust using a stainless steel gas spring, such as those sold underthe "Inox" tradename, in each vertical post and one or more CMA cable actuators to adjust the height. An embodiment of a table having one or more cable actuators is illustrated in Figure 8.

[0085] Figure 4 is a front view of the table 100 of Figure 1 showing one example of an illustrative height of the shelves for use in an operating room environment. In this case, the height 129 of the back edge of the back shelf 109 may measure about forty-one inches from the floor. The height 131 of the top surface of the front shelf 107 may measure about thirty-four inches from the floor. Of course, in operating rooms or other locations, other dimensions may be used depending upon the particular application or need.

[0086] Although the table 100 illustrated in Figure 1 shows a front shelf 107 and a back shelf 109, the table of the invention may have virtually any number and size of shelves, posts, and/or sleeves, but maximum benefits are achieved when the shelves and detachable sleeves are sized to fit within a standard hospital autoclave.

[0087] As mentioned above, the table 100 obviates the need for disposable, sterilized, surgical drapes to cover non-sterilized portions of the table, e.g., the shelves. Using the table 100 without sterilized drapes is possible because the shelves 107 and 109, and sleeves 103A, 103B, 105A, and 105B of the table 100 may be detached from each other (and from the base 101) and are sized to fit within a hospital autoclave having dimensions in the illustrative range of about four feet to about five feet deep, about thirty-five inches to about thirty-seven inches wide, and about five feet to about six feet tall.

[0088] In some health care facilities, the autoclaves may be equipped with wheeled carts. The carts may be equipped to receive sterilization baskets that have been pre-loaded with contaminated instruments, instrument trays, and other medical devices. Once a cart has been loaded, it is placed inside the autoclave, the autoclave door is shut, and the steam or other sterilization process begins. The dimensions of the detachable components of the table 100 may be particularly adapted so that each component will readily fit in one or more pieces on an autoclave cart or in one or more of its sterilization baskets. Optionally, one or more of the detachable components of the surgical table 100 may be placed within a sterilizable packaging material prior to insertion in the autoclave.

[0089] Steam, hot air, or chemical vapor sterilization of medical instruments and/or the detachable parts of the table 100 will require varying degrees of time, depending on the load, arrangement, packaging material, and temperature, as well as the type of sterilizing agent, as the skilled artisan will readily recognize.

[0090] Various methods exist to evaluate the effectiveness of the sterilization process. For example, chemical indicators that change color after being exposed to a sterilizing agent may be affixed to the baskets, packaging material, or the detachable parts themselves to indicate that the items have been processed through the autoclave. Because chemical indicators do not measure microbial kill, spore- testing or other biological indicators should be used in conjunction with chemical indicators to confirm the efficacy of the sterilization process. Illustratively, an indicator containing microbial spores may be included in a sterilization load and subjected to the sterilization cycle. Once the cycle has been completed, the spores may be incubated in a nutrient medium and evaluated to see whether a suitably high percentage has been neutralized.

[0091] In general, the recommended settings for a steam thermal autoclave include 25O ⁰ F at 20 PSI for at least thirty minutes followed by fast exhaust and dry cycles. Unwrapped instruments or the detachable parts of the surgical table may be "flash" sterilized using 270 ⁰ F at 30 PSI for about four to seven minutes followed by a fast exhaust cycle. These settings are representative only. Different model autoclaves may operate with different settings. In addition to steam sterilization, radiation and chemical methods (ethylene oxide gas) may also be used to sterilize the detachable parts of the surgical table 100.

[0092] In use, the assembled and sterilized surgical table 100 may be positioned in a portion of a health care facility, such as an operating room of a hospital. A medical professional, such as a nurse or technician, may load the back shelf 109 with instrument sterilization trays and/or boxes, baskets, or trays of packaged medical supplies. The medical professional may then remove individual instruments from the sterilization trays and/or supplies/kits from the opened packages and place these items directly on the front shelf 107. Thereafter, as the medical procedure is performed, the instruments and supplies may be passed back

and forth between the table 100, the medical professional, and the doctor(s). Once the procedure is finished, the medical professional may discard any contaminated items on the table 100 that are disposable, and may place any non-disposable contaminated items into appropriate receptacles for cleaning and loading onto the autoclave cart. Then the medical professional or other technician may disassemble the table 100 for cleaning and sterilization.

[0093] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, to disassemble the table 100, the medical professional may grasp the back shelf 109 (or a panel thereof) and lift to free the recess 135 in gusset 124 from the back sleeve 105A andOr 105B. This procedure may be repeated to remove the front shelf 107 (or a panel thereof) from the front sleeve 103A and/or 103B. Optionally, the gussets 124 and 126 may also be disassembled. Then the medical professional may remove the upper support members 103A, 103B, 105A, and 105B, one at a time, by grasping each one and lifting until the bottom portion of each sleeve is freed from its corresponding post 114A, 114B, 116A, or 116B. Thereafter, the disassembled shelves and sleeves may be hand-scrubbed and/or ultrasonically cleaned prior to being loaded onto an autoclave cart (or inserted directly into the autoclave) for sterilization. Additionally, the base 101 , including the posts 114A, 114B, 116A, or 116B may be sprayed with a sanitizer/disinfectant. Alternatively, the table 100 may be structured such that the posts 114A, 114B, 116A, and 116B detach from the base 101 for cleaning and/or loading onto the autoclave cart (or direct insertion into the autoclave).

[0094] Once sterilization is complete, the medical professional may reassemble the surgical table 100 using a reverse process. For example, the medical professional may first retrieve the front sleeve 103A from the autoclave cart and slidably fit the bottom end of sleeve 103A over the corresponding top portion of post 114A. This process may be repeated for each of the remaining sleeves 103B,

105A, and 105B, which are slidably fit over the top portions of their corresponding

posts 114A, 116A, and 116B. Next, the front shelf 107 (or one of its panels 107A and 107B) may be removed from the autoclave cart and positioned such that one or both of its recessed bases 133 slidablyfit over the top portion of one or both front sleeves 103A and 103B. Then the back shelf 109 (or one of its panels 109A and 109B) may be removed from the autoclave cart and positioned such that one or both of its recessed bases 135 slidablyfit over the top portion of one or more sleeves 105A and 105B. Thereafter, the table 100 may be loaded with medical instruments and supplies as previously described.

[0095] Figures 5 through 7 illustrate a second embodiment of a surgical table 200 of the invention in which components similar to those of table 100 shown in Figures 1-4 have been designated with similar reference numerals. The table 200 is generally similar to table 100, but only two sleeve/post combinations are used, instead of four, as with table 100. This embodiment of the table is not limited to, but is particularly adapted for use in veterinary science and/or medicine.

[0096] Referring to Figure 5, table 200 has a wheeled base 201 , lower posts 214 and 216, sleeves 203 and 205, gussets 224 and 226, and shelves 207 and 209. The base 201 may be equipped with conventional anti-static polyolefin wheels 202, some or all of which may be locking and/or non-locking. The base 201 may have a generally rectangular or square shape and include one or more cross-braces 215A, 215B, and 215C forming a generally triangular configuration. The cross-braces are preferably fixedly attached to the posts 214 and 216, which extend upwardly from the base 201. Of course, other types of base configurations may be used provided they adequately support shelves 207 and 209.

[0097] Each post 214 and 216 may have a portion detachably connected to a corresponding one of upper sleeves 203 and 205. For example, the bottom portions of sleeves 203 and 205 may slidablyfit over a narrower cross-sectional top portion of corresponding posts 214 and 216, respectively. Each shelf and/or post-sleeve

combination of the table 200 may be formed of the same materials and have the same cross-sectional shape as each shelf and/or post-sleeve combination of table 100.

[0098] Like the shelves of table 100, the shelves 207 and 209 of the table 200 are detachable from their support sleeves, 203 and 205, respectively. The shelf 209 supported by the rear post/sleeve combination may occupy a different vertical position than the shelf 207 supported by the front post/sleeve combination. Additionally, the plane of the back shelf 209 may be parallel to, but preferably intersects the plane of the front shelf 207 at a small angle of about 10° from the horizontal as shown in Figure 5. Moreover, the respective post-sleeve combinations of table 200 may each have heights relative to each other that are infinitely adjustable or adjustable in predetermined increments.

[0099] Like the shelves of table 100, each shelf 207 and 209 of table 200 may have a blunted raised lip along an edge (or edges) thereof to prevent items placed on either shelf from falling off. A gap (not shown) may be provided between otherwise adjoining raised lips or may be eliminated altogether.

[0100] As shown in Figure 6, the shelves 207 and 209 may be configured to have a gap 218 between them. Alternatively, the shelves 207 and 209 may be flush and the gap 218 may be eliminated, or the shelves 207 and 209 may overlap.

[0101] Like the table 100, table 200 may include one or more gussets 224 and 226 mounted underneath the front shelf 207 and the back shelf 209, respectively. Like the gussets of table 100, gusset 224 of table 200 may include a recess 233 that slidably and detachably couples to a corresponding portion of sleeve 203. Similarly, gusset 226 of table 200 may include a recess 235 that slidably and detachably couples to a corresponding portion of sleeve 205. A v-shaped gusset is shown in Figure 5, but other shaped gussets like "X" or "Y" or other configurations may be used to support and/or to reinforce the corresponding panels.

[0102] Like table 100, the table 200 may have virtually any number and size of shelves, posts, and/or sleeves, but maximum benefits are achieved when at least the shelves and the detachable sleeves are sized to fit within a standard hospital sterilization unit. Additionally, the back shelf 209 of table 200 may be adjustable upwards and downwards in a range 241 of about eleven to twelve inches between a first lowered position and a second raised position. While Figure 6 shows an angle 227 of about 80° relative to the vertical, other angles such as those in the range of about 70° to about 90° may also be employed.

[0103] Like the table 100, the table 200 may further include means for adjustably tilting one or both of the shelves 207 and 209 in any number of pre-set or infinitely variable positions relative to the horizontal. Means for adjusting the height of each shelf above the floor in any number of pre-set or infinitely variable positions may also be provided. Such means may be the same or similar to the means described above wifri reference to table 100.

[0104] The dimensions of the surgical table 200 will vary depending on its desired use. However, in one particularly advantageous embodiment shown in Figure 6 and designed for use in hospital or veterinary operating rooms, the overall depth 228 of the table 200 may measure about thirty-eight to thirty-nine inches from the front edge of the front shelf 207 to the back edge of the back shelf 209. The depth 223 of the front shelf 207 and the depth 225 of the back shelf 209 may each measure about 20 inches.

[0105] As illustratively shown in Figure 7, the height 229 of the back edge of the back shelf 209 may measure about forty-seven to forty-eight inches from the floor, and the width 221 of each of the shelves 207 and 209 may measure about thirty-eight inches. Of course, other dimensions may be used, depending upon the particular application or needs.

[0106] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the surgical table 200 shown in Figure 5, better illustrating the raised lips 211A-H that may be formed on one or more outer edges of the front shelf 207 or the back shelf 209. Each lip may be formed by bending an edge of the front shelf 207 or back shelf 209 upwands (or downwards), but the invention is not limited thereto. Other types of retaining devices known to the skilled artisan may also be used. Alternatively, one or more lips may be separately formed and then fixedly or removedly connected to the shelves 207 and/or 209.

[0107] Illustratively, the front shelf 207 may include a raised lip 211A formed along a front edge thereof, a raised lip 211 B formed along a left edge thereof, a raised lip 211 C formed along a right edge thereof, and a raised lip 211 D formed along a back edge thereof. The raised lips 211A, 211 B, 211C, and 211 D may be formed of a continuous or a segmented material (i.e., a lip may include notches or gaps distributed along a length thereof). In a similar manner, the back shelf 209 may include a raised lip 211 E formed along a front edge thereof, a raised lip 211 F formed along a left edge thereof, a raised lip 211 G formed along a back edged thereof, and a raised lip 211 H formed along a right edge thereof. Alternatively, one or more of the raised lips 211 A, 211 B, 211 C, 211 D, 211 E, 211 F, 211G, or 211 H may be omitted. Each raised lip may extend above the plane of the shelf a sufficient distance to prevent surgical instruments or supplies from sliding off the table.

^• [0108] The tops and/or corner edges of each lip may be rounded to prevent cuts or scrapes. Additionally, a gap may be formed at one or more of the intersections of the raised lips of the front shelf 207, such as the intersection of the raised lips 211 A and 211C, to facilitate the draining of fluids from the surface of the front shelf 207. Likewise, a gap may be formed at one or more of the intersections of the raised lips of the rear shelf 209, such as the intersection of the raised lips 211 E and lip 211 F, to facilitate the draining of fluids from the surface of the back shelf 209.

[0109] The base 201 of the table 200 illustrates the use of an optional cable actuator 206 that may be used to adjust the height of one or more of the shelves 207 and 209.

[0110] Figures 9, 10, and 11 illustrate a third embodiment of a surgical table 300 of the invention in which components similar to those of table 100 shown in Figures 1-4 have been designated with similar reference numerals. The table 300 is similar to table 100, but includes six sleeve/post combinations instead of four that support two adjacent or overlapping platforms.

[0111] Referring to Figure 9, the table 300 has a wheeled base 301, three lower front posts 314, three lower rear posts 316, three upper front sleeves 303, three upper back sleeves 305, horizontal cross-braces 315A, 315B, 315C, as well as a front shelf 307 and a back shelf 309. The base 301 may have a generally rectangular, square, or other suitable shape, including two generally parallel outer members 363A and 363B that are spaced apart by two orthogonal cross-braces 315A and 315B. Cross-brace 315B may be positioned at about the center of the outer members 363A and 363B. The cross-brace 315A may be positioned between the cross-brace 315B and corresponding ends of the outer members 363A and 363B. A number of polyolefin or other type of adjustable, anti-static wheels 302 may be attached to the parallel outer members 363A and 363B, such as the ends as shown. Some or all of the wheels may be locking or non-locking. The front edge of the front shelf 307 may extend past the ends of the parallel outer members 363A and 363B.

[0112] As shown best in Figure 11 , three rear posts 316 may extend upwardly from the rear cross-brace 315A. Three corresponding front posts 314 may extend upwardly from the front cross-brace 315B. The top portions of the posts 314 and 316 may be fixedly supported by one or more upper cross-braces 315C that extend between adjacent posts.

[0113] The rear shelf 307 may be detachably attached to three rear sleeves 305, each of which has a flanged lower portion 351, as shown best in Figures 10 and 11. Each flanged lower portion 351 may have a cross-sectional area that is larger than a cross-sectional area of each corresponding top portion of the rear posts 316. The larger cross-section permits each flanged lower portion 351 to detachably and slidably receive therein a corresponding top portion of the rear posts 316. The cross- sectional area of the remainder of each sleeve 305 may be of a smaller dimension than the cross-sectional area of each flanged lower portion 351. The shoulder or transition region 349 between tie two cross-sectional areas may form a stop preventing the top of the post from moving past the shoulder.

[0114] Similarly, the front shelf 307 may be detachably attached to three front sleeves 303, each of which has a flanged lower portion 355, as shown best in Figures 10 and 11. Each flanged lower portion 355 may have a cross-sectional area that is larger than a cross-sectional area of each corresponding top portion of the front posts 314. The larger cross-section permits each flanged lower portion 355 to detachably and receive therein a corresponding top portion of the front posts 314. The cross-sectional area of the remainder of each sleeve 303 may be of a smaller dimension than the cross-sectional area of each flanged lower portion 355. The shoulder or transition region 348 between the two cross-sectional areas may form a stop preventing the top of the post from moving past the shoulder.

[0115] The front sleeves 303, rear sleeves 305, front posts 314, rear posts 316, front shelf 307, rear shelf 309, and the base 301 may be formed of welded surgical-grade stainless steel or other similar material(s). In addition to welding, or in lieu thereof, the components of the surgical table 300 may be fastened together using any suitable type of fastening means known to the skilled artisan.

[0116] Like the table 100, the rear shelf 309 of table 300 may angle downwards towards the front shelf 307. Additionally, the rear shelf 309 may

overhang the front shelf 307 such that the front edge 360 of the rear shelf 309 overlaps the back edge 362 of the lower shelf 307. As mentioned above, the front shelf 307, rear shelf 309, rear sleeves 305, and front sleeves 303 may be detached from the base 301 and inserted into a standard sized hospital autoclave for sterilizing. Methods of disassembly, sterilization, assembly, and use of the table 300 parallels those previously described with reference to table 100 and 200, and thus are not repeated here.

[0117] Figure 11 is a rear view of the table 300 that better illustrates how the cross-braces 315A and 315B may connect with the outer members 363A and 363B of the base 301 , and how the cross-braces 315C may connect with the upper portions of the rear posts 305 and the front posts 303. Specifically, the outer members 363A and 363B, rear posts 316, front posts 314, and cross-braces 315C may be formed of tubular stainless steel cut to pre-determined lengths. At the bottom of the base 301, the outer members 363A and 363B are spaced a predetermined distance apart and arranged to be parallel or substantially parallel to each other. This spacing is maintained by fixedly or detachably attaching at least two cross- braces 315A and 315Bto the outer members 363A and 363B. The cross-braces 315A and 315B are arranged such that the longitudinal axis of each cross-brace intersects the longitudinal axis of each outer member 363A and 363B.

[0118] One or more of the rear upright support posts 316 may have their bottom ends fixedly or removably coupled to the cross-brace 315A and/or the outer members 363A and 363B. Similarly, one or more of the front upright support posts 314 may have their bottom ends fixedly or removably coupled to the cross-brace 315B and/or to the outer members 363A and 363B. The upper portions of the rear upright support posts 316 and the upper portions of the front upright support posts 314 may be spaced a predetermined distance apart by fixedly or removably coupling one or more cross-braces 315C therebetween. Each cross-brace 315C may be

arranged such that its longitudinal axis intersects a longitudinal axis of the posts 316 and/or 314.

[0119] The top ends of the rear posts 316 are slidably received in the lower portions 351 of the upper rear sleeves 305. Similarly, the top ends of the front posts 314 are slidably received in the lower portions 355 of the upper front sleeves 303. The top ends of the upper rear sleeves 305 may be detachably coupled to the rear shelf 309 and/or to a backplate 365 thereof. Similarly, the top ends of the upper front sleeves 303A may be detachably coupled to the front shelf 307 and/or to a backplate 367 thereof. Each backplate 365 and 367 may extend downwardly from a rear edge of the corresponding shelf 307 or 309.

[0120] Figure 12 is a perspective view another embodiment of a base of the invention that may be used in the embodiment of Figures 1-4. In this embodiment, the top portions of the front upright posts 114A and 114B and the top portions of the rear upright posts 116A and 116B have been configured as inserts 140A, 140B, 142A and 142B, respectively. Each insert preferably includes walls on at least three sides. The fourth side may be left open to save material and/or manufacturing costs. The fourth side may face outwardly as shown or inwardly, which may facilitate shipping. If the fourth side is left open as illustrated, the top corners of the opposing sidewalls may be beveled or curved to facilitate insertion of the insert 140A, 140B, 142A, 142B within the interior of a corresponding sleeve 103A, 103B, 105A, 105B.

[0121] Figure 13 is a plan view of the front left panel that may be used to form the front left panel 107Ain the embodiment of Figures 1-4. The rear panel 109A of Figure 1 may be formed similarly, with the exception of rear raised lip 111 A, which preferably is omitted entirely or bent downwards to protrude beneath the plane of the panel. Because the configuration of panel 107A is generally similar to that of panel 109A, only one plan view of the panels, i.e., of panel 107A, is shown in Figure

13 and described herein in detail.

[0122] The panel 107A may have raised lips 111 A, 111 B, and 111 C on three of its perimeter edges, preferably, a top lip 111 A, a left side lip 111 B, and a front lip 111C, similar to the other lips described above. The lips 111A ₁ 111B, and 111C may be formed by bending the appropriate perimeter edges upwards, as shown in Figure 16. When forming the rear panel 109A the top lip 111A may be bent downwards instead of upwards. Of course, the lips 111A, 111B, and 111C may be separately formed from the panel 107A (or 109A) and fixedly or removably coupled to a perimeter edge thereof.

[0123] As shown in Figure 13, the right perimeter edge 112A of the panel 107A may be flat, with no raised lip formed thereon. Moreover, both the top lip 111A and the bottom lip 111 C may terminate a small distance, such as about three-fourths of an inch, from the right perimeter edge 112A of the panel 107A. The termination of the top lip 111A and the bottom lip 111 C before the end of the panel forms a gap region 144 extending along the right perimeter edge 112A of the panel 107A, as further shown at 144 in Figure 16. Within the gap region 144, one or more slots (i.e., indents or holes) 146 may be formed to receive corresponding tabs that are formed on the left edge of an adjacent panel. The slots and tabs function to interlock adjacent front or rear panels together, and provide rigidity and stability to the front shelf 107 or rear shelf 109 as a whole. The tabs are shown in Figures 20 and 21 , which are described below.

[0124] Figure 14 is a front view of the front panel of Figure 13. The front view is taken from the front of the shelf 107A looking at edge 112A and backward toward the rear of the panel. Consequently, the flat right perimeter edge 112A is clearly shown extending past where the front raised lip 111C terminates. Figure 14 shows how gapped edge region 144 is bent slightly below the plane of the panel, which provides for an even, substantially planar top surface when the panels are interlocked together to form a shelf 107 or 109.

[0125] Figure 15 is a side view of the front panel of Figures 13 and 14. The side view is taken from the right side of the front shelf looking across the flat right perimeter edge 112A towards the left raised lip 111 B. This view clearly shows that a gap 121 may be formed at a region where two orthogonal raised lips (i.e., lip 111C and lip 111 B) intersect. A similar gap may be formed where lips 111 A and 111 B intersect. It also shows how the edge area 144 of lip 112A extends below the plane of the panel 107A. The gaps may function to permit liquid to drain from the top surface of the panel.

[0126] Figure 16 is a front view of an embodiment of a rear shelf of the invention, which may be employed as the rear left panel 109A in the embodiment of Figures 1 -4. The front view is taken from the front of the panel 109A looking backward toward the rear of the shelf. Consequently, the gapped edge region 144 of the flat right perimeter edge 112A is clearly shown extending past where the front raised lip 111C terminates. Additionally, the top lip 111A is dearly shown extending downward beneath the panel 109A.

[0127] Figure 17 is a side view of the rear panel of Figure 16. The side view is taken from the right side of the front shelf looking across the flat right perimeter edge 112A towards the left raised tab 111 B. This view clearly shows that a gap 167 may be formed at a region where two orthogonal raised lips (i.e., lip 111C and lip 111 B) intersect.

[0128] Figure 18 is a side view of the rear panel of Figure 16. The side view is taken from the left side of the shelf 109A looking towards the right perimeter edge. This view more clearly shows the back lip 111 A protruding downward beneath the plane of the panel 109A. Only one of the gussets 126A is shown in Figure 18. The upper sleeve 105A may detachably couple to a pair of gussets 126A, which may be fixedly or removably attached to and span the underside of the panel 109A. Each

gusset 126A may include a first angled wing 136 and a second angled wing 137, and a base 134 connected therebetween, as shown more clearly in Figure 22.

[0129] When two v-shaped gussets 126A are placed back-to-back, the gussets 126A form a generally X-shape when viewing the underside of the panel 109A in plan, again as best shown in Figure 22.

[0130] Like the other components of the table 100, the gussets 126A may be formed of stainless steel, or other suitable material(s). The gussets 126A may be fixedly or detachably and/or adjustably coupled to the panel 109A using welding or other fastening means known to the skilled artisan.

[0131] Figure 19 is a front view of the front panel of Figures 13 and 14. The front view is taken from the front of the panel 107A looking towards the back perimeter edge. This view clearly shows the flat right perimeter edge 112A protruding past where the front raised lip 111 C terminates. The upper sleeve 103A may be detachably coupled a pair of gussets 124A, which are fixedly or removably attached to the underside of the panel 107A. The gussets 124A may have a similar configuration as gussets 126A.

[0132] The gussets 124A may be configured to fixedly or adjustably tilt the plane of the panel 107A at an angle of about 10° with the horizontal. Preferably, however, the gussets 124A secure the plane of the shelf 107A parallel or substantially parallel to a flat, non-inclined floor. Like the other components of the table 100, the gussets 124A may be formed of stainless steel, or other suitable material(s). The gussets 124A may be fixedly or adjustably coupled to the panel 107A using welding or other fastening means known to the skilled artisan. Figure 19 shows the top of the post 103A received within an open channel member 138, described in more detail below in the discussion of Figure 22.

[0133] Figure 20 is a right side view of an embodiment of a rear panel of the invention, which may be employed as the rear right panel 109B in the embodiment of

Figures 1-4. This side view is taken looking right towards the right raised lip 111 D formed on the panel's 109B right perimeter edge. This view clearly shows, in dashed lines, the spaced apart tabs 147 that are bent downwards from the left perimeter edge 112B. As mentioned previously with reference to Figure 13, the tabs 147 of the edge 112B are sized and spaced to correspondingly and removably fit within the receptacles 146 that are formed along the flat right perimeter edge 112A of the left panel 107A. The tabs 147 interlock with the slots 146 to provide rigidity and strength to the rear shelf 109 as a whole. The tabs 147 may be made of stainless steel or similar material(s). The gussets 126B and upper sleeve 105B may be constructed similarly to gussets 126A and upper sleeve 105A.

[0134] Figure 21 is a front view of another embodiment of a front panel of the invention, which may be employed as the front right panel 107B in the embodiment of Figures 1-4. This view is taken from the front of the panel looking towards the front raised lip 111D, which extends across the entire front perimeter edge of the panel ^• 107B. One of the tabs 147, which fits with the slot 146 of the front left panel 107A, is shown protruding downwards from the left edge 112B.

[0135] In use, the front left panel 107A is coupled to its corresponding upper sleeve 105A, as previously described. Then, the front right panel 107B is coupled to its corresponding upper sleeve 105B as previously described and simultaneously interlocked with the adjacent front left panel 107A by overlapping the left edge 112B of the front right panel 107B with the right edge 112A of the front left panel 107A and by inserting the tabs 147 into the corresponding slots 146A that are formed along the right edge 112A of the front left panel 107A. Because the right edge 112A of the front left panel 107A is offset below the plane of the panel 107A, the two overlapping edges will mate to form a substantially flush seam such that the work surfaces of each adjacent panel 107A and 107B are substantially even. Additionally, because the front lip 111 D of the front right panel 107B extends all the way to the very edge 112B,

a portion of the front lip 111 D will overlap the left edge 112A of the front left panel 107A and adjoin the front lip 111 C that is formed on the front left panel 107A. In this manner, the shelf 107 as a whole is provided with a substantially continuous raised lip along its front edge. Although not shown in Figure 21, the rear lips of the panels 107A and 107B may also adjoin in a manner similar to that of the front lips 111 C and 111 D. The gussets 124B, channel 139, and the upper sleeve 103B may be constructed similarly to gussets 126A, channel 138, and the upper sleeve 105A.

[0136] Figure 22 is an underside plan view of the panel 109A of Figure 18, showing channel 138 and pair of gussets 126A, 126A, and the sleeve 105A. Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the panel 109A, channel 138, and sleeve 105A taken along the line A-A of Figure 22. The channel 138 may be a three-sided or four-sided member having a recess 135 that detachably receives an upper portion of the sleeve 105A. The three-sided embodiment is shown in Figure 22.

[0137] As more clearly shown in Figure 23, the channel 138 may include an angled end 145 and an opposite free end 143. The angled end 145 of the channel 138 may be fixedly attached to the underside of the panel 109A, for example, by welding or other known fixed or removable attachment means, at about a center portion of the panel. Thus, when the longitudinal axis of the channel 138 is substantially aligned with the vertical, the attached panel 109A will make about a 10° angle with the horizontal. Other angles may also be used.

[0138] Referring again to Figure 22, a pair of v-shaped gussets 126A, 126A may be fixedly attached to opposing exteriorsurfaces of the channel 138. The gussets 126A each include a base 134 that is attached to the exterior of the channel 138, and opposing wings 136 and 137 angle outwards from the base 134 towards adjacent corners of the panel 109A. The two gussets in combination form a generally x-shape, with each wing pointed toward a different corner of the panel

109A. The top portion of each gusset may be fixedly attached to the underside of the

panel 107A, such that each gusset 126A, 126A inclines at about the same angle as the panel 109A.

[0139] Figures 24 - 29 illustrate a fourth embodiment of a surgical table 400 constructed according to the principles of the invention in which the components similar to those of table 100 have been designated with similar reference numerals. Table 400 includes an alternative mechanism that facilitates quick but secure attachment and removal of the panels to the posts.

[0140] Looking at Figure 24, the table 400 may include a wheeled base 401 , front posts 414A, 414B, back posts 416A, 416B, cross-braces 415, a front shelf 407 comprising panels 407A, 407B, and a back shelf 409 comprising panels 409A, 409B. The posts 414, 416 may be permanently attached to the base 401 by welding or other known means, or may be detachably connected to the base and formed in sections as described in connection with the previously described embodiments. Table 400 can be sized and adjusted in the same fashion as previously described in the other disclosed embodiments. The panels 407, 409 may have on their perimeter edges one or more raised lips 411 , 413 to improve the panels' retentive properties and overall utility. The base 401 may have generally rectangular or square shape and comprise one or more cross-braces 415 fixedly attached one or more posts 414, 416 extending upwardly from the base. The base may include wheels 402, that can be locking or non-locking, made of material suitable for a medical/surgical environment to facilitate the positioning of the table 400. In addition, the base 401 may further comprise at least one guard 448 that can prevent the table from coming in contact with an unsterilized area.

[0141] The table 400 may include a pair of horizontal shelf supports 447 connected by welding or other suitable means between posts 414A and 416A, and posts 414B and 416B. Shelf supports 447 supports a storage shelf 449 that provides an additional working surface or place where instrument, supplies or other materials

may be stored. The storage shelf 449 may have a raised lip 445 on one or more sides that serve the same purpose as the lips 411 , 413 on the front and back shelves 407, 409.

[0142] Each shelf panel 407A, 407B, 409A ₁ 409b may be readily and securely attached to and removed from the respective posts 414A, 414B, 416A, 416B by a locking mechanism 443, which will be described in farther detail below.

[0143] Figure 25 is an exploded view of the table 400 that shows the panels detached from posts. Each post 414, 416 may include a plate 440 providing a surface for connecting the panels 407A, 407B, 409A, 409B to the posts. Each plate 440 may be fixed to its post by welding or other known means. As shown in the enlarged view of Figure 26, each plate 440 may include a keyhole/ slot opening 440A to engage a protrusion on the bottom surface of a panel (not shown in Figure 25) to fix the panel in a vertical position relative to the post 414A. To fix the panels in a horizontal position relative to the post, a releasable locking mechanism 443 may be provided. The locking mechanism may be similar to a "Slam Latch," such as those commercially available from the Paneloc Corporation, but adapted for used in accordance with the principles of the invention. An engagement portion 443a of the locking mechanism 443 may extend beyond the planar surface of the panel support 440 through opening 440B in the plate 440 to engage an aperture in the bottom surface of a panel to fix the panel in a horizontal direction relative to the post 414. The locking mechanism 443 can be biased upwardly by a biasing mechanism, like a spring, and may further include an elongated actuator such as J-shaped actuator 443B to facilitate releasing the panel from the post 414A.

[0144] Figures 27-29 illustrate how a panel 407A can be removably attached to the post 414A using panel support 440. Figure 27 shows that the panel 407A may include a fixing plate 451 that can be of substantially similar size as the panel support

440. The plate 451 may include a number of studs 451 A connected to the plate 451

by welding or other suitable means, and one of the keyhole/slot openings 440A. The plate 451 may also include a mating aperture 451 B positioned to receive the engagement portion 443A of the locking mechanism.

[0145] Referring to Figure 28, the panel 407A is lowered upon the plate 440 so that the studs 451 A enter the larger keyhole portion of the opening 440A. The studs 451A have shafts that extend from the lower surface of the fixing plate 451 by any suitable means so that there is sufficient space between the stud 451 A and the fixing plate 451 to accommodate the thickness of the plate 440. The lower surface of the fixing plate 451 pushes the engagement portion 443A downwardly so that its upper edge is substantially co-planar with the plate 440 when the plate 440 contacts the fixing plate 451.

[0146] The panel 407a can then slide in a first horizontal direction along the slot portion of openings 440 (as shown by the arrow H) so that the slot portions of the openings 440A, which has a width much less than the diameter of the stud 451 , secures the panel 407a to the support to prevent movement in a vertical direction. As the panel 407A slides horizontally, the engagement portion 443A will "catch" the fixing plate 451 when its mating aperture 451B passes over of the locking mechanism 443. The biasing force applied by the locking mechanism 443 to the engagement portion 443A will force it into the mating aperture 451 A to secure the panel 407 and prevent horizontal movement relative to the post.

[0147] The panel 407a can be easily detached from its post 414A by pulling the J-shaped actuator 443B downwardly to overcome the biasing force applied to the engagement portion 443A, which will cause it to become disengaged from the mating aperture 451 A so that the panel can slide in a second horizontal direction, opposite the first horizontal direction H. Once the studs 451 are realigned with the keyhole portions of the openings 440, the panel 407A can be lifted upwardly and detached from the post 414A.

[0148] As noted previously, while the posts 414A, 414B, 416A, 416B in this embodiment are shown to be one-piece posts extending from the base 401 to the shelves 407, 409, each post, however, could also be divided into sections, such as a lower post section and upper support sleeve section, such as provided in table 100 of Figure 1. In that case, the plate 440 would be disposed at an upper end of the detachable support sleeve proximate the panel, and the plate 440 and upper post could be sterilizable with the shelf panels. Moreover, the plates and upper posts could be detachably connected instead of permanently fixed by conventional means known in the art.

[0149] A table manufactured according to the principles of the invention may further include a shelf customized to support a basket containing a medical instrument kit, such that the shelf and connected basket may be sterilized together in a standard hospital autoclave without separating the shelf and basket from each other. This arrangement reduces set-up time by permitting a nurse or medical technician to assemble the shelf (with basket attached) on the table base after simultaneously removing the shelf and its attached basket from the autoclave.

[0150] While the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modifications in the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, one or more of the raised lips 113 of the rear shelf 109 and/or one or more of the raised lips 111 of the front shelf 107 of Figures 1-4 (or the lips 211A-H of Figure 8) may be replaced with a contoured shelf rod (not shown), which is raised approximately one-half inch from the shelf's planar surface so liquids can drain. Additionally, the rear shelf 109 may be configured to slide about 4 inches to about 8 inches forward. Moreover, on the rear shelf, the back raised lip and the back half of each side lip may be eliminated (or bent downwards). In such a configuration, the side lips of the rear shelf 109 may grade down as they reach the middle of the top

rear shelf 109. A portion of the front and rear panels of the invention may be labelled by being laser cut or embossed as follows: FR for front right; FL for front left; RR for rear right; and RL for rear left, to provide a system for easily assembling or reassembling the table. The examples given above are merely illustrative and are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all possible designs, embodiments, applications or modifications of the invention.