US20110197796A1

US20110197796A1 - Overbed table assembly

Info

Publication number: US20110197796A1
Application number: US12/706,384
Authority: US
Inventors: Vishwanath A. Bhave; Ethan S. Abernathey; Richard P. Derks
Original assignee: Medline Industries LP
Current assignee: Medline Industries LP
Priority date: 2010-02-16
Filing date: 2010-02-16
Publication date: 2011-08-18
Also published as: WO2011102961A3; CN202445458U; WO2011102961A2

Abstract

Overbed table assemblies and table assemblies for use with a patient support surface are presented herein. In one embodiment, the overbed table assembly includes a movable base for supporting the overbed table assembly and a tabletop spaced from the base. A support beam structure interconnects the tabletop and the base. The support beam structure is attached to the base at a point below the upper surface thereof. In other embodiments, one or more elongated glide arms project transversely from the base to abut the ground and thereby provide cantilevered support for the tabletop. Optionally, the glide arm(s) are generally parallel with the ground, and less than approximately one inch high. The base may include an array of wheels, at least three of which are positioned directly under one side of the tabletop. The tabletop may be vertically adjustable, having an adjustable height of approximately 20-40 inches from the ground.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to tables, and more particularly to movable table assemblies with a cantilevered tabletop that is designed to extend over a patient support surface.

BACKGROUND

Many hospitals, medical offices, nursing homes, and other healthcare and non-healthcare facilities provide tables for use by attending physicians, nurses, and other facility personnel as work surfaces, and for patient convenience by providing an available surface. Some such tables, which are typically referred to in the art as “overbed tables,” have a tabletop that is designed to extend over a patient support surface, such as a bed, chair, examination table, and the like. In most conventional arrangements, the tabletop is a cantilevered surface that is buttressed on a rectangular base which is supported at each corner by a caster or wheel. The cantilevered tabletop can often be raised and lowered to accommodate different needs, preferences and patient support surfaces of varying heights.
During common use, the overbed table is wheeled up to the patient bed, chair, etc. The wheeled-base of the overbed table slides underneath the patient support surface such that the horizontal tabletop extends over the patient support surface. The vertical support beam of the overbed table assembly is either pressed against or merely lies adjacent to one side of the patient support surface. The tabletop may then be adjusted to a more convenient height over the support surface. A locking mechanism may be employed to secure the tabletop at the desired height.
In general, overbed tables are classified as either standard-height tables or low-profile tables. Standard-height overbed tables utilize conventional wheels, and typically provide an adjustable tabletop-height range of 30-45 inches. In contrast, low-profile overbed tables typically provide an adjustable tabletop-height range of 19-28 inches, utilizing small-radius casters which provide a low profile base for rolling under equipment and support surfaces with low underside clearances.
Recent developments in hospital equipment include vertically-adjustable support surfaces. Adjustable-height bed frames, for example, have an underside clearance of only a few inches when adjusted to their lowest-most heights. The wheeled-base of conventional overbed assemblies will not clear a bed that has a full height of 7 inches from top of deck to floor in the low position. Attempting to slide the wheeled-base of prior art overbed tables underneath these support surfaces will damage the underside support frame and any associated electronics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective-view illustration of an overbed table assembly in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective-view illustration of the overbed table assembly of FIG. 1.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail representative embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. To that extent, elements and limitations that are disclosed, for example, in the Figures, Abstract, and Description of the Illustrative Embodiments, but not explicitly set forth in the claims, should not be incorporated into the claims, singly or collectively, by implication, inference or otherwise.
The present invention will be described herein in the context of an overbed table assembly for providing a convenient, readily-available surface for vertically-adjustable long-term care beds. However, the present invention is by no means limited to this particular application. By way of example, and not limitation, the concepts of the present invention may just as easily be applicable to other support platforms, such as examination tables and chairs, wheelchairs, sofas, stretchers, hospital beds, nursing home beds, stationary beds, and the like. In addition, the drawings presented herein are not to scale and are provided purely for instructional purposes. As such, absent explicit claim language to the contrary, the individual and relative dimensions and orientations shown in the drawings are not to be considered limiting.
Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components throughout the several views, FIG. 1 is a side perspective-view illustration of an exemplary overbed table assembly, designated generally as 10, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. While the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 is referred to as an overbed table, it is not so limited. In fact, the table assembly 10 can also be positioned in front of or next to other support surfaces, such as those enumerated in the previous paragraph. To that end, the overbed table assembly 10 can be employed in both healthcare facilities (e.g., hospitals and doctor offices) and non-healthcare facilities (e.g., nursing homes and long-term care homes) alike without departing from the intended scope and spirit of the present invention.
The overbed table assembly 10 comprises three primary segments: a base 12, a support beam structure 14, and a tabletop 16. The base 12 is configured to movably support the entire overbed table assembly 10. For instance, the base 12 may comprise a rigid platform with an array of wheels that allow the overbed table assembly 10 to be easily maneuvered about the floor (designated FL in FIG. 1) without inadvertently tipping. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the base 12 includes a plurality of laterally-oriented and longitudinally-oriented crossbeams 18A-B and 20A-C, respectively, which are interconnected to form a horizontal support platform. Two locking casters 22 are swivel mounted to the under-side surface of the rearmost laterally-oriented crossbeam 18A, whereas two non-locking casters 24 are swivel mounted to the under-side surface of the forward-most laterally-oriented crossbeam 18B. Optional tube plugs (two of which are illustrated in FIG. 2 at 26) can be inserted into the open ends of the laterally-oriented crossbeams 18A-B for aesthetic and/or safety purposes.
Recognizably, the base 12 may comprise more or fewer than the five crossbeams 18A, 18B, 20A, 20B, 20C illustrated in FIG. 1. It is likewise contemplated that one or more of the crossbeams 18A-B, 20A-C can be replaced with alternate structure, such as a rigid plate or box. Moreover, the length, width, and height of each crossbeam 18A-B, 20A-C can be modified, individually or collectively, to accommodate the intended application of the overbed table assembly 10. To that end, the crossbeams 18A-B, 20A-C are exemplified in the drawings as elongated, square tubes. Alternatively, the crossbeams 18A-B, 20A-C may be fabricated as solid bars, and may take on varying geometries. As another optional configuration, one of the locking casters 22 or the non-locking casters 24 could eliminated, with the remaining caster being centrally oriented along its respective crossbeam 18A or 18B.
In FIGS. 1 and 2, the tabletop 16 is shown with a generally planar, rectangular body 28 having rounded corners. The tabletop 16 is configured, as described below, to cantilever above a patient support surface, such as a hospital bed or wheel chair. For descriptive purposes, the tabletop body 28 may be split into two generally congruent sections—i.e., a first side 30A that is in longitudinally opposing relation with a second side 30B. It should be recognized, however, that the tabletop 16 length, width, and overall geometry may be varied without departing from the intended scope of the present invention. In addition, the tabletop 16 may be provided with various optional features, such as cup holders, cubby holes, electronic devices, etc.
According to one facet of the present concepts, the overbed table assembly 10 includes one or more glide arms 32 that are oriented so as to abut the floor FL (also referred to herein as “ground”) and thereby provide cantilevered support for the tabletop 16. For example, a pair of generally parallel, elongated glide arms 32 are attached to (e.g., via welding or screws) or integrally formed with (e.g., via thermoplastic molding) the base 12. The glide arms 32 project transversely outward from a front side of the base 12, in a substantially horizontal orientation with respect to the tabletop 16 and a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to the support beam structure 14. In the illustrated embodiment, each glide arm 32 is attached to the forward-most laterally-oriented crossbeam 18B, and curves downward therefrom such that substantially all of the glide arm 32 is immediately adjacent to and generally parallel with the floor FL. In some embodiments, the base 12 has an overall maximum height equal to or less than approximately seven inches, whereas the elongated glide arms 32 each have a maximum height over the length thereof of less than approximately one inch and, in some configurations, less than approximately ½ an inch. This arrangement provides an exceptionally low-profile base that can fit under adjustable “hi-low” beds and other patient support structures with minimal underside clearances without damaging the underside thereof.
The casters 22, 24 are shown positioned at the corners of the interconnected crossbeams 18A-B, 20A-C to provide sufficient lateral stability for wheeling the overbed table assembly 10 to different locations. The casters 22, 24 also cooperate with the glide arms 32 to provide sufficient cantilever support for the tabletop 16 if vertically loaded. For instance, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, all of the casters 22, 24 are positioned directly under the first longitudinal side 30A of the tabletop 16. This arrangement provides sufficient subjacent support for the tabletop 16 when there is no load exacted thereon. However, if a load is applied which creates a sufficient moment arm on the tabletop 16 such that the overbed table assembly 10 pitches forward (e.g., counterclockwise with respect to FIG. 1), the glide arms 32 will press into the floor FL and create a counteracting force to offset the moment arm. In a similar regard, if a load is applied which creates a sufficient moment arm on the tabletop 16 such that the overbed table assembly 10 pitches rearward (e.g., clockwise with respect to FIG. 1), the glide arms 32 will press upwards into the underside surface of the hospital bed to create a counteracting force to offset the moment arm.
In some preferred embodiments, one or more rounded protrusions 34 project downwardly from an underside surface of each elongated glide arm 32. As seen in FIG. 2, for example, each protrusion 24 has a rounded head with a flanged shank. The flanged shank is pressed into a corresponding receiving hole 36 (FIG. 2), thereby attaching the protrusion 34 to a respective glide arm 32. Alternative means, such as, but not limited to, adhesives or helical threading, can be utilized to attach the rounded protrusions 34 to the glide arms 32. The rounded protrusions 34 lie between the elongated glide arms 32 and the floor FL. The contoured shape and/or the material of the protrusions 34 reduce sliding friction between the elongated glide arms 32 and the floor FL. The protrusions 34 also help prevent accidental scratching of the floor FL. The glide arm 32 is shown in FIG. 1 with two rounded protrusions 34; however, more or less than two can be utilized without departing from the intended scope of the present invention.
With continuing reference to FIG. 1, the support beam structure 14 operatively connects the tabletop 16 to the base 12. The support beam structure 14 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, is composed of a generally hollow outer column 40 that is coupled directly to the base 12 and an inner column 42 that is coupled directly to the tabletop 16. Alternatively, the outer column 40 can be coupled to the tabletop 16 while the inner column 42 is coupled to the base 12. The outer column 40 and inner column 42 are exemplified in the drawings as elongated, vertically-oriented square tubes. It should be recognized, however, that the inner column 42 may be fabricated as a solid bar, whereas the shape, orientation, and dimensions of the inner and outer columns 40, 42 can be selectively varied. Likewise, other structural arrangements can be used to attach the base 12 to the tabletop 16. For example, a twist-and-pull or slide-rail stanchion arrangement can be utilized instead of the telescoping arrangement shown in the drawings.
In accordance with another optional facet, the tabletop 16 may be raised and lowered to allow the user to selectively adjust the height of the overbed table assembly 10. According to the exemplary arrangement shown in the drawings, the outer column 40 is secured to and extends upwardly from one end of the base 12. The upper end of the outer column 40 is open, as seen in FIG. 2. The inner column 42 is secured (e.g., via the U-shaped bracket 44 illustrated in FIG. 2), to the underside of the horizontal table top 16 adjacent one end thereof. The inner column 42 is received inside the outer column 40 such that the inner column 42 can telescope in and out of the outer column 40. The cross-sectional area of the outer column 40 is slightly larger than the cross-sectional area of the inner column 42 so that the inner column 42 can slide vertically relative to the outer column 40 with ease, and can maintain the tabletop 16 in a generally horizontal position throughout its range of movement. In so doing, the tabletop 16 is selectively movable between a raised position (shown with hidden lines at 28A in FIG. 1) and a lowered position (indicated at 28B in FIG. 1). A pair of optional column guides 46 can be hooked to the inner wall of the outer column 42, providing a guide surface upon which the inner column 42 slides when telescoping with respect to the outer column 40.
A constant force spring 48 is mounted inside the lower end of the outer column 40 in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2. The constant force spring 48 is composed of a coil of flexible yet resilient metal ribbon which is wound on a shaft 50 that is mounted to the outer column 40. The external end of the spring 48 is secured to an outside surface of the inner column 42 while the internal end of the spring 48 may be secured to the shaft 50 or merely freely wound thereon. As the external end of the spring 48 is drawn away from the shaft 50, the spring 48 straightens out with a portion thereof remaining wound on the shaft 50. The straightening action produces a spring force that tends to pull the external end of the spring 48 back into the coil. Regardless of the length of the straight portion of the spring 48, the portion on the shaft 50 remains substantially the same length. Thus, the spring force acting to pull the inner column 42 upward remains the same. As a result, the portion of the spring 48 mounted on the shaft 50 constitutes a constant force spring which applies a constant force tending to pull the inner column 42 and, thus, the entire tabletop 16 upwardly. Other devices for biasing the tabletop 16 in a preferred direction are also envisioned. Such arrangements may include, for example, pneumatic devices, mechanized arms, motorized assemblies, etc.
The overbed table assembly 10 may also be provided with a releasable locking device that is associated between the inner and outer columns 40, 42. The locking device of FIG. 2, for example, is composed of a latch plate 52 that is pivotally secured for movement about a pair of circular hinge mounts 54, which project outward from opposite sides of the inner column 42. As a result, the latch plate 52 is vertically movable with the inner column 42. A spring may be provided so that the latch plate 52 is urged upwardly (i.e., in a counterclockwise direction with respect to FIG. 2) about the axis of the circular hinge mounts 54. A vertical rod 56 extends down through the hollow center of the inner column 42, a lower end of which is received by the latch plate 52. The spring which acts on the latch plate 52 tends to bias the latch plate 52 into engagement with, and to thereby support, the vertical rod 56. The opposite end of the vertical rod 56 extends through an opening in the upper end of the inner column 42. In this particular embodiment, a guide plate 66 is secured to the inner column 42. The guide plate 66 has an opening through which the rod 56 is received and, as a result, the vertical rod 56 is maintained in a vertically aligned and centered orientation within the inner column 42. There are alternative means by which the tabletop 16 can be locked at a preferred height (e.g., a pin-and-slot arrangement).
Continuing with the above exemplary locking device, a release lever 58 is pivotally secured to the tabletop 16—namely, U-shaped bracket 44, by a pivot pin 60. The release lever 58 has a handle portion on an external side of the pivot pin 60 and an engagement portion on the opposite side of the pivot pin 60. The engagement portion of the release lever 58 lays on top of or otherwise engages the upper end of the vertical rod 36. By pressing or pulling up on the underside of the handle portion, the release lever 58 is pivoted (e.g., counterclockwise in FIG. 1) about the axis of the pivot pin 60, pushing downwardly on the vertical rod 56.
In use, the tabletop 16 may be moved vertically throughout its range by simply lifting on the tabletop body 28. When the desired elevation is achieved, the latch plate 52 will prevent downward movement of the tabletop 16 by the wedging of the latch plate 52 between the inner and outer columns 40, 42. When it is desired to lower the tabletop 16, the release lever 58 is actuated (i.e., pivoted upwardly about the axis of the pivot pin 60) so that the engagement portion presses down on the upper end of the vertical rod 56. This action will also serve to disengage the latch plate 52 from engagement with the outer column 40. Thereafter, the tabletop 16 can be lowered to the desired height. Upon release of the lever 58, the latch plate 52 will be biased into engagement with the inner wall of the outer column 40 so that continued downward movement of the tabletop 16 is prevented.
According to one embodiment, the tabletop 16 is vertically adjustable, having an adjustable height of approximately 20-40 inches from the ground. In another embodiment, the tabletop 16 has an adjustable height of approximately 23-39 inches from the ground. In yet another embodiment, the adjustable height of the tabletop 16 is approximately 23.5-38 inches. Other ranges of motion are also envisioned as being within the scope of the present invention.
To provide the overbed table assembly 10 with a tabletop 16 having a substantial range of motion and a significantly low minimum height, while maintaining the ultra-low base profile, the lower end of the support beam structure 14 is attached to the base 12 at a point below the upper surface thereof. Purely by way of clarification, the upper surface of the base 12 may be delineated, for example, by the plane defined by the upper surfaces of the interconnected crossbeams 18A-B, 20A-C, whereas the lower surface of the base 12 may be characterized by the plane defined by the lower surfaces of the interconnected crossbeams 18A-B, 20A-C. In the illustrated embodiment, a mounting plate 62 is welded or otherwise attached to the under-side surface of the rearmost laterally-oriented crossbeam 18A to provide an ultra-low platform for the column 40 to mount. The outer column 40 is then fastened to the mounting plate 62—e.g., via threaded screws 64 of FIG. 2. When attached, the lower longitudinal tip of the outer column 40 is generally coplanar with the lower surface of the base 12.

Exemplary Alternate Embodiments

The following exemplary embodiments of the invention are not intended to represent each embodiment, or every aspect, of the present invention. The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages of the present invention, will become more readily apparent from the following examples.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, an overbed table assembly is provided. In this embodiment, the overbed table assembly includes a base configured to movably support the overbed table assembly, and a tabletop spaced apart from the base. A support beam structure is operatively connected at a first end thereof to the tabletop and at a second end thereof to the base. The second end of the support beam structure is attached to the base at a point below the upper surface thereof.
In accordance with one optional facet of the present invention, a longitudinal tip of the support beam structure is generally coplanar with the lower surface of the base. In a similar respect, the second end of the support beam structure may be attached to the lower surface of the base.
In accordance with another optional facet, the base comprises a plurality of interconnected crossbeams. In this instance, a mounting plate attaches the second end of the support beam structure to an underside of at least one of the crossbeams.
As part of another optional facet of the present invention, the base comprises one or more elongated glide arms that projecting transversely from the base to abut the ground and thereby provide cantilevered support for the tabletop. Each elongated glide arm may be generally parallel with the ground, having a height of less than approximately one inch and, in some configurations, less than approximately ½ an inch over a longitudinal length thereof. Optionally, each elongated glide arm may be fabricated with one or more rounded protrusions that project from an underside surface thereof. The rounded protrusions are generally located between the glide arm and the ground. Each rounded protrusion is configured to reduce sliding friction between the elongated glide arm and the ground.
According to yet another aspect, the base comprises at least three wheels positioned directly under one longitudinal side of the tabletop. In one optional arrangement, the wheels are casters swivel mounted to the lower surface of the base.
As part of yet another aspect of the present invention, the support beam structure includes a generally hollow outer column coupled directly to the base (or the tabletop), and an inner column coupled directly to the tabletop (or the base). The inner column is telescopically mounted within the outer column such that the tabletop is selectively movable between a raised position and a lowered position. In one optional arrangement, a constant force spring is attached at a first end to the outer column and at a second end to the inner column. The constant force spring biases the tabletop toward the raised position.
In accordance with another optional facet, the tabletop is vertically adjustable, with an adjustable height of approximately 20-40 inches from the ground.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, a table assembly is presented. The table assembly of this embodiment includes a tabletop that is configured to cantilever above a patient support surface. The table assembly also includes a base with at least three wheels, all of which are positioned directly under one side of the tabletop. A support beam structure operatively connects the tabletop to the base. One or more elongated glide arms project transversely from the base to abut the ground and thereby provide cantilevered support for the tabletop.
According to one optional facet, the elongated glide arms are generally parallel with the ground, each having a height of less than approximately one inch, and preferably less than approximately ½ an inch above the ground.
According to an additional optional facet, the elongated glide arms include at least one rounded protrusion that projects downwardly therefrom, lying between the glide arm and the ground. Each rounded protrusion is configured to reduce sliding friction between the elongated glide arm and the ground.
According to another optional facet, the base has upper and lower surfaces, wherein the support beam structure is attached to the base at a point below the upper surface thereof.
According to yet another optional facet, a longitudinal tip of the support beam structure is generally coplanar with the lower surface of the base.
According to even yet another optional facet, the base comprises a plurality of interconnected crossbeams, a mounting plate attaching one end of the support beam structure to an underside of at least one of the plurality of crossbeams.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, an overbed table assembly is featured. In this embodiment, the overbed table assembly includes a tabletop with a generally planar body having first and second generally congruent sides. The tabletop is configured to cantilever above a patient support surface, such as a bed, chair, couch, and the like. The overbed table assembly also includes a base with at least three wheels that are positioned directly under the first side of the tabletop. A support beam structure is operatively connected at a first end thereof to the tabletop and at a second end thereof to the base. The second end of the support beam structure is attached to the base at a point below the upper surface thereof. At least one elongated glide arm projects transversely outward from the base to abut the ground and thereby provide cantilevered support for the tabletop.
While the best modes for carrying out the present invention have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An overbed table assembly comprising:

a base configured to movably support the overbed table assembly, the base having an upper surface and a lower surface;

a tabletop spaced from the base; and

a support beam structure operatively connected at a first end thereof to the tabletop and at a second end thereof to the base, wherein the second end of the support beam structure is attached to the base at a point below the upper surface of the base.

2. The overbed table assembly of claim 1, wherein a longitudinal tip of the support beam structure is generally coplanar with the lower surface of the base.

3. The overbed table assembly of claim 1, wherein the second end of the support beam structure is attached to the lower surface of the base.

4. The overbed table assembly of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a plurality of interconnected crossbeams, a mounting plate attaching the second end of the support beam structure to an underside of at least one of the plurality of crossbeams.

5. The overbed table assembly of claim 1, wherein the base comprises at least one glide arm projecting transversely from the base to abut the ground and thereby provide cantilevered support for the tabletop.

6. The overbed table assembly of claim 5, wherein the at least one glide arm is generally parallel with the ground, the at least one glide arm having a height of less than approximately one inch.

7. The overbed table assembly of claim 5, wherein the at least one elongated glide arm includes at least one rounded protrusion projecting from an underside surface thereof.

8. The overbed table assembly of claim 7, wherein the at least one rounded protrusion lies between the at least one elongated glide arm and the ground and is configured to reduce sliding friction between the at least one elongated glide arm and the ground.

9. The overbed table assembly of claim 1, wherein the base comprises at least three wheels positioned directly under one longitudinal side of the tabletop.

10. The overbed table assembly of claim 9, wherein the at least three wheels are casters swivel mounted to the lower surface of the base.

11. The overbed table assembly of claim 1, wherein the support beam structure includes a generally hollow outer column coupled to one of the tabletop and the base, and an inner column coupled to the other of the tabletop and base, the inner column being telescopically mounted within the outer column such that the tabletop is selectively movable between a raised position and a lowered position.

12. The overbed table assembly of claim 11, wherein the support beam structure includes a constant force spring attached at a first end to the outer column and at a second end to the inner column, the constant force spring biasing the tabletop toward the raised position.

13. The bed assembly of claim 1, wherein the tabletop is vertically adjustable, the tabletop having an adjustable height of approximately 20-40 inches from the ground.

14. A table assembly comprising:

a tabletop having first and second opposing sides, the tabletop being configured to cantilever above a patient support surface;

a base with at least three wheels positioned directly under the first side of the tabletop;

a support beam structure connecting the tabletop to the base; and

at least one elongated glide arm projecting transversely from the base to abut the ground and thereby provide cantilevered support for the tabletop.

15. The table assembly of claim 14, wherein the at least one elongated glide arm is generally parallel with the ground, the at least one elongated glide arm having a height of approximately ½ an inch over a longitudinal length thereof.

16. The table assembly of claim 14, wherein the at least one elongated glide arm includes at least one rounded protrusion projecting downwardly therefrom between the at least one elongated glide arm and the ground, the at least one rounded protrusion being configured to reduce sliding friction between the at least one elongated glide arm and the ground.

17. The table assembly of claim 14, wherein the base has an upper surface and a lower surface, the support beam structure being attached to the base at a point below the upper surface of the base.

18. The table assembly of claim 14, wherein a longitudinal tip of the support beam structure is generally coplanar with the lower surface of the base.

19. The table assembly of claim 14, wherein the base comprises a plurality of interconnected crossbeams, a mounting plate attaching one end of the support beam structure to an underside of at least one of the plurality of crossbeams.

20. An overbed table assembly comprising:

a tabletop with a generally planar body having first and second generally congruent sides, the tabletop being configured to cantilever above a patient support surface;

a base with at least three wheels positioned directly under the first side of the tabletop, the base having an upper surface and a lower surface;

a support beam structure operatively connected at a first end thereof to the tabletop and at a second end thereof to the base, wherein the second end of the support beam structure is attached to the base at a point below the upper surface thereof; and

at least one elongated glide arm projecting transversely outward from the base to abut the ground and thereby provide cantilevered support for the tabletop.