Multipurpose Bedside Table Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/722,095, which was filed on Nov. 19, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of tables. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved bedside table that enhances patient comfort and accessibility with a mobile, locking-wheel base, an adjustable rotating tabletop, an integrated power solutions, a wireless charging pad, customizable LED lighting, storage drawers, pull-out trays with cupholders, a retractable device stand, a swivel fan, and a dry-erase surface with spill-resistant edges ensure convenience and usability in healthcare and home care environments. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Hospital bedside tables have remained largely unchanged for decades, despite the evolving needs of patients and caregivers. Traditional bedside tables are often difficult to maneuver, with their legs getting caught under hospital beds, limiting proper placement and accessibility. This issue results in patient frustration, particularly for those with limited mobility who struggle to adjust the table without assistance. Many bedside tables also lack adequate storage, leading to cluttered surfaces filled with personal belongings, food trays, drinks, and electronic devices. Patients often find it difficult to organize their essentials within reach, which can impact their comfort and convenience. Additionally, most bedside tables do not provide built-in lighting, making nighttime use difficult, especially when patients need to access personal items or engage in activities such as reading or eating. Another major limitation is the lack of integrated charging options, forcing patients to charge their devices at distant outlets, often leaving them without access to essential communication or entertainment devices. The absence of modern features such as adjustable positioning, dedicated storage compartments, and built-in utilities has created a persistent gap in patient-centric hospital furniture. As healthcare facilities continue to prioritize patient experience and efficiency, there is a need for an improved bedside table that addresses these long-standing issues.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved bedside table that enhances mobility and ease of positioning to accommodate various patient needs. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved bedside table that provides ample storage space and organization to reduce clutter and keep essential items within reach. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved bedside table that integrates lighting, charging capabilities, and additional comfort features to improve patient convenience and accessibility.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a multipurpose bedside table device. The device is an improved bedside table designed to enhance patient comfort, accessibility, and convenience in healthcare and home care environments. The device comprises a mobile base equipped with locking wheels for secure positioning and under-bed compatibility. A motorized or manually adjustable arm supports a rotating tabletop, allowing flexible positioning for various activities. The tabletop integrates modern features such as power outlets, USB charging ports, a retractable power cord, and an optional rechargeable battery for cord-free operation. Additional conveniences include a wireless charging pad, LED lighting with customizable brightness, storage drawers, pull-out trays with cupholders, a retractable device stand, and a swivel fan for personalized airflow. The tabletop further has a dry-erase surface with raised spill-resistant edges enhancing usability.

In this manner, the multipurpose bedside table device of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides a bedside table with motorized adjustability, ergonomic positioning, and a weighted base with locking wheels to improve mobility and stability. The device's multiple storage compartments further ensure that personal items, medical supplies, and electronic devices are conveniently stored and easily accessible. The device's built-in lighting with adjustable brightness, wireless charging pad, and multiple power outlets for charging electronic devices further improve usability. Additionally, the inclusion of a pull-out swivel fan provides personalized airflow, while the dry-erase tabletop and raised spill-resistant edges contribute to both functionality and ease of maintenance. By combining modern features with a patient-centered design, the device significantly enhances usability in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and home care environments.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a multipurpose bedside table device. The device is a bedside table designed for use in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and home care environments to enhance patient comfort, accessibility, and convenience. It integrates motorized adjustability, storage, built-in power options, and an ergonomic structure to improve both patient experience and caregiver efficiency. The device serves as a stable and mobile surface for dining, reading, device use, and medical needs, ensuring essential items remain within easy reach.

The device includes a weighted base with locking wheels to provide both stability and mobility. The base is designed to slide under beds and chairs, allowing the tabletop to be positioned directly over the patient's lap or work area, maximizing space efficiency. The tabletop is connected to the base via at least one adjustable arm, preferably hydraulic or electric-powered, enabling height adjustment and 360-degree rotation around a vertical axis. Adjustments can be made manually or via a wired or wireless remote, allowing users to reposition the tabletop according to their needs while seated, reclining, or lying down.

The tabletop further features integrated power and charging solutions. More specifically, a retractable power cord extends from the base for easy access while minimizing cable clutter. Additionally, the device may include a rechargeable battery for cordless operation. The tabletop or other areas may incorporate power outlets and charging ports for devices such as smartphones, tablets, or medical monitors. A wireless charging pad may also be present for cable-free charging.

For improved nighttime usability, the tabletop includes at least one pop-up, angle-adjustable LED light that retracts when not in use. LED edge lighting around the tabletop perimeter provides ambient illumination. Both lighting features support multiple color and brightness options, adjustable via the remote.

The tabletop also incorporates storage and organization solutions, including at least one pull-out tray, which may feature a recessed cupholder to prevent spills. A recessed receiving area on the surface provides a designated space for frequently used items, helping to prevent them from sliding off. Additional storage features include at least one pull-out drawer for personal belongings or medical supplies and a retractable, tilt-adjustable device stand for holding tablets, phones, or small laptops. A pull-out, adjustable swivel fan is also integrated into the tabletop, allowing users to direct airflow for enhanced comfort.

The tabletop has a dry-erase surface, allowing for note-taking, game-playing, or caregiver instructions. Rounded raised edges along the perimeter help contain spills and prevent small objects from slipping off. The device is constructed from a non-porous, scratch-resistant, and stain-resistant material, ensuring durability, easy maintenance, and a sanitary surface. By integrating these features, the device enhances patient comfort and caregiver efficiency, providing an adjustable, functional, and accessible bedside table for various healthcare and home care settings.

Accordingly, the multipurpose bedside table device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a bedside table with motorized adjustability, ergonomic positioning, and a weighted base with locking wheels to improve mobility and stability. The device's multiple storage compartments further ensure that personal items, medical supplies, and electronic devices are conveniently stored and easily accessible. The device's built-in lighting with adjustable brightness, wireless charging pad, and multiple power outlets for charging electronic devices further improve usability. Additionally, the inclusion of a pull-out swivel fan provides personalized airflow, while the dry-erase tabletop and raised spill-resistant edges contribute to both functionality and ease of maintenance. By combining modern features with a patient-centered design, the device significantly enhances usability in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and home care environments. In this manner, the multipurpose bedside table device overcomes the limitations of existing bedside tables known in the art.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a multipurpose bedside table device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates an enhanced perspective view of a base of one potential embodiment of a multipurpose bedside table device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates an enhanced perspective view of a tabletop of one potential embodiment of a multipurpose bedside table device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a multipurpose bedside table device of the present invention while positioned over a hospital bed in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved bedside table that enhances mobility and ease of positioning to accommodate various patient needs. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved bedside table that provides ample storage space and organization to reduce clutter and keep essential items within reach. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved bedside table that integrates lighting, charging capabilities, and additional comfort features to improve patient convenience and accessibility.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a multipurpose bedside table device. The device is a bedside table designed to enhance patient comfort, accessibility, and convenience in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and home care environments. It integrates motorized adjustability, storage, built-in power options, and an ergonomic structure to improve both the patient experience and caregiver efficiency. Serving as a stable and mobile surface for dining, reading, device use, and medical needs, the device ensures that essential items remain easily accessible.

The device includes a weighted base with locking wheels for both stability and mobility. The base is designed to slide under beds and chairs, allowing the tabletop to be positioned directly over the patient's lap or work area, maximizing space efficiency. The tabletop is connected to the base via at least one adjustable arm, preferably hydraulic or electric-powered, allowing for height adjustment and 360-degree rotation around a vertical axis. Adjustments can be made manually or via a wired or wireless remote, enabling users to reposition the tabletop as needed while seated, reclining, or lying down.

The tabletop incorporates power and charging solutions, including a retractable power cord that extends from the base for easy access while minimizing cable clutter. Additionally, a rechargeable battery may be included to enable cordless operation. The tabletop or other areas may feature power outlets and charging ports for smartphones, tablets, or medical monitors, and a wireless charging pad may also be present for cable-free charging.

For improved nighttime usability, the tabletop includes at least one pop-up, angle-adjustable LED light that retracts when not in use. LED edge lighting around the tabletop perimeter provides ambient illumination. Both lighting features offer multiple color and brightness options, adjustable via the remote.

The tabletop is designed with storage and organization solutions, including at least one pull-out tray, which may feature a recessed cupholder to help prevent spills. A recessed receiving area on the surface provides a designated space for frequently used items, helping to keep them secure. Additional storage features include at least one pull-out drawer for personal belongings or medical supplies and a retractable, tilt-adjustable device stand for holding tablets, phones, or small laptops. A pull-out, adjustable swivel fan is also integrated into the tabletop, allowing users to direct airflow for added comfort.

The tabletop features a dry-erase surface for note-taking, game-playing, or caregiver instructions. Rounded raised edges along the perimeter help contain spills and prevent small objects from slipping off. The device is constructed from a non-porous, scratch-resistant, and stain-resistant material, ensuring durability, easy maintenance, and a sanitary surface.

As a result, the multipurpose bedside table device provides motorized adjustability, ergonomic positioning, and a weighted base with locking wheels for enhanced stability and mobility. Multiple storage compartments keep personal items, medical supplies, and electronic devices organized and accessible. Built-in lighting with adjustable brightness, a wireless charging pad, and multiple power outlets improve usability. Additionally, a pull-out swivel fan provides personalized airflow, while the dry-erase tabletop and raised spill-resistant edges contribute to functionality and ease of maintenance. By integrating modern features with a patient-centered design, the device enhances usability in healthcare and home care environments, addressing the limitations of traditional bedside tables.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a multipurpose bedside table device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is comprised of a bedside table designed to enhance patient comfort, accessibility, and convenience in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, and home care environments. The device 100 integrates motorized adjustability, storage solutions, built-in power options, and an ergonomic structure, reducing patient frustration while improving the caregiving experience. By combining mobility, stability, and functionality, the device 100 serves as a versatile surface for dining, reading, device usage, and medical needs, ensuring that essential items remain within easy reach.

The device 100 is comprised of a weighted base 102 equipped with locking wheels 104 to ensure both stability and mobility. The wheels 104 may be any locking wheel type, such as, but not limited to, caster wheels, medical-grade swivel wheels, or rubber-coated rolling wheels, depending on the specific requirements of the environment in which the device 100 is used. The wheels 104 allow the device 100 to be repositioned as needed, providing caregivers and patients with the flexibility to move the table into the most convenient position. The base 102 is designed to slide under compatible beds and chairs, ensuring that the tabletop 106 can be positioned directly over a patient's lap or work area without obstruction, as seen in FIG. 4. This compatibility maximizes space efficiency while allowing patients to comfortably use the tabletop 106 for various activities.

The device 100 is further comprised of a tabletop 106 that is attached to the base 102 via at least one arm 108. The arm 108 is preferably a hydraulic or electric-powered arm that can raise, lower, and rotate the tabletop 106 a full 360 degrees around a vertical axis of the base 102, allowing for flexible positioning. The rotation and height adjustment of the tabletop 106 may be done manually or via at least one wired or wireless remote 112, enabling users to make effortless adjustments according to their needs. The adjustability of the tabletop 106 enhances the overall user experience, allowing patients to comfortably access the surface whether they are seated, reclining, or lying down.

The tabletop 106 includes a variety of power and charging features to accommodate modern devices and medical equipment. More specifically, the device 100 may be comprised of a retractable power cord 114 that extends from and is stored within the base 102, as seen in FIG. 2. The retractable design allows the power cord 114 to provide a long reach while minimizing cable clutter when not in use, ensuring a safer and more organized environment. In one embodiment, the device 100 is comprised of a rechargeable battery 120 that alternatively or additionally powers the device 100, allowing for cord-free operation when an electrical outlet is not accessible. The tabletop 106, or any other area of the device 100, may be comprised of at least one power outlet 122 and at least one charging port 124 to provide easy access for charging personal devices such as smartphones, tablets, or medical monitors. Additionally, the tabletop 106 may be comprised of a wireless charging pad 126 that enables cable-free charging for compatible devices.

For enhanced visibility and nighttime usability, the tabletop 106 is comprised of at least one pop-up, angle-repositionable LED light 130 that extends from the tabletop 106 when in use (as seen in FIG. 4) and retracts into the tabletop 106 when not in use. The LED light 130 provides focused illumination for reading, writing, or other activities, allowing users to adjust the angle to direct light as needed. Additionally, the tabletop 106 may be comprised of LED edge lighting 132, offering ambient illumination that improves visibility in low-light conditions. The LED edge lighting 132 provides lighting around the perimeter of the tabletop 106, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Both lights 130, 132 support multiple color and brightness options (which may be configured by the remote 112), allowing users to customize the lighting environment based on their personal preferences or medical requirements.

The tabletop 106 is also designed with integrated storage and organizational features. The tabletop 106 may be comprised of at least one pull-out tray 140, which may include at least one cupholder 142, as seen in FIG. 3. The cupholder 142 is recessed to securely hold cups or beverage containers, reducing the risk of spills and keeping liquids separate from electronic devices or personal items. In another embodiment, a top surface 107 of the tabletop 106 is comprised of at least one recessed receiving area 144, specifically designed to hold drinking glasses, small pitchers, or other frequently used items. The recessed receiving area 144 helps prevent items from sliding off the tabletop 106, especially in environments where the table may be adjusted frequently.

Additionally, the tabletop 106 may be comprised of at least one pull-out storage drawer 150 as seen in FIG. 3, which provides space for storing personal belongings, medical supplies, or reading materials. For smart device use, the tabletop 106 may also be comprised of a retractable device stand 160 that holds tablets, phones, or small laptops. The device stand 160 is tilt-adjustable, allowing users to position their screens at an optimal viewing angle.

For additional comfort and convenience, a pull-out, adjustable swivel fan 170 is also present in the tabletop 106, as seen in FIG. 4. The fan 170 allows users to direct airflow as needed, enhancing comfort for patients who may require temperature regulation. The compact design of the fan 170 ensures that it remains unobtrusive when retracted while providing effective airflow when extended.

The tabletop 106 itself is coated with a dry-erase surface 180, allowing patients to write notes, play games, or receive written instructions from caregivers. To prevent spills and maintain organization, the tabletop 106 is comprised of rounded raised edges 172 along its perimeter. The raised edges 172 act as a barrier to contain liquids, preventing them from flowing onto the patient, bed, or surrounding floor. The raised edges 172 also help keep small objects from slipping off the tabletop 106, ensuring that essential items remain within reach even when the table is adjusted or moved.

The device 100 is preferably comprised of a material that is non-porous and resistant to scratches, stains, and daily wear. The non-porous nature of the material prevents the absorption of spills, ensuring that the surface remains sanitary and easy to maintain.

By integrating all of the foregoing features, the device 100 enhances both patient comfort and caregiver efficiency in a variety of healthcare and home care settings. The combination of ergonomic adjustability, modern charging solutions, and storage ensures that patients can maintain independence while keeping essential items readily accessible.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “multipurpose bedside table device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the multipurpose bedside table device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the multipurpose bedside table device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the multipurpose bedside table device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the multipurpose bedside table device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the multipurpose bedside table device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the multipurpose bedside table device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.