Therapy mat table and table carrier and methods of use

0001This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/803,198, filed on Jun. 21, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,161,587. The entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all intents and purposes.

BACKGROUND

0002This invention pertains to therapy tables in general, and, in particular, to an improved therapy mat table for use in physical therapy having an adjustable portion that may be selectively raised or lowered to form a raised area that may be used as a seat back to more comfortably support patients.

0003It has long been appreciated that when performing physical therapy on or providing physical therapy to an individual; the individual must lie on or be supported by a table having a mat thereon that comfortably supports the individual during adjustment or articulation of selected portions of the individual's body. Some of the known therapy tables include separate table portions or sections that are movable independently from each other to enable a human body to be placed in various positions on the table top. For example, the table top may include articulated torso and leg portions for use in adjusting a person's spinal column.

0004While the known tables encompass a wide variety of movable sections or portions, there is a dearth in the prior art of tables having movable portions that may be selectively raised to better support a patient's back when seated on the table during some types of physical therapy. Typically, the therapist herself must support the patient's weight, which can be tiring to the therapist and can even lead to injuries and in particular back injuries.

0005Another problem with conventional therapy tables is that the therapist must also assist the patient onto the table often with little assistance from the patient.

SUMMARY

0006In accordance with the device of the present application, a therapy mat table is provided with a portion that may be automatically raised or lowered, as needed, to enable a patient to lie or sit on the table with a support for the patient's back.

0007In one exemplary embodiment, the therapy mat table of the present application comprises a table having a flat top supported by a plurality of upstanding legs. The table has an upper surface with a removable cover, mat or pad to allow a patient to lie comfortably on the table top. A portion of the table top is rotatably mounted within the flat top so as to be capable of being selectively raised and lowered to form a raised portion or seat back for a patient reclining or sitting on the pad. The movable portion may be remotely actuated by a motor mounted under the table top, or may be manually actuated by a crank, rack and pinion type drive, or the like.

0008If a motor is used, it is preferably connected to an operating means to selectively operate an operating mechanism, such as a directly connected mechanical or hydraulic arrangement connected between the bottom of the table top and the movable portion thereof.

0009In another exemplary embodiment of the device of the present application, the table includes a body having a substantially flat top with a pair of relatively narrow ends and elongated side edges supported by a plurality of upstanding legs. A plurality of cross beams may be connected between the elongated side edges. The table has an upper surface supported on the relatively narrow ends, elongated side edges and cross beams, with a removable cover, mat or pad covering the upper surface to allow a patient to lie comfortably on the table top. A portion of the upper surface is rotatably mounted within a pair of the cross beams so as to be capable of being selectively raised and lowered to form a seat back for a patient reclining or sitting on the pad and facing one of the elongated side edges of the table. The movable portion may be remotely actuate by a motor mounted under the table top, or may be manually actuated by a crank or the like.

0010A reversible electric or hydraulic motor is preferably mounted to one or more of the plurality of cross beams, under the lower surface of the flat top, and operatively connected to a hydraulic cylinder to move a carriage or the like along tracks, the carriage is connected to a movable portion or seat back, to selectively rotate the movable portion between raised and lowered positions. The carriage is movably mounted on wheels held in the tracks.

0011In another aspect of the present invention, the therapy table may also include a pair of transfer bars, which may be used to assist moving the patient on and off the table. The transfer bars may be stowed beneath the table when not in use. The transfer bars may be positioned to support the patient when moving to and from a seated position using the movable seat back. The table may also include a foot stop, which prevents the patient's feet from excessive inward movement when moving to a standing position. The foot stop may be aligned with a lateral edge of the table to assist the patient when moving to a standing position from the seated position.

0012In still another aspect of the present invention, the therapy table may also have a knee block. The knee block helps to prevent, or at least limit, buckling of the patient's knees as the patient moves toward the standing position. The knee block may be supported by the transfer bars and stowed beneath the table when not in use. The knee block has an adjustable position to accommodate different sized patients. The knee block and transfer bars, together with a lateral edge of the table, form an enclosure which helps to stabilize the patient and prevent the patient from falling in any direction.

0013In still another aspect of the present invention, a pair of removable parallel bars may be provided. A movable patient support may also be provided which is slidably coupled to the parallel bars.

0014In yet another aspect of the present invention, a table carrier is provided. The table carrier traps a lateral edge of the table in a recess and engages a base of the table. Once the lateral edge has been trapped and the base engaged, the table is raised to a substantially perpendicular position.

0015A better understanding of the above and many other features and advantages of the device of the present application may be obtained from a consideration of the detailed description thereof below, particularly if such consideration is made in conjunction with the figures of the appended drawings.

0016The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a top-side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a therapy mat table in accordance with the present invention, with the movable portion or seat back shown in the raised position in the top with a patient shown in broken line, seated on a side edge of the table and held thereon by a seat belt in a supported position;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a further perspective view of the therapy mat table, with the table top and mat removed and a lower plate portion of the seat back shown in the raised position; and

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is an enlarged partial perspective view of the hydraulically operated carriage for raising and lowering the movable plate or portion of the seat back of the therapy mat table.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a perspective view of another therapy mat table which has stowable transfer bars, foot stop and knee block all shown in the stowed position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is another perspective view of the therapy mat table of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> with one of the transfer bars and the foot stop in the working positions.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows both transfer bars in the working position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> shows the transfer bars moved outwardly from the table relative to the position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> shows the knee block positioned between the transfer bars.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> shows the knee block.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> shows the knee block attached to the transfer bars.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> shows another therapy table with a movable seat.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> shows the therapy table of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> with the movable seat inclined to assist the patient to the standing position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> shows one of the parallel bars extending from the table.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> shows both parallel bars extending from the table.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> shows the knee block positioned between the parallel bars.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> shows a table carrier.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> shows the table carrier engaging a table.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> shows the table carrier supported on rubber feet as the table is raised.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> shows the wheels engaging the ground with the table ready for transport.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0037The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined herein specifically to provide for a novel and improved therapy mat table having a selectively movable internal portion to form a back rest.

0038An exemplary embodiment of a therapy mat table <b>10</b> is illustrated in the perspective and enlarged partial views of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1, 2 and 3</figref> of the drawings, and comprises a body <b>12</b> having a substantially flat top <b>14</b> covered by a mat or pad <b>16</b>. The substantially flat top <b>14</b> and mat <b>16</b> are supported by a plurality of upstanding legs <b>18</b>. The flat top <b>14</b> includes an upper surface on which the mat or pad <b>16</b> rests or is supported and a lower surface. A movable portion or seat back <b>23</b> is disposed in the mat <b>16</b>. The seat back <b>23</b> may be formed completely in the interior of the mat <b>16</b> or may extend to one side edge, as shown, to allow the seat back to be made larger and to include an adjustable head rest <b>26</b> thereon. The seat back <b>23</b> is preferably comprised of cut-out portion or section <b>20</b> of the mat <b>14</b> held on or mounted over a plate <b>15</b>.

0039The movable plate <b>15</b> is best shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. This plate <b>15</b>, which may be a separate item or a cutout portion of the flat top <b>14</b>, has the section <b>20</b> of the mat or pad <b>16</b> secured to an upper surface thereof in any desired or known manner, such as by an adhesive or releasable securing means. The movable seat back <b>23</b> is raised or lowered by movement of the plate <b>15</b>. The movable seat back <b>23</b> forms a back rest for a patient sitting or reclining on the top surface of the therapy mat table <b>10</b>, as shown in broken line in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. The headrest <b>26</b> is preferably secured to the rear of the plate <b>15</b> and adjustable so as to be behind the plate <b>15</b>, adjacent a rear surface <b>17</b>, when the seat back <b>23</b> is lowered, and above the seat back, to support the head of a patient, when the seat back is raised, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. The rear surface <b>17</b> of the plate <b>15</b> preferably covers an internal opening <b>25</b> formed in the table top <b>14</b>.

0040The body <b>12</b> includes relatively narrow opposed ends <b>24</b>, <b>26</b>24a, 24b and substantially parallel, elongated side edges <b>28</b>, <b>30</b> supported by the upstanding legs <b>18</b>. The relatively narrow opposed ends <b>24</b>, <b>26</b>24a, 24b and substantially parallel, elongated side edges <b>28</b>, <b>30</b> include upper surfaces for supporting the edges of the mat <b>16</b>. The legs <b>18</b> may have further supports or braces connected thereto. At least two cross beams <b>32</b>, <b>34</b> are disposed or secured between the elongated side edges <b>28</b>, <b>30</b>, with the internal opening <b>25</b> formed there between, and to further strengthen the table, aid in supporting the mat <b>16</b> and to provide support to the movable plate or portion <b>15</b> and its operating mechanism, as described more fully below. If desired, the substantially flat top <b>14</b> may have a further flat surface added thereto, to add support for the mat <b>16</b>.

0041In the exemplary preferred embodiment of the therapy mat table <b>10</b> illustrated, a seat back operator <b>38</b>, such as a reversible electric or hydraulic motor, or combination electrical hydraulic motor is supported in or adjacent to the opening <b>25</b>, preferably between and by the cross beams <b>32</b>, <b>34</b>, under the lower surface <b>17</b> of plate <b>15</b>, when in the lowered position. The operator <b>38</b> is connected to a power source, such as an electrical outlet, by a cord <b>36</b> system and is preferably actuated by a remote control <b>40</b> to move the plate <b>15</b> and, therefore, the seat back <b>23</b>, between raised and lowered positions, including any desired intermediate position. The plate <b>15</b> is rotatably held at one end, as by means of a hinge or the like <b>39</b> held on an arm or strut <b>42</b>, disposed or extending between the cross beams <b>32</b>, <b>34</b>, and forming one end of the opening <b>25</b>. A further or second arm or strut <b>44</b> may also be disposed or extend between the cross beams <b>32</b>, <b>34</b>, adjacent the first arm or strut <b>42</b>. The operator <b>38</b> has a shaft <b>46</b> operatively connected thereto by a first end (not shown) held in the operator. A second end <b>48</b> of the shaft <b>46</b> is held to a plate <b>50</b> secured in a carriage or housing <b>52</b>, as by means of pin or the like <b>53</b>, passing through an opening <b>54</b>. The carriage or housing <b>52</b> has a plurality of rollers or wheels <b>55</b>, <b>56</b>, <b>57</b>, <b>58</b> rotatably mounted at outer corners of the housing.

0042The carriage or housing <b>52</b> is preferably mounted and held in a frame <b>60</b> secured to the cross beams <b>34</b>, <b>36</b>, under the same, away from the lower surface <b>17</b> of the plate <b>15</b>. The frame <b>60</b> includes tracks <b>62</b>, <b>64</b>63 in which the plurality of rollers or wheels <b>55</b>, <b>56</b>, <b>57</b>, <b>58</b> are held or mounted whereby the carriage or housing <b>52</b> may be selectively moved along or translated along the tracks <b>62</b>, <b>64</b>63 by rolling of the wheels <b>55</b>, <b>56</b>, <b>57</b>, <b>58</b>, upon actuation of the shaft <b>48</b>46 to the position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, to raise the plate <b>15</b> and the seat back <b>23</b>. The seat back is lowered and raised by the action of a pair of levers <b>68</b>, <b>70</b> rotatably secured at first ends <b>72</b>, <b>74</b> to rear corners of the carriage <b>52</b> and at second or outer ends <b>76</b>, <b>78</b> to brackets or plates <b>80</b>, <b>82</b> secured to the rear surface <b>17</b> of plate <b>15</b>, as by means of securing elements <b>84</b> held in the plates <b>80</b>, <b>82</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0043Upon actuation of the shaft <b>46</b> in the direction of arrow <b>64</b>, the plate <b>15</b> and the seat back <b>23</b> will be lowered or moved in the direction of arrow <b>66</b>. The carriage or housing <b>52</b> also includes further supports or braces <b>85</b> and may have upwardly extending side edges <b>86</b>, <b>87</b>, <b>88</b>, <b>89</b> to strengthen the same and to hold the wheels <b>55</b>, <b>56</b>, <b>57</b>, <b>58</b> thereon.

0044In the exemplary preferred embodiment shown, means may be provided for selectably actuating the operator <b>38</b> in case the power is off, for any reason. For example, the operator <b>38</b> could be manually operated by a crank or a pump in a known manner.

0045In the particular embodiment illustrated, the plate <b>15</b> is preferably operated by the operator <b>38</b> to enable the seat back <b>23</b> to be raised and lowered in the therapy mat table <b>10</b>. In the raised position the seat back <b>23</b> faces the elongated side edge <b>28</b> of the body <b>12</b>, whereby a patient sitting on the table top, along the side edge <b>28</b>, a shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, will have their back supported in the preferred upright position needed when performing some types of physical therapy. The patient may have a seat belt <b>90</b>, held in the table by any desired means, as by being held to the rear surface <b>17</b> of the plate <b>15</b> by securing elements, snapped around their waist, to aid in keeping them in the seated position during therapy.

0046As discussed above, the operator <b>38</b> may be an electrically operated motor or may comprise a combination hydraulic-electric motor, or may be a hydraulically actuated motor actuated by a hydraulic system to move the plate <b>15</b> and seat back <b>23</b> between raised and lowered positions.

0047Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4-8</figref>, another therapy mat table <b>110</b> is shown. The therapy mat table <b>110</b> has a movable seat back <b>123</b> and a pair of transfer bars <b>121</b>. The seat back <b>123</b> includes a deployable headrest <b>127</b> to support the patient's head. A belt (not shown) is provided to secure the patient in the seated position as described above. The transfer bars <b>121</b> may be used to aid the patient on and off the table <b>110</b> and may be used by the patient or the therapist. The transfer bars <b>121</b> are movable from the stowed position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> to the working position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. The transfer bars <b>121</b> initially rotate to an orientation parallel to the table <b>110</b> and then slide beneath the table <b>110</b> to the stowed position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. The transfer bars <b>121</b> are positioned to the left and right of a seat <b>129</b> formed in a mat <b>111</b> when the seat back <b>123</b> is deployed so that the bars <b>121</b> may be used to help the patient move to and from the seated position. The position of the transfer bars <b>121</b> may be adjusted to move the transfer bars <b>121</b> closer or further from the table <b>110</b> to accommodate differing size patients. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> shows the transfer bars <b>121</b> moved further from the table <b>110</b> compared to the position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>.

0048The therapy mat table <b>110</b> also includes a foot stop <b>125</b> which is movable from the stowed position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> to the working position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. The foot stop <b>125</b> may be useful in preventing excessive inward movement of the patient's feet when the patient moves on or off the table <b>110</b> and in particular from the seated position. The foot stop <b>125</b> is aligned with a lateral edge <b>131</b> of the table <b>110</b> adjacent to the transfer bars <b>121</b> in the working position. The foot stop <b>125</b> moves away from the lateral edge in the stowed position and is stowed beneath the table <b>110</b>.

0049The table <b>110</b> may also be raised and lowered by activation of foot pedal <b>133</b>. Activation of the seat back <b>123</b> may also be automated and activated with foot pedal <b>135</b>. The mechanism by which the seat back <b>123</b> is raised and lowered may be similar to the mechanism described above or may be any other suitable mechanism without departing from the scope of the invention.

0050Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8-10</figref>, the table <b>110</b> may also include a knee block <b>140</b> which helps to reduce the likelihood of the patient's knees buckling and limit's the amount that the knees can move even if the patient's knees should buckle. The knee block <b>140</b> is supported by the transfer bars <b>121</b> and may be stowed under the table when not in use. The knee block <b>140</b> is particularly advantageous when used with the table <b>110</b> in the manner described below to move a patient to a standing position. The knee block <b>140</b> is secured to the transfer bars <b>121</b> with a strap <b>141</b>. The position of the knee block <b>140</b> may be adjusted by changing the position of the transfer bars <b>121</b>. In this manner, the space enclosed by the transfer bars <b>121</b> and the knee block <b>140</b> may be adjusted to accommodate the particular patient. Typically, the knee block <b>140</b> is adjusted so that the patient will fit snugly in an enclosure <b>143</b> formed by the knee block <b>140</b>, transfer bars <b>121</b>, the edge of the table <b>131</b> and the foot stop <b>125</b>.

0051The patient is moved from the table <b>110</b> to a standing position in the following manner. First, the patient is moved to the edge of the table <b>110</b> and positioned in a seated position using the seat back <b>123</b> as described herein. The transfer bars <b>121</b> and foot stop <b>125</b> are moved to the working positions and the knee block <b>140</b> is then positioned between the transfer bars <b>121</b>. The position of the knee block <b>140</b> may be adjusted to adjust the distance between the knee block <b>140</b> and the lateral edge <b>131</b> of the table by adjusting the position of the transfer bars <b>121</b>. Typically, the knee block <b>140</b> is adjusted to a position to form an enclosure <b>143</b> which is just large enough to accommodate the patient.

0052The table <b>110</b> is then slowly raised so that the patient begins to move to the standing position. The knee block <b>140</b> prevents the patient's knees from buckling and the foot stop <b>125</b> prevents the patient's feet from excessive backward displacement as the patient moves to the standing position. Once the patient is standing, the therapist may work on the patient or the patient may simply maintain a standing position as the therapy itself. An advantage of the knee block <b>140</b> is that the therapist must typically support the patient herself and, if the patient's knees should buckle, the therapist must stabilize the patient by herself, which presents obvious problems for the therapist and patient. Another advantage of the transfer bars <b>121</b> and the knee block <b>140</b> is that the patient is essentially contained within the enclosure <b>143</b> formed by the side of the table <b>131</b>, transfer bars <b>121</b> and knee block <b>140</b>.

0053Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11-15</figref>, another table <b>150</b> is shown which includes all of the features of table <b>110</b> and all such features and methods of use are expressly incorporated here including the seat back <b>123</b>, the transfer bars <b>121</b> and the knee block <b>140</b> even if those items not explicitly shown here. The table <b>150</b> includes a table top <b>151</b> and a mat <b>153</b> which supports a patient in a lying position. The table top <b>151</b> may be lowered and raised as discussed above and includes a movable seat back <b>123</b> which may also be used as discussed above.

0054The table <b>150</b> also includes parallel bars <b>152</b> which are stowed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11-12</figref> and in a working position in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14 and 154</figref>. The parallel bars <b>152</b> slide into place with the parallel bars <b>152</b> each sliding within a channel <b>153</b>155 coupled to the table <b>150</b>. The parallel bars <b>152</b> extend at least 5 feet from an edge of the table <b>150</b> and are used to aid the patient in walking.

0055The parallel bars <b>152</b> differ from conventional parallel bars in that a proximal portion of the parallel bars <b>152</b> include a raised section <b>154</b> which is higher than the rest of the parallel bars. The raised section <b>154</b> is positioned to assist the patient to the standing position in a manner similar to the transfer bars <b>121</b> as described above. The raised section <b>154</b> is preferably at least 4 inches higher (and may be about 6.5 inches higher) than the rest of the parallel bars and has a length of at least 5 inches (and may be about 10.5 inches long). The raised section <b>154</b> is useful to help the patient or therapist move the patient to the standing position in the same manner that the transfer bars <b>121</b> may be used. For example, one of the parallel bars <b>152</b> may be engaged with the table (similar to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> which has one transfer bar <b>121</b> in the working position) so that the therapist or patient may use the parallel bar <b>152</b> to help the patient to the standing position as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>. After the patient has been assisted to the standing position, the other parallel bar <b>152</b> may be engaged. The parallel bars <b>152</b> include a movable leg <b>156</b> with a locking knob <b>158</b> so that the leg <b>156</b> may have the appropriate length to accommodate the particular table height.

0056Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, a knee block <b>157</b> may also be used to prevent excessive outward movement of the patient's knees as described above. The knee block <b>157</b> may be used in the same manner as the knee block <b>140</b> and all uses are expressly incorporated here.

0057Referring still to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, a patient support <b>159</b> may also be coupled to the parallel bars <b>152</b> which may support the patient as necessary while walking and may even support the patient in a seated position if necessary. The patient support <b>159</b> may be removed and is preferably slidably coupled to the parallel bars <b>152</b> to support the patient at varying positions along the parallel bars <b>152</b>. In this manner, an attendant may slide the support <b>159</b> to trail the patient to provide instant support should the patient begin to fall backward or even forward depending upon where the support <b>159</b> is positioned. To this extent, two patient supports <b>159</b> may be provided which help prevent the patient from falling forward or backward without departing from the scope of the invention.

0058Referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11-12</figref>, the table <b>150</b> may also include a movable seat <b>160</b> which pivots to aid the patient toward the standing position. The seat <b>160</b> is moved with any suitable mechanism such as those described above in connection with the seat back. To this end, an suitable actuator (not shown) is used to move the seat <b>160</b> to the desired angle. The movable seat <b>160</b>, of course, still forms part of the table top <b>151</b> and the mat <b>153</b> to support the patient in a lying and/or sitting position as necessary and as described herein. The movable seat <b>160</b> preferably includes an edge <b>161</b> of the therapy table but may also be spaced somewhat from the edge <b>161</b> and may be no more than five inches from the edge <b>161</b> of the table top <b>151</b>. The movable seat <b>160</b> pivots about an axis <b>163</b> which is parallel to an axis <b>165</b> about which the seat back <b>123</b> pivots.

0059The table <b>150</b> may also include an indication of the various parameters so that the patient's progress may be tracked. The table <b>150</b> may also include a first indicator <b>162</b> that indicates an angle of the seat <b>160</b> relative to the table top <b>151</b>. The table may also include a second indicator <b>163</b> which indicates an angle of the seat back <b>123</b> relative to the table top <b>151</b>. The table <b>150</b> also includes a third indicator <b>164</b> which indicates a height of the table top <b>151</b>.

0060The indicators <b>162</b>, <b>163</b>, <b>164</b> may be used to assess whether the patient is improving over time. The therapist may have prior information as to the table height and seat angle that was used when moving the patient from a seated position to a standing position. The therapist may then set the seat angle and/or the table height at lower settings to determine whether the patient has improved. For example, the therapist may set the table height to be lower than the table height in a prior therapy session to determine if the patient can still move to a standing position from the lower table height. Similarly, the seat angle may be decreased to determine whether the patient can move to a standing position with the lower seat angle. In this manner, the table may be used to determine whether the patient is improving over time. Finally, the angle of the seat back may also be used to determine whether the patient is improving by determining whether the patient can move to a standing position with a lesser seat back angle relative to a prior session.

0061Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16-19</figref>, a table carrier <b>170</b> is shown which is used to transport the table <b>150</b> and may be used to transfer other types of tables as well. The carrier <b>170</b> includes a frame <b>172</b> which supports a plurality of wheels <b>175</b>177. The frame <b>172</b> forms a recess <b>174</b> which receives a lateral edge <b>175</b> of the table <b>150</b>. The recess <b>174</b> is formed by an elongate upper member <b>176</b> which extends over the table <b>150</b> and a lower member <b>178</b> which engages the underside of the table top <b>151</b>. The table carrier <b>170</b> includes two recesses <b>174</b> but may include any number including a single elongate recess <b>174</b>. The carrier <b>170</b> also includes a base contact <b>180</b> which engages a base <b>182</b> of the table <b>150</b> which contacts and rests on the ground. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, the base contact <b>180</b> engages the base <b>182</b> of the table <b>150</b> when the lateral edge <b>175</b> of the table <b>150</b> is received in the recess <b>174</b>. The table <b>150</b> is then raised by lifting the table <b>150</b> from the rear until the carrier <b>170</b> and table <b>150</b> are supported by the wheels <b>175</b>177. A pair of rubber feet <b>184</b> stabilize the carrier <b>170</b> as the table <b>150</b> is raised as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>, the table <b>150</b> is mounted to the carrier <b>170</b> with the wheels <b>175</b>177 engaging the ground and table <b>150</b> prepared for transportation. The table <b>150</b> is rotated to a substantially perpendicular position when in the transport position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>.

0062By now, those of skill in this art will appreciate that the therapy mat table <b>10</b> of the present invention is amenable to many variations and modifications in terms of the methods and materials of its construction without departing from its spirit and scope. For example, most of the parts of the therapy mat table can be separately and inexpensively fabricated by, e.g., injection molding a strong, plastic, such as an acrylic or polyurethane, or the parts may be made from a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel. The table may include a myriad of molded-in functional and decorative details and features. The parts can be assembled together quickly and simply with a minimum number of tools using well-known techniques, molded-in connection features, or the like.

0063In light of the foregoing, the scope of the present invention should not be limited by that of the particular embodiments described and illustrated herein, as these are merely exemplary in nature. Rather, the scope of the present invention should be commensurate, with that of the claims appended hereafter and their functional equivalents.