Abstract:
An examination table for use in the medical field comprising integral adjustment mechanisms for raising, lowering, and tilting a head cushion portion, is herein disclosed. The adjustment mechanisms further comprise an internal hydraulic moving means. The height adjustment mechanism would allow the tabletop to vary in height from approximately eighteen (18) to thirty-six (36) inches. In this manner, the table would allow a patient to simply sit down and then be elevated to a suitable height for a doctor or other medical personnel to perform needed medical procedures. Such a feature is envisioned as being invaluable to those who are handicapped, elderly, or small in stature.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/004,983 filed on Dec. 3, 2007, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a height-adjustable examining table further comprising a lifting mechanism and a tilting mechanism to raise and lower a head cushion section and a leg cushion section of the table and, more specifically, to utilizing a hydraulically-powered and -operated foot pedal switch device to variably adjust the table to a desired height and a desired head rest angle, thereby allowing a patient to easily enter and exit the table as well as provide a suitable elevation to perform various medical procedures. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     People with physical disabilities, such as the elderly, the handicapped, or those recovering from injuries or surgery it is difficult to access an examination table in a doctor&#39;s office ranks high on the list. Since the sitting area is often the same height as a countertop, a step stool or intermediate platform is often needed for access; even for those of good health and average stature. Such a stool quickly turns into an impossible barrier for many including the elderly, the disabled, little people, or even young children. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which the elderly, physically disabled, and the like can access an examination table regardless of their physical ability. The development of the invention herein described fulfills this need. 
     There have been attempts in the past to invent improved medical examination tables. U.S. Pat. No. 7,167,739 issued to Hubertus et al. discloses a medical examination device comprising an examination space, a combination of a frame and a patient table and rack that displaces a patient on the patient table into and out of the examination space. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a sectionalized examination table that is configured for individuals with limited mobility or who are wheel chair confined. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,073,464 and 6,435,110 issued to Keil discloses veterinary height adjustable wet tables that can be lowered to assist in locating animals to the wet table surface and can be raised to an elevation desirable for veterinary treatment of an animal. Unfortunately, these patents do not appear to disclose a sectionalized medical examination table for humans. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,463 issued to Koharchik et al. discloses a medical examination table having an apparatus for support and securing the backrest to an inclined position and self-adjusting drawers. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a medical examination table that comprises sectionalized, components that are height-adjustable for ease of use by physically limited and/or wheelchair dependent patients. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,552,403 issued to Yindar discloses a power-operated medical examination table that comprises a pedestal base with an extendable and retractable column. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a height-adjustable examination table that possesses the ability to be lowered to a position where physically limited individuals are able to access the table. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,057,240 issued to D&#39;Amico et al. discloses a patient examination table that appears to comprise a table that utilizes an electric motor, cables and pulleys to adjust the height of the table. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a height-adjustable medical examination table that utilizes an electrically-powered hydraulic lift system to raise and lower the table, nor does the disclosed patent appear to teach a table that is adaptable for ease of use by physically impaired individuals. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,334,951 issued to Douglass et al. discloses a hydraulically powered lifting examination table. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a hydraulic lifting system similar to the system discloses in the instant apparatus, nor does it appear to be configured for ease of use by those with physical limitations including wheel chair bound individuals. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In light of the disadvantages, as previously discussed, in the prior art; it is apparent that there is a need for a height-adjustable medical examination table. 
     An object of the height-adjustable examining table comprises a lifting mechanism that allows the apparatus to vary in height from approximately eighteen (18) to thirty-six (36) inches so that a patient may easily enter and exit the apparatus as well as provide elevation to a suitable height to perform various medical procedures. 
     Another object of the height-adjustable examining table comprises hydraulically-powered height and tilting mechanisms that are operated using a foot pedal switch device. 
     A further object of the height-adjustable examining table comprises approximate dimensions of fifty-five (55) inches long and twenty-six (26) inches wide. 
     Still another object of the height adjustable examining table provides a minimum lifting capacity of approximately three-hundred fifty (350) pounds. 
     Still a further object of the height-adjustable examining table comprises head and leg cushion sections further comprising rectangular padded textile assemblies envisioned to comprise urethane foam or similar filling material that provide a comfortable lying and sitting surface. 
     Yet another object of the height-adjustable examining table comprises head and leg cushion sections comprising an easily cleaned cushion covering made of vinyl, cloth, leather, or the like. 
     Yet still another object of the height-adjustable examining table provides additional features such as, but not limited to: drawers, a footstep, a contoured head cushion section, a paper dispenser, and the like. 
     Yet a further object of the height-adjustable examining table comprises lifting sections that provide a vertically telescoping assembly of interlocking and vertically expanding structures designed to laterally stabilize the lifting frame assembly and apparatus during a loaded state. 
     Still another object of the height-adjustable examining table comprises a leg cushion section that provides a stationary attachment means to an expandable and height variable lifting frame assembly providing a variety of selectable heights. 
     Still a further object of the height-adjustable examining table comprises a lifting frame assembly that provides a lifting means to said head and foot cushion sections by elevating said cushion sections from approximately eighteen (18) inches to thirty-six (36) inches above a floor surface, thereby allowing a patient to be elevated from an easily accessible sitting height upward to a normal examination height. 
     An aspect of the height-adjustable examining table comprises head and leg cushion sections further comprising a cushion covering, a quantity of internal cushion padding, a head cushion frame, and a leg cushion frame. The head cushion section provides a powered pivoting function via an internal tilt cylinder and a torsion arm. 
     A further aspect of the height-adjustable examining table comprises a leg cushion section that further comprises a pair of conventional stirrups. The stirrups provide typical horizontal and vertical adjustment via a pair of vertical stirrup rod guides, a pair of horizontal stirrup rod guides and corresponding threaded rod locking knobs. 
     Still another aspect of the height-adjustable examining table comprises a lifting frame assembly that further comprises a first lifting section, a second lifting section, and a third lifting section that provide a vertically telescoping assembly. 
     Still a further aspect of the height-adjustable examining table comprises adjacent lifting sections attached to each another via a plurality of linear ball-bearing units that further secure the lifting sections in a horizontal attitude while enabling adjacent pairs of lifting sections to move freely within one another vertically during operation of the lift cylinder. 
     Yet another aspect of the height-adjustable examining table comprises a lifting frame assembly that comprises a protective enclosure to a lifting cylinder, and a tilt cylinder. The lifting cylinder comprises a lifting cylinder shaft which extends in an upward direction affixed at a top end portion to a top horizontal surface of the first cushion frame. 
     Yet a further aspect of the height-adjustable examining table comprises a tilt cylinder that is affixed to the first lifting section in a horizontal orientation. The tilt cylinder provides angular manipulation of the head cushion section by directly applying a torque force. 
     Yet still another aspect of the height-adjustable examining table comprises the head and leg cushions attached to one another by a torsion hinge comprising a heavy-duty piano-type hinging device allowing the head cushion section to adjustably pivot at angles ranging from a horizontal to a vertical orientation. The tilt cylinder shaft portion is affixed to the torsion arm via a standard double clevis link. 
     Another aspect of the height-adjustable examining table comprises a lift cylinder and tilt cylinder that are hydraulically-powered via a common open-loop hydraulic circuit comprising an electric hydraulic motor/pump, a lifting cylinder valve, a tilt cylinder valve, a reservoir, a plurality of hydraulic hoses, and a foot-controlled pedal switch assembly. 
     Yet another aspect of the height-adjustable examining table comprises a hydraulic motor/pump comprising a common positive-displacement gear pump unit. The lifting and tilt cylinder valves comprise standard double-solenoid three-position hydraulic valves. The reservoir provides a volume of hydraulic fluid thereto the hydraulic motor/pump via a hydraulic hose. Hydraulic fluid is conveyed to said valves and cylinders via a plurality of common high-pressure hydraulic hoses. 
     Yet a further aspect of the height-adjustable examining table comprises a lifting frame assembly that comprises an attachment means to a base assembly. The base assembly comprises a sturdy assembly of rectangular metal plates providing a laterally expanded foundation to the apparatus and extends outwardly from the lifting frame assembly upon a floor surface. The base assembly comprises four (4) foot pads located along a bottom surface of said base assembly adjacent to each corner position. 
     Yet another aspect of the height-adjustable examining table comprises a pedal switch assembly further comprises a rugged and protective plastic or metal pedal switch housing, a tilt up pedal switch, a tilt down pedal switch, a lift up pedal switch, and a lift down pedal switch. Operation and control of the hydraulic system is by the pedal switch assembly. Electrical power is conducted from the pedal switch assembly to the valves and hydraulic motor/pump unit via interconnecting control wiring. 
     A method of installing and utilizing the apparatus may be achieved by performing the following steps: placing or securing the apparatus upon a floor surface within a doctor&#39;s office, a hospital, or similar medical establishment; providing electrical power to the apparatus by plugging the power cord into an available 110-volt duplex outlet; lowering a head cushion section of the apparatus by pressing and holding the lift down pedal switch, thereby actuating the lifting cylinder in a downward direction; releasing the lift down pedal switch when the apparatus is at a desired loading height; loading a patient onto the apparatus; raising the apparatus by pressing and holding the lift up pedal switch on the pedal switch assembly; releasing the lift up pedal switch when the leg cushion section portion of the apparatus is at a desired examining height; tilting the head cushion section up or down by pressing and holding the corresponding tilt up pedal switch portion or tilt down pedal switch portion until obtaining a desired reclining angle of the head cushion section; manually adjusting the foot stirrups using the stirrup adjustment rods and the stirrup rod locking knobs as required to prepare the apparatus for a doctor or other medical personnel to perform needed medical procedures; adjusting the position of the head cushion section when finished performing said medical procedures, to facilitate a sitting position by actuating the tilt cylinder using the tilt up pedal switch; lowering the apparatus by actuating the lifting cylinder using the lift down pedal switch; releasing said lifting pedal switch when the apparatus is at a desired unloading height; unloading a patient from the apparatus; and, benefiting from increased safety and reduced effort of persons undergoing medical examinations using the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a height-adjustable examining table  10  depicting a partial cut-away portion, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   a  is a perspective view of a height-adjustable examining table  10  depicting a lowered state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   b  is a perspective view of a height-adjustable examining table  10  depicting a raised state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   c  is an upward-looking perspective view of a height-adjustable examining table  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of a height-adjustable examining table  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a section view taken along section A-A (see  FIG. 2   b ) of a height-adjustable examining table  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial section view taken along section B-B (see  FIG. 2   b ) of a height-adjustable examining table  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is a hydraulic/electrical block diagram of a height-adjustable examining table  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 10 
                 height-adjustable examining table 
               
               
                 20 
                 head cushion section 
               
               
                 21 
                 cushion covering 
               
               
                 22 
                 cushion padding 
               
               
                 23 
                 head section slot 
               
               
                 25  
                 leg cushion section 
               
               
                 26  
                 head cushion frame 
               
               
                 27  
                 leg cushion frame 
               
               
                 28  
                 torsion hinge 
               
               
                 30  
                 lifting frame assembly 
               
               
                 32  
                 first lifting section 
               
               
                 33  
                 first lifting section slot 
               
               
                 34  
                 second lifting section 
               
               
                 35  
                 second lifting section slot 
               
               
                 36  
                 third lifting section 
               
               
                 38  
                 bearing unit 
               
               
                 40  
                 lifting cylinder 
               
               
                 41  
                 lifting cylinder shaft 
               
               
                 42  
                 hydraulic motor/pump 
               
               
                 44  
                 lifting cylinder valve 
               
               
                 45  
                 tilt cylinder valve 
               
               
                 46 
                 reservoir 
               
               
                 47 
                 hydraulic hose 
               
               
                 50  
                 tilt cylinder 
               
               
                 51  
                 tilt cylinder shaft 
               
               
                 52  
                 double clevis link 
               
               
                 54  
                 torsion arm 
               
               
                 60  
                 stirrup 
               
               
                 62  
                 stirrup adjustment rod 
               
               
                 64  
                 vertical stirrup rod guide 
               
               
                 65  
                 horizontal stirrup rod guide 
               
               
                 66  
                 rod locking knob 
               
               
                 80  
                 pedal switch assembly 
               
               
                 81  
                 pedal switch housing 
               
               
                 82  
                 tilt up pedal switch 
               
               
                 84  
                 tilt down pedal switch 
               
               
                 86  
                 lift up pedal switch 
               
               
                 88  
                 lift down pedal switch 
               
               
                 90  
                 control cord 
               
               
                 92 
                 power cord 
               
               
                 100 
                 base assembly 
               
               
                 102 
                 foot pads 
               
               
                 103 
                 base assembly aperture 
               
               
                 105 
                 fastener 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 6 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a height-adjustable examining table (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which comprises a lifting mechanism  40  and a tilting mechanism  50  to raise and lower a head cushion section  20  and a leg cushion section  25  of a medical examination table. The height and tilting mechanisms  40 ,  50  are hydraulically powered and operated using a foot pedal switch device  80 . The lifting mechanism  40  would allow the apparatus  10  to vary in height from approximately eighteen (18) to thirty-six (36) inches allowing a patient to easily enter and exit the apparatus  10  as well as provide elevation thereto a suitable height to perform various medical procedures. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a front perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting a partial cut-away portion, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  is illustrated here so as to highlight a lifting means thereto the cushion sections  20 ,  25  via an internal lifting cylinder  40  mounted therewithin a lifting frame assembly  30 . The apparatus  10  comprises a head cushion section  20 , a leg cushion section  25 , a lifting cylinder  40 , a hydraulic motor/pump  42 , a pair of stirrups  60 , and a pedal switch assembly  80 . The apparatus  10  comprises standard capabilities similar thereto standard conventional examining tables having approximate dimensions of fifty-five (55) inches long and twenty-six (26) inches wide. The apparatus  10  further provides a minimum lifting capacity of approximately three-hundred fifty (350) pounds. The head and leg cushion sections  20 ,  25  comprise rectangular padded textile assemblies envisioned to comprise urethane foam or similar filling material, thereby providing a comfortable lying and sitting surface. Said head  20  and leg  25  cushion sections also provide an attachment means thereto one another via a torsion hinge  28  comprising a heavy-duty piano-type hinging device which extends therealong an entire adjacent edge thereby allowing the head cushion section  20  to adjustably pivot at angles ranging from a horizontal to a vertical orientation. The head cushion section  20  provides a powered pivoting function via an internal tilt cylinder  50  and a torsion arm  54  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). The leg section  25  comprises a pair of adjustable stirrups  60  in a similar manner as conventional examining tables common in the industry (see  FIG. 4 ). The leg cushion section  25  further provides a stationary attachment means thereto an expandable and height variable lifting frame assembly  30  along a lower surface thereof, thereby providing a variety of selectable heights. Said lifting frame assembly  30  enables an occupant to easily load thereonto and unload therefrom the apparatus  10  as well as be examined at a desired height above a floor surface. The lifting frame assembly  30  further provides an enclosure thereto the lifting cylinder  40  and the tilt cylinder  50 , thereby providing convenient height and angular manipulation thereof the head  20  and leg  25  cushion sections. The lifting  40  and tilt  50  cylinders are hydraulically powered via a motorized hydraulic system comprising an electric hydraulic motor/pump  42  and a foot-controlled pedal switch assembly  80  (see  FIGS. 4 and 6 ). It is also envisioned that the apparatus  10  may provide additional features commonly available on conventional examining tables such as, but not limited to: drawers, a footstep, a contoured head cushion section, a paper dispenser, and the like. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b , and  2   c , perspective views of the apparatus  10  depicting lowered and raised states, and an upward looking view respectively, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a lifting frame assembly  30  and a base assembly  100 . The lifting frame assembly  30  provides a lifting means to said head  20  and foot  25  cushion sections by elevating said cushion sections  20 ,  25  from approximately eighteen (18) inches to thirty-six (36) inches above a floor surface allowing a patient to be elevated from an easily accessible sitting height upward to a normal examination height. The lifting frame assembly  30  further comprises a first lifting section  32 , a second lifting section  34 , and a third lifting section  36 . The lifting frame assembly  30  provides said lifting function via an internal hydraulic lifting cylinder  40  (see  FIG. 4 ). The lifting sections  32 ,  34 ,  36  provide a vertically telescoping assembly of interlocking and vertically expanding structures designed to laterally stabilize the lifting frame assembly  30  and apparatus  10  during a loaded state (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). The lifting frame assembly  30  also provides an attachment means thereto a base assembly  100  along a lower surface. The base  40  comprises a sturdy assembly of rectangular metal plates providing a laterally expanded foundation to the apparatus  10  and extends outwardly therefrom the lifting frame assembly  30  upon a floor surface. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a rear perspective view of a height-adjustable examining table  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a tilt cylinder shaft  51 , a double clevis link  52 , and a torsion arm  54 . The torsion arm  54  is permanently affixed thereto and extends rearwardly therefrom the previously described torsion hinge  28  at an intermediate location thereupon. The torsion arm  54  as well as affixed rotating elements of said torsion hinge  28  are rigidly affixed thereto the head cushion section  20  of the apparatus  10 , thereby communicating a torque therefrom the torsion arm  54  thereto said head cushion section  20  (see  FIG. 4 ). The torsion arm  54  is capable of applying said torsion force via drive devices including the tilt cylinder  50 , a tilt cylinder shaft portion  51 , and a rotating double clevis link  52  (see  FIG. 4 ). The head cushion section  20  also comprises a head section slot  23  which provides mechanical clearance thereto the torsion arm  54  during operation, thereby allowing said head cushion section  20  to recline thereto a horizontal position. Additionally, the first  32  and second  34  lifting sections of the lifting frame assembly  30  comprise a first lifting section slot  33  and a second lifting section slot  35 , respectively, being immediately subjacent thereto the torsion arm  54  and providing additional clearance for said drive components during operation of the tilting function. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , section views taken along sections A-A and B-B, respectively, (see  FIG. 2   b ) of a height-adjustable examining table  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises head  20  and leg  25  cushion sections further comprising a cushion covering  21 , a quantity of internal cushion padding  22 , a head cushion frame  26 , and a leg cushion frame  27 . The cushion padding  22  is envisioned to comprise urethane foam or similar synthetic or natural filling materials, thereby providing a comfortable laying and sitting surface. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , said head  20  and leg  25  cushion sections further comprise a cushion covering  21  envisioned to be made of vinyl, cloth, leather, or the like, being easily cleaned. The frame portions  26 ,  27  comprise rugged metal or wood internal structures along bottom and side surfaces therebeneath said covering  21 , thereby providing a rigid foundation thereto said cushion sections  20 ,  25  as well as providing an attachment means thereto the lifting frame assembly  30  and the torsion hinge  28 . 
     The leg cushion  25  further comprises a pair of conventional stirrups  60 . Said stirrups  60  provide typical horizontal and vertical adjustment via a pair of vertical stirrup rod guides  64 , a pair of horizontal stirrup rod guides  65 . and corresponding threaded rod locking knobs  66 . The lifting frame assembly  30  provides a protective enclosure thereto the lifting cylinder  40 , and a tilt cylinder  50 . 
     The lifting  40 , and tilt  50  cylinders are mounted therewithin an enclosed space formed by the lifting frame assembly  30 . The lifting frame assembly  30  comprises three (3) lifting sections  32 ,  34 ,  36  providing a vertically telescoping assembly of interlocking panels being inserted thereinto one another via respective incrementally reducing outer dimensions as seen here. The first  32  and third  36  lifting sections are located at top and bottom portions and comprise five-sided metal structures being stationarily affixed thereto the leg cushion frame portion  27  and base assembly  100 , respectively, using common fasteners  105  such as rivets, screws, bolts, or the like. The second lifting section  34  is located therebetween the first  32  and third  36  lifting sections and comprises a rectangle-shaped horizontal metal structure having vertical sides. As seen in  FIG. 5 , adjacent lifting sections  32 ,  34 ,  36  are attached thereto one another via a plurality of linear ball-bearing units  38  using common fasteners  105 . The bearing units  38  are arranged in pairs and positioned vertically along front and rear surfaces of said lifting sections  32 ,  34 ,  36  (see  FIGS. 2   b  and  3 ). The linear bearing units  38  comprise common commercially available sealed ball-bearing assemblies and provide torsional stability thereto the lifting frame assembly  30  and apparatus  10  during a loaded state. Additionally, said bearing units  38  secure the lifting sections  32 ,  34 ,  36  in a horizontal attitude while enabling adjacent pairs of lifting sections  32 ,  34 ,  36  to move freely therewithin one another vertically during operation of the lift cylinder  40 . 
     The lifting cylinder  40  comprises a lifting cylinder shaft  41  which extends in an upward direction being affixed at a top end portion thereto a top horizontal surface thereof the first cushion frame  26  at an approximate “center-of-load” position using common fasteners  105 . The lift cylinder  40  subsequently extends downwardly therethrough a circular-shaped base assembly aperture portion  103  of the base assembly  100  and is anchored along a bottom panel portion of the base assembly  100  also using common fasteners  105 . Said arrangement of the lift cylinder  40  is designed to maximize a total vertical displacement of the leg cushion section  25 . The lift cylinder  40  comprises a vertical stroke of approximately eighteen (18) inches and a minimum lifting capacity of three-hundred fifty (350) pounds, thereby providing a vertically adjustable and selectable positioning means thereto the head  20  and leg  25  cushion portions of the apparatus  10 . 
     The tilt cylinder  50  provides angular manipulation of the head cushion section  20  by directly applying a torque force thereto the previously described torsion hinge  28  (see  FIG. 3 ). Said tilt cylinder  50  is in mechanical communication therewith said torsion hinge  28  via a tilt cylinder shaft  51 , a double clevis link  52 , and a torsion arm  54 . The tilt cylinder  50  is affixed thereto a horizontal upper surface of the first lifting section  32  in a horizontal orientation. The lifting cylinder  40  and tilt cylinder  50  are attached thereto the apparatus  10  using standard fasteners  105  and hardware such as screws, bolts, or the like in an expected manner. The tilt cylinder shaft portion  51  of the tilt cylinder  50  extends horizontally toward a rear portion of the apparatus  10  protruding therethrough the first lifting section slot portion  33  of said first lifting section  32  and being affixed thereto the torsion arm  54  via a standard double clevis link  52 . The double clevis link  52  provides a compliant angular pinned connection therebetween said lift cylinder shaft  51  and the torsion arm  54  during operation of the tilt cylinder  50 . 
     The lift cylinder  40  and tilt cylinder  50  are hydraulically powered via a common open-loop hydraulic circuit comprising an electric hydraulic motor/pump  42 , a lifting cylinder valve  44 , a tilt cylinder valve  45 , a reservoir  46 , a plurality of hydraulic hoses  47 , and a foot-controlled pedal switch assembly  80  (see  FIG. 6 ). The hydraulic motor/pump  42  is envisioned to be a common positive-displacement gear pump unit providing standard features such as an integral motor, check and relief valves, fluid pumping components, and the like. The lifting  44  and tilt  45  cylinder valves comprise standard double-solenoid three-position hydraulic valves providing direction of pressurized hydraulic fluid thereto said cylinders  40 ,  50  as well as providing spring-return center positions to securely maintain a stationary position of the head  20  and leg  25  cushion sections once a desired position is selected. The reservoir  46  provides a volume of hydraulic fluid thereto the hydraulic motor/pump  42  in an expected manner via a hydraulic hose  47 . Furthermore, transportation of said hydraulic fluid is conveyed thereto said valves  44 ,  45  and cylinders  40 ,  50  via a plurality of common high-pressure hydraulic hoses  47 . It is understood that various arrangements of said hydraulic system components  42 ,  44 ,  45 ,  46 ,  47  may be utilized based upon space and design constraints and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . Operation and control of said hydraulic system is accomplished via a pedal switch assembly  80  (see  FIGS. 3 and 6 ). 
     The base assembly  100  comprises four (4) foot pads  102  located along a bottom surface of said base assembly  100  adjacent thereto each corner position. Said foot pads  102  comprise common hardware fixtures having expected features such as a threaded adjustable bolt-like attachment means, a rubberized floor contact surface, and the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a hydraulic/electrical block diagram of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a plurality of hydraulic hoses  47 , a plurality of control wires  90 , a power cord  92 , and a pedal switch assembly  80 . Electrical power is provided to the pedal switch assembly portion  80  of the apparatus  10  using a common 110-volt power cord  92  utilizing a normal 110-volt duplex outlet. The pedal switch assembly  80  provides electrical switching functions via a plurality of integral contact closure devices, thereby directing an electrical current thereto various components of the apparatus  10 ; however, it is understood that additional electrical and electronic technologies such as, but not limited to: microprocessor-type logic-based circuits and the like, being incorporated therein and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . Electrical power is selectively directed thereto the hydraulic motor/pump unit  42  and cylinder valves  44 ,  45  via manual actuation of the pedal switch assembly  80 . 
     The pedal switch assembly  80  further comprises a rugged and protective plastic or metal pedal switch housing  81 , a tilt up pedal switch  82 , a tilt down pedal switch  84 , a lift up pedal switch  86 , and a lift down pedal switch  88 . Said tilt pedal switches  82 ,  84  and lift pedal switches  86 ,  88  comprise respective center-return rocker-type foot-operated switches; however it is understood that various styles of switches, additional switches, and/or additional lifting/tilting functions may be provided as desired and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . The pedal switches  82 ,  84 ,  86 ,  88  provide expected functions including “TILT UP”, “TILT DOWN”, “LIFT UP”, and “LIFT DOWN” as provided by the pedal switch assembly  80 . Electrical power is conducted therefrom the pedal switch assembly  80  thereto the valves  44 ,  45  and hydraulic motor/pump unit  42  via interconnecting control wiring  90 , thereby directing hydraulic pressure thereto the lifting  40  and tilting  50  cylinders as required via hydraulic hoses  47 . The valves  44 ,  45  and the hydraulic motor/pump  42  comprise a simple open-loop hydraulic circuit to direct hydraulic pressure to the lifting cylinder  40  or the tilt cylinder  50  accordingly, when specific pedal switches  82 ,  84 ,  86 ,  88  are depressed by an operator. Actuation of any particular pedal switch  82 ,  84 ,  86 ,  88  will provide an electrical signal thereto the hydraulic motor/pump  42  and appropriate valve  44 ,  45 , thereby providing subsequent hydraulic pressure thereto the lift  40  and tilt  50  cylinders until said cylinders  40 ,  50  extend or retract thereto a mechanical limit of motion, or until the corresponding pedal switch  82 ,  84 ,  86 ,  88  is released. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be utilized as indicated in  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b , and  2   c.    
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: placing or securing the apparatus  10  upon a floor surface therewithin a doctor&#39;s office, a hospital, or similar medical establishment; providing electrical power to the apparatus  10  by plugging the power cord  92  into an available 110-volt duplex outlet; lowering a leg cushion section  25  of the apparatus  10  by pressing and holding the lift down pedal switch  88 , thereby actuating the lifting cylinder  40  therein a downward direction; releasing the lift down pedal switch  88  when the apparatus  10  is at a desired loading height; loading a patient onto the apparatus  10 ; raising the apparatus  10  by pressing and holding the lift up pedal switch  86  on the pedal switch assembly  80 ; releasing the lift up pedal switch  86  when the leg cushion section portion  25  of the apparatus  10  is at a desired examining height; tilting the head cushion section  20  up or down by pressing and holding the corresponding tilt up pedal switch portion  82  or tilt down pedal switch portion  84  until obtaining a desired reclining angle of the head cushion section  20 ; manually adjusting the foot stirrups  60  using the stirrup adjustment rods  62  and the stirrup rod locking knobs  66  as required to prepare the apparatus  10  for a doctor or other medical personnel to perform needed medical procedures; adjusting the position of the head cushion section  20  when finished performing said medical procedures, to facilitate a sitting position by actuating the tilt cylinder  50  using the tilt up pedal switch  82 ; lowering the apparatus  10  by actuating the lifting cylinder  40  using the lift down pedal switch  88 ; releasing said lifting pedal switch  88  when the apparatus  10  is at a desired unloading height; unloading a patient therefrom the apparatus  10 ; and, benefiting from increased safety and reduced effort of persons undergoing medical examinations using the present invention  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.