Patent Publication Number: US-8973188-B1

Title: Pelvic positioning system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
     This application claims priority to Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 61/715,608 filed Oct. 18, 2012, the specification(s) of which is/are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to seats, cushions, or bedpans for patients, more particularly to a system for positioning a patient&#39;s pelvic region for a pelvic exam or rectal exam. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Emergency departments, urgent cares, and general practitioners perform millions of pelvic exams (and rectal exams) per year. The present invention features a pelvic positioning system for positioning a patient&#39;s pelvic area in an appropriate position (e.g., an appropriate angle, elevation, etc.) for a pelvic exam or rectal exam (or any other exam wherein pelvic positioning is desired). The system of the present invention may be used on an existing surface, such as an existing exam table, a gurney, etc. The system of the present invention is portable, lightweight, and may be stored easily. The system may provide comfort to a patient. 
     Any feature or combination of features described herein are included within the scope of the present invention provided that the features included in any such combination are not mutually inconsistent as will be apparent from the context, this specification, and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. Additional advantages and aspects of the present invention are apparent in the following detailed description and claims. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention features a pelvic positioning system ( 100 ) for positioning a patient&#39;s pelvic area for a pelvic or rectal exam. In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) comprises a base ( 110 ) having a top surface ( 115 ), a bottom surface ( 116 ), a first side end ( 111 ) and a second side end ( 112 ) opposite the first side end ( 111 ), a front end ( 113 ), and a back end ( 114 ) opposite the front end ( 113 ); an indentation ( 120 ) disposed in the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ), the indentation ( 120 ) extends inwardly in the direction of the back end ( 114 ) of the base ( 110 ), the indentation ( 120 ) extends from the top surface ( 115 ) of the base ( 110 ) to the bottom surface ( 116 ) of the base ( 110 ) to create a space for a physician to perform a pelvic exam; a first peak ( 150   a ) extending upwardly from the top surface ( 115 ) of the base ( 110 ) at an intersection of the first side ( 111 ) of the base ( 110 ) and the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ), and a second peak ( 150   b ) extending upwardly from the top surface ( 115 ) of the base ( 110 ) at an intersection of the second side ( 112 ) of the base ( 110 ) and the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ), the peaks ( 150 ) are separated by the indentation ( 120 ); and an inward curvature ( 210 ) disposed in the top surface ( 115 ) of the base ( 110 ) between a midsection ( 119 ) of the base ( 110 ) and the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ) extending from at of near the first side end ( 111 ) to at or near the second side end ( 112 ), the inward curvature  210  curves inwardly toward the bottom surface ( 116 ) of the base ( 110 ), the inward curvature ( 210 ) creates a midsection peak ( 220 ) in the top surface ( 115 ) of the base ( 110 ) behind the inward curvature ( 210 ), wherein a height of the top surface ( 115 ) of the base ( 110 ) at the midsection peak ( 220 ) is higher than a height of the top surface ( 115 ) of the base ( 110 ) at the inward curvature ( 210 ). 
     In some embodiments, the indentation ( 120 ) is U-shaped as viewed from the top surface ( 115 ). In some embodiments, the indentation ( 120 ) is rectangular as viewed from the top surface ( 115 ). In some embodiments, a peak indentation ( 158 ) is disposed in atop surface ( 155 ) of each peak ( 150 ). In some embodiments, inner side surfaces ( 152 ) of the peaks ( 150 ) slope downwardly toward the indentation ( 120 ). In some embodiments, inner side surfaces ( 152 ) of the peaks ( 150 ) form a concave peak curve ( 153 ) in combination with a top inner edge ( 126 ) of the indentation ( 120 ). In some embodiments, the top surface ( 115 ) of the base ( 110 ) slopes downwardly from the midsection peak ( 220 ) to the back end ( 114 ) of the base ( 110 ). 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) further comprises a pair of stirrups ( 310 ). In some embodiments, the stirrups ( 310 ) are retractable and are housed in stirrup cavities ( 320 ) disposed inside the base ( 110 ) and accessible via openings ( 318 ) in the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ). In some embodiments, the stirrups ( 310 ) are removably attachable to the base ( 110 ) via an attachment means. In some embodiments, a clip ( 334 ) is disposed on an inside surface of the stirrup ( 310 ), the clip ( 334 ) engages a clip connection ( 335 ) disposed on the front surface ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ). In some embodiments, the stirrups ( 310 ) are pivotally attached to the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ) at a top edge of the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ), the stirrups ( 310 ) are attached via hinges ( 330 ), wherein the stirrups ( 310 ) can pivot between a storage position wherein the stirrup ( 310 ) rests atop the base ( 110 ) and an extended position wherein the stirrup ( 310 ) pivots away from the base ( 110 ) and extends a distance from the base ( 110 ). 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) further comprises a bedpan ( 420 ) disposed in the bottom surface ( 116 ) of the base ( 110 ). In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) further comprises a storage cavity ( 410 ) disposed in the bottom surface ( 116 ) of the base ( 110 ). In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) further comprises a backrest ( 350 ). In some embodiments, the backrest ( 350 ) is attachable to the back end ( 114 ) of the base ( 110 ). In some embodiments, the backrest ( 350 ) is extendable outwardly from the back end ( 114 ) of the base ( 110 ). In some embodiments, the backrest ( 350 ) is housed in a backrest cavity ( 360 ) disposed inside the base ( 110 ) and accessible via an opening ( 362 ) disposed in the back end ( 114 ) of the base ( 110 ). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a side cross sectional view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  shows top cross sectional views of various embodiments of the system of the present invention. The indentations in the examples shown in  FIG. 11  are of different shapes (e.g., U-shaped, rectangular-shaped, rounded/slanted). 
         FIG. 12  shows a top cross sectional view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the system of the present invention. The stirrups (or leg holders) are attached to the base via hinges. 
         FIG. 14A  is a detailed view of the stirrup of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 14B  is a top view of various configurations of stirrups. 
         FIG. 14C  shows en embodiment of the system of the present invention wherein the stirrups are attached to the base via an attachment means (e.g., the stirrups attach to the base via clips). Also shown is a side view of a stirrup that clips onto the base. 
         FIG. 14D  shows a system of the present invention wherein no stirrups are attached to the front end of the base (in some embodiments, the system does not comprise stirrups). 
         FIG. 14E  shows a bottom perspective view of a system of the present invention wherein a bedpan is disposed in the bottom surface of the base. 
         FIG. 14F  shows a bottom perspective view of a system of the present invention wherein a storage compartment is disposed in the bottom surface of the base. 
         FIG. 15A  shows an embodiment of the system of the present invention comprising telescopic stirrups. 
         FIG. 15B  shows a bottom view of the embodiment of  FIG. 15A  wherein the telescopic stirrups are housed in the base. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Following is a list of elements corresponding to a particular element referred to herein:
           100  pelvic positioning system     103   a  distance/height of peak     103   b  distance/height of indentation     103   c  depth of indentation     103   d  width of indentation     103   e  width of base     103   f  length of base     110  base     111  first side end of base     112  second side end of base     113  front end of base     114  back end of base     115  top surface of base     116  bottom surface of base     119  midsection of base     120  indentation     126  inner end of indentation (top inner edge)     126   b  bottom edge of indentation (bottom inner edge)     150   a  first peak     150   b  second peak     152   a  inner side surface of peak     152   b  inner side surface of peak     153   a  peak curve     153   b  peak curve     155  top surface of peak     158  peak indentation     210  inner curvature     220  midsection peak     310  stirrups (e.g., leg hold er     313  top surface of stirrup     318  stirrup opening     320  stirrup cavity     330  hinge     332  stirrup indentation     334  clip     336  stopper (e.g., stopper flange)     350  backrest     360  backrest cavity     362  opening     410  storage compartment     420  bedpan       

     Referring now to  FIG. 1-15 , the present invention features a pelvic positioning system ( 100 ) for positioning a patient&#39;s pelvic area in an appropriate position (e.g., an appropriate position, angle, elevation, etc.) for a pelvic exam (or rectal exam or any other necessary procedure). The system ( 100 ) of the present invention may help provide physical comfort to the patient. The system ( 100 ) of the present invention may also help provide psychological comfort to the patient. For example, some patients may experience stress and feel uncomfortable because they do not know how to position themselves for pelvic exams. For example, some patients are positioned on bedpans, which can be uncomfortable (and archaic). The system ( 100 ) of the present invention may provide patients with physical cues so that they can intuitively understand how to position themselves. 
     The system ( 100 ) comprises a base ( 110 ) having a top surface ( 115 ), e.g., a “patient surface” that accommodates the patient&#39;s gluteal area (and optionally back area), a bottom surface ( 116 ), e.g., a surface that is placed atop an existing surface (e.g., an exam table), side ends (e.g., a first side end ( 111 ) and a second side end ( 112 ) opposite the first side end ( 111 )), a front end ( 113 ), e.g., a surface that faces the physician performing the pelvic exam, and a back end ( 114 ) opposite the front end ( 113 ). The bottom surface ( 116 ) of the base may be generally flat so as to lie appropriately on an existing surface (e.g., an exam table). However, the bottom surface ( 116 ) is not limited to a flat configuration. For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the bottom surface ( 116 ) is flat and a storage compartment or a bedpan is disposed in the bottom surface ( 116 ) (as described below). As described below, the top surface ( 115 ) of the base ( 110 ) comprises curvatures that help appropriately position the patient&#39;s body for a pelvic exam and provide comfort to the patient. 
     An indentation ( 120 ) is disposed in the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ). The indentation ( 120 ) functions to provide space for a physician to access the patient&#39;s pelvic area for a pelvic exam. The indentation ( 120 ) extends inwardly in the base ( 110 ) in the direction of the back end ( 114 ) of the base ( 110 ). Generally, the indentation ( 120 ) extends all the way from the top surface ( 115 ) to the bottom surface ( 116 ) of the base ( 110 ). In some embodiments, the indentation ( 120 ) is generally U-shaped as viewed from the top surface ( 115 ). The indentation ( 120 ) is not limited to a U-shape. For example, in some embodiments, the indentation ( 120 ) may have a square shape, oblong shape, triangular shape, pentagonal shape, irregular shape, rounded shape, or any other appropriate shape. Non-limiting examples of various indentation shapes are shown in  FIG. 11 . In some embodiments, the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ) is flat. In some embodiments, the edge between the front end ( 113 ) and the indentation ( 120 ) may be sharp, blunted, rounded, etc. The system ( 100 ) of the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned curvatures, configurations, and shapes. In some embodiments, the top inner edge (e.g., inner end ( 126 )) of the indentation ( 120 ) is positioned farther back (e.g., closer to the back end ( 114 ) of the base ( 110 )) than the bottom inner edge ( 126   b ) of the indentation ( 120 ) (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     A first peak ( 150   a ) is disposed on the top surface ( 115 ) of the base ( 110 ) and extends upwardly from the top surface ( 115 ) of the base ( 110 ) at the intersection of the first side ( 111 ) of the base ( 110 ) and the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ). A second peak ( 150   b ) is disposed on the top surface ( 115 ) of the base ( 110 ) and extends upwardly from the top surface ( 115 ) of the base ( 110 ) at the intersection of the second side ( 112 ) of the base ( 110 ) and the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ). The peaks ( 150 ) function to help position a patient&#39;s legs (e.g., thighs) and gluteal area. For example, the peaks ( 150 ) help to position the patient&#39;s legs a distance apart so that a physician can access the pelvic area via the indentation ( 120 ). 
     In some embodiments, the peaks ( 150 ) have curved, rounded surfaces (e.g., as viewed from the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 )). The peaks ( 150 ) are not limited to a curved or rounded shape. For example, in some embodiments, the peaks ( 150 ) may have square or flat surfaces (e.g., as viewed from the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 )). As shown in  FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, the inner side surfaces ( 152 ) of the peaks ( 150 ) slope downwardly toward the indentation ( 120 ). In some embodiments, the inner side surfaces ( 152 ) form a concave peak curve ( 153 ) with the portion of the top surface ( 115 ) of the base ( 110 ) adjacent to the indentation ( 120 ). The inner side surfaces ( 152 ) and peak curves ( 153 ) can help properly position a patient and/or provide comfort to the patient. 
     In some embodiments, the top surfaces ( 155 ) of the peaks ( 150 ) comprise concave peak indentations ( 158 ) (see  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 9 ). The concave peak indentations ( 158 ) may accommodate a patient&#39;s legs (e.g., thighs). 
     The peaks ( 150 ) are raised a distance (distance/height  103   a  shown in  FIG. 8 ) above the height ( 103   b ) of the indentation ( 120 ) (height  103   b  shown in  FIG. 8 , e.g., the height of the portion of the top surface ( 115 ) of the base ( 110 ) at the indentation ( 120 ), e.g., the height of the top edge ( 126 ) of the indentation ( 120 ). In some embodiments, the height of the sides ( 111 ,  112 ) including the peaks ( 150 ) (e.g., the combination of distance  103   a  and distance  103   b  in  FIG. 8 ) may be about 10-15 inches. In some embodiments, the height of the sides ( 111 ,  112 ) including the peaks ( 150 ) (e.g., the combination of distance  103   a  and distance  103   b  in  FIG. 8 ) may be between about 8 to 16 inches. In some embodiments, the distance ( 103   a ) the peaks ( 150 ) extend above the height ( 103   b ) of the indentation ( 120 ) may be between about 2 to 6 inches (e.g., 2-3 inches, 2-4 inches, 2-5 inches, 3-4 inches, 4-5 inches, 3-6 inches, etc.). In some embodiments, the height ( 103   b ) of the indentation ( 120 ) (e.g., distance from the top inner edge ( 126 ) of indentation ( 120 ) to the bottom surface ( 116 ) of the base ( 110 )) may be between about 4 to 12 inches, for example 4 to 7 inches, 4 to 8 inches, 5 to 10 inches, 7 to 10 inches, etc. The heights of the sides ( 111 ,  112 ), the height ( 103   b ) of the indentation ( 120 ), and the height ( 103   a ) of the peaks ( 150 ) are not limited to the aforementioned dimensions. 
     An inward curvature ( 210 ) is disposed in the top surface ( 115 ) of the base ( 110 ) between the midsection ( 119 ) of the base ( 110 ) and the innermost point (inner end/top inner edge ( 126 )) of the indentation ( 120 ) extending from at or near the first side end ( 111 ) to at or near the second side end ( 112 ). The inward curvature  210  curves inwardly toward the direction of the bottom surface ( 116 ) of the base ( 110 ). The inward curvature ( 210 ) creates a midsection peak ( 220 ) extending from at or near the first side end ( 111 ) to at or near the second side end ( 112 ). The height of the top surface ( 115 ) of the base ( 110 ) at the midsection ( 119 ) is higher than the height of the top surface ( 115 ) of the base ( 110 ) in the inward curvature ( 210 ) and the height of the top surface ( 115 ) of the base ( 110 ) at the back end ( 114 ) of the base ( 110 ). The top surface ( 115 ) of the base ( 110 ) slopes downwardly from the midsection peak ( 220 ) to the back end ( 114 ) of the base ( 110 ). 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) further comprises stirrups ( 310 ), e.g., a pair of stirrups ( 310 ). The stirrups ( 310 ) may be attachable to, pivot from, or be extendable outwardly from the base ( 110 ), e.g., the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ). For example, in some embodiments, the base ( 110 ) houses retractable stirrups that can be accessed via the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ). In some embodiments, a first stirrup is attachable to or extends outwardly from or pivots about the front end ( 113 ) of the base near the first side ( 111 ) and first peak ( 150   a ), and a second stirrup is attachable to or extends outwardly from or pivots about the front end ( 113 ) of the base near the second side ( 112 ) and first peak ( 150   b ). The stirrups ( 310 ) may be used to aid in patient comfort and/or to help orient the patient. Stirrups for obstetrics are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In some embodiments, the stirrups ( 310 ) may extend outwardly from or retract inwardly into the base ( 110 ), e.g., in a collapsible manner, a telescopic manner (e.g., see  FIG. 15 ), or any other appropriate manner. The stirrups ( 310 ) may be temporarily housed in stirrup cavities ( 320 ) disposed inside the base ( 110 ) and accessible via stirrup openings ( 318 ) disposed in the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ). In some embodiments, the stirrups ( 310 ) can be pulled out of the stirrup cavities ( 320 ) and used during the procedure. In some embodiments, the stirrups ( 310 ) can be pulled out of the stirrup cavities ( 320 ) as desired and returned to the stirrup cavities ( 320 ) when a procedure is complete. In addition, in some embodiments, the stirrups ( 310 ) may have the ability to be adjusted laterally, thereby adjusting for patients of different sizes. An example of telescopic stirrups is shown in  FIG. 15 . Telescopic mechanisms are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The stirrups ( 310 ) slide in and out of a stirrup cavity ( 320 ). The stirrup cavity ( 320 ) may be located at or near the bottom surface ( 116 ) of the base ( 110 ), however the position if the stirrup cavity ( 320 ) is not limited to the configurations shown and described herein. 
     In some embodiments, the stirrups ( 310 ) are removably attachable to the base ( 110 ), e.g., the stirrups ( 310 ) can attach to the base ( 110 ) via an attachment means, e.g., a clip mechanism (optionally disposed on the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 )). As shown in  FIG. 14C , a clip ( 334 ) may be disposed on the stirrup ( 310 ), e.g., the inside surface of the stirrup ( 310 ), wherein the clip ( 334 ) engages a clip connection ( 335 ) disposed on the base ( 110 ), e.g., the front surface ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14 , the stirrups ( 310 ) may be pivotally attached to the base ( 110 ), e.g., the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ), e.g., the top edge of the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ). The stirrups ( 310 ) may be attached via a hinge ( 330 ). The stirrups ( 310 ) may pivot between a storage position (shown on the right side in  FIG. 13 ) wherein the stirrup ( 310 ) rests atop the base ( 110 ) and an extended position wherein the stirrup ( 310 ) pivots away from the base ( 110 ) and extends a distance from the base ( 110 ) (as shown on the left side in  FIG. 13 ). The stirrups ( 310 ) may comprise stoppers ( 336 ) (e.g., flanges, stopper flanges) for limiting how far they can pivot (and so to properly position the stirrups ( 310 )). Stopper flanges are shown in  FIG. 13 . In some embodiments, the hinge ( 330 ) functions to limit how far the stirrups ( 310 ) can pivot. In some embodiments, the stirrups ( 310 ) in the storage position nest with the peaks ( 150 ) of the base ( 110 ), e.g., in a stirrup cavity (e.g., an indentation within the top surface of the peaks ( 150 )). In some embodiments, the stirrups ( 310 ) in the storage position are flush with the peaks ( 150 ) of the base ( 110 ). 
       FIG. 14A  shows a non-limiting example of a stirrup ( 310 ), e.g., a stirrup ( 310 ) for the embodiment in  FIG. 13 , in some embodiments, the stirrups ( 310 ) comprise stirrup indentations ( 332 ) disposed in the top surface ( 313 ) of the stirrup ( 310 ), which may be used for heel placement. The stirrup indentations ( 332 ) may be aligned parallel to one another, however the placement of the stirrup indentations ( 332 ) is not limited to a parallel configuration. 
     The stirrups ( 310 ) may be constructed in a variety of shapes and sizes. Examples of stirrup shapes are shown in  FIG. 14B , which shows a rectangular shape, a rounded shape, and a combination rectangular-rounded shape. The shape of the stirrup is not limited to the examples shown herein. 
     The stirrups ( 310 ) may be positioned on opposite sides of the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ). For example, a first stirrup is positioned near the first side end ( 111 ) of the base ( 110 ), and a second stirrup is positioned near the second side end ( 112 ) of the base ( 110 ). The position of the stirrups may be any appropriate position on the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ). For example, the stirrups ( 310 ) may be positioned farther apart, closer to the bottom surface ( 116 ) of the base ( 110 ), closer to the top surface ( 115 ) of the base ( 110 ), etc., as compared to the configurations shown herein. In some embodiments, the stirrups ( 310 ) are attachable to the side ends of the base ( 110 ). In some embodiments, the stirrups ( 310 ) are stored or are accessible via the side ends of the base ( 110 ). 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) further comprises a backrest ( 350 ) attachable to or extendable outwardly from the back end ( 114 ) of the base ( 110 ). The backrest ( 350 ) may be used to aid in patient comfort and/or to help orient the patient and/or help provide balance. For example, the backrest may help stabilize the system ( 100 ) on the table so that the system ( 100 ) does not need to be attached (e.g., strapped) to the table. The backrest may help stabilize the system when an individual who is bottom-heavy is on the system ( 100 ), e.g., to prevent tipping. The backrest may help provide balance of the patient&#39;s weight when stirrups are used. 
     In some embodiments, the backrest ( 350 ) is removable from the base ( 110 ), e.g., the backrest ( 350 ) can attach to an attachment component disposed on the back end ( 114 ) of the base ( 110 ). In some embodiments, the backrest ( 350 ) may extend outwardly from or retract inwardly into the base ( 110 ). The backrest ( 350 ) may be housed in a backrest cavity ( 360 ) disposed inside the base ( 110 ) and accessible via an opening ( 362 ) disposed in the back end ( 114 ) of the base ( 110 ). The backrest ( 350 ) can be pulled out of the backrest cavity ( 360 ) as desired and returned to the backrest cavity ( 360 ) when a procedure is complete. 
     In some embodiments, the backrest ( 350 ) is attached to the base ( 110 ) via a hinge similarly to how the stirrups ( 310 ) are attached to the base ( 110 ) in  FIG. 13 . For example, the backrest ( 350 ) can fold or pivot away from the base ( 110 ) to an extended position and fold or pivot back to a position atop the base ( 110 ) to a storage position. 
     The backrest ( 350 ) may be constructed in a variety of configurations. A first configuration is shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 . A second configuration is shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 4 . The first configuration has a tapered outer end, e.g., the outer end slopes toward the level of the bottom surface ( 116 ) of the base ( 110 ) (or the level of the table on which the system ( 100 ) is placed). The second configuration has a flat outer end, e.g., a generally rectangular cross section when viewed from the side. The present invention is not limited to the backrest ( 350 ) configurations described herein. 
     In some embodiments, the base ( 116 ) can be built in two pieces, for example a first half encompassing the first side ( 111 ) and a second half encompassing the second side ( 112 ). The two halves may expand and contract to lengthen or shorten the width of the base ( 110 ), the width being measured from the first side ( 111 ) to the second side ( 112 ) of the base ( 110 ). The expandability of the base ( 110 ) may be utilized to accommodate patients of different sizes (e.g., the width is lengthened to accommodate a larger patient). In some embodiments, the base ( 110 ) can expand to a desired width range of between about 15 to 25 inches. In some embodiments, the base ( 110 ) can expand to a desired width range of between about 15 to 30 inches. In some embodiments, the base ( 110 ) can expand to a desired width range of between about 15 to 40 inches. 
     The system ( 100 ) of the present invention may be constructed in a variety of sizes. For example, in some embodiments, the base ( 110 ) is between about 20 to 26 inches in width (see width  103   e  in  FIG. 12 ) as measured from the first side ( 111 ) to the second side ( 112 ). In some embodiments, the base ( 110 ) is between about 15 to 30 inches in width ( 103   e ) as measured from the first side ( 111 ) to the second side ( 112 ). In some embodiments, the base ( 110 ) is more than about 30 inches in width ( 103   e ). In some embodiments, the base ( 110 ) is between about 20 to 26 inches in length (see length  103   f  in  FIG. 12 ) as measured from the front end ( 113 ) to the back end ( 114 ). In some embodiments, the base ( 110 ) is between about 15 to 30 inches in length ( 103   f ) as measured from the front end ( 113 ) to the back end ( 114 ). In some embodiments, the base ( 110 ) is more than about 30 inches in length ( 103   f ). In some embodiments, the size, e.g., elevation, of the base ( 110 ) can be increased. 
     In some embodiments, the backrest ( 350 ) extends the length of the base ( 110 ), e.g., the length is measured from the outer end of the backrest ( 350 ) to the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ). In some embodiments, the base ( 110 ) is between about 20 to 40 inches in length when measured from the outer end of the backrest ( 350 ) to the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ). 
     In some embodiments, the height of the back end ( 114 ) of the base ( 110 ) is between about 2 to 4 inches (e.g., 2-3 inches) as measured from the intersection of the back end ( 114 ) of the base ( 110 ) and the bottom surface ( 116 ) of the base ( 110 ) and the back end ( 114 ) of the base ( 110 ) and the top surface ( 115 ) of the base ( 110 ). 
     In some embodiments, the depth ( 103   c ) of the indentation ( 120 ) (depth  103   c  shown in  FIG. 12 ) is between about 3 to 6 inches as measured from the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ) to the innermost point of the indentation ( 120 ). In some embodiments, the depth of the indentation ( 120 ) is between about 4 to 6 inches as measured from the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ) to the innermost point of the indentation ( 120 ). In some embodiments, the depth of the indentation ( 120 ) is more than about 6 inches as measured from the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ) to the innermost point of the indentation ( 120 ). 
     In some embodiments, the width ( 103   d ) of the indentation ( 120 ) (width  103   d  shown in  FIG. 12  referring to the width of the indentation ( 120 ) at the front end ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ) is between about 8 to 15 inches (e.g., 10-13 inches). The width of the indentation ( 120 ) may narrow toward the innermost point of the indentation ( 120 ) (as shown in  FIG. 12 ). 
     The present invention is not limited to the dimensions described herein. 
     Without wishing to limit the present invention to any theory or mechanism, it is believed that the system ( 100 ) of the present invention is advantageous because it is portable (e.g., can be moved from one surface to another and not limited to the end of a table), adjustable (e.g., can be adjusted to accommodate a patient&#39;s size and shape, e.g., the system may be configured to widen to accommodate a patient&#39;s pelvic width), intuitive (e.g., can provide cues to patients via indentations to properly position the patient) and comfortable for the patient (e.g., the contours and features of the system can provide a comfortable position for the patient). The system ( 100 ) is not limited to being used on a table. The system ( 100 ) may be used on any appropriate surface as desired. For example, in some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) is used on top of a bed or cart. 
     The system ( 100 ) may be constructed in a variety of materials, for example from materials appropriate for medical equipment and devices, e.g., materials that are easy to sterilize or clean in between use, padded materials for providing comfort, etc. Such materials are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     The system ( 100 ) of the present invention may be a solid piece, or the system ( 100 ) may be hollow, or a portion of the system ( 100 ) may be hollow. 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) is designed to be stackable, e.g., multiple systems may be stacked atop one another. 
     In some embodiments, a bedpan ( 420 ) is disposed in the bottom surface ( 116 ) of the base ( 110 ). In some embodiments, the bottom surface ( 116 ) of the base ( 110 ) or a portion thereof is designed in the configuration of a bedpan. Bedpans are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In some embodiments, a storage cavity ( 410 ) is disposed in the bottom surface ( 116 ) of the base ( 110 ). The storage cavity ( 410 ) may be used to house the stirrups ( 310 ), e.g., if the stirrups ( 310 ) are attachable to the front surface ( 113 ) of the base ( 110 ). The storage cavity ( 410 ) is not limited to storage for the stirrups ( 310 ). For example, in some embodiments, the storage cavity ( 410 ) is used for storing a removable bedpan or other item. 
     In some embodiments, a gripping component (e.g., suction cups or the like) is disposed on the bottom surface ( 116 ) of the base ( 110 ). The gripping component may help secure the base ( 110 ) on top of the surface on which it is used. 
     In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) of the present invention is manufactured as a one-time-use system, e.g., the system is disposable after one use. In some embodiments, the system ( 100 ) of the present invention is manufactured as a reusable product. 
     As used herein, the term “about” refers to plus or minus 10% of the referenced number. 
     The disclosures of the following U.S. Patents are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein: U.S. Pat. No. 6,256,817; U.S. Pat. Application No. 2011/0306901. 
     Various modifications of the invention, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. Each reference cited in the present application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     Although there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made thereto which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is only to be limited by the following claims. Reference numbers recited in the claims are exemplary and for ease of review by the patent office only, and are not limiting in any way. In some embodiments, the figures presented in this patent application are drawn to scale, including the angles, ratios of dimensions, etc. In some embodiments, the figures are representative only and the claims are not limited by the dimensions of the figures. In some embodiments, descriptions of the inventions described herein using the phrase “comprising” includes embodiments that could be described as “consisting of”, and as such the written description requirement for claiming one or more embodiments of the present invention using the phrase “consisting of” is met. 
     The reference numbers recited in the below claims are solely for ease of examination of this patent application, and are exemplary, and are not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claims to the particular features having the corresponding reference numbers in the drawings.