Patent ID: 8365739

Claim:
A positioning device to facilitate stable positioning of a laboring, surgical or other patient in the proper sitting position for performance of epidural or spinal procedures, such device comprising: a. a substantially vertical extendable pole assembly comprising more than one segment, said segments being connected by a first mechanism configured to provide adjustment of the length of the extendable pole assembly, b. an upper body support tray attached to an upper segment of the extendable pole assembly, the upper body support tray extending approximately perpendicular from the extendable pole assembly such that it is maintained in an approximately horizontal relationship with respect to a ground surface, c. an independently adjustable foot support structure whose vertical position is adjustable along at least a portion of a length of a lower segment of the extendable pole assembly by a second mechanism, the foot support structure extending from the extendable pole assembly such that it lays directly below the upper body support tray, d. a base structure connected to the extendable pole assembly and configured to provide a stable base support for the device, the base structure including a crossbar structure and a pair of base support bars extending from the crossbar structure, the pair of base support bars extending from the cross bar structure such that the base support bars lay below the foot support structure and are adapted to allow the pole assembly to be positioned adjacent an operating room and labor and delivery bed with the base support bars adapted to fit beneath bulky undercarriage structures of operating room and labor and delivery beds and to create a freestanding bedside unit; and wherein the upper body tray, the foot support structure and the base support bars extend toward a patient-facing side of the device to provide a cantilevered configuration such that placing a load on the upper body tray and foot support structure forces the support bars against a ground surface to assist in stabilizing the device; whereby said device is configured to provide patient support in a proper position for performance of epidural or spinal procedures in the sitting position at the patient's bedside.