STRETCHER CARRIER

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application number 60/792,608, filed April 18, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Stretchers, body boards and gurneys are currently used for transporting patients to an emergency vehicle. Such devices suffer from various disadvantages. For instance j when transporting a patient by a hand carried stretcher, body board, or stokes basket, a bouncy effect is generally experienced during a walking or running gait. Carrying a relatively heavy patient over Song distances can cause the bearers of the stretcher, body board, or stokes basket to fatigue.

[0003] Gurney users also suffer from various disadvantages such as difficulty in maneuvering over obstructions due to the small size of gurney wheels. It is quite difficult to run with a gurney when speed is a primary concern, particularly if the terrain is soft or uneven. Additionally, the number of gurneys available in an offsite or remote area is usually limited because of the size and space they take up in rescue vehicles and also because of their expense.

[0004] Therefore, an improved device for transporting injured or sick patients across various terrains is needed.

SUMMARY

[0005] A stretcher carrier that may be easily converted from a storage configuration to configurations for supporting and transporting patients on a stretcher is disclosed. The stretcher carrier comprises: a foldable frame including a stretcher platform having novel snap-down stretcher clamps, a first pair of support legs for supporting the stretcher platform and holding a pair of wheels, a stabilizer bar pivotably attached to the first pair of support legs for stabilizing the carrier in a stationary position on a ground surface, and a second pair of support legs including a foot prop pivotably

attached thereto for supporting the stretcher carrier on the ground surface. The first and second pairs of legs are pivotabiy attached to each other near their length centers, such that the pairs of legs can pivot about each other in scissor-like fashion for folding and unfolding the carrier. The first pair of legs is pivotabiy attached to the stretcher platform near a first end of the stretcher platform. When the frame is expanded (unfolded) into a position for use, the second pair of legs can be fastened to the stretcher platform near a second end of the stretcher platform via threaded fasteners. Thus, the first and second pairs of legs cross each other in an x-shape for supporting the stretcher platform when the carrier is configured in a position for transporting or supporting a patient.

[0006] The stretcher clamps each include a base for attachment to the stretcher platform, a hand lever pivotabiy connected to the base and a retaining arm pivotabiy connected to the base. The hand lever and retaining arm are biased apart by a torsion spring such that the retaining arm can be rotated in a first direction for clamping down on a stretcher by moving the hand lever in the first direction. The clamps further include a retaining member arranged to engage a cam portion of the hand lever so as to allow the hand fever to be rotated in the first direction to a point at which a notch in the cam portion of the hand lever engages teeth on the retaining member, thereby preventing rotation of the hand lever and retaining member in a second direction opposite the first direction and locking the clamp in a closed position for retaining the stretcher tube between the base and the retaining arm. A latch member extends outside the base and is connected to the retaining member such that the retaining member can be disengaged from the hand lever by movement of the latch member in a particular direction, thereby releasing the hand lever and retaining arm from the locking engagement with the stretcher tube.

[0007] The stretcher carrier may also include a novel height adjustment platform, which can be mounted on the stretcher platform and secured by the stretcher clamps for supporting a stretcher in various elevated and/or inclined positions.

[0008] The stretcher carrier disclosed herein may be quickly and easily converted between a storage configuration and configurations for transporting and supporting a patient on a stretcher. The carrier is also designed to be lightweight and compact, such that it can be operated by a single user.

[0009] Additional features and advantages can be appreciated from the following detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 illustrates a stretcher carrier according to an embodiment the invention, wherein the stretcher carrier is set up in an operational configuration for supporting a patient.

[0011] Figure 2 illustrates the stretcher carrier in a folded storage configuration.

[0012] Figure 3 is a cut-away view showing a stabilizer bar of the stretcher carrier.

[0013] Figure 4 shows the stretcher carrier as it is being unfolded from the storage configuration into an operational configuration.

[0014] Figure 5 is a detailed view of a cam mechanism of the stabilizer bar.

[0015] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the stabilizer bar in an extended position.

[0016] Figure 8 is a detailed view of the cam mechanism locking the stabilizer bar in its extended position.

[0017] Figure 9 is a close-up view of the cam mechanism upon releasing the stabilizer bar from its extended position into a folded position.

[0018] Figure 10 shows a stretcher being positioned for retention in a stretcher clamp on a stretcher platform of the carrier.

[0019] Figure 11 illustrates closing a stretcher clamp to secure the stretcher.

[0020] Figure 12 is a left side view of the stretcher clamp in an open position.

[0021] Figure 13 is a front view of the stretcher clamp in its open position.

[0022] Figure 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the stretcher clamp in its open position.

[0023] Figure 15 is a right side view of the stretcher clamp in a closed position.

[0024] Figure 16 illustrates the axle assembly located in a support leg of the stretcher.

[0025] Figures 17 and 18 illustrate the process of extending an extendable and retractable axle.

[0026] Figure 19 illustrates mounting a wheel on an axle.

[0027] Figure 20 shows a foot prop of the carrier in an extended position.

[0028] Figure 21 is a side view of the foot prop in a retracted position.

[0029] Figure 22 is a front view of an adjustable height extension platform.

[0030] Figure 23 is a rear view of the adjustable height extension platform of Figure 22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Figure 1 illustrates a stretcher carrier 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. The stretcher carrier 1 includes a collapsible and expandable frame 10 and wheels 75 which can be mounted to and removed from the frame 10 without tools. The frame 10 may be constructed of very strong anodized, non-corrosive or rustproof aluminum such that the frame is capable of supporting a person weighing over 500 pounds on a stretcher.

[0032] Referring still to Figure 1, the frame 10 includes a stretcher platform 20 for supporting a stretcher, a first pair of support legs 30 for supporting the wheels 75, a stabilizer bar 60 pivotably attached to the first pair of support legs 30 for stabilizing the carrier 1 on a ground surface, a second pair of support legs 40 and a foot prop 50 pivotably attached to second pair of support legs 40 for supporting the stretcher carrier 1 on a ground surface. The legs 30 and 40 are pivotably attached to each other near their length centers, such that they can pivot about each other in scissor-like fashion. The platform 20 includes side rails 22 and end rails 24. The legs 30 are pivotably attached to the side rails 22 near a first end of the platform 20. When the

frame 10 is expanded into a position for use, the legs 40 can be fastened to the side rails 22 near a second end of the platform 20 via threaded fasteners 26. Thus, the legs 30 and the legs 40 cross each other in an x-shape for supporting the stretcher platform 20. The frame 10 can be collapsed or folded into a storage configuration as shown in Figure 2.

[0033] Figure 1 shows platform extenders 90 mounted on the rails 22 at each corner of the platform 20. Stretcher clamps 120 are fastened onto the extenders 90 for securing a stretcher on the carrier 1. The extenders 90 are optional. As shown in Figure 2, the clamps 120 may be placed directly onto the rails 22 of the platform 20 in situations where it is desirable to transport the stretcher at a lower level. The clamps 120 will be described in greater detail later.

[0034] Referring now to Figures 3-9, the stabilizer bar 60 includes a pair of legs 62, a camshaft 64 extending between the legs 62 at one end of the legs 64 and attached to cams 66, and a cross member 68 extending between the legs 62 at an opposite end of the legs 62 for resting on a ground surface. The cams 66 are operably connected to torsion springs 70, which bias the stabilizer bar 60 in a retracted position, in which the stabilizer bar is rotated upward and away from the ground. The cams 66 include notched portions 67 for engaging and releasing a cam-engaging bar 76 (described below). Adjustable feet 72 are provided in the cross member 68, The feet 72 may include a threaded member 73 for height adjustment and a base 74 for contacting the ground.

[0035] The cam-engaging bar 76 extends between the legs 30, and is arranged to engage and disengage the cams 66. The bar 76 includes a pair of levers 78 which are arranged to be operated by a user's foot. In order to place the stabilizer bar 60 in its extended position for stabilizing the carrier 1 on the ground, a user simply pushes down on the cross member 68 of the stabilizer bar 60 to rotate the bar 60 into a position just past parallel to the legs 30 and thereafter releases the cross member 68. Upon release of the cross member 68, the torsion springs 70 will rotate the bar 60 slightly upward such that notched portions 67 of the cams 66 engage the cam- engaging bar 76, thereby locking the stabilizer bar 60 in its extended position. The bar 76 is biased into engagement with the notches 67 by a torsion spring 80 (Figures 6 and 9) operably connected to the bar 76. When the stabilizer bar 60 is in the extended

position, the height of feet 72 can be adjusted individually to ensure that the carrier 1 is stabilized, particularly on substantially uneven terrain.

[0036] To return the stabilizer bar 60 to its folded position for transporting a patient (or where stabilization of the carrier 1 is not needed), a user simply pushes upward on one of the levers 78 with his or her foot against the biasing force of the spring 80, thereby disengaging the notched portions 67 of the cams 66 from the bar 76. The stabilizer bar 60 then rotates upward into its folded position under the force of the springs 70.

[0037] Figures 20 and 21 show the foot prop 50 in more detail. The foot prop 50 includes a pair of legs 52 and a cross member 54 extending between the legs 52 at one end of the legs 52 for contacting the ground. The foot prop 50 may be placed in an extended position, as shown in Figure 20, for supporting the carrier 1 on the ground when it is desirable to support a patient on the carrier in a stationary position.

Alternatively, when transporting a patient, the foot prop 50 may be folded upward into the position shown in Figure 21. A pair of springs 56 connect the legs 40 to the legs 52 of the foot prop 50 and bias the foot prop 50 towards the folded position of

Figure 21.

[0038] An engagement and release mechanism including locking plate 102 and a release bar 104 are provided on the legs 40. The locking plate 102 extends between the legs 40 and is arranged to engage and disengage notched upper portions 58 of the foot prop legs 52. The release bar 104 includes a foot lever 106 and a pair of extension arms 108 extending from the foot lever 106 and arranged to engage the locking plate 102.

[0039] In order to place the foot prop 50 in the extended position, a user simply rotates the foot prop 50 down toward the ground with his or her foot until the foot prop just passes a position parallel to the legs 40. Thereafter, the user releases the foot prop and the biasing force of springs 56 forces the notched portions 58 into locking engagement with the locking plate 102.

[0040] To return the foot prop 50 to its folded position, the user simply presses upward on the foot lever 106 with his or her foot, thereby causing the extension arms

108 to push the locking plate out of engagement with the foot prop legs 52, and

allowing the foot prop to rotate upward into the folded position under the force of springs 56.

[0041] Based on the description above, one can see that the carrier 1 can be stabilized to support a patient in a stationary position on a stretcher by folding down either the foot prop 50 alone, or the foot prop 50 and the stabilizer bar 60 in combination. Further, to prevent the carrier from rolling when supporting a patient in a stationary position, wheel locking arms 130 are provided on the legs 30. The locking arms 130 include a follower arm 134 pivotably connected to a lever arm 132. The follower arm 134 can be pivoted to a position essentially perpendicular to the lever arm 132, and thereby blocking forward motion of the wheel 75, by simply pulling the lever arm 132 back towards the wheel 75. The follower arm 134 can be pivoted away from the wheel 75 to allow the wheel 75 to rotate by simply pulling the lever arm 132 forward, away from the wheel 75.

[0042] Figures 10-15 show stretcher clamps 120 that are arranged to quickly engage and disengage the tube arms of stretchers. Referring to Figures 12-15, the clamp 120 includes a base 121, a hand lever 122 pivotably connected to the base 121 by a bolt 127 and a retaining arm 124 also pivotably connected to the base 121 by bolt 127. The base may be connected to the stretcher platform 20, or to extenders 90 or the like by a fastening assembly 140.

[0043] The hand lever 122 and the retaining arm 124 are connected and biased apart by a torsion spring 123. The retaining arm 124 includes recessed portions 150 which cooperate with recessed portions 148 of the base 121 to accommodate the tube of a stretcher, as shown in Figure 11. The hand lever includes a cam portion 129 on one side thereof, which includes a notched portion 129a. A retaining member 142 is attached to the base 121 on the side of the base corresponding to the cam portion 129 by a bolt or fastener 127. The retaining member 142 is biased by a torsion spring 123 into a position for engaging the cam portion 129 of the hand lever 122. A cam surface 146 of the retaining member 142 is shaped to engage the cam portion 129 by sliding action. A back side of the retaining member 142 includes a plurality of teeth 144 for engaging the notched portion 129a of the cam portion 129 in order to lock the retaining arm 124 into engagement with a tube of the stretcher. A latch member 154 extending outside the base 121 through a slot 152 in the base 121 is connected to the

retaining member 142 for disengaging the retaining member 142 from the hand lever 122.

[0044] In order to secure a stretcher tube in the clamp 120, a user first aligns the stretcher tube in the recesses 148 and 150, as shown in Figure 10. Thereafter, the user presses the hand lever 122 to rotate it in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 14 such that the cam portion 129 slides against the cam surface 146 of the retaining member 142. As the hand lever 122 is rotated, the retaining member 124 is caused to rotate with the hand lever 122 by the spring 123. Once the notched portion 129a passes the cam surface 146 to the back side of the retaining member 142, the notched portion engages one or more of the teeth 144 in a ratcheting fashion. Once the retaining member 124 is rotated far enough to retain the stretcher tube, the user may release the hand lever 122 and the hand lever 122 and retainer 124 remain locked in a closed position, as shown in Figure 15, due to engagement between the notched portion 129a and the teeth 144. By providing multiple teeth 144, a range of stretcher tube sizes can be accommodated.

[0045] In order to release the clamp 120 from the closed position into the open position shown in Figures 12 and 13, the user simply moves the latch member 154 in the slot 152 in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 12 while pressing down on the hand lever 122, thereby disengaging the retaining member 142 from the notched portion 129a, and thereafter releases the hand lever 122. The retaining arm 124 and hand lever 122 will then rotate in to the open position due to the biasing force of the spring 123.

[0046] Figures 7 and 16-19 show how wheels 75 can be mounted and dismounted from the frame 10. Referring to Figures 7 and 16-19, an axle tube 160 extends between the legs 30 and houses a pair of extendable and retractable half-axles 162 at opposite ends of the tube 160. The half-axles 162 include folding quick-release arms 164, which can be folded into a position parallel to the half-axles 162 for installing and removing wheels 75 and into a position perpendicular to the half-axles 162 for locking wheels 75 into position for use. Locking pins 166 are provided for securing the half-axles 162 into place in the tube 160. When installing wheels, the locking pins 166 are lifted to disengage the half-axles 162 and half-axles 162 are extended to protrude further from the tube 160. Once the wheels are mounted, the half-axles 162

are retracted into the tube 160 and secured in place by the locking pins 166. The half- axles 162 include internal stop members which prevent them from being removed from the axle tube 160.

[0047] Figures 22 and 23 show an optional adjustable height extension unit 170. One unit 170 can be mounted on each end of the stretcher platform 20 to elevate a stretcher above the level of the platform 20. As shown in Figure 22, the unit 170 includes a base 172 that can be fastened to the platform 20. Rotatable arms 174 are attached to each end of the base 172 can be rotated into position to be received by clamps 120. A pair of adjustable vertical tubes 176 are extend through opposing sides of the base 172 and support a secondary stretcher platform member 178 for supporting a stretcher. The tubes 176 may be received through holes provided in the stretcher platform 20. The tubes 176 may be adjusted vertically to vary the height of the stretcher on the carrier 1.

[0048] As shown in Figure 23, a locking bar 180 is provided on a rear of the base 172, and includes locking members 177 (e.g., rods, arms or projecting members) which can be extended through the base 172 to engage holes 182 in the tubes 176 for locking a the tubes 176 at a desired height. The bar 180 can be rotated using handles

175, as indicated in Figure 23, to manipulate the locking members 177 into and out of engagement with the tubes 176. Locking handles 184 are also arranged to be tightened down onto the tubes 176 for further securing the tubes 176 at a desired height. Where two tubes units 170 are used at opposite ends of the carrier 1, the units

170 may be set at different heights to elevate a patient's head or feet as desired.

[0049] The foregoing description illustrates and describes the invention. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only the preferred embodiments of the invention, but as mentioned above, it is to be understood that the invention is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain best modes known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or other, embodiments and with the various modifications required by the particular applications or uses of the invention.

Accordingly, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein.