Abstract: A method and cot fastening system for a patient transport vehicle having a rearwardly located patient access which meet the pull requirements for vertical and lateral movement are disclosed. The system comprises a rear mounting part, which mounts on the floor of the transport vehicle adjacent the patient access; a forward mounting part which mounts on the floor forward of the access, rails connecting the rear mounting part to the forward mounting part, and a release mechanism. The rails of the cot fastening system help guide the cot into the vehicle and to the forward mounting part. When the cot has reached the forward mounting part, a cross-member which forms part of the cot undercarriage, is urged against a pair of automatically locking securing mechanisms of the forward mounting part which secures the cot thereto as well as to the rear mounting part via catches.

Abstract: A method and cot fastening system for a patient transport vehicle having a rearwardly located patient access which meet the pull requirements for vertical and lateral movement are disclosed. The system comprises a rear mounting part, which mounts on the floor of the transport vehicle adjacent the patient access; a forward mounting part which mounts on the floor forward of the access, rails connecting the rear mounting part to the forward mounting part, and a release mechanism. The rails of the cot fastening system help guide the cot into the vehicle and to the forward mounting part. When the cot has reached the forward mounting part, a cross-member which forms part of the cot undercarriage, is urged against a pair of automatically locking securing mechanisms of the forward mounting part which secures the cot thereto as well as to the rear mounting part via catches.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a roll-in cot which is conveniently hand operated by the same attendant using an aft release handle used to lower the roll-in cot from its upright or elevated positions. The locking mechanism includes a stationary portion and a movable portion rotatably mounted on the stationary portion such that the movable portion is movable in a substantially vertical direction from a securing position to a release position, and vice-versa. The locking mechanism also includes a catch lever to hold the movable portion in the release position when so placed. The movable portion is biased in the securing position such that release of the aft release handle causes the movable portion to transition back into the securing position. To operate the aft release handle, the attendant must manually place the movable portion of the locking mechanism in the release position.