Abstract: An ambulance cot and cot loading and unloading system for an emergency vehicle comprises a cot having a head end, a base for mounting to a deck of an emergency vehicle, a track mounted for linear movement along said base, and an arm mounted for linear movement along said track from a retracted position to an extended position. The arm is and configured to engage the cot, and wherein when the track is extended along the base and the arm is extended along the track the arm is extended from the base in an extended position and is configured for lifting the cot and providing cantilevered support to the cot while in the extended position.

Abstract: Embodiments of a patient transport platform employing one or more adjustable columns interposed between a base having caster wheels with one or more intermediate large wheels, the adjustable columns accommodating deployment and retraction of the large wheels and elevation and positioning of an articulating patient stretcher chair. In various embodiments, the adjustable columns are in parallel or series connection, or combinations thereof. An articulating base frame assembly with a dampened interconnection between fore and aft sections, having three pairs of wheels for selective implementation in use is also presented.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a rolling transport cot may include an elongate frame, one or more support linkages, an arcuate coupling member, and a swivel caster. The one or more support linkages may include a pivoting link that is in rotatable engagement with the elongate frame, a traveling link that is in sliding and rotatable engagement with the elongate frame, and an equalizing link that is in rotatable engagement with the traveling link. The arcuate coupling member can be in rotatable engagement with the pivoting link and the equalizing link. The swivel caster may include a wheel that rotates along a surface and a swivel mechanism that can rotate around an axis that is aligned with the surface at a swivel angle ?. When the traveling link is urged along the elongate frame, the swivel angle ? of the swivel mechanism can be substantially constant.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, stretcher, gurney, surgical table, or the like, is disclosed that includes at least one form of wireless energy transfer and/or at least one form of wireless communication amongst its components. The wireless energy transfer may include the inductive transfer of electrical energy from the main body of the patient support apparatus to a mattress positioned thereon that uses electrical energy. Alternatively, the wireless energy transfer may include the inductive transfer or electrical energy from a stationary power station to the patient support itself. Or, the patient support apparatus may include both types of inductive energy transfer. The wireless communication may be between a controller on the main body of the patient support apparatus and a controller within, or coupled to, the mattress.

Abstract: A stretcher includes a patient support, a base, a plurality of support members supporting the patient support relative to the base, which are adapted and arranged to raise or lower the base relative to the patient support, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is actuatable between a locked position wherein the locking mechanism locks the support members at a fixed height and an unlocked position wherein the support members are released from being locked at the fixed height so that the base or the patient support may be moved relative to the other. Further, the locking mechanism is configured to provide a stop for the support members and absorb energy from the support members are release and the support members engage the stop.

Abstract: A transport apparatus includes a frame, a lift mechanism supporting the frame, and a litter deck for supporting a person. The litter deck is adapted to be reconfigured between a chair configuration and a cot configuration. The litter deck is also adapted to be removably mounted to the frame, with the litter deck being adapted to be supported by the frame while the litter deck is in its chair configuration and also while being reconfigured between its chair configuration and its cot configuration.

Abstract: A backpack employs a collapsible stretcher and a collapsible wheel assembly. The backpack may be transformed from a compact mode suitable for portability of the backpack to an extended mode wherein the stretcher is extended. A pair of wheels are inflated so that the wheels at one end contact the terrain and at the other end the stretcher is engaged to the backpack to provide for an efficient transport of an injured individual placed in the stretcher.

Abstract: A bed with a leg assembly coupled to a support link assembly by a joint, the joint comprising a slot having at least two paths. A support link assembly defining a length that automatically varies as the support link assembly moves relative to the leg assembly.

Abstract: A locking retractor is disclosed, as are stretchers and cots using the retractor to secure a patient. The retractor includes structure for locking the retractor spool to prevent rotation in both directions. However, a cam is coupled to the shaft and is arranged relative to the locking structure to prevent the spool from locking during an initial portion of the spool's rotation, until a first locking point is reached. Once the first locking point has been reached, a clutch prevents the locking structure from engaging while the spool is still rotating, but the locking structure will engage to lock the spool in both directions once active rotation stops. A user-actuatable lever is provided externally that disengages the locking structure when actuated to allow the spool to extend and retract freely.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a roll-in cot may include a support frame, a pair of back legs, a pair of front legs, and a cot actuation system. The pair of back legs and the pair of front legs can be slidingly coupled to the support frame. Each of the pair of front legs can include a front wheel and an intermediate load wheel. The intermediate load wheel is offset from the front wheel by a load wheel distance. A front actuator can raise the pair of front legs such that the front wheel and the intermediate load wheel of each of the pair of front legs are aligned along a loading level. The intermediate load wheel of each of the pair of front legs can be offset from the pair of back legs by a loading span. The load wheel distance can be greater than the loading span.

Abstract: A roll-in cot for patient transport and method thereof are disclosed. The cot provides a patient transporter having a support frame configured to support a stretcher on a top side of the support frame and having a sliding track mounted to an under-side of the support frame. A pair of collapsible leading legs is pivotally mounted on the underside of the support frame, and a pair of collapsible and retractable trailing legs is pivotally mounted to the underside of the support frame and also moveably coupled to the sliding track. The trailing legs are configured to swivel from a raised position to a collapsed, unretracted position wherein the pair of trailing legs extend a first horizontal distance past a trailing end of the support frame.

Abstract: A stretcher including an upper frame for mounting a lifter thereon, a front leg pivotably attached to the upper frame, a rear leg pivotably attached to the upper frame, a fixed caster attached to one end of the front leg, a swivel caster attached to one end of the rear leg, and an auxiliary swivel caster attached to the front leg, wherein the upper frame is vertically adjustable by folding the front and rear legs relative to the upper frame, and wherein the auxiliary swivel caster is positioned relative to the fixed caster such that the auxiliary swivel caster is in contact with the ground when the upper frame is fully lowered and the front leg is folded away from the rear leg, and the auxiliary swivel caster is out of contact with the ground when the upper frame is fully lowered and the front leg is folded toward the rear leg.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-function cart for storing and transporting emergency or other supplies. The multi-function cart comprises two shells that can be secured together to form a transportable storage container. When separated, each shell is convertible into various configurations that can be used to sustain life during and after a disaster as well as to clean-up and rebuild after a disaster has occurred. The multi-function cart can also be used recreationally. In this manner, the multi-function cart enables victims to quickly care for themselves, and encourages victims to immediately begin the clean-up and rebuilding process. Each shell is convertible into different configurations using various tubes. Hub brackets on opposing sides of the shell include adapters to which any of the tubes can be connected. The tubes can be connected to the adapters in an upward or a downward orientation to form different configurations.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo loading rail system includes inner vehicle rail portions connected to vehicle structure. Connecting rail portions have a rotatable connecting joint to rotatably connect the connecting rail portions to one of the inner vehicle rail portions. Step mounted rail portions are connected to a door rotatably connected to the vehicle and rotatable between closed and open conditions. The step mounted rail portions have a longitudinal slot. A roller fitting assembly is connected to the connecting rail portions and slidably received in the longitudinal slot. A trolley member is movable on a continuous rail surface created when the door is open having vehicle rail portion ends contacting connecting rail portion first ends, and connecting rail portion second ends in contact with step mounted rail portion ends. A trolley member cavity receives a support post of a member loaded into the vehicle by movement on the continuous rail surface.

Abstract: A cot operable to fold one or more legs thereof with the advancing of the cot onto a support object is disclosed. The cot comprises a wheeled transporter, having a frame and legs, and a leg release assembly. The leg release assembly comprises a contact member, a leg release member releasably engaged with at least one of the legs, and a linkage member operably connecting the contact member and the leg release member. The contact member is pressure-sensitive and activates with an application of pressure thereto. The leg release member releases the at least one of the legs from an engagement therewith with activation of the contact member. The at least one of legs folds relative to the frame with the release of the engagement with the leg release member.

Abstract: A bariatric adapter for a portable patient-transport gurney provides a wider, secure and comfortable surface for carrying larger patients. The adapter may be constructed in multiple segments so that adjustments of the gurney (e.g., elevating head/torso support or leg supports) can still be used. The adapter does not require modifications to the gurney, so it can be removed when not needed. However, smaller patients may also find the wider bed more comfortable, so it may be left attached for all users.

Abstract: A rescue appliance for evacuating physically-compromised persons is disclosed. A rescue appliance includes a platform configured to support a prone evacuee, a set of wheels coupled with the platform to support the platform relative to a floor surface, and a protection assembly coupled with the platform. The protection assembly is configurable to surround the prone evacuee to protect the evacuee from a fire. The protection assembly can be configured to encase the prone evacuee. The rescue appliance can be configured to be sufficiently buoyant to support an evacuee on water to allow evacuation in a flooding emergency. Two or more rescue appliances can be coupled together to form a train so that multiple persons can be evacuated simultaneously.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cart (hand cart, dolley) for the safe transport of an elongated load in a horizontal position; and in particular to carts for transporting spinal boards, rescue stretchers, rescue baskets, full body vacuum splits and similar loads and their passengers in a horizontal position, where the wheels can be repositioned horizontally along the cart to facilitate loading and then for improved balance and cart mobility on stairs, narrow hallways and uneven terrain. Other elongated load, including sea kayaks, surfboards, construction materials, etc., may also be transported by a cart of the nature disclosed. The wheels may also be mounted on a hinged strut, which permits the wheels to swing fully out from under the cart during loading and then back under the cart during operation. Shock absorbers along the strut and/or the wheel mounts may permit a balanced horizontal transport with a smooth ride even on rough or uneven terrain.

Abstract: The invention has a deck that is supported by a first lever and a second lever. The first and second levers can be connected with a drag link. An actuator can be pivotally connected relative to but not directly to the deck. The location of the actuator relative an arm of the first lever is controlled with a control arm. A caster carriage and four idlers can also be provided. The idlers pivotally interconnect the first and second levers with the caster carriage. A radius arm can be connected to the caster carriage and to an arm of one of the levers. In this regard, the radius arm can be relatively long and can act in tandem with the respective lever and the idlers to minimize the horizontal shifting of the deck as the apparatus is raised and lowered.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a roll-in cot may include a support frame, a pair of front legs, a pair of back legs, and a cot actuation system. The pair of front legs may be slidingly coupled to the support frame. Each front leg includes at least one front wheel. The pair of back legs may be slidingly coupled to the support frame. Each back leg includes at least one back wheel. The cot actuation system includes a front actuator that moves the front legs and a back actuator that moves the back legs. The front actuator and the back actuator raises or lowers the support frame in tandem. The front actuator raises or lowers the front end of the support frame independently of the back actuator. The back actuator raises or lowers the back end of the support frame independently of the front actuator.

Abstract: A vehicle for transport of injured persons, patients and the like, which comprises: a sanitary compartment including a treading plane raised with respect to a ground surface, and an upper zone, opposite the treading plane; a lifting device for loading and unloading a stretcher located between a first extracted position in which the stretcher is resting on the ground and a second housed position in which it is arranged internally of a sanitary compartment; in which the lifting device comprises: collecting means configured to pick up the stretcher and being mobile between a lowered configuration below the level of the treading plane and a raised configuration; movement means of the collecting means, internally associable to the sanitary compartment at the upper zone for moving the stretcher between the first position and the second position and being destined to maintain the collected stretcher suspended above the treading plane.

Abstract: A combination cot loading and fastening system for loading and unloading an ambulance cot having a normal loadingheight of about 76 centimeters (about 30 inches) into an emergency rescue vehicle having a transport deck in excess of 78 centimeters (about 31 inches), the vehicle having an opening providing access to the transport deck, is disclosed. The system comprises a pair of tracks, a shuttle assembly to securely pull the ambulance cot along the pair of tracks, and a locking mechanism mounted on the shuttle assembly. The shuttle assembly is configured to position the locking mechanism a distance away from a second end of the pair of tracks and at angle below the transport deck of the emergency rescue vehicle, the angle ranging from about 10° to 25°, and the distance ranging about 22.8 centimeters (about 9 inches) to about 50 centimeters (about 20 inches).

Abstract: Emergency vehicle patient transport systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, an emergency vehicle patient transport system includes: a loading passage providing access to an interior of an emergency vehicle; one or more tracks coupled to a floor of the emergency vehicle, a ceiling of the emergency vehicle, a wall of the emergency vehicle or combinations thereof wherein, a travel path is delineated by the one or more tracks; and a chair slidingly engaged with the one or more tracks, and vertically positioned between the floor and the ceiling. The chair locks in one or more set positions. And, the one or more set positions are selected from a group consisting of an airway care position, an extended airway care position, a procedural care position, a responder position, a patient care position, and a patient load position.

Abstract: An ambulance cot loading and unloading apparatus includes a base for mounting to an emergency vehicle deck and an arm mounted for linear movement along the base, which is configured for engaging an ambulance cot. A drive mechanism is provided for raising the arm, which is configured in the presence of an applied force with a first magnitude on the arm to raise the arm at a first speed and in the presence of an applied force on the arm with a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude to raise the arm at another speed or speeds lower than the first speed.

Abstract: A collapsible bracket for an emergency vehicle that includes a base for mounting to an emergency vehicle and a framework connected to the base. The framework is movable between a contracted position and an expanded position such that the framework engages an emergency cot within an emergency vehicle when in the expanded position and does not engage an emergency cot within an emergency vehicle when in the contracted position.

Abstract: A steerable ultra-low patient bed that incorporates a means for maintaining verticality of the caster stem at all height positions of the bed and a means for selectively locking the caster assemblies of the bed in a desired locking position. The means for selectively locking the caster assemblies may be actuated from either end of the bed using a central actuation mechanism. The bed according to the present invention has legs that are pivotally and translatably attached at their upper end to a frame of the bed and caster support members that are longitudinally aligned with the bed pivotally attached to the lower end of each leg. The caster support members each have a single caster assembly attached thereto. The means for maintaining verticality of the caster stem incorporates a constraint means that urges the caster support member in a direction of rotation opposite to that of the leg during adjustment of the height of the bed.

Abstract: A patient transport litter and system includes a patient support platform interconnected to a foldable frame that may be supported by and rolled upon a first plurality of wheels in an unfolded state. In a folded state, a second plurality of wheels may be provided to support and allow for rollable movement of the patient transport litter. A leading plurality of wheels may be provided at one end of the patient support platform for initially and rolling upon engaging the floor of an emergency transport vehicle during loading of the patient transport litter thereupon. One or more of the plurality of wheels may comprise multi-directional wheels, e.g., to allow for omnidirectional rolling movement. The litter may be selectively lockable in and unlockable from the unfolded state, the fully-folded state, and optionally, one or more partially-folded state(s).

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: Embodiments of a roll-in push cot may comprise a support frame comprising a pair of lateral sides extending between a front end and a rear end, and a pair of slidable tracks disposed in the lateral sides; a pair of leading legs and a pair of trailing legs pivotally connected to the support frame; a front carriage member slidingly disposed within the pair of slidable tracks at the front end of the support frame, and a mechanical loading system coupled to the support frame and connecting the pair of leading legs with the pair of trailing legs, wherein the mechanical loading system comprises a front actuator disposed on the support frame in the motion path defined by the front carriage member, such that movement of the front carriage member triggers the front actuator and thereby initiates the release of the trailing legs.

Abstract: An ambulance cot loading and unloading apparatus includes a base for mounting to an emergency vehicle deck and an arm mounted for linear movement along the base, which is configured for engaging an ambulance cot. A drive mechanism is provided for raising the arm, which is configured in the presence of an applied force with a first magnitude on the arm to raise the arm at a first speed and in the presence of an applied force on the arm with a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude to raise the arm at another speed or speeds lower than the first speed.

Abstract: A bed with a leg assembly coupled to a support link assembly by a joint, the joint comprising a slot having at least two paths. A support link assembly defining a length that automatically varies as the support link assembly moves relative to the leg assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle used in transporting or treating large numbers of victims or patients from a mass-casualty incident to or from a hospital in an evacuation situation. The typical vehicle contains a stacked stretcher system, a loading ramp system, and an oxygen system. This vehicle must have an independent energy source or must be capable of being powered by an outside energy source. The vehicle can be flexible enough to provide facilities for treatment of victims either at the site of a disaster, in route from the disaster, at any remote site, or near a healthcare facility. A variation of the vehicle contains refrigeration or freezer units and is capable of transporting or maintaining casualties until mortuary services can be obtained. Variations of the equipment include trays made of stainless steel, stretchers that can be easily cleaned and that allow for easy drainage of liquids.

Abstract: Embodiments of a height adjustable emergency roll-in cot comprise a cot support frame comprising having a leading end, a trailing end, and a pair of opposing side frame members disposed between the leading and trailing ends, a pair of wheeled front legs slidingly coupled to the cot support frame via a slideable front transverse support member, and a pair of wheeled back legs slidingly coupled to the support frame via a slideable back transverse support member, wherein the slideable front transverse support member, the slideable back transverse support member, or both include a pair of locking pins (90, 92).

Abstract: The present invention relates to ambulance cots, cot systems and methods of using the same. In particular, the present invention provides an ambulance cot comprising one or more control features (e.g., a notched ladder rail assembly (e.g., for preventing hot dropping of cot); a hand braking system; and/or team lift rails) and methods of using the same (e.g., to transport a subject (e.g., into and/or from an ambulance)).

Abstract: A patient transport device for transporting a patient secured to a secured area thereof may include a first restraint arm disposed about a first longitudinal side of the secured area and a second restraint arm disposed about a second longitudinal side of the secured area opposite the first longitudinal side of the secured area. A head-cage restraint arm may further be disposed about a third leading end of the secured area between the first and second longitudinal sides of the secured area. The first restraint arm, the second restraint arm and the head-cage restraint arm may be operable to transition between an open configuration and a restrained configuration relative to the secured area.

Abstract: A patient transport litter and system includes a patient support platform interconnected to a foldable frame that may be supported by and rolled upon a first plurality of wheels in an unfolded state. In a folded state, a second plurality of wheels may be provided to support and allow for rollable movement of the patient transport litter. A leading plurality of wheels may be provided at one end of the patient support platform for initially and rolling upon engaging the floor of an emergency transport vehicle during loading of the patient transport litter thereupon. One or more of the plurality of wheels may comprise multi-directional wheels, e.g., to allow for omnidirectional rolling movement. The litter may be selectively lockable in and unlockable from the unfolded state, the fully-folded state, and optionally, one or more partially-folded state(s).

Abstract: An emergency response treatment bed system. The emergency response beds may include a frame having a pair of opposing tubular stainless steel side supports and a pair of opposing tubular stainless steel end supports. The side supports and end supports are affixed each to the other by corner fixtures. A plurality of collapsible support legs are affixed to the frame. The support legs have an upper end and a lower end, and are adapted to support the frame above a selected substrate. A support deck is coupled to the frame. The support deck is adapted to support a patient body, and is provided with a liquid impervious, molded thermoplastic contaminant resistant cleanable surface. The support deck also has, above at least some of the support legs, a cutout portion defined by edgewalls, to provide access through the support deck to the support legs, so that multiple beds may be stacked one above the other, using support inserts between vertically adjacent support legs.

Abstract: An ambulance cot is disclosed and the ambulance cot having a base frame configured for support on a surface, a litter frame configured for supporting thereon a patient and an elevating mechanism interconnecting the base frame and the litter frame and configured to interconnect the litter frame and the base frame in order to facilitate movement of the base frame and the litter frame toward and away from each other. A control mechanism is provided on the cot which is configured to facilitate the movement of the base frame and the litter frame toward each other and at differing speeds predicated on at least one of whether the base frame is supported on the surface and the litter frame is supported by an external support separate from the elevating mechanism.

Abstract: A stretcher includes a patient support, a base, and a plurality of support members, which supports the patient support relative to the base. The support members are adapted and arranged to raise or lower the base relative to the patient support. The stretcher also includes a releasable locking link between the patient support and a fixable point at the base.

Abstract: According to the present invention, when a stretcher mounted in an ambulance car is used at an intermediate position with legs being folded, the stretcher can be moved forward and backward and left and right by rotatable casters. The stretcher (100) is provided with front leg fixed casters (23) fixed to front legs of the stretcher (100), and rotatable auxiliary casters (24) provided above the casters (23). When the stretcher (100) is set to the intermediate position, rotatable auxiliary casters (39) contact the ground in place of the front leg fixed casters (23), and together with the rotatable rear casters (24), make the stretcher (100) movable forward and backward and left and right.

Abstract: A roll-in cot for patient transport and method thereof are disclosed. The cot provides a patient transporter having a support frame configured to support a stretcher on a top side of the support frame and having a sliding track mounted to an under-side of the support frame. A pair of collapsible leading legs is pivotally mounted on the underside of the support frame, and a pair of collapsible and retractable trailing legs is pivotally mounted to the underside of the support frame and also moveably coupled to the sliding track. The trailing legs are configured to swivel from a raised position to a collapsed, unretracted position wherein the pair of trailing legs extend a first horizontal distance past a trailing end of the support frame.

Abstract: The invention finds application in the field of ambulance transport, emergency transport and other transport equipment. It relates to a stretcher (1) of the type comprising an upper frame (2) with a articulated platform (3) mounted thereto; a from loading carriage (4). The stretcher (1) has at least one additional rear leg (9) and a corresponding support (10) for holding said rear leg (9) against the upper frame (2), in such a manner as to be suspended between the front loading carriage (4) and the additional rear leg (9) during loading and unloading. The provision of a motor-driven coupling system/device allows automatic loading and unloading of said stretcher (1).

Abstract: A patient transport device for transporting a patient secured to a secured area thereof may include a first restraint arm disposed about a first longitudinal side of the secured area and a second restraint arm disposed about a second longitudinal side of the secured area opposite the first longitudinal side of the secured area. A head-cage restraint arm may further be disposed about a third leading end of the secured area between the first and second longitudinal sides of the secured area. The first restraint arm, the second restraint arm and the head-cage restraint arm may be operable to transition between an open configuration and a restrained configuration relative to the secured area.

Abstract: An ambulance cot loading and unloading apparatus includes a base for mounting to an emergency vehicle deck and an arm mounted for linear movement along the base, which is configured for engaging an ambulance cot. A drive mechanism is provided for raising the arm, which is configured in the presence of an applied force with a first magnitude on the arm to raise the arm at a first speed and in the presence of an applied force on the arm with a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude to raise the arm at another speed or speeds lower than the first speed.

Abstract: A patient support includes a base, a patient support surface supported by the base, an electrically powered device, and a rechargeable power storage device for powering the electrically powered device. Further, the patient support includes a receiving coil that is electrically coupled to the rechargeable power supply for inductive coupling with a transmitting coil, the receiving coil for recharging the rechargeable power supply when the receiving coil is inductively coupled to the transmitting coil.

Abstract: A cot operable to fold one or more legs thereof with the advancing of the cot onto a support object is disclosed. The cot comprises a wheeled transporter, having a frame and legs, and a leg release assembly. The leg release assembly comprises a contact member, a leg release member releasably engaged with at least one of the legs, and a linkage member operably connecting the contact member and the leg release member. The contact member is pressure-sensitive and activates with an application of pressure thereto. The leg release member releases the at least one of the legs from an engagement therewith with activation of the contact member. The at least one of legs folds relative to the frame with the release of the engagement with the leg release member.

Abstract: A stretcher (100) has casters on front legs (15) and rear legs (17), an upper frame (11) on the upper part of which a stretcher body is placed, constant load springs (28,29) in a slide mechanism for vertically varying the position of the upper frame (11), and mechanical locking devices (32,33) for stopping the upper frame at desired positions. The stretcher (100) further has a lock mechanism (31) for locking front leg-assisting frames (16), for supporting the front legs, so as not to slide, and has rear leg-assisting frames (18) for supporting the front legs (15), the front leg-assisting frames (16), and the rear legs (17).

Abstract: A stretcher fixture installed on the floor surface of the cargo bed of an ambulance or the like to fix a stretcher on the cargo bed of the ambulance or the like, characterized by having a front hook which is mounted on the front floor surface of the cargo bed of an ambulance or the like to fix the front part of the stretcher; and a lock plate which is installed on the rear floor surface and has a lock piece engaging with a lock supporter installed in the rear part of the stretcher.

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 lightweight, collapsible and portable stretcher for effective use under extreme circumstances such as use in disaster and war affected terrains. The stretcher includes a wheel assembly having an alternative use as a container for the collapsible stretcher. The invention has particular advantages in military or disaster environments in that it allows one person, a carrier, to perform an evacuation of an injured person, whereas prior art stretchers require two or more persons to effectuate an evacuation of an injured person. Additionally, the carrier person can utilize the stretcher to transport or pull an injured person while reserving independent functions of his or her hands. Accordingly, the lightweight collapsible and portable stretcher can be operated hands-free by a single carrier person.