Abstract: The invention is referring to the field of the art of fire-fighting vehicles, rescue vehicles and ambulances, proposing specifically the construction of a multi-functional vehicle which, with the properly disposed equipment and ergonomy, can combine and accomplish all three missions, that is, fire fighting, freeing and rescuing injured entrapped persons and subsquently transportation of these injured persons after, mainly, a car accident. According to the preferred embodiment this single multi-functional vehicle by itself replaces at least three vehicles—that is a fire fighting, a rescue vehicle and two ambulances, having as crew only three persons.

Abstract: A lift-assisted device including a seat portion; a seat support portion which supports the seat portion; a base portion; an undercarriage portion which comprises of at least one scissor linkage member, each scissor linkage member including a first member pivotable connected to a second member near a center portion of the first and second member; a pneumatic bag located between the seat portion and the base portion; a pneumatic cylinder located between the seat portion and the base portion; a pneumatic powering means for powering the pneumatic bag and/or pneumatic cylinder and wherein the first member and second member are slidably connected to the seat portion on one end and fixedly connected to the base portion on an opposite end.

Abstract: A mechanism for initiating movement of a stretcher includes a drive wheel, and a lever or pedal actuated assembly. Moving the pedal or the lever moves a flexible drive link which is wound around a hub of the drive wheel. As the flexible drive link is pulled and unwound from the hub, the drive wheel engages the floor and rotates a sufficient distance to overcome inertia and align the swivel wheels of the stretcher in the desired direction.

Abstract: Described is a collapsible cart for transporting items from a first surface to a raised surface. The collapsible cart comprises a platform, for carrying items thereon, wherein the platform comprises a front edge and a back edge. A collapsible front leg is attached to the platform. The collapsible front leg comprises an front upper leg and a front lower leg. Connected to the front upper leg and to the front lower leg is a spring biased to rotate the front lower leg towards an extended position relative to the front upper leg. A front release mechanism persuades the collapsible front legs to be withdrawn towards the platform. A collapsible rear leg is also attached to the platform. The collapsible rear leg comprises a rear upper leg, a rear lower leg and a spring connected there between biased to rotate the rear lower leg towards an extended position relative to the rear upper leg. A rear release mechanism allows the collapsible rear leg to be withdrawn towards the platform.

Abstract: A linkage for a stretcher suspension. The linkage includes a stretcher receiving frame 17 and a base frame 23. A pair of arms 10 are pivotally fixed to bottom frame 23 and slidingly connected (12, 14) to frame 17. A pneumatic suspension unit 33 is located between the arms 10 and a first link 27 pivotally coupled between arms 10 and frame 17. A cross member 12 of the slide coupling is coupled to a sliding mount 25 of a second link 24 pivotally coupled to an arm 18 pivotally connected to the frame 17 and sliding coupled (21) to the base frame 23.

Abstract: A stretcher comprised of a roller base, a scissor-type lift frame having a lower end rotatably connected to the base, a tubular undercarriage rotatably and slidably connected to an upper end of the frame, a foldable rigid support positionable over the undercarriage, a soft, foldable cushion positionable over the support and connected thereto to prevent disassociation therefrom, and first and second side-arm supports rotatably connected to the undercarriage. The undercarriage includes first and second longitudinal frame members and first and second movable end extensions. Internal to each of the longitudinal frame members is a releasably locking mechanism to lock the stretcher at a predetermined height. The internal locking mechanism is releasable allowing the stretcher to be vertically adjusted by either one or two thumb triggers, located at one of the movable end extensions.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an object out of a plurality of materials having differing structural characteristics and capable of being placed in a molten state, the melted materials are deposited in an open mold having a pair of complementary mold portions. Various non-melted but possibly pre-heated structural, reinforcing, or energy absorbing materials can be placed in the mold with the melted materials. A closing force is applied to the mold and the item is removed after it has cured. According to one embodiment, a molding apparatus is provided to form a cross car beam with integral HVAC ductwork and knee energy absorbers.

Abstract: A tray (2) includes a framework comprising first and second elongate side members (4, 6) and first and second end members (8, 10). The members (4, 6, 8, 10) support a rectangular floor of the tray, defined by a metal mesh (12a) or grid arrangement (12b ). A sheet (14) of woven fabric material is arranged to define a multiplicity of elongate channels (16). The sheet (14) is supported at its ends by cords (18) which releasably engage end members (8, 10). End member (8) includes a tensioning arrangement (20) for adjusting the tension in the cords. In use, the channels (16) are filled with compost and plants are grown therein. A tray (2a) may be situated in a greenhouse with other trays (2). It may be removed from the greenhouse using a carriage device which can move underneath tray (2a), lower it and then drive it out of the greenhouse by causing it to pass under adjacent trays (2b and 2c). Other trays may be moved in a similar manner.

Abstract: An accident and emergency trolley supports and transports a patient, and includes a surface overlying an upper frame which is supported on a base frame in order to be raised and lowered relative to the base frame. The upper frame is mounted at its periphery on opposed radius arms connected to respective first and second actuators, which are operated by foot-operated pedals. The pedals are disposed on one or either side of the trolley such that operation of any single pedal enables the trolley to be raised at either end or both ends simultaneously. The opposed radius arms provide an uninterrupted window under the trolley allowing for X-ray/imaging.

Abstract: A stretcher comprised of a roller base, a scissor-type lift frame having a lower end rotatably connected to the base, a tubular undercarriage rotatably and slidably connected to an upper end of the frame, a foldable rigid support positionable over the undercarriage, a soft, foldable cushion positionable over the support and connected thereto to prevent disassociation therefrom, and first and second side-arm supports rotatably connected to the undercarriage. The lift frame includes left and right side assemblies, each side assembly having a fixed-length leg member and a telescoping variable-length leg member, both of which are rotatably connected to the base, and rotatably and/or slidably connected to the undercarriage. The leg members of each side assembly are connected to one another at their respective mid-sections by a joint, and are rotatable with respect to one another along an axis of the joint, which is offset from the member's central axes.

Abstract: A reclinable ambulance cot used to load a patient into the back of an ambulance is provided. The cot includes a wheeled collapsible undercarriage carrying an articulated bed frame comprised of a leg segment, seat segment, and wheeled back segment. The articulated bed frame may be moved between an inclined, fully-reclined position, a chair position, and a plurality of positions therebetween. A lockable biasing device assists in the transition by urging the bed frame segments from the chair position to the fully-reclined position. The back segment further includes a pair of loading wheels at the ends of side extensions such that when the cot is in the inclined, fully-reclined position the loading wheels are at height sufficient to facilitate loading the reclined cot into the back of an ambulance, and in particular, into the back of an ambulance having a high transport deck.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading stretchers into an ambulance which includes a loading table for the front end of the stretcher bed portion and by which the stretcher is transferred into the ambulance transporting compartment the loading table being positioned with its rear edge in a position projecting outwards from the rear surface of the ambulance; an auxiliary device applied to the rear edge of the loading table having a transverse horizontal abutment element which is positioned at a height lower than the rear end of the upper surface of the loading table in order to engage the front legs of the stretcher, starting from their erect position.

Abstract: A wheeled carriage for supporting a patient in a substantially horizontal position, which wheeled carriage has thereon a patient support having head and foot regions and a pair of lateral side regions and a wheeled base supported at least by three floor surface engaging and castered wheels spaced from one another at locations defining corners of a theoretical polygon. An auxiliary wheel and a support structure therefor are suspendedly mounting the auxiliary wheel to the wheeled base. The auxiliary wheel is oriented inside a boundary of the theoretical polygon and includes an axle about which the wheel rotates. A control structure includes a first manually manipulatable member at at least one of the pair of lateral side regions and a second manually manipulatable member at at least one of the head end and the foot end so that an attendant can operate a selected one of the manually manipulatable members to effect a movement of the auxiliary wheel and the support structure therefor.

Abstract: A stopper 14 is arranged between a positioning piece 6 and a rear side locking pawl 13. When forward operation force is exerted on an operation grip from the outside, the stopper 14 is projected in the outside direction of the radius of a main body pipe 2 so as to allow the rear side locking pawl 13 to be locked. When the rear side locking pawl 13 is in the lock state, if the stopper 14 is pushed by other leg pipe 50B, it is retracted in the inside direction of the radius of the main body pipe 2 and allows the rear side locking pawl 13 to be removed rearward.

Abstract: A fitting is provided which facilitates the loading of a stretcher onto a platform, such as the bay of an ambulance. The fitting includes a pivotable mounting having a trailing larger diameter wheel and a leading smaller diameter wheel. Pivoting is such that the leading wheel is adapted to ride up onto the platform and then pivot downwardly allowing the trailing wheel to ride up over the rear edge of the platform as the stretcher is pushed into the ambulance. A skid block is preferably formed integrally with the mounting.

Abstract: A portable cart, for use in camping, hunting and other outdoors activities carries canoes, small boats, game, injured parties or hauled cargo by hand. The portable cart can be converted to a canoe or boat cart which can be folded down and transported within the canoe or boat, or to a game cart for transporting game over long, rough terrain, or to a cargo hauling gear cart, all of which can broken down into a carrying position, by hand or by back. The portable cart can be carried by hand or as a backpack over rough terrain. Its width can be varied to accommodate watercraft of varying widths. The cart has optional removable clamps for clamping a conventional transportable carrier, such as a stretcher or stokes-type rescue carrier bed, thereto. Another optional bicycle pull clamp includes an anti-tipping attachment resisting centrifugal force urging said cart to tip over during a directional turn of the cart-hauling bicycle.

Abstract: An ambulance cot having a wheeled base, a horizontally oriented patient litter support disposed on the base and having an elongate guide extending lengthwise thereof. A support mechanism is provided for supporting the patient litter support for vertical movement relative to the base while being maintained in the generally horizontal orientation. A device for selectively locking the patient litter support at selectively different vertical elevations is provided.

Abstract: A self-retracting cart for use in the cargo bay of a sport utility vehicle. When a pair of front wheels are caused to roll on and into the cargo bay by the self-retracting cart for use in the cargo bay of a sport utility vehicle being pushed therein, a push plate is caused to press against the rear edge of the cargo bay and traverse rearwardly causing a pair of arms to traverse rearwardly and cause a pair of spreader brackets to fold which causes a pair of front struts to pivot upwardly against a bottom wall of the basket and retract a pair of intermediate wheels against the pair of side walls of the basket and out of the way and thereby retracting the front wheel assembly.

Abstract: A collapsible utility cart for use with automobile trunks including a basket having a generally rectangular configuration. The basket has an open upper end and a closed bottom end. A pair of forward legs are included each having an upper end pivotally coupled with a forward portion of the closed bottom end of the basket. Each of the forward legs has a caster disposed on lower ends thereof. The pair of forward legs have an extended orientation whereby they are perpendicular to the closed bottom end of the basket and a collapsed orientation whereby they are folded upwardly to a position abutting the closed lower end of the basket. A pair of rearward legs are each pivotally coupled with a rearward portion of the closed bottom end of the basket. A lower end of each rearward leg has a caster disposed thereon.

Abstract: Stretcher supporting and lifting apparatus normally stowed beneath the body of an ambulance has a frame in the form of a plurality of telescoping members fastened to and extendable lengthwise relative to the chassis of the vehicle and carries a lifting device on which a platform is mounted. The frame may be extended and tilted downwardly from a stowed position to the ground with the platform in its lowest position. The platform has guide tracks for the wheels of a transportable stretcher and the stretcher may be rolled onto the tracks and a patient supporting litter lowered onto the platform. The lifting device is then actuated to lift the platform and the stretcher to the desired height so that the wheels may roll onto the floor of the ambulance. After the stretcher has been moved thereon, the lifting device is lowered to lower the platform, and the frame may be tilted back to the horizontal position and retracted to its stowed position beneath the ambulance.

Abstract: An extendable hand control for a stretcher undercarriage (10) which has height adjustable legs (11, 12). It comprises a handle (19) fitted to an end of a tube (20), slidable within an undercarriage frame member (21). The handle has an associated lever (15) which operates a control cable (14) for adjusting the height of the height adjustable legs (11, 12) . The arrangement includes a locking bar (26) within the slidable tube (20) which sets the maximum extendable position of the handle and the fully retractable position of the handle.

Abstract: A post tip is provided for a mortuary cot. The post tip comprises a cup-shaped member including a bottom portion and a cylindrical wall surface extending upwardly therefrom. An elongated bolt extends upwardly through the lower end of the cup-shaped member and extends through a deformable cylindrical plug. The upper end of the bolt is threadably received by a plug compression member. When the tip is installed on the cot post, the cylindrical wall surface of the cup-shaped member embraces the lower end of the cot post and the cylindrical plug is received in the interior of the cot post. Threadable rotation of the bolt causes the plug to be deformed and expanded outwardly into engagement with the interior wall surface of the cot post. The Delrin construction of the cup-shaped member ensures that the lower end of the cot post will not cut or wear therethrough.

Abstract: A stretcher style mobile intensive care unit including an elongated hollow housing having an upper patient support table. The housing being adapted to hold at a location below the support table, a range of medical equipment. The range of medical equipment being customarily required for emergency care. The unit has four handles so that it is able to be carried like a stretcher.

Abstract: A fastening track, a cot transport vehicle adapted to securely receive the fastening track, and a cot fastening system incorporating the cot fastening track are provided. At least two track securing members extend from the lower surface of the fastening track and are received in a self-centering aperture of a mounting assembly provided within a support surface of a transport vehicle. The fastening track comprises a frame including a spanner which is resistant to thermal expansion. A locking mechanism is provided including a convenient a latch disengagement member. The fastening track also includes a track clamping mechanism comprising a safety flag movable between a secured position and an unsecured position. The safety flag prevents inadvertent disengagement of the track from the vehicle and improper loading of a cot onto the vehicle. A stop cam is provided on the track to prevent inadvertent unloading of the cot from the track.

Abstract: The present invention is a critical care transport system comprising a transport frame, a transport wrap, and a restraining belt system which is especially useful in inter-hospital transport of infants and children, or retrieval and transport of critically ill children from remote locations. The transport frame further comprises an upper frame divided into a lower tray and a hingedly adjustable upper tray which allows elevation of the patient's head even when the belt restraining system is fully engaged. The transport frame further comprises various apparatus for securing air and oxygen tanks, instrumentation, and medical care devices for use during transport. The transport wrap further comprises a series of contiguous flaps which, when engaged in a specified order, serve to restrain, comfort, and protect the patient.

Abstract: A selectively tiltable patient loading system and transport device adapted for use in aircraft is disclosed. The device generally comprises a base assembly interconnected to the floor of an aircraft, a platform assembly capable of receiving and supporting a litter with a patient thereon, and an interconnecting assembly interposed between the base assembly and platform assembly for supportably interconnecting the platform assembly to the base assembly and for selectively tilting the platform assembly relative to the base assembly.

Abstract: An umbilicus system includes a mobile medical unit and interior and exterior treatment platforms connected to the mobile medical unit with respective umbilici that include bundles of lines for conveying medical and electrical utilities from the mobile medical unit to the treatment platforms. The umbilici are supported within the treatment platforms on trays that have openings for extending free ends of the umbilici from either end of the treatment platforms. The utilities conveyed by the umbilici are made available from medical action boards located at a front end of the treatment platforms.

Abstract: A selectively tiltable patient loading system and transport device adapted for use in aircraft is disclosed. The device generally comprises a base assembly interconnected to the floor of an aircraft, a platform assembly capable of receiving and supporting a litter with a patient thereon, and an interconnecting assembly interposed between the base assembly and platform assembly for supportably interconnecting the platform assembly to the base assembly and for selectively tilting the platform assembly relative to the base assembly.

Abstract: A wheeled cart to provide light weight, collapsible and portable mobility for individuals who have the need to be in the prone position. The bed of the cart and the two large front wheels are provided with quick disconnect means and the two sides of the tubular frame of the prone cart fold easily together for transport.

Abstract: An ambulance stretcher for transportation of patients, which has two longitudinal frame beams (2) with connecting cross-brackets (18), all of which together form a supporting frame. On top of the supporting frame a patient bed (4-7) is arranged, which is equipped with several transverse articulated or folding points (8-10) for adjustment of the patient bed into any wanted position in its longitudinal direction. Under the patient bed part (6), which is firmly fixed to the supporting frame, a rigid auxiliary frame (18a, 32, 34) is formed to join the frame beams (2). The auxiliary frame part has articulated points (35) for fixing adjustable patient bed parts (5, 7) and articulated points (33) for fixing supporting rods (11, 36) of the adjustable patient bed parts. The frame beams (2) are rigid through the region of the auxiliary frame and extending to at least one end of the stretcher.

Abstract: A hospital bed supported on a wheeled base, and a ventilator supported on a wheeled cart and docked to the base of the bed, the combination of ventilator and bed capable of being rolled as a single unit. The ventilator cart includes a wheeled base, and supports connected to the base for supporting a ventilator, with the supports providing for selective raising and lowering of the ventilator. The hospital bed base is wheeled and has a generally Y-shaped base frame. The outspread arms of the Y-shaped base frame receives the ventilator cart so that the two may be docked together. The ventilator when docked to the hospital bed base falls within the footprint of the bed as projected downwardly onto the floor. A latch secures the ventilator to the bed base. A disabling switch disables the high/low function of the bed preventing the bed from being lowered downwardly onto the ventilator. A power supply mounted to the bed base provides for uninterrupted operation of the ventilator.

Abstract: An emergency stretcher for emergency vehicles includes an X-frame litter support mechanism that vertically movably supports a patient litter on a wheeled base. Each of the legs of the litter support mechanism have the capability to expand and contract in length, and a fixed-length link member extends between the base and one of the legs. A releasable locking arrangement can releasably lock the patient litter in a selected vertical position, and can be released only when the patient litter is manually lifted. A gas cylinder which controls the angular position of a pivotally supported upper body support member can move into a recess in a cross member of the patient litter.

Abstract: An undercarriage, particularly for stretchers, which has multi-height adjustment and does not need to be manually raised or lowered by the attendant when being loaded into, or unloaded from, an ambulance. The undercarriage includes a rectangular support structure, a wheeled height adjustable framework having first and second pairs of collapsible legs, and a height actuating mechanism. The height actuating mechanism comprises one or more ties connected to the first and second pairs of legs and to the support structure which are retractable or extendable so as to extend or collapse the first and second pairs of legs to thereby adjust the height of the support structure.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for retaining a load having load engaging members (12) to engage the load (100) to be retained along with movement limiting members (14,16) and contact members (18). The load engaging members (12) are movable between first and second positions. The contact members (18) contact the movement limiting members (14,16) so that the load engaging members (12) are fixable in the first and second positions.

Abstract: A roll-in cot is provided and includes a rectangular undercarriage including a pair of side frame members and a pair of transverse frame members, downwardly extending supports affixed at respective corners of the rectangular undercarriage, and undercarriage wheels attached to the downwardly extending supports to provide high ground clearance for the undercarriage. The cot also includes a cot frame having a pair of opposing side frame members and a pair of supports extending downwardly from each of the opposing side frame members. The opposite ends of the supports are secured to a transverse member having a pair of load wheels thereon. Coacting pairs of complementary cross-forming frame members extend between and interconnect the cot frame and the undercarriage.

Abstract: An adjustable roll-in ambulance cot having adjusting mechanisms which require less maintenance than previous designs and which will operate smoothly and consistently in use is provided. The adjustable roll-in cot includes a cot frame having a leading end, a trailing end, and a pair of opposing side frame members. The cot is supported by leading and trailing pairs of collapsible legs having respective upper ends connected to the cot frame and lower ends including transport wheels thereon for transport of the cot. Mechanisms are also provided for adjusting the height of the cot frame relative to the transport wheels and for latching the cot frame into a plurality of predetermined positions for patient transfer and loading.

Abstract: A hospital bed supported on a wheeled base, and a ventilator supported on a wheeled cart and docked to the base of the bed, the combination of ventilator and bed capable of being rolled as a single unit. The ventilator cart includes a wheeled base, and supports connected to the base for supporting a ventilator, with the supports providing for selective raising and lowering of the ventilator. The hospital bed base is wheeled and has a generally Y-shaped base frame. The outspread arms of the Y-shaped base frame receives the ventilator cart so that the two may be docked together. The ventilator when docked to the hospital bed base falls within the footprint of the bed as projected downwardly onto the floor. A latch secures the ventilator to the bed base. A disabling switch disables the high/low function of the bed preventing the bed from being lowered downwardly onto the ventilator. A power supply mounted to the bed base provides for uninterrupted operation of the ventilator.

Abstract: A hospital bed supported on a wheeled base, and a ventilator supported on a wheeled cart and docked to the base of the bed, the combination of ventilator and bed capable of being rolled as a single unit. The ventilator cart includes a wheeled base, and supports connected to the base for supporting a ventilator, with the supports providing for selective raising and lowering of the ventilator. The hospital bed base is wheeled and has a generally Y-shaped base frame. The outspread arms of the Y-shaped base frame receive the ventilator cart so that the two may be docked together. The ventilator when docked to the hospital bed base falls within the footprint of the bed as projected downwardly onto the floor. A latch secures the ventilator to the bed base. A disabling switch disables the high/low function of the bed preventing the bed from being lowered downwardly onto the ventilator. A power supply mounted to the bed base provides for uninterrupted operation of the ventilator.

Abstract: The present invention is a bracket for mounting a portable cardiac monitor to an ambulance cot. It comprises a lightweight framework having support and restraining members to securely hold a cardiac monitor and which mounts to the side rails and frames of an ambulance cot. A strap is provided to secure the carrying handle of the monitor against the possibility of falling or tipping out of the bracket. The bracket is provided with a pair of upper hook members and a pair of lower hook members to hook over the side rails and frame of an ambulance cot.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the conversion of a manual-type ambulance cot to electromechanical usage. In a manual-type cot having a wheeled undercarriage, a cot frame, scissor-action collapsible legs and an extensible member associated with the undercarriage so that extension and retraction of the extensible member raises and lowers the cot frame, the improvement of the present invention includes a linear actuator attached to the extensible member and powered by a high energy density gelcel-type battery. Manual lifting of the cot frame is replaced by electromechanical raising and lowering so that lifting injuries may be avoided.

Abstract: A system for securing stretchers in ambulances and the like. The system has three parts: a part for mounting on the floor near the door through which the stretcher is passed, a part for mounting on the floor forwardly of the door mounting part, and an interconnecting mechanism. The part near the door is manipulable by a handle and includes a hooking member. The forwardly located part includes fixed and pivotal angled restraints which lock onto the undercarriage of the stretcher, and the interconnecting mechanism enables disengagement of the stretcher when the handle is manipulated. The system meets the DRAFT SPECIFICATION TO GOVERN THE STRETCHER RETENTION SYSTEM FOR AUSTRALIAN AMBULANCES.

Abstract: A vibration-proof stretcher is usable for facilitating safe emergency treatment of a patient lying on the stretcher.

Abstract: This invention is a carrier for an ambulance litter which safely and easily transports a patient between the ambulance and a hospital gurney. The litter carrier includes a frame and a platform, the platform being pivotably mounted to the frame. Moving the platform around its pivot point causes the platform to be raised or lowered relative to the frame. To transport a patient, the operator raises the platform to the level of the ambulance floor, and moves the carrier to the vicinity of the ambulance. The operator then rolls or moves the litter out of the ambulance, onto the platform, and may then secure the litter to the platform with a suitable fastener. The platform includes channels which provide a path for the wheels or feet of the litter, and which tend to prevent the litter from falling from the carrier. As the platform is lowered, its downward movement is cushioned by shock absorbers. The operator then easily lifts the patient from the litter and onto the hospital gurney or other carrier.

Abstract: A fastening system for emergency vehicle cots and the like includes a longitudinal guide track to be mounted upon the planar surface. At least one hold-down support depends downwardly from the support frame of the cot to be secured, extending toward the planar surface in use. The guide track receives the hold-down support to permit longitudinal movement of the support along the track while preventing substantial vertical movement. A lock is provided for automatically securing the support frame at a position along the track and to prevent further longitudinal movement therealong, and a release device for selectively disengaging the lock is also included. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening system further includes a pair of spaced apart supports, and the lock includes a plurality of locking gates spaced along the length of the guide track to receive and selectively lockingly interact with the supports.

Abstract: The self-contained module for intensive care and resuscitation includes a detachable receiver table for sick and injured persons, medical assistance equipment and resuscitation equipment, and a footing furnished with ground-support members. The module is characterized in that it comprises a girder (1) which supports the different module units and the table, and which is supported in an adjustable manner above the ground, i.e. adjustable in height and/or inclination, by the footing, which is formed by at least two support legs (7) associated with the operating and guide means, which operating an guide means communicates to the support legs a folding-up or unfolding motion under the girder simultaneously or independently for each leg.

Abstract: A stretcher for a medical patient has at one end two L-shaped handles which each have first and second legs and which are each supported at the outer end of the first leg for 90.degree. pivotal movement between a position in which the first leg is horizontal and approximately level with the top surface of the stretcher and a position in which the second leg is horizontal and located vertically higher than the top surface of the stretcher. The stretcher has two spaced vertical openings therein, and the first leg of each handle has an extension, each extension being received in a respective opening in the stretcher for lengthwise sliding movement between a first position in which the extension is disposed substantially within the opening and a second position in which the extension is disposed substantially outside the opening.

Abstract: A mobile device for transporting patients in the field is power adjustable and includes a frame having a terrain engaging portion connected to a patient supporting portion. The patient supporting portion is height adjustable between a first position adjacent the terrain engaging portion and a second position remote from the terrain engaging portion. A self-contained power device is connected to the frame for adjusting the height of the patient supporting portion relative to the terrain engaging portion. An actuator is operably connected for actuating the self contained power device whereby manual adjustment of the patient supporting portion relative to the terrain engaging portion is avoided. The patient supporting portion has a plurality of sections adjustable relative to each other. The self-contained power device provides adjustment for the sections independently of each other and independently of the height adjustment.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling transport incubators for infants and adaptable for handling any hospital patient conveyance having a wheeled base. The apparatus includes a carrier having a wheeled undercarriage, a hoistable elevator platform affixed to the undercarriage and a handle for steering and propelling the carrier. The undercarriage and the elevator platform are interconnected by a pair of cross-linked X-shaped lazy tongs that are interconnected by a cross member that is connected to the ram of a hydraulic cylinder for raising and lowering the elevator platform. The elevator platform is provided with a loading guide and locking mechanism to ensure that a patient conveyance cannot be inadvertently disembarked therefrom. A brake mechanism is also provided on the wheeled undercarriage to prevent unintentional movement thereof. The apparatus is used for moving heavy or heavily laden patient conveyances to and from ambulances of other raised surfaces.

Abstract: The carriage of the present invention includes front and rear legs pivotally mounted to a frame. The front legs include first roller members mounted to carry the frame along a first directional path and steering roller members are mounted to the rear legs for carrying the frame along a plurality of directional paths to effect steering of the carriage. In addition to the first roller means, the front legs include front steering roller members which are also mounted to carry the frame along a plurality of directional paths transverse to the first directional path to effect steering at the front of the carriage. The front legs may be locked in a plurality of pivotal positions in which the front end of the carriage will rest either only on the first roller members or the front steering roller members.

Abstract: A wheeled carriage has a chassis with a plurality of swivel casters, and a locking assembly actuated by a foot pedal located along the front of the carriage. Pushing down on the foot pedal rotates a cam that engages a cam follower on a "T" bar frame supporting two locking rings which respectively overlie two of the caster wheels to move the rings into a locking position in engagement with the wheels to lock the wheels and the casters in any position. The cam follower surface includes a ramp portion engageable by the cam for driving the rings to their locking position and a horizontal latch portion engageable by the cam in its "overcenter" position for holding the rings in their locking position. A lifter bar is engageable by the user's foot to rotate the cam back off the follower and permit the rings to resiliently return to their release position.