STRETCHER FOR TRANSPORTING PEOPLE

Abstract

A stretcher for transporting persons comprising a base (1) with at least two pairs of wheels (2) configured to move horizontally parallel to the ground at a height between 10 and 30 centimeters.

Description

STRETCHER FOR TRANSPORTING PEOPLE TECHNICAL SECTOR The invention falls within the technical sector of medical devices and, more specifically, within the field of means and equipment intended for the transport of people, such as stretchers used in hospital, emergency, geriatric or care environments. The invention relates to a stretcher that allows the efficient and safe transfer of people, especially in situations where a low profile lift and ease of mobility are required, also integrating ergonomic elements and auxiliary structures to facilitate its use. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Stretchers for transporting people are an essential element in the healthcare sector, commonly used in hospitals, emergency services, nursing homes, and first aid situations. Their main function is to allow the safe and comfortable transfer of patients, both in routine settings and in critical situations requiring speed and efficiency. Over time, technological advancements have led to the development of various solutions aimed at optimizing specific aspects of treatment tables, such as load capacity, maneuverability, height adjustment, and the incorporation of more comfortable surfaces. Some models offer structures with adjustable lifting systems, advanced braking mechanisms, or articulated beds to improve patient posture. However, these configurations often involve tall structures, complex mechanisms, or a bulk that limits their use in confined spaces. In particular, one of the most significant problems that remains inadequately addressed in many existing stretchers is their poor adaptability to confined spaces, such as narrow corridors, compact ambulances, or small elevators, common in residential or older buildings. A prime example occurs during evacuation maneuvers in these elevators, where the available space prevents conventional patient placement. In such cases, emergency personnel are forced to place the patient in a supine position with their legs raised vertically, forming a right angle between the torso and lower extremities. This forced position is the only viable method of evacuation under these conditions. This improvised solution is uncomfortable and can be clinically counterproductive. On the other hand, another recurring challenge in the use of stretchers in emergency settings is the need to keep the patient connected to auxiliary medical devices, such as monitoring equipment, oxygen therapy, or infusion systems. Conventional stretchers do not usually incorporate integrated structures for supporting this equipment, which necessitates the use of external accessories or requires emergency personnel to manually carry the devices, hindering and slowing down evacuation and creating additional risks. Consequently, there remains a need in the state of the art for a transport stretcher that overcomes these limitations through a technical solution that combines: a reduced operating height that facilitates access and evacuation in confined spaces; an ergonomic surface adapted to the patient's morphology; and the structural integration of supports for medical devices without the need for additional elements. The present invention addresses these shortcomings through an innovative solution, designed to optimize the transport of patients in a safe, efficient manner and adapted to the real conditions of the healthcare and emergency environment. EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION The stretcher for transporting people that is the subject of this invention is thus configured as a remarkable novelty within its field of application, since, according to its implementation and in a definitive way, the objectives indicated below are achieved, with the characterizing details that make it possible and that distinguish them being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this description. The present invention aims to provide a stretcher for transporting people that overcomes the limitations of the prior art by: A reduced height (between 10 and 30 cm) that allows its use in confined spaces; An ergonomic surface adapted to the patient's morphology; An integrated auxiliary support structure for the placement of medical devices; An optimized wheel system for the stability and mobility of the unit. The invention consists of a stretcher for transporting people comprising a base (1), provided with at least two pairs of wheels (2), arranged so as to allow horizontal movement of the base parallel to the ground. The base (1) is located at a height of between 10 and 30 cm from the ground, which facilitates access from low positions and allows its use in confined spaces such as small elevators. The upper face of the base (1) comprises an ergonomic surface (4), configured to adapt to the morphology of the human body, improving patient comfort during transport. The stretcher incorporates an auxiliary support structure (3) attached to the base (1), intended for the placement of medical devices or accessories, such as IV stands, infusion pumps, oxygen, etc. The base (1) and / or the auxiliary support structure (3) are made of plastic, metal, or a combination of both materials, prioritizing lightness, strength and ease of cleaning. For example, the stretcher may have at least three pairs of wheels (2) to improve stability and directional control. Optionally, at least some of the wheels may be swivel casters with a locking mechanism. The auxiliary support structure (3) may be equipped with guides, anchors or other means that allow the secure attachment of the devices during transport. Additionally, the stretcher can incorporate cushioning elements, modular design, or folding mechanisms to facilitate its storage and transport in complex logistical conditions. The stretcher for transporting people and the set of elements described represent an innovation with structural and constitutive characteristics unknown until now, reasons which, together with its practical utility, give it sufficient grounds to obtain the exclusive privilege that is requested. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To complement the description being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is included as an integral part of said description, in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented: Figure 1.- Shows a perspective view of the invention with the auxiliary support structure deployed. Figure 2.- Shows a perspective view of the invention with the auxiliary support structure folded. List of references and figures: 1. Base 2. Wheels 3. Auxiliary support 4. Ergonomic surface PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION In the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form part of this specification, and which illustrate specific preferred embodiments in which the invention can be carried out. In particular, the present invention refers to a stretcher for transporting people comprising a base (1), with at least two pairs of wheels (2) configured to move horizontally parallel to the ground, at a height between 10 and 30 centimeters from the support surface The arrangement of the base at this reduced height allows that, in confined environments such as elevators or narrow corridors, the patient can be placed with hip flexion and elevation of the lower limbs without significant interference with elements of the environment, facilitating evacuation positions in which the legs are positioned high with respect to the trunk and improving the ergonomics of transport. In a preferred embodiment, the stretcher comprises a support structure (3), attached to the base (1), intended for the fixing, housing or transport of medical devices, clinical accessories or fastening elements, as well as any other element that may need to be transported along with the person. Preferably, the auxiliary support structure (3) comprises one or more anchor points and / or guides for the attachment of medical devices, so as to facilitate and ensure the attachment of accessory elements to the auxiliary support structure (3). Preferably, the auxiliary support (3) is foldable. In a preferred embodiment, the base (1) and / or the support structure (3) are made of plastic and / or metal and / or any other material that has sufficient strength and stability to ensure the correct movement of the person, without putting the structure of the device at risk. In a preferred embodiment, the stretcher comprises at least three pairs of wheels (2), so that the vertical loads and supported weights are distributed, reducing the deflection to which the base (1) is subjected. In a preferred embodiment, the base (1) and / or the support structure (3) are made wholly or partly of plastic, metal, or a combination of both, preferably lightweight materials with high mechanical strength, mainly compatible with healthcare environments. In a preferred embodiment, at least part of the wheels (2) is rotatable or multidirectional and may include a locking mechanism to ensure safety during immobilization. In a preferred embodiment, the stretcher is configured to allow frontal and lateral access of the patient in a seated, semi-seated or lying position, thus facilitating its use in situations of reduced mobility and / or evacuation. In a preferred embodiment, the stretcher comprises one or more cushioning elements arranged between the base (1) and the wheels (2). In a preferred embodiment, the stretcher features a modular or foldable design, which allows for optimized storage and transport in emergency vehicles or small elevators. Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field may understand its scope and the advantages derived from it, it being noted that, within its essential nature, it may be put into practice in other forms of embodiment that differ in detail from the one indicated as an example, and which will also achieve the protection sought, provided that its fundamental principle is not altered, modified or changed.

Claims

1. A stretcher for transporting persons comprising a base (1) with at least two pairs of wheels (2) configured to move horizontally parallel to the ground at a height between 10 and 30 centimeters.

2. A stretcher according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an auxiliary support structure (3) attached to the base (1), intended for the attachment, housing, or transport of medical devices, clinical accessories, or restraints.

3. A stretcher for transporting persons according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the auxiliary support structure (3) comprises one or more anchor points and / or guides for attaching medical devices.

4. A stretcher for transporting persons according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the auxiliary support (3) is foldable. 5.A stretcher for transporting persons according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper face of the base (1) comprises an ergonomic surface (4) configured to adapt to the morphology of a person.

6. A stretcher for transporting persons according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least three pairs of wheels (2).

7. A stretcher for transporting persons according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (1) is made wholly or partly of plastic, metal, or a combination of both.

8. A stretcher for transporting persons according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the auxiliary support structure (3) is made wholly or partly of plastic, metal, or a combination of both. 9.A stretcher for transporting persons according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the wheels (2) is swivel or multidirectional.

10. A stretcher for transporting persons according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes a locking mechanism on at least one of the wheels (2).

11. A stretcher for transporting persons according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises one or more shock-absorbing elements arranged between the base (1) and the wheels (2).

12. A stretcher for transporting persons according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is modular and / or foldable.