Patient transport stretcher armrest

Abstract

The item in question is an armrest that is standard equipment on stretchers used in hospitals and ambulances for transporting patients. The armrest is usually positioned vertically to narrow the width of the stretcher for transporting patients, but in some cases, blood transfusions and intravenous drips are administered. The armrest is opened horizontally, allowing the patient's arm to rest on the top surface. However, when the armrest on a typical stretcher is opened, the top surface is significantly lower than the mat, causing the patient's arm to hang at an angle, making intravenous drips difficult to administer. This armrest has a double structure with an upper and lower panel overlapping each other. Two fixing pins on the lower panel are inserted into the stretcher's pivot bosses to secure the armrest in place. Furthermore, when a lever located in the gap between the upper and lower panels is rotated, the upper panel rises significantly via a link. The lever rotates in an arc, and as can be seen in the plan view, the lever grip does not protrude outward at either the right or left extreme positions. When the lever is set to the right end, the arm rest becomes thinner, while when set to the left end, the top panel rises and becomes thicker, making IV administration easier. During normal transport, the arm rest is kept thin and vertically positioned so that it does not protrude to the side, resulting in no inconvenience. When an urgent transfusion or IV is required, the top panel of the arm rest rises with a single touch, saving time and allowing for quick preparation, a major advantage. While it is possible to place a cushion under the arm, the interior of an ambulance is often too narrow to store a cushion, and it can easily get lost. Having this arm rest as standard equipment eliminates this problem. Since transfusions and IVs are usually administered in the right arm, this arm rest only needs to be standard equipment on the right side.

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