Extension device for a patient transport stretcher

Abstract

The invention relates to an extension device (10) for an ambulance stretcher for detachable attachment to a main stretcher of an ambulance stretcher with longitudinal beams. According to the invention, the extension device (10) comprises several lateral extension elements (1, 2, 3) which are aligned in the longitudinal direction (L) of the extension device (10) and are arranged in a head region (K), a middle body region (MK), and a foot region (F) of the extension device (10). The lateral extension elements (1, 2, 3) are arranged in pairs opposite each other and create an extended support area for a patient, particularly an obese patient, positioned on an ambulance stretcher. The extension device (10) has at least one, preferably at least two, crossbeams (8).which mechanically connect the widening elements (1) in the head region (K) and have openings (8') at their transverse ends for passing through and supporting longitudinal beams of an ambulance stretcher, and that at least two fixing elements (7) and at least two foot adapter rails (9) for detachably fixing the widening device (10) to a frame profile of the ambulance stretcher are arranged on an underside of the widening device (10).

Description

The invention relates to a widening device for a patient transport stretcher for detachable attachment to a main stretcher of a patient transport stretcher with longitudinal beams, according to the preamble of claim 1. Such stretchers or patient transport stretchers are used in the medical field for the storage and transport of patients and typically have a longitudinally oriented lying surface supported by a frame with longitudinal and transverse beams. Patient transport stretchers are designed in a variety of ways and are usually adapted to the specific requirements of emergency medical services, hospital logistics, and patient comfort. However, particularly when caring for obese patients or those with increased space requirements, it regularly becomes apparent that conventional stretchers offer only limited lateral support. This can lead to significant disadvantages regarding patient safety, comfort, and handling during transfer and transport. Sufficient lateral support is crucial, especially when transferring patients between different support systems (e.g., from the operating table to the stretcher or from the bed to the ambulance), to prevent falls and the risk of injury. While stretchers with adjustable frame elements are already known, these are often an integral part of the stretcher and require complex modifications or result in a significant additional weight for the stretcher. Furthermore, such solutions often lack modularity, flexibility, and adaptable geometry along different body zones of the patient (head, torso, legs). WO 2015 / 032 003 A1 discloses a transport stretcher which has integrated extension devices in the head, body and foot areas, which are arranged in pairs and offer a larger contact surface on the main stretcher, particularly for obese patients. These extension devices are permanently connected to the main stretcher by crossbeams. US Patent 5,496,092 A shows a stretcher with foldable extension devices that are attached to the stretcher's longitudinal tubes and arranged in pairs at the head and body, and optionally also at the foot and leg areas. When not in use, these extension devices can be folded away to save space. There is therefore a significant need for an easily retrofittable, stable and lightweight device that allows existing stretchers to be widened as needed - especially considering patients with excess weight or special positioning requirements. The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing an improved widening device for a patient transport stretcher, which prevents the aforementioned disadvantages, particularly in obese patients. The main features of the invention are specified in the characterizing part of claim 1. Embodiments are the subject of claims 2 to 17. In an extension device for an ambulance stretcher for detachable attachment to a main stretcher of an ambulance stretcher with longitudinal beams, the invention provides that the extension device comprises several lateral extension elements, which are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the extension device and are arranged in a head region, a middle body region and a foot region of the extension device; that the lateral extension elements are each formed in pairs opposite each other and create an extended support area for a patient positioned on an ambulance stretcher, in particular an obese patient; that the extension device has at least one, preferably at least two, crossbeams, which mechanically connect the extension elements to each other in the head region and include openings at their transverse ends for passing through and storing longitudinal beams of an ambulance stretcher.and that at least two fixing elements and at least two foot adapter rails for detachably fixing the widening device to a frame profile of the ambulance stretcher are arranged on an underside of the widening device. The widening device according to the invention offers a number of technical and practical advantages, which are explained below. The segmented design in the head, mid-body, and foot areas allows the widening elements to be specifically adapted to the patient's anatomical requirements. This advantageously enables ergonomically optimized positioning and prevents pressure points or unstable support zones. The paired arrangement of the widening elements in the transverse direction ensures a uniform widening of the lying surface and contributes to stabilization. The mechanical connection of the elements via one or more crossbeams increases structural rigidity and simultaneously ensures that the device can be positively locked onto the longitudinal beams of the stretcher without play. The openings on the crossbeams are particularly advantageous.The crossbeams are designed with transverse ends to accommodate stretcher bars, allowing for seamless integration with existing systems without complex modifications. The fixing elements and adapter rails on the underside enable secure and reversible attachment of the device without requiring permanent modifications to the stretcher. The result is a modular, stable, functional, and easy-to-use solution that significantly improves the usability and safety of existing patient transport stretchers – particularly with regard to the modern requirements of emergency medicine and bariatric patient transport. Preferably, the widening device can have lateral widening elements, each of which has stiffening structures on its underside, wherein the widening elements arranged in the middle body region can each have a longitudinal strut and at least two transverse struts on their underside in addition to the stiffening structures. The design, incorporating stiffening structures on the underside of all extension elements, significantly increases the structural rigidity of the stretcher extension. Particularly in the midsection, the additional longitudinal and transverse struts prevent flexion or lateral tilting of the support surface. This improves stability, especially in the torso area of ​​the patient, which bears the greatest weight. The orthogonal arrangement of these strut pairs allows for targeted force transmission into the frame of the device, increasing torsional rigidity without significantly increasing the weight. Preferably, the transverse struts can be arranged spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, with the longitudinal struts extending in the longitudinal direction in such a way that they cross the transverse struts in the middle and can thereby mechanically connect them. The spaced arrangement of the transverse struts, combined with continuous longitudinal struts, results in a surface-wide stiffening of the extension elements, thus avoiding concentrated loads. This has a beneficial effect on the pressure distribution under the patient's body. The central intersection of the longitudinal and transverse struts ensures an even load distribution across the entire substructure of the device. This increases the load-bearing capacity and durability of the stretcher extension while requiring minimal additional design effort. According to a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the transverse struts and the longitudinal struts of the widening elements arranged in the central body area can be fixed firmly together via a locking mechanism. The ability to securely fix the cross and longitudinal struts together using a locking mechanism allows for tool-free assembly of the reinforcement structure. This makes the device easy to adjust or disassemble in everyday clinical practice, without requiring technical expertise or special tools. The locking mechanism also ensures a positive-locking connection. Preferably, the widening elements can be arranged in the head region, the widening elements in the middle body region and the widening elements in the foot region of the patient when the widening device is mounted on the ambulance stretcher, wherein the widening elements arranged in the middle body region can have a greater longitudinal extent than the widening elements arranged in the head and foot regions. The specific arrangement of the extension elements in three functional zones (head, torso, feet) creates an anatomically sound differentiation that increases positioning comfort and adaptability to the patient's body. The greater longitudinal extension in the middle section accommodates the larger contact area of ​​the torso and ensures even support across the entire upper body. At the same time, the device remains more compact in the head and foot areas, which improves freedom of movement during transport. According to a preferred embodiment, the distance between the widening elements of the head region in the transverse direction can be less than the distance between the widening elements of the middle body region and the foot region, wherein the widening elements of the middle body region and the foot region can have an identical distance to each other in the transverse direction. The varying widths of the extension elements in the transverse direction make the device particularly ergonomic. The narrower design in the head area accommodates the anatomically narrower shoulder width of many patients and simultaneously provides greater freedom of movement for medical staff during patient care. The uniform width in the middle and lower sections, on the other hand, improves positioning stability and prevents abrupt edges or misalignments on the support surface. Furthermore, it may be provided that at least two opposing mounting rails are arranged on the underside of the widening device, each of which may be equipped with at least two, preferably at least three, fixing elements, wherein the fixing elements may be designed in the form of clamping grippers and may enable an additional manual quick fixing and release of the widening device. The arrangement of opposing mounting rails in pairs with multiple clamping elements allows for a precise, secure, and flexible connection of the extension device to different types of stretchers. The manual quick-release mechanism facilitates attachment and removal, which is a significant advantage, particularly in emergency situations, during frequent reconfiguration, or for cleaning. At the same time, the clamping elements ensure a play-free connection, thereby increasing stability and patient safety. According to a further embodiment, the widening device can be designed such that the widening elements of the central body area are such that a wing of an ambulance stretcher can be brought from a disassembled position to a mounted position by pivoting about the longitudinal direction after mounting the widening device, wherein the wing can be fully integrated into a widening element of the central body area in the mounted position. The integration of a support wing, which pivots into a central extension element, allows for a seamless connection between the ambulance stretcher and the extension. This creates a homogeneous, uninterrupted support surface for the patient, significantly simplifying transfers. The pivoting mechanism also allows the wing to be stored compactly when not in use, reducing the stretcher's footprint and improving its transportability. The wing's complete integration also advantageously creates a flat surface for support after the addition of a padded element. Preferably, the head area and its widening elements can be designed to be foldable in relation to the middle body area and the adjoining foot area, wherein the widening elements of the head area can be connected to the adjoining widening elements of the middle body area via a rotatable bearing. The foldable design of the head section significantly improves the device's handling. The head section can be folded back when needed to provide medical personnel with better access to the patient, for example, for intubation or head-related procedures. The rotating connection ensures robust mechanics while maintaining intuitive operation. Furthermore, the overall length of the device is reduced when folded, facilitating transport. Folding up the head section can be particularly advantageous for obese patients. According to a preferred embodiment, a headboard extension can be provided in the head area, which can be equipped with a standard rail and an actuating button, wherein the headboard extension can be adjusted between a retracted position, a middle position and a fully extended position by actuating the actuating button, and wherein the headboard extension can have a fixing plate with a slope for a head pillow. The integrated headrest extension with multi-stage positioning and a slope for a head pillow allows for individual adjustment to the patient's head position. This increases comfort during longer transports and supports positioning in specific medical positions. The standard rail also allows for the attachment of accessories such as IV poles or monitoring equipment. Tool-free operation via a single button facilitates adjustment even under time pressure. Preferably, the at least two fixing elements can be designed in the form of profile claws which can be manually adjusted via an adjusting wheel, wherein the profile claws can be fixed via a guide groove and a positioning bolt on the underside of the widening elements of the middle body area. The profile-style fixing elements, adjustable via a dial, offer a particularly simple and secure mounting option. The combination of a guide groove and positioning pin prevents the extension elements from slipping during use. This mechanical coupling increases positional accuracy and ensures a permanently stable connection, even with uneven load distribution or vibrations during transport. According to a preferred embodiment, the widening elements of the widening device can, in the assembled state, have a positive angle of inclination relative to a horizontal of 6 degrees to 14 degrees, preferably of 8 degrees to 12 degrees, and more preferably of 10 degrees. The positive angle of inclination of the widening elements improves pressure distribution on the patient and helps prevent unintentional slippage. This is particularly advantageous for obese patients, as lateral shift of the center of gravity is common. The slight incline gently guides the patient back to the center of the stretcher surface, improving their sense of security and facilitating patient fixation. The patient is thus positioned, in effect, at a lower level. Furthermore, it may be provided that the crossbeams of the widening device run parallel to each other at a distance and mechanically connect the lateral widening elements to each other, wherein the crossbeams may have retaining blocks at their transverse ends which are designed to be complementary to retaining blocks which may be arranged on the widening elements of the head area. The parallel and spaced arrangement of the crossbeams allows for a stable connection between the opposing widening elements. The retaining brackets at the ends of the crossbeams ensure easy assembly through a positive and force-fit connection, thus achieving lasting stability. This design improves the overall structural load-bearing capacity of the device and ensures an even distribution of the support forces across the beam. According to a further preferred embodiment, the retaining blocks on the transverse ends of the crossbeams can be fixed to the complementary retaining blocks of the widening elements of the head area via a T-slot connection and a locking bolt, wherein the complementary retaining blocks can form the openings arranged on the transverse ends of the crossbeams in the assembled state. The T-slot connection and locking bolt create a detachable yet highly stable connection between the support brackets. This design allows for quick disassembly of the device for cleaning or transport without compromising repeatability during reassembly. The openings formed in the assembled state ensure a precise fit for the stretcher's longitudinal beams, thus increasing compatibility with standard stretcher systems. Preferably, the foot adapter rails can have universal rails on their upper side for fixing with the widening elements in the foot area, and the foot adapter rails can have standard rails on their outer sides for attaching medical equipment. The combination of universal rails on the top and standard rails on the outside of the foot adapter rails significantly increases the versatility of the widening device. On the one hand, medical accessories such as leg pads, fixation straps, or retention plates can be easily attached; on the other hand, the connection to the foot widening elements remains mechanically robust and securely positioned. This dual functionality noticeably increases its applicability in everyday clinical practice. According to a preferred embodiment, the widening device can be modular in design, so that individual widening elements can be interchangeable or removable, and the individual widening elements can be designed to be covered with padding elements. The modular design of the device allows for flexible adaptation to individual requirements, for example, by replacing individual elements in case of defects or when used for different purposes (e.g., pediatric vs. adult care). The option of adding cushions improves patient comfort and hygiene, as the cushions are removable and can be disinfected separately. This significantly facilitates compliance with clinical hygiene standards. Finally, it may be provided that the widening device is made entirely of non-conductive, disinfection-resistant material. Choosing a non-conductive, disinfectant-resistant material ensures the device is suitable for use in sensitive medical environments. Electrostatic charging is prevented, electrical hazards are reduced, and the material is resistant to aggressive disinfectants. This increases the device's lifespan while maintaining compliance with occupational safety and hygiene standards in daily clinical practice. Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view (from a top oblique angle) of a stretcher extension according to the invention for a patient transport stretcher; Fig. 2 a schematic perspective view (from a bottom oblique angle) of the stretcher extension according to the invention for a patient transport stretcher; Fig. 3 another schematic perspective view (from below) of the stretcher extension according to the invention for a patient transport stretcher. In all three figures (1, 2 to 3), a widening device 10 for an ambulance stretcher is shown. The widening device 10, generally designated as 10, serves in particular for detachable attachment to a main stretcher of an ambulance stretcher (not shown) with longitudinal beams. As can be seen, the widening device 10 comprises several lateral widening elements 1, 2, 3, which are aligned in the longitudinal direction L of the widening device 10 and are arranged in a head region K, a middle body region MK and a foot region F of the widening device 10 (see in particular Fig. 1 ). The lateral widening elements 1, 2, 3 are each formed in pairs opposite each other and create an extended support area for a patient positioned on a stretcher, especially obese patients. The widening device 10 has at least one, preferably at least two, crossbeams 8 which mechanically connect the widening elements 1 in the head region K and have openings 8' at their transverse ends for passing through and supporting longitudinal beams of a patient transport stretcher, and at least two fixing elements 7 and at least two foot adapter rails 9 for releasably fixing the widening device 10 to a frame profile of the patient transport stretcher are arranged on an underside of the widening device 10 (see in particular Fig. 2 ). The lateral widening elements 1, 2, 3 can each have stiffening structures on their underside, wherein the widening elements 2 arranged in the middle body region MK can each have a longitudinal strut 32 and at least two transverse struts 33 on their undersides in addition to their stiffening structures. The crossbars 33 can be arranged spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L, wherein the longitudinal bars 32 extend in the longitudinal direction L in such a way that they cross the crossbars 33 in the middle and can thereby mechanically connect them together. The cross struts 33 and the longitudinal struts 32 of the widening elements 2 arranged in the middle body area MK can be fixed firmly together via a locking mechanism. The widening elements 1 in the head region K, the widening elements 2 in the middle body region MK and the widening elements 3 in the foot region F can be arranged such that, when the widening device 10 is mounted, they are assigned to the respective body region of the patient, wherein the widening elements 2 arranged in the middle body region MK may have a greater longitudinal extent than the widening elements 1, 3 arranged in the head and foot regions K, F. The widening elements 1 of the head region K can have a smaller distance to each other in the transverse direction Q than the widening elements 2, 3 of the middle body region MK and the foot region F, wherein the widening elements 2, 3 of the middle body region MK and the foot region F can have an identical distance to each other in the transverse direction Q. At least two opposing mounting rails 6' can be arranged on the underside of the widening device 10, each of which can be equipped with at least two, preferably at least three, fixing elements 6, wherein the fixing elements 6 can be designed in the form of clamping grippers and can enable an additional manual quick fixing and release of the widening device 10. The widening elements 2 of the central body area MK can be designed such that a wing, in particular an XPS wing, of a patient transport stretcher can be moved from a disassembled position 30 to a mounted position 20 by pivoting about the longitudinal direction L after mounting the widening device 10, wherein the wing can be fully integrated into a widening element 2 of the central body area MK in the mounted position 20. The head section K and its widening elements 1 can be designed to be foldable in relation to the middle body section MK and the adjoining foot section F, wherein the widening elements 1 of the head section K can be connected to the adjoining widening elements 2 in the middle body section MK via a rotatable bearing. In the head area K, a headboard extension 4 can be formed, which can be provided with a standard rail and an actuating button, wherein by actuating the actuating button the headboard extension 4 can be adjusted between a retracted position, a middle position and a fully extended position, and wherein the headboard extension 4 can have a fixing plate with a slope 5 for a head pillow. The at least two fixing elements 7 can be designed in the form of profile claws which can be manually adjusted via an adjusting wheel, wherein the profile claws can be fixed via a guide groove and a positioning bolt on the underside of the widening elements 2 of the middle body area MK. The widening elements 1, 2, 3 of the widening device 10 can, in the assembled state, have a positive angle of inclination α relative to a horizontal of 6° to 14°, preferably of 8° to 12°, more preferably of 10° (see in particular Fig. 1). The crossbeams 8 of the widening device 10 can run parallel to each other at a distance and mechanically connect the lateral widening elements 1, 2, 3, wherein the crossbeams 8 can have retaining blocks at their transverse ends which are designed to be complementary to retaining blocks which can be arranged on the widening elements 1 of the head region K. The retaining blocks at the transverse ends of the crossbeams 8 can be fixed to the complementary retaining blocks of the widening elements 1 of the head area K via a T-slot connection and a locking bolt, wherein the complementary retaining blocks can form the openings 8' arranged at the transverse ends of the crossbeams 8 in the assembled state. The foot adapter rails 9 can have universal rails on their upper side for fixing with the widening elements 3 in the foot area F, and the foot adapter rails 9 can have standard rails on their outer sides for attaching medical equipment. The widening device 10 can be modular in design, so that individual widening elements 1, 2, 3 can be designed to be interchangeable or removable, wherein the individual widening elements 1, 2, 3 can be designed to be covered with upholstery elements. The widening device 10 can be made entirely of non-conductive, disinfection-resistant material. The invention is not limited to one of the embodiments described above, but can be modified in a variety of ways. In particular, the widening device is suitable for use with stretchers in the field of bariatric patient transport. All features and advantages arising from the claims, the description and the drawing, including design details, spatial arrangements and process steps, can be essential to the invention both individually and in various combinations. Reference symbol list L Longitudinal direction (stretcher extension) Q Transverse direction (stretcher extension) H Vertical direction (stretcher extension) K Head area (and upper body area OK of the patient) MK Middle body area (of the patient) F Foot area (of the patient) α Angle of inclination (extension elements in fixed position) 1 Extension element (head area) 2 Extension element (middle body area) 3 Extension element (foot area) 4 Head section extension (with standard rail and operating button) 5 Fixing plate (for head pillow) 6 Fixing element (clamping gripper for additional fixation to the stretcher) 6' Standard rail 7 Fixing element (profile claws for fixing the frame profile of the stretcher) 8 Crossbeam 8' Openings (for guiding and fixing the longitudinal beams) 9 Foot adapter rail (with universal rail on top and standard rail on the side) 10 Extension device (stretcher extension) 20 Mounted position Wing (XPS wing of the Ambulance stretcher, integrated position(when device is mounted) 30 Disassembled position Wing (XPS wing of the ambulance stretcher, starting position when device is not mounted on the stretcher) 32 Longitudinal strut 33 Cross strut,

Claims

Extension device (10) for a patient transport stretcher for detachable attachment to a main stretcher of a patient transport stretcher with longitudinal beams, characterized in that the extension device (10) comprises several lateral extension elements (1, 2, 3) which are aligned in the longitudinal direction (L) of the extension device (10) and are arranged in a head region (K), a middle body region (MK) and a foot region (F) of the extension device (10), that the lateral extension elements (1, 2, 3) are each formed in pairs opposite each other and create an extended support area for a patient positioned on a patient transport stretcher, in particular an obese patient, that the extension device (10) has at least one, preferably at least two, crossbeams (8),which mechanically connect the widening elements (1) in the head region (K) and include openings (8') at their transverse ends for passing through and supporting longitudinal beams of a patient transport stretcher, and that at least two fixing elements (7) and at least two foot adapter rails (9) for releasably fixing the widening device (10) to a frame profile of the patient transport stretcher are arranged on an underside of the widening device (10). Widening device according to claim 1, characterized in that the lateral widening elements (1, 2, 3) each have stiffening structures on their underside, wherein the widening elements (2) arranged in the middle body region (MK) each have, in addition to their stiffening structures, a longitudinal strut (32) and at least two transverse struts (33) on their undersides. Widening device according to claim 2, characterized in that the transverse struts (33) are arranged spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (L), wherein the longitudinal struts (32) extend in the longitudinal direction (L) such that they cross the transverse struts (33) centrally and thereby mechanically connect them. Widening device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the transverse struts (33) and the longitudinal struts (32) of the widening elements (2) arranged in the central body area (MK) can be fixed together via a locking mechanism. Widening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the widening elements (1) are arranged in the head region (K), the widening elements (2) in the middle body region (MK) and the widening elements (3) in the foot region (F) of the patient when the widening device (10) is mounted on the ambulance stretcher, wherein the widening elements (2) arranged in the middle body region (MK) have a greater longitudinal extent than the widening elements (1, 3) arranged in the head and foot region (K, F). Widening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the widening elements (1) of the head region (K) have a smaller distance to each other in the transverse direction (Q) than the widening elements (2, 3) of the middle body region (MK) and the foot region (F), wherein the widening elements (2, 3) of the middle body region (MK) and the foot region (F) have an identical distance to each other in the transverse direction (Q). Widening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two pairs of opposing mounting rails (6') are arranged on the underside of the widening device (10), each of which is equipped with at least two, preferably at least three, fixing elements (6), wherein the fixing elements (6) are designed in the form of clamping grippers and enable additional manual quick fixing and release of the widening device (10). Widening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the widening elements (2) of the central body area (MK) are designed such that a wing, in particular an XPS wing, of an ambulance stretcher can be brought from a disassembled position (30) to a mounted position (20) after mounting the widening device (10) by pivoting about the longitudinal direction (L), wherein the wing in the mounted position (20) of the widening device (10) can be fully integrated into a widening element (2) of the central body area (MK). Widening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the head region (K) and its widening elements (1) are designed to be foldable in relation to the middle body region (MK) and the adjoining foot region (F), wherein the widening elements (1) of the head region (K) are connected to the adjoining widening elements (2) in the middle body region (MK) via a rotatable bearing. Widening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a head extension (4) is formed in the head area (K) which is provided with a standard rail and an actuating button, wherein by actuating the actuating button, the head extension (4) can be adjusted between a retracted position, a middle position and a fully extended position, and wherein the head extension (4) has a fixing plate with a slope for a head pillow. Widening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two fixing elements (7) are designed in the form of profile claws which can be manually adjusted via an adjusting wheel, wherein the profile claws are fixed via a guide groove and a positioning bolt on the underside of the widening elements (2) of the central body area (MK). Widening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the widening elements (1, 2, 3) of the widening device (10) in the assembled state have a positive angle of inclination (α) in relation to a horizontal of 6° to 14°, preferably of 8° to 12°, more preferably of 10°. Widening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the crossbeams (8) of the widening device (10) run parallel to each other at a distance and mechanically connect the lateral widening elements (1, 2, 3) to each other, wherein the crossbeams (8) have retaining blocks at their transverse ends which are designed to be complementary to retaining blocks which are arranged on the widening elements (1) of the head region (K). Widening device according to claim 13, characterized in that the retaining blocks on the transverse ends of the crossbeams (8) are fixed to the complementary retaining blocks of the widening elements (1) of the head region (K) via a T-slot connection and a locking bolt, wherein the complementary retaining blocks in the assembled state form the openings (8') arranged on the transverse ends of the crossbeams (8). Widening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foot adapter rails (9) have universal rails on their upper side for fixing with the widening elements (3) in the foot area (F), wherein the foot adapter rails (9) have standard rails on their outer sides for attaching medical equipment. Widening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the widening device (10) is modularly constructed, such that individual widening elements (1, 2, 3) are designed to be interchangeable or removable, wherein the individual widening elements (1, 2, 3) are designed to be covered with padding elements. Widening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the widening device (10) is made entirely of non-conductive, disinfection-resistant material.

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