Auxiliary frame for ambulance stretcher

Abstract

An auxiliary frame (10) for an ambulance stretcher (100). The auxiliary frame (10) comprises at least one locking device (12, 14) for attaching the auxiliary frame (10) to the ambulance stretcher (100) and at least one wheel (16, 18) to support the auxiliary frame (10) against a ground or other platform, wherein the frame structure (20) comprises two parallel longitudinal frame beams (22, 24) which are spaced apart in such a way that there is a free space (26) between the longitudinal frame beams (22, 24) to receive an end of the ambulance stretcher (100) into the free space (26). Additionally, an arrangement comprising an ambulance stretcher (100) and an auxiliary frame (10).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to ambulance stretchers for transportation of patients.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] To facilitate usability, ambulance stretchers are typically lightweight. This reduces a workload experienced by an ambulance staff when using the ambulance stretcher.

[0003] However, there is an ever-increasing need to enhance patient care already in the ambulance. For patients who need intensive care, the ambulance must be equipped with intensive care equipment. For maintaining uninterrupted intensive care when the patient is transferred between hospitals using an ambulance vehicle, the intensive care equipment must be installed on the ambulance stretcher. This increases the load to be carried on the ambulance stretcher. The increase in the load to be carried on the ambulance stretcher is significant also in cases when a neonatal intensive care unit or a contaminated patient placed in a containment enclosure is transported on the ambulance stretcher.

[0004] This increase in the load caused by various medical treatment devices subjects additional stress on the structure of the ambulance stretcher. Furthermore, because this load increase takes place on a top part of the ambulance stretcher, the center of gravity of the ambulance stretcher carrying the patient shifts more and more upwards. This makes the ambulance stretcher more unstable when the ambulance stretcher is used outside the ambulance.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to find a solution to reduce negative effects on the structure of the ambulance stretcher or on the usability of the ambulance stretcher caused by heavy loads carried by the ambulance stretcher.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a novel auxiliary frame for an ambulance stretcher.

[0007] The invention is characterized by the features of the independent claim. The auxiliary frame for an ambulance stretcher comprises at least one locking device for attaching the auxiliary frame to the ambulance stretcher and at least one wheel to support the auxiliary frame against a ground or other platform.

[0008] The invention is based on the idea of improving load carrying capacity of the ambulance stretcher, both in terms of a structural durability and a usability of heavily loaded ambulance stretcher.

[0009] An advantage of the invention is that the auxiliary frame can carry at least part of the load caused by various medical treatment devices that are transported with the patient lying on the ambulance stretcher. Because the auxiliary frame is supported directly to the ground or other platform by the at least one wheel, the auxiliary frame does not cause extra strain to the structure of the ambulance stretcher. The auxiliary frame can thus be used to increase a load carrying capacity of the ambulance stretcher in terms of maximum weight to be carried by the ambulance stretcher. The at least one wheel in the auxiliary frame provides an additional support point of the ambulance stretcher against the ground or other platform, what improves the stability of the ambulance stretcher.

[0010] Some embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In the following, the invention will be described in greater detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 shows schematically an auxiliary frame viewed diagonally from left; Figure 2 shows schematically the auxiliary frame of Figure 1 viewed diagonally from right; Figure 3 shows schematically an arrangement comprising an ambulance stretcher and an auxiliary frame viewed diagonally from left; Figure 4 shows schematically the arrangement of Figure 3 viewed diagonally from right; and Figure 5 shows schematically the arrangement of Figure 3 viewed perpendicularly from left.

[0012] For the sake of clarity, the figures show some embodiments of the invention in a simplified manner. Like reference numerals identify like elements in the figures.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Figure 1 shows schematically an auxiliary frame 10 viewed diagonally from left. Figure 2 shows schematically the auxiliary frame 10 of Figure 1 viewed diagonally from right. Figure 3 shows schematically an arrangement comprising an ambulance stretcher 100 and an auxiliary frame 10 viewed diagonally from left. Figure 4 shows schematically the arrangement of Figure 3 viewed diagonally from right. Figure 5 shows schematically the arrangement of Figure 3 viewed perpendicularly from left. Figures 3 and 4 show the ambulance stretcher 100 in one possible position that may be used to transport a patient outside an ambulance. Figure 5 shows the ambulance stretcher 100 in a position that is typically used to transport a patient in the ambulance. In the arrangement of the ambulance stretcher 100 and the auxiliary frame 10, the auxiliary frame 10 is preferably located to the rear end 100b of the ambulance stretcher 100, as shown schematically in Figures 3 to 5. Below, the ambulance stretcher 100 may also be referred to as the stretcher 100.

[0014] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the ambulance stretcher 100 has a front end 100a and a rear end 100b. The front end 100a of the stretcher 100 is typically the end of the stretcher where the patient's head is placed. The rear end 100b of the stretcher 100 is typically the end of the stretcher where the patient's legs are placed.

[0015] The stretcher 100 comprises on long sides of the stretcher 100 longitudinal frame beams 102, 104, i.e., a first longitudinal frame beam 102 on a left long side of the stretcher 100, and a second longitudinal frame beam 104 on a right long side of the stretcher 100. The longitudinal frame beams 102, 104 thus run in a longitudinal direction LD100 of the stretcher 100. The longitudinal frame beams 102, 104 can consist of one or more parts in the longitudinal direction LD100 of the stretcher 100.

[0016] The stretcher 100 further comprises cross-brackets 106, which attach the longitudinal frame beams 102, 104 to each other. The longitudinal frame beams 102, 104 and the cross-brackets 106 together form a frame 108 of the stretcher 100.

[0017] The stretcher 100 comprises, on top of the frame 108, a patient bed 110. The patient bed 110 of Figures 3 to 5 is formed of parts 110a, 110, 110c, 110d. A position of at least some of the parts 110a, 110, 110c, 110d can be turn relative to another part to change a position of the patient lying on the patient bed 110. In the example embodiment of the patient bed of Figures 3 to 5, the part 110a is a head-receiving part at the front end 100a of the stretcher 100, and the part 110d is a leg-receiving part at the rear end 100b of the stretcher 100.

[0018] The stretcher 100 comprises, below the frame 108, two foldable supports 112, 116. The foldable support 112 comprises wheels 114, and the foldable support 116 comprises wheels 118. In Figures 3 and 4, the foldable supports 112, 116 are shown in lowered positions in which the foldable supports 112, 116 are when the stretcher 100 is used outside the ambulance. In Figure 5, the foldable supports 112, 116 are shown in raised positions in which the foldable supports 112, 116 are when the stretcher 100 is in the ambulance. In the ambulance the stretcher 100 is typically set on top of a base 120. The base 120 is attached to a floor structure of the ambulance and comprises means for locking the stretcher 100 to the base 120.

[0019] Figures 1 and 2 show schematically an auxiliary frame 10 for an ambulance stretcher. The ambulance stretcher may be like the ambulance stretcher 100 shown schematically in Figures 3 to 5, but the auxiliary frame according to the solution disclosed herein may be applied in other type of ambulance stretchers too.

[0020] The auxiliary frame 10 comprises a frame structure 20. The auxiliary frame 10 further comprises locking devices 12, 14, i.e., a first locking device 12 and a second locking device 14 attached to the frame structure 20 of the auxiliary frame 10. The locking devices 12, 14 are intended for attaching the auxiliary frame 10 to the ambulance stretcher 100.

[0021] The auxiliary frame 10 further comprises wheels 16, 18, i.e., a first wheel 16 and a second wheel 18 attached to the frame structure 20 of the auxiliary frame 10. The wheels 16, 18 support the auxiliary frame 10 against a ground or other platform.

[0022] The auxiliary frame 10 comprises a front part 10a. The front part 10a of the auxiliary frame 10 is intended to be directed towards the stretcher 100. The front part 10a of the auxiliary frame 10 comprises the locking devices 12, 14 for attaching the auxiliary frame 10 to the stretcher 100.

[0023] The auxiliary frame 10 comprises a rear part 10b. The rear part 10b of the auxiliary frame 10 is intended to be directed away from the stretcher 100. The rear part 10b of the auxiliary frame 10 comprises the wheels 16, 18 to support the auxiliary frame 10 against the ground or other platform.

[0024] A longitudinal direction LD10 of the auxiliary frame 10 is the direction extending between the front part 10a and the rear part 10b of the auxiliary frame 10.

[0025] In the example embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the frame structure 20 of the auxiliary frame 10 comprises two adjacent substantially parallel longitudinal frame beams 22, 24, i.e., a first longitudinal frame beam 22 on a left side of the auxiliary frame 10, and a second longitudinal frame beam 24 on a right side of the auxiliary frame 10. The longitudinal frame beams 22, 24 are arranged to run substantially in the longitudinal direction LD10 of the auxiliary frame 10. The longitudinal frame beams 22, 24 can consist of one or more parts in the longitudinal direction LD10 of the auxiliary frame 10.

[0026] The longitudinal frame beams 22, 24 are spaced apart such that there is a free space 26 between the longitudinal frame beams 22, 24. The free space 26 between the longitudinal frame beams 22, 24 is configured to receive preferably the rear end 100b of the stretcher 100 when the auxiliary frame 10 is attached to the stretcher 100, as shown schematically in Figures 3 to 5.

[0027] The auxiliary frame 10 of the figures has the above-mentioned free space 26. The frame structure 20 forms boundaries of the free space 26. The free space 26 extends between the longitudinal frame beams 22, 24. The free space 26 further extends vertically. The free space 26 is dimensioned vertically so that the ambulance stretcher 100 fits therein. The free space 26 extends from the front part 10a towards the rear part 10b. The free space 26 is configured to receive the ambulance stretcher 100 via the front part 10a.

[0028] Further, as seen in the figure 1, the handle 50 limits the free space 26 vertically. The handle 50 is dimensioned to locate above the stretcher 100 when the stretcher 100 is coupled to the auxiliary frame 10.

[0029] Further, as seen in the figure 1, the substantially horizontally oriented part 64 of the equipment support 60 limits the free space 26. The part 64 is dimensioned to locate above the stretcher 100 when the stretcher 100 is coupled to the auxiliary frame 10.

[0030] The frame structure 20 of the auxiliary frame 10 further comprises two substantially parallel upwards oriented frame beams 28, 30, i.e., a first upwards oriented frame beam 28 on a left side of the auxiliary frame 10, and a second upwards oriented frame beam 30 on a right side of the auxiliary frame 10. The first upwards oriented frame beam 28 is intended to be coupled to the first longitudinal frame beam 22 at the rear part 10b of the auxiliary frame 10. The second upwards oriented frame beam 30 is intended to be coupled to the second longitudinal frame beam 24 at the rear part 10b of the auxiliary frame 10.

[0031] In the example embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, a lower ends 28a, 30a of the upwards oriented frame beams 28, 30 are arranged in connection with rear ends 22b, 24b of the longitudinal frame beams 22, 24 with connecting pieces 34, 36, which are attached to the rear ends 22b, 24b of the longitudinal frame beams 22, 24. Other implementations for arranging the upwards oriented frame beams 28, 30 in connection with the longitudinal frame beams 22, 24 are applicable as well.

[0032] In the example embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 the auxiliary frame 10 further comprises a cross-bracket 32. The cross-bracket 32 stiffens the frame structure 20 at the rear part 10b of the auxiliary frame 10.

[0033] In the example embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the first locking device 12 is arranged in connection with the first longitudinal frame beam 22 at the front part 10a of the auxiliary frame 10. The second locking device 14 is arranged in connection with the second longitudinal frame beam 24 at the front part 10a of the auxiliary frame 10. The first 12 and the second 14 locking devices are arranged in connection with front ends 22a, 24a of the respective longitudinal frame beams 22, 24 with mounting blocks 38, 40 which are attached to the front ends 22a, 24a of the longitudinal frame beams 22, 24. Other implementations for arranging the locking devices 12, 14 in connection with the longitudinal frame beams 22, 24 or some other part in the frame structure 20 of the auxiliary frame 10 are applicable as well. As shown schematically in Figures 3 to 5, the first locking device 12 is configured to be attached to the first longitudinal frame beam 102 of the stretcher 100 and the second locking device 14 is configured to be attached to the second longitudinal frame beam 104 of the stretcher 100, thus attaching the auxiliary frame 10 to the stretcher 100.

[0034] According to an example embodiment, the locking device 12, 14 comprises a quick lock mechanism. When the locking device 12, 14 comprises the quick lock mechanism, the auxiliary frame 10 can be easily attached to the stretcher 100 or detach from the stretcher 100.

[0035] In the example embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the locking devices 12, 14 in the auxiliary frame 10 comprise first pivot elements 13, 15. The auxiliary frame 10 further comprises in connection with the longitudinal frame beams 22, 24 second pivot elements 23, 25. The second pivot elements 23, 25 are arranged in connection with the front ends 22a, 24a of the longitudinal frame beams 22, 24. The second pivot elements 23, 25 are compatible with the first pivot elements 13, 15 and arranged in connection with the first pivot elements 13, 15. The first 13, 14 and the second 23, 25 pivot elements allow the longitudinal frame beams 22, 24 of the auxiliary frame 10 to change their position relative to the longitudinal frame beams 102, 104 in the stretcher 100, when the auxiliary frame 10 is attached to the stretcher 100. The first 13, 14 and the second 23, 25 pivot elements thus allow the auxiliary frame 10 to change its position relative to the stretcher 100, when the auxiliary frame 10 is attached to the stretcher 100. This has the effect that at least one of the wheels 16, 18 of the auxiliary frame 10 can support against the ground or other platform both in the lowered and raised positions of the foldable supports 112, 116 of the stretcher 100, despite of a possible uneven surface profile of the ground or other platform.

[0036] In the example embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the first pivot elements 13, 15 in the locking devices 12, 14 are implemented by locking pins in the locking devices 12, 14, which locking pins are intended to attach the locking devices 12, 14 to the longitudinal frame beams 102, 104 in the stretcher 100 in a quick-lock manner. The second pivot elements 23, 25 in connection with the front ends 22a, 24a of the longitudinal frame beams 22, 24 are implemented by hook-like elements. The hook-like elements are implemented in the mounting blocks 38, 40 and arranged partly around the locking pins in the locking devices 12, 14.

[0037] In the example embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the first wheel 16 is arranged in connection with the first longitudinal frame beam 22 at the rear part 10b of the auxiliary frame 10. The second wheel 18 is arranged in connection with the second longitudinal frame beam 22 at the rear part 10b of the auxiliary frame 10. The first wheel 16 and the second wheel 18 are arranged in connection with the rear ends 22b, 24b of the respective longitudinal frame beams 22, 24 with the connecting pieces 34, 36 which are attached to the rear ends 22b, 24b of the longitudinal frame beams 22, 24. Other implementations for arranging the wheels 16, 18 in connection with the longitudinal frame beams 22, 24 or some other part in the frame structure 20 of the auxiliary frame 10 are applicable as well.

[0038] According to an example embodiment, the wheels 16, 18 are freely swivelling wheels. This has the effect that the wheels 16, 18 do not hinder the turning of the stretcher 100 when the auxiliary frame 10 is attached to the stretcher 100.

[0039] The auxiliary frame 10 further comprises a handle 50. The handle 50 is attached to the frame structure 20 of the auxiliary frame 10. The stretcher 100 may be pulled or pushed by the handle, when the auxiliary frame 10 is attached to the stretcher 100.

[0040] In the example embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the handle 50 is a bent elongated element. Ends of the handle 50 are attached to upper ends 28b, 30b of the upwards oriented frame beams 28, 30 with mounting blocks 52, 54. Other implementations for attaching the handle 50 with the longitudinal frame beams 22, 24 or some other part in the frame structure 20 of the auxiliary frame 10 are applicable as well.

[0041] The auxiliary frame 10 further comprises an equipment support 60. The equipment support 60 is attached to the frame structure 20 of the auxiliary frame 10. The equipment support 60 forms a support to which at least one medical treatment device can be attached so that the at least one medical treatment device travels with the stretcher 100 in the auxiliary frame 10, when the auxiliary frame 10 is attached to the stretcher 100. For this purpose, the equipment support 60 may be manufactured, for example, of a round pipe or bar having a diameter of about 30 mm. The diameter of about 30 mm is a typical dimension according to which fasteners used to attach medical treatment devices to supporting structures are sized. Other configurations of the equipment support 60 are, however, possible.

[0042] In the example embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the equipment support 60 comprises substantially horizontally oriented parts 62, 64, 66 for forming at least one attachment point for firmly attaching the at least one medical treatment device to the equipment support 60.

[0043] In the example embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the equipment support 60 is attached to the second upwards oriented frame beam 30 by the mounting block 54 and to the first longitudinal frame beam 22 by the mounting block 38. This installation method also stiffens the frame structure 20 of the auxiliary frame 10.

[0044] In the example embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the equipment support 60 is an elongate element which is bent asymmetrically in such a way that the equipment support 60 extends in the longitudinal direction LD10 of the auxiliary frame 10 for a significant part in substantially the same horizontal position as the first longitudinal frame beam 22. The asymmetric shape of the equipment support 60 provides a free space on the right long side of the stretcher 100 to move the patient onto the stretcher 100 or away from the stretcher 100. Furthermore, as the horizontally oriented parts 62, 64, 66 of the equipment support 60 will be located at the rear end 100b of the stretcher 100 or at a side of the stretcher 100, the medical treatment devices installed to the equipment support 60 do not prevent an easy access to the patient lying on the stretcher 100.

[0045] The auxiliary frame 10, when it is installed to the ambulance stretcher 100, forms an external support frame which can carry at least part of the load caused by various medical treatment devices that may be transported with the patient lying on the ambulance stretcher 100. Because the auxiliary frame 10 is supported directly to the ground or other platform by the at least one wheel 16, 18, the auxiliary frame 10 does not cause extra strain to the structure of the ambulance stretcher 100 but instead of that assists the stretcher 100 to carry also heavy loads. The auxiliary frame 10 can thus be used to increase a load carrying capacity of the ambulance stretcher in terms of maximum weight without any need to modify the currently used stretchers for heavy loads.

[0046] The at least one wheel 16, 18 in the auxiliary frame 10 provides at least one additional support point for the ambulance stretcher 100 against the ground or other platform. This improves the stability of the ambulance stretcher. Regarding to the example embodiment of Figures 3 to 5 above, the wheels 16, 18 in the auxiliary frame 10 provide in the ambulance stretcher 100 a kind of an extended wheelbase for the ambulance stretcher 100. Furthermore, because in the example embodiment of Figures 3 to 5 the wheels 16, 18 in the auxiliary frame 10 are farther away from an imaginary centre line of the ambulance stretcher 100 than the wheels 114 in the ambulance stretcher 100, the auxiliary frame 10 stabilizes the ambulance stretcher 100 in a width direction of the ambulance stretcher 100.

[0047] It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as the technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims. The example embodiment of the auxiliary frame 10 according to Figures 1 and 2 discloses only one possible example embodiment of the auxiliary frame that can be attached to an ambulance stretcher. Therefore, instead of two locking devices used to attach the auxiliary frame to a frame of an ambulance stretcher, the auxiliary frame may comprise only one locking device, or more than two locking devices to attach the auxiliary frame to the ambulance stretcher. Additionally, instead of two wheels to support the auxiliary frame against the ground or other platform, the auxiliary frame may comprise only one wheel, or more than two wheels to support the auxiliary frame against the ground or other platform.

Claims

1. An auxiliary frame (10) for an ambulance stretcher (100), the auxiliary frame (10) comprising at least one locking device (12, 14) for attaching the auxiliary frame (10) to the ambulance stretcher (100) and at least one wheel (16, 18) to support the auxiliary frame (10) against a ground or other platform, characterized in that the auxiliary frame (10) comprises a frame structure (20), wherein the frame structure (20) comprises two adjacent substantially parallel longitudinal frame beams (22, 24) which are spaced apart in such a way that there is a free space (26) between the longitudinal frame beams (22, 24) to receive an end of the ambulance stretcher (100) into the free space (26) between the longitudinal frame beams (22, 24).

2. An auxiliary frame as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the auxiliary frame (10) comprises a front part (10a) and a rear part (10b), wherein the front part (10a) of the auxiliary frame (10) is intended to be directed towards the ambulance stretcher (100) and the rear part (10b) of the auxiliary frame (10) is intended to be directed away from the ambulance stretcher (100), and that the front part (10a) of the auxiliary frame (10) comprises the at least one locking device (12, 14) for attaching the auxiliary frame (10) to the ambulance stretcher (100) and the rear part (10b) of the auxiliary frame (10) comprises the at least one wheel (16, 18) to support the auxiliary frame (10) against the ground or other platform.

3. An auxiliary frame as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the auxiliary frame (10) comprises the locking device (12, 14) and the wheel (16, 18) per each longitudinal frame beam (22, 24) such that the locking device (12, 14) is arranged in connection with the longitudinal frame beam (22, 24) at the front part (10a) of the auxiliary frame (10) and the wheel (16, 18) is arranged in connection with the longitudinal frame beam (22, 24) at the rear part (10b) of the auxiliary frame (10).

4. An auxiliary frame as claimed in in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame structure (20) of the auxiliary frame (10) further comprises an upwards oriented frame beam (28, 30) per each longitudinal frame beam (22, 24) such that the upwards oriented frame beam (28, 30) is arranged in connection with the longitudinal frame beam (22, 24) at the rear part (10b) of the auxiliary frame (10).

5. An auxiliary frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the auxiliary frame (10) comprises a handle (50).

6. An auxiliary frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the auxiliary frame (10) comprises at least one equipment support (60) for forming a support for attaching at least one medical treatment device to the auxiliary frame (10).

7. An auxiliary frame as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the equipment support (60) is an asymmetrically bent elongated element.

8. An auxiliary frame as claimed in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the equipment support (60) comprises at least one substantially horizontally oriented part (62, 64) for forming at least one attachment point for attaching the at least one medical treatment device to the equipment support (60).

9. An auxiliary frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one locking device (12, 14) comprises a first pivot element (13, 15) and that auxiliary frame (10) further comprises for each first pivot element (13, 15) a second pivot element (23, 25) which is compatible to the first pivot element (13, 15), whereby the first (13, 15) and the second (23, 25) pivot elements allow the auxiliary frame (10) to change its position relative to the ambulance stretcher (100) when the auxiliary frame (10) is attached to the ambulance stretcher (100).

10. An auxiliary frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking device (12, 14) comprises a quick lock mechanism.

11. An auxiliary frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wheel (16, 18) is a freely swivelling wheel.

12. An arrangement for transportation of a patient, the arrangement comprising an ambulance stretcher (100) and an auxiliary frame (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 attached to the ambulance stretcher (100).

13. An arrangement as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the auxiliary frame (10) is arranged at an end (100a, 100b) of the ambulance stretcher (100).

14. An arrangement as claimed in claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the ambulance stretcher (100) comprises longitudinal frame beams (102, 104) on long sides of the ambulance stretcher (100), and that the at least one locking device (12, 14) in the auxiliary frame (10) is configured to be attached to the longitudinal frame beam (102, 104) in the ambulance stretcher (100).

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