A retaining apparatus

Abstract

The retaining apparatus for a support apparatus, e.g., a stretcher, or trolley, when held in a vehicle, including: a body 112; a receiving formation 130 for a portion of the support apparatus; and a r

Description

FIELD The disclosure relates to a retaining apparatus. In particular, but not exclusively, the retaining apparatus may be for use with a support apparatus, such as trolleys for supporting stretchers, for transporting a patient to be transported in a vehicle such as an ambulance. The use of retaining apparatuses for holding a support apparatus relative to a vehicle during transport is well known in the field of first aid. Such support apparatus are used to transfer patients between hospitals or from hospitals to hospices or the like. It is important that these support apparatuses, and therefore the retaining apparatuses for use with the support apparatuses, are easy to use and robust as they are used in emergency situations where it is very important that they function correctly and do not prevent or hinder the giving of first aid. It has also been found that existing retaining apparatuses are unable to sufficiently retain support apparatus if the load on the support apparatus is high, e.g., the patient is obese or there are many ancillary medical components required. The present invention has been developed to address these issues. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a retaining apparatus for a support apparatus, the support apparatus fortransporting a patient to be transported in a vehicle, e.g., a stretcher I trolley, the support apparatus being receivable in the vehicle and the vehicle including a holding formation to hold the support apparatus in position relative to said vehicle during use, the retaining apparatus including: a main body; a receiving formation for receipt of a portion of the support apparatus; and a retaining assembly movable from a first position in which the support apparatus is retained relative to the apparatus, to a second position in which the support apparatus is permitted to be removed from the receiving formation, including: a retaining member for retaining the portion of the support apparatus in the receiving formation; and a bias assembly for biasing the retaining member to adopt the first position, wherein the bias assembly extends towards the receiving formation. The main body may include a base. The main body may include first and / or second side walls extending generally upwardly from the base. The receiving formation may be a recess. The receiving formation may be formed integrally in the main body. The receiving formation may be formed integrally in the first or second side walls. The retaining apparatus may include a plurality of receiving formations. The bias assembly may include first and second respective ends. The retaining member may include first and second respective ends. The second end of the bias assembly may be attached to the second end of the retaining member. The second end of the bias assembly may be pivotably / rotatably attached to the second end of the retaining member. The first end of the bias assembly may be attached to the base and / or first side and / or second side of the main body. The bias assembly may extend generally upwardly towards the receiving formation. The first end of the bias assembly may be pivotably / rotatably attached to the base and I or first side and / or second side of the main body. The second end of the bias assembly may be attached to the retaining member. The second end of the bias assembly may be pivotably / rotatably attached to the retaining member. The first end of the retaining member may be attached to the base. The first end of the retaining member may be pivotably / rotatably attached to the base. The base may include first and second respective ends. The first end of the retaining member may be attached to the first end of the base. The second end of the retaining member may be attached to the bias assembly. The second end of the retaining member may be pivotably / rotatably attached to the bias assembly. The second end of the retaining member may extend adjacent to the receiving formation for abutting the portion of the support apparatus. The second end of the retaining member may be positioned inwardly of the first and / or second sides of the main body. The retaining member may be generally orthogonal to the bias assembly in the first position. The bias assembly may include a bias member for biasing the retaining member to adopt the first position. The bias member may be a spring. The bias assembly may include an guide member for preventing / inhibiting unintended movement of the bias assembly from the first position to the second position. The guide member may be a piston. The piston may be a hydraulic / pneumatic piston. The bias member may be positioned around, e.g., threaded onto, the guide member. The retaining apparatus may include a plurality of bias members and / or guide members. The retaining apparatus may include three bias members. The retaining apparatus may include three guide members. The retaining apparatus may include an actuation member for actuating the retaining assembly to move from the first position to the second position. The actuation member may be user operable. The actuation member may be foot operable. The actuation member may include a pedal for a user’s foot which, in use, rests on the retaining member. The actuation member may include rollers which in use may be positioned between the pedal and retaining member. The pedal may be moveable between first and second positions along the retaining member which correspond to first and second positions of the retaining assembly. The pedal may be positioned adjacent the first end of the retaining member in the second position. The pedal may be positioned between the first and second ends of the retaining member in the first position. The retaining member may include at least one guiding formation for guiding movement of the actuation member. The guiding formation may be a slot / aperture in the retaining member. The actuation member may at least partially extend through the slot / aperture. The retaining member may include first and second guiding formations for guiding movement of the actuation member. The first and second guiding formations may be slots / apertures at respective sides of the retaining member. First and second portions of the actuation member may at least partially extend through the first and second guiding formations. The actuation member may be attached to the main body between the bias assembly and the retaining member. The actuation member may be pivotably / rotatably attached to the main body between the bias assembly and the retaining member. The actuation member may be pivotable I rotatable in a direction generally opposite to the retaining member. The retaining apparatus may include a protection member for protecting the bias assembly positioned between the bias assembly and an end of the base to which the retaining member is attached. The protection member may be fixed in position relative to the main body. The protection member may include recesses which in use receive the retaining member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a retaining apparatus, embodying the present disclosure; FIGURE 2 is a further perspective view of the retaining apparatus of figure 1 with the retaining assembly in a second position; FIGURE 3 is an exploded view of figure 1; FIGURE 4 is a cutaway side view of figure 1 along the plane 4-4; FIGURE 5 is a cutaway side view of figure 2 along the plane 5-5; FIGURE 6 is a front view of figure 1; FIGURE 7 is a rear view of figure 1 with the rear wall removed; FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of a support apparatus being retained by a retaining apparatus as shown in figure 1; FIGURE 9 is an enlarged view of portion 9-9 of figure 8; FIGURE 10 is a side view of figure 8; FIGURE 11 is an enlarged cutaway side view of 11-11 of figure 10; and FIGURE 12 is an enlarged cutaway side view of 12-12 of figure 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE Referring to the figures, and in particular figures 8 to 12, there is a shown a support apparatus 1. The support apparatus 1 is for transporting a patient to a vehicle, e.g. an emergency vehicle such as an ambulance or a helicopter or the like. The support apparatus 1 is receivable in the vehicle. In the present embodiment the support apparatus 1 may be an adjustable support apparatus, e.g., a trolley for transporting a stretcher or the like, or may be another type of apparatus for transporting a patient to an ambulance which is then receivable in the ambulance, e.g., a wheelchair or the like. The support apparatus 1 includes a support member 2 for supporting a patient, directly or indirectly. For example, the support member may, in use, receive a stretcher or the like for a patient. In embodiments, the support member may be a seat in which a patient may be positioned, in use. The support apparatus 1 also includes at least one ground engaging device 4 for transporting the apparatus across a surface in use. In the present embodiment, four ground engaging devices 4 are provided. The at least one ground engaging device 4 may be a castor wheel. The castor wheel may include a brake or the like to assist in limiting movement of the support apparatus 1. In the present embodiment the support apparatus 1 includes a support structure 6 positioned above the support member 2. The support structure 6 may be used to assist in moving or positioning a patient relative to the support member 2. The support structure 6 may also include mounting formations for assisting in mounting medical supplies relative to the support member 2 for use with the patient. The support apparatus 1 in the present embodiment includes a first, foot, end 7 and a second, head, end 8. A portion 9 of the support apparatus 1 (best seen in figure 11) may be received in use by a retaining apparatus 100 according to the present disclosure. In other words, the retaining apparatus may be for a support apparatus for retaining the support apparatus relative to the vehicle. The retaining apparatus 100 is described in more detail below. In the present embodiment the portion 9 is positioned at the head-end of the support apparatus 1. In embodiments the portion 9 may be positioned at the foot-end of the support apparatus 1. The vehicle includes a holding formation 10 for holding the support apparatus 1 in position relative to the vehicle in use (best shown in figures 10 and 12). A holding apparatus 12 may be provided on the support apparatus 1 which cooperates with the holding formation 10 to hold the support apparatus 1 in position relative to the vehicle during use. Referring to figures 1 to 7 and 11, and figure 3 in particular, the retaining apparatus 100 includes a main body 112. The main body may include a base 114 and first and second side walls 116, 118 extending generally upwardly from the base 114. The base may include first and second respective ends 1144, 1146. The first end 1144 of the base 114 may include a recess 1148. The base 114 may be generally rectangular in plan view. The first and second side walls 116, 118 may be positioned closer to the second end 1146 than the first end 1144. The first and second side walls 116, 118 may include respective tabs 1162, 1182 which in use may be received in recesses 1140 in the base 114. Two such tabs and recesses may be provided on either side of the main body 112. The side walls 116, 118 may be generally trapezoidal. In embodiments, this may not be the case. For example, the side walls 116, 118 may be square or rectangular without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The base 114 may be releasably connected to a track assembly 140 via fasteners 1406. The track assembly 140 may include a base 1400 and first and second track mounting portions 1402, 1404. In use, the track assembly 140 may be releasably connected to a track in the vehicle to permit movement of the retaining apparatus 100 relative to the holding formation 10 as required to secure the support apparatus 1 in position. The main body 112 may include a top wall 120 formed from first and second portions 1200, 1202 which in use may be fastened together with fasteners 1204. The top wall 120 may include protrusions 1206 which in use may be received by recesses 1160, 1180 in a top edge of the first and second side walls 116, 118. A section 1210 of the first portion 1202 of the top wall 120 may extend forwardly of a top edge of the first and second side walls 116, 118. The section 1210 may be generally trapezoidal in plan view. The second portion 1202 of the top wall 120 may be positioned adjacent the top edge of the first and second side walls 116, 118. The top wall 120 may extend across the first and second side walls 116, 118 to cover a portion of a front edge of the first and second side walls 116, 118. A rear wall 122 may extend between the base 114, first and second side walls 116, 118 and top wall 120. The rear wall 122 may be positioned at or near the second end 1146 of the base 114. The rear wall 122 may be generally rectangular. The rear wall 122 may be releasably attached to the first and second side walls 116, 118 for permitting inspection of an interior of the retaining apparatus 100. The rear wall 122 may be releasably attached to the top wall 120 and / or base 114 in embodiments. The rear wall 122 may be releasably attached using fasteners 1220. The rear wall 122 may include tabs 1222 through which the fasteners 1220 extend in use. The tabs 1222 may be orthogonal to a remainder of the rear wall 122 and may be generally parallel to the first and second side walls 116, 118. In use, the tabs 1222 may be positioned outwardly of the first and second side walls 116, 118. In embodiments, the tabs 1222 may be positioned inwardly of the first and second side walls 116, 118. The rear wall 122 may be inclined at an angle relative to the base 114. In embodiments, the rear wall 122 may be generally orthogonal to the base 114. The rear wall 122 may be generally orthogonal to the first and second side walls 116, 118. In embodiments, the rear wall 122 may be inclined at an angle to the first and second side walls 116, 118. The rear wall 122 may be inclined at an angle to the top wall 120. In embodiments the rear wall 122 may be generally orthogonal to the top wall 120. The retaining apparatus 100 includes a receiving formation 130 for receipt of the portion of the support apparatus (as shown in figure 11). The receiving formation 130 may be a recess. In embodiments, the receiving formation may take other forms. For example, the receiving formation may form part of a gripping formation without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The receiving formation 130 may be formed integrally in the main body 112. The receiving formation 130 may be integrally formed in the first or second side wall 116, 118. The retaining apparatus 100 may include a plurality of receiving formations 130. Receiving formations 130 may be provided in each of the first and second side walls 116, 118, as shown in figure 3. In other words, the receiving formation 130 may be defined at least partially by the first and / or second side walls 116, 118. The receiving formation 130 may be formed in a front edge of the first or second side walls 116, 118, spaced from the rear wall 122. The receiving formation 130 may be positioned at or near the top 120 of the main body 112 in the first and second side walls 116, 118. The receiving formation 130 in the first and second side walls 116, 118 may be substantially the same and so only one receiving formation 130 will be described. In embodiments, the receiving formation 130 in the first and second side walls 116, 118 may differ. The first and second side walls 116, 118 may have a periphery including first and second generally linear portions 1300, 1302 which may be connected by a generally curvilinear portion 1304 to define the receiving formation 130. The receiving formation 130 may be generally U-shaped. The receiving formation 130 may be positioned on a generally opposite side of the first or second side walls 116, 118 to the rear wall 122. The first generally linear portion 1300 may be generally parallel to the base 114 and / or top wall 120. The second generally linear portion 1302 may be inclined at an angle to the base 114 and / or top wall 120. The first and second generally linear portions 1300, 1302 may extend towards each other as they extend towards the curvilinear portion 1304. A third generally linear portion 1306 may be connected to the second extension portion 1302. The third generally linear portion 1306 may be generally parallel to the base 114 and / or top wall 120. Such a construction of the receiving formation 130 may be advantageous in guiding the portion 9 of the support apparatus 1 into the receiving formation 130. The retaining apparatus 100 includes a retaining assembly 150 movable from a first position in which the support apparatus 1 is retained relative to the apparatus 100, to a second position in which the support apparatus 1 is permitted to be removed from the receiving formation 130. The retaining assembly 150 includes a retaining member 160 for retaining the portion 9 of the support apparatus 1 in the receiving formation 130. In use, the retaining member 160 may effectively block a path into the receiving formation 130 to prevent or inhibit removal of the portion 9 of the support apparatus 1. The retaining member 160 may extend from a first end 1144 of the base 114 into an interior of the main body 112. The retaining member 160 may extend towards the receiving formation 130. The retaining assembly 150 also includes a bias assembly 170 for biasing the retaining member 160 to adopt the first position, wherein the bias assembly 170 extends towards the receiving formation 130. The bias assembly 170 may be positioned within an interior of the main body 112. Such a positioning of the bias assembly 170 has been found to be advantageous. In particular, positioning the bias assembly 170 such that it extends towards the receiving formation 130 has been found to assist the receiving formation in retaining heavier support apparatus 1 than was previously possible. This is particularly advantageous when transporting obese patients or patients with many ancillary medical devices which need to be mounted to the support apparatus 1, e.g.. premature babies. The retaining member 160 may include first and second respective ends 1600, 1602. The first end 1600 of the retaining member 160 may be attached to the base 114. The first end 1600 of the retaining member 160 may be pivotably / rotatably attached to the base 114. The first end 1144 of the base 114 may include attachment portions 1150. The first end 1600 of the retaining member 160 may be attached to the first end 1144 of the base 114. The first end 1600 may be generally curved. A pin 162 may extend through the first end 1600 of the retaining member 160 and the attachment portions 1150 of the base 114. The retaining member 160 may include first and second extension portions 1604 connected by an attachment portion 1606. The first and second extension portions 1604 may be generally parallel to each other. The first and second extension portions 1604 may be generally rectilinear. A first end of the extension portions 1604 may correspond to the first end 1600 of the retaining member 160 and may be curved. A second end of the extension portions 1064 may correspond to the second end 1602 of the retaining member 160 and may be square. The attachment portion 1606 may be generally orthogonal to the first and second extension portions 1604. The attachment portion 1606 may be attached to the second end of the first and second extension portions 1604. A body portion 1608 may be attached to a top of the extension portions 1604. The body portion 1608 may be generally planar and may be generally rectangular in plan view. The extension portions 1604 may include recesses / grooves 1610 for receipt of the body portion 1608. The second end 1602 of the retaining member 160 may be attached to the bias assembly 170. The second end 1602 of the retaining member 160 may be pivotably / rotatably attached to the bias assembly 170. The second end 1602 of the retaining member 160 may extend adjacent to the receiving formation 130 for abutting the portion 9 of the support apparatus 1. The second end 1602 of the retaining member 160 may be positioned inwardly of the first and / or second sides 116, 118 of the main body 112. The attachment portion 1606 may be positioned at the second end 1602. The second end 1602 of the retaining member 160 may be positioned at or near the or each receiving formation 130. The second end 1602 of the retaining member 160 may prevent, or inhibit, removal of the portion 9 of the support apparatus 1 from the receiving formation 130, in use, in the first position. The retaining member 160 may be generally orthogonal to the bias assembly 170 in the first position. In embodiments, this may not be the case. The retaining member 160, in use, may abut or engage the portion 9 of the support apparatus 1 in the first position (as shown in figure 11) so as to retain the support apparatus 1 relative to the retaining apparatus 100. This may be advantageous in ensuring the support apparatus 1 does not move during transport of a patient on the support apparatus 1 and minimise any undesired movement of the retaining member 160 due to forces acting on the retaining member 160 through the portion 9 of the support apparatus 1. The bias assembly 170 may extend generally upwardly, e.g., more vertically than horizontally, towards the receiving formation 130. The bias assembly 170 may extend towards the top 120 of the main body 112. The bias assembly 170 may extend away from the base 114. The bias assembly 170 may be inclined at an angle to the base 114 and extend generally upwardly towards the receiving formation 130. The bias assembly 170 may include first and second respective ends 1702, 1704. The second end 1704 of the bias assembly 170 may be attached to the second end 1602 of the retaining member 160. The second end 1704 of the bias assembly 170 may be pivotably / rotatably attached to the second end 1602 of the retaining member 160. A pin 172 may extend through the second end 1704 of the bias assembly 170 and the second end 1602 of the retaining member 160. The first end 1700 of the bias assembly 170 may be attached to the base 114 and / or first side and / or second side 116, 118 of the main body 112. The first end 1700 of the bias assembly 170 may be pivotably / rotatably attached to the base 114 and / or first side 116 and / or second side 118 of the main body 112. The retaining apparatus 100 may include attachment portions 180 for attaching the bias assembly 170 to the base 114. The attachment portions 180 may be provided on the base 114. The attachment portions 180 may be provided within an interior of the main body 112. A pin 182 may extend through the attachment portions 180 and the first end 1700 of the bias assembly 170. The bias assembly 170 may include a bias member 174 for biasing the retaining member 160 to adopt the first position. The bias member 174 may extend generally upwardly, e.g., more vertically than horizontally, towards the receiving formation 130. The bias member 174 may extend towards the top 120 of the main body 112. The bias member 174 may extend away from the base 114. The bias member 174 may be inclined at an angle to the base 114 and extend generally upwardly towards the receiving formation 130. The bias assembly 170 may include a guide member 176 for guiding movement of the bias assembly 170 from the first position to the second position. The bias assembly may include a plurality of bias members 174. The bias assembly 170 may include a plurality of guide members 176. The bias assembly 170 may include three bias members 174. The bias assembly 170 may include three guide members 176. The bias members 174 and guide members 176 may be substantially the same and so only one of each will be described below. In embodiments the bias members 174 and guide members 176 may differ. The bias member 174 may be a spring, e.g., a compression spring. In embodiments, the bias member 174 may take other forms, such as a rubber block, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The bias member 174 may extend from the first end 1702 of the bias assembly towards the second end 1704. The bias member 174 may have first and second ends where the first end is positioned at or near the first end 1702 of the bias assembly 170 and the second end is positioned partway between the first and second ends 1702, 1704 of the bias assembly 170. The guide member 176 may be a piston. The piston may be a hydraulic / pneumatic piston for assisting in preventing I inhibiting unintended movement of the bias assembly 170 from the first position to the second position. In embodiments, this may not be the case and other types of guide members may be used. The guide member 176 may extend from the first end 1702 of the bias assembly 170 to the second end 1704. The guide member 176 may define the first and second ends 1702,1704 of the bias assembly 170. The guide member 176 may include apertures at its respective ends for receipt of pin 172 and / or pin 182 for permitting the guide member 176 to pivot / rotate with respect to the retaining member 160 and / or attachment portions 180. The bias member 174 may be positioned around, e.g., threaded onto, the guide member 176. The bias member 174 may be concentric with the guide member 176. Together the bias member 174 and guide member 176, advantageously, may guide the bias assembly along a predetermined path between the first and second positions. When the guide member is a hydraulic / pneumatic piston, the bias member and hydraulic / pneumatic piston may together act as a suspension and absorb any unexpected movements of the retaining member 160 so as to retain the portion 9 of the support apparatus 1 in the receiving formation 130. The attachment portion 1606 of the retaining member 160 may include a recess 1612 for receipt of a portion of the guide member 176, or the second end 1704 of the bias assembly 170. The recess 1612 may be generally rectangular. There may be a plurality of recesses 1612 for receipt of a portion of each guide member 176. The retaining apparatus 100 may include an actuation member 200 for actuating the retaining assembly 150 to move from the first position to the second position. The actuation member 200 may be movable between first and second positions which correspond to the first and second positions of the retaining assembly 150. The bias assembly 170 may bias the actuation member 200 to move from the second position to the first position. The actuation member 200 may be user operable. The actuation member 200 may be foot operable. The actuation member 200 may include a pedal 202 for a user’s foot. The pedal 202 may be generally rectangular in plan view and may be generally planar. A portion of the pedal 202 positioned closest to the main body 112 may be inclined at an angle to a remainder of the pedal 202. In use, the actuation member 200, or the pedal 202, may rest on the retaining member 160. The actuation member 200 may include one or more rollers 204. The rollers 204 in use may be positioned between the pedal 202 and retaining member 106. The rollers 204 may rest on the body portion 1608 of the retaining member 160. The pedal 202 may be moveable between its respective first and second positions along the retaining member 160 which correspond to first and second positions of the retaining assembly 150. The actuation member 200 may include first and second extension portions 206, 208 which may be attached to the pedal 202. The first and second extension portions 206, 208 may be generally rectilinear. The first and second extension portions 206, 208 may be generally parallel. In embodiments, the first extension portion 206 may be inclined at an angle to the second extension portion 208. The first and second extension portions 206, 208 may taper towards each other. The first and second extension portions 206, 208 may be substantially the same and so only the second extension portion 208 will be described. In embodiments, the first and second extension portions 206, 208 of the actuation member 200 may differ. The extension portion 208 may have first and second respective ends 2080, 2082. The first end 2080 of the extension portion 208 may be attached to the side wall 118. In embodiments, the first end 2080 of the extension portion 208 may be attached to the base 114. The first end 2080 may include an aperture through which a fastener 2084 may be passed to connect the extension portion to the side wall 118. The fastener 2084 may permit the first end 2080, or the actuation member 200, to rotate / pivot with respect to the main body 112. In other words, the actuation member 200 may be pivotably / rotatably attached to the main body 112. The actuation member 200 may be attached to the main body 112 between the bias assembly 170 and the retaining member 160. The actuation member 200 may be pivotably I rotatably attached to the main body 112 between the bias assembly 170 and the retaining member 160. The actuation member 200 may be pivotable / rotatable in a direction generally opposite to the retaining member 160, e.g., when moving from the first to the second position and vice versa. The first end 2080 may be generally curved. The first end 2080 may be positioned within the interior of the main body 112. The second end 2082 of the extension portion 208 may taper to a point. In particular, the extension portion 208 may include a top surface 2086 and a bottom surface 2088 and the top surface 2086 may taper towards the bottom surface 2088 to form a point. The bottom surface 2088 may be generally linear. The pedal 202 may be attached to the second end 2082 of the extension portion 208. An aperture 2090 may be provided in the extension portion 208, in particular the second end 2082 of the extension portion 208. A pin 2092 may extend through the aperture 2090. The rollers 204 may be threaded onto the pin 2092 and may extend across the pedal 202. The pin 2092 may be secured with one or more fasteners. The pedal 202 may be positioned adjacent the first end 1600 of the retaining member 160. The pedal 202 may be positioned adjacent the first end 1600 of the retaining member 160 in the second position. The pedal 202 may be positioned between the first and second ends 1600, 1602 of the retaining member 160 in the first position. In embodiments, this may not be the case. The retaining member 160 may include at least one guiding formation 220 for guiding movement of the actuation member 200. The retaining member 160 may include first and second guiding formations 220 for guiding movement of the actuation member 200. The retaining member 160 may include more or fewer guiding formations 220 without departing from the present disclosure. The or each guiding formation 220 may be a slot / aperture in the retaining member 160. The slot 220 may be generally linear. The slot, or slots, 220 may extend along a side, or respective sides, of the body portion 1608. The slot 220 may include curved ends. In embodiments, the guiding formation(s) 220 may take other forms. For example, the guiding formation(s) may be a channel / groove in the body portion 1608 which the rollers 204 follow, or the guiding formation(s) may be alternatively provided on the actuation member 200 for abutment / engagement with the retaining member 160. The actuation member 200 may at least partially extend through the guiding formation 220, or slot / aperture 220. In particular, the first and second portions 206, 208, or first and second extension portions 206, 208 of the actuation member 200 may at least partially extend through the first and second guiding formations 220. The retaining apparatus 100 may include a protection member 230 for protecting the bias assembly 170. The protection member 230 may be positioned between the bias assembly 170 and the first end 1144 of the base 114 to which the retaining member 160 is attached. The protection member 230 may be positioned between the bias assembly 170 and the actuation member 200, or the first end 2080 of the actuation member 200. The protection member 230 may be fixed in position relative to the main body 112. The protection member 230 may be inclined at an angle to the base 114. The protection member 230 may be generally parallel to the rear wall 122. The protection member 230 may include recesses 2302 which in use receive the retaining member 160, e.g.. in the second position. In particular, the recesses 2302 may receive the extension portions 1604 of the retaining member 160 in the second position. The recesses 2302 may be in a top of the protection member 230. In use, to retain a support apparatus 1, a user may press on the pedal 202 to act against the bias assembly 170 and to cause the retaining member, and retaining assembly, to adopt the second position. The support apparatus 1 may then be moved such that the portion 9 of the support apparatus 1 is received in the receiving formation 130. A user may then release the pedal 202 such that the bias assembly 170 causes the retaining assembly 150 to adopt the first position. The retaining member 160 then prevents the portion 9 from moving out of the receiving formation 130 and so retains the support apparatus 1 in position. When the support apparatus 1 needs to be released, the same sequence may be used to release the portion 9 from the receiving formation 130. When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components. The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein. Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure. Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and / or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

1. A retaining apparatus for a support apparatus, the support apparatus for transporting a patient to be transported in a vehicle, e.g., a stretcher / trolley, the support apparatus being receivable in the vehicle and the vehicle including a holding formation to hold the support apparatus in position relative to said vehicle during use, the retaining apparatus including:a main body;a receiving formation for receipt of a portion of the support apparatus; anda retaining assembly movable from a first position in which the support apparatus is retained relative to the apparatus, to a second position in which the support apparatus is permitted to be removed from the receiving formation, including:a retaining member for retaining the portion of the support apparatus in the receiving formation; anda bias assembly for biasing the retaining member to adopt the first position, wherein the bias assembly extends towards the receiving formation.

2. A retaining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receiving formation is a recess.

3. A retaining apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the receiving formation isformed integrally in the main body, optionally in a first or second side wall of the main body; and / orincluding a plurality of receiving formations.

4. A retaining apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the bias assembly includes first and second respective ends, andwherein the retaining member includes first and second respective ends; optionallywherein the second end of the bias assembly is attached to the second end of the retaining member; optionallywherein the second end of the bias assembly is pivotably / rotatably attached to the second end of the retaining member.

5. A retaining apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first end of the bias assembly is attached, e.g., pivotably or rotatably, to a base and / or a or the first side and / or a or the second side of the main body;wherein the bias assembly extends generally upwardly towards the receiving formation.

6. A retaining apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the second end of the bias assembly is attached, e.g., pivotably or rotatably, to the retaining member.

7. A retaining apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first end of the retaining member is attached, e.g., pivotably or rotatably, to a or the base of the main body.

8. A retaining apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein the base includes first and second respective ends and wherein the first end of the retaining member is attached to a or the first end of the base.

9. A retaining apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the second end of the retaining member is attached, e.g., pivotably or rotatably, to the bias assembly.

10. A retaining apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the second end of the retaining member extends adjacent to the receiving formation for abutting the portion of the support apparatus.

11. A retaining apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the second end of the retaining member is positioned inwardly of (the) first and / or second sides of the main body.

12. A retaining apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the retaining member is generally orthogonal to the bias assembly in the first position.

13. A retaining apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the bias assembly includes a bias member, e.g., a spring, for biasing the retaining member to adopt the first position.

14. A retaining apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the bias assembly includes a guide member, e.g., a piston such as a hydraulic / pneumatic piston, for preventing / inhibiting unintended movement of the bias assembly from the first position to the second position.

15. A retaining apparatus according to claim 14 when dependent on claim 13, wherein the bias member is positioned around, e.g., threaded onto, the guide member.

16. A retaining apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 15, including a plurality of bias members and / or guide members, optionally including three bias members and / or guide members.

17. A retaining apparatus according to any preceding claim, including an actuation member for actuating the retaining assembly to move from the first position to the second position; optionally wherein the actuation member is user operable, optionally wherein the actuation memberis foot operable.

18. A retaining apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the actuation member includes a pedal for a user’s foot which, in use, rests on the retaining member; optionallywherein the actuation member includes rollers which in use are positioned between the pedal and retaining member.

19. A retaining apparatus according to claim 18 when dependent, directly or indirectly, on claim 4, wherein the pedal is moveable between first and second positions along the retaining member which correspond to first and second positions of the retaining assembly; optionallywherein the pedal is positioned adjacent the first end of the retaining member in the second position; and / orwherein the pedal is positioned between the first and second ends of the retaining member in the first position.

20. A retaining apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the retaining member includes at least one guiding formation for guiding movement of the actuation member; optionallywherein the guiding formation is a slot / aperture in the retaining member and wherein the actuation member at least partially extends through the slot / aperture.

21. A retaining apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the actuation member is attached, e.g., pivotably or rotatably, to the main body between the bias assembly and the retaining member.

22. A retaining apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the actuation member is pivotable / rotatable in a direction generally opposite to the retaining member.

23. A retaining apparatus according to any preceding claim including a protection member for protecting the bias assembly positioned between the bias assembly and an end of a / the base of the main body to which the retaining member is attached.

24. A retaining apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the protection member is fixed in position relative to the main body.

25. A retaining apparatus according to claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the protection member includes recesses which in use receive the retaining member.

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