Device to assist in loading stretchers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for assisting the loading of a stretcher (2) onto a vehicle, said stretcher (2) extending in a longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end, said device (1) comprising at least a substantially elongated tiltable guide means between a substantially horizontal position and an inclined position, and a first support element designed to receive said stretcher (2) towards said first end, said first support element being mounted for translation relative to said guide means such that in the inclined position said first support element can move from a high position to a low position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the general technical field of load assist devices, and more particularly to the technical field of stretcher load assist devices.

[0002] The invention more precisely relates to a device for assisting the loading of a stretcher onto a vehicle, said stretcher extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end. [Background technology]

[0003] Stretchers (sometimes called guerns) are commonly used to evacuate injured people, usually in a sitting or lying position. To perform this evacuation, rescuers very often have to place the stretcher with the injured person inside the vehicle. It is particularly important that the removal of the stretcher thus loaded is both performed in complete safety for the injured person, i.e. in relatively comfortable conditions and without loading errors that could lead to the stretcher tipping over (and therefore the injured person) and as quickly as possible, for example due to the condition of a medical emergency in which the injured person finds himself. The need for safety and the need for speed of loading are in most cases in conflict.

[0004] The need to quickly remove loaded stretchers may be intensified in the context of military operations, for example, during the evacuation of wounded from a combat zone, where the protection of people (rescuers, soldiers, vehicle personnel, etc.) and property (vehicles, medical equipment, etc.) cannot be guaranteed.

[0005] Currently, during the evacuation operation of a person on a stretcher by vehicle, rescuers first carry the loaded stretcher into the vehicle and then manually hoist the loaded stretcher in the vehicle, usually on the inner floor of said vehicle. This lifting step is painful for the rescuer and uncomfortable and dangerous for the person on the stretcher. The hardships of the rescuer are particularly intensified by two factors: on the one hand, the sometimes considerable weight of the person and the stretcher (especially when transporting a wounded soldier together with his equipment) and, on the other hand, the height of the inner floor of the vehicle relative to the ground. These two factors influence each other, and greater difficulties for the rescuer translate into a greater risk of discomfort and danger for the occupants (stretcher tipping, new injuries, etc.).

[0006] Stretcher transport trolleys are also known that are designed to be hoisted up to an ambulance, in which the stretcher is transported together with the trolley. The trolley has legs with wheels at the ends. The trolley is generally foldable at its feet so as to enter the ambulance when the stretcher is removed. However, such trolleys cannot be used on uneven or difficult terrain, for example in the mountains or at the sea. These known trolleys are also only suitable for certain categories of land ambulance vehicles with low interior floor heights, and removal must also take place on a substantially flat ground on which the trolley can easily roll (for example a street). Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object assigned to the present invention is therefore to remedy the various drawbacks listed above and to propose a new device for assisting in loading a stretcher onto a vehicle, which is in particular robust, reliable and practical, but which requires only reduced effort from the rescuer and / or operator to carry it out.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for assisting the loading of a stretcher into a vehicle, which allows a fast removal of a stretcher loaded with people, animals or material into the vehicle, in particular into an aircraft, under optimal safety conditions.

[0009] Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for assisting the loading of a stretcher onto a vehicle, which makes it possible to transport a person or animal away from the vehicle on a stretcher in a particularly comfortable manner.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for assisting the loading of stretchers onto vehicles, which requires minimal maintenance.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for assisting the loading of stretchers onto vehicles with reduced weight and bulk.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for assisting the loading of stretchers onto vehicles, which is simple to manufacture and can be carried out at controlled costs.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for assisting the loading of stretchers onto vehicles, the design of which makes it possible to easily adapt the device to different vehicles.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for assisting the loading of stretchers onto a vehicle, which can be adapted to any type of stretcher, regardless of its design or its weight.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for assisting the loading of stretchers onto a vehicle, the design of which ensures that the operator / rescuer has easy access to the person or equipment loaded on said stretcher.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for assisting in loading a stretcher onto a vehicle, the structure of which is simple and which comprises only a limited number of separate parts.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for assisting the loading of stretchers onto vehicles, which is durable, reliable and particularly resistant in its construction.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to propose a new loading system which makes it possible to bring people, animals or equipment onto the vehicle in a practical, rapid manner and in optimal safety conditions.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to propose a new vehicle, which allows people, animals or equipment to be carried inside the vehicle in a practical and rapid manner and in optimal safety conditions.

[0020] The object assigned to the invention is to provide a device for assisting the loading of a stretcher on a vehicle, said stretcher extending in a longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end, said device comprising: a support assembly intended to be fixed to said vehicle, for example to the floor of said vehicle; a substantially elongated guide means tiltable between a substantially horizontal position and an inclined position, said guide means being rotatably mounted relative to said support assembly along at least one primary axis of rotation which is substantially vertical; This is achieved by using an apparatus comprising at least a first support element designed to receive said stretcher towards said first end, said first support element being mounted for translation relative to said guide means such that in an inclined position said first support element can be moved from a high position to a low position.

[0021] The object assigned to the present invention is also achieved by means of a loading system comprising at least one stretcher and a device for assisting the loading of said stretcher according to the invention as described above.

[0022] The objects assigned to the present invention are also achieved using a vehicle equipped with a device for assisting the loading of a stretcher according to the present invention as described above.

[0023] Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in more detail on reading the following description and on the basis of the accompanying drawings, which are provided for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a loading assist device according to the invention according to a particular embodiment, in a substantially horizontal retracted position; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the loading assistance device of FIG. 1, with the difference that it is in the deployed position. [Diagram 3] 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the loading aid of FIG. 2 with the difference that the first support element of the aid is in an inclined position in a high position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the loading aid of FIG. 3 with the difference that the first support element is in a lowered position; [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the loading assist device of FIG. 4 and a stretcher supported by a first support element. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the loading assistance apparatus and the stretcher of FIG. 5, the stretcher being further supported by a second support element of the apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The present invention relates, according to a first aspect shown in the figures, to a loading assistance device 1 for a stretcher 2 on a vehicle. The loading assistance device 1 is therefore advantageously designed to assist in carrying out the evacuation of a stretcher 2 in said vehicle. Said stretcher 2 is preferably designed and intended to be "loaded", i.e. to support and enable the transport of people, e.g. injured people, animals and / or objects, e.g. medical or military equipment. Advantageously, the term "stretcher" therefore encompasses not only the stretcher 2 itself, but also its possible load, whether human, animal and / or material. Of course, the loading assistance device 1 is also suitable for loading only the stretcher 2, i.e. the stretcher 2 without a load. The vehicle is for example a car, a utility vehicle (truck, fire engine, etc.), an ambulance, an aircraft, a ship, etc. According to a particular embodiment, the vehicle is an aircraft, e.g. an ambulance aircraft. Preferably, said vehicle is a helicopter, e.g. an ambulance helicopter. According to a particular variant, the vehicle is a military aircraft, for example a military helicopter or a military plane (for example as an ambulance). Said vehicle may, according to a particular embodiment, have an internal floor that is at a height of more than 60 cm, preferably more than 80 cm, more preferably more than 100 cm or even more than 120 cm relative to the ground when the vehicle is placed on the ground. This height, which can therefore be relatively high, therefore makes it necessary to lift the stretcher 2 well above the ground in order to get it into the vehicle, for example on the internal floor of the vehicle. The inherent thickness of the stretcher 2 alone may further complicate this task, since this thickness increases the lifting height. The lifting height (for example the sum of the floor height and the thickness of the stretcher 2) and the sometimes significant weight of the stretcher 2 (especially when loaded) make it particularly difficult to transport the stretcher 2 by the vehicle when done purely manually by rescuers and / or operators. The loading assistance device 1 of the present invention not only makes this unloading easier for the rescuer and / or operator, but also makes it safer for the people, animals or material being transported on the stretcher 2.As will be seen later, the loading assistance device 1 is preferably intended to be fixed to the aforementioned vehicle, for example via a support assembly 11 of the device 1 .

[0026] According to the invention, the aforementioned stretcher 2 extends longitudinally between a first end 3 and a second end 4. The stretcher 2 is preferably designed to be grasped at the first end 3 by one or more operators / rescuers and at the level of the second end 4 by one or more other operators / rescuers. By convention, the first end 3 is preferably the end that must enter the vehicle first when loading the stretcher into the stretcher, while the second end 4 enters afterwards. An example of a stretcher 2 according to the invention is shown in figures 5 and 6.

[0027] The stretcher 2 has a generally rectangular shape according to certain embodiments, but according to other alternatives, can have different overall shapes, such as generally oval, elliptical, triangular, etc.

[0028] According to the invention, said device 1 comprises at least one guide means 5, which is substantially elongated and tiltable between a substantially horizontal position and an inclined position. In other words, said device 1 is preferably designed such that said guide means 5 is arranged substantially horizontally (substantially horizontal position) and then tilted to an inclined position, i.e. oblique (neither vertical nor horizontal), and vice versa, proceeding from oblique to horizontal. Examples of guide means 5 in a substantially horizontal position are shown in Figures 1 and 2, and examples of guide means 5 in an inclined position are shown in Figures 3 to 6.

[0029] The aforementioned guide means 5 advantageously extend in a longitudinal extension direction L. The longitudinal extension direction L is preferably oriented substantially horizontally when the aforementioned guide means 5 is in a substantially horizontal position and is oriented substantially obliquely when the aforementioned guide means 5 is in an inclined position. In the inclined position, the longitudinal extension direction L forms, for example, an angle comprised between 5° and 70°, preferably an angle comprised between 10° and 60°, more preferably an angle comprised between 15° and 50° with respect to the horizontal plane. The guide means 5 preferably extend in the longitudinal direction, i.e. advantageously along the aforementioned longitudinal extension direction L, between the primary end 6 and the secondary end 7. In the inclined position, the primary end 6 is preferably located at an elevation higher than that of the secondary end 7.

[0030] Advantageously, said inclination of the guide means 5 is performed along a first axis of rotation A substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal extension direction L. According to a particular variant, the loading assistance device 1 is designed in such a way that the guide means 5 can be moved from said substantially horizontal position to said inclined position and vice versa by rotation along a substantially horizontal axis of rotation. Thus, said first axis of rotation A is preferably substantially horizontal, although other alternatives exist (it may even be oblique).

[0031] The aforementioned guide means 5 preferably comprise rails (as shown in the figures), profiles and / or guide posts, but may comprise any other suitable substantially elongated shape.

[0032] According to the invention, the loading assistance device further comprises at least one first support element 8 designed to receive said stretcher 2 towards said first end 3. Said first support element 8 is therefore advantageously designed to support and possibly attach at least a part of said stretcher 2, more precisely a part of said stretcher 2 located in the vicinity of said first end 3 (preferably opposite said second end 4).

[0033] The first support element 8 is advantageously designed to be mechanically connected to the stretcher 2 so as to remove at least one degree of freedom from the stretcher 2. The first support element 8 can possibly be designed to be mechanically connected to the stretcher 2 so as to remove at least one other degree of freedom from the stretcher 2, the first support element 8 thus being designed to be mechanically connected to the stretcher 2 so as to remove at least two degrees of freedom from the stretcher 2. According to a particular variant, the first support element 8 is designed to be attached to the stretcher 2, for example to a handle thereof (if the stretcher 2 has such a handle).

[0034] Further according to the invention, said first support element 8 is mounted in translation relative to said guide means 5 so that in the inclined position said first support element 8 can be moved from the high position to the low position. Thus, said device 1 is preferably designed so that said first support element 8 can be moved from the high position to the low position and vice versa via a translational movement, which translational movement is advantageously performed along said guide means 5. The first support element 8 is, for example, equipped with a carriage designed to slide along said guide means 5 following the translational movement, preferably in a direction parallel to or coincident with the longitudinal extension direction L of the guide means 5, said carriage being designed to carry said stretcher 2 towards said first end 3. Examples of the first support element 8 in the high position are shown in Figs. 3 and 6 and examples of the first support element 8 in the low position are shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The high position preferably corresponds to a first elevation at which the first support element 8 is located, and the low position advantageously corresponds to a second elevation at which the first support element 8 is located, said second elevation being lower than said first elevation. The first support element 8 is preferably designed to move from the high position to the low position and vice versa by performing a translational movement in a direction parallel or coinciding with said longitudinal extension direction L. Preferably, when the first support element 8 moves from the high position to the low position, the first support element 8 moves away from said primary end 6 and closer to said secondary end 7, and when the first support element 8 moves from the low position to the high position, the first support element 8 moves away from said secondary end 7 and closer to said primary end 6. The first support element 8 is therefore preferably designed to move from the low position to the high position according to a translational movement that follows a direction parallel or coinciding with the longitudinal extension direction L of the guide means 5 while supporting the stretcher 2 (or at least a part thereof). Advantageously, this allows the stretcher 2 or parts thereof to be moved from a lower to a higher altitude while being supported by the first support elements 8 instead of being supported manually by one or more rescuers / operators, thus significantly reducing the difficulty for the rescuers / operators to transport the stretcher.Said rescuer / operator only has to push said stretcher 2 and / or said first support element 8 (upwards) from a low height and / or from a low position to a high height and / or from a high position, said first support element 8 sliding along said guide means 5, for example from a low position to a high position while supporting said stretcher 2. During the operation of loading said stretcher 2 onto the vehicle, at least a part of the weight of the stretcher 2 (and therefore its load) is advantageously supported by the first support element 8 and thus by the guide means 5, instead of being supported (only) by the operator / rescuer. When the first support element 8 returns to its high position supporting the stretcher 2 (Fig. 6), it is for example sufficient to return the guide means 5, on which the stretcher 2 is still loaded, from its inclined position to its substantially horizontal position (Fig. 2, which requires the addition of the stretcher 2 in Fig. 6), and part or all of the weight of the stretcher 2 is advantageously already supported by the loading assistance device 1 and thus indirectly by the vehicle.

[0035] Preferably, the loading assistance device 1 comprises at least one first return means 9 designed to exert a return force towards the high position of the first support element 8 when said first support element 8 is arranged in the low position and / or between the high and low positions. Said first return means 9 comprises, for example, at least one gas cylinder, a spring and / or an elastic return element. A first return means 9 in the form of one or more gas cylinders is shown in FIG. 1 (two cylinders) and FIG. 2 (single cylinder), the size and the position of this or these gas cylinders (and more generally of the first return means 9) may vary. Said first return means 9 advantageously makes it possible to facilitate the passage of the first support element 8 from the low position to the high position, in particular when receiving said stretcher 2. Said first return means 9 thus preferentially forms an assistance that makes it possible to facilitate the passage of the stretcher 2 or part thereof received by the first support element 8 from a low altitude to a high altitude. The first return element 9 must advantageously not be too strong, since it is preferably designed so that the lowering (by translation) of the first support element 8 from the higher position to the lower position can be performed manually, i.e. by the operator / rescuer, by simply pulling or pushing the first support element 8 downwards (more precisely towards said secondary end 7) when the guide means 5 is in the tilted position. The said first return means 9 is therefore advantageously designed to exert said return force of the first support element 8 towards said primary end 6. The said first return means 9, which remains optional, is therefore preferably designed to drive the said first support element 8 away from said secondary end 7.

[0036] The loading assistance device 1 comprises, according to a particular variant, a displacement means designed to displace the first support element 8 towards the high position when the first support element 8 is arranged in the low position and / or between the high and low positions. The said displacement means are therefore preferably designed to displace the first support element 8 towards said primary end 6. The said displacement means comprise, for example, a crank and possibly a set of gears and / or a belt connected to said crank. The said displacement means advantageously make it possible to displace the first support element 8 along the guide means 5. The said displacement means are preferably designed to be manually actuated, but may alternatively be electrically, pneumatically and / or hydraulically actuated. According to a particular embodiment, the displacement means comprise the above-mentioned first return means 9 and / or the below-mentioned second return means, alone or in combination with another means such as the said crank (and possibly the said set of gears and / or the said belt).

[0037] According to a particular alternative not shown, the loading assistance device 1 comprises at least one second return means designed to exert a return force of the first support element 8 towards the lower position when said first support element 8 is arranged in the higher position and / or between the lower and higher positions. The said second return means comprises for example at least one gas cylinder, a spring and / or an elastic return element. The said second return means thus exerts a return force opposite to the return force exerted by said first return means 9. The said first return means 9 advantageously allows to facilitate the passage of the first support element 8 from the higher position to the lower position, in particular before receiving said stretcher 2, thereby reducing the effort required by the rescuer / operator when he / she tries to lower the first support element 8 from its higher position to its lower position. The said second return means thus preferentially forms an assistance allowing to facilitate the passage of the first support element 8 from said higher position to said lower position. Said second return means is therefore advantageously designed to exert its return force from said first support element 8 towards said secondary end 7. Said second return means is therefore preferably designed to drive said first support element 8 away from said primary end 6. Preferably, the return force exerted by the first return means 9 is greater than the return force exerted by the second return means. Such an arrangement makes it possible to prioritise the loading of the stretcher 2, in particular in the passing of said first support element 8 from a low position to a high position by supporting said stretcher 2, e.g. in a descent of the first support element 8 from a high position to a low position, performed by one or more rescuers / operators.

[0038] Advantageously, the loading assistance device 1 further comprises a second support element 10 designed to receive said stretcher 2 towards said second end 4. Said second support element 10 is therefore advantageously designed to support and possibly attach at least a part of said stretcher 2, more precisely a part of said stretcher 2 located in the vicinity of said second end 4 (preferably opposite said first end 3). Preferably, said second support element 10 is fixed to said guide means 5. Alternatively, said second support element 10 is part of another assembly other than the guide means 5. Said second support element 10 has a shape substantially similar and / or symmetrical to that of the first support element 8, for example as shown in the figures. Such an arrangement makes the device 1 cheaper to manufacture and easier to use.

[0039] According to a particular embodiment, said second support element 10 is, as shown in the figures, completely fixed to said guide means 5 and therefore has no degree of freedom relative to said guide means 5. Such an arrangement makes it possible to impart great robustness to the device 1, said second support element 10 being advantageously designed to support at least a part, or even most, of the weight of the stretcher 1 when the guide means 5 are in the inclined position, as shown in figure 6.

[0040] Preferably, said second support element 10 is fixed to the guide means 5 towards or at said secondary end 7 as shown in the figures. Alternatively or in combination, said second support element 10 forms all or part of said secondary end 7.

[0041] Advantageously, when said guide means 5 are in the inclined position, said second support element 10 is at a lower elevation than that of said first support element 8. When said guide means 5 are in a substantially horizontal position, said second support element 10 is advantageously (but not necessarily) at a substantially similar elevation to that of said first support element 8. When said first support element 8 is in the low position, said first support element is preferably closer to the second support element 10 than when said first support element is in the high position.

[0042] The second support element 10 is advantageously designed to be mechanically connected to the stretcher 2 so as to remove at least one degree of freedom from the stretcher 2. The second support element 10 can optionally be designed to be mechanically connected to the stretcher 2 so as to remove at least one other degree of freedom from the stretcher 2, the second support element 10 thus being designed to be mechanically connected to the stretcher 2 so as to remove at least two degrees of freedom from the stretcher 2. According to a particular variant, the second support element 10 is designed to be attached to the stretcher 2, for example to a handle thereof (if the stretcher 2 has such a handle).

[0043] Thus, the loading assistance device 1 is preferably designed such that, when the first support element 8 is in a low position (FIG. 4), the first support element 8 receives said stretcher 2 towards said first end 3 (FIG. 5), then the first support element 8 passes to a high position with at least a part of the stretcher 2 being supported by said first end 3, then the second support element 10 receives said stretcher 2 towards said second end 4, then said stretcher 2 is preferably fully supported by said first and second support elements 8, 10 (FIG. 6). In other words, said stretcher 2 is advantageously supported by said guide means 5 via said first and second support elements 8, 10, said first support element 8 being mounted for translation relative to said guide means 5, while said second support element 10 is preferably fixedly mounted and fully fixed to said guide means 5.

[0044] Advantageously, the loading assistance device 1 further comprises at least one support assembly 11, as shown, intended to be fixed to said vehicle, for example to the (internal) floor of said vehicle. Alternatively, said support assembly 11 can be fixed to the inner wall of said vehicle or to a part of said vehicle. Said support assembly 11 comprises, for example, a plate, said plate being according to a particular variant intended to be fixed to the floor of the vehicle, more precisely relative to the vehicle, said plate therefore being intended to be arranged substantially horizontally. Said support assembly 11 can be fixed to the vehicle, for example to the internal floor of the vehicle, by screwing, welding, clipping, blocking by rails (such as are typically found, for example, in the floors of certain aircraft, such as helicopters), etc. Said support assembly 11 is also advantageously connected to the guide means 5.

[0045] According to a particular variant of the invention, said guide means 5 are mounted in a translational manner relative to said support assembly 11 in a substantially horizontal position such that said guide means 5 can move from a retracted position (FIG. 1) to a deployed position (FIG. 2), said guide means 5 being further away from a proximal point 12 of said support assembly 11 than in said retracted position. Said proximal point 12 is advantageously intended to be located inside said vehicle. In said retracted position, said guide means 5 are preferably located completely or partially inside the vehicle, and in said deployed position, said guide means 5 can be located completely or partially outside the vehicle, said guide means 5 being optionally located further outside the vehicle in the deployed position than in the retracted position. The proximal point 12 can for example be a zone of the support assembly 11, for example a part of said plate and / or a part of the support assembly above said plate. The aforementioned guide means 5, for example, preferably comprises a lower rail arranged facing the support assembly 11 when the guide means 5 is in the retracted position, the aforementioned lower rail enabling it to perform a translational movement from one position to the other between the retracted position and the deployed position.

[0046] According to a particular embodiment, the passage from one position to another between said retracted position and said deployed position is performed according to a translational movement in a direction parallel or coinciding with said longitudinal extension direction L. Said proximal point 12 is, for example, above or to the right of said (translational) direction parallel or coinciding with said longitudinal extension direction L.

[0047] Advantageously, the loading assistance device 1 further comprises locking means (not shown) designed to block said guiding means 5 in position when said guiding means 5 is in said retracted position and / or in said deployed position. Said locking means is therefore preferably designed to block at least one degree of freedom of said guiding means 5 relative to the support assembly 11. More precisely, said locking means is therefore advantageously designed to prevent translation, e.g. in the horizontal plane and / or in the longitudinal extension direction L, of said guiding means 5 relative to the support assembly 11. Obviously, the locking means is designed to be freely unlocked, e.g. manually by a rescuer / operator.

[0048] According to a particular embodiment that may constitute such an invention, implemented alone or in combination with the above, the loading assistance device 1 is designed to allow a preferably substantially horizontal (and along the longitudinal extension direction L) loading translational movement of said stretcher 2 in a substantially horizontal position from a first positioning (substantially horizontal) in the vehicle to at least one second positioning (substantially horizontal) in the vehicle and vice versa, the second positioning advantageously allowing at least a part of the stretcher 2 to be positioned at the rear of said vehicle, more precisely in the interior space of the rear of said vehicle with respect to a forward displacement of said vehicle. Said translational displacement of the stretcher 2 is advantageously performed in the direction in which the length of the stretcher 2 extends. Obviously, the first positioning is preferably distinct and separate from the second positioning, the stretcher 2 not being positioned in the same position of the interior space of the vehicle in each of said first and second positions. For example, the second positioning corresponds to a placement of the individual on the stretcher 2 such that the individual's legs are at least partially located in the aforementioned rear of the vehicle, e.g. the tail of an aircraft, in particular the tail of a helicopter. Such a configuration not only allows to maximize the use of the limited interior space of the helicopter (or other vehicle), but also allows the rescuer / operator to more easily access the head and / or torso of the individual's body on the stretcher 2. Injuries are very often located in these parts of the body. For example, the first positioning of the stretcher 2 corresponds to a retracted position of the guide means 5 with the guide means 5 completely inside the vehicle, whereas the second positioning of the stretcher 2 corresponds to a deployed position of the guide means 5 with the guide means 5 completely inside the vehicle (in contrast to what can be seen in figures 1 and 2, although the translational movements are substantially the same). In the first positioning, the stretcher 2 occupies a more "central" position in the interior space of the vehicle than in the second positioning, and therefore restricts the movement of the rescuer / operator more than in the second positioning, where at least part of the stretcher 2 occupies the rear of the vehicle, which is often considered "wasted" space, especially in the case of the tail of an aircraft, since it is not easily accessible by the flight crew or the rescuer / operator.The loading assistance device 1 is also advantageously designed to be able to block said stretcher 2 in said first position and / or in said second position, i.e. to prevent said stretcher 2 from translating from the first position to the second position and / or from the second position to the first position, for example using said locking means, thereby allowing the stretcher 2 to be fixed in a horizontal plane during transportation in the vehicle.

[0049] According to the invention, said guide means 5 is rotatably mounted relative to said support assembly 10 along at least one substantially vertical primary axis of rotation V. Preferably, said guide means 5 can be placed in a first transport position (not shown) by rotation along (at least) said primary axis of rotation V, in which first transport position the longitudinal extension direction L is preferably substantially parallel or coincident with the forward displacement direction of said vehicle. Rotation of said guide means 5 relative to said support assembly 10 can be advantageously achieved when (preferably only when) said guide means 5 is in a substantially horizontal position, preferably in a retracted position. The primary axis of rotation V and the first axis of rotation A preferably intersect, more preferably are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0050] According to a particular variant, said guide means 5 is rotatably mounted relative to said support assembly 10 along at least one secondary axis of rotation S, advantageously substantially vertical, said secondary axis of rotation S being preferably distinct from and spaced apart from said primary axis of rotation V. Said secondary axis of rotation S passes, for example, through the proximal point 12. Said primary axis of rotation P and said secondary axis of rotation S are preferably substantially parallel to each other.

[0051] The loading aid 1 advantageously comprises interconnection means between said guide means 5 and said support assembly 11, as shown in the figures.

[0052] The aforementioned interconnection means may be, for example: a spacer 13 preferably extending longitudinally between the third end and the fourth end; a first hinge 14, preferably at said fourth end, ensuring a pivotal connection between said spacer 13 and said guide means 5 along a first axis of rotation A; a second hinge 15, preferably at said fourth end, ensuring a pivotal connection between said spacer 13 and said guide means 5 along a primary axis of rotation V, said first hinge 14 and said second hinge 15 being at least partially overlapped and / or intermingled as shown in the figures; a third hinge 16, preferably at said third end, ensuring a pivotal connection between said spacer 13 and said support assembly 11 along a secondary axis of rotation S, said third hinge 16 therefore being preferably separate and distant from said first hinge 14 and / or said second hinge 15, said proximal point 12 being for example formed by said third hinge 16 or a part thereof; It contains at least one, some, or all of the elements of.

[0053] Such an arrangement, in which the guide means 5 can rotate relative to the support assembly 11 along two (separate) vertical axes (primary axis of rotation V and secondary axis of rotation S), advantageously makes it possible to optimize the positioning of said stretcher 2 relative to the inside of the vehicle, when said stretcher 2 is supported by the loading assistance device 1, preferably in a substantially horizontal and retracted position. This makes it possible to optimize the interior space of the vehicle and / or to place the stretcher 2 in a position that is practical for an operator / rescuer, for example, when he has to attend to an injured person on the stretcher 2.

[0054] According to a particular embodiment shown in figures 5 and 6, said stretcher 2 comprises a receiving plate 17 and two primary arms 18 projecting from said receiving plate 17 towards said first end 3. This configuration is very common between the two stretchers, but other configurations are possible. Said first support element 8 advantageously comprises at least two receiving means 19, each designed to receive one of said two primary arms 11. According to a particular embodiment, alone or in combination with the above shown in figures 5 and 6, said stretcher 2 comprises two secondary arms 20 projecting from said receiving plate 17 towards said first end 3. Said second support element 10 then advantageously comprises at least two receiving means 21, each designed to receive one of said two secondary arms 20. Each arm 18, 20 advantageously forms a respective handle of said stretcher 2. Each receiving means 19, 21 comprises, for example, a concave shape complementary to the arm 18, 20 that it is intended to receive. Each primary arm 18 is possibly an extension of one of the aforementioned corresponding secondary arms 20 and is fixed to one of the aforementioned corresponding secondary arms. Advantageously, each arm 18, 20 extends in a direction substantially parallel or coincident with the aforementioned longitudinal extension direction L. Said arms 18, 20 preferably extend substantially in extension of the receiving plate 17. Advantageously, one, some or each of the receiving means 19, 21 comprises a respective blocking system designed to block the corresponding arm 18, 20 in position, such an arrangement in particular makes it possible to fix the stretcher 2 (and therefore the injured individual thereon) when placed on the receiving means 19, 21. Obviously, each blocking system can be locked and unlocked at will, for example manually by the rescuer / operator.

[0055] According to an example of an embodiment of the invention, given for informational and non-limiting purposes, the guide means 5 first passes from a transport position (not shown) in a pre-loading position, as shown in FIG. 1, in which the longitudinal extension direction L is substantially parallel or coincident with the aforementioned forward displacement direction of the vehicle. The guide means 5 achieves, for example, a total rotation of 90° horizontally between the transport position and the pre-loading position, which actually corresponds to the retracted and substantially horizontal position of the guide means 5 in FIG. 1. The guide means 5 then proceeds from the retracted position as shown in FIG. 1 to the deployed position as shown in FIG. 2, by the aforementioned translation of the guide means 5 relative to the support assembly 11. The guide means 5 remains substantially horizontal in the deployed and retracted positions. This makes it possible to "unblock" the inclination of the guide means 5. The guide means 5 can then be moved from a substantially horizontal position (FIG. 2) to an inclined position (FIG. 3) by rotation along the first axis of rotation A, and the first support element 8 is then moved by translation, for example using a manual pull by one or more rescuers / operators possibly assisted by a second return means, from a high position (FIG. 3) to a low position (FIG. 4). The stretcher 2 is then loaded even more easily onto the first support element 8 when it is in the low position (FIG. 5). For this purpose, the primary arm 18 is arranged on the receiving means 19 of the first support element 8 so as to at least partially block (removal of at least one degree of freedom of the stretcher 2) said stretcher 2 towards said first end 3 on said first support element 8. Said stretcher 2 is then pushed upwards (and towards the interior of the vehicle), more precisely towards the primary end 6 of the guide means 5, for example by the rescuer(s) / operators via said secondary arm 20. The first support element 8 then translates upwards, rising along the guide means 5, until it returns to the high position. The secondary arm 20 is then positioned on the receiving means 21 of the second support element 10 so as to at least partially block said stretcher 2 towards said second end 4 on the second support element 10 (removal of at least one degree of freedom of the stretcher 2), as shown in Figure 6.It is then sufficient for the rescuer / operator to raise the guide means 5, for example by lifting it by the secondary end 7 or the aforementioned second support element 10, and thus pass the guide means 5, loaded with said stretcher 2, from the inclined position to a substantially horizontal position corresponding to FIG. 2, to which the stretcher 2 of FIG. 6 must be added, said stretcher 2 being now horizontal. The guide means 5 then proceeds from the deployed position to a retracted position, which allows at least part of the stretcher to be placed inside the vehicle, which corresponds to FIG. 1, to which the stretcher 2 of FIG. 6 must be added. Finally, the guide means 5 loaded with the stretcher 2 is advanced from the pre-loading position (FIG. 1 to which the stretcher of FIG. 6 is to be added) to the transport position (not shown) by, on the one hand, a rotation (for example by 90°) of the spacer 13 relative to the support assembly 11 along the secondary axis of rotation S, and, on the other hand, by a rotation (for example by 180°) of the spacer 13 relative to the guide means 5, which results in a rotation (for example by 90°) between the guide means 5 and the support assembly 11 while optimizing the interior space of the vehicle. In summary, for simplicity, the inclination of the guide means 5 and the translation of the first support element 8 between the high and low positions make it possible to facilitate the unloading of the stretcher 2 by the device 1 and thus by the vehicle, while the horizontal (along the primary axis V and the secondary axis S) rotation of the guide means 5 and the passage of the guide means 5 into the retracted or deployed position makes it possible to better control the position of the stretcher 2 in the vehicle and thus relative to an operator / rescuer who can, for example, assist an injured person on said stretcher 2. Optionally, inside the vehicle, the stretcher 2 then passes by horizontal movement from the first positioning to the second positioning in order to position part of the stretcher 2 and part of the individual (e.g. the legs of the individual) at the rear of an interior space of the vehicle, such as the tail of a helicopter. In practice, the passing from the first positioning to the second positioning can be performed by sliding the guide means 5 in translation relative to the support assembly 11 from the retracted position to the deployed position, the guide means 5 remaining completely inside the vehicle in both positions.When the stretcher 2 is at least partially located at the rear of the vehicle, in the second positioning, the locking means are implemented to block the guide means 5 (which is thus in the deployed position) to secure the stretcher and thus, in particular, the injured individual being carried away by the stretcher.

[0056] The present invention relates according to a second aspect, shown in figures 5 and 6, to a loading system comprising at least one stretcher 2 and a loading assistance device 1 for said stretcher 2 as previously explained. The stretcher 2 and the loading assistance device 1 are therefore advantageous as described above. The stretcher 2 of the loading system is therefore preferably designed to be received in (received by) and possibly fixed to the loading assistance device 1.

[0057] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle equipped with a loading assistance device 1 for a stretcher 2 as described above. The vehicle, the loading assistance device 1 and the stretcher 2 are thus advantageously as described above. The vehicle and the loading assistance device 1 are fixed to each other via a support assembly 11, which is for example fixed to the interior floor of the vehicle. The loading assistance device 1 is thus advantageously designed to help the loading of the aforementioned vehicle with the aforementioned stretcher 2.

[0058] The loading assistance device 1 of the present invention enables the rescuer / operator to load the stretcher 2 onto the vehicle quickly, safely and practically while minimizing the effort required to load the stretcher 2 onto the vehicle.

[0059] According to a particular aspect, which may possibly constitute an invention in itself, the common elements of which are advantageously the same as those described above, the invention furthermore relates to a device 1 for assisting the loading of a stretcher 2 onto a vehicle, said stretcher 2 extending in the longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end 3, 4, said device 1 comprising: - a guide means 5 which is substantially elongated and tiltable between a substantially horizontal position and an inclined position; a first support element 8 designed to receive said stretcher 2 towards said first end 3, said first support element 8 being translationally mounted relative to said guide means 5 such that in the inclined position said first support element 8 can advance from a high position to a low position; first return means 9 designed to exert a return force towards the high position of said first support element 8 when said first support element 8 is arranged in the low position and / or between the high and low positions; The present invention relates to an apparatus comprising at least

[0060] Obviously, this last particular aspect of the invention may be combined with one or more of the elements described above in the other aspects of the invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0061] The present invention finds its industrial application in the design, manufacture and use of an apparatus for assisting the loading of a stretcher(s) onto a vehicle, in particular a military aircraft and / or an air ambulance. The present invention also finds its industrial application in the design, manufacture and use of a loading system comprising such a loading assist apparatus and a stretcher, and in the design, manufacture and use of a vehicle equipped with such a stretcher loading assist apparatus.

Claims

1. A device (1) for assisting loading of a stretcher (2) onto a vehicle, the stretcher (2) extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end (3, 4), the device (1) comprising at least a support assembly (11) intended to be fixed to the vehicle, for example to the floor of the vehicle; a guide means (5) which is substantially elongated and tiltable between a substantially horizontal position and an inclined position, said guide means (5) being rotatably mounted relative to said support assembly (11) along at least one primary axis of rotation (V) which is substantially vertical; a first support element (8) designed to receive the stretcher (2) towards its first end (3), said first support element (8) being mounted for translation relative to said guide means (5) such that in an inclined position said first support element (8) can move from a high position to a low position; An apparatus (1).

2. 2. The loading assistance device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first support element (8) is designed for a mechanical connection with the stretcher (2) in such a way as to exclude at least one degree of freedom with respect to the stretcher (2).

3. 3. The loading assistance device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the loading assistance device (1) comprises at least one first return means (9) designed to exert a return force towards the high position of the first support element (8) when the first support element (8) is arranged in the low position and / or between the high position and the low position.

4. 4. Loading assistance device (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that the first return means (9) comprise at least one gas cylinder, a spring and / or an elastic return element.

5. 5. The loading assistance device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the guide means (5) extend in a longitudinal extension direction (L) and the first support element (8) is designed to move from the high position to the low position and vice versa by performing a translational movement in a direction parallel to or coinciding with the longitudinal extension direction (L).

6. A loading aid (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the guide means (5) comprise rails, profiles and / or guide posts.

7. 7. The loading assistance device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the loading assistance device (1) further comprises a second support element (10) designed to receive the stretcher (2) towards the second end (4), the second support element (10) being fixed to the guide means (5).

8. 8. A loading aid (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, when the guide means (5) are in an inclined position, the second support element (10) is at a lower elevation than the elevation of the first support element (8).

9. 9. A loading assistance device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that when the first support element (8) is in the low position, the first support element (8) is closer to the second support element (10) than when the first support element (8) is in the high position.

10. 10. Loading assistance device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the stretcher (2) comprises a receiving plate (17) and two primary arms (18) protruding from the receiving plate (17) towards the first end (3), and in that the first support element (8) comprises at least two receiving means (19), each designed to receive one of the two primary arms (18).

11. 6. Loading aid (1) according to at least claim 5, characterized in that the tilting of the guide means (5) is performed along a first axis of rotation (A) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction (L).

12. A loading assistance device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the guide means (5) are mounted in a translational manner relative to the support assembly (11) so that, in a substantially horizontal position, the guide means (5) can be moved from a retracted position to a deployed position which is further from a proximal point (12) of the support assembly (11) than said retracted position, said proximal point (12) being advantageously intended to be located inside the vehicle.

13. 13. The loading assistance device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the guide means (5) extend in a longitudinal extension direction (L) and that the passage from one position to the other between the retracted position and the deployed position is performed according to a translational movement in a direction parallel to or coincident with the longitudinal extension direction (L).

14. 14. The loading assistance device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the guide means (5) extend in a longitudinal extension direction (L) and that the guide means (5) can be placed in a first transport position, in which the longitudinal extension direction (L) is substantially parallel or coincident with the forward displacement direction of the vehicle, by rotation along the primary rotation axis (V).

15. A loading system comprising at least one stretcher (2) and an assistance device (1) for loading the stretcher (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A vehicle carrying a loading assistance device (1) for a stretcher (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images