Folding stretcher with wheels

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel foldable stretcher having wheels. 【Solution means】A foldable stretcher having wheels, the stretcher comprising a base frame including a first end and a second end, a first handle attached to the base frame, and a foldable frame including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the second end of the base frame and arranged in a connected manner, whereby the foldable frame can be in a linear position and an inclined position with respect to the base frame; the foldable frame; a patient bed attached to the base frame; and wheels on the outer side surface of the foldable frame, each wheel including a central axle at a distance shorter than the radius of the wheel from the second end of the foldable frame, and the highest point of the wheel being above the patient bed in the linear position of the foldable frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a foldable stretcher having wheels for transporting a patient.

Background Art

[0002] EP 0773773 (B1) discloses a stretcher for transporting a patient. The disclosed stretcher includes wheels at the ends of the stretcher. The stretcher is configured to be foldable between a straight position and an inclined position of the stretcher. The stretcher can be pushed or pulled by one person with the aid of the wheels.

[0003] The drawback associated with transporting a patient is considered to be the limitation of performance on uneven ground. This may lead to situations where the patient cannot be transported by one person.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a novel foldable stretcher having wheels.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention is characterized by the features of the independent claims.

[0007] The present invention is based on the idea of a foldable stretcher including a base frame, a patient bed, a first handle, a foldable frame, and wheels coupled to the foldable frame. The location and size of the wheels are arranged so that they are suitable for operating even on uneven ground.

[0008] The advantage of this solution is also good performance on rough ground.

[0009] Some embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0010] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings using preferred embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

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Figure 8

[0012] For clarity, the figures show some embodiments of the present invention in a simplified manner. The same reference numbers identify the same elements in the figures.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a foldable stretcher 100 having wheels in a straight position as viewed from above the stretcher. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the stretcher 100 of FIG. 1 in a straight position as viewed obliquely from above the stretcher. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the stretcher of FIG. 1 in an inclined position as viewed obliquely from above the stretcher. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the stretcher of FIG. 1 in a straight position as viewed from the side of the stretcher. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the stretcher of FIG. 1 in an inclined position as viewed from the side of the stretcher. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the stretcher of FIG. 1 in a straight position having a patient bed as viewed obliquely from above the stretcher. FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the stretcher of FIG. 6 in an inclined position as viewed obliquely from above the stretcher. FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the stretcher of FIG. 6 in a straight position as viewed from the side of the stretcher.

[0014] In FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8, the stretcher 100 is in a straight position 200. The stretcher 100 in the straight position 200 can be set substantially horizontally, for example, on a surface at a distance from the ground, and the stretcher can be ergonomically pushed and / or pulled while the stretcher is on the surface. Similarly, the stretcher in the straight position can be inclined with respect to the ground by the wheels 140, whereby the stretcher can be ergonomically pushed and / or pulled through the first handle 120 of the stretcher at one end of the stretcher. According to an embodiment, the stretcher includes handles at both ends of the stretcher so that the stretcher in the straight position can be carried by two individuals.

[0015] In FIGS. 3, 5, and 7, the stretcher 100 is in an inclined position 300. The stretcher 100 in the inclined position 300 can be set, for example, on the ground, whereby the stretcher can be ergonomically pushed and / or pulled through the first handle 120 of the stretcher at one end of the stretcher. For the purpose of clarification, the patient can lie straight or recline on the patient bed 600 of the stretcher even though the stretcher is in the inclined position 300.

[0016] That is, the patient can be transported by the stretcher 100 in the straight position 200 and the inclined position 300 of the stretcher 100.

[0017] The illustrated stretcher 100 includes a base frame 110. The base frame 110 includes at least two longitudinal frame beams 118 and a plurality of cross beams 119 between the longitudinal frame beams 118. The width WB of the base frame 110 is the distance between the outer side surfaces of the base frame 110, which is also known as the maximum width of the base frame 110. The base frame 110 includes a first end 112 and a second end 114, and the second end 114 of the base frame 110 is positioned on the opposite side of the first end 112 in the longitudinal direction of the base frame 110, which is also the longitudinal direction of the stretcher 100. In proper use, the patient's head is intended to be close to the first end 112 of the base frame 110. The base frame 110 can include or be composed of carbon fiber with respect to a lightweight structure.

[0018] The illustrated stretcher 100 includes a first handle 120 attached to the first end 112 of the base frame 110 at each end of the frame beam 118. Each first handle 120 includes a telescoping mechanism or arm configured to be locked in several positions. Each first handle 120 includes a locking mechanism such as a spring-loaded button configured to lock the first handle in several positions and release the first handle from several positions. Some positions of the first handle 120 may be necessary, for example, for different types of handling purposes. In the figure, the first handle 120 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the stretcher 100. According to an embodiment, the first handle 120 can be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the base frame 110 when viewed from above the base frame 110.

[0019] The illustrated stretcher 100 includes a folding frame 130. The folding frame 130 includes a first end 132 and a second end 134, and the second end 134 of the folding frame 130 is positioned on the opposite side of the first end 132 in the longitudinal direction of the folding frame 130. The first end 132 of the folding frame 130 is connected to the second end 114 of the base frame 110 and arranged in a connected manner by a connecting component 150. The folding frame 130 can be in a linear position with respect to the base frame 110 that provides the linear position 200 of the stretcher 100, that is, it can be substantially parallel to the base frame 110. The folding frame 130 can also be in an inclined position with respect to the base frame 110 that provides the inclined position 300 of the stretcher. The folding frame 130 includes a beam structure. The beam structure can include or be composed of carbon fiber.

[0020] The illustrated folding frame 130 includes two curved beams at the first end 132, and the ends of the curved beams facing the base frame 110 can be aligned with the corresponding frame beams 118 at the second end 114 of the base frame 110. The connection between the first end 132 of the folding frame 130 and the second end 114 of the base frame 110 includes a connecting component 150 that includes a pivot configured such that the folding frame 130 pivots or rotates around it. The connecting component 150 also includes a locking mechanism that locks the folding frame 130 in the linear position and the inclined position, that is, the locking mechanism locks the folding frame 130 with respect to the base frame 110. The locking mechanism can be locked and unlocked, for example, by a handle or a spring-loaded button. That is, the folding frame 130 is configured to be locked in the linear position 200 of the stretcher 100 and in the inclined position 300 of the stretcher.

[0021] The stretchers 100 of FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 include a patient bed 600 for receiving a patient, i.e., a patient bed 600 intended for the patient to be set thereon. The cross beam 119 of the base frame 110 includes mounting holes 160 on which the patient bed 600 can be arranged by mounting elements such as screws. That is, the patient bed 600 is arranged on the upper part of the base frame 110 for receiving the patient. The patient can be received on the patient bed 600 in the straight position and the inclined position of the folding frame 130. For clarity, the position of the folding frame 130 can be changed without changing the position of the patient bed 600.

[0022] Furthermore, the patient bed 600 includes a plurality of sheets 601 made of, for example, carbon fiber. The sheets 601 include joints that can twist the adjacent sheets 601 around them. The sheets 601 can be supported by support elements such as lockable gas springs for different types of postures for the patient. The patient bed 600 includes a first end positioned near the first end 112 of the base frame 110, and the patient bed 600 also includes a second end positioned near the second end 134 of the folding frame 130 in the straight position of the folding frame 130 that maximizes the longitudinal area for the patient of the stretcher 100.

[0023] Furthermore, the patient bed 600 has at least a straight position 610 of the patient bed 600, i.e., the sheets 601 are substantially parallel to each other. Thus, the patient is intended to lie on the patient bed 600, and the patient is substantially straight in the straight position 610 of the patient bed 600 in the straight position and the inclined position of the folding frame 130. The straight position 610 of the patient bed 600 is seen in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0024] Furthermore, the patient bed 600 can also have a folded position 800, i.e., at least one sheet 601 is inclined with respect to an adjacent sheet such that some part of the patient, such as the patient's feet, can be set to be inclined with respect to another part of the patient, such as the patient's upper body. Thus, the patient is intended to be on the patient bed 600 at the folded position 800 of the patient bed 600 in the straight and inclined positions of the folding frame 130. The folded position 800 of the patient bed 600 is shown in FIG. 8.

[0025] The stretcher 100 in the figure includes wheels 140 such as air-filled or airless tires on the outer side surfaces of the folding frame 130. Each wheel 140 includes a central axle 142 coupled to the folding frame 130 about which the wheel 140 rotates. The central axle 142 of the wheel 140 can include bearings for low friction. In the figure, the folding frame 130 includes brackets 202, i.e., mounting brackets, such that each central axle 142 of the wheels 140 is disposed on the folding frame 130, and the brackets 202 set the central axle 142 of the wheel 140 at a distance from the folding frame 130 in the horizontal, vertical, and width directions of the folding frame 130.

[0026] Each central axle 142 is at a distance shorter than the radius of the wheel 140 from the second end 134 of the folding frame 130 in the longitudinal direction of the folding frame 130. Due to the wheels 140 being positioned near the second end 134 of the folding frame 130, the wheels 140 do not limit access to the patient's upper body for emergency treatment. Thus, for example, in the intended use, it is not necessary to remove the wheels 140, but the wheels 140 can be removable, for example, in the case of an emergency start.

[0027] Furthermore, the lowest point of each wheel 140 is configured to be below the folding frame 130 when the folding frame 130 is in the straight position. This ensures the contact between the wheel 140 and the ground for carrying the stretcher 100 with the help of the wheels 140 when the stretcher 100 is pushed or pulled in the straight position 200 of the stretcher 100. Similarly, there is a short vertical distance between the lowest point of the wheel 140 and the lowest point of the base frame 110 or the folding frame 130, whereby the ground clearance of the stretcher 100 in the straight position is low. Due to the low ground clearance of the stretcher 100 in the straight position 200, the stretcher in the straight position 200 also has a low center of mass, which can reduce the impact on the stretcher 100 in situations such as when the stretcher collides with an ambulance. Similarly, the low ground clearance of the stretcher 100 in the straight position 200 provides a short distance in the vertical direction from the lowest point of the stretcher 100 to the upper side of the patient bed 600 of the stretcher 100 on which the patient may lie. Therefore, even if the stretcher is set high on, for example, a table in an ambulance, there is easy access to the patient on the stretcher by, for example, emergency medical team members.

[0028] Furthermore, the wheel 140 includes an outer side surface and an inner side surface. Each wheel 140 is arranged on the outer side surface of the folding frame 130 such that the inner side surface of the wheel 140 faces the outer side surface of the folding frame 130. The folding frame 130 is narrower between the wheels 140 compared to the base frame 110 such that the width WA of the stretcher 100 between the outer side surfaces of the wheels 140 of the folding frame 130 is substantially the same as the width WB of the stretcher 100 between the outer side surfaces of the base frame 110. The narrow space in the ambulance may set a maximum width or a defined width for the stretcher, which is not allowed to be exceeded by the stretcher in the ambulance. For example, the width for the stretcher is 550 ± 20 mm according to the standard EN 1865-1.

[0029] In addition, when the wheels 140 are disposed on the outer side surface of the folding frame 130, there is more space between the wheels 140 with respect to the patient bed 600 as compared to the situation where the wheels are disposed on the opposite side of the folding frame 130, i.e., on the inner side surface. Due to the wheels 140 being positioned on the outer side surface of the folding frame 130, it is possible to set the patient bed 600, which is sufficiently wide for the patient, between the wheels 140 without restricting the size of the wheels 140 in the vertical direction. The size of the wheels will be described in more detail below. Similarly, the longer distance achieved between the wheels 140 can improve the stability of the stretcher 100 in its width direction.

[0030] Furthermore, the highest point of each wheel 140 is above the patient bed 600 at the straight position of the folding frame 130 or even at the further folded position 800 when viewed from the side of the stretcher 100, whereby the size of the wheels 140 is large enough to operate over uneven ground. When the folding frame 130 is in the straight or inclined position, the stretcher 100 with large-sized wheels 140 helps the stretcher 100 to be transported over uneven ground that may have small rocks or even fallen trees, which are considered difficult to cross with small-sized wheels of the stretcher. Similarly, the uneven ground may be sandy or grassy, and the wheels may sink with small-sized wheels of the stretcher. The size of the wheels can be, for example, between 250 mm and 500 mm. In particular, the size of the wheels can be between 300 mm and 420 mm.

[0031] The central axle 142 of the wheel 140 can be disposed on or above the foldable frame 130 in the vertical direction when the foldable frame 130 is in the straight position. Here, for clarity, the location of the central axle 142 is as seen in the situation where the stretcher is set horizontally. The central axle 142 on the foldable frame 130 means that the central axle 142 is on the upper side of the foldable frame 130, i.e., with respect to the beam structure, when in the straight position. The central axle 142 above the foldable frame 130 means that the central axle 142 is at a distance above the upper side of the foldable frame 130, i.e., from the beam structure, when in the straight position. This location of the central axle 142 of the wheel 140 can be used to provide a stretcher 100 that is horizontally set in the straight position of the stretcher 100 when using a large-sized wheel 140.

[0032] In FIG. 5, the stretcher 100 is in the inclined position 300 when viewed from the side of the stretcher 100. The angle A between the longitudinal direction of the base frame 110 and the longitudinal direction of the foldable frame 130 is configured to be less than 90 degrees in the inclined position 300 of the stretcher 100. When the angle A is less than 90 degrees, the central axle 142 of the wheel 140 is between the foldable frame 130 and the lowest point of the wheel 140. This location of the central axle 142 of the foldable frame 130 increases the distance between the ground and the base frame 110 as compared to the situation where the central axle 142 is positioned on the opposite side of the foldable frame 130. Therefore, it is possible to use a shorter foldable frame 130, which can reduce the weight of the stretcher and / or can reduce the length of the stretcher when in the straight position. For clarity, when the stretcher is in the straight position 200, the angle A between the base frame 110 and the foldable frame 130 is substantially 180 degrees.

[0033] As described above, the central axle 142 of the wheel 140 can be disposed on or above the folding frame 130 in the vertical direction when the folding frame 130 is in the straight position. The central axle 142 of the wheel 140 can also or alternatively be positioned on or above the base frame 110 in the vertical direction when the folding frame 130 is in the straight position, i.e., it may be positioned on the frame beam 118 of the base frame 110.

[0034] The stretcher 100 of the figure includes a second handle 122 attached to the folding frame 130. The second handle 122 is between the wheels 140. Each second handle 122 is disposed at the end of the beam structure of the second end 134 of the folding frame 130 so that the straight position 610 of the patient bed 600 can be used. Each second handle 122 includes a telescopic mechanism or arm configured to be locked in several positions. Each second handle 122 includes a locking mechanism such as a spring-loaded button configured to lock the second handle 122 in several positions and to release the second handle 122 from several positions. The second handle 122 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the folding frame 130 when viewed from above the folding frame 130, i.e., each second handle 122 is set to be inclined with respect to the vertical intermediate plane in the longitudinal direction of the stretcher 100 in the straight position of the stretcher 100. Each second handle 122 is configured to be positioned between the wheels 140 when retracted so that the second handle 122 cannot contact the ground when the stretcher 100 is in the inclined position. Each second handle 122 can extend at least partially in front of the wheels 140. When the second handle 122 is in front of the wheels, the distance between the second handles 122 can be substantially the same as the distance between the first handles 120, which serves ergonomic purposes when the stretcher 100 is being carried by two individuals. When the second handle 122 is retracted, the second handle 122 does not increase the length of the stretcher 100.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the stretcher 100 includes a curved beam 620 at an end of a patient bed 600 intended to receive a patient's legs, and the curved beam 620 replaces the second handle 122. The curved beam 620 is connected to the second end 114 of the base frame 110 and is arranged in a connected manner. The patient bed 600 can be placed on top of the curved beam 620, whereby the curved beam 620 supports the patient bed 600.

[0036] The illustrated base frame 110 includes a plurality of rollers 204 attached below the base frame 110 to assist the stretcher 100 being pushed and / or pulled in the straight position 200 of the stretcher. The plurality of rollers 204 can be seen, for example, in FIG. 2. The rollers 204 of the base frame 110 and the wheels 140 of the folding frame 130 described above are aligned so that the stretcher 100 can be set horizontally when in the straight position 200 of the stretcher 100. The horizontally set stretcher 100 can provide a patient who is also horizontal on the stretcher.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the stretcher 100 includes a mounting element configured such that the stretcher 100 is locked onto a base frame within an ambulance.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the stretcher 100 includes an upright support 170 that can be a swiveling bent metal rod configured to be in a vertical position and a horizontal position, and the upright support 170 can be set in a vertical position as a support to hold the stretcher upright when it is not being pushed or pulled. The horizontal position of the upright support 170 is shown, for example, in FIG. 6, and the vertical position of the upright support 170 is shown, for example, in FIG. 7. The upright support 170 is arranged on a base frame 110 that includes a pivot point configured such that the upright support pivots around it. The base frame 110 includes a locking component configured such that the upright support 170 is locked in and released when the upright support 170 is in the horizontal position.

[0039] Since technology advances, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the concepts of the present invention can be implemented in various ways. The present invention and its embodiments are not limited to the above examples, but rather may vary within the scope of the claims.

Description of the Reference Numerals

[0040] 100 stretcher 110 base frame 130 folding frame 150 connecting component 200 linear position

Claims

1. A folding stretcher (100) having wheels, comprising: A base frame (110) including a first end (112) and a second end (114); A first handle (120) at one end of the stretcher (100); A folding frame (130) including a first end (132) and a second end (134), wherein the first end (132) is connected to the second end (114) of the base frame (110) and arranged in a connecting manner, whereby the folding frame (130) can be in a linear position and an inclined position with respect to the base frame (110), and the folding frame (130) further includes brackets (202) for each central axle (142) of the wheels (140) to be arranged on the folding frame (130); A patient bed (600) attached to the base frame (110) for receiving a patient in the linear position and the inclined position of the folding frame (130); Wheels (140) on the outer side surface of the folding frame, each wheel including a central axle (142) at a distance shorter than the radius of the wheel (140) from the second end (134) of the folding frame (130), the highest point of the wheel (140) being above the patient bed (600) in the linear position of the folding frame (130), and the central axle (142) of the wheel (140) being arranged on or above the folding frame (130) when the folding frame (130) is in the linear position; A stretcher (100) including the above.

2. A second handle (122) attached to the folding frame (130) between the wheels (140); The folding stretcher (100) according to Claim 1, including the above.

3. Each second handle (122) is Inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the folding frame (130) when viewed from above the folding frame (130); Set; The folding stretcher (100) according to Claim 2.

4. Each second handle (122) includes a telescopic mechanism; Each second handle (122) is configured to be positioned between the wheels (140) when retracted; The folding stretcher (100) according to Claim 2 or Claim 3.

5. The folding stretcher (100) according to claim 4, wherein the telescopic mechanism is configured such that each second handle (122) extends at least partially in front of the wheel 140 when extended.

6. The folding frame (130) is configured such that the width (WA) of the stretcher (100) between the outer side surfaces of the wheel (140) of the folding frame (130) is substantially the same as the width (WB) of the stretcher (100) between the outer side surfaces of the base frame (110), with the space between the wheels (140) being narrower compared to the base frame (110), The folding stretcher (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The folding stretcher (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the central axle (142) of the wheel (140) is disposed vertically on or above the base frame (110) when the folding frame (130) is in the straight position.

8. The angle (A) between the base frame (110) and the folding frame (130) is configured to be less than 90 degrees when the folding frame (130) is in the inclined position, whereby the central axle (142) of the wheel (140) is between the folding frame (130) and the lowest point of the wheel (140), The folding stretcher (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The folding stretcher (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the connection between the first end (132) of the folding frame (130) and the second end (114) of the base frame (110) includes a connecting component (150) including a pivot about which the folding frame (130) rotates.

10. The folding stretcher (100) according to claim 9, wherein the connecting component (150) includes locking means configured to lock the folding frame (130) in the straight position and the inclined position.

11. The folding stretcher (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein when the folding frame (130) is in the straight position, there is a short vertical distance between the lowest point of the wheel (140) and the lowest point of the base frame (110) or the folding frame (130) with respect to low ground clearance.

12. The folding stretcher (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the central axle (142) is mounted above the folding frame (130).

13. The folding stretcher (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the patient bed (600) has a straight position (610), and the highest point of the wheel (140) is above the patient bed (600) at the straight position (610) of the patient bed (600) in the straight position of the folding frame (130).

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