WO2002039944A2

WO2002039944A2 - Multipurpose roll-in emergency cot

Info

Publication number: WO2002039944A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/045144
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dean E. Myers; Patrick R. S. Brown; Reynaldo Estrellado, Jr.; Tim Dietz; Bret William Smith; David Ralph Linger; William Harry Benedict; Eugene Van Dyne; Warren Dale Sutton, Sr.; David L. Hamann
Original assignee: Ferno-Washington, Inc.
Priority date: 2000-11-20
Filing date: 2001-11-20
Publication date: 2002-05-23
Also published as: AU2002225799A1; WO2002039944A3

Abstract

A multipurpose roll-in emergency cot having a base structure which serves as a transporter for a removal stretcher. The transporter having an extruded frame member with formed supporting tracks receive flanged rollers mounted on the stretcher so that the stretcher may be rolled smoothly onto the transporter or removed therefrom. The transporter also mounts a locking assembly for fixedly yet releasably securing the stretcher to the carrier. The stretcher includes a segmented patient support which may be positioned into one of a recubent/supine, contoured or knee, shock, and chair positioned, and when removed from the transporter for independent use may be rolled on end, substantially upright, when configured in the chair position and be used independently inside a rescue vehicle without the transporter.

Description

MULTIPURPOSE ROLL-IN EMERGENCY COT

The present invention relates to emergency cots, and more particularly to an improved multipurpose roll-in emergency cot having a wheeled transporter supporting a detachable reliable stretcher, which may be used separately as a stretcher chair in those situations where it is impractical to use the entire cot.

There is a variety of emergency cots in use today. One variety is a multipurpose roll-in emergency cot having a patient support stretcher that is removably attached to a wheeled undercarriage or transporter. The patient support stretcher when removed for separate use from the transporter may be shuttled around horizontally upon an included set of wheels. One recognized advantage of such a cot design is that the stretcher may be separately rolled into an emergency vehicle such as station wagons, vans, modular ambulances, aircrafts, or helicopters, where space and reducing weight is a premium. Another advantage of such a cot design is that the separated stretcher may be more easily carried over uneven terrain and out of locations where it is impractical to use a complete cot to transfer a patient. Example of such prior art cots can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 4 037 871, 4 921 295, and International Publication No. WO0170161A1.

Although the foregoing prior art multipurpose roll-in emergency cots have been generally adequate for their intended purposes, they have not been satisfactory in all aspects. For example, in some situations such as when negotiating through narrow passageways, tortuous turns, or steep stairways it is still necessary to use a separate cot chair or stair chair. U.S. Patent No. 4 767 148 discloses a multiple-level elevating cot having a separable stretcher top structure that may be formed into a stair chair for separate use in such situations. While the foregoing elevating cot possesses certain desirable features, it also has deficiencies. For example, although the stretcher top may be configured as stair chair for separate use, it does not provide a full range of desired positions such as recumbent/supine, contoured, and shock in which to comfort and care for the patient. Additionally, the stretcher top structure must be secured to the cot frame in order to be conveniently rolled horizontally about a surface and/or into an emergency vehicle. Accordingly, in many situations, the stretcher top is not suitable for transporting separately and/or for use in vehicles requiring reduced weight but having limited interior maneuvering space in which to handle the stretcher top. hi view of the foregoing deficiencies, a still further need has arisen for a more versatile multipurpose roll-in emergency cot which provides a multiplicity of features not heretofore obtainable in a single cot, with particular reference to the ability of a readily separable, horizontally rollable stretcher which provides a full range of patient care positions, is easily configurable into a separate use stair chair, and is rollable separately into various types of rescue vehicles, such as ambulances, vans, station wagons, modular- type rescue vehicles, aircrafts and helicopters, having limited interior maneuvering space. Such a multipurpose roll-in emergency cot would eliminate the need for emergency vehicles to be equipped with other separate pieces of equipment, such as auxiliary stretchers, cot chairs and or stair chairs to take care of the situations unsuitable for prior art multipurpose roll-in emergency cots, such as when negotiating through narrow passageways, tortuous turns, or steep stairways, thereby reducing equipment weight and clutter, and further reducing the number of patient transfers between such various pieces of equipment.

The present invention meets those needs by providing an adjustable multipurpose roll-in emergency cot having a detachable stretcher and transporter design that permits the convenient loading and securing of the stretcher into a vehicle with or without its transporter. Provided to the detachable stretcher is a patient support bed formed of four articulated segments, a back support, a seat support, and a pair of leg supports, which are adjustable relative to one another, particular, the leg support segments may be easily moved within a full range of patient care positions with multiple actuators, such as from recumbent/supine, where all segments are substantially horizontal, to shock where the leg support segments are elevated relative to the seat support segment, to contoured or knee where the leg supports are oppositely inclined relative to the seat support segment. Additionally, the stretcher chair may be readily used as a cot/stair chair by further positioning the leg segments to a chair position or configuration using an actuator. Handgrips that are integral to the wheel mounts are conveniently provided for handling the stretcher when placed in the chair position. Further provided to the stretcher are handle assemblies which may be used to extend the sides of the stretcher and which lock in either an up or a down position. The handles thereof may be locked in the retracted or fully extended position and any position therebetween.

The transporter frame is height adjustable and includes guide rail surfaces for easy alignment and placement of the stretcher thereon. The guide rail surfaces permit also the stretcher to be rolled on and off the transporter, and allow the stretcher in combination with a provided fastening device to be reversible on the transporter. In the lowered position, all wheels on each side of the stretcher and transporter are in alignment to permit better cot loading and support, excluding the loading wheel on the transporter. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a multipurpose roll- in emergency cot is provided and includes a detachable stretcher having a loading end, a trailing end, and a pair of opposing side frame members. The detachable stretcher is releasably supported by a transporter having a leading and trailing pairs of collapsible legs having respective upper ends connected to the transporter frame and lower ends including transport wheels thereon for transport of the stretcher. A pair of slidably support devices each connected at a first end to the transport frame and at an opposed second end to a respective one of the collapsible legs which are adapted to adjust the elevation of the transport frame relative to the transport wheels. A pair of loading wheels mounted adjacent the leading end of the cot frame may also be provided to aid in loading the cot into an emergency vehicle. A locking assembly is provided which permit the stretcher to be secured to the transporter facing in either direction. The stretcher may be loaded into a transport vehicle with or without the transporter. Without the transporter, the stretcher may be loaded into a transport vehicle facing either direction.

In accordance with another embodiment, further provided is a multiple purpose emergency cot having a wheeled transporter with a support frame, a detachable wheeled stretcher having a stretcher frame, sets of rollers mounted on one of the frames for engagement with the other frame, and a releasable lock adapted to detachably secure the stretcher to the support frame of the transporter, the cot characterized by the stretcher forming a rollable chair for separate use when detached from the transporter. In accordance with still another embodiment provided is a multipurpose roll-in emergency cot having a wheeled transporter and a stretcher adapted to be releasably attachable to the transporter for support above a surface, the stretcher having a set of wheels adapted to roll the stretcher about the surface when separate from the transporter, and characterized by having a patient support that is positionable in recumbent/supine, shock, contoured, and chair positions, the stretcher being adapted to roll on end when separated from the transporter with the patient support provided in the chair position.

In accordance with yet another embodiment provided is a multipurpose roll-in emergency cot having a wheeled transporter with first and second wheeled leg assemblies rotatably attached to a support frame, the leg assemblies are positionable in one of a number of positions between raised and lowered positions to adjust the relative height of the support frame above a surface, and a fully collapsed position which places the leg assemblies adjacent the support frame, and a stretcher releasably attached to the support frame and engaging the support frame with a set of rollers, the cot characterized by the stretcher having a patient support having articulatable leg members that are positionable in one of a recumbent/supine, shock, contoured, and chair position, wherein the stretcher is adapted to roll on end when separated from the transporter and provided in the chair position.

Other features of the present invention will be apparent in light of the description of the invention embodied herein.

The following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of a stretcher frame showing its relationship to the underlying supporting transporter with a partial exploded view showing a handle assembly of the stretcher, which together form a multipurpose roll-in emergency cot according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective top view of a transporter, with parts eliminated for clarity to show the height adjustment feature of the emergency cot and with a longitudinal frame member illustrated by a partial sectional view showing an internal securing device according to the present invention; FIG. 3 is a perspective bottom view of the emergency stretcher according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective bottom view of the emergency stretcher of FIG. 3, with parts eliminated for clarity and having the leg segments elevated in the shock position according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective bottom section view of the emergency stretcher, with parts eliminated for clarity and having the leg segments oppositely elevated in the contoured position according to the present invention; FIG. 6 is a perspective bottom section view of the emergency stretcher, with parts eliminated for clarity and having the leg segments elevated in the chair position according to the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective top view of the emergency stretcher usable as a cot chair for separate use according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a multipurpose roll-in emergency cot 10 of the present invention, comprising a transporter, indicated generally at 12, which underlies and supports a detachable stretcher, indicated generally at 14. The stretcher 14 is provided with a patient support 16 between a stretcher frame 18 that is positionable in recumbent/supine, shock, contoured, and chair positions. When separated from the transporter 12, the stretcher 14 is adapted to roll on end with the patient support 16 provided in the chair position.

The emergency cot 10 is provided with a locking mechanism 20 to detachably secure the stretcher 14 to the transporter 12. The locking mechanism 20 includes a female fastening member 22 connected to a support frame 21 of the transporter 12, the female fastening member 22 having a locked position and a release position. The female fastening member 22 is normally biased in the locked position, wherein an actuator (not shown) is used for moving the female fastening member 22 from the locked position to the release position. Since the internal locking components of the female fastening member 22 are conventional, for the purpose of brevity no discussion is provided about the internal components of the female fastening member 22. The female-fastening member 22 cooperates with at least one male fastening member 24 provided on the stretcher frame 18, such that the male fastening member 24 is engaged by the female fastening member 22 in the locked position. The fastening members 22 and 24 of the locking mechanism 20 are located at approximately the midsections of their respective frames 21 and 18, such that the stretcher 14 maybe releasably fastened in either loading direction to the transporter 12.

The transporter 12 is used to elevate the stretcher 14 when attached above a surface 26. Either the transporter 12 or stretcher 14 may be secured to a surface or floor 28 of a transport vehicle via a similar male/female-fastening arrangement, if so desired. In such an arrangement, additional securing attachments and/or fastening devices are not required to be carried or provided should there be a need to secure either the transporter 12 or stretcher 14 to the transport vehicle floor 28. Viewing FIG. 2, the transporter 12 comprises a pair of collapsible leading legs 30 and 32, and a pair of collapsible trailing legs 34 and 36 both pivotally mounted to the support frame 21. The leading legs 30 and 32 mount at ends thereof a pair of fixed wheels 38 and 40. The trailing legs 34 and 36 mount at ends thereof a pair of locking swivel casters 42 and 44. The support frame 21 of the transporter 12 is generally rectangular and defines on its shorter sides a loading end 46 and a trailing end 48. Provided at the loading end 46 of the support frame 21 is a pair of drop-frame loading wheels 50 and 52 to facilitate easier loading of the cot 10 onto the floor 28 (FIG.l) of the transport vehicle. Such loading wheels are described in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 6,203,085, filed July 14, 1999 for DEVICE FOR FACILITATING THE LOADING OF STRETCHER - 1 ^■

UNDERCARRIAGES INTO AMBULANCES, in which the entire description is herein incorporated by reference.

The transporter frame 21 further comprises opposed, elongated side frame members 54 and 56 that are integrally connected at the loading and trailing ends 46 and 48, respectively, by first and second end portions 58 and 60, respectively. Each of the end portions 58 and 60 provides rotatably connected handgrip portions 62 and 64, wherein each handgrip has an extended position extending outwardly from the support frame 21 and a folded position adjacent the support frame 21 as illustrated. The opposed side frame members 54 and 56 provide longitudinally extending guide rail surfaces 66 and 68 that are shaped to conveniently support the stretcher 14 thereon.

As illustrated by the broken lines in FIGS. 1 and 2, which indicate the range of motion of the legs 30, 32, 34 and 36, the transporter 12 maybe positioned in a fully collapsed position for loading onto the surface 28 of the transport vehicle (FIG.l), and one of a number of elevated positions between a raised and lowered position to adjust the relative height of the support frame above the surface 26 (FIG. 2). In the fully collapsed position the legs 30, 32, 34, and 36 are positioned adjacent the support frame 21 providing the transporter 12 in its lowest compact position. Additionally, while provided in the collapsed position, the swivel casters 38 and 40 may be provided with a self-locking feature which prevents swiveling if desired. Furthermore, as best shown in FIG. 2, self leveling of each swivel casters 42 and 44 is provide for by an actuator arm (same on unshown side) being pivotably connected to the support frame 21 at one end and a leveling mechanism 45 of the respective swivel caster 42 or 44, such that the leveling mechanism 45 will keep wheels 42 and 44 in an orientation that allows them to swivel freely when the respective trailing leg is placed in the fully collapsed position or in any other position. In the lowered position, the legs 30, 32, 34, and 36 of the transporter 12 are outwardly extended underneath the support frame 21. In the raised position, the legs 30, 32, 34, and 36 are approximately perpendicular to the support frame 21, providing the loading end 46 of support frame 21 at its highest height relative to the supporting surface 16 of the transporter 12 such that the cot 10 may be loaded without lifting into a transporter vehicle having the floor 28 up to approximately 86.4 centimeters (34 inches) above the supporting surface 26.

To provide for a number of positions between the lowered and raised positions, each leg pair 30, 32 and 34, 36 are pivotably mounted to a respective brace member 70 and 70'. Each brace member 70 and 70' has a first end thereof pivotally and slidably mounted to a respective pair of inwardly facing slots 72 (same on the unshown side) provided in the opposed side frame members 54 and 56 (FIG. 1). A second end of each brace member 70 and 70' of the leg pairs 30, 32 and 34, 36 is pivotally mounted to a respective cross member 74, 74' and is adapted to provide support to the legs 30, 32, 34, and 36 in the elevated positions. It is to be appreciated that each cross member 74 and 74' adds strength and stability to the transporter 12.

At least one securing device 76 is provided internally to the support frame 21 to releasably arrest the vertical movement of the transporter 12, securing the support frame 21 at its height-adjusted position. As best illustrated by FIG. 2, the securing device 76 is provided internally to at least one of the side frame members 54 and 56 being tubular with hollow interiors, wherein a pair of securing bars 78 and 78' of the securing device is positioned therein. Each securing bar 78 and 78 'has one or more recesses 80 spaced there along which is engaged by a respective removable and slidable latch 82 and 82' to releasably lock the transporter in one of the previously discussed positions. Each latch 82 or 82' is disengaged from the recesses 80 of its respective securing bar 78 and 78' by at least one actuator (not shown), provided at least approximate one of the end portions 58 and 60. Independent leg operation, leading leg release on one side of the trailing end for the operator to independently release the leading leg and a trailing leg release on the opposite side of the trailing end for the operator to independently release the trailing leg. FIG. 3 is a perspective bottom view of the emergency stretcher 14 according to the present invention. As illustrated, the stretcher comprises a first substantially parallel pair of elongated tubular frame members 84 and 84' rotatably mounted to a second substantially parallel pair of elongated tubular frame members 86 and 86' to define first and second elongated sides 88 and 88' having first and second ends 90 and 90'. The second pair of tubular frame members 86 and 86' is longer in length to the first pair of tubular frame members 84 and 84'. The first pair of elongated tubular frame members 84' and 84' are adapted to rotate substantially perpendicular to the second pair of elongated tubular frame members 86 and 86' to position the patient support 16 in the chair position, as will be further explained hereafter in a later section with regard to FIG. 6. A mounting plate 92 is provided between the second pair of tubular frame members 86 and 86' integrally to the stretcher frame 18, adding support and strength. The mounting plate 92 provides a mounting area for the male fastening members 24 and 24 '(not shown) between the sides 90 and 90' at approximately the midsection of the longitudinal length of the stretcher 14. In this configuration, the stretcher 14 when locked on the transporter 12 is stable and firmly engaged by the female fastening member 22. The stretcher frame 18 further comprises first and second pairs of loading wheel mounts 94, 94' and 96, 96', providing loading wheels 98, and mounted along the second pair of tubular frame members 86 and 86'. As is conventional in the art, these loading wheels 98 are used when inserting the stretcher 14 separated from the transporter 12 onto the floor 28 of the transport vehicle. However, when secured to the transporter 12, it is to be appreciated that when in the collapsed position or any other position, all wheels 38, 40, 42, 44, and 98 on each side of the stretcher 14 and the transporter 12 are in alignment.

Spanning between each wheel mount pair 94, 94' and 96, 96' is a first and second crossbar member 100 and 102, respectively. Sets of flanged rollers 110, 110' and 112, 112' which are mounted their respective crossbar member 100 or 102, underlie the plane of the stretcher frame 18 and are positioned to seat on the longitudinally extending guide rail surfaces 66 and 68 of the transporter frame 21. With this arrangement, the stretcher 14 may be rolled lengthwise along the guide rail surfaces 66 and 68 of the transporter frame 21 or it may be placed directly on top of the transporter frame 21. h either event, the flanged rollers 110, 110', 112, and 112' position the respective stretcher and transporter frames 18 and 21 relative to each other and help secure them against relative lateral movement.

Referring again to FIG. 1, illustrated is the stretcher 14 of the multipurpose cot 10, which may be rolled into and secured within a transport vehicle with or without its transporter 12. A handle assembly 114 is provided adjacent each side of the first and second ends 90 and 90'. As best shown by the exploded view of the figure drawing, each handle assembly 114 comprises a handle portion 116 and an extension portion 118 that is partially accommodated within a respective one of the tubular frame member 84 , 84' 86 and 86'. The handle assembly 114 further includes an end mount 120 fixed to the respective tubular member and provides a throughbore 121 slidably housing the extension portion 118 as indicated by the dashed line.

A collar assembly 122 is mounted to the end of the extension portion 118 within the respective tubular member. The collar assembly 122 is adapted to expand and cause an interference fit between the collar assembly and the interior surface of its respective tubular member to prevent slidable movement of the handle assembly 114 relative to the tubular member when the handle portion 114 is rotated about 90° from an unlocked position which permits the extending or retracting of the handle assembly. Accordingly, the handle assembly 114 is lockable in either an extended position, which extends the handle portion 116 and a majority of the extension portion 118 outwardly of the respective tubular frame as best shown by FIG. 4, and the illustrated retracted position of the other handle assemblies 114, which places the handle portion 116 adjacent the respective tubular frame.

Further, it is to be appreciated that each handle assembly 114 may be adjusted in length between the above-mentioned positions, by toggling its respective handle portion 116 from its locking position and repositioning the extension portion 118 to a desired length. Rotating the handle portion 116 back to the locking position prevents the handle assembly 114 from being moved. Preferably, the handles are lockable in either the up or down positions which allow the user to adjust Ms/her grip by grasping the handles on either the curved part or straight part of the extendable handle. The stretcher 14 is further provided with a pair of side-arm supports 119, 119' that may each rotate about their respective tubular member 86 or 86' from an upright position shown in FIG. 1, to a drop position (not shown). A latch mechanism provided internally to each side arm support, secures the support in its upright position, wherein a release lever unlocks its respective support to permit it to freely rotate. If desired, the side arms may be locked at 90° to provide a work surface for the emergency technicians or as an arm support for the patients' arm for infusion.

The patient support 16 is rectangular and is formed of four articulated segments: a vertically adjustable back segment 124, a seat segment 126, and vertically adjustable first and second leg segments 128 and 130. The seat segment 126 is rotatably connected or hinged at a first end to the back segment 124, and at a second end to the first leg segment 128. At an opposed end, the first leg segment 128 is rotatably connected to the second leg segment 130. A flip-up foofrest 132 is provided at the end of the second leg segment 130, which is best shown in FIG. 6. It is to be appreciated that a cushion (not shown) may be provided over the patient support 16 to provide added comfort to the patient. The material of the cushion is conventional in the art, and is sized to fit properly over the patient support 16 and be movable with the articulating segments 124, 126, 128 and 130 when affixed thereto.

FIG. 4 is a perspective bottom view of the stretcher 14, with parts eliminated for clarity. As illustrated, the segments 124, 126, 128, and 130 are all hinged by a waffle-type engagement or bifurcated hinge end portions that are integrally formed in each segment of the patient support 16. Preferably, the patient support 16 is made of a molded thermoplastic construction, but alternatively can be any rigid material, such as aluminum or steel. The hinged interface between the back and seat segments 124 and 126, and the seat and first leg segments 128 are held together by pins 123 and 123 ' which extend between and are mounted at ends to the second pair of tubular frame members 86 and 86'. The hinged interface between the first and second leg segments 126 and 128 is held together by pin 125.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the vertically adjustable back segment 124 of the patient support 16, shown in its reclined position, is movable to an upright position and a plurality of positions there between by a lifting device 134 attached at an upper end to the back segment 124, and at a lower end to the first crossbar member 100. Preferably, the lifting device 134 is a gas-assisted cylinder, or alternatively a hydraulically or mechanically assisted cylinder or ratchet tube device. Additionally, the leg segments 128 and 130 are movable from the reclined position shown by FIG. 3 and securable in a shock position shown by FIG. 4 by a securing device 136.

As best shown in FIG. 5, showing the pair of leg segments 128 and 130 in a contoured position, the securing device 136 is mounted to the second leg segment 130. The securing device includes a bar 138 that is rotatably mounted at an end to a crossbar 140. The crossbar 140 is rotatably mounted between a pair of bracket arms 142 and 142' that is rotatably mounted to the first pair of tubular members 84 and 84'. For added strength and rigidity, and for helping to support the leg segments 128 and 130 in the recumbent/supine position (FIG. 3), an additional cross member 111 is provided between the firs pair of tubular members 84 and 84'. To move the leg segments into either the shock position (FIG. 4) or the contoured position (FIG. 5), pulling on an actuator 144 mechanically connected to the securing device 136 permits the length of the bar 138 to slide through the body of the securing device 136 to the desired position.

As shown by FIG. 4, placing the leg segments 128 and 130 in the shock position, rotates the end of the bar 138 upwards with the crossbar 140 and bracket arms 142 and 142' sliding the length of the bar through the securing device 136 till the mounted end of the bar is adjacent the securing device. As shown by FIG. 5, placing the leg segments 128 and 130 in the contoured position, places the crossbar 140 and bracket arms 140 and 142 adjacent the cross member 111 placing the end of the bar 138 opposed to the mounted end adjacent the securing device 136. Once in one of these previously mentioned positions, or any position therebetween, releasing the actuator 144 causes the securing device 136 to arrest the sliding movement of the bar 138 securing the leg segments 128 and 130 in place. As illustrated by FIG. 6, the stretcher 14 when removed from the transporter 12 for separate use, the leg segments 128 and 130 maybe positioned in the illustrated chair position such that the stretcher may be employed as a cot-chair, which is best shown by FIG. 7. However, it is to be appreciated that the chair configuration can also be used while the stretcher is on the transporter, such as to provide comfort to a woman in labor.

Pressing on a release lever (no shown) releases the locking hinges between 84' and 86', 84 and 86, releases the hold of the securing device 136 on the bar 138, permitting the first pair of tubular frame members 84 and 84' to rotate substantially perpendicular to the second pair of tubular frame members 86 and 86' placing the bar 138 substantially perpendicular to the crossbar 142. Handgrips 150 may be provided to each wheel mount 94 and 94' at the first or loading end 90 of the stretcher 14 to permit rescue personnel to positively hold onto and easily roll and maneuver the sfretcher 14 about the wheels 98 provided at the second or frailing end 90' of the stretcher when in the chair position as is illustrated by FIG. 3.

As shown by FIG. 7, in the chair position, the first leg segment 128 becomes the seat upon which a patient would be supported. The flip-up footrest 132 would also be used to further provide support to the patient. Additionally, the sidearm supports 119 and 119' would also help situate and provide lateral support to the patient when seated upon first leg segment 128. Further, an intermediate position between 90° and upright of the sidearm supports 119 and 119' may be provided to accommodate large patients and still provide support and some restraint to the patient.

Added versatility of the stretcher 14 may also be provided with the back segment 124 having a headrest extension 152 slidably mounted together to permit relative motion therebetween. The headrest extension 152 is operated by pulling out to an extended position as shown by the broken lines or pushing in to its shown recessed position. Preferably, the headrest extension 152 would extend the length of the back segment 124 a minimum of six inches. Further, it is to be appreciated that the frames 18 and 21, and other components thereof, may utilize non-metallic materials with various additives for bacterial control, flame retardant and reflective qualities. Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that these frames 18 and 21 are provided largely with continuous surfaces, i.e., no joints or crevices, for easier cleaning. As should now be evident, the instant invention provides a versatile emergency cot, which is capable of performing additional functions normally requiring two or more separate and distinct pieces of equipment. When the fransporter 12 and stretcher 14 are locked together, the unit functions as a conventional emergency cot and, as two separate units, the stretcher alone provides a wide range of versatility. Finally, it should be apparent to those persons skilled in the related art that modifications may be made in the invention without departing from its spirit and purpose. Numerous such modifications have already been set forth and others will undoubtedly occur to the worker in the art upon reading this specification. For example, while in the illustrated preferred embodiment the flanged rollers are mounted on the stretcher top and positioned for contact with the side rails of the underlying supporting frame, the parts can be reversed and the flanged rollers mounted on the supporting frame in positions to be contacted by the side rails of the stretcher frame. While flanged rollers are preferred, the rollers can be of a cylindrical configuration with the side rails of the supporting frame shaped to receive and guide the rollers.

What is claimed is:

Claims

CLAΓMS

1. A multipurpose roll-in emergency cot having a wheeled fransporter and a stretcher adapted to be releasably attachable to said fransporter for support above a surface, said sfretcher having a set of wheels adapted to roll the stretcher about the surface when separate from said transporter, and characterized by having a patient support that is positionable in recumbent/supine, shock, contoured, and chair positions, said stretcher being adapted to roll on end when separated from said fransporter with said patient support provided in said chair position.

2. The multipurpose roll-in emergency cot according to claim 1 wherein said transporter has a pair of side rails and said sfretcher further includes a set of flanged rollers adapted to rollably engage and seat on said side rails of the fransporter.

3. The multipurpose roll-in emergency cot according to any one of claims 1-2 wherein said stretcher includes a first substantially parallel pair of elongated tubular frame members rotatably mounted to a second substantially parallel pair of elongated tubular frame members to define first and second elongated sides having first and second ends, said patient support being supported between said sides, wherein said first pair of elongated tubular frame members are adapted to rotate substantially perpendicular to said second pair of elongated tubular frame members, positioning said patient support in said chair position.

4. The multipurpose roll-in emergency cot according to claim 3, wherein said sfretcher includes a handle assembly adjacent each one of said first and second ends, said handle assembly comprising a handle portion and an extension portion partially accommodated within a respective tubular frame member, said handle assembly being lockable in either an extended position extending said handle portion and a majority of said extension portion outwardly of said respective tubular frame, a refracted position placing said handle portion adjacent said respective tubular frame, or any position therebetween.

5. The multipurpose roll-in emergency cot according to claim 4, wherein said handle assembly includes an end mount fixed to said respective tubular member and providing a throughbore slidably housing said extension portion, and a collar assembly mounted to said extension portion within said respective tubular member, said collar assembly being adapted to expand and cause an interference fit between the collar assembly and the tubular member to prevent slidable movement of said handle assembly relative to said tubular member when said handle portion is rotated about 90° from an unlocked position which permits said sliding movement.

6. The multipurpose roll-in emergency cot according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein said patient support comprises a seat segment having first and second ends and mounted between said elongated sides, a back segment rotatably mounted to said first end of said seat segment, and first and second leg segments rotatably mounted together to permit relative motion therebetween, said first leg segment being rotatably mounted to said second end of said seat segment.

7. The multipurpose roll-in emergency cot according to claim 6, wherein said back segment includes first and second adjustable members slidably mounted together to permit relative motion therebetween for elongating or contracting said back segment.

8. The multipurpose roll-in emergency cot according to any one of claims 6-7 wherein said second leg segment provides a flip-up foofrest.

9. The multipurpose roll-in emergency cot according to any one of the claims 3-8 having a pair of rotatable side support panels each mounted to one of said second pair of tubular frame members, each support panel may be position in an upright, down or intermediate position therebetween relative to said patient support.

10. A multipurpose roll-in emergency cot having a wheeled fransporter with first and second wheeled leg assemblies rotatably attached to a support frame, said leg assemblies are positionable in one of a number of elevated positions between raised and lowered positions to adjust the relative height of said support frame above a surface, and a fully collapsed position which places said leg assemblies adjacent said support frame, and a sfretcher releasably attached to said support frame and engaging said support frame with a set of rollers, said cot characterized by said sfretcher having a patient support having articulatable leg members that are positionable in one of a recumbent/supine, shock, contoured, and chair position, wherein said sfretcher is adapted to roll on end when separated from said fransporter and provided in said chair position.

11. The cot according to claim 10 wherein said support frame of said transporter includes at least one handgrip rotatably connected to said support frame, said handgrip having an extended position extending outwardly from said support frame and a folded position adjacent said support frame.

12. The cot according to any one of claims 10-11 wherein said support frame of said transporter includes a pair of ride-up wheels adjacent a loading end thereof.

13. The cot according to any one of claims 10-12 wherein said support frame includes at least one elongated member providing a cavity having a securing device accommodated within said cavity to releasably arrest said positioning of said support legs, and an actuator connected to said securing device to permit positioning of said support leg when activated.

14. The cot according to any one of claims 10-13 wherein said sfretcher is releasably attached to said support frame by a locking mechanism comprising a female fastening member connected to said support frame, said female fastening member having a locked position and a release position, at least one male fastening member provided on said sfretcher and positioned to be releasably engaged by said female fastening member in the locked position.

15. A multiple purpose emergency cot having a wheeled fransporter with a support frame, a detachable wheeled stretcher having a stretcher frame, sets of rollers mounted on one of said frames for engagement with the other frame, and a releasable locking mechanism adapted to detachably secure said stretcher to the support frame of said transporter, said cot characterized by said sfretcher forming a rollable chair for separate use when detached from said transporter.

16. The multipurpose roll-in emergency cot according to claim 15 wherein said stretcher frame includes a first substantially parallel pair of elongated tubular frame members rotatably mounted to a second substantially parallel pair of elongated tubular frame members to define first and second elongated sides having first and second ends, and said stretcher includes a patient support being supported between said sides, wherein said first pair of elongated tubular frame members are adapted to rotate substantially perpendicular to said second pair of elongated tubular frame members, positioning said patient support in a chair position to form said rollable chair.

17. The multipurpose roll-in emergency cot according to claim 16, wherein said sfretcher includes a handle assembly adjacent each one of said first and second ends, said handle assembly comprising a handle portion and an extension portion partially accommodated within a respective tubular frame member, said handle assembly being lockable in either an extended position extending said handle portion and a majority of said extension portion outwardly of said respective tubular frame, a refracted position placing said handle portion adjacent said respective tubular frame, or any position therebetween.

18. The multipurpose roll-in emergency cot according to claim 17, wherein said handle assembly includes an end mount fixed to said respective tubular member and providing a throughbore slidably housing said extension portion, and a collar assembly mounted to said extension portion within said respective tubular member, said collar assembly being adapted to expand and cause an interference fit between the collar assembly and the tubular member to prevent slidable movement of said handle assembly relative to said tubular member when said handle portion is rotated about 90° from an unlocked position which permits said sliding movement.

19. The multipurpose roll-in emergency cot according to any one of claims 16-18, wherein said patient support comprises a seat segment having first and second ends and mounted between said elongated sides, aback segment rotatably mounted to said first end of said seat segment, and first and second leg segments rotatably mounted together to permit relative motion therebetween, said first leg segment being rotatably mounted to said second end of said seat segment, and said first and second leg members are positionable in one of a recumbent/supine, shock, contoured, and said chair position.

20. The multipurpose roll-in emergency cot according to claim 19, wherein said back segment includes first and second adjustable members slidably mounted together to permit relative motion therebetween for elongating or contracting said back segment.

21. The multipurpose roll-in emergency cot according to any one of claims 19-20 wherein said second leg segment provides a flip-up footrest.

22. The multipurpose roll-in emergency cot according to any one of the claims 16-21 wherein said stretcher frame includes a pair of rotatable side support panels each mounted to one of said second pair of tubular frame members, each support panel maybe position in an upright or down position or a number of intermediate positions between upright or down, relative to said patient support.