AU2022241558A1 - A stretcher loading assembly - Google Patents

A stretcher loading assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
AU2022241558A1
AU2022241558A1 AU2022241558A AU2022241558A AU2022241558A1 AU 2022241558 A1 AU2022241558 A1 AU 2022241558A1 AU 2022241558 A AU2022241558 A AU 2022241558A AU 2022241558 A AU2022241558 A AU 2022241558A AU 2022241558 A1 AU2022241558 A1 AU 2022241558A1
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AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
rail member
movable
stretcher
primary
rail portion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
AU2022241558A
Inventor
Will Shrapnel
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Helimods Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
Helimods Pty Ltd
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Helimods Pty Ltd filed Critical Helimods Pty Ltd
Priority to AU2022241558A priority Critical patent/AU2022241558A1/en
Publication of AU2022241558A1 publication Critical patent/AU2022241558A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G3/00—Ambulance aspects of vehicles; Vehicles with special provisions for transporting patients or disabled persons, or their personal conveyances, e.g. for facilitating access of, or for loading, wheelchairs
    • A61G3/02—Loading or unloading personal conveyances; Facilitating access of patients or disabled persons to, or exit from, vehicles
    • A61G3/06—Transfer using ramps, lifts or the like
    • A61G3/062—Transfer using ramps, lifts or the like using lifts connected to the vehicle
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G1/00—Stretchers
    • A61G1/06—Supports for stretchers, e.g. to be placed in or on vehicles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G3/00—Ambulance aspects of vehicles; Vehicles with special provisions for transporting patients or disabled persons, or their personal conveyances, e.g. for facilitating access of, or for loading, wheelchairs
    • A61G3/02—Loading or unloading personal conveyances; Facilitating access of patients or disabled persons to, or exit from, vehicles
    • A61G3/0218—Loading or unloading stretchers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G3/00—Ambulance aspects of vehicles; Vehicles with special provisions for transporting patients or disabled persons, or their personal conveyances, e.g. for facilitating access of, or for loading, wheelchairs
    • A61G3/08—Accommodating or securing wheelchairs or stretchers
    • A61G3/0816—Accommodating or securing stretchers
    • A61G3/0875—Securing stretchers, e.g. fastening means
    • A61G3/0883—Securing stretchers, e.g. fastening means by preventing lateral movement, e.g. tracks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60M—POWER SUPPLY LINES, AND DEVICES ALONG RAILS, FOR ELECTRICALLY- PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60M1/00—Power supply lines for contact with collector on vehicle
    • B60M1/12—Trolley lines; Accessories therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G1/00—Stretchers
    • A61G1/02—Stretchers with wheels
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G2220/00—Adaptations of particular transporting means
    • A61G2220/10—Aircrafts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G3/00—Ambulance aspects of vehicles; Vehicles with special provisions for transporting patients or disabled persons, or their personal conveyances, e.g. for facilitating access of, or for loading, wheelchairs
    • A61G3/02—Loading or unloading personal conveyances; Facilitating access of patients or disabled persons to, or exit from, vehicles
    • A61G3/0218—Loading or unloading stretchers
    • A61G3/0245—Loading or unloading stretchers by translating the support
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G3/00—Ambulance aspects of vehicles; Vehicles with special provisions for transporting patients or disabled persons, or their personal conveyances, e.g. for facilitating access of, or for loading, wheelchairs
    • A61G3/02—Loading or unloading personal conveyances; Facilitating access of patients or disabled persons to, or exit from, vehicles
    • A61G3/0218—Loading or unloading stretchers
    • A61G3/0254—Loading or unloading stretchers by moving the stretcher on a horizontal path, e.g. sliding or rolling
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G3/00—Ambulance aspects of vehicles; Vehicles with special provisions for transporting patients or disabled persons, or their personal conveyances, e.g. for facilitating access of, or for loading, wheelchairs
    • A61G3/02—Loading or unloading personal conveyances; Facilitating access of patients or disabled persons to, or exit from, vehicles
    • A61G3/0218—Loading or unloading stretchers
    • A61G3/029—Loading or unloading stretchers by powered support
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G3/00—Ambulance aspects of vehicles; Vehicles with special provisions for transporting patients or disabled persons, or their personal conveyances, e.g. for facilitating access of, or for loading, wheelchairs
    • A61G3/08—Accommodating or securing wheelchairs or stretchers
    • A61G3/0816—Accommodating or securing stretchers
    • A61G3/0841—Accommodating or securing stretchers on lateral support arms
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D2011/0069—Rest berths, beds or the like
    • B64D2011/0092—Arrangements for mounting stretchers in aircraft cabins

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Invalid Beds And Related Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

A stretcher loading assembly having an elongate primary rail member, an elongate movable rail member, movable between a retracted position in which the 5 movable rail member substantially aligns with the primary rail member and an extended position in which the movable rail member is in a transverse orientation relative to the primary rail member, the movable rail member having a first rail portion and a second rail portion, the first rail portion being proximal to the primary rail member in the retracted position, the second rail portion movable in the extended 10 position between a raised position in which the second rail portion substantially aligns with the first rail portion and a loading position in which the second rail portion is lower relative to the first rail portion, and a primary trolley assembly movable between the first rail portion and the second rail portion, the primary trolley assembly adapted to support a stretcher. 15

Description

A STRETCHER LOADING ASSEMBLY
FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a stretcher loading assembly. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application for a stretcher loading assembly for aircraft. The patent specification describes this use but it is by way of example only and the invention is not limited to this use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION When patients are transferred from road ambulances to aircraft, paramedics are required to lift and transfer patients from road ambulance stretchers to aircraft stretchers. Such transfers increase the response time and increase the possibility of further trauma to the patient. Additionally, transfers of patients from road ambulance stretchers to aircraft stretchers increases the risk of paramedic injury due to spinal compression and shear forces. An additional problem is the loading and unloading of stretchers from aircraft. Powered stretcher loaders have been used in road ambulances to assist with the loading and unloading of heavy stretchers. However, these powered stretcher loaders cannot be used in certain aircraft due to the distance of an aircraft opening to a ground surface or due to cabin dimensions. Typically, aircraft with an opening higher from the ground require a ramp to accept road ambulance stretchers, or a transfer of patients from road ambulance stretchers to aircraft stretchers which then need to be lifted into the aircraft, sometimes manually.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above-mentioned problems with the transfer and loading of stretchers and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a stretcher loading assembly having an elongate primary rail member; an elongate movable rail member, movable between a retracted position in which the movable rail member substantially aligns with the primary rail member and an extended position in which the movable rail member is in a transverse orientation relative to the primary rail member, the movable rail member having a first rail portion and a second rail portion, the first rail portion being proximal to the primary rail member in the retracted position, the second rail portion movable in the extended position between a raised position in which the second rail portion substantially aligns with the first rail portion and a loading position in which the second rail portion is lower relative to the first rail portion; and a primary trolley assembly movable between the first rail portion and the second rail portion, the primary trolley assembly adapted to support a stretcher. Preferably the stretcher loading assembly is suitable for an aircraft. In one embodiment, the stretcher loading assembly is an aircraft stretcher loading assembly. Preferably the stretcher loading assembly further includes a secondary trolley assembly. Preferably the secondary trolley assembly is adapted to support a further stretcher. Preferably each trolley assembly includes lifting means movable between a lowered position and a raised position, the lifting means adapted to support a stretcher in the raised position. The lifting means are preferably one or more lifting arms. More preferably the lifting means are two lifting arms. The lifting means is preferably hydraulically movable between the lowered position and the raised position. Each trolley assembly preferably includes hydraulic means to hydraulically move the lifting means. The hydraulic means preferably includes one or more hydraulic cylinders. Each trolley assembly preferably includes an electric motor to power a hydraulic pump to provide hydraulic power to the hydraulic means. The lifting means preferably secures to the stretcher in the raised position. Preferably, the primary trolley assembly is movable between the movable rail member and the primary rail member when the movable rail member is in the retracted position.
Preferably the stretcher loading assembly further includes an end rail member. Preferably the end rail member is adjacent the movable rail member in the retracted position. More preferably the end rail member substantially aligns with the movable rail member in the retracted position. Preferably the second rail portion is adjacent the end rail member when the movable rail member is in the retracted position. Preferably the secondary trolley assembly is movable between the end rail member and the movable rail member when the movable rail member is in the retracted position. More preferably the secondary trolley assembly is movable between the end rail member and the movable rail member when the movable rail member is in the retracted position and when the primary trolley assembly is located on the primary rail member. Preferably the primary trolley assembly is movable between the primary rail member and the movable rail member when the movable rail member is in the retracted position and the secondary trolley assembly is located on the end rail member. Preferably the end rail member is securable relative to an aircraft floor. Preferably the end rail member is securable relative to tracks in an aircraft floor. Preferably the end rail member is movable between a first position and a second position. Preferably in the first position the end member is out of the way of a stretcher located on the movable rail member when the movable rail member moves between the retracted and extended positions. Preferably the first position is a lowered position in which the end rail member is lower than the movable rail member in the retracted position. Preferably the second position is a raised position in which the end rail member is substantially aligned with the movable rail member in the retracted position. Preferably the movable rail member is movable to the extended position when the secondary trolley assembly is located on the movable rail member. Preferably when the secondary trolley assembly is located on the second rail portion, the second rail portion is moveable between the raised position and the loading position. Preferably the secondary trolley assembly is movable between the first rail portion and the second rail portion in the raised position. Preferably the movable rail member is movable between the retracted position and the extended position when the secondary trolley assembly is located on the movable rail member. Preferably the stretcher loading assembly is adapted to support two stretchers. In one embodiment, when the secondary trolley assembly is initially located over the end rail member, the primary trolley assembly supports a stretcher when it is located on the second rail portion in the loading position, the second rail portion is then moved to the raised position, the primary trolley assembly is then moved to the first rail portion, locating the stretcher over the movable rail member, the movable rail member is then moved to the retracted position, the primary trolley assembly is then moved to the primary rail member such that the stretcher is located above the primary rail member, the secondary trolley assembly is then moved to the movable rail member, the movable rail member is then moved to the extended position, with the secondary trolley assembly located on the second rail portion, the second rail portion is moved from the raised position to the loading position, the secondary trolley assembly can then support a further stretcher, the second rail portion is then moved to the raised position, the secondary trolley assembly is then moved to the first rail portion, locating the further stretcher over the movable rail member, the movable rail member is then moved to the retracted position. Preferably the primary rail member, the movable rail member and the end rail member are substantially aligned with a longitudinal direction of the aircraft in the retracted position. Preferably the stretcher loading assembly further includes a support member. Preferably the support member is operatively attachable to an aircraft floor. Preferably the support member is adapted to guide the movable rail member between the retracted position and the extended position. Preferably the support member includes a first guide. Preferably the support member includes a second guide. Preferably the movable rail member is adapted to engage with the first guide. Preferably the movable rail member is adapted to engage with the second guide. More preferably the first rail portion is adapted to engage with the first guide. More preferably the first rail portion is adapted to engage with the second guide. Preferably the first guide is a channel. Preferably the second guide is a channel. In one embodiment the first guide is a rail. In one embodiment the second guide is a rail. Preferably the movable rail member includes an engagement portion which engages with the first guide. Preferably the movable rail member includes an engagement portion which engages with the second guide. In one embodiment, the support member is attachable directly to the aircraft floor. The support member is preferably attached to the aircraft floor by fasteners such as bolts.
In another embodiment, the support member is attached to tracks attached to or incorporated into the aircraft floor. The support member is preferably attached to the tracks by a plurality of studs attached to the support member. Each of the plurality of studs is preferably releasably and movably attached to one of the tracks. In one embodiment, the stretcher loading assembly includes one or more stop levers movable between a first position in which the plurality of studs are movable relative to the tracks and a second position in which the plurality of studs are secured relative to the tracks. Preferably when the one or more stop levers are in a second position, the plurality of studs are secured in the tracks. The support member is preferably made substantially from aluminium or an aluminium alloy. Alternatively, the support member can be made substantially from a carbon fibre or glass fibre composite material. Preferably the movable rail member includes a support means. Preferably the support means is attached between the first rail portion and the second rail portion. Preferably the support means is adapted to move the second rail portion between the loading position and the raised position. Preferably the support means is one or more support arms. In one embodiment the support means is a support arm. The support means is preferably hydraulically movable. The movable rail preferably includes hydraulic means to hydraulically move the support means. The hydraulic means preferably includes one or more hydraulic cylinders. The stretcher loading assembly preferably includes an electric motor to power a hydraulic pump to provide hydraulic power to the hydraulic means. In another embodiment the support means is electrically actuated. Preferably the primary rail member includes lateral support members. Preferably the lateral support members are adapted to support wheels of a stretcher located on the primary rail member. Preferably the primary rail member is securable relative to an aircraft floor. Preferably the primary rail member is securable relative to tracks in an aircraft floor. Preferably the movable rail member includes lateral support members. Preferably the lateral support members are adapted to support wheels of a stretcher located on the movable rail member. In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a stretcher loading assembly for an aircraft having an elongate movable rail member, movable between a retracted position in which the movable rail member substantially aligns with a longitudinal direction of the aircraft and an extended position in which the movable rail member is in a transverse orientation relative to retracted position, the movable rail member having a first rail portion and a second rail portion, the second rail portion movable in the extended position between a raised position in which the second rail portion substantially aligns with the first rail portion and a loading position in which the second rail portion is lower relative to the first rail portion; a primary trolley assembly movable between the first rail portion and the second rail portion, the primary trolley assembly adapted to support a stretcher; and a support member having a first guide and a second guide, wherein the first guide and the second guide guide the movable rail member between the retracted position and the extended position. Preferably the stretcher loading assembly further includes an elongate primary rail member which is adjacent to and substantially aligns with the movable rail member in the retracted position. In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a method of loading a stretcher into an aircraft, using a stretcher loading assembly as described in this specification, the method including the steps of moving the movable rail member from the retracted position to the extended position, the extended position being transverse to the retracted position; moving the primary trolley assembly along the movable rail member to the second rail portion; lowering the second rail portion relative to the first rail portion to the loading position; positioning a stretcher adjacent the primary trolley assembly; supporting the stretcher with the primary trolley assembly; raising the second rail portion from the lowered position to the raised position; moving the primary trolley assembly along the movable rail member to the first rail portion of the movable rail member; and moving the movable rail member from the extended position to the retracted position.
Preferably the method further includes the step of moving the lifting arms of the primary trolley assembly to the lowered position. Preferably this step is conducted prior to positioning a stretcher adjacent the primary trolley assembly. Preferably the step of supporting the stretcher with the primary trolley assembly includes moving the lifting arms to the raised position to support the stretcher. Preferably the method further includes the step of guiding the movable rail member between the retracted position and the extended position using the support member. Preferably the method further includes the step of moving the primary trolley assembly to the primary rail member. Preferably the method further includes the step of moving the secondary trolley assembly to the second rail portion. Preferably this step includes moving the secondary trolley assembly from the end rail member to the second rail portion. Preferably the method further includes lowering the second rail portion with the second trolley assembly to the loading position. Preferably the method further includes positioning a further stretcher adjacent the secondary trolley assembly. Preferably the method further includes supporting the further stretcher with the secondary trolley assembly. Preferably the method further includes raising the second rail portion with the secondary trolley assembly from the lowered position to the raised position; Preferably the method further includes moving the secondary trolley assembly along the movable rail member to the first rail portion of the movable rail member. Preferably the method further includes moving the movable rail member with the secondary trolley assembly and the further stretcher from the extended position to the retracted position. In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in an aircraft having a stretcher loading assembly as described in this specification. In one embodiment, the aircraft is a fixed wing aircraft. In another embodiment, the aircraft is a helicopter. In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a stretcher loading assembly having an elongate primary rail member; and an elongate movable rail member, movable between a retracted position in which the movable rail member substantially aligns with the primary rail member and an extended position in which the movable rail member is in a transverse orientation relative to the primary rail member, the movable rail member having a first rail portion and a second rail portion, the first rail portion being proximal to the primary rail member in the retracted position, the second rail portion movable in the extended position between a raised position in which the second rail portion substantially aligns with the first rail portion and a loading position in which the second rail portion is lower relative to the first rail portion, wherein the primary rail member and the movable rail member are adapted to movably support a primary trolley assembly adapted to support a stretcher. It will be appreciated that movably support in this context means that the primary trolley assembly is able to move along at least part of the primary rail member and the movable rail member. In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a stretcher loading assembly having an elongate primary rail member; an elongate movable rail member, movable between a retracted position in which the movable rail member substantially aligns with the primary rail member and an extended position in which the movable rail member is in a transverse orientation relative to the primary rail member, wherein the primary rail member and the movable rail member are adapted to movably support a primary trolley assembly adapted to support a stretcher. Preferably the movable rail member has a first rail portion and a second rail portion, the first rail portion being proximal to the primary rail member in the retracted position, the second rail portion movable in the extended position between a raised position in which the second rail portion substantially aligns with the first rail portion and a loading position in which the second rail portion is lower relative to the first rail portion. It will be appreciated that when referring to movement of the primary trolley assembly or the secondary trolley assembly this may refer to manual input to move the trolley assemblies. It will be appreciated that when referring to movement of the movable rail member, this may refer to manual input to move the movable rail.
The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a stretcher loading assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the stretcher loading assembly of Figure 1 in a loading position; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the stretcher loading assembly of Figure 1 in a raised position; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the stretcher loading assembly of Figure 1 in a raised position; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the stretcher loading assembly of Figure 1 in a raised position supporting two stretchers; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the stretcher loading assembly of Figure 1 in a raised position supporting two stretchers; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the stretcher loading assembly of Figure 1 in a loading position with two stretchers; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the movable rail member of Figure 1; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the movable rail member in a loading position; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the support member of Figure 1; and Figure 11 is a bottom perspective view of the support member of Figure 10;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to Figures 1 to 7, there is shown a stretcher loading assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The stretcher loading assembly 10 is located within a fixed wing aircraft 100. The stretcher loading assembly 10 has an elongate primary rail member 12. The stretcher loading assembly 10 has an elongate movable rail member 14. The movable rail member 14 is movable between a retracted position in which the movable rail member 14 substantially aligns with the primary rail member 12 (as shown in Figure 1) and an extended position in which the movable rail member 14 is in a transverse orientation relative to the primary rail member 12 (as shown in Figure 3). The movable rail member 14 has a first rail portion 16 and a second rail portion 18. The second rail portion 18 is movable in the extended position between a raised position in which the second rail portion 18 substantially aligns with the first rail portion 16 (as seen in Figure 4) and a loading position in which the second rail portion 18 is lower relative to the first rail portion 16 (as seen in Figure 2). The movable rail member includes a support means in the form of a support arm 60 attached between the first rail portion 16 and the second rail portion 18. The support arm 60 is adapted to move the second rail portion between the loading position and the raised position. The stretcher loading assembly 10 includes a support member 50. The support member 50 is adapted to guide the movable rail member 14 between the extended and retracted position. The stretcher loading assembly 10 includes a primary trolley assembly 30. The primary trolley assembly 30 has lifting means in the form of two lifting arms 32. The primary trolley assembly 30 is adapted to support a stretcher 70 (best seen in figure 5). The primary trolley assembly 30 is movable between the primary rail member 12 and the movable rail member 14. The stretcher loading assembly 10 includes an end rail member 20. The end rail member 20 is located adjacent the movable rail member 14 when the movable rail member 14 is in the retracted position. The stretcher loading assembly 10 includes a secondary trolley assembly 40. The secondary trolley assembly 40 has lifting means in the form of two lifting arms 42. The secondary trolley assembly 40 is adapted to support a further stretcher 80 (best seen in figure 5). The secondary trolley assembly 40 is movable between the end rail member 20 and the movable rail member 14. With reference to Figure 2, there is shown the secondary trolley assembly 40 located on the second rail portion 18 in the loading position, and the primary trolley assembly 30 located on the primary rail member 12.
With reference to Figure 3, there is shown the secondary trolley assembly 40 located on the second rail portion 18 in the raised position, and the primary trolley assembly 30 located on the primary rail member 12. With reference to Figure 4 there is shown the secondary trolley assembly 40 located on the end rail member 20, and the primary trolley assembly 30 located on the movable rail member 14 in the extended position. With reference to Figure 5, there is shown the primary trolley assembly 30 located on the primary rail member 12 and a stretcher 70 located on the primary rail member 12, as well as the secondary trolley assembly 40 located on the movable rail member 14 as well as a further stretcher 80 located on the movable rail member. With reference to Figure 6, there is shown the primary trolley assembly 30 located on the primary rail member 12 and the stretcher 70 located on the primary rail member 12, as well as the secondary trolley assembly 40 located on the second rail portion 18, the secondary trolley assembly 40 supporting the further stretcher. With reference to Figure 7, there is shown the secondary trolley assembly 40 located on the second rail portion 18 in the loading position, with the further stretcher 80 located adjacent the secondary trolley assembly 40. With reference to Figure 8, there is shown the movable rail member 14 in more detail, with the second rail portion 18 in the raised position and substantially aligned with the first rail portion 16. With reference to Figure 9, there is shown the movable rail member 14 in the extended position on the support member 50. The second rail portion 18 is shown in the loading position, and the secondary trolley assembly 40 is located on the second rail portion 18. With reference to Figures 10 and 11 there is shown the support member 50 in more detail. The support member 50 has a first guide in the form of a first channel 52 and a second guide in the form of a second channel 54. The first and second channels 52,54 engage with engagement portion (not shown) on the first rail portion 16 best seen in Figure 9) to guide the movable rail member 14 between the retracted position and the extended position. The support member 50 includes stop levers 56 (only one numbered for clarity) which operate studs 58. The stop levers 56 are movable between a first position in which the plurality of studs 58 are movable relative to tracks in the aircraft floor (not shown) and a second position in which the plurality of studs 58 are secured relative to the tracks.
ADVANTAGES An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the stretcher loading assembly includes eliminating patient stretcher transfer and improving the 'Golden Hour' response time. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the stretcher loading assembly includes the ability to load stretchers used in road ambulances into aircraft. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the stretcher loading assembly includes the ability to load and unload more than one stretcher into an aircraft. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the stretcher loading assembly includes the ability to load stretchers into narrow bodied aircraft. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the stretcher loading assembly includes the ability to load stretchers into aircraft having an opening and floor level located above a top of the stretcher relative to a ground level.
VARIATIONS While the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth. Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims (20)

1. A stretcher loading assembly having an elongate primary rail member; an elongate movable rail member, movable between a retracted position in which the movable rail member substantially aligns with the primary rail member and an extended position in which the movable rail member is in a transverse orientation relative to the primary rail member, the movable rail member having a first rail portion and a second rail portion, the first rail portion being proximal to the primary rail member in the retracted position, the second rail portion movable in the extended position between a raised position in which the second rail portion substantially aligns with the first rail portion and a loading position in which the second rail portion is lower relative to the first rail portion; and a primary trolley assembly movable between the first rail portion and the second rail portion, the primary trolley assembly adapted to support a stretcher.
2. A stretcher loading assembly as claimed in claim 1 further including a secondary trolley assembly adapted to support a further stretcher.
3. A stretcher loading assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein each trolley assembly includes lifting means movable between a lowered position and a raised position, the lifting means adapted to support a stretcher in the raised position.
4. A stretcher loading assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary trolley assembly is movable between the movable rail member and the primary rail member when the movable rail member is in the retracted position.
5. A stretcher loading assembly as claimed in claim 2 or 3, further including an end rail member adjacent the movable rail member in the retracted position.
6. A stretcher loading assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the secondary trolley assembly is movable between the end rail member and the movable rail member when the movable rail member is in the retracted position and when the primary trolley assembly is located on the primary rail member.
7. A stretcher loading assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable rail member includes a support means attached between the first rail portion and the second rail portion, the support means adapted to move the second rail portion between the loading position and the raised position.
8. A stretcher loading assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the support means is one or more support arms.
9. A stretcher loading assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a support member operatively attachable to an aircraft floor, the support member adapted to guide the movable rail member between the retracted position and the extended position.
10. A stretcher loading assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the support member includes a first guide and a second guide, and wherein the movable rail member is adapted to engage with the first guide and the second guide.
11. A stretcher loading assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stretcher is adapted to be located over the primary rail member.
12. A stretcher loading assembly as claimed in claim 11 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the further stretcher is adapted to be located over the movable rail member.
13. An aircraft having a stretcher loading assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.
14. An aircraft as claimed in claim 13, wherein the aircraft is a fixed wing aircraft.
15. A method of loading a stretcher into an aircraft, using a stretcher loading assembly as claimed in claim 1, the method including the steps of moving the movable rail member from the retracted position to the extended position; moving the primary trolley assembly along the movable rail member to the second rail portion; lowering the second rail portion relative to the first rail portion to the loading position; positioning a stretcher adjacent the primary trolley assembly; supporting the stretcher with the primary trolley assembly; raising the second rail portion from the lowered position to the raised position; moving the primary trolley assembly along the movable rail member to the first rail portion; and moving the movable rail member from the extended position to the retracted position.
16. A method as claimed in claim 15, further including the step of guiding the movable rail member between the retracted position and the extended position using a support member.
17. A method as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, further including the step of moving the primary trolley assembly to the primary rail member.
18. A method as claimed in claim 17, further including the step of moving a secondary trolley assembly to the second rail portion.
19. A method as claimed in claim 18, further including the steps of lowering the second rail portion with the second trolley assembly to the loading position; positioning a further stretcher adjacent the secondary trolley assembly; and supporting the further stretcher with the secondary trolley assembly.
20. A method as claimed in claim 19, further including the steps of raising the second rail portion with the secondary trolley assembly from the lowered position to the raised position; moving the secondary trolley assembly along the movable rail member to the first rail portion of the movable rail member; and moving the movable rail member with the secondary trolley assembly and the further stretcher from the extended position to the retracted position.
32 12
40 42
16 14
18 1/11
20
50
Figure 1
10
12
16 50 2/11
20
14 60
18
Figure 2
32
12
16 32 3/11
40
20 42
42 18 14
Figure 3
12
30
14 40 4/11
16 18
Figure 4
80 5/11
20
Figure 5
10
50 16 6/11
20
14 40
Figure 6
10
50
14 20 7/11
60 16
18 40
42
Figure 7
14
18 8/11
Figure 8
40 16 9/11
42 14 60
42 18
Figure 9
56 50
52 10/11
54
Figure 10
58
58 58 58
58 58
58 11/11
58 58 58 58
Figure 11
AU2022241558A 2022-09-29 2022-09-29 A stretcher loading assembly Pending AU2022241558A1 (en)

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