GB2595477A

GB2595477A - A stretcher carriage

Info

Publication number: GB2595477A
Application number: GB2007922.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Saleem Shahid; Armitage Thomas; Mason James
Original assignee: Ferno UK Ltd
Current assignee: Ferno UK Ltd
Priority date: 2020-05-27
Filing date: 2020-05-27
Publication date: 2021-12-01
Anticipated expiration: 2040-05-27
Also published as: GB2595477B; GB202007922D0

Abstract

The stretcher carriage has: a frame assembly 160 supported on wheels 122 and defining a support platform for carrying a patient; and a steering assembly secured to the frame assembly 160. The steering assembly has a steering pole 210,310 of a handle pivotable about a rotational axis 211,311 between: a stowed configuration; and a steering configuration in which the steering pole 210,310 extends away from the frame 160 and away from the wheels 122, to function as a push or pull pole. An upper frame of the frame assembly may have a telescopically extendible rail that connects an end section that carries the steering assembly, where the upper frame inhibits the pivoting of the steering pole 210,310 when the end section is retracted by the rail. The steering pole 210,310 may be lockable in positions. Also provided is an end wrap for a stretcher with a stowable steering pole.

Description

A STRETCHER CARRIAGE

FIELD

[1] The present disclosure relates in general to a stretcher carriage for patient transport. BACKGROUND [2] The retrieval of medical patients may involve dispatching an ambulance, particularly in cases of medical emergencies and/or where mobility of the patient is affected. In such cases, a stretcher may be utilised to collect the patient from their current whereabouts for transfer to the ambulance. Certain examples of conventional stretchers comprise a wheeled stretcher carriage carrying a patient support. The stretcher carriage is Wheeled', i.e. provided with wheels, such that the stretcher can be pushed and pulled, rather than carried, to ease patient transport. Manoeuvring of a wheeled stretcher may nevertheless remain difficult, however, for example in a restricted space.

[3] Ease of manoeuvrability may be improved by equipping a stretcher with steering poles. The steering poles, which are also called "push poles", are known devices attachable to the stretcher carriage in a vertical configuration. When attached, for example towards a foot end, the steering poles can be utilised for steering the stretcher. However, since the steering poles are attached beside the patient support and extend upwards, the steering poles could interfere with attempts of moving a patient onto the stretcher or moving the patient from the stretcher. Accordingly, the steering poles are detached upon reaching a target destination.

[4] It has become a concern that intoxicated or otherwise confused patients may under certain circumstances attack medical personnel using a detached steering pole. Indeed, this may be the case even where the steering poles are presently attached to the stretcher carriage, because the steering poles are designed for rapid attachment/detachment since time is critical in a medical emergency. This design of the steering poles is therefore be easily abused, resulting in possible misuse thereof.

[5] An alternative stretcher carriage that solves at least some of the above-mentioned problems is therefore highly desirable.

SUMMARY

[6] According to the present disclosure there is provided a stretcher carriage as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[7] According to one example, there is provided a stretcher carriage, comprising: a plurality of wheels; a frame assembly supported on the plurality of wheels, the frame assembly defining a support platform for carrying a patient; and a steering assembly secured to the frame assembly, the steering assembly comprising a steering pole pivotable about a rotational axis between: a stowed configuration; and a steering configuration in which the steering pole extends away from the frame assembly and away from the plurality of wheels.

[8] The stretcher carriage according to the present disclosure comprises steering poles which are rotatable relative to the support platform of the stretcher carriage. Thus, the steering poles can be pivoted from the steering configuration into the stowed configuration. In the steering configuration, the steering poles may be utilised for steering of the stretcher carriage. In the stowed configuration, the steering poles extend 'horizontally' and so may improve patient transport to and from the stretcher carriage. Further, as the steering assembly is secured to the frame assembly, it cannot easily be removed from the stretcher carriage, thereby reducing the risk of losing parts of the stretcher assembly or the possibility of them being used as weapons against staff.

[9] The frame assembly may comprise: a base frame: and an upper frame carried on the base frame, wherein the plurality of wheels are coupled to the base frame, and the upper frame defines the support platform.

[10] In one example, the upper frame comprises a telescopically extendible rail and an end section attached to the extendible rail, the end section carrying the steering assembly; wherein the extendible rail is extendible to displace the end section between an extended position and a retracted position, and wherein the steering pole is pivotable between the steering configuration and the stowed configuration when the end section is in the extended position, and the upper frame is configured to inhibit pivoting of the steering pole when the end section is in the retracted position. This arrangement prevents the steering pole from inadvertently moving to the steering position when not in use. It also provides a way of minimising the footprint of the stretcher carriage in use.

[11] In one example, the steering pole extends along the upper frame in the stowed configuration, and the steering pole extends substantially perpendicular to the support platform and away from the base frame in the steering configuration.

[12] In one example, the steering assembly comprises a first locking member configurable between a locking position and a release position, wherein, in the locking position, the first locking member is configured to either engage and retain the steering pole in the stowed configuration or engage and retain the steering pole in the steering configuration, wherein the first locking member is configured to release the steering pole when the first locking member is in the release position, wherein the first locking member is biased to the locking position and is manually adjustable to the release position. The first locking member is biased to lock the steering pole in a particular orientation, such as the steering configuration or the stowed configuration. Moreover, the steering pole is manually releasable by bringing the first locking member from the locking position to the release position.

[13] In one example, the steering pole terminates with a handling section (or 'handle') for manually engaging the steering pole. That is to say, the handling section may provide a free end of the steering pole. The handling section may be ergonomically shaped and/or cushioned.

[14] In one example, the first locking member comprises a locking pin and a handle; wherein the locking pin extends substantially parallel to the rotational axis about which the steering pole is pivotable and is insertable into an aperture of the steering pole to retain the steering pole, and wherein the first locking member is displaceable by means of the handle in order to remove the locking pin from the steering pole.

[15] In one example, the steering pole comprises a chamfered or rounded edge configurable to engage the first locking member as the steering pole is pivoted about the rotational axis; and the steering pole is adjustable to cause the chamfered or rounded edge to urge the first locking member from the locking position to the release position. In this example, the steering pole may be brought into steering configuration or the release configuration without the need to release the first locking member since the chamfered or rounded edge is configured to automatically urge the first locking member from the locking position towards the release position. Moreover, since the first locking member is biased to assume the locking position, the steering pole is automatically locked once the steering or the release configuration has been assumed.

[16] In one example, the stretcher carriage comprises a pair of first locking members, wherein the pair of first locking members is configured to lock the steering pole in the stowed configuration and to lock the steering pole in the steering configuration.

[17] In one example, the steering pole comprises: a sleeve section and a pole section carried inside the sleeve section, wherein the pole section is displaceable relative to the sleeve section to extend the steering pole; the steering pole further comprises a second locking member carried by the sleeve section and configurable between a locking position and a release position, wherein the second locking member is configured to engage the pole section in the locking position to inhibit displacement of the pole section and disengaged from the pole section in the release position to allow displacement of the pole section, and wherein the second locking member is biased to assume the locking position and is manually adjustable to the release position. The spatial footprint of a stretcher may be a concern, for example in an ambulance, and known stretchers are therefore designed to be narrow. This may restrict the length of steering pole in the stowed configuration, since the steering pole may not exceed the width of the stretcher. However, this length may be not be optimal and longer steering poles may be desired for handling and manoeuvring of the stretcher. By providing a length-adjustable steering pole, the steering pole may be shortened in the stowed configuration and may be extended in the steering configuration.

[18] In one example. the stretcher carriage comprises: a first steering assembly and a second steering assembly, the first steering assembly comprising a first steering pole pivotable about a first rotational axis and the second steering assembly comprising a second steering pole pivotable about a second rotational axis, wherein the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis are substantially parallel. In this arrangement the steering assembly is provided with multiple steering poles to improve handling of the stretcher carriage.

[19] In one example, the second steering assembly comprises a stop configured to receive the first steering pole when the first steering pole is rotated about the first rotational axis in a first direction, and the stop is configured to inhibit further rotation in the first direction, thereby defining the stowed configuration of the first steering pole. Resting the second steering pole on the first steering pole provides for a spatially efficient arrangement of the steering poles. Moreover, the second steering pole may be prevented from rotating past the stowed configuration.

[20] In one example, when the first steering pole is in the stowed configuration: the second steering pole is rotatable about the second rotational axis in a first direction to cause the second steering pole to rest on the first steering pole, thereby inhibiting further rotation of the second steering pole and defining the stowed configuration of the second steering pole. Resting the second steering pole on the first steering pole may provide for a spatially efficient arrangement of the steering poles.

[21] In one example, the second steering pole extends towards a first pivot mount of the first steering assembly, the first steering pole being pivotably mounted to the first pivot mount, and the first steering pole extends towards a second pivot mount of the second steering assembly, the second steering pole being pivotably mounted to the second pivot mount; and wherein the first pivot mount is provided at a first elevation relative to the base frame and the second pivot mount is provided at a second elevation relative to the base frame, the first elevation being smaller than the second elevation. Providing the first pivot mount and the second pivot mount at different elevations may provide for a spatially efficient arrangement of the steering poles in the stowed configuration. In particular where the first steering pole rests against the stop and the second steering pole rests on the first steering pole, this arrangement may be especially efficient.

[22] According to one example, there is provided a wheeled stretcher, comprising a stretcher carriage and a patient support carried on the frame assembly.

[23] According to one example, there is provided An end wrap for a stretcher, the end wrap comprising: a frame comprising a pair of rails and a transverse bar extending between the rails, wherein the rails are substantially parallel and the transverse bar is substantially perpendicular to the rails; a steering pole pivotably connected to the frame, wherein the steering pole is pivotable between a stowed configuration in which the steering pole extends along the transverse bar and a steering configuration in which the steering pole extends perpendicular to the pair of rails and the transverse bar.

[24] According to one example, there is provided a stretcher carriage, comprising: a base frame comprising a plurality of wheels; an upper frame carried on the base frame, the upper frame defining a support platform for receiving a patient support; a steering assembly secured to the upper frame, the steering assembly comprising a steering pole pivotable about a rotational axis, the steering pole pivotable between: a stowed configuration in which the steering pole extends along the upper frame, and a steering configuration in which the steering pole extends perpendicular to the support platform and away from the base frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[25] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how example embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which: [26] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a stretcher carriage in which the steering poles are arranged in the steering configuration; [27] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a stretcher carriage in which the steering poles are arranged in the stowed configuration; [28] Figure 3 illustrates an example of part of an upper frame in which the steering poles are arranged in the steering configuration; [29] Figure 4 illustrates an example of part of an upper frame in which the steering poles are arranged in the stowed configuration; [30] Figure 5 illustrates an end view of an example of a stretcher carriage in which the steering poles are arranged in the steering configuration; [31] Figure 6 illustrates an end view of an example of a stretcher carriage in which the steering poles are arranged in an extended configuration; [32] Figure 7 illustrates an end view of an example of a stretcher carriage in which the steering poles are arranged in the steering configuration; [33] Figure 8 illustrates an end view of an example of a stretcher carriage in which the first steering pole is arranged in the steering configuration and the second steering pole is arranged in the stowed position; [34] Figure 9 illustrates an end view of an example of a stretcher carriage in which the first steering pole and the second steering pole are arranged in the stowed configuration; [35] Figure 10 illustrates a side view of an example of a stretcher carriage in which the steering poles are arranged in the steering configuration; and [36] Figure 11 illustrates a side view of an example of a stretcher carriage in which the steering poles are arranged in the stowed configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[37] The present application relates to medical stretchers. A stretcher is a medical device for transportation of a patient. For example, a patient may be transported to a hospital or transported within a hospital on a stretcher. Such stretchers are known to be provided in various configurations. A wheeled stretcher, which may also be known as a trolley or a gurney, is an example of a known stretcher and comprises a stretcher carriage on which a patient support is carried.

[38] Figure 1 shows an exemplary stretcher carriage 100 according to the present disclosure.

[39] The stretcher carriage 100 is a generally elongate structure. A longitudinal extent of the stretcher carriage 100 is delimited by a head end 102 and a foot end 104. The head end 102 and the foot end 104 (or 'first end' and 'second end', respectively) are opposite ends of the stretcher carriage 100. A lateral extent of the stretcher carriage 100 is delimited by a first side 106 and a second side 108. The first side 106 and the second side 108 are opposite sides.

[40] The stretcher carriage 100 comprises a plurality of wheels 122 to allow the stretcher carriage to roll. The stretcher carriage 100 also includes a frame assembly 160. The frame assembly 160 defines a support platform 142 for carrying a patient. In use, the support platform 142 may directly receive a patient (not shown) or a patient support (not shown) on which to receive a patient. Various examples of suitable patient supports, such as suitably cushioned supports, are known and detailed description thereof is therefore omitted.

[41] In one example, the frame assembly 160 comprises a base frame 120 (or 'first frame'). The base frame 120 in use forms a lowermost structure of the stretcher carriage 100 and carries other portions of the stretcher carriage 100 thereon. Suitably the base frame 120 is supported on the plurality of wheels 122 to allow rolling the stretcher carriage 100.

[42] The frame assembly 160 may also comprise an upper frame 140 (or 'second frame'). The upper frame 140 is carried on the lower frame 120. The upper frame 140 may comprise or define the support platform 142.

[43] The stretcher carriage 100 comprises a steering assembly 200, 300 secured to the frame assembly 160. In one example, the steering assembly 200, 300 is coupled to the upper frame 140 of the frame assembly 160. The steering assembly 200, 300 may be attached to the upper frame 140 below the support platform 142. That is to say, the steering assembly 200, 300 is provided at an elevation which is smaller than the elevation of the support platform 142. Here, 'elevation' is used with reference to the wheels 122 of the stretcher carriage 100, i.e. the perpendicular distance between the steering assembly 200, 300 and a plane of reference defined by the wheels 122.

[44] The steering assembly 200, 300 comprises a steering pole 210, 310 for manual handling of the stretcher carriage 100 and in particular, steering thereof.

[45] The steering pole 210, 310 is pivotable about a rotational axis 211, 311 to adjust an orientation of the steering pole between a steering configuration, as shown in Figure 1 and the stowed configuration as shown in Figure 2. In the steering configuration, at least part of the steering pole 210, 310 may extend above at least part of the support platform 142. In this example, in the steering position the highest point of the steering pole is above the lowest point of the support platform 142. That is to say that steering pole 210, 310 may be moved to a position in which a user can use the steering pole to steer the stretcher carriage 100 effectively. In one example, the steering pole 210, 310 may be substantially perpendicular to the support platform 142 and away from the base frame 120 in the steering configuration. The steering pole may extend away from the support platform 142. In other words, the steering pole 210, 310 may extend in an upright vertical direction in the steering configuration. In the steering configuration, the steering pole 210, 310 may extend away from frame assembly 160 and away from the plurality of wheels 120. That is to say that the steering pole 210, 310 has a component of direction that is away from the frame assemble and plurality of wheels.

[46] Figure 2 shows the stretcher carriage 100 wherein the steering pole 210, 310 is in a stowed configuration. The steering pole 210, 310 is rotatably mounted to the frame assembly 160 to enable rotation between the steering configuration of Figure 1 and the stowed configuration of Figure 2. The steering pole 210, 310 is rotatable about a rotational axis 211, 311 defined by the steering assembly 200, 300.

[47] In the stowed configuration, the steering pole 210, 310 may extend along the upper frame 140. That is to say, the steering pole 210, 310 extends along, as opposed to perpendicular or at an angle to the upper frame 140. In one example, the steering pole 210, 310 does not extend past the support platform 142 when in the stowed configuration.

[48] According to the present example shown in Figure 2, the steering pole 210, 310 extends parallel to the head end 102 and the foot end 104 of the stretcher carriage 100 when in the stowed configuration.

[49] Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of a part of the frame assembly 160. In particular, Figures 3 and 4 shows an end section (or end wrap) 148 of the frame assembly 160 and carrying the steering assembly 200, 300. In one example, the end section is detachable from the fame assembly. Figure 3 shows the end wrap 148 with the steering pole 210, 310 in the steering configuration, while Figure 4 shows the end section 148 with the steering pole 210, 310 in the stowed configuration.

[50] The steering assembly 200, 300 may comprise a first locking member 220, 320 (or 'orientation locking member'). The first locking member 220, 320 is configured to releasably lock the steering pole 210, 310 in a particular orientation, such as the stowed configuration or the steering configuration. According to the present example shown in Figure 3, the first locking member 220, 320 is provided to lock the steering pole 210, 310 in the steering configuration.

[51] The first locking member 220, 320 is configurable between a locking position and a release position. When the steering pole 210, 320 is in the steering configuration, the orientation locking member 220, 320 engages the steering pole 210, 320 to retain the steering pole 210, 310 in the steering configuration. When the first locking member 220, 320 is brought to the release position, the steering pole 210, 310 is released to enable rotation thereof.

[52] The first locking member 220, 320 is biased to assume the locking position. That is to say, the first locking member 220, 320 is configured to automatically move to the locking position, for example as a result of being spring-biased or spring-loaded. Moreover, the first locking member 220, 320 is manually releasable, i.e. the orientation locking member 220, 320 may be moved to the release position by hand.

[53] The first locking member 220, 320 may comprise a locking pin 222, 322 and a handle portion (or "handle") 224, 324. The locking pin 222, 322 may extend substantially parallel to the rotational axis 211, 311 about which the steering pole 210, 310 is rotatable/pivotable. In one example, the locking pin 222, 322 is insertable into an aperture 212, 312 of the steering pole 210, 310 and, when so inserted, inhibits rotation of the steering pole 210, 310. The locking pin 222, 322 is removable from the aperture 212, 312 by moving the first locking member 220, 320 from the locking position to the release position. The handle portion 224, 324 may be utilised to manually move the orientation locking member 220, 320 to the release position. Suitably the handle portion 224, 324 is provided as a bulbous portion attached to the locking pin 222, 322.

[54] In one example, the steering pole 210, 310 comprises a chamfered or rounded edge (not shown) configurable to engage the first locking member 220, 320 as the steering pole 210, 310 is pivoted about the rotational axis 211, 311. In use, the steering pole 210. 310 may be adjustable to cause the chamfered or rounded edge to urge the first locking member 220, 320 from the locking position to the release position.

[55] In one example, the stretcher carriage 100 comprise a pair of first locking members 220, 320. The pair of first locking members 220,320 is configured to lock the steering pole 210, 310 in the stowed configuration and to lock the steering pole in the steering configuration.

[56] Figures Sand 6 show the foot end 104 of the stretcher carriage 100. Figures Sand 6 both show the steering pole 210, 310 in the steering configuration, but Figure 6 shows the steering pole 210, 310 in an extended configuration.

[57] In one example, the steering pole 210, 310 is telescopically extendible. More particularly, the steering pole 210, 310 may comprise a sleeve section 215, 315 and a pole section 216, 316. The pole section 216 is slidably carried inside the sleeve section 215, 315 so that the pole section 216, 316 is displaceable relative to the sleeve section 215, 315. By displacing the pole section 216, 316 relative to the sleeve section 215, 315, a distance between a proximal end 213, 313 of the steering pole 210, 310 and a distal end 214, 314 of the steering pole 210, 310 is adjustable and, in particular, extendible. Figure 5 shows the steering pole 210, 310 with a non-extended length. Figure 6 shows the steering pole 210, 310 with an extended length.

[58] The steering pole 210, 310 may comprise a second locking member 217, 317 (or 'length locking member'). The second locking member 217, 317 is configured to releasably lock the length of the steering pole 210, 310. The second locking member 217, 317 may extend perpendicular to a lengthwise extent of the steering pole 210, 310, i.e. perpendicular to the direction in which the steering pole 210, 310 is extendible. The second locking member 217, 317 may comprise the same structure as the first locking member 220, 320 described above. A detailed description is therefore omitted.

[59] The second locking member 217, 317 may be attached to the sleeve section 215, 315 of the steering pole 210, 310 and configurable between a locking position and a release position. In the locking position, the second locking member 217, 317 engages the pole section 216, 316 to inhibit displacement of the pole section 216, 316 relative to the sleeve section 215, 315. The second locking member 217, 317 is manually adjustable to the release position to disengage the pole section 216, 316 and so allow adjustment of the length. Once released, the second locking member 217, 317 returns to the locking position, i.e. the length locking member 217, 317 is biased to assume the locking position.

[60] According to one example, the second locking member 217, 317 is configured to lock the length of the steering pole 210, 310 at a plurality of discrete lengths. A corresponding plurality of apertures 218, 318 is defined by the pole section 216, 316. The apertures 218, 318 are configured to receive the second locking member 217, 317 so that the relative position of the sleeve section 215, 315 and the pole section 216, 316 is locked.

[61] According to one example, a pair of steering assemblies 200, 300 is provided at the head end 102 of the stretcher carriage 100, while another pair of steering assemblies 200, 300 is provided at the foot end 104 of the stretcher carriage 100. Both pairs of steering assemblies 200, 300 may be arranged identically, such that a detailed description is provided only for one pair but applicable also to the other pair.

[62] Figures 7, 8 and 9 show the pair of steering assemblies 200, 300 provided at the foot end 104 of the stretcher carriage 100. Figure 7 shows both steering poles 210, 310 in the steering configuration. Figure 8 shows the first steering pole 210 in the stowed configuration and the second steering pole 310 in the steering configuration. Figure 9 shows both steering poles 210, 310 in the stowed configuration.

[63] The first steering pole 210 may be pivotably mounted to a first pivot mount (not shown) (or 'first pivot') and rotatable about the first rotational axis 211. The second steering pole 310 may be pivotably mounted to a second pivot mount (not shown) (or 'second pivot') and rotatable about the second rotational axis 311. The first pivot mount is provided at a first elevation relative to the wheels 122, while the second pivot mount is provided at a second elevation relative to the wheels 122. The first elevation is lower than the second elevation, such that the first steering pole 210 is located underneath the second steering pole 310 when both steering poles are in the stowed configuration. According to the present example, this difference in elevation substantially corresponds to the width of the steering poles 210, 310.

[64] The first rotational axis 211 and the second rotational axis 311 may be substantially parallel.

[65] The first steering pole 210 is brought from the steering configuration shown in Figure 7 to the stowed configuration shown in Figure 8 by rotating the first steering pole 210 about the first rotational axis 211 in a first direction 219. The first steering pole 210 is rotatable until a stop (not shown) of the second steering assembly 300 prevents further rotation in the first direction 219. That is to say, the first steering pole 210 extends towards the second pivot mount and engages the stop located under the second pivot mount. Thus the stowed configuration of the first steering pole 210 is defined.

[66] The stop is configured to receive the distal end 214 of the first steering pole 210.

[67] According to the present example, the stop is a structural feature of the second steering assembly 300. More particularly, the stop corresponds to a portion of a housing in which the second steering pole 310 is mounted.

[68] The second steering pole 310 is brought from the steering configuration shown in Figures 7 and 8 to the stowed configuration shown in Figure 9 by rotating the second steering pole 310 about the second rotational axis 311 in a second direction 319. The second steering pole 310 is rotatable until the second steering pole 310 encounters the stowed first steering pole 210. That is to say, when the first steering pole 210 is in the stowed configuration, the second steering pole 310 is received by the first steering pole 310 and prevented from further rotation in the second direction 319. Thus, the stowed configuration of the second steering pole 310 is defined by the first steering pole 210.

[69] Figures 10 and 11 are side views of the stretcher carriage 100. In particular, Figures 10 and 11 show the second side 108 of the stretcher carriage 100. In Figure 10, the steering poles 210, 310 are in the steering configuration. In Figure 11, the steering poles 210, 310 are in the stowed configuration.

[70] The upper frame 140 of the frame assembly 160 may comprise a pair of end rails 144 and a pair of side rails 146. An end rail 144 is provided at each end 102, 104 of the stretcher carriage 100. A side rail 146 is provided on each side 106, 108 of the stretcher carriage 100.

[71] The frame assembly 160 may comprises an end section 148. The end section 148 may also be known as an end wrap 148. The end section 148 comprises the end rail 144 and the steering assembly 200, 300, as shown in figures 3 and 4.

[72] The side rails 146 may be telescopically extendible to adjust the lengthwise extent of the stretcher carriage 100. That is to say, the side rails 146 are extended to alter the distance between the head end 102 and the foot end 104 of the frame assembly 160.

[73] By extending the side rails 146, the end section 148 is displaced and, accordingly, the steering assembly 200, 300 is also displaces. More particularly, the end section 148 is displaceable between a retracted position, shown in Figure 10, and an extended position, shown in Figure 11. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the lengthwise extend of the stretcher carriage 100 is greater when the end section 148 is in the extended position and is smaller when the end section 148 is in the retracted position.

[74] In one example, the steering pole 210, 310 is only pivotable between the stowed configuration and steering configuration when the end section 148 is in the extended position. In this example, when the end section 148 is in the retracted position, however, the end section 148 extends underneath the patient platform 142. Accordingly, the patient platform 142 prevents rotation of the steering pole 210, 310. That is to say, when the end section 148 is in the retracted position, the patient platform 142 inhibits pivoting the steering pole 210, 310 between the stowed configuration and the extended configuration.

[75] The steering pole may 210, 310 extend substantially parallel to the end rails 144 at each end of the upper frame 140.

[76] According to the example described above, the steering assembly 200, 300 comprises a single first locking member 220, 320 (or orientation locking member) configured to lock the steering pole 210, 310 in the steering configuration. According to other examples, a second orientation locking member 220, 320 may be provided to lock the steering pole 210, 310 in the stowed configuration. The second orientation locking member 220, 320 may be provided in addition or as an alternative to the first locking member 220, 320. According to yet further examples, alternative fastening means may be provided for securing the steering pole or poles 210, 310 in the stowed configuration. For example, a hook-and-loop tape may be attached to the upper frame 140, such as the end rail 144, and wrapped around the steering pole 210, 310 in the stowed configuration.

[77] According to the example described above, the steering pole 210, 310 extends parallel to the head end 102 and the foot end 104 of the stretcher carriage 100 when in the stowed configuration. According to other examples, the steering pole 210, 310 extends parallel to the first side 106 and the second side 108.

[78] According to the example described above, the stop is provided as part of the second steering assembly 300. According to other examples, the stop is provided as part of the upper frame 140.

[79] According to one example, there may be provided a wheeled stretcher comprising a stretcher carriage 100 and a patient support coupled to the frame assembly 160.

[80] In summary, exemplary embodiments of a stretcher carriage have been described. The described exemplary embodiments provide for an improved stretcher carriage. Additionally, the described exemplary embodiments are convenient to manufacture and straightforward to use.

[81] The stretcher carriage may be manufactured industrially. An industrial application of the example embodiments will be clear from the discussion herein.

[82] Although preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A stretcher carriage (100), comprising: a plurality of wheels (122); a frame assembly (160) supported on the plurality of wheels (122), the frame assembly (160) defining a support platform (142) for carrying a patient; and a steering assembly (200, 300) secured to the frame assembly (160), the steering assembly (200, 300) comprising a steering pole (210, 310) pivotable about a rotational axis (211, 311) between: a stowed configuration; and a steering configuration in which the steering pole (210, 310) extends away from the frame assembly (160) and away from the plurality of wheels (120).
2. The stretcher carriage (100) according to claim 1, wherein the frame assembly (160) 15 comprises: a base frame: and an upper frame carried on the base frame, wherein the plurality of wheels are coupled to the base frame, and the upper frame defines the support platform.
3. The stretcher carriage according to claim 2, wherein the upper frame comprises a telescopically extendible rail (146) and an end section (148) attached to the extendible rail (146), the end section (148) carrying the steering assembly (200, 300); wherein the extendible rail (146) is extendible to displace the end section (148) between an extended position and a retracted position, and wherein the steering pole is pivotable between the steering configuration and the stowed configuration when the end section is in the extended position, and the upper frame is configured to inhibit pivoting of the steering pole when the end section is in the retracted position.
4. The stretcher carriage (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the steering pole (210, 310) extends along the upper frame (140) in the stowed configuration, and the steering pole (210, 310) extends substantially perpendicular to the support platform (142) and away from the base frame (120) in the steering configuration.The stretcher carriage (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the steering assembly (200, 300) comprises a first locking member (220, 320) configurable between a locking position and a release position, wherein, in the locking position, the first locking member (220, 320) is configured to either engage and retain the steering pole (210, 310) in the stowed configuration or engage and retain the steering pole (210, 310) in the steering configuration, wherein the first locking member (220, 320) is configured to release the steering pole (210, 310) when the first locking member (220, 320) is in the release position, wherein the first locking member is biased to the locking position and is manually adjustable to the release position.may be brought into steering configuration wherein the locking pin extends substantially parallel to the rotational axis about which the steering pole is pivotable and is insertable into an aperture of the steering pole to retain the steering pole, and wherein the first locking member is displaceable by means of the handle in order to remove the locking pin from the steering pole.7. The stretcher carriage according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the steering pole comprises a chamfered or rounded edge configurable to engage the first locking member as the steering pole is pivoted about the rotational axis; and the steering pole is adjustable to cause the chamfered or rounded edge to urge the first locking member from the locking position to the release position 8. The stretcher carriage according to any one of claims 5 to 7, comprising a pair of first locking members, wherein the pair of first locking members is configured to lock the steering pole in the stowed configuration and to lock the steering pole in the steering configuration.9. The stretcher carriage according to any previous claim, wherein the steering pole comprises: a sleeve section and a pole section carried inside the sleeve section, wherein the pole section is displaceable relative to the sleeve section to extend the steering pole; the steering pole further comprises a second locking member carried by the sleeve section and configurable between a locking position and a release position, wherein the second locking member is configured to engage the pole section in the locking position to inhibit displacement of the pole section and disengaged from the pole section in the release position to allow displacement of the pole section, and wherein the second locking member is biased to assume the locking position and is manually adjustable to the release position.10. The stretcher carriage according to any previous claim, wherein the stretcher carriage (100) comprises: a first steering assembly (200) and a second steering assembly (300), the first steering assembly (200) comprising a first steering pole (210) pivotable about a first rotational axis (211) and the second steering assembly (300) comprising a second steering pole (310) pivotable about a second rotational axis (311), wherein the first rotational axis (211) and the second rotational axis (311) are substantially parallel.11. The stretcher carriage according to claim 10, wherein the second steering assembly (300) comprises a stop configured to receive the first steering pole (210) when the first steering pole (210) is rotated about the first rotational axis in a first direction, and the stop is configured to inhibit further rotation in the first direction, thereby defining the stowed configuration of the first steering pole.12. The stretcher carriage according to claim 10 or 11, wherein when the first steering pole (210) is in the stowed configuration: the second steering pole (310) is rotatable about the second rotational axis (311) in a first direction to cause the second steering pole (310) to rest on the first steering pole (210), thereby inhibiting further rotation of the second steering pole (310) and defining the stowed configuration of the second steering pole.13. The stretcher carriage according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the second steering pole (310) extends towards a first pivot mount of the first steering assembly (200), the first steering pole (210) being pivotably mounted to the first pivot mount, and the first steering pole (210) extends towards a second pivot mount of the second steering assembly (300), the second steering pole (310) being pivotably mounted to the second pivot mount; and wherein the first pivot mount is provided at a first elevation relative to the base frame (120) and the second pivot mount is provided at a second elevation relative to the base frame (120), the first elevation being smaller than the second elevation.14. A wheeled stretcher, comprising: a stretcher carriage according to any preceding claim; and a patient support carried on the frame assembly (160).15. An end wrap for a stretcher, the end wrap comprising: a frame comprising a pair of rails and a transverse bar extending between the rails, wherein the rails are substantially parallel and the transverse bar is substantially perpendicular to the rails; and a steering pole pivotably connected to the frame, wherein the steering pole is pivotable between a stowed configuration in which the steering pole extends along the transverse bar and a steering configuration in which the steering pole extends perpendicular to the pair of rails and the transverse bar.