US3608737A

US3608737A - Frame assembly for supporting a stretcher

Info

Publication number: US3608737A
Application number: US875328A
Authority: US
Inventors: Hans Stollenwerk
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1968-11-13
Filing date: 1969-11-10
Publication date: 1971-09-28
Anticipated expiration: 1988-09-28
Also published as: DE1808480A1; FR2023168A1; GB1281192A

Abstract

A frame assembly having at least two transverse bearer elements mounted in spaced relationship with respect to each other is provided to support a stretcher. Each of the elements includes a fixedly mounted section and a movably mounted section which have telescoping structural configurations. A biasing means is attached to each of the sections to telescope the sections with respect to each other. The frame assembly as provided is particularly useful for mounting in vehicles. Abutment members are mounted at each end of the elements with at least one of the abutments being secured to the fixedly mounted section and another abutment member being secured to the movably mounted section. Arresting means are provided to prevent movement of the fixedly mounted sections with respect to the movably mounted sections.

Description

United States Patent [72] Inventor Hans Stollenwerk 197-201 Dellbruecker Hauptstr, 5 Cologne- Dellhruck, Germany [21] Appl. No. 875,328

[22] Filed Nov. 10, 1969 [45] Patented Sept. 28, 1971 [32] Priority Nov. 13, 1968 [33] Germany [54] FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR SUPPORTING A STRETCl-IER 14 Claims, 4 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl. 211/13, 5/82 [51] Int. Cl A4717/00 [50] Field otSearch 211/13; 296/19, 20; 5/82, 89

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,344,088 6/1920 Lundbom 5/82 2,008,770 7/1935 Rafio 5/83 Primary Examiner-Ni1e C. Byers, Jr. Attorney-Lowry, Rinehart & Markva I ABSTlACT: A assembly having at least two transverse bearer elements mounted in spaced relationship with respect to each other is provided to support a stretcher. Each of the elements includes a fixedly mounted section and a movably mounted section which have telescoping structural configurations. A biasing means is attached to each of the sections to telescope the sections with respect to each other. The frame assembly as provided is particularly useful for mounting in vehicles. Abutment members are mounted at each end of the elements with at least one of the abutments being secured to the fixedly mounted section and another abutment member being secured to the movably mounted section. Arresting means are provided to prevent movement of the fixedly mounted sections with respect to the movably mounted sections.

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FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR SUPPORTING A STRETCH-1BR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Frame assemblies having transverse bearer elements to support a stretcher are generally well known in the prior art. These prior art assemblies include abutment means which are longitudinally displaceable with respect to the transverse ele' ments. Furthermore, these abutment members may be locked in a particular position with respect to the stretcher being supported. The adjustable abutments used to contain the stretcher in the prior art assemblies are mounted on sleeve members which are displaceable along the transverse elements. These sleeve members are adapted to be secured to the transverse element at the end thereof by a screw member. The screw threaded portion of the screw member cooperates with a threaded bushing that is fixedly mounted on the transverse spar element. Whenever adjustment of the abutment member with respect to the transverse element is required, the screw must be turned a certain extent to effect the longitudinal displacement of the abutment members. Every time a stretcher is set down or taken up from the transverse elements, the abutment members must be adjusted. This ability to adjust under these conditions facilitates both the taking up or setting down of the stretcher as well as retaining it once it is placed on the transverse elements.

There are many disadvantages to this known type of displacement for abutment members requiring the turning of a screw member. Time is a very important factor when attending a person who is in need of a stretcher. In the event of an urgent lack of time, the screw adjustment may be twisted insufficiently one way or the other. That is, the abutment members may be located in a position too close to the stretcher or too far away from the stretcher. In the first instance, the stretcher adopts an oblique position on the frame assembly. In the second situation, the stretcher is not firmly locked into position on the frame assembly. In each of these cases, there is detriment to the safety of 'the person lying on the stretcher. Because each frame assembly comprises at least two transverse bearer elements, the expenditure of time required for adjusting the location of the abutment member is doubled. Minutes which are costly for the transportation of a sick person are lost. The actuation of the known frame assemblies for adjusting the stretcher abutments may be accelerated only by employing a supplementary operator for the second transverse bearer element. This, of course, introduces the danger of unreliable and nonuniform locking. Furthermore, the employment of supplementary assistance is generally impossible in cases of emergency.

PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION The primary object of this invention is to provide a frame assembly for receiving a stretcher or the like in a rapid, uncomplicated and reliable manner.

A further object of this invention is to provide a frame assembly having vdisplaceable stretcher abutment members which may be easily adjusted to facilitate the setting down and taking up of a stretcher therefrom.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a telescoping transverse bearer element having an abutment member mounted thereon wherein the telescoping sections of the bearer element are under the influence of a biasing means.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a frame assembly wherein the abutments may be easily pulled out of the way when setting a stretcher thereon. Subsequently the abutment member is released and automatically returns to a location in contact with the stretcher that has been placed across the transverse bearer elements.

It is another object of this invention to provide a frame assembly which may be disposed in vehicles wherein stretchers carried thereon are subjected to large centrifugal forces. The frame assembly of thisinvention prevents the shifting of the stretcher when placed between the stretcher abutments located at each end of the transverse bearer elements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The frame assembly made in accordance with this invention includes at least two transverse bearer elements mounted in spaced relationship with respect to each other to receive a stretcher.- Each of the elements include a fixedly mounted section and a movably mounted section. These sections are telescoped with respect to each other and include means to bias one within the other. In a specific embodiment of this invention, the movably mounted section comprises a rod member that is received in the tube portion of a fixedly mounted spar member. Abutment members are located at each end of the transverse elements. When the rod member is pulled outwardly, the abutment member attached thereto is displaced outwardly. After the stretcher is placed across the transverse bearer elements, the adjustable rod member is released and it'automatically returns to a position contiguous to the structure of the stretcher.

More specific features of this invention include arresting means for locking the adjustable rod member and the spar member in various relationships with respect to each other. That is, the members may be locked in a closed relationship with respect to each other or in any desired extended position when the rod element is pulled outwardly from the tube portion of the spar member.

Other features of the invention include the use of a supporting element under a bearing member that is displaceable along with the rod element. In another embodiment, a specially designed handle stretcher is used to move the rod element outwardly against the biasing effect of a spring and at the same time provide a carrier support for the bearing member which supports the spar structure of a stretcher placed across the transverse bearer elements.

A still further feature of this invention includes the use of a retaining strap which may be placed adjacent the leg of a stretcher to prevent the slipping of the stretcher in a longitudinal direction across the transverse bearer elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Other objects of this invention will appear in the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

FIG. 1 is a partial sectional, front plan view of a bearer element used in a frame assembly made in accordance with this invention,

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the assembly shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional, front plan view of the assembly shown in FIG. 1 in an extended position, and

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the frame assembly as shown in FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS More specifically, the frame assembly as shown in the accompanying drawings and made in accordance with this invention includes at least two transverse bearer members of elements, generally designated 1. The transverse bearer elements 1 are mounted in spaced relationship with respect to each other to receive a stretcher 2 shown diagrammatically in dotted lines. The stretcher 2 includes stretcher legs 2a and stretcher spar members 2b. The frame assembly is this specific embodiment is particularly adapted for mounting in a vehicle such as an ambulance.

Each of the transverse elements 1 include a fixedly mounted section and a movably mounted section. The specific manner in which the fixedly mounted section is attached to the vehicle in this specific embodiment is not shown. The manner of mounting the transverse element 1 is therefore effected in any well-known manner and does not form a part of this invention. In this specific embodiment, the transverse bearer element 1 includes a spar member la and a rod member 4. The spar member la includes a hollow tube portion 3 which receives the rod member 4. The rod element 4 and the transverse spar member In telescope and are displaceable with respect to each other whilebeing subjected to a biasing means which comprises a traction spring 7. The spring 7 is secured at either end 5 and 6 thereof to the spar member la and rod element 4, respectively.

In this specific embodiment, the respective structural configurations of the adjustable rod member 4 and the spar member 1a prevent rotational movement with respect to each other. The element 1 has a polygonal shape in cross section. In this particular embodiment, the cross section is quadrangular.

The adjustable rod element 4 is interconnected with a bowed handle member 8, a stretcher abutment member 9 and a stretcher spar bearing member 10. When the rod element 4 is displaced within the tube portion 3, the stretcher abutment member 9 and the spar bearing member 10 are displaced therewith. In this specific embodiment, one of the limbs of the bowed handle member 8 extends through the spar bearing means 10 and serves as a carrier element therefor. This structural configuration provides a simplified design and increased stability in the assembly. The other limb of the bowed handle member 8 is fixedly attached to the adjustable rod element 4.

Another feature of this invention shown in this specific embodiment incorporates a supporting element 12 which is mounted below the bearing member 10. The support element 12 in this instance takes the form of a ball or the like which slides on the upper transverse surface of the fixedly mounted transverse spar member 1a. The supporting element 12 is accommodated in a housing 10a which provides protection for the element 12. This support element 12 is used to avoid vertical oscillations which might occur with the bearing member 10 because it is longer than the bearing member 11 located at the other end of the transverse bearer element 1. The avoidance of such vertical oscillations will eliminate any possible inconvenience to the patient who is lying on the stretcher 2. In addition, the elimination of the vertical oscillations will avoid damage to the securing point of the rod member 4 with the other portions of the movably mounted section.

An elongated slot 13 extends along one side of the rod element 4. The length of the elongated slot 13 corresponds substantially to the maximum length at which the rod element 4 may be displaced from the tube portion 3. A stationary transverse pin 14 is fixedly mounted on the inside of the tube portion 3 and projects into the elongated slot 13. The pin 14 thereby constitutes an abutment which limits the movement of the rod element 4 into and out of the tube portion 3.

Another feature of this invention provides an arresting means, generally designated 15, which includes a holding member 16. The holding member 16 may comprise a bolt or a pin which may be screwed through the wall of the spar member 1a. The holding member 16 may be displaced against the rod element 4 as shown in FIG. 4 to prevent movement of the fixedly mounted spar member la with respect to the movably mounted rod element 4. The application force produced by the member 16 presses the rod element 4 against the inner walls of the tube portion 3. A handle member 17 is located on the outside of the transverse element It to actuate the holding member 16. Other equivalent structures such as a pin formed with detents may be substituted for the use of a threaded holding member 16.

The locking of the stretcher 2 on the frame assembly is therefore not left merely to the force of the spring 7. That is, the arresting means will insure the stationary placement of the abutment member 9 against the spar 2b of the stretcher 2. The arresting device 15 may also be actuated to lock the rod element 4 in an extended position. This will enable one of the persons carrying the stretcher to first effect the elongation of the element 1 and lock it in place. He then may assist in setting down the stretcher onto the frame assembly. Upon releasing the arresting device 15, the abutment 9 will automatically travel against the carrier spar 2b which faces it.

A further feature of this invention provides a retaining strap 18 that is fixedly attached to the rod element 4. When a stretcher 2 is set down across the transverse elements 1 in an inexpert manner, there is a danger that the bowed stretcher legs 2a may be disposed ahead of the transversespars and not rearwardly of it. In such a circumstance, the retaining strap 18 engages the structure of the bowed stretcher leg 2a so that there is no danger of the stretcher slipping in the direction of the arrow as depicted in FIG. 2.

In operation, the rod element 4 is pulled outwardly through the use of the handle member 8. This spaces the stretcher abutment member 9 away from the stretcher spar 2b. The stretcher foot 2a is also released from the retaining strap 18 in this specific embodiment. The outward movement of the rod element 4 is limited to its maximum extending position by the stop member 14 as shown in FIG. 3. The rod element 4 may be locked in the extended position by actuating the arresting device 15. While the rod element 4 is in the extended position, the stretcher 2 may be either removed or set in place across the transverse elements 1. There is complete room for free movement of the stretcher 2. When the arresting device 15 is released, the rod element 4 is automatically drawn into place against the stretcher spar 2b. This inwardly directed movement is effected by the biasing action of the spring 7 until the rod element 4 reaches the maximum closed position against the stretcher spar. The actuation of the arresting device 15 while the rod element 4 is in this position protects the spring 7 and insures permanent location of the stretcher abutment 9 against the stretcher spar 2b.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION The stretcher of the frame assembly as proposed by this invention offers many advantages. The drawing up of the stretcher abutment 9 against the carrier spar of the stretcher 2 disposed across the transverse element 1 will always take place. That is, the structural combination of this assembly eliminates any possibility of human nonreliability. With the uniform dimensioning of the spring-biasing means 7 used in the two transverse elements 1, it is impossible for one abutment member 9 to be pressed to a lesser degree against a stretcher spar than the other abutment member. This will eliminate any danger of the stretcher beginning to move laterally on the frame assembly or to slip axially off of the frame. It is possible with the frame assembly of this invention to set down and secure stretchers with a speed that has not been achievable heretofore. Increased efiiciency and speed has also been provided in the securing and releasing of the stretcher for subsequent removal form the frame assembly. At the same time a great amount of speed is achieved, there is no danger to the person lying on the stretcher nor to the ambulance personnel. That is, reliable securing of the stretcher on the frame assembly is always guaranteed. The operation of the displaceably section within the fixedly mounted section may be effected without any particular finger nimbleness or any expenditure of an undue amount of strength.

While the frame assembly for supporting a stretcher has been shown and described in detail, it is obvious that this invention is not to be considered as being limited to the exact form disclosed, and that changes in detail and construction may be made therein within the scope of the invention, without departing from the spirit thereof.

I claim:

1. A frame assembly for supporting a stretcher in a substantially horizontal position comprising:

at least two transverse bearer elements mounted in spaced relationship with respect to each other to support a stretcher;

each of the elements including a fixedly mounted section and a movably mounted section;

said sections having structural configurations to be telescoped with respect to each other;

biasing means attached to each of the sections to telescope the section;

each said element includes abutment members located at each end thereof;

an abutment member being mounted on the fixedly mounted section and another abutment member being mounted on the movably mounted section;

said structural onfigurations include arresting means to prevent movement of the fixedly mounted sections with respect to the movably mounted sections;

each said movably mounted section comprises an adjustable rod member;

each said fixedly mounted section comprises a spar member having a tube portion which receives the rod member;

said biasing means includes a traction spring connected at each end thereof to the rod and spar members;

each said transverse element includes bearing members.

located at each end thereof to support the structure of a stretcher; and

a first bearing member mounted on the adjustable rod member and a second bearing member mounted on the movable spar member;

said first bearing member including at least one ball member in contact with the outside surface of the spar member.

2. As assembly according to claim 1 wherein each ball member is accommodated in a housing for protection thereof. 3. A frame assembly for supporting a stretcher in a substantially horizontal position comprising:

biasing means attached to each of the sections to telescope the sections;

each said element includes abutment members located at each end thereof;

said structural configurations include arresting means to prevent movement of the fixedly mounted sections with respect to the movably mounted sections; and

each said transverse element includes a bowed handle member attached to the movably mounted section;

said bowed handle member having one limb thereof extending through a bearing member mounted thereon to sup- I port a spar structure of a stretcher.

4. An adjustable frame arrangement of support a stretcher in a substantially horizontal position and hold same against movement comprising, in combination a first transverse bearer assembly;

a second transverse bearer assembly spaced from said first assembly in a direction longitudinal of a stretcher to be carried by said assemblies;

said first and second assemblies each including a first support section a second support section in telescoping relation to said first section, and spring means connected between said sections to normally urge same toward a contracted telescoped position; first abutment element secured to each of said first suppo sections, said abutment elements presenting generally vertical stretcher engaging surfaces;

a second abutment element secured to each of said second support sections, said second abutment elements presenting generally vertical stretcher engaging surfaces facing toward the stretcher engaging surfaces of said respective first abutment elements;

said first sections of said first and second assemblies being secured against movement;

said second sections of said first and second assemblies being telescopically moveable relative to said first sections;

means to facilitate manually longitudinally extending said second sections relative to said first sections against the Y action of said spring means; and lock means to secure said sections together in the positions to which they are moved by said spring means. 5. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 4 5 wherein said first and second bearer assemblies each includes means to prevent rotation of said first support section relative to said second support section;

whereby, said first and second abutment elements of said assemblies are maintained in the same aligned position relative to each other regardless of the extent of longitudinal extension or contraction of the assemblies.

6 An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 4 wherein said abutment elements are each inclined toward a stretcher on said bearer assemblies;

whereby, the stretcher is urged downwardly toward aid assemblies.

7. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 4 wherein first and second stop means limit the extent of extension and contraction of said bearer assemblies.

iik n adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 7 wherein said first stop means for each of said bearer assemblies includes a slot in that one of the first and second sections which extends into the other section, said slot having an end face, and

a pin extending through the outer one of said sections and through said slot to limit the extent of extension of said sections relative to each other.

9. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 4 wherein said lock means includes manually actuable clamp means for clamping said sections against movement relative to each other at any position of extension of said sections.

10. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 4 wherein said means to facilitate manually longitudinally extending said second sections comprises a handle on each of said second sections to facilitate 45 grasping said sections.

11. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 4 wherein the stretcher to be carried by said frame has downwardly projecting fee;

said second sections of said first and second assemblies each include means connected to said second sections and moveable therewith for engaging said feet of said stretcher to prevent longitudinal movement of the stretcher on said bearer assemblies. V

12. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 4 wherein f first rollers are connected to said first sections for rotation about transverse axes at locations adjacent said first abutment elements;

second rollers are connected to said second sections for rotation about transverse axes at locations adjacent said second abutment elements;

said rollers providing for longitudinal movement of a stretcher along said first and second assemblies; and

said rollers supporting the side rails of a stretcher on said bearer assemblies.

13. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 12 70 wherein said second rollers are each longer than said first rollers;

whereby, a stretcher can be placed on said second rollers when said second sections are extended relative to said first sections.

14. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 4 wherein said first sections are secured to a vehicle.

Claims

1. A frame assembly for supporting a stretcher in a substantially horizontal position comprising: at least two transverse bearer elements mounted in spaced relationship with respect to each other to support a stretcher; each of the elements including a fixedly mounted section and a movably mounted section; said sections having structural configurations to be telescoped with respect to each other; biasing means attached to each of the sections to telescope the section; each said element includes abutment members located at each end thereof; an abutment member being mounted on the fixedly mounted section and another abutment member being mounted on the movably mounted section; said structural configurations include arresting means to prevent movement of the fixedly mounted sections with respect to the movably mounted sections; each said movably mounted section comprises an adjustable rod member; each said fixedly mounted section comprises a spar member having a tube portion which receives the rod member; said biasing means includes a traction spring connected at each end thereof to the rod and spar members; each said transverse element includes bearing members located at each end thereof to support the structure of a stretcher; and a first bearing member mounted on the adjustable rod member and a second bearing member mounted on the movable spar member; said first bearing member including at least one ball member in contact with the outside surface of the spar member.

2. As assembly according to claim 1 wherein each ball member is accommodated in a housing for protection thereof.

3. A frame assembly for supporting a stretcher in a substantially horizontal position comprising: at least two transverse bearer elements mounted in spaced relationship with respect to each other to support a stretcher; each of the elements including a fixedly mounted section and a movably mounted section; said sections having structural configurations to be telescoped with respect to each other; biasing means attached to each of the sections to telescope the sections; each said element includes abutment members located at each end thereof; an abutment member being mounted on the fixedly mounted section and another abutment member being mounted on the movably mounted section; said structural configurations include arresting means to prevent movement of the fixedly mounted sections with respect to the movably mounted sections; and each said transverse element includes a bowed handle member attached to the movably mounted section; said bowed handle member having one limb thereof extending through a bearing member mounted thereon to support a spar structure of a stretcher.

4. An adjustable frame arrangement to support a stretcher in a substantially horizontal position and hold same against movement comprising, in combination a first transverse bearer assembly; a second transverse bearer assembly spaced from said first assembly in a direction longitudinal of a stretcher to be carried by said assemblies; said first and second assemblies each including a first support section a second support section in telescoping relation to said first section, and spring means connected between said sections to normally urge same toward a contracted telescoped position; first abutment element secured to each of said first support sections, said abutment elements presenting generally vertical stretcher engaging surfaces; a second abutment element secured to each of said second support sections, said second abutment elements presenting generally vertical stretcher engaging surfaces facing toward the stretcher engaging surfaces of said respective first abutment elements; said first sections of said first and second assemblies being secured against movement; said second sections of said first and second assemblies being telescopically moveable relative to said first sections; means to facilitate manually longitudinally extending said second sections relative to said first sections against the action of said spring means; and lock means to secure said sections together in the positions to which they are moved by said spring means.

5. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 4 wherein said first and second bearer assemblies each includes means to prevent rotation of said first support section relative to said second support section; whereby, said first and second abutment elements of said assemblies are maintained in the same aligned position relative to each other regardless of the extent of longitudinal extension or contraction of the assemblies.

6. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 4 wherein said abutment elements are each inclined toward a stretcher on said bearer assemblies; whereby, the stretcher is urged downwardly toward said assemblies.

8. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 7 wherein said first stop means for each of said bearer assemblies includes a slot in that one of the first and second sections which extends into the other section, said slot having an end face, and a pin extending through the outer one of said sections and through said slot to limit the extent of extension of said sections relative to each other.

10. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 4 wherein said means to facilitate manually longitudinally extending said second sections comprises a handle on each of said second sections to facilitate grasping said sections.

11. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 4 wherein the stretcher to be carried by said frame has downwardly projecting fee; said second sections of said first and second assemblies each include means connected to said second sections and moveable therewith for engaging said feet of said stretcher to prevent longitudinal movement of the stretcher on said bearer assemblies.

12. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 4 wherein first rollers are connected to said first sections for rotation about transverse axes at locations adjacent said first abutment elements; second rollers are connected to said second sections for rotation about transverse axes at locations adjacent said second aButment elements; said rollers providing for longitudinal movement of a stretcher along said first and second assemblies; and said rollers supporting the side rails of a stretcher on said bearer assemblies.

13. An adjustable frame arrangement according to claim 12 wherein said second rollers are each longer than said first rollers; whereby, a stretcher can be placed on said second rollers when said second sections are extended relative to said first sections.