WO1994026226A1

WO1994026226A1 - Stretcher carrier

Info

Publication number: WO1994026226A1
Application number: PCT/GB1994/001081
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Ian Davidson; John Anthony Pennell
Original assignee: University Of Newcastle Upon Tyne
Priority date: 1993-05-19
Filing date: 1994-05-19
Publication date: 1994-11-24
Also published as: AU6726494A; GB9310294D0

Abstract

A carrier for transporting at least one stretcher along a railed track comprises a pair of opposed beam members (2, 4, 102, 104) extending transversely of the track and each including one or more wheels (10, 108) or slide blocks for engaging the rails of the track. The beam members (2, 4, 102, 104) may be independent from one another or may be interconnected by one or more longitudinal pole members (14), the upper surface of each beam member (2, 4, 102, 104) being configured to locate and support thereon an associated one end of the or each stretcher, which stretcher may be, for example, a wheeled ambulance stretcher, a scoop stretcher or a pole stretcher.

Description

STRETCHER CARRIER TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to carriers for transporting stretchers, and more particularly to carriers for transporting stretchers along railed tracks. BACKGROUND ART

In the course of rescuing injured people from a railway accident, there is a need to convey the casualties from the site of the incident to the nearest location accessible to an ambulance. To achieve this, there is often the need to carry the casualties along the railway track for up to 1000 metres and sometimes more. Walking along a track carrying a casualty even on a stretcher can be very difficult and uncomfortable for the rescuer.

There are various types of stretcher currently available all of which can be provided for rescuing purposes. Some of these are more difficult than others to use in the above situation, and none of them are easy to carry along a track.

Typical stretchers that may be available at a railway accident are: a) a wheeled ambulance stretcher which has four wheels, one at each corner; b) a scoop stretcher which has a tubular aluminium frame in which are mounted opposed split plates to be located over and subsequently under the patient; c) a pole stretcher comprising a pair of parallel poles carrying a central fabric support sheet; d) modifications or variations of the above which may or may not have legs thereon either in place of or in combination with wheels. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It would be desirable to be able to provide a carrier which was capable of transporting all the aforementioned different types of stretchers easily and conveniently along a railed track.

According to the present invention there is provided a carrier for transporting at least one stretcher along a railed track characterised by a pair of opposed beam members adapted to extend transversely of the track and each provided with means, for example one or more wheels or slide blocks, at each end thereof for engagement with the rails of the track, the upper surface of each beam member being configured to locate and support thereon an associated one end of the or each stretcher.

In one embodiment of the invention, the beam members are independent from one another and each includes a pair of wheels at each end thereof.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the beam members are interconnected by one or more longitudinal pole members in such a manner that the longitudinal spacing between the beam members is variable. In such an embodiment the beam members may each includes one wheel at each end thereof. Conveniently the pole members extend through corresponding sockets or sleeves provided in the beam members whereby said beam members can be slid towards and away from one another along said pole members and can be releasably secured to said pole members at a desired spacing.

Preferably the beam members each includes a handle at each end thereof.

In a preferred arrangement, the carrier is capable of transporting two stretchers side by side each extending fore and aft of the carrier, the upper surfaces of the beam members being configured accordingly.

More particularly, the surface of each beam member may be provided with a plurality, for example four, of transversely spaced recesses therein each adapted to receive and locate therein a supporting leg or castor wheel of a pair of associated stretchers.

Each beam member may further include, adjacent each end thereof, resilient means for locating and gripping the pole of a pole stretcher or the frame of, for example, a scoop stretcher.

Said resilient means may each comprise one or more blocks of resilient material on the upper surface of the beam member adjacent the associated handle to define, together with said handle, a downwardly tapering volume into which said pole or frame can be located to be gripped between said block or blocks and the handle. In an alternative arrangement, each beam member is provided with a plurality of support blocks each capable of receiving thereon one pole of a pole stretcher or one side frame member of, for example, a scoop stretcher, said blocks each being mounted in the associated beam member to be slidable therealong whereby the spacing between each pair of blocks can be altered to accommodate stretchers of differing widths, each support block including means, for example an adjustable strap, for retaining the associated pole or frame member thereon. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figs. 1 and 2 show first and second stretcher carriers according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown a first carrier comprising an identical pair of transverse beam members indicated generally at 2 and 4. Each beam member 2, 4 includes a pair of opposed sidewalls 6, 8 and a bottom wall defining a hollow interior or trough thereto. An electrically-insulating, track-engaging flanged wheel 10 is provided on each end of each beam member 2, 4, the spacing of the wheels 10 of a beam member being equal to the gauge of the track on which the carrier is to be used.

Each beam member 2, 4 includes a pair of spaced sockets or sleeves 12 extending therethrough and receiving therein associated ends of a pair of connecting poles 14 provided to interconnect the beam members 2, 4. The beam members 2, 4 can slide along the poles 14 and can be releasably secured thereto whereby the longitudinal spacing between the beam members 2, 4 can be selectively adjusted. One end of one pole 14 may be extended beyond the functional dimensions so that, on assembly, the requirement for simultaneous insertion of the two poles into their associated sleeves 12 is avoided. A sheet of fabric material 16 is slung between the poles 14 to provide a platform to carry additional equipment.

A series of plates 18 are welded or otherwise secured to the top edges of the sidewalls 6, 8 of each beam 2, 4 to define therebetween recesses 20 within each beam member 2, 4 for reasons which will become apparent.

A handle 22 is provided at each end of each beam member 2, 4 to facilitate lifting and manoeuvring thereof, while, adjacent to each handle 22, there are secured to the upper edge of each sidewall 6, 8 a pair of generally triangular rubber blocks 24. These blocks 24, together with the associated handle 22, define therebetween a downwardly tapering volume into which can be fitted the pole of a pole stretcher or a side frame member of a scoop stretcher whereby said pole or frame member is resiliently gripped between the rubber blocks 24 and the handle 22. A pair if strips 26 of a resilient polymer material extend along the opposed upper edges of each sidewall 6, 8 of each beam member 2, 4 to receive thereon, in use of the carrier, the poles or frame members of pole or framed stretchers as will be detailed below.

The described carrier can be used to transport one or two of any of the above types of stretchers along a railed track. More particularly, and when used to transport wheeled ambulance stretchers, the stretchers are located on the carrier with their castor wheels each received in one of the recesses 20 in the beam members 2, 4 with the axes of the wheels extending longitudinally of the carrier parallel with the track. Clearly the spacing of the beam members 2, 4 is chosen to conform with that between the front and rear wheels of the stretcher, while the co-operation between the stretcher wheels and the recesses 20 is such that the stretchers are positively supported by and located on the beam members 2, 4.

If the stretchers incorporate legs instead of wheels, the legs are received within the recesses 20, it again being possible to transport two such stretchers side by side on the carrier.

In the case of pole stretchers or framed stretchers such as scoop stretchers, the inner pole or side frame member is supported on the resilient strips 26 provided on the upper edges of the sidewalls 6, 8 to extend across the beam members 2, 4, said strips 26 providing a cushioned, non-slip mount for the poles or side frame members thereon, while the outer pole or frame member of each stretcher is located between, to be gripped by, the associated rubber blocks 24 and handle 22. It will be appreciated that the carrier can accommodate any combination of ambulance, pole or scoop stretchers.

Each beam member 2, 4 is provided with an elongate handle 28 thereon to facilitate pulling and pushing of the carrier. More particularly, one end of each handle 28 is pivotally attached to the outer face of the sidewall 6 of each beam member 2, 4, the other, free end of the handle 28 comprising a hand grip 30. Each handle 28 can be moved between a stowed position as shown on beam member 4, and an operative position shown on beam member 2. In the stowed position, the handle is retained in a clip on the associated beam member 2, 4 which holds the handle against the sidewall of the beam member, while the handles 28 and their attachment points to the beam members 2, 4 are designed such that the handles 28 cannot be accidentally detached from the beam members 2, 4 while the carrier is being pulled or pushed thereby. They can however be easily detached when in positions close to their stowed positions. Both sidewalls 6, 8 of each beam member 2, 4 are provided with handle clips and handle attachment points, although only one handle 28 is supplied per beam member 2, 4.

Fig. 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention comprising a pair of identical but independent beam members 102 and 104 to each end of each of which is mounted a trolley 106 provided with a pair of electrically-insulating, flanged wheels 108. The operative position of each trolley 106 is a position extending longitudinally of the carrier - ie. parallel with the track - and said trolleys 106 having an inoperative or stored position displaced through 90° from that illustrated and located below the associated beam member 102, 104.

Each beam member 102, 104 is of generally truncated V- shape in transverse section and includes a pair of opposed T- shaped slots extending the length of the beam, one in the inner, upper regions of each sidewall of the beam member.

Mounted in said slots of each beam member 102, 104 are four support blocks 110 each having a concave upper surface and slidable along the associated beam member 102, 104, each support block having a strap (not shown) associated therewith. Handles 112 are provided at each end of each beam member 102, 104.

In use of the described carrier to transport pole or scoop stretchers, the two beam members 102, 104 are spaced apart each to receive thereon one end of the associated stretchers. More particularly, the poles or side frame members of the stretchers seat on, to be located by, associated ones of the support blocks 110 which are spaced along the beam members 102, 104 accordingly. The straps on the support blocks 110 are then passed round the poles or side frames of the stretchers, the free ends of the straps being secured to the blocks for example by releasable fastenings such as Velcro (RTM) .

In the case of ambulance stretchers having wheels or legs adjacent the corners thereof, said wheels or legs are located in the hollow interior of the beam members 102, 104 to each side of the pairs of support blocks 110.

Modifications and variations can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the basic invention. In particular those features of the embodiment of Fig. 1 not shown in the embodiment of Fig. 2 may be incorporated in the latter embodiment and vice versa, while the wheels 10, 108 may be replaced by, for example, blocks of PTFE adapted to slide along the rails of the track.

In all cases there is provided a carrier which can readily transport one or two stretchers of any current type along a railway track with ease and comfort to both the rescued and the rescuer.

The described embodiments are collapsible to a width of no more than 150mm without the need for additional tools (the trolleys 106 of the embodiment of Fig. 2 having been pivoted to their stored condition), are capable of carrying wheeled, pole or scoop stretchers either singly or in pairs and in any combination, have insulated railway-type wheels for electrical safety, incorporate handles for ease of lifting and manoeuvrability, and have an adjustable wheelbase to accommodate all lengths of stretcher.

The embodiment of Fig. 1 incorporates a fabric support sheet for transporting ancillary equipment, while the embodiment of Fig. 2 incorporates T-slots, support blocks and straps for convenient and positive attachment of the poles or side frame members of pole or scoop stretchers.

The carriers can conveniently be stored under wheeled stretchers on ambulance floors, and, as the beam members 2, 4 and 102 and 104 are identical and symmetrical, they can be readily interchanged.

The illustrated carriers are suitable for use on all standard gauge railway tracks irrespective of the type of traction power used, while the carriers of the invention can be modified as appropriate for use on any other nominated track gauge.

Claims

1. A carrier for transporting at least one stretcher along a railed track, characterised by a pair of opposed beam members (2, 4, 102, 104) adapted to extend transversely of the track and each provided with means (10, 108) at each end thereof for engagement with the rails of the track, the upper surface of each beam member (2, 4, 102, 104) being configured to locate and support thereon an associated one end of the or each stretcher.

2. A carrier as claimed in claim 1 in which the beam members (102, 104) are independent from one another and each includes a pair of wheels (108) at each end thereof.

3. A carrier as claimed in claim 1 in which the beam members (2, 4) are interconnected by at least one longitudinal pole member ( 14) in such a manner that the longitudinal spacing between the beam members (2, 4) is variable.

4. A carrier as claimed in claim 3 in which the beam members (2, 4) each includes one wheel (10) at each end thereof.

5. A carrier as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 in which the pole members ( 14) extend through corresponding sockets (12) provided in the beam members (2, 4) whereby said beam members (2, 4) can be slid towards and away from one another along said pole members (14) and can be releasably secured to said pole members (14) at a desired spacing.

6. A carrier as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 in which the beam members (2, 4, 102, 104) each includes a handle (22, 112) at each end thereof.

7. A carrier as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 and capable of transporting two stretchers side by side each extending fore and aft of the carrier, the upper surfaces of the beam members (2, 4, 102, 104) being configured accordingly.

8. A carrier as claimed in claim 7 in which the surface of each beam member (2, 4, 102, 104) is provided with a plurality of transversely spaced recesses (20) therein each adapted to receive and locate therein a supporting leg or castor wheel of a pair of associated stretchers.

9. A carrier as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 in which each beam member (2, 4, 102, 104) further includes, adjacent each end thereof, resilient means (24) for locating and gripping the pole of a pole stretcher and the frame of a frame stretcher.

10. A carrier as claimed in claim 9 together with claim 6 in which the resilient means each comprise at least one block (24) of resilient material on the upper surface of the beam member (2, 4, 102, 104) adjacent the associated handle (22, 112) to define, together with said handle (22, 112), a downwardly tapering volume into which said pole and frame can be located to be gripped between said block (24) and the handle (22, 112).

11. A carrier member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 in which each beam member (2, 4, 102, 104) is provided with a plurality of support blocks (110) each capable of receiving thereon one pole of a pole stretcher and one side frame member of a scoop stretcher, said blocks (110) each being mounted in the associated beam member (2, 4, 102, 104) to be slidable therealong whereby the spacing between each pair of blocks (110) can be altered to accommodate stretchers of differing widths, each support block including means for retaining the associated pole and frame member thereon.

12. A carrier as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 in which each beam member (2, 4, 102, 104) is provided with at least one handle (28) to facilitate pulling and pushing of the carrier along the railed track.

13. A carrier as claimed in claim 12 in which each handle (28 ) comprises an elongate member one end of which is pivotally attached to the associated beam member (2, 4, 102, 104) and the other end of which comprises a hand grip (30), each handle being movable between a stowed position extending transversely of the carrier and an operative position extending fore and aft of the carrier.