WO2004039300A1

WO2004039300A1 - Patient support apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: WO2004039300A1
Application number: PCT/GB2003/004623
Authority: WO
Inventors: Boris Zakian
Original assignee: Boris Zakian
Priority date: 2002-10-29
Filing date: 2003-10-24
Publication date: 2004-05-13
Also published as: AU2003276397A1

Abstract

A patient support apparatus has one or more movable components to assist use and/or storage of the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a frame (2) and a patient support (3). The one or more movable components may be provided by a plurality of members (11-20) forming the frame, the members being hinged together by hinge devices (21-30) to allow folding of the frame. The hinging axes of at least some of the hinge devices are disposed substantially perpendicular to, and/or substantially parallel to, the plane of the frame when unfolded for use. First and second parts (40, 41) of the patient support (3) are mutually separable for disposition over the body of a patient for movement to a position adjacent the patient, and can be drawn towards one another so as to lie under the body of the patient. In another arrangement the one or more movable components are provided by the patient support (3) and at least one elongate roller (101a), and there is provided a drive assembly (550, 560) for moving the patient support to advance the patient support under the patient. The drive assembly is also arranged to rotate the or each roller during the movement in a direction of rotation such as to transfer the patient to the patient support.

Description

PATIENT SUPPORT APPARATUS AND METHOD

The present invention relates to a patient support apparatus such as a stretcher or a patient-handling device, and to a method of moving a patient, and in some aspects relates to a support apparatus which may be used to support objects other than a patient.

Stretchers are well-known devices commonly used to carry or support prone or prostrate patients. In a first main aspect, the stretcher of the present invention is particularly but not exclusively intended for being stored in ambulances or other locations where, when the stretcher is not in use, it can desirably occupy only a small space. Folding stretchers and stretchers that are collapsible are known. However known collapsible or folding stretchers have disadvantages. For example, pole stretchers which consists of two pole with end handles, a flexible support extending between the poles and a bracing structure for spacing the poles apart, may not provide good support, especially head, neck or back support, to a patient being carried. Other types of folding or collapsible stretcher are not easy to assemble, do not collapse to a sufficiently small space and / or may not be stable in use.

Another factor, relevant to a second main aspect of the invention is that where a patient has suffered an accident of some sort it is usually desirable to move them as little as possible in case back or neck injuries have occurred. Common practice is to use a so-called "back board" which is slid under the patient and then used to lift the patient on to a stretcher. Most stretchers do not provide adequate head and neck support and this may adversely affect the prognosis for a patient moved by stretcher. One known device described in US patent 1 ,965,644 allows a two-part support to be drawn apart when a stretcher carrying a patient is on a bed so as to allow the patient to be left on the bed, and without further lifting the patient. This device does not allow the patient to be conveyed in the contrary direction, i.e. from bed or other surface to stretcher.

A third main aspect of the invention is concerned with object handling. In general, the art of object handling often needs to address the picking up of an object from a substrate upon which the object then rests. Sometimes it is possible to avoid the issue by moving the object across the substrate to a conveyor or similar; in other cases, for example where the object is of known rigid configuration, a grabber device is used. The art does not however adequately address situations such as where the object is delicate and non-rigid, for example where a human being or an animal is to be moved.

One instance of the need to move people is in hospital situations. It is a common requirement of patients in hospital to be moved between a gurney, a ward bed, an operating table and an x-ray table. Common practice is to logroll the patient onto a slide-board and then to move the slide-board to an adjoining surface followed by logrolling the patient to remove the slide-board. This is generally disadvantageous as manhandling a patient can cause problems to the patient's health and can result in injury to staff moving the patient.

It is therefore believed desirable to provide a support apparatus that has embodiments capable of transferring an object onto a platform without the need to manhandle the object to the possible detriment of the object and those doing the manhandling.

In a general aspect there may be provided in accordance with the present invention a patient support apparatus having one or more movable components to assist use and/or storage of the apparatus, the apparatus comprising a frame; and a patient support; in which the one or more movable components are provided by a plurality of members forming the frame, the members being hinged together by hinge devices to allow folding of the frame, the hinging axes of at least some of the hinge devices being disposed substantially perpendicular to, and/or substantially parallel to, the plane of the frame when unfolded for use; and/or in which the one or more movable components are provided by first and second parts of the patient support which are mutually separable for disposition over the body of a patient for movement to a position adjacent the patient, and which can be drawn towards one another so as to lie under the body of the patient; and/or in which the one or more movable components are provided by the patient support and at least one elongate roller, and there is provided a drive assembly for moving the patient support to advance the patient support under the patient, the drive assembly also being arranged to rotate the or each roller during the movement in a direction of rotation such as to transfer the patient to the patient support.

According to the present invention in a first main aspect there is provided a stretcher having a generally elongate planar frame and a patient support secured to the frame, the frame having a longitudinal axis and a closed periphery defined by plural members, the plural members being connected together by hinge devices, each hinge device having a respective hinging axis, the hinging axes of at least some of the hinge devices being disposed one of substantially perpendicular to the plane of the frame and substantially parallel to the plane of the frame, the arrangement being such that the plural members may be folded about the hinging axes to reduce the area occupied by the stretcher.

The provision of a frame having a closed periphery, composed of plural members that are hinged together, enables embodiments to be created in which the stability of the frame allows excellent patient support. Hinging axes of the hinge devices being perpendicular to the plane of the frame, the folding direction of the frame about those hinging devices is in the plane of the frame. Thus forces perpendicular to the plane of the frame, for example the forces caused by a patient occupying the stretcher, do not tend to make the frame fold or collapse. At the same time, hinging devices allow embodiments to be created that fold so as to occupy a very small surface space when folded. Where hinging axes are parallel to the plane of the frame, they may be disposed below the frame so that the weight of a patient causes the ends of members connected by the hinges to come into abutment so that the frame becomes increasingly rigid.

In one embodiment, the plural members of the frame are permanently connected together at their ends whereby the members form a continuous loop.

By permanently connecting the frame members to form a continuous loop it is possible to deploy the stretcher very simply to the position for use, as the members of the frame are already linked together. In the preferred embodiment, the stretcher has two opposing side portions and two opposing end portions, wherein hinge devices of the side portions have hinging axes disposed substantially perpendicular to the plane of the frame, and hinge devices of the end portions have hinging axes substantially parallel the plane of the frame.

This arrangement allows the side portions to be folded towards each other to fold the stretcher in half, and then the side portions themselves to be concertina'd up to provide a small storage footprint.

Preferably, the two side portions each comprise at least first, second and third contiguous members, the hinge device between one contiguous pair of members being on the inside of the frame and the hinge device between the other contiguous pair being on the outside of the frame.

Where the stretcher has three contiguous members with the hinges respectively inside and outside the frame, the three members may be folded together in a concertina fashion so that the members lie substantially beside one another. Embodiments can be created that are very compact in the folded state.

A strong stretcher may be made by providing the members of the frame to have a generally square or rectangular cross-section. The inner and outer surfaces of such members may be of sufficient size to allow hinge devices to be strongly attached to the members.

Embodiments in which the end portions are connected by hinge devices whose hinging axis are parallel to the plane of the frame allow the frame to be folded longitudinally in half while side members of the frame can be folded concertina fashion. The members of the frame in the end portions may be "J" shaped, and have first portions which are disposed in the side parts of the frame and second portions which are disposed in the end portions of the frame.

Preferably, each hinge device has an associated securing device, each securing device having a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position substantial mutual hinging movement between the members connected by the said hinge device is prevented, and in the open position, the said hinging movement is substantially unimpeded.

Although it is possible to maintain the frame in its deployed state by the use of cross braces and other devices, an advantageous embodiment uses securing devices associated with each hinge. The securing devices may secure together the ends of the members connected via the hinge devices so as to prevent pivoting around the hinge axis. Such embodiments allow for the patient support to be uninterrupted by cross braces and thus to be more comfortable than embodiments in which cross braces are used.

At least some securing devices may comprise a catch having a first part secured to one member and a second part secured to the adjacent member, the catch being arranged to hold the two members substantially engaged together.

Catch devices of many different types may be used including for example so-called "suitcase catches".

In one family of embodiments, the first part has a loop portion pivotally mounted on the said one member and said second part has a hook portion constructed and arranged to be engaged by the loop portion.

In one embodiment of this family, the first part has a lever pivotally mounted on a portion of the first part, said portion being fixedly secured to the said one member, and the loop portion is pivotally mounted to said lever whereby said catch comprises an over-centre catch.

The over-centre catch allows for the loop portion to be engaged over the hook portion followed by exerting of pressure on the lever so as to draw the parts of the catch into secure tensioned engagement.

In another example, at least some of said members are hollow at least in their end regions, and the associated securing device comprises a connecting element, said connecting element arranged to be moveable between first and second positions wherein in said first position the connecting element lies substantially wholly within only one member and in said second position the element extends within both members connected by a hinge device to prevent the said one member and the said adjacent member from mutual rotational movement about the hinge axis.

Use of a telescopic parts movable from within one member until it is disposed within two adjacent members can lock the frame in its deployed state. Such an arrangement increases the strength in the zone of connection at the ends of the members.

In a preferred embodiment, the patient support comprises a substantially continuous layer of fabric.

A substantially continuous layer of fabric for example nylon or cotton can provide a high degree of comfort for the patient occupying the stretcher. Such a layer may be secured around the members of the frame so that the frame members are mainly enclosed in tubular pockets of the fabric. Clearly, devices other than fabric may be used, for example metallised foils, or metal foils where this is deemed advantageous.

In an alternative embodiment, the patient support comprises plural spaced web portions.

Where portions may be provided by lengths of webbing secured across the frame and spaced by sufficiently small spacing to provide adequate support to the patient. Webbing may be secured by press-studs, which thus allow for rapid removal and reconnection of the webbing.

The frame may have a shoulder portion, wherein said shoulder portion has a transverse extent, and a head support portion extending along the longitudinal axis of said frame and having a transverse extent less than the transverse extent of the shoulder portion. The frame may comprise two opposing frame parts disposed substantially mutually parallel.

Embodiments may thus be provided in which the head support portion is adapted to provide good support to the head of a patient by virtue of the frame being close to the head. ln preferred embodiments, head support devices are secured to the frame of the stretcher to substantially immobilise the head of a patient.

Such head support devices may include plate-like members hinged to the frame, or otherwise extending from the head support portion and adapted to engage with opposite sides of the head so as to cope with the possibility of spinal injuries. The plate-like members may alternatively be removably secured to the frame by provision of sockets and counterpart plug-type formations.

In another aspect of the invention, a stretcher has a closed frame and a patient support portion, the closed frame being arranged to surround the patient support portion for use and comprising opposing side portions secured together in a way that allows the side portions to lie adjacent one another for storage.

Preferably, the opposing side portions each comprise plural members secured together by hinges whereby the plural members of each side portion may be disposed end to end, or folded to lie side-by-side.

Preferably, the stretcher has an integral head immobiliserfor immobilising the head of a patient.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a stretcher comprising a generally planar patient support portion, and a plurality of members secured together at their ends by hinge devices, wherein the hinge devices are disposed substantially parallel to the plane of the patient support portion and are arranged such that force applied to the patient support causes the ends of the members to abut one another.

Preferably the hinge devices are disposed on the lower faces of the members.

Turning now to a second main aspect of the present invention there is provided according to the invention a stretcher comprising a frame and a patient support, the frame in use at least substantially surrounding the patient support and having first and second opposing portions, the patient support having a first and a second part, wherein the first and second parts of the patient support each have a respective first edge region and a respective second edge region, the first edge region of the first part of the patient support being secured to the first portion of the frame, and the first edge region of the second part of the patient support being secured to the second portion of the frame, the arrangement being such that the second edge regions may be mutually separated for disposition over the body of a patient, and drawn towards one another so as to lie under the body of the said patient.

Preferably the arrangement is such that the second edge regions may be mutually separated by movement relative to the opposing portions of the frame for disposition over the body of the patient for movement to a position adjacent the patient, and may be drawn towards one another by movement relative to the frame so as to lie under the body of the said patient. Preferably the frame has a longitudinal axis and the opposing portions of the frame are side portions of the frame which are aligned in the general direction of the longitudinal axis.

Thus, to scoop a patient onto the stretcher the second edge regions of the patient support are drawn apart and the stretcher is lowered over the patient's body until the second edge regions can be drawn towards one another. By drawing towards one another the second edge regions, the patient support is drawn under the patient who may then be lifted without the intervention of a back board, and without manual manipulation.

By providing a frame which surrounds the patient support, the patient support can provide improved support to a patient being carried on the stretcher by contrast with known stretchers. The two parts of the patient support may comprise two portions of fabric, for example nylon or acrylic fabric, which are secured to the frame by passing over the frame and stitching back. In a preferred embodiment the fabric comprises an aramid fibre material, such as Kevlar (RTM) or Nomex (RTM).

Preferably the frame has a longitudinal axis and the opposing portions of the frame are side portions of the frame which extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment the side portions of the frame taper outwardly from a foot portion to a shoulder region so as to substantially follow the shape of the human body.

Advantageously the frame comprises plural members whose relative dispositions can be changed to reduce the area of the stretcher for storage.

Thus the members of the frame may be separated by pulling apart and then the stretcher folded, in one embodiment.

Preferably at least some of the plural members are secured together by hinge devices.

In the preferred embodiment the plural members of the frame are all secured together by hinge devices which means reduced assembly time.

Advantageously the frame defines a plane and at least some of the hinge devices have hinge axes substantially perpendicular said plane.

By disposing the hinge axes of hinge devices perpendicular to the plane, force on to the patient support does not tend to cause the frame to fold up.

Advantageously the frame defines a plane and at least some of the hinge devices have hinge axes substantially parallel said plane, the hinge axes being disposed so that downward force on the frame at the hinge axes causes the members to abut.

Advantageously the hinge devices which have hinge axes parallel the plane, have said hinge axes disposed below a lower surface of the members of the frame.

Preferably the or each hinge device has an associated catch for securing adjacent frame members together.

Preferably the frame comprises a head support portion and a foot support portion opposing the head support portion. The head support portion is of a lateral extent less than the extent between the shoulder portions of the frame and has a longitudinal extent sufficient for a human neck and head. Side head support boards may be hingedly attached to the frame for preventing movement of a human head.

Preferably tensioning portions extend along the second edge regions for drawing the second edge regions toward one another.

In the preferred embodiment the tensioning portions are along the second edge regions so that in use the tensioning portions extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Thus, force along the longitudinal axis on the tensioning portions will draw the second edge regions towards one another. It is of course equally possible to provide different means for drawing the second edge regions towards one another, for instance lateral webs may be provided so as to additionally or alternatively pull the second regions towards one another, or towards the opposing side portion of the frame.

Advantageously the tensioning portions each have a first and second end, and the first end of each tensioning portion is secured to the frame.

By this means, a tensioning force is applied to the second end of the tensioning portion so as to draw the second edge regions towards one another. Alternatively, a single tensioning portion may extend the length of one second edge, through the frame, and back along the other second edge portion so that by providing tension on the free ends of the tensioning portions, the second edge regions are drawn towards one another.

In a preferred embodiment a winch is operable to engage the tensioning portions so as to draw the second edge regions together. In the preferred embodiment the winch is secured adjacent the head support portion of the stretcher.

Preferably the tensioning portions comprise cables. In accordance with one additional preferred feature the tensioning portions may consist of cables fitted with short rollers, for example made of pliant plastic, to engender a rolling action between cable and platform (or apron).

There will now be described in general terms a third main aspect of the invention which is concerned with support apparatus, a patient handling device, and a method of moving a patient.

According to one particular aspect of the invention there is provided support apparatus comprising a frame, a platform for supporting an object, the platform comprising at least one elongate roller and a drive assembly for moving the platform in a substantially translational movement relative to the frame such as to advance the platform under an object to be transferred to the platform, in which the drive assembly is arranged also to rotate the or each roller during the substantially translational movement in a direction of rotation such as to transfer the object onto the platform.

Preferably the apparatus operates by direct contact of the roller with the object.

In use, as the platform is moved towards the object, rotation of the roller causes the object to be transferred to the platform. The platform may be rigid or flexible. In some embodiments the platform moves downwardly under the object so as to scoop the object. For example in a region close to the object the frame may have guides that cause the platform to move nearer to a substrate upon which the object rests.

The platform may comprise a plurality of elongate rollers mounted on the frame and positioned side-by-side to form a bed of rollers.

According to another particular aspect of the invention there is provided support apparatus comprising a first and a second platform for supporting an object, wherein each platform comprises at least one elongate roller and a drive assembly for moving the platforms towards each other such as to advance the platforms under an object to be transferred to the platforms, in which the drive assembly is arranged also to rotate each roller during the said movement in a direction of rotation such as to transfer the object to the platforms.

Where two platforms are provided initially spaced apart to span an object, the rotation of the rollers may be in mutually opposite senses to draw the object to be lifted onto the platforms as the platforms move towards one another.

Each platform may comprise a respective plurality of elongate rollers, positioned side-by-side to form a respective bed of rollers.

The support apparatus may comprise a frame for supporting the rollers, wherein the rollers have first and second ends and the frame has a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion having a track engaging the first ends of said rollers and the second end portion having a track engaging the second ends of said rollers.

By providing a frame, a rigid device may be achieved which will allow for ready control of the movement of the rollers. The track can be shaped so as to scoop the object as discussed above.

Each said track may comprise an upper and a lower rail, the upper and lower rails being spaced apart, and wherein each plurality of rollers is disposed in tiers with portions of a lower tier of rollers engaging the lower rails and portions of an upper tier of rollers engaging the upper rails.

The use of upper and lower rails constraining the movement of the rollers further improves the control of the movement of the rollers. Friction between the upper and lower tiers may be used to ensure that as the rollers move together, the upper rollers of the first plurality rotate in a first sense and those of the second plurality rotate in a second sense, the first and second senses being mutually opposite senses. The action of the engagement with the rails may ensure that the positions on the rollers which are instantaneously the upper surfaces of the rollers are stationary during mutually inward or outward translation of the rollers. The rollers of the first platform and the rollers of the second platform are engaged at each end thereof by a respective sub-frame, each sub-frame being movable with respect to the frame to move said platforms towards one another.

A sub-frame which engages the plural rollers in their two tiers can be used to ensure that the rollers move in a concerted fashion.

Each roller may have an axle and each sub-frame engage the axles of a respective plurality of rollers.

The frame may provide bearings for the axles of the plurality of rollers, thus maintaining the rollers in correct alignment and allowing inward and outward translation with simultaneous rotation in the desired form.

The drive assembly may comprise an electric motor.

Although a device that uses an electric motor alone may be provided, or a device that uses a manually operated drive such as a lever crank may be provided, in the preferred embodiment the two are provided simultaneously. In this case the lever crank may act as a back-up in the event of failure of the electric motor, or in situations where electric power is either not available or is not desirable.

A transmission shaft may extend between the end portions of the frame whereby drive is transmitted to both ends of the rollers.

By providing a transmission shaft extending between the two ends of the support structure, a single drive device may be used and the rollers may be moved together evenly at each end.

Lifting shackles may be secured to the frame.

The use of shackles secured to the support structure enables a hoist or other lifting device secured to the shackles to raise the object mechanically. According to yet another particular aspect of the invention there is provided a patient-handling device comprising support apparatus utilising features previously set out.

According to a yet further particular aspect of the invention there is provided a patient handling device comprising a frame carrying at least a first roller and a second elongate roller, the rollers being constructed and arranged to support a said patient, the rollers being movable towards one another on the frame from a first position in which the first and second rollers are spaced apart by an amount sufficient to span the width of a patient to a position where at least some of the rollers are disposed under the patient, whereby the patient is lifted onto the rollers.

The patient-handling device may comprise a first and a second bed of rollers, the first bed comprising the first roller and the second bed comprising the second roller.

The rollers may have first and second ends and the frame has a first end having a track engaging the first ends of said rollers and the frame has a second end having a track engaging the second ends of said rollers.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of moving a patient comprising disposing a bed of rollers to one side of the patient, moving the bed of rollers to engage the patient and, during the moving step, causing the rollers to rotate, whereby the rollers rotate in a direction such as to transfer the patient onto the bed of rollers.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of moving a patient comprising disposing a respective bed of rollers to each side of the patient, moving the beds of rollers towards one another and, during the moving step, causing the rollers to rotate, whereby the rollers rotate in a direction such as to transfer the patient onto the beds of rollers.

The step of causing the rollers to rotate may comprise causing rotation of the rollers at a speed selected with respect to the speed of movement of the beds of rollers towards one another such that instantaneous topmost points of the rollers are substantially stationary.

In accordance with another preferred feature relating to this third general aspect of the invention, a set of endless belts can be incorporated to cover, and transfer drive between, tiers of rollers which are provided. A pallet containing two tiers of rollers can be arranged with these each fitted with an endless belt, the belts coming into inter-rotation. The unit can be arranged to hold a total of four continuous belts. All the moving parts for this unit should be enclosed. The transmission shaft, cables and chains can run through the centre of a tubular section.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a stretcher embodying the present invention;

Figure 2 shows the stretcher of Figure 1 in a folded condition;

Figures 3A and 3B show respectively a front and a side elevation of an exemplary over-centre catch suitable for use in the stretcher of Figure 1 ;

Figures 4A and 4B show respectively a front and a side elevation of an exemplary hook catch suitable for use in the stretcher of Figure 1 ; and

Figures 5A-C show two members of the stretcher of Figure 1 , having a telescoping member for preventing mutual movement of the two members.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view from above of a stretcher embodying the present invention;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view from below of the stretcher of Figure 6;

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the stretcher of Figure 6 in a partly folded configuration;

Figure 9 shows an enlarged view of the foot portion of Figure 8; Figure 10 shows the folding of the side portions of the stretcher; and

Figure 11 shows an example of a stretcher head portion and winch.

Figure 12 shows a partially cutaway view of a patient lift device embodying the present invention;

Figure 13 shows a perspective view from above and one end of a patient lift device embodying the present invention;

Figure 14 shows a schematic view of a patient about to be lifted by the device of Figures 12 and 13;

Figures 15 and 16 show detailed views of the rollers of Figure 12 in the lifting process and in the lowering process respectively; and

Figures 15a and 16a show views of the rollers corresponding to Figures 15 and 16 but in a modified form.

In the various figures, like reference numerals reference to like parts.

Referring first to Figure 1 , a stretcher 1 has a generally elongate planar frame 2 having a longitudinal axis ll-ll', and a patient support 3 secured to the frame 2. The frame 2 has a closed periphery which is defined by plural generally elongate members, here first to tenth members 11-20. The ten members 11-20 are connected together at their ends by first to tenth hinge devices 21-30 each having a hinging axis. The hinge devices 21-30 in this embodiment are formed metal butt hinges, although other types of hinge and other devices allowing mutual pivoting of two members about a hinging axis would be suitable. First to fourth hinges 21-24 and fifth to eighth hinges 25-28 are secured to frame members such that their hinging axes are substantially perpendicular to the plane of the frame 2. Ninth and tenth hinge devices 29 and 30 are disposed with their hinge axes generally parallel to the plane of the frame 2.

In this embodiment, the frame members 11-20 are of lightweight alloy material and have a generally square cross-section, being generally solid. Other embodiments, may by contrast be hollow, and/or have cross-sections other than square including, but not limited to, generally circular and rectangular. Other materials including but not limited to carbon fibre reinforced plastics, glass reinforced resin and mild steel may alternatively be used.

Continued reference to Figure 1 shows that the planar frame 2 is made up of first and second opposing side portions 40, 50, a foot portion 60, which extends between the side portions 40 and 50, and a head portion 70. At the end of the side portions 40, 50 opposite to the foot portion 60, the frame 2 has shoulder portions 45, 55 which link the side portions 40, 50 and the head portion 70. The first side portion 40,50 comprises the third and fourth members 13,14 and part of the second and fifth members 12,15 as will be further described herein. T he second side portion 50 is formed from the seventh and eighth members 17,18 and parts of the sixth and ninth members 16,19. The foot portion 60 comprises parts of the fifth and sixth members 15,16. The shoulder portions are formed by parts of the second and ninth members 12,19 and parts of the tenth and first members 20,11.

The side portions 40, 50 are generally straight, and extend from the foot portion 60 to enclose an angle with the foot portion 60 that is greater than 90 degrees. Hence the width of the frame 2 tapers outwardly from the foot portion 60 to the shoulder portions 45, 55. The head portion 70 has a width less than the width across the shoulder portions 45,55. The head portion 70 has a longitudinal extent dimensioned to support the head of a patient.

The third and fourth frame members 13,14 are generally straight and are secured together at their first ends 13a, 14a by the first hinge 21. The first hinge 21 is disposed on the outer surface, i.e. the surface more remote from the longitudinal axis ll-ll', of the frame members 13,14. The third frame member 13 has a second end 13b opposite the first end 13a. At the second end 13b, it is secured to a first end 12a of the second frame member 12 via the second hinge 22. The second hinge 22 is disposed on the inner surface of the second and third frame members 12,13. T he second frame member 12 has a straight portion 12b having the first end 12a, and continues via an inwardly-curved portion 12c to an inwardly-directed second end portion 12d. In this document, the term "inwardly" is used to indicate a direction towards the longitudinal axis 11— 11^*. The straight portion 12a and the second end portions include between them an angle of slightly less than 90 degrees. The curved portion 12c lies at the shoulder end of the first side portion 40 and forms a part of the shoulder portion 45.

The fourth frame member has a second end 14b opposite to the first end

14a. At the second end 14a, the fourth frame member is secured to the first end 15a of the fifth frame member via the third hinge 23. The third hinge 23 is disposed on the inner surface of the fourth and fifth frame members 14,15. The fifth frame member 15 has a first straight portion 15b having the first end 15a. The first straight portion 15b extends via an inwardly-curved portion 15c to a second end 15d. The inwardly-curved portion 15c lies at the foot end of the first side portion 40 and forms a part of the foot portion 60.

As previously noted, the first to fourth hinges 21-24 are secured to their respective members with their hinging axis perpendicular the plane of the frame 2.

The second end portion 12d of the second frame member 12 is connected by the fourth hinge 24 to a first end 11a of the first frame member 11. The fourth hinge 24 is disposed on the outer side of the first and second frame members 11 ,12. The first frame member 11 forms part of the shoulder portion 45 and part of the head portion 70. The first frame member 11 has two end portions, the previously-discussed first end portion 11 a and a second end portion 11 b which is generally parallel to the first end portion 11a, but spaced apart from it. The first end portion 11a extends via a curved portion 11c into a generally straight portion 11d, which, as will be seen from Figure 1, runs generally parallel to the longitudinal axis ll-ll', and away from the foot portion 60. The straight portion 11d extends via an inwardly-directed return curve to the inwardly-directed second end portion 11b.

In this embodiment the stretcher is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis II— ll"_ The second side portion 50 thus consists of the sixth frame member 16 which is the mirror image of the fifth frame member 15, and which has a first end 16a connected to the second end 15d of the fifth frame member 15, and, at a second end 16b to the first end 17a of the seventh frame member 17. The fifth hinge 25, connecting the first end 17a of the seventh frame member 17 to the second end 16b of the sixth frame member 16, is disposed on the inside surface of the sixth and seventh frame members 16,17. At the second end 17b of the seventh frame member 17 the sixth hinge 26, which is disposed on the outer surface of the seventh frame member 17, connects the seventh frame member 17 to the eighth frame member 18 at its first end 18a. At the second end 18b of the eighth frame member 18, the seventh hinge 27 disposed on the inner surface of the eighth frame member 18 connects the eighth frame member 18 to the ninth frame member 19 at its first end 19a. The ninth frame member 19 is the mirror image of the second frame member 12 and thus extends from its first end 19a via a straight portion 19b, then via an inwardly-curved portion 19c to an inwardly-directed second end 19d. At the second end 19d of the ninth frame member 19, an eighth hinge 28 disposed on the outer side of the ninth frame member 19 connects to a first end 20a of the tenth frame member 20. The tenth frame member 20 is the mirror of the first frame member 11 , and extends from the first end 19a via a first curved portion 20b to a straight portion 20c that is disposed substantially parallel to and spaced from the longitudinal axis ll-ll'. The straight portion 20c extends via an inwardly-directed curved portion 20d to the second end portion 20e.

The second end 15d of the fifth frame member 15 is connected to the first end 16a of the sixth frame member 16 via the ninth hinge 29, disposed on the underside of the fifth and sixth frame members at the centre of the foot portion 60 and on the longitudinal axis ll-ll'. The second end portion 20e of the tenth frame member 20 and the second end portion 11 b of the first frame member 11 are connected by the tenth hinge 30, disposed on the underside of the tenth and first frame members 20,11 , at the centre of the head portion 70 and on the longitudinal axis ll-ll'.

The stretcher 1 of this embodiment further has a head-support portion

100, which consists of first and second head support boards 101 , 102. The first head support board is mounted on the upper side of the straight portion 20c of the tenth member via two hinges (not shown). Likewise, the second head support board 102 is mounted on the upper side of the straight portion 11d of the first member 11 via two hinges 103a, 103b. The head support boards 101 ,102 are mounted so as to be capable of pivoting between a first position where they lay flat and outwardly directed, and a second position where they stand substantially vertically from the first and tenth frame members 11 ,20. A piece of webbing 104 is fixedly secured to the second head support board 102 and is releasably secured to the first head support board 101 , so as to secure them in the second position. Releasable securing may be achieved by a hook and loop fastener fabric or by any other convenient means. The head support boards 101 ,102 are substantially square but with rounded corners to avoid injury. Holes 105 are provided to afford auricular freedom. In use, packing material such as pads will be interposed between the head and the support boards where necessary.

Further consideration of Figure 1 shows that the presence of the ninth hinge 29 and the tenth hinge 30 respectively at the foot portion 60 and the head portion 70 allow the stretcher to be folded in half along its longitudinal axis ll-ll'. The direction of folding is to move the side portions 40,50 downward. Then the presence of the first, fourth, sixth and eighth hinges 21 , 24, 26, 28 on the outside of the frame together with the hinges 22, 23, 25, 27 on the inside of the frame allow the frame members 14 and 17 to be folded inwardly in one direction with the contiguous frame members 13 and 18 folded back against them in the opposite direction, in a concertina fashion. The hinges 24 and 26 allow the head portion to be folded in so as to form the folded device shown in Figure 2.

Reference to Figure 2 also shows that in this embodiment, the members of the frame have projecting "D" portions 500 and counterpart sockets 501 at their ends to provide increased strength at the joints.

To retain the stretcher in its unfolded and deployed condition, securing devices may be required, according to the application. As the hinges 29 and 30 are on the underside of the frame 2, lifting the side portions 40, 50 of the frame 2 maintains the ends of the frame members 15, 16 and the frame members 20, 11 in contact, and indeed will urge them into contact. Equally, the weight of a patient on the patient support 3 tends to draw the side portions 40,50 of the frame 2 inwards towards each other. Hence, if the frame 2 were manually held in the region of hinges 21 and 26, the frame 2 could be retained in its use configuration. There may thus be no need for any securing device under certain circumstances.

However, in the embodiment of Figure 1 , catches 121-130 are provided to bridge each pair of frame members 11-20 and are secured to the frame members. Catches 124 and 128 are on the top surface of the frame members to oppose movement in the hinges 24, 28 which are on the outside of the frame. The remaining catches are secured opposite to the respective hinges 21-30. The catches 121-130 are numbered to correspond with the associated hinge, so that first catch 121 is associated with first hinge 21 , and so on. The catches are used to oppose hinging action of the hinges 21-30.

Referring now to Figures 3A and 3B, an exemplary over-centre catch 200 will be described.

The over-centre catch 200 consists of two parts, herein referred to as a hook part 201 and a loop part 202. The hook part 201 is shown secured to the end of a longitudinal member 201 and the loop part 202 is shown secured to the end part of a second longitudinal member 211. The hook part 210 consists of a metal plate 203 from which there extends substantially perpendicular to the plane of the plate 203 a hook 204. The loop portion 202 likewise consists of a metal plate 205 and, upstanding from the metal plate two spaced trunnion plates 206 207. The trunnion plates form the supports for a pin 208 which extends between them and which bears a metal tongue 209. A metal loop 212 is pivotally engaged with the sides of the tongue 209 at a pivot point 213 situated around a third of the way along the tongue from the pin 208.

In operation the tongue 209 is pivoted away from the metal plate 202 and the loop 212 is engaged over the hook 204. Then pressure is applied manually to the tongue 209 in the direction of the plate 202 and this provides a mechanical advantage urging the two members 210, 211 together by urging the loop 212 into pulling engagement with the hook 204. The tongue 209 then comes into abutment on the plate 202. When the tongue 209 is engaged with the plate 202, the spacing between the pivot point 213 and the plate 202 is less than the spacing between the pin 208, born by the trunnion plates 206, 207, and the plate 202. Thus, any tendency for the members 210, 211 to separate serves to urge the tongue 209 more tightly into engagement with the plate 202, and this action counters such separation tendency.

Although the stretcher has been described as using over-centre catches, other devices could alternatively be used to oppose hinging action of the members about their respective hinge devices. For example, a simple loop latch, of which an example 300 is shown in Figures 4a and 4b could be used instead, as could a telescopic fixing device as shown in Figure 5, or indeed a simple hook and eye, with the hook secured to one member and the eye, or any eye portion, being provided on the adjacent member. The skilled person will be aware of yet other alternatives.

Referring to Figure 4 a loop catch 300 has a first part 301 secured to an end of one member and a second part 302 secured to the end of an adjacent member. The two parts define a longitudinal axis a-a'.

The first part 301 consists of a generally rectangular metal plate 310 having a rectangular box-like projection 311 upstanding from it. The projection 311 is disposed symmetrically about the longitudinal axis a-a' and extends from an edge 312 of the plate 310. The projection 311 has a width about half the width of the plate 310 and an extent along the axis a-a' of about two-thirds the extent of the plate 310 along the axis a-a'. The projection has opposing side walls 313, 315 upstanding from the plate 310, and an end wall 316 at the side remote from the edge 312 of the plate 310.

The second part 302 has a metal plate 320 of substantially the same width as the plate 310. A box-like projection 321 extends symmetrically about the longitudinal axis a-a' from an edge 322 of the plate 302, and has substantially the same width as the projection 310 of the first part. The projection 321 has a face 323, and one part 323a of the face is disposed parallel to the plate 302 and another part 323b of the face 323 slopes back to the plate 302. The projection has side walls 324, 325 upstanding from the plate 302. The side walls define a through hole 330 which provides a pivot location for a loop 340.

The loop 340 is generally rectangular and of metal. The loop 340 has a pair of opposing shanks 341 , 342, which extend generally parallel to the axis a-a' and a first cross piece 343 which extends between proximal ends 341a, 342a of the shanks 341 ,342 through the through hole 330, whereby the loop can pivot. A second cross piece 344 extends between distal ends of the shanks 341 ,342. The second cross piece 344 is spaced from the first cross piece 343 such that when the edge 312 of the first part 301 of the catch 300 abuts the edge 322 of the second part 302 of the catch 300, the loop 340 can pivot about the hole 330 until that the second crosspiece 344 lies alongside the end wall 316 of the projection 311 , to catch the first part 301.

To open the catch 300, the second cross piece 344 is manually moved, e.g. by a finger, away from the plate 310 of the first part 301 of the catch 300 until it is free of the end wall 316. Then the two parts 301 ,302 can be separated. To engage the catch, the parts 301 ,302 - or rather members to which they are secured - are moved together and when the parts 301 ,302 are either in abutment or close to abutment along the edges 312,322, the loop 340 is pivoted about the hole 330 until the second cross piece 344 lies alongside the end wall 316.

An internal friction device (not shown) inside the second projection 321 acts on the first cross piece 343 to prevent free movement.

Figures 5A-5C show first and second exemplary frame members 501 ,502 of a stretcher, the two frame members being coupled together at their ends 501a, 502a by a hinge 503, (see Figure 5B) in a similar fashion to the frame members 11-20 and hinges 21-30 described above with respect to Figure 1. In this embodiment the frame members 501 ,502 are hollow rectangular tubes of like dimension.

The first frame member 501 has a side wall 510 which defines a slot 511 that extends along the side wall 510 from a first end 512 close to the end of the first frame member 501 to a second end 513 remote from the end 501a. The first frame member 501 houses a connecting member 504 which is an elongate member sized to slide within the hollow first and second frame members 501 ,502. A finger 505 projects from the connecting member 504 through the slot 511. A hook 506 is secured adjacent the end of the slot 511 , and is pivotal so as to be able to engage the finger 505. The slot 511 is sufficiently long that when the finger 505 abuts the second end 513 of the slot 511 , the connecting member 504 does not project from the first frame member 501.

As shown in Figure 5A, the second frame member 502 is pivoted about the hinge 503 so as to depend from the first frame member 501.

To dispose the first and second frame members 501 ,502 in their mutually aligned position (see Figure 5C), the connecting member 504 is urged inwardly of the first frame member 501. Then, the second member 502 is pivoted about the hinge 503. To secure the first and second frame members 501,502 in this position, manual pressure is applied to the finger 505 to urge the finger 505 towards the first end 512 of the slot 511. As a result, the connecting member 504 is caused to project from the first frame member 501 to within the second frame member 502. When the finger 505 abuts the first end 512, the hook 506 is pivoted to secure the finger in the abutment position. The first and second frame members 501 ,502 are thus locked together.

To disengage the fastening, the hook 506 is released from the finger 505, and the finger urged towards the second end 513 of the slot 511. This causes the connecting member 504 to move to within only the first frame member 501 , and as a result the first and second frame members 501,502 are enabled mutually to pivot. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the patient support 3 is a fabric such as nylon or cotton. It is secured to the members 11-20 of the frame 2 by passing around the members 11-20 of the frame 2 and stitching back to itself; other securing techniques may be used instead. Apertures are provided in the region of the hinges 21-30 so as to allow for ready folding.

In other embodiments it may be desirable to instead provide a patient support which is not continuous. Such a support may be provided by webbing or similar supports extending between the frame members. It is also possible to provide both a continuous support and webbing or similar reinforcements.

Although the device shown in Figure 1 incorporates fastener devices for securing the frame members in the deployed condition of the stretcher, other arrangements are of course possible. For example it would be possible to use non-integral securing devices such as cross-braces extending between the members.

Various embodiments of the invention have now been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will of course be understood that the invention is not restricted to the details of the embodiments described, but instead extends to the full scope of the appended claims.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, a stretcher 1 has a frame 2 which consists of four members 10-13 that are secured together to surround a patient support 3. The frame 2 may be folded, as will be later described herein. The frame 2, when deployed, is planar. The patient support 3 consists of two substantially mirror- image parts 4 and 5. The frame members 10-13 are of generally square cross- section, are solid (i.e. not hollow) and are of plastics material. Other shapes are possible, including circular and rectangular cross-sections, and other materials are possible, for example metal or metal-alloy.

The frame 2 has a longitudinal axis l-l' and consists of a first side portion 40, an opposing second side portion 41 , a foot portion 42 and a head portion 43. The first side portion 40 includes a first straight portion 50 extending from a curved end region 51 to a curved shoulder region 52. The curved end region 51 extends into the foot portion 42. The first side portion 40 extends beyond the shoulder region 52 via an inwardly-directed portion 53 disposed generally transverse the axis l-l', and then via a curved transition portion 54 into a further straight portion 55, disposed substantially parallel the axis l-l'. The further straight portion 55 terminates in a further curved region 56 which extends into the head portion 43.

Similarly, the second side portion 41 has a first straight portion 60 extending from a curved end region 61 to a curved shoulder region 62. The curved end region 61 extends into the foot portion 42. The second side portion 41 extends from the shoulder region 62 via an inwardly-directed portion 63 disposed generally transverse the axis l-l¹, and then via a curved transition portion 64 into a further straight portion 65, disposed parallel the axis l-l'. The further straight portion 65 terminates in a further curved region 66 that extends into the head portion 43.

The first member 10 of the frame 2 has a first end 70 (see Figure 7) in the middle of the head portion 43 at the axis l-l'. The first member 10 extends from the head portion 43 via the further curved region 56, the further straight portion 55, the transition portion 54, the inwardly-directed portion 53 and the curved shoulder region 52 into the first straight portion 50 to a second end 71. The second end 71 is about half way along the first straight portion 50. The second member 11 of the frame 2 has a first end 72, at which it is secured to the second end 71 of the first member via a hinge 30. The second member of the frame 2 extends from the first end 72 to define the remainder of the first straight portion 50, the curved end region 51 , and part of the foot portion 42. The second member 11 has a second end 73 at the centre of the foot portion 42 at the axis I- I'.

The hinge 30 is disposed on the outer face of the first and second members 10,11 , and has a hinge axis perpendicular the plane of the frame 2. The hinge of this embodiment is a formed metal hinge screwed to the members 10,11. Other types of hinge and methods of securing the hinge can be substituted. The fourth member 13 of the frame 2 has a first end 80 in the middle of the head portion 43 at the axis l-l'. The fourth member 13 extends from the head portion via the curved region 66, the further straight portion 65, the transition portion 64, the portion 63 and the curved shoulder region 62 into the first straight portion 60 to a second end 81 about half way along the first straight portion 60. The third member 12 of the frame 2 has a first end 82, at which it is secured to the second end 81 of the fourth member via a hinge 31. The third member of the frame 2 extends from the end 81 to define the remainder of the first straight portion 60, the curved end region 61 , and part of the foot portion 42. The third member 12 has a second end 83 at the centre of the foot portion 42 at the axis I- I'. The hinge 31 is disposed on the outer face of the third and fourth members 12,13 and has a hinge axis perpendicular to the plane of the frame 2. The hinge of this embodiment is a formed metal hinge secured to the members 12,13. Other types of hinge and methods of securing the hinge can be substituted.

The first and fourth members 10,13 are secured together at the head region 43 by a hinge 32. Likewise the second and third members 11 ,12 are secured to others at the foot region 42 by a hinge 33. The hinges 32,33 are secured to the underside face of the members 10,13; 11 ,12 which they connect. Each hinge 30-33 is opposed by a respective catch device 130-133.

Further reference to Figure 7 shows that web portions 100 are secured to the outer side portions of the frame and at their distal ends to the patient support parts 4,5.

Referring to Figure 8, the stretcher 1 is shown in a partly folded configuration. Starting from the configuration shown in Figure 6, the catches 132 and 133 are released. Then the first side portion 50 is hinged about the axis l-l' until the first side portion 50 comes into abutment with the second side portion 60.

Further reference to Figures 6 and 8 shows that in the embodiment shown there is a winch 200 provided at the head end of the stretcher 1 , in this embodiment. It is possible to replace the catch 132 by inter-engaging parts of the winch as will be later described herein.

Turning to Figure 10, the stretcher may be further folded by releasing the catches 130,131 and folding the side portions 50,60 about the hinges 30,31.

The first patient part 4 has a first edge region 4a which is secured to the frame 2 at the first side portion and a second edge region 4b which extends parallel to the axis l-l'. Similarly, the second patient support part 5 has a first edge region 5a which is secured to the frame 2 at the second side portion 41 , and a second edge region 5b which extends parallel to the second edge region 4b of the first patient support part and slightly spaced from it.

In this embodiment, the second edge region 4b of the first patient support part 4 is formed as a tubular part within which there is disposed a first cable 20 and the second edge region 5b of the second patient support part is a similar tubular portion within which there is disposed a second cable 21. The patient support parts 4 and 5 are of a flexible fabric such as nylon, aramid fibre or acrylic material. In use, the second regions 4b, 5b are drawn apart sufficiently to allow the stretcher to be lowered over the body of a patient who is to be carried by the stretcher. The separation of the patient support parts is achieved by drawing on the web portions 100. Then the cables 20,21 are moved so as to lie beneath the patient. Finally, tension is provided along the cables 20,21 so that the cables move towards the disposition shown in Figure 6 whereby the patient support parts 4 and 5 become disposed under the body of the patient so that the patient may be lifted.

In the present embodiment the cables 20,21 are secured respectively to the second end 73 of the second member 11 and to the second end 83 of the third member 12.

Referring to Figure 9, it will be seen that the cables 20,21 pass through the ends 73,83 of the second and third members 11 ,12 so as to be secured on the outside of those members. In the preferred embodiment the end portions of two contiguous members have respectively "plug" and "socket" portions for improved rigidity. As seen in Figure 9, the second member 11 has a projecting plug portion 111 which, when the members 11 and 12 are aligned, fits within a socket 112 in the end of the third member 12. To allow for the cable 21 which passes through the socket 112, the plug 111 has a slotted portion 113 which passes around the cable 21.

To provide tensioning of the cables 20,21 there is provided a winch 200 which is secured to the head portion 43 as will best be seen in Figure 11.

The cables 20,21 pass through the end regions 70,80 of the first and fourth members 10,13 and around respective pulleys 230,231 secured to the members 10,13 before connecting to the winch 200.

The winch 200 consists of two parts 201 ,202 which are generally mirror- images of one another. The first part 201 has an axle 210 around which the cable 21 is to be wound. The axle 210 is supported by two spaced ear portions 211 ,212 which are secured to and extend from the end region 80 of the fourth member 13. The ear portions 211 ,212 stand up from the top face of the member 13 and have holes forming bearings for the axle 210. The ear portion 212 is disposed proximate the end 80 of the fourth member 13 whereas the ear portion 211 is spaced from the end 80. The axle 210 protrudes through the first ear portion 211 and extends to a first ratchet device 213. The ratchet device 213 is reversible, somewhat in the fashion of a so-called 'socket set' of spanners, and has a control device 218 which allows free rotation of the ratchet device in either sense according to the setting of the control device. A lever 214 is secured to the ratchet device 213 via a pivot 215. The lever 214 in use is turned about the pivot 215 until it lies at around 90° to the axle 210. Clockwise pressure on the distal end of the lever 214 thus tightens the cable 21 which is wound around the axle 210. The axle 210 also carries a cog wheel 219 secured to it, the cog wheel engaging with a pawl 216 to form a locking ratchet device which prevents the cable 21 from becoming slack. The pawl 216 may be shifted to allow slackening of the cable 21 when required. The second winch part 202 has an axle 220 around which the cable 20 is to be wound. The axle 220 is supported by two spaced ear portions 221 ,222 which are secured to and extend from the end region 70 of the first member 10. The ear portions 221,222 stand up from the top face of the member 10 and have holes forming bearings for the axle 220. The ear portion 222 is disposed proximate the end 70 of the first member 10 whereas the ear portion 221 is spaced from the end 70. The axle 220 protrudes through the first ear portion 221 and extends to a first ratchet device 223. The ratchet device 223 is reversible, somewhat in the fashion of a so-called 'socket set' of spanners, and has a control device 228 which allows free rotation of the ratchet device in either sense according to the setting of the control device. A lever 224 is secured to the ratchet device 223 via a pivot 225. The lever 224 in use is turned about the pivot 225 until it lies at around 90° to the axle 220. Clockwise pressure on the distal end of the lever 224 thus tightens the cable 20 which is wound around the axle 220. The axle 220 also carries a cog wheel 229 secured to it, the cog wheel engaging with a pawl 226 to form a locking ratchet device which prevents the cable 20 from becoming slack. The pawl 226 may be shifted to allow slackening of the cable 20 when required.

A lever 217 can be secured between the distal ends of the levers 214 and 224 so as to link them together. Thus, pressure may be exerted on the lever 217, this pressure being transmitted to the levers 214 and 224 so as to tension the cables 20 and 21 at the same time when the ratchet control devices 218,228 are correctly set.

The lever 217 is releasably fastened to the levers 214 and 224 via a clevis pin arrangement. Other arrangements will be clear to those skilled in the art and could be substituted for the clevis pin arrangement, such arrangements including a quarter turn fastener, a nut and bolt arrangement or a split pin.

When the stretcher is to be folded up, the lever 217 is disengaged from one of the two levers 214,224. This allows the winch to be separated into its two component parts 201 ,202 along the axis l-l' and then folded. The head end of the stretcher 1 is provided with two head restraint devices 120,121. These comprise generally rectangular boards which are secured by hinges 122 to the top surfaces of the first and fourth members 10,13 of the frame 2 respectively. The boards 120,121 have a strap 123 releasably connecting them so as to maintain them spaced apart. The strap 123 may be connected to the boards 120,121 by any suitable fastening, for example hook and loop fabric fasteners. The boards 120,121 have apertures through them for allowing access to the ears or the side of the skull of a patient. In use suitable pads are disposed between the inside surface of the boards 120,121 and the head of a patient being carried on the stretcher, so as to immobilise the head.

Starting with Figure 12, support apparatus 1 has a frame 10, the frame 10 being generally rectangular. The frame 10 has first and second opposed end portions 20,30 spaced apart by four bars 41 ,42,43 and 44.

The first end portion 20 is a long narrow rectangle of metal strip. The metal strip has a relatively small height dimension and a relatively large width dimension, the strip being disposed with its width dimension generally parallel to the horizontal plane. The first end portion 20 consists of a first lower side 21 and a second upper side 22 which is generally parallel to the first lower side 21. The upper and lower sides 21 ,22 form upper and lower rails and are spaced apart at their ends by short ends 23,24. Although the end portion 20 has been described as generally rectangular, the sides 21 ,22 are gently curved in the vertical plane so that from above the upper rail 22 is concave. In this embodiment, which as later described uses rigid sub-frames running between the upper and lower rails, the sides 21 ,22 are arcs of respective concentric circles.

The second end portion 30 is substantially identical to the first end portion

20 and has a lower rail portion 31, an upper rail portion 32 and two short ends 33,34.

In this embodiment, the bars 41-44 are metal tubes secured to lugs that project from the outer surface of the end portions 20,30. The first and second bars 41 ,42 are secured to and between the short ends 23,33 and 24,34 respectively whereas the third and fourth bars 43,44 are secured to the upper surface of the upper rails 22,32 at a location about one fifth of the way along the upper rail from the respective short ends. Two lifting shackles 46 are secured to each upper rail 22, 32 between the first and third bars 41 ,43 and the second and fourth bars 42,44 to enable the device to be lifted.

Two sets of rollers 100,200 are disposed between the upper and lower rails 21 ,22; 31,32. Each set of rollers 100,200 contains eighteen rollers disposed in two tiers 101 ,102; 201 ,202 between the upper and lower rails 21 ,22; 31 ,32. The upper tiers 101 ,201 form two beds of rollers upon which an object, e.g. a patient, will be supported in use by coming together to form a patient support. Each of the rollers has a respective axle (not shown) which extends beyond the end of the respective roller. At a first end, the front as shown in Figure 12, the axles of the first set of rollers are engaged by a first sub-frame 105 which has eighteen bearing locations for the roller axles. A similar sub-frame 106 is provided at the second end of the rollers 100, the rear end as shown in Figure 12. In similar fashion the rollers 200 of the second set each have a respective axle and the axles are engaged by a first sub-frame 205 at the front of the device as shown in Figure 12 and by a second sub-frame 206 at the rear of the device shown in Figure 12. The sub-frames 105,106; 205,206 have a width which allows them to pass between the rails 21 ,22; 31 ,32 respectively. The bearing locations are such that the rollers 101 ,201 of the upper tier are maintained in contact with the rollers of the respective lower tier 102,202. The rollers 100,200 are coated in a resilient material in this embodiment, for example natural or artificial rubber.

The first sub-frame 105 has a first outer end 115 which as shown in Figure

12 can be brought into abutment with the first end 23 of the first end portion 20. The sub-frame 105 has a second opposite inner end 125. Continued reference to Figure 1 shows that the rollers of the upper tier 101 , in engaging the rollers of the lower tier are relatively inwardly offset to the lower tier 102. Thus the innermost roller 101a of the upper tier is closer to a central longitudinal axis l-l' than is the innermost roller 102a of the lower tier. A chain 300 is secured to the inner end 125 of the first sub-frame 105. The chain 300 passes around an idler wheel 400 secured via a lug to the lower rail 21 and then has a vertical run to a driving chain wheel 401 which is secured to a framework 402 projecting upwardly from the upper surface of the upper rail 21. The chain extends into a cable 403 which passes around an idler pulley 404 secured to the first end 23 of the end portion 20 and via an aperture (not shown) to the outer end 115 of the sub-frame 105.

A similar arrangement is provided at the rear end of the first setting of rollers 100, the second sub-frame 106 having a similar arrangement and being connected to a chain 301 which passes round an idler wheel 450 then round a chain drive wheel (not shown). The chain extends to a second cable 413, which passes round an idler pulley 414 and is secured to the outer end of the second sub-frame 106.

The second set of rollers 200 is connected in similar fashion. The first sub-frame 205 of the second set of rollers 200 has a first chain 500 connected to its inner end 225 and the chain passes round a second idler wheel 410 coaxial with the first idler wheel 400. The chain then passes round a second chain drive wheel 411 and extends via a cable 420 and idler pulleys to be connected to the outer end region of the first sub-frame 205. The first chain drive wheel 401 is secured to the axle of a first pinion 430 and the second chain drive wheel 411 is secured to the axle of a second pinion 431. The pinions 430 and 431 are supported by the frame 402 above the upper rail 22. The first and second pinions 430,431 are meshed together. The first pinion 430 and second pinion 431 have the same number of teeth so that rotation of one of the pinions 430,431 causes the other of the pinions 431 ,430 to rotate by the same angular amount but in the opposite direction. A crank lever 550 is secured to the shaft of the first pinion 430. An electric motor 560 is connected to the second pinion 431 via a chain 561 and chain wheel (not shown). A further chain 570 is connected to a further chain wheel (not shown) secured to the shaft of the second pinion 431. The further chain 570 is connected to a drive shaft 571 , which extends from the front to the rear of the device 1. The further chain 570 engages a chain wheel 572. At the rear of the device 1 a counterpart chain wheel provides drive to a generally similar pinion arrangement to that shown at the front of the device. In the preferred embodiment only one electric motor 560 is provided. However cranks 550 may be provided at both ends of the device, for convenience.

The dimensions of the device are selected such that when the frames

105,205 are in their furthest outward disposition, the space between the innermost roller 201a of the second set of rollers and the innermost roller 101a of the first set of rollers is sufficient to pass beyond the maximum transverse width of a patient. The spacing between the back and front of the device 1 is likewise sufficient to pass over a patient.

Operation of the embodiment will now be described with respect to Figures 14 TO 16.

Initially if a patient 600 is lying on a substrate 601 such as an operating table, the device 1 is configured as shown in Figure 13 with the innermost rollers 201a and 101a as far apart as possible. The device 1 is then lowered over the patient until the patient is within the window defined by the innermost rollers 101a, 201a (see Figure 14). The crank 550 is then rotated in the counterclockwise direction, or the motor 560 is caused to rotate to provide the same effect. The effect is that the chains 300,500 draw the frames 105,205 towards one another, running on the upper and lower rails 21,22 and moving in a substantially translational fashion. By virtue of the drive shaft 571 the motion is conveyed to the frames 106, 206 at the rear of the device 1 and the rollers thus move in a substantially translational fashion towards one another. The action of the rollers on the rails, and the interengagement of the roller surfaces means that the movement to the right, as shown by arrow R in Figure 15, of the first set of rollers 100 causes the rollers 101 of the upper tier to move counterclockwise and the rollers of the lower tier 102 to move clockwise. By contrast, the rollers of the second set 200 move to the left as shown in Figure 12 and the upper tier 201 rotate clockwise with the lower tier 202 rotating counterclockwise. The arrangement is such that the instantaneously uppermost position on the rollers P of the upper tier is stationary, even though the axes of the rollers are moving such that the first set 100 are moving towards the second set 200, and vice- versa. The rollers of the upper tier 101 ,201 do not contact one another, but contact only the rollers of the lower tier 102,202 and the upper rail. The rollers of the lower tier 102,202 likewise do not contact one another but contact only the rollers of the upper tier 101 ,201 and the lower rail.

It will be recalled that the rails at both ends of the frame 10 are formed of arcs of concentric circles, so the axes of the rollers of this embodiment actually move in rotation about the centre of these concentric circles. However the radius of the circles is large and the motion is close to a true translation. The curved form of the rails causes the rollers 100,200 to have a scooping action. In this respect the roller axes move somewhat downwardly under the patient from each side at the same time as moving towards one another. The consequence is that the rollers lift the patient and then move under the patient to transfer the patient to the patient support without applying a drawing force to the patient's body.

Once the two sets of rollers are close enough together, rotation of the pinions is ceased. Then, cables may be secured to the lifting shackles 46 and a hoist used to lift the device onto a trolley, or elsewhere as desired. The device 1 may be transported to another location and then the patient lowered by the opposite process to raising. Alternatively, if the bed for the patient is adjacent the operating table, the device may be retained in the operating theatre.

To lower the patient to the selected further substrate, the crank 550 is rotated clockwise, or the electric motor 560 rotated to produce the same effect. The effect now is to draw the sets of rollers apart substantially in translation along the rails 21,22; 31 ,32 as shown in Figure 16. Once again the translation of the frames 105,106; 205,206 is converted into rotary motion of the rollers. The first set of rollers 100 are moved to the left as shown in Figure 16 and by virtue of engagement with the rails 22,32, the upper tier 101 rotate clockwise. The lower tier of rollers 102, themselves in engagement with the lower rails 21 ,31 , rotate anti-clockwise. In like fashion the second set of rollers 200 move to the right. In the described embodiment, the rails are curved. Other embodiments may use straight rails, where the scooping effect is not required. Although the sub-frames of the described embodiment are generally rigid, non-rigid sub- frames are also envisaged. Such sub-frames may comprise pivotally interlinked bogie type structures providing bearings for the rollers but allowing transverse movement. These allow the end portions to be formed with curved shapes other than part-circles. Another embodiment has only a single set of rollers moving from one side of an object to be supported. In this case, where friction is not sufficient to prevent the object to be supported from moving sideways when the rollers encounter it, a barrier may be provided to engage the object on the opposite side. Yet another embodiment uses a platform composed of fabric with one or more leading rollers serving to lift the object onto the platform. A further embodiment uses a rigid or semi-rigid platform of plastics material or metal.

In a modified embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figures 12 to 16, there may be provided an endless belt trained around each of the four sets of rollers. This allows operation in the same manner as has been described, but with the patient being lifted and lowered by contact of the rollers with the patient via the belts enclosing the rollers, instead of by direct contact between the rollers and the patient. In Figures 15a and 16a, it is shown that the rollers 101 and 102 are fitted with endless belts 101b and 102b. Corresponding belts 201b and 202b encompass the corresponding rollers 201 and 202.

Embodiments of the present invention have been described with particular reference to the examples illustrated. However, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to the examples described within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A patient support apparatus having one or more movable components to assist use and/or storage of the apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

a frame; and

a patient support;

in which the one or more movable components are provided by a plurality of members forming the frame, the members being hinged together by hinge devices to allow folding of the frame, the hinging axes of at least some of the hinge devices being disposed substantially perpendicular to, and/or substantially parallel to, the plane of the frame when unfolded for use; and/or

in which the one or more movable components are provided by first and second parts of the patient support which are mutually separable for disposition over the body of a patient for movement to a position adjacent the patient, and which can be drawn towards one another so as to lie under the body of the patient; and/or

in which the one or more movable components are provided by the patient support and at least one elongate roller, and there is provided a drive assembly for moving the patient support to advance the patient support under the patient, the drive assembly also being arranged to rotate the or each roller during the movement in a direction of rotation such as to transfer the patient to the patient support.

2. A stretcher having a generally elongate planar frame and a patient support secured to the frame, the frame having a longitudinal axis and a closed periphery, wherein the closed periphery is defined by plural members, the plural members being connected together by hinge devices, each hinge device having a respective hinging axis, the hinging axes of at least some of the hinge devices being disposed substantially perpendicular to the plane of the frame, the arrangement being such that the plural members may be folded about the hinging axes to reduce the area occupied by the stretcher.

3. A stretcher according to Claim 2, wherein the plural members of the frame are permanently connected together at their ends whereby said members form a continuous loop.

4. A stretcher according to Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the stretcher has two opposing side portions and two opposing end portions, wherein hinge devices of the side portions have hinging axes disposed substantially perpendicular to the plane of the frame, and hinge devices of the end portions have hinging axes substantially parallel the plane of the frame.

5. A stretcher according to Claim 4, wherein the opposing side portions the two side portions each comprise at least first, second and third contiguous members, the hinge device between one contiguous pair of members being on the inside of the frame and the hinge device between the other contiguous pair being on the outside of the frame.

6. A stretcher according to any of Claims 2 to 5, wherein each of at least some of the hinge devices have a respective associated securing device, each securing device having a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position mutual hinging movement between the members connected by the said hinge device is substantially prevented, and in the open position, the said hinging movement is substantially unimpeded.

7. A stretcher according to Claim 6, wherein at least some securing devices comprise a catch having a first part secured to one member and a second part secured to the adjacent member, the catch being arranged to hold the two members substantially engaged together.

8. A stretcher according to Claim 7, wherein said first part has a loop portion pivotally mounted on the said one member and said second part has a hook portion constructed and arranged to be engaged by the loop portion.

9. A stretcher according to Claim 8, wherein the first part has a lever pivotally mounted on a portion of the first part, said portion being fixedly secured to the said one member, and the loop portion is pivotally mounted to said lever whereby said catch comprises an over-centre catch.

10. A stretcher according to Claim 6, wherein at least some of said members are hollow at least in their end regions and the associated securing device comprises a generally rigid element, said rigid element arranged to be moveable from a first and second positions wherein in said first position the element lies wholly within one member and in said second position the element extends from within the said one member to within the adjacent member to prevent the said one member and the said adjacent member from mutual rotational movement about the hinge axis.

11. A stretcher according to any of Claims 2 to 10, wherein the patient support comprises a substantially continuous layer of fabric.

12. A stretcher according to any of Claims 2 to 11 , wherein the patient support comprises plural spaced web portions.

13. A stretcher according to any of Claims 2 to 12, wherein the frame has a shoulder portion and a head support portion, wherein at said shoulder portion the frame has a transverse extent, wherein the head support portion extends along the longitudinal axis of said frame and has a transverse extent less than the transverse extent of the frame at the shoulder portion.

14. A stretcher having a frame with a shoulder portion and a head support portion, wherein at said shoulder portion the frame has a transverse extent, wherein the head support portion extends along the longitudinal axis of said frame, has a transverse extent less than the transverse extent of the frame at the shoulder portion and comprises two opposing frame parts disposed substantially mutually parallel.

15. A stretcher according to any one of Claims 2 to 12 or 14, having opposing head support devices secured to the frame.

16. A stretcher according to Claim 15, wherein the head support devices are hingedly secured to the frame.

17. A stretcher comprising a frame and a patient support, the frame in use at least substantially surrounding the patent support and having first and second opposing portions, the patient support having a first and a second part, wherein the first and second parts of the patient support each have a respective first edge region and a respective second edge region, the first edge region of the first part of the patient support being secured to the first portion of the frame, and the first edge region of the second part of the patient support being secured to the second portion of the frame, the arrangement being such that the second edge regions may be mutually separated for disposition over the body of a patient, and drawn towards one another so as to lie under the body of the said patient.

18. A stretcher according to Claim 17, wherein the frame has a longitudinal axis and the opposing portions of the frame are side portions of the frame which extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

19. A stretcher according to Claim 17 or Claim 18, wherein the side portions of the frame taper outwardly from a foot portion to a shoulder region so as to substantially follow the shape of the human body.

20. A stretcher according to any of Claims 17 to 19, wherein the frame comprises plural members whose relative dispositions can be changed to reduce the area of the stretcher for storage.

21. A stretcher according to any of Claims 17 to 20, wherein at least some of the plural members are secured together by hinge devices.

22. A stretcher according to Claim 21 , wherein the plural members of the frame are all secured together by hinge devices which means reduced assembly time.

23. A stretcher according to Claim 21 or Claim 22 wherein the frame defines a plane and at least some of the hinge devices have hinge axes substantially perpendicular said plane.

24. A stretcher according to Claim 21 or 22, wherein the frame defines a plane and at least some of the hinge devices have hinge axes substantially parallel said plane, the hinge axes being disposed so that downward force on the frame at the hinge axes causes the members to abut.

25. A stretcher according to Claim 24 wherein the hinge devices which have hinge axes parallel the plane, have said hinge axes disposed below a lower surface of the members of the frame.

26. A stretcher according to any of Claims 21 to 25, wherein the or each hinge device has an associated catch for securing adjacent frame members together.

27. A stretcher according to any of Claims 17 to 26, wherein the frame comprises a head support portion and a foot support portion opposing the head support portion.

28. A stretcher according to any of Claims 17 to 27, wherein tensioning portions extend along the second edge regions for drawing the second edge regions toward one another.

29. A stretcher according to Claim 28, wherein the tensioning portions are along the second edge regions so that in use the tensioning portions extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis.

30. A stretcher according to Claim 28 or 29, wherein the tensioning portions each have a first and second end, and the first end of each tensioning portion is secured to the frame.

31. A stretcher according to Claim 28, 29 or 30, wherein a winch is operable to engage the tensioning portions so as to draw the second edge regions together.

32. A stretcher according to Claim 31 , wherein the winch is secured adjacent the head support portion of the stretcher.

33. A stretcher according to any of Claims 28 to 32, wherein the tensioning portions comprise cables.

34. Support apparatus comprising: a frame

a platform for supporting an object, the platform comprising at least one elongate roller; and

a drive assembly for moving the platform in a substantially translational movement relative to the frame such as to advance the platform under an object to be transferred to the platform,

in which the drive assembly is arranged also to rotate the or each roller during the substantially translational movement in a direction of rotation such as to transfer the object to the platform.

35. Support apparatus according to Claim 34, wherein the platform comprises:

a plurality of elongate rollers mounted on the frame and positioned side- by-side to form a bed of rollers.

36. Support apparatus comprising:

a first and a second platform for supporting an object, wherein each platform comprises at least one elongate roller; and

a drive assembly for moving the platforms towards each other such as to advance the platforms under an object to be transferred to the platforms,

in which the drive assembly is arranged also to rotate each roller during the said movement in a direction of rotation such as to transfer the object to the platforms.

37. Support apparatus according to Claim 36, wherein each platform comprises:

a respective plurality of elongate rollers, positioned side-by-side to form a bed of rollers.

38. Support apparatus according to Claim 37, comprising a frame for supporting the rollers, wherein the rollers have first and second ends and the frame has a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion having a track engaging the first ends of said rollers and the second end portion having a track engaging the second ends of said rollers.

39. Support apparatus according to Claim 38, wherein each said track comprises an upper and a lower rail, the upper and lower rails being spaced apart, and wherein each plurality of rollers is disposed in tiers with portions of a lower tier of rollers engaging the lower rails and portions of an upper tier of rollers engaging the upper rails.

40. Support apparatus according to Claim 39, wherein the rollers of the first platform and the rollers of the second platform are engaged at each end thereof by a respective sub-frame, each sub-frame being movable with respect to the frame to move said platforms towards one another.

41. Support apparatus according to Claim 40, wherein each roller has an axle and each sub-frame engages the axles of a respective plurality of rollers.

42. Support apparatus according to any of Claims 34, 35 or 38 to 41 , wherein the drive assembly comprises an electric motor.

43. Support apparatus according to any of Claims 34, 35 or 38 to 42, wherein the drive assembly comprises a crank and handle.

44. Support apparatus according to any of Claims 34, 35 or 38 to 43, having a transmission shaft extending between the end portions of the frame whereby drive is transmitted to both ends of the rollers.

45. Support apparatus according to any of Claims 34 to 44, having lifting shackles secured to the frame.

46. A patient handling device comprising support apparatus according to any of Claims 34 to 45.

47. A patient handling device comprising a frame carrying at least a first roller and a second elongate roller, the rollers being constructed and arranged to support a said patient, the rollers being movable towards one another on the frame from a first position in which the first and second rollers are spaced apart by an amount sufficient to span the width of a patient, whereby the patient is lifted onto the rollers.

48. A patient handling device according to Claim 47, comprising a first and a second bed of rollers, the first bed comprising the first roller and the second bed comprising the second roller.

49. A patient handling device according to Claim 48, wherein the rollers have first and second ends and the frame has a first end having a track engaging the first ends of said rollers and the frame has a second end having a track engaging the second ends of said rollers.

50. A method of moving a patient comprising:

disposing a bed of rollers to one side of the patient;

moving the bed of rollers to engage the patient; and

during the moving step, causing the rollers to rotate, whereby the rollers rotate in a direction such as to transfer the patient onto the bed of rollers.

51. A method of moving a patient comprising:

disposing a respective bed of rollers to each side of the patient;

moving the beds of rollers towards one another; and

during the moving step, causing the rollers to rotate, whereby the rollers rotate in a direction such as to transfer the patient onto the beds of rollers.

52. A method of moving a patient according to Claim 51 , wherein the step of causing the rollers to rotate comprises causing rotation of the rollers at a speed selected with respect to the speed of movement of the beds of rollers towards one another such that instantaneous topmost points of the rollers are substantially stationary.

53. A folding stretcher in which the frame of the stretcher has a plurality of members hinged together by hinge devices, the hinging axes of at least some of the hinge devices being disposed substantially perpendicular to the plane of the frame.

54. A stretcher having a frame and a flexible patient support, the patient support having first and second parts which are mutually separable by movement relative to the frame and which can be drawn towards one another by movement relative to the frame so as to lie under the body of the patient.

55. A patient support apparatus comprising a first platform and a second platform for supporting the patient on the two platforms combined together, and a drive assembly for moving the platforms towards each other in such a manner as to advance the platforms under the patient, in which each platform comprises a bed of exposed rollers and the drive assembly is arranged to rotate each roller during the translational movement in a direction of rotation such as to transfer the patient to the platforms by direct contact of the rollers with the patient.

56. A patient support apparatus comprising a first platform and a second platform for supporting the patient on the two platforms combined together, and a drive assembly for moving the platforms towards each other in such a manner as to advance the platforms under the patient, in which each platform comprises a bed of rollers and the drive assembly is arranged to rotate each roller during the translational movement in a direction of rotation such as to transfer the patient to the platforms, each platform including at least one continuous belt entrained around the rollers, or groups of the rollers, of that platform.