A STRETCHER SUPPORT TO BE INSTALLED IN A SANITARY COMPARTMENT OF AN AMBULANCE

Abstract

 The invention relates to a stretcher support (1) to be installed on the floor (P) of a sanitary compartment (V) of an ambulance (A). The stretcher support (1) comprises a load-bearing framework (10), fastening means (20) of the framework (10) to the floor (P) and translation means (30) of the framework (10) in relation to fastening means (20). The stretcher support (1) further comprises stretcher engaging/releasing means (50) adapted to allow the engagement of a stretcher (B) to the stretcher support (1) and the release of the stretcher (B) from the stretcher support (1). The stretcher engaging/releasing means (50) are made directly on the load-bearing framework (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of the equipment for emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, for transporting people who are injured, ill, disabled on a stretcher, accommodating said patients inside a sanitary compartment and taking them to a hospital premise.

[0002] As known, ambulances are vehicles used to transport patients who are lying on a stretcher which is in turn positioned inside the sanitary compartment.

[0003] In particular, in order to optimise the steps of loading and unloading the aforesaid self-loading stretchers (coaches provided with retractable legs and pivoting wheels) a specific accessory, commonly known as stretcher support, is used which rests on the floor of the sanitary compartment.

[0004] The stretcher support keeps the self-loading stretcher in position inside the sanitary compartment, in particular during the ambulance run.

[0005] The known-type stretcher supports are also specifically configured in order to enable positioning the patient in Trendelemburg and Antitrendelemburg positions, or move him vertically or laterally inside the sanitary compartment, always maintaining him lying down on the stretcher.

[0006] Lateral/crosswise movements relative to the insertion direction of the stretcher in the sanitary compartment allow positioning the stretcher support and stretcher assembly inside the sanitary compartment in different positions to define corresponding walkable lateral spaces for the operators assisting the patient.

[0007] Known-type stretcher supports equipped with translation means for said lateral movements consist of a framework which can be fastened to the inner floor of the sanitary compartment provided with sliding means consisting of specific guides. The framework is thus associated to a covering structure having a substantially parallelepiped shape, whose upper surface defines the base for accommodating and supporting the stretcher. On the upper surface of the covering structure suitable engaging means are typically mounted adapted to hold the stretcher on the upper surface thereof.

[0008] Such fastening means are typically releasable and are used during the operations of inserting and extracting the stretcher into/from the ambulance to allow locking safely the stretcher to the stretcher support in particular during the run and releasing it for the subsequent extraction.

[0009] A drawback of the known-type systems consists in that they are of complex construction. This results in high production times and costs.

[0010] Possible maintenance and/or repair operations are also particularly complex with relative high intervention times and/or costs.

[0011] The construction complexity also negatively affects the reliability of the system over time.

[0012] The main object of the present invention is to solve or at least partially overcome the drawbacks characterising the solutions known in the background art.

[0013] It is a main object of the present invention to propose a stretcher support which simplifies its construction steps, reducing production times and costs.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to propose a stretcher support which simplifies the maintenance and/or repair actions if compared to the known systems.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to increase the reliability of the stretcher support if compared to the known systems.

[0016] Such and other objects are achieved thanks to the characteristics of the invention reported in independent claim 1. The dependent claims outline preferred and/or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention.

[0017] In particular, the present invention makes available a stretcher support to be installed on the floor of a sanitary compartment of an ambulance, said stretcher support comprising:

• a load-bearing framework;
• means for fastening said framework to said floor;
• means for translating said framework with respect to said fastening means to allow moving said framework with respect to said floor in a crosswise direction with respect to the insertion direction of a stretcher on said stretcher support;
• stretcher engaging/releasing means adapted to allow the engagement of said stretcher to said stretcher support and the release of said stretcher from said stretcher support;

wherein said stretcher engaging/releasing means are made directly on said load-bearing framework.

[0018] Preferably, said crosswise direction is a perpendicular direction in relation to the stretcher insertion direction.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, translation means comprise a guide sliding system.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the guide sliding system comprises at least a sliding rod associated to the framework and at least a seat for accommodating the sliding rod associated to fastening means or comprises at least a sliding rod associated to fastening means and at least a seat for accommodating the sliding rod associated to the framework.

[0021] In one preferred embodiment, the engaging/releasing means comprise one or more hooks for corresponding one or more engaging parts of the stretcher.

[0022] Preferably, engaging/releasing means comprise two or more hooks and opening means for opening such hooks.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the opening means allow opening simultaneously the hooks.

[0024] In one preferred embodiment, the stretcher support further comprises a structure covering the framework.

[0025] Preferably, the covering structure is integral with the framework and can be translated with the framework itself.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, fastening means comprise a plate adapted to be connected to the floor.

[0027] Preferably the stretcher rests on the floor, preferably by means of wheels equipping such stretcher, when the stretcher is received on the stretcher support and/or when it is moved along the crosswise direction.

[0028] Preferably the stretcher wheels are of the pivoting type.

[0029] Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent after reading the following description provided by way of a non-limiting example, with the aid of the figures shown in the accompanying drawings, where:

• Figures 1 and 2: show a stretcher support with a stretcher fastened above in two respective positions inside a sanitary compartment of an ambulance;
• Figures 3 and 4: show the stretcher support without the stretcher in the respective positions of Figures 1 and 2 inside the sanitary compartment of the ambulance;
• Figure 5: shows in an axonometric view the stretcher support of Figure 3;
• Figure 6: shows the stretcher support of Figure 5 with some covering parts removed;
• Figure 7: shows the stretcher support of Figure 6 from another perspective;
• Figure 8: shows the plan view from above of Figure 6;
• Figure 9: shows the side plan view of Figure 6;
• Figure 10: shows the front plan view of Figure 6.

[0030] Referring in particular to the Figures, 1 denotes as a whole, a stretcher support to be installed in a sanitary compartment V of an ambulance A.

[0031] The ambulance A and the sanitary compartment V are partially shown only with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Inside the sanitary compartment V, where the operators of the emergency service and where the stretcher B is introduced, the walking floor P is identified.

[0032] The stretcher support 1 is adapted to preferably support a stretcher B of any type or, to a greater extent, to support a patient.

[0033] The stretcher B is inserted inside the sanitary compartment V along an insertion direction X above the stretcher support 1, such direction substantially corresponding to the direction of longitudinal extension of the ambulance A. Similarly, the stretcher B is extracted from inside the sanitary compartment V along the same direction X, obviously in the opposite direction.

[0034] The stretcher support 1, according to an aspect of the present invention, can be positioned at different transversal positions inside the sanitary compartment V, as shown for example with reference to the two positions of Figures 1 and 2 and to Figures 3 and 4.

[0035] This allows for lateral/crosswise movements of the stretcher inside the sanitary compartment in different positions to define corresponding walkable lateral spaces for the operators assisting the patient.

[0036] Lateral/crosswise movements preferably occur along a direction Y that is perpendicular to the insertion direction X of the stretcher B.

[0037] The stretcher support 1 comprises, preferably, a load-bearing framework 10 and means 20 for fastening the framework 10 to the floor P.

[0038] In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the fastening means 20 of the stretcher support 1 preferably comprise a plate P1. The support plate P1 is preferably fastenable/fastened to the floor P inside the sanitary compartment V. In variant embodiments, however, fastening means may not have such plate P1 and may be associated directly to the floor P inside the sanitary compartment V, as hereinafter disclosed.

[0039] Fastening means 20 preferably comprise, two pairs of brackets 22A, 22B, 24A, 24B which can be fastened to the plate P1, preferably by means of screws (not shown). In the preferred embodiment without plate P1, as previously said, the two pairs of brackets 22A, 22B, 24A, 24B can be fastened to the floor P inside the sanitary compartment V.

[0040] One first pair of such brackets 22A, 22B is associated at the front of said framework 10 and one second pair of said brackets 24A, 24B is associated at the rear of said framework 10.

[0041] The framework 10 preferably comprises a X-shape adapted to provide a particular structural strength to the framework 10 and to the stretcher support 1.

[0042] The stretcher support 1 is also preferably provided with means 30 for translating the framework 10 with respect to the fastening means 20. Translation means 30 enable said movement of the stretcher support 1 in a crosswise direction Y.

[0043] Translation means 30 preferably comprise a guide sliding system.

[0044] The guide sliding system according to the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the figures comprise two sliding rods 32, 34 associated to the framework 10 and seats 36A, 36B, 38A, 38B for accommodating the sliding rods 32, 34 associated to fastening means 20.

[0045] In particular, a front sliding rod 32 is associated to the framework 10 and a pair of front accommodating seats 36A, 36B for the front sliding rod 32 are associated to the respective front brackets 22A, 22B. A rear sliding rod 34 is associated to the framework 10 and a pair of rear accommodating seats 38A, 38B for the rear sliding rod 34 are associated to the respective rear brackets 24A, 24B.

[0046] Preferably, the sliding rods 32, 34 have a cylinder shape and the accommodating seats 36A, 36B, 38A, 38B have a hollow cylinder conjugated profile.

[0047] In variant embodiments, rods and seats with different shapes may be used, for example polygonal and/or mixtilinear profiles.

[0048] Furthermore, in preferred variant embodiments, the guide sliding system may provide one or more sliding rods associated to fastening means and accommodating seats of the sliding rods associated to the framework.

[0049] In further preferred variant embodiments, in addition, translations means 30 may comprise suitable means aiding the translation adapted to facilitate the crosswise movement of the framework 10 with respect to the fastening means 20, otherwise manually obtained. Such aid means may comprise, for instance, piston hydraulic systems, motorised means, piston pneumatic systems, etcetera. Such aid means may be preferably controlled by suitable control means, such as push buttons and/or remote controls.

[0050] The stretcher support 1 further comprises stretcher engaging/releasing means 50 adapted to allow the engagement of a stretcher B to the stretcher support 1 and the release of the stretcher B from the stretcher support 1.

[0051] According to an aspect of the present invention, engaging/releasing means 50 are made directly on the load-bearing framework 10.

[0052] The engaging/releasing means 50 according to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures comprise a plurality of hooks 52A, 52B, 54A, 54B adapted to engage at corresponding locking parts defined in the stretcher B (not shown in the figures as of the known-type).

[0053] In particular a pair of hooks 52A, 52B associated at the front of the framework 10 and a pair of hooks 54A, 54B associated at the rear of the framework 10 are provided.

[0054] Each hook 52A, 52B, 54A, 54B preferably comprises a ring shape provided with an openable tract 521A, 521B, 541A, 541B through which the respective locking part associated to the stretcher B is entered or exited.

[0055] Preferably, each openable tract 521A, 521B, 541A, 541B comprises a lever integral with the framework 10. The lever 521A, 521B, 541A, 541B is preferably provided with elastic pushing means, not shown, adapted to push the lever towards the closing position for the hook 52A, 52B, 54A, 54B.

[0056] Furthermore, preferably, opening means 60 allow opening the hooks 52A, 52B, 54A, 54B by means of an action by an operator O. More preferably, the opening means 60 are conformed to open simultaneously all the hooks 52A, 52B, 54A, 54B by means of a single action by the operator O. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, the opening means 60 comprise a mechanism/leverage 62 adapted to act by the simultaneous rotation of the levers 521A, 521B, 541A, 541B of each hook 52A, 52B, 54A, 54B. The leverage 62 preferably comprises a first grip zone 64 and a second grip zone 66 whose actuation allows rotating simultaneously the levers 521A, 521B, 541A, 541B. The first grip zone 64 is easily accessible to the operator O as it is arranged at the rear loading zone, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The first grip zone 64 preferably comprises a lever. The two grip zones 64, 66 are advantageously interconnected by means of a connection rod 68.

[0057] An operator O acting by pulling a grip zone 64, 66, for instance pulling a grip zone 64, 66 along the pulling direction T1 of Figure 6 or 7, determines the simultaneous rotation of the levers 521A, 521B, 541A, 541B and the opening of the hooks 52A, 52B, 54A, 54B.

[0058] In variant embodiments, the opening means may be suitably motorised, providing for instance a motorised mechanism actuatable by a specific push button accessible to the operator O.

[0059] A covering structure 80, or crankcase, is arranged for covering the framework 10. The crankcase 80 is preferably integral with the framework 10 and is advantageously translatable with the framework 10.

[0060] The crankcase 80 preferably has a substantially parallelepiped shape.

[0061] The crankcase 80 is removably associated to the framework 10. Advantageously, the removal of the crankcase 80 allows accessing easily to the parts composing the stretcher support 1, in particular accessing the framework 10, translation means 30 and fastening means 20.

[0062] In one preferred embodiment, the various parts of the stretcher support 1 are sized such that when the stretcher B is positioned on the stretcher support 1 and engaged thereto by the stretcher engaging/releasing means 50, the stretcher B rests directly on the floor P which thus supports it. Preferably, the stretcher B rests directly on the floor P by the wheels R that typically equip the stretcher B. In such a case, preferably, the stretcher B rests directly on the floor P when it is moved along the crosswise direction Y.

[0063] In one preferred embodiment, the wheels that equip the stretcher B are for instance of the pivoting type or in any case of such a type as to minimise the friction with the floor P during the crosswise movement of the stretcher B.

[0064] In variant embodiments, however, the various parts of the stretcher support may be sized such to support the stretcher B in a raised position with respect to the floor P, in such a case being the weight of the stretcher B, and possibly of the patient, totally supported by the stretcher support itself.

[0065] Advantageously, the stretcher support according to the invention has a reduced construction complexity if compared to the known systems. This allows simplifying the construction steps of the stretcher support, reducing the production times and/or costs thereof.

[0066] Even maintenance and/or repair operations are simplified if compared to the known systems.

[0067] The removal of the protection crankcase, in fact, allows accessing easily to all of the parts composing the stretcher support for possible maintenance and/or repair operations and/or replacements.

[0068] The reduced construction complexity allows, in addition, to increase the reliability of the stretcher support if compared to the known systems.

[0069] It is clear from the above that the stretcher support according to the invention allows to reach the set objects.

[0070] In particular, it is clear that the solution proposed allows to simplify the construction steps of the stretcher support, reducing production times and/or costs thereof if compared to known systems.

[0071] It is understood however that what is described above has an illustrative and non-limiting purpose, therefore, possible variants of detail that may be necessary for technical and/or functional reasons, are considered from now falling within the same protective scope defined by the claims indicated below.

Claims

1. A stretcher support (1) to be installed on the floor (P) of a sanitary compartment (V) of an ambulance (A), said stretcher support (1) comprising:

- a load-bearing framework (10);

- fastening means (20) of said framework (10) to said floor (P);

- translation means (30) of said framework (10) in relation to said fastening means (20) to allow the movement of said framework (10) in relation to said floor (P) in a cross direction (Y) in relation to the insertion direction (X) of a stretcher (B) on said stretcher support (1);

- stretcher engaging/releasing means (50) adapted to allow the engagement of said stretcher (B) to said stretcher support (1) and the release of said stretcher (B) from said stretcher support (1); characterised in that said stretcher engaging/releasing means (50) are made directly on said load-bearing framework (10).

2. Support (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that said translation means (30) comprise a guide sliding system.

3. Support (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that said guide sliding system comprises at least one sliding rod (32, 34) associated with said framework (10) and at least one accommodating seat (36A, 36B, 38A , 38B) of said sliding rod (32, 34) associated with said fastening means (20) or comprises at least one sliding rod associated with said fastening means (20) and at least one accommodating seat of said sliding rod associated with said framework (10).

4. Support (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said engaging/releasing means (50) comprise one or more hooks (52A, 52B, 54A, 54B) for corresponding one or more engaging parts of said stretcher (B).

5. Support (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said engaging/releasing means (50) comprise two or more hooks (52A, 52B, 54A, 54B) and opening means (60) for opening said hooks (52A, 52B, 54A, 54B).

6. Support (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that said opening means (60) allow the simultaneous opening of said hooks (52A, 52B, 54A, 54B).

7. Support (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it further comprises a covering structure (80) of said framework (10).

8. Support (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that said covering structure (80) is integral with said framework (10) and translatable with said framework (10).

9. Support (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said fastening means (20) comprise a plate (P1) adapted to be connected to said floor (P).

10. Support (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said stretcher (B) rests on said floor (P), preferably through wheels, which equip said stretcher (B), when said stretcher (B) is accommodated on said stretcher support (1) and/or when it is moved along said cross direction (Y).

11. Support (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said translation means (30) comprise translation aiding means adapted to facilitate the crosswise movement of the framework (10) in relation to the fastening means (20).

Drawing