Patent ID: 6026523
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: A61G

Abstract:
An apparatus for lifting and transporting patients comprising:a base frame;a plurality of wheels affixed to a lower portion of said base frame providing portability of said frame;first and second spaced apart telescoping leg assemblies having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end pivotally coupled to said lower portion of said base frame, each said telescoping leg assembly being adjustable between a first retracted position and a second extended position;rotatable casters affixed to a lower portion of the distal end of each of said first and second telescoping leg assemblies;means for independently and reversibly extending each said telescoping leg assembly from said first retracted position to said second extended position;means for reversibly diverging said telescoping leg assemblies from a first essentially parallel position to a second divergent position;a column having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end being rotatably coupled to said base frame;column rotation means for reversibly rotating said column about said column vertical axis;a lifting arm pivotally attached at one end thereof to said column distal end; andlifting means operatively associated with said lifting arm and said proximal end of said column for raising and lowering of a patient.