Patient transport system

This invention includes embodiments which disclose patient transportation devices such as toboggans or litters, which may include adjustable handle lock and positioning systems, a handle attachment and detachment system which renders the handle readily attachable and detachable to the transportation device and/or an anchor system for securing or stabilizing rescue stretchers and rescue litters when rescuing and transporting patients.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention generally relates to a patient transport system which includes an adjustable handle, a handle attachment and detachment system and/or a transport anchor system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Rescue stretchers and rescue litters have been used for many years for rescue operations in the outdoors and there are numerous different types and configurations of rescue stretchers, litters and toboggans. The rescue litters generally include some type of bottom support or framework for supporting the weight of the person or animal to be rescued, along with a side framework of some sort for further containing the person being rescued. The transport, litter and/or toboggan frameworks may be made in any one of a number of different types of materials or configurations, all within the scope of this invention.

There seems to be an infinite number of different circumstances, situations, terrains and environments in which the rescue or aid must occur. It is therefore important that the equipment and tools that the rescue personnel use be flexible and adaptable to as many different types of situations, circumstances and terrain as possible. It may also be important that the equipment be adaptable to the range or spectrum of sizes of the rescue personnel themselves. For example if one rescuer is five foot tall and another rescuer who may later use the same patient transport is six foot five inches tall, it would make it very difficult for one handle setting or location to work well for both rescuers. The adjustability that embodiments of this invention provide may also be desirable if the terrain is primarily uphill at times and downhill at others to provide the same rescuer more comfort during the transport.

In rescue situations it is important that rescue personnel have the maximum flexibility with the rescue equipment in order to be able to adapt to any particular situation—and there are a near infinite number of different circumstances, situations, and environments in which the rescue or aid must occur. It is therefore important that the equipment and tools that the rescue personnel use be flexible and adaptable to as many different types of situations and circumstances as possible.

In the rescue space or environment, whether toboggans, litters or stretchers (to name a few) are used in the rescue effort, there is sometimes a need for handles and other times there is not a need for handles and handles might get in the way. It would therefore be desirable in achieving maximum flexibility for the equipment and the use of the equipment, such as the use of toboggans, that a device be provided which may but need not have a handle attached thereto. These handles are preferably attachable and detachable in a relatively easy manner and without requiring special tools and more time than is desirable under rescue situations. The handles are placed under severe stress in many working conditions and must have a high strength and not be subject to easy bending or breakage.

There are numerous situations that are encountered in the use of litters and toboggans in which the litter or toboggan must be stabilized, anchored and/or secured in order to load the patient. Without some type of easily usable anchoring or securing system, the toboggan or litter will tend to slide down the slope or run away while the rescuer is assessing the situation, providing first aid to the patient and/or loading the patient.

While the preferred embodiment for a toboggan application is shown and described, this invention is by no means limited to application on or in combination with the toboggan, but instead may be used with other rescue devices such as litters, stretchers and other devices performing these functions in rescue efforts. This accessory for rescue devices such as toboggans and litters can be attached to any type of patient transport device which is utilized in a scenario in which it might slide or slip away, whether in snow, ice, dirt, wet grass or other ground environments which may be encountered.

It is therefore an object of some embodiments of this invention to provide a handle or handle mechanism which can be attached and detached (or installed, removed and reinstalled) relatively easily.

It is also an object of embodiments of this invention to provide such a handle mechanism which can bear the harsh environment and working conditions that toboggans, stretchers, litters and other rescue equipment must endure, but yet be detached for storage, transport and other applications.

Embodiments of this invention provide such a handle mechanism which can be attached and detached from a toboggan for example, but which provide a robust handle attachment to the toboggan.

It is also an object of embodiments of this invention to provide an adjustable handle lock framework which provides greater flexibility and compensation for a variety of terrains and individual rescue personnel.

It is further an object of embodiments of this invention to provide a patient transport anchoring system or device which may be utilized on or in combination with patient transport devices (including without limitation, toboggans, litters, stretchers and others), which provides a readily usable means of anchoring the transport device so that it will not slip away while rescue, first aid and other efforts are ongoing.

It is also an object of embodiments of this invention to provide such a patient transport anchoring system which may be attached to a patient transport device.

While the invention was motivated in addressing some objectives, it is in no way so limited. The invention is only limited by the accompanying claims as literally worded, without interpretative or other limiting reference to the specification, and in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents. Other objects, features, and advantages of this invention will appear from the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings which form a part hereof. In carrying out the objects of this invention, it is to be understood that its essential features are susceptible to change in design and structural arrangement, with only one practical and preferred embodiment being illustrated in the accompanying drawings, as required.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Many of the fastening, connection, manufacturing and other means and components utilized in this invention are widely known and used in the field of the invention described, and their exact nature or type is not necessary for an understanding and use of the invention by a person skilled in the art or science; therefore, they will not be discussed in significant detail. Furthermore, the various components shown or described herein for any specific application of this invention can be varied or altered as anticipated by this invention and the practice of a specific application or embodiment of any element may already be widely known or used in the art or by persons skilled in the art or science; therefore, each will not be discussed in significant detail.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” as used in the claims herein are used in conformance with long-standing claim drafting practice and not in a limiting way. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one of such elements, but instead mean “at least one”.

FIG. 1is an elevation view of an embodiment of this invention, namely a rescue or patient transport system120(a toboggan based embodiment in this example), on which embodiments of this invention may be mounted and used, and/or which may be used in combination with embodiments of this invention.FIG. 1illustrates toboggan129, toboggan handle121, along with the anchor system117attached to the side of the toboggan120.

FIG. 1also illustrates one example of an embodiment of an adjustable handle lock framework101mounted on the toboggan that may be utilized in practicing the invention.FIG. 1shows handle lock framework102which in this embodiment is a U-shaped framework102with a top frame section102a, a first side frame section102b, a second side frame section102cand a bottom or base frame section103.

FIG. 1further illustrates an example of a handle attachment and detachment system122which renders the handle readily attachable and detachable to the transportation device, as shown and described more fully inFIGS. 7-13.

At predetermined or corresponding locations in the first side frame section102band the second side frame section102c, this embodiment shows three pairs of support apertures104,105and106respectively (more fully shown inFIG. 2).

FIG. 2illustrates handle107fixed to the top frame section102aof framework102, outside mount plates108and113, cap screw114, axle bearing111, axle rod110and axle rod support frames109and115. Spring133may be utilized as shown to provide a bias force on the framework to help keep the framework102positioned against the handle (shown inFIG. 3as one example) to keep the studs139illustrated inFIG. 6within the support apertures104,105and106.

The support apertures104(one on first frame section102aand a second support aperture104on second frame section102b) are at corresponding locations on the respective frame sections and configured as such to receive support studs or pegs (such as studs139shown inFIG. 6) which are integral with a patient transportation device. The configuration of pairs of support apertures104,105and106will allow the rescue personnel to align a select pair of support apertures with the support studs or pegs on the patient transportation device to carry the patient transportation device.

FIG. 2is an elevation view of the example of the adjustable handle lock framework101illustrated inFIG. 1, showing handle lock framework102, which in this embodiment is a U-shaped framework102with a top frame section102a, a first side frame section102b, a second side frame section102cand a bottom or base frame section103. At predetermined or corresponding locations in the first side frame section102band the second side frame section102c, this embodiment shows three support apertures104,105and106respectively. Handle107is shown attached to top frame section102a.

The support apertures104(one on first frame section102aand a second support aperture104on second frame section102b) are at corresponding locations on the respective frame sections and configured as such to receive support studs or pegs which are integral with a patient transportation device. The configuration of pairs of support apertures104,105and106will allow the rescue personnel to align a selected pair of support apertures with the support studs or pegs on the patient transportation device to carry the patient transportation device.

FIG. 3is an elevation view of the example of the embodiment of the adjustable handle lock framework101illustrated inFIG. 1assembled within and attached to a patient transportation device120(a toboggan). The transport handle121is shown pivotally attached to the toboggan120body at pivotal attachment points, and the adjustable handle lock framework101pivotally attached to the toboggan body at attachment points123via outside mount plates such as those outside mount plates108&113shown and described inFIG. 2above. The patient transportation device handle121can be pivoted up or down and studs in handle crossbar124may be inserted into one of the three pairs of corresponding support apertures104,105and106, depending on the desired height of the handle121.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the handle lock framework102has a first end pivotally mounted to the patient transportation device120, the handle lock framework102including a plurality of stud apertures each configured to receive the at least one stud (shown inFIG. 6) on the handle framework, with each stud aperture being positioned up the handle lock framework102progressively away from the patient transportation device120such that positioning the at least one stud in progressively further stud apertures secures the handle framework in different higher positions for use.

It is noted that while it may be preferred to mount two studs on the crossbar125of handle framework121as shown inFIG. 6, this invention is not limited to any particular number of studs or stud apertures. For example one stud may be utilized and similarly three studs may be utilized, or one or more pairs of studs may be utilized within the contemplation of this invention with no one number being required to practice this invention.

FIG. 4is a side view of the example of the adjustable handle lock framework101illustrated inFIG. 1, showing handle lock framework102, and a bottom or base frame section103, with handle107attached to the framework102.

FIG. 5is a front elevation view of the adjustable handle lock framework illustrated in prior figures as shown as used in connection with a patient transportation device120, illustrating patient transportation device handle121, spring133, support apertures130and131, handle lock framework102, with arrow119showing how the handle lock framework102pivots about its axis to keep it biased toward the device handle121. Not visible from this view would be studs on device handle121inserted within support apertures not visible behind the crossbar125of device handle121.

FIG. 6is a rear perspective view illustrating the handle component121of a patient transportation device with studs139or nubs attached or mounted thereto on crossbar125of the handle component125. The studs139would insert into support apertures (illustrated in prior figures) as part of the handle lock framework.

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that if the patient transportation device handle is removed or not present, the spring bias aspect of the handle lock framework may force and retain the handle lock framework in a position abutted against the patient transportation device.

FIG. 7is a perspective view of one example of a handle attachment and detachment system which may be used in a patient transportation device, showing a transport handle201which may be used in practicing embodiments of this invention, illustrating first framework segment205, second framework segment206, handle202with handle adapter203and stiffener structure204. First framework segment205includes an upper portion205aand a lower portion205b, with the lower portion in this embodiment having a plurality of fastener holes207, withFIG. 7also showing a plurality of fastener holes208in second framework segment206.

FIG. 8is a perspective view of the example of the embodiment of this invention201illustrated inFIG. 7, with the first framework segment205(shown inFIG. 7) removed to allow a better view of the handle configuration.FIG. 8illustrates second framework segment206with a plurality of fastener holes208or apertures, handle202with handle adapter portion203and handle stiffener204.

FIG. 8shows handle202in a usable position relative to second framework segment206. The handle adapter portion203in this embodiment is generally circular with slit or bar gap211contained therein. The framework attachment bar210is shown within handle adapter portion203cavity212providing support and the point of attachment for handle202. The framework attachment bar210is secured or attached to second framework segment206and similarly would be attached to first framework segment205if it were in this figure. Framework attachment bar210is elongated and it's width corresponds to and is less than the width of bar gap211in handle adapter portion203such that if handle202is rotated approximately 90° upwardly or clockwise, the bar gap211in handle adapter portion203could be slid around and off framework attachment bar210, thereby removing the handle202from the framework.

It should be noted that the framework attachment bar210provides an axis about which the handle rotates and also acts in some ways as an axle though the embodiments shown in the figures is not the typically round shape of a more traditional axle. Furthermore the framework attachment bar movably allows for the attachment of the handle202relative to the attachment bar and therefore also relative to the patient transportation device to which it is attached. It should also be noted that there is no particular shape required for the framework attachment bar210, but instead any one of a number of different shapes and configurations may be utilized within the scope of practicing embodiments of this invention.

The ability to attach or engage handle202the framework which includes first framework segment205and second framework segment206(interconnected by framework attachment bar210), allows the rescue personnel the option of separately transporting or carrying handle202from its attachment framework which allows its attachment to the rescue toboggan or litter.

Arrow217illustrates how handle202may be pivoted about framework attachment bar210to allow to be moved from the position shown inFIG. 8to a position approximately 180° from the shown position, thereby further providing flexibility to the users on which side the actual handle202is located relative to its framework and point of attachment to the rescue device.

Positions at which the attachment bar gap211is not aligned with the attachment bar210are use positions as the attachment bar210is surrounded by the perimeter of the handle adapter203housing. The handle and/or handle adapter is in the insertion/removal position when the attachment bar gap211in the handle adapter is aligned with the attachment bar such that the attachment bar gap211in the handle adapter203may be slid or moved over the attachment bar210thereby inserting the attachment bar210into the interior cavity of the handle adapter203, or removing the attachment bar210from the interior cavity of the handle adapter203.

While the framework attachment bar210is shown in a rectangular cross-section configuration, it may be other shapes and configurations so long as it corresponds to bar gap211to allow the handle202to be removed in this embodiment of the invention. There may be other embodiments wherein the slit or bar gap may be covered or bridge over so that handle202cannot be easily removed or detached from its framework, all within the contemplation of this invention.

FIG. 9is an exploded perspective view of the handle portion202of the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 7, showing handle202, handle adapter portion203, stiffener204, bar gap211in handle adapter portion203and handle adapter portion aperture212which becomes an axis about which handle202may be rotated around framework attachment bar210(shown in other figures).

FIG. 10is a perspective view of the framework portion of the handle system of the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 7, showing first framework segment205, second framework segment206interconnected by framework attachment bar210which is connected to both the first framework segment205and the second framework segment206. The framework attachment bar210, in this embodiment of the invention, is sized corresponding to the generally circular handle adapter portion203such that when the framework attachment bar210is inserted into handle adapter aperture212and the handle202is rotated or pivoted, the framework attachment bar210substantially fills the handle adapter aperture212to sufficiently and movably attach and secure the handle202relative to the framework attachment bar210. It is therefore desirable in embodiments of this invention to size the framework attachment bar210, or crossbar, big enough to substantially fill the handle adapter portion203aperture212so that the handle202does not have an unacceptably high amount of lateral movement when in a rotated position such as shown inFIG. 7.

The framework attachment bar210also having a thinner dimension as shown allows the handle202to be attached and detached by sliding framework attachment bar210into bar gap211and handle adapter portion203.

FIG. 11is a perspective view of the first framework segment205of the handle framework of the embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIG. 7, showing the upper portion205aand the lower portion205bof first framework segment205, with the lower portion205bin this embodiment having a plurality of fastener holes207available to insert fasteners through to secure the framework to a rescue device such as a toboggan or litter. It will be noted that no specific configuration of framework is required to practice this invention; however, the bent portion of the first framework segment205illustrated inFIG. 11would allow for the lower portion205bof the framework to be adapted to a narrower framework or point of attachment on a rescue device while still providing sufficient room for a framework attachment bar to be mounted or attached to the upper portion of first framework segment205and corresponding second and opposing framework segment (such as illustrated inFIG. 7).

FIG. 1also shows an elevation view of an example of an embodiment of a handle system122attached to a portable patient device120such as a toboggan as contemplated by this invention. The toboggan handle121has a framework and has two attachment points where it is pivotally attached to the toboggan120. The first framework segment105and second framework segment106are shown attached to the toboggan120and to which the first and second toboggan handle segments are pivotally and removably attached in the way shown in the figures.

FIG. 12is a perspective of another example of an embodiment of the handle system250contemplated by this invention, illustrating handle251, handle adapter supports254or framework, handle adapter255, attachment bar253, and first framework segment252.

FIG. 13is a perspective view of examples of the different handle system250configuration illustrated inFIG. 12, which may be utilized in embodiments of this invention, illustrating handle251, handle adapter supports254or framework, and first framework segment252.

FIG. 14is a perspective view of one embodiment of an anchor system301contemplated by this invention, wherein the spike304is positioned for use to secure or anchor the transport device to keep it from moving or shifting. The embodiment of the anchor system illustrated inFIG. 14shows the general components of a framework302, a spike304contained within spike sleeve303which is rotatably mounted to framework302, and spike seat306. The spike304illustrated inFIG. 14is rotated to a position where the user may push on handle portion304aof spike304to push the pointed portion304bof spike304such that it slides through sleeve303and forces the pointed portion304bto penetrate into the ice, dirt or other material to which it is to be anchored.

The spike has a bent portion or handle304a, a main body and a piercing, pointed or spike end portion304bfor penetrating surfaces (such as dirt, ice, snow pack and others). The spike sleeve303is pivotally mounted to framework302via pivot305such that the spike sleeve303(and consequently spike304) can be rotated 90° relative to framework302(or relative to a transport device framework) from the position shown inFIG. 14to allow the spike304then be inserted into spike seat306, as shown inFIG. 2(which may be referred to as the stored or transport position of spike304, with the pointed portion304bbeing inserted into the spike seat306.FIG. 14further illustrates stop317attached to spike to prevent the spike304from sliding out of spike sleeve303. The stop317in this embodiment is a peg, stub or nub, tooth, or which may also be a screw inserted in or through spike304.

It should be noted that the stop317provided in the configuration shown in this embodiment of the invention may serve a dual purpose of preventing the spike304from sliding out of spike sleeve303, and as shown inFIG. 15, also being used as a stop mechanism to secure the spike within spike seat306(as more fully disclosed and discussed below relative toFIG. 15).FIG. 14illustrates spike seat aperture311which is generally configured to correspond to the cross-section of spike304such that spike304may be inserted within spike seat aperture311. It should also be noted that the stop317may also be referred to as a tooth or bit, like a tooth or bit on a skeleton key.

It should be noted that embodiments of this invention may include a separate framework such as framework302attaching the spike seat306and pivotally mounting spike sleeve303, or this invention may utilize part of the transport device as the framework and attach the spike seat306and the spike sleeve302directly to the transport device (such as a toboggan, litter or other transport device), all within the contemplation of this invention. In the embodiments where a framework302is separately provided, it may provide better rigidity, a better mounting surface, more consistent spacing for mounting of the spike seat and the spike sleeve, and other benefits even though it is not required to practice embodiments of this invention.

FIG. 14also illustrates how spike304is rotatably contained within sleeve303with the rotation represented by arrow309, and slidably contained within sleeve303, represented by arrow308.

FIG. 15is a perspective view of the embodiment of the anchor system shown inFIG. 14, wherein the spike sleeve (and consequently the spike) has been rotated approximately 90° clockwise such that the spike304may be slid through spike sleeve303until the pointed or spike end portion304bof the spike304is inserted into a spike receiving aperture within spike seat306. WhileFIG. 15shows a bent portion on spike304which would comprise a handle portion304a, it should be noted that any one of a number of different handle portions may be utilized with spike304to better facilitate sliding it through spike sleeve303, inserting it into spike seat306or inserting or forcing the pointed or spike end portion304binto the ice or ground.

FIG. 15further illustrates that the aperture within the spike seat includes a spike stop aperture portion312which would be configured to allow spike stop317(shown inFIG. 14) to be inserted with the spike end portion304bof the spike into spike seat306. As can be seen in a later figure, once the spike stop317is inserted into the spike stop aperture portion312far enough, the entire spike304may be rotated downward such that spike stop317(shown inFIG. 14) within spike seat306rotates so that it may no longer be removed through the spike stop aperture portion312. This rotation thereby prevents spike304from sliding out of spike seat306(by rotating spike304) until desired by the rescue personnel to utilize the pointed portion304bof the spike to again secure the transport device to the ground or to some other surface such as ice. This configuration which utilizes a spike stop317(shown inFIG. 14) toward or at the spike end portion304b, provides a dual securing function of both securing the spike304within spike sleeve303, and also securing the spike304within spike seat306. The spike aperture in this embodiment of the invention, assumes a keyhole type shape, as better illustrated for example inFIG. 16.

FIG. 16is a perspective view of one embodiment of a spike housing or spike seat306, which may be used in embodiments of this invention to place and secure the pointed portion304bof spike304during storage and/or transportation.FIG. 16illustrates one embodiment of a spike seat306, which may include housing315, spike aperture311with spike stop aperture portion312, and base310for attachment to a framework or directly to a transport device. The base310may include fastener apertures through which fasteners may be utilized to attach the spike seat306to a framework or directly to the transport device such as a toboggan.

FIG. 16also shows the possible keyhole type shape of the spike aperture311in the spike seat306, with a round portion and a spike stop aperture portion312. Older lock type keys generally included a shaft and what is sometimes referred to as a flag, tooth or bit portion of the key—which in this case would correspond to the stop portion317(shown inFIG. 14) of the spike304.

It should be noted that once the spike is inserted in the spike seat306and the spike stop317is rotated downwardly, the spike is essentially secured from movement in all six directions, even in cases where the spike sleeve303fails.

FIG. 17is an elevation view of the embodiment of the spike seat306or housing illustrated inFIG. 16, showing spike seat housing315, base310, and spike aperture311.

FIG. 18is an end view of the example of the spike seat306shown inFIGS. 16 and 17, which may be utilized in practicing some embodiments of this invention showing spike seat housing315, base310, spike aperture311and spike stop portion aperture312.FIG. 18shows hidden lines319which partly define the spike stop cavity in the spike seat306. Once the spike stop (shown as item317inFIG. 14) is aligned so that the spike304may be inserted into the spike seat306, then the spike304may be rotated (counter-clockwise in the embodiment shown) so that the spike stop prevents the spike from being slid back out of the spike seat306until and unless the spike is rotated back clockwise (preferably by the operator) to align the spike stop with the spike stop aperture portion312of the spike aperture311. The spike stop cavity319therefore retains or secures the spike within the spike seat306due to the spike stop or flag (shown in other figures) being rotated into the spike stop cavity319within the spike seat306.

It should be noted that while the embodiment of the invention illustrated shows the components mounted to a framework302, this invention is not so limited and may also include embodiments wherein the other components are mounted directly to or integral with a transport device such as a toboggan, all within the contemplation of this invention. For example spike seat306may be independently mounted to a toboggan, and similarly the spike sleeve303may be rotatably mounted to a toboggan or transport device at a desired distance spaced apart from the spike seat to allow similar operation to that shown and described above. In some embodiments a framework of some sort may be utilized so that it can easily be mounted to any one or more transport devices.

FIG. 19is a perspective view of another example of an embodiment of a spike seat340or housing which may be used in embodiments of this invention to place the spike304(shown in other figures) during storage and/or transportation.FIG. 19illustrates another embodiment of a spike seat340, which may include spike aperture341with spike stop aperture portion343, and base342for attachment to a framework or directly to a transport device. The base342may include fastener apertures through which fasteners may be utilized to attach the spike seat340to a framework or directly to the transport device such as a toboggan.

FIG. 20is an elevation view of the embodiment of the spike seat housing340illustrated inFIG. 19showing base342, and spike aperture341.

As will be appreciated by those of reasonable skill in the art, there are numerous embodiments to this invention, and variations of elements, components and combinations, which may be used, all within the scope of this invention.

In an overall combined embodiment for example, a portable patient transportation device is provided which comprises: an adjustable handle system; a handle attachment and detachment system; and an anchor system for releasably securing a patent transportation device from moving.

One embodiment of this invention, for example, is an adjustable handle system for portable patient transportation devices comprising: a patient transportation device; a handle framework with a first end configured for interaction with a user and a second end which is pivotably mounted to the patient transportation device, the handle framework including at least one stud protruding therefrom; a handle lock framework with a first end pivotally mounted to the patient transportation device, the handle lock framework including a plurality of stud apertures each configured to receive the at least one stud on the handle framework, with each stud aperture being positioned up the handle lock framework progressively away from the patient transportation device; such that positioning the at least one stud in progressively further stud apertures secures the handle framework in different higher positions for use.

A further embodiment to that disclosed in the preceding paragraph may further comprise a spring mounted on the handle lock framework providing a biasing force on the handle lock framework toward the patient transportation device handle and/or two studs horizontally spaced on the handle framework and corresponding to sets of two stud apertures in the handle lock framework.

In another embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a method for providing an adjustable handle system for portable patient transportation devices comprising: providing a patient transportation device; providing a handle framework with a first end configured for interaction with a user and a second end which is pivotably mounted to the patient transportation device, the handle framework including at least one stud protruding therefrom; providing a handle lock framework with a first end pivotally mounted to the patient transportation device, the handle lock framework including a plurality of stud apertures each configured to receive the at least one stud on the handle framework, with each stud aperture being positioned up the handle lock framework progressively away from the patient transportation device; and positioning the at least one stud in a pre-determined one of the stud apertures to secure the handle framework at a pre-determined position for use.

In other and further embodiments to that disclosed in the preceding paragraph, a method may further provide such as an adjustable handle system: wherein the pre-determined one of the stud apertures is a first stud aperture and the pre-determined position for use is a first pre-determined position for use; pivoting the handle lock framework and thereby removing the at least one stud from the first stud aperture; pivoting the handle framework to allow insertion of the at least one stud into a second stud aperture in the handle lock framework; and then inserting the at least one stud in the second stud aperture, thereby securing the handle framework at a second pre-determined position for use.

In still another and further embodiment to that disclosed in the second preceding paragraph, a method may further provide such an adjustable handle system: further wherein the at least one stud provided is two studs horizontally spaced on the handle framework and corresponding to sets of two stud apertures in the handle lock framework; and/or further wherein a spring is provided mounted on the handle lock framework providing a biasing force on the handle lock framework toward the patent transportation device handle.

In another embodiment of this invention, for example, a removable handle system is provided for portable patient transportation devices comprising: a handle with a first end configured for interaction with a user and a second end which terminates in a handle adapter; the handle adapter comprising a perimeter with an attachment bar gap in the perimeter, the perimeter generally defining an internal cavity; an attachment bar device framework configured at a first end for mounting to a portable patient transportation device and to which an attachment bar is mounted; and the internal cavity of the handle adapter is sized and configured to receive and pivot about the attachment bar when in attached positions, and the attachment bar gap in the handle adapter is configured for passage of the attachment bar into the internal cavity when in a removal position.

A further embodiment to that disclosed in the preceding paragraph may further be wherein the handle adapter is generally circular in shape.

In another embodiment of the invention, disclosed is a method for the attachment, use and removal of a handle to a portable patient transportation device, comprising: providing a handle with a first end configured for interaction with a user and a second end which terminates in a handle adapter; providing the handle adapter such that it comprises a perimeter with an attachment bar gap in the perimeter, the perimeter generally defining an internal cavity; providing an attachment bar device framework configured at a first end for mounting to a portable patient transportation device and to which an attachment bar is mounted; providing the internal cavity of the handle adapter such that it is sized and configured to receive and pivot about the attachment bar when in attached positions, and the attachment bar gap in the handle adapter is configured for passage of the attachment bar into the internal cavity when in a removal position; placing the attachment bar gap in its insertion/removal position over the attachment bar; placing the attachment bar into the internal cavity of the handle adapter; pivoting the handle about the attachment bar to a use position; pivoting the handle about the attachment bar back to its insertion/removal position; and removing the handle adapter by removing the attachment bar from the internal cavity of the handle adapter.

In a further embodiment to that method disclosed in the preceding paragraph, the method may be further wherein the insertion/removal position of the handle adapter is at a location where the handle adapter is aligned with the attachment bar gap such that the attachment bar can be inserted into or removed from the internal cavity by moving the handle adapter.

In another embodiment of this invention, for example, is an anchor system for use in combination with a toboggan, rescue stretcher or rescue litter, comprising: a spike sleeve configured to be rotatably mounted directly or indirectly to a toboggan, rescue stretcher or rescue litter; a spike slidably and rotatably contained within the spike sleeve, the spike including a spike end portion including a spike stop in the spike end portion; providing a spike seat configured to be mounted directly or indirectly to the toboggan, rescue stretcher or rescue liter, the spike seat including a spike seat housing with a spike keyhole aperture including a spike stop aperture portion; the spike aperture being configured in the spike seat such that when the spike with spike stop is inserted into the spike seat and rotated into its secured position, the spike is in its secured position; the spike sleeve being configured such that when it is rotated to a vertical position it facilitates the spike to slide downward into the ground surface and thereby secures the toboggan, rescue stretcher or rescue liter; and further configured such that when the spike sleeve is in a substantially horizontal position, it facilitates the spike and spike stop sliding into the spike seat, thereby securing the spike end of the spike.

A further embodiment to that disclosed in the preceding paragraph is further wherein the spike includes a handle portion at an end opposite the spike end portion.

In a further embodiment of this invention, a method of anchoring a toboggan, rescue stretcher or rescue liter is provided, comprising the following: providing a spike sleeve rotatably mounted directly or indirectly to a toboggan, rescue stretcher or rescue liter; providing a spike slidably and rotatably contained within the spike sleeve, the spike including a spike end portion including a spike stop in the spike end portion; providing a spike seat mounted to the toboggan, rescue stretcher or rescue liter, the spike seat including a spike seat housing with a spike keyhole aperture including a spike stop aperture portion; inserting the spike into the spike seat and rotating the spike into its secured position such that the spike stop rotates within the spike seat to restrict movement of the spike in its secured position; rotating the spike stop into its release position (which in the embodiment shown is wherein the spike stop is horizontally oriented so it can slide through the keyhole aperture), sliding the spike longitudinally within the spike sleeve thereby sliding the spike out of the spike seat; rotating the spike and spike sleeve to a vertical position; and sliding the spike downward such that the spike is secured into a ground surface, thereby securing the toboggan, rescue stretcher or rescue liter.

In a further embodiment to that disclosed in the preceding paragraph, a method of anchoring a toboggan, rescue stretcher or rescue liter is provided additionally comprising: sliding the spike upward in the spike sleeve to withdraw it from being secured in the ground; rotating the spike and spike sleeve back to a position adjacent the spike seat; sliding the spike within the spike sleeve to insert it into the spike aperture in the spike seat; and rotating the spike within the spike sleeve to place the spike stop in its secured position within the spike seat.