PATENT DOCUMENT

Abstract:
A wheeled medical device—such as a cot, stretcher, bed, wheeled chair, or other medical device—includes a pole on which is mounted a removable topper. The topper may include a plurality of IV hooks used to support an IV bag. The hooks may be defined in an endless ribbon that is circular, or that is another closed shape. No prongs, hooks, or other projections extend outwardly from the topper, thereby reducing the potential dangerousness of accidental impacts with the topper. Whether the topper includes hooks or not, it may also be used as an information communication medium, such as through the use of colors, shapes, or other structures that signify certain information. The information may identify characteristics of the patient associated with the medical device or characteristics of the medical device itself, or still other information.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/563,823 filed Nov. 27, 2011 by applicant Anish Paul and entitled TRANSPORT CHAIR, and to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/701,555 filed Sep. 14, 2012 by applicants Anish Paul et al. and also entitled TRANSPORT CHAIR, the complete disclosures of both of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to wheeled chairs that are suitable for transporting patients or other individuals. 
         [0003]    Wheelchairs and transport chairs are known. Such chairs may be used when an individual is not able to walk easily on his or her own, or they may be used when an individual is able to walk on his or her own, but it is desirable to move that person via a wheeled chair so that he or she does not have to walk. Such prior art wheelchairs and transport chairs have often suffered from one or more disadvantages that make one or more aspects of the chairs difficult to use, or that have other undesirable characteristics. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The various aspects of the present invention provide improved ease of use for one or more aspects of wheeled chairs, whether the chairs are wheelchairs or transport chairs. Such aspects may include the brake, the armrests, the footrests, the storage of the chairs, and the attachments of objects to the transport chair, such as oxygen bottles and/or charts, as well as other aspects. In sum, some aspects make the chair easier to get into and out of; other aspects make it easier to store; other aspects make it easier to use the footrests; still other aspects make it easier to accommodate patients of different size; and other aspects make it easier to carry a chart and/or an oxygen bottle on the transport chair. In other embodiments, any one or more of these various aspects may be combined in any manner with any one or more of the other aspects. 
         [0005]    According to one embodiment, a medical device is provided that includes a frame, a plurality of wheels, an IV (intravenous) pole coupled to the frame, and an IV pole topper. The wheels allow the medical device to roll, and the IV pole topper is coupled to the IV pole. The IV pole topper includes a plurality of hooks defined in an endless ribbon. 
         [0006]    According to another embodiment, a medical device is provided that includes a frame, a seat, a back rest, a plurality of wheels, an IV pole, and an IV pole topper. The seat, back rest, and IV pole are supported on the frame, and the plurality of wheels are coupled to the frame to allow the medical device to roll. The IV pole topper is removably attachable to a top end of the IV pole and the IV pole topper includes a plurality of hooks for hanging one or more IV bags. 
         [0007]    According to yet another embodiment, a medical device is provided that includes a frame, a plurality of wheels, a pole coupled to the frame, and a first pole topper. The first pole topper has a first color that signifies a first piece of information about the medical device. The first pole topper is adapted to be replaceable by a second pole topper having a second color different from the first color, wherein the second color signifies a different piece of information about the medical device. 
         [0008]    According to still other embodiments, the ribbon of the IV pole topper may be circular. The circular ribbon may have a center that is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the IV pole. The ribbon may include an exterior surface wherein the hooks are configured such that they do not extend outwardly from the exterior surface. 
         [0009]    The IV pole toper may be removably attached to the IV pole by a screw that is axially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the IV pole. The screw may be positioned such that it is not visible from any vantage points below the IV pole topper. 
         [0010]    The medical device may also include a first clamp coupled to the IV pole and the frame, as well as a second clamp coupled to the IV pole and the frame. The IV pole may include first and second sections wherein the first and second clamps are coupled to the IV pole at the first and second sections, respectively. The first and second sections are not aligned with each other. The first and second sections may also not even be parallel to each other, in some embodiments. The multiple clamps are configured to structurally resist movement of the IV pole with respect to the frame in six degrees of freedom. 
         [0011]    The hooks of the IV pole topper may each include a body and an end, and both the hook bodies and the hook ends may be arranged to define a periphery of a circle that is coaxial with a longitudinal extent of the IV pole. 
         [0012]    The medical device may include a seat and a back rest supported on the frame so that a patient may sit thereon and be transported to different locations. 
         [0013]    The information conveyed by the different colored, or otherwise differently configured, IV pole toppers may relate to an occupant of the seat of the medical device. The information may alternatively, or additionally, relate to a location within a medical facility. The information may relate to still other aspects, as well. 
         [0014]    Before the many embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a rear elevational view of a wheeled transport chair according to a first embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a side, elevational view of the wheeled transport chair of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a front, elevational view of the wheeled transport chair of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a wheeled transport chair according to a second embodiment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a side, elevational view of the transport chair of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a front, elevational view of the transport chair of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a plan view of the transport chair of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a bottom, perspective view of the transport chair of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the transport chair of  FIG. 4  shown with the foot rests pivoted to a retracted, stowed position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the transport chair of  FIG. 4  shown with one foot rest pivoted to the forward use position and the other foot rest pivoted to a backward stowed position; 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a side, elevational view of a third embodiment of a wheeled transport chair showing an armrest in a use position; 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is a side, elevational view of the transport chair of  FIG. 11  shown with the armrest in a stowed or retracted position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of the armrest pivoting mechanism of the chair of  FIGS. 11 and 12 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is a close up, perspective view of the cross bar to which the armrests of  FIGS. 11-13  attach; 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  is a close up, perspective view of the armrest pivoting mechanism that attaches to the cross bar of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 16  is an exploded, perspective view of a second embodiment of an armrest pivoting mechanism; 
           [0031]      FIG. 17  is a side, elevational view of the armrest pivoting mechanism of  FIG. 16  shown with the armrest pivoted down to a use position; 
           [0032]      FIG. 17A  is an enlarged view of the pivoting region of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 18  is a side, elevational view of the armrest pivoting mechanism of  FIG. 16  shown with the armrest up to a stowed position; 
           [0034]      FIG. 19  is a front perspective view of the end cap of the pivoting mechanism of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 20  is a rear perspective view of the end cap of  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 21  is rear perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a wheeled transport chair showing an oxygen bottle that is in the process of being inserted into an oxygen bottle holder on the chair; 
           [0037]      FIG. 22  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 21  showing the oxygen bottle being inserted to a greater extent into the oxygen bottle holder than that shown in  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 23  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 21  showing the oxygen bottle completed inserted into the oxygen bottle holder; 
           [0039]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a top portion of the oxygen bottle holder of  FIGS. 21-23  that is shown in a locked position; 
           [0040]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the top portion of the bottle holder of  FIG. 24  showing the top portion in an unlocked position; 
           [0041]      FIG. 26  is a perspective, exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a top portion of the oxygen bottle holder; 
           [0042]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the oxygen bottle holder portion of  FIG. 26  shown with its fingers in a retracted position; 
           [0043]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the oxygen bottle holder portion of  FIG. 26  shown with its fingers in an extended position; 
           [0044]      FIG. 29A  is a side, elevational view of a transport chair according to a fifth embodiment showing an alternative construction of a top portion of the oxygen bottle holder; 
           [0045]      FIG. 29B  is a side, elevational view of the transport chair of  FIG. 29A  showing the top portion of the oxygen bottle holder raised to a position enabling the oxygen bottle to be removed; 
           [0046]      FIG. 30A  is a rear view of the transport chair of  FIG. 29A  showing the top portion of the oxygen bottle holder in the lowered position; 
           [0047]      FIG. 30B  is a rear view of the transport chair of  FIG. 30A  showing the top portion of the oxygen bottle holder in the raised position; 
           [0048]      FIG. 31  is rear, elevational view of the wheeled transport chair of  FIG. 11  shown with a brake pedal pressed; 
           [0049]      FIG. 32  is a side, elevational view of the transport chair of  FIG. 31  showing one rear wheel in phantom in order to better illustrate some of the braking structure; 
           [0050]      FIG. 33  is a perspective, exploded view of the braking system of the chair of  FIG. 31 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 34  is a close up perspective, exploded view of the braking system of the chair of  FIG. 31 ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 35  is an exploded perspective view of an alternative braking system that may be used in any of the transport chair embodiments disclosed herein; 
           [0053]      FIG. 36  is a close up perspective view of some of the components of the braking system of  FIG. 35 ; 
           [0054]      FIG. 37  is perspective view of the underside of the braking system of  FIG. 35  shown coupled to a transport chair; 
           [0055]      FIG. 38  is a side, elevational view of some of the braking system components of  FIG. 35  showing the brakes in a disengaged state; 
           [0056]      FIG. 39  is a side, elevational view of the braking components of  FIG. 38  showing the brakes in an engaged state; 
           [0057]      FIG. 40  is a perspective view of the braking disc and collar of the braking structure of  FIG. 35 ; 
           [0058]      FIG. 41  is a side, elevational view of the pedals of  FIG. 35  showing the brake pedal pressed; 
           [0059]      FIG. 42  is a side, elevational view of the pedals of  FIG. 41  showing the go pedal pressed; 
           [0060]      FIG. 43  is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a pivot mechanism for the footrests that may be used in any of the transport chairs disclosed herein; 
           [0061]      FIG. 44  is an exploded perspective view of the pivot mechanism of  FIG. 43 ; 
           [0062]      FIG. 45  is a perspective view of the lock insert of  FIG. 44  showing an underside of the lock insert; 
           [0063]      FIG. 46  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an IV pole topper; 
           [0064]      FIG. 47  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an IV pole topper; 
           [0065]      FIG. 48  is a perspective view of the IV pole topper of  FIG. 47 , an IV pole, and a pair of clamps used to secure the IV pole to the transport chair; 
           [0066]      FIG. 49  is a close-up, perspective view of the clamps and IV pole of  FIG. 48 ; 
           [0067]      FIG. 50  is a sectional view of the clamps, IV pole, and handlebar of  FIG. 48 ; 
           [0068]      FIG. 51  is a side, elevational view of the transport chair of  FIG. 29A  showing a calf rest extension that is in a retracted position and that may be included in any of the transport chair embodiments disclosed herein; 
           [0069]      FIG. 52  is a side, elevational view of the transport chair of  FIG. 51  showing the calf rest extension in an extended position; 
           [0070]      FIG. 53  is a side, elevational view of the calf rest extension of  FIG. 51  shown with the handle in an un-pulled position; 
           [0071]      FIG. 54  is a side, elevational view of the calf rest extension of  FIG. 53  shown with the handle in a pulled position; 
           [0072]      FIG. 55  is a perspective, exploded view of several of the components of the calf rest extension of  FIGS. 51-53 ; 
           [0073]      FIG. 56  is another perspective, exploded view of several of the components of the calf rest extension of  FIGS. 51-53 ; 
           [0074]      FIG. 57  is a sectional view of the locking mechanism of the calf rest extension of  FIGS. 51-53  illustrating the locking mechanism in a locked position; 
           [0075]      FIG. 58  is a sectional view of the locking mechanism of  FIG. 57  illustrating the locking mechanism in an unlocked position; 
           [0076]      FIG. 59  is a perspective, exploded view of several other components of the locking mechanism of  FIGS. 51-53 ; 
           [0077]      FIG. 60  is a side, sectional view of the upper portion of the calf rest showing the calf support in a generally horizontal orientation; 
           [0078]      FIG. 61  is a side, sectional view of the upper portion of the calf rest showing the calf support in a pivoted orientation; 
           [0079]      FIG. 62  is a plan view of a pair of transport chairs illustrating the nesting ability of the transport chairs; 
           [0080]      FIG. 63  is a side, elevational view of the chairs of  FIG. 62 ; 
           [0081]      FIG. 64  is a front perspective view of the chairs of  FIG. 62 ; 
           [0082]      FIG. 65  is a rear perspective view of the chairs of  FIG. 62 ; 
           [0083]      FIG. 66  is a side, elevational view of the bottom portion of a transport chair having a rear wheelie set; and 
           [0084]      FIG. 67  is an exploded perspective view illustrating the construction of the wheelie set of  FIG. 66 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0085]    A transport chair  20  according to a first embodiment of the invention is depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 . Transport chair  20  is adapted to allow a patient to be transported to different locations within a healthcare facility, such as, but not limited to a hospital, nursing home, doctor&#39;s office, or similar location. A number of different embodiments of transport chair  20  are described below and in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that further variations of the embodiments described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings may be made without departing from the principles disclosed herein. It will also be understood that the wheeled transport chairs described herein include multiple innovative aspects and features, and that any one or more of these aspects and/or features may be combined together with any one or more of the other aspects or features, or that any one of these aspects or features may be used alone. For example, the following description includes a discussion of a variety of different features, including armrests, footrests, brakes, an oxygen bottle holder, an IV pole, a chart holder, a calf rest, and other features. Any one of these features may be incorporated into a transport chair by itself. Alternatively, multiple of these features may be incorporated into a single transport chair in any desirable combination. Still further, several of these features may be used in other applications besides transport chairs, including, for example, the IV pole and IV pole topper, the oxygen bottle holder, and the brakes. Such other applications include, but are not limited to, wheeled medical devices, or other types of medical devices. 
         [0086]    Although much of the description herein uses the term “transport chair” to refer to chair  20 , as well as its various embodiments, it will be understood that the various embodiments and inventions described herein are equally applicable to wheelchairs, in addition to transport chairs. The term “wheeled chair” will be used herein as a generic term that encompasses both wheelchairs and transport chairs. In general, wheelchairs differ from transport chairs in that wheelchairs include rear wheels that are large enough for a patient to grasp and use to move herself or himself, while transport chairs tend to have smaller wheels that generally preclude a patient from propelling herself or himself in the chair, but instead require a caregiver to push or pull the patient while seated in the chair. 
         [0087]    The transport chair  20  depicted in  FIGS. 1-3  includes a frame  22 , a seat  24  supported thereon, a pair of armrests  26 , a plurality of wheels  28  (that include front wheels  28   a  and rear wheels  28   b ), at least one footrest  30 , a pair of handles  32 , a back rest  34 , and an IV pole  36 . Transport chair  20  further includes a chart holder bottom portion  38 , a chart holder top portion  40 , and an oxygen holder bottom portion  42 . While not shown in the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 , but described elsewhere (e.g. in, and with reference to,  FIGS. 4-10  and  31 - 44 ), transport chair  20  may also include a brake pedal, a stop pedal, an additional footrest, and an oxygen bottle holder. Still other features may also be added to transport chair  20 . 
         [0088]    Seat  24  provides a top surface  48  on which a patient may sit while being transported on transport chair  20 . Seat  24  includes a front edge  44  ( FIG. 2 ) and a pair of side edges  46   a  and  46   b  ( FIG. 3 ). Seat  24  may be cushioned, or it may be substantially rigid, or it may provide a support for a separate cushion (not shown) to be placed on top of top surface  48 . Seat  24  is supported above a cross bar  50  of frame  22 . Cross bar  50  extends laterally between a pair of rear legs  52  of frame  22 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, cross bar  50  generally defines a horizontal pivot axis about which armrests  26  may pivot. 
         [0089]    Each rear leg  52  is fastened to a corresponding forward leg  54  that extends forwardly underneath seat  24 . When viewed from either side, rear legs  52  and forward legs  54  cross each other in an X-fashion. That is, rear legs  52  extend upwardly and forwardly from rear wheels  28   b  to positions underneath seat  24  where rear legs  52  provide support for the seat  24 , while forward legs  54  extend downwardly and forwardly from behind seat  24  to termini adjacent the front end  62  of chair  20 . The crisscrossing arrangement of rear and forward legs  52  and  54  generally defines an X-shape. At each of the termini of forward legs  54 , front wheels  28   a  and footrests  30  are attached and supported. At each of the upper ends of rear legs  52 , a seat bracket  68  is attached to which seat  24  is coupled (see  FIGS. 8 and 67 ). 
         [0090]    Forward legs  54  include a lower portion  56  and an upper portion  58 . Back rest  34  is attached to the upper portion  58  of forward legs  54 . Back rest  34  provides a surface against which a patient may rest his or her back while seated on transport chair  20 . Back rest  34  may itself be cushioned, or it may be rigid, or it may provide support for a separate cushion that is attached thereto (not shown). 
         [0091]    In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , forward legs  54  of frame  22  terminate at their upper ends as handles  32 . Handles  32  provide a structure which a caregiver can grip in order to push and steer transport chair  20 . It will be understood that handles  32  could alternatively be separate structures from legs  54  that are attached to legs  54 , or that are attached to any other suitable structure in transport chair  20 , in any suitable fashion. In one embodiment, handles  32  include a gripping material added thereto that resists sliding contact between a person&#39;s hand and the gripping material so that a caregiver&#39;s hands are less likely to slip when pushing or pulling transport chair  20  via handles  32 . In another embodiment, handles  32  do not have any material added. 
         [0092]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , lower portions  56  of forward legs  54  are angled outwardly from each other as they extend from a rear end  60  to a front end  62  of transport chair  20 . As will be described in greater detail below, this angling of lower portions  56  creates a greater space D 4  between front wheels  28   a  than the lateral spacing D 3  between rear wheels  28   b  ( FIG. 3 ). This greater spacing provides a greater space for a patient to stand in front of chair  20 , as well as providing space for transport chair  20  to nest with another similar transport chair  20  when the two chairs  20  are being stored. This greater space in the front of transport chair  20  enables a patient to stand, turn, and move around while positioned in front of chair  20  with less likelihood of bumping into footrests  30 , and with a greater range of available movement, thereby facilitating the entry into, and exiting from, transport chair  20 . Further, the nesting ability of chair  20  reduces the space occupied by multiple chairs  20  when they are not in use. Such nesting is shown in  FIGS. 62-65  for an alternative embodiment of the transport chair, as will be discussed in greater detail below. 
         [0093]    Chair  20  in  FIGS. 1-3  is shown holding an oxygen bottle  66  that may be necessary for a person being transported in chair  20 . If the patient being transported is not in need of oxygen, then bottle  66  may be removed from transport chair  20 . When chair  20  is used to transport a bottle  66 , it may attach to an oxygen bottle holder that includes the bottom portion  42  that holds the bottom of the oxygen bottle  66  and a top portion (not shown in  FIGS. 1-3 ) that secures a top region of the bottle  66 . The bottom portion may be positioned close to the floor and have a relatively shallow depth so that a caregiver does not have to lift the bottle  66  (which can be heavy) as much as with prior oxygen bottle holders in order to place the bottle  66  in the bottom portion  42  of the holder. The top portion may take on a variety of different configurations, as will be discussed more below. Both the top and bottom portions are discussed in greater detail below. 
         [0094]    IV pole  36  includes a generally vertical rod  70  that is attached at its lower end to the upper portion  58  of one of the forward legs  54  via an IV pole bracket  72  ( FIG. 1 ). The upper end of IV pole  36  includes a IV pole topper  74  that defines a plurality of hooks  76  on which IV bags, or other medical equipment, may be hung (see also  FIGS. 46-47 ). IV pole topper  74  is generally circularly shaped (when viewed from above or below) and each hook  76  is arcuately shaped so as to define the periphery of the circular shape of IV pole topper  74 . Rather than extending radially outward from the generally vertical axis defined by rod  70 —as many prior art IV hooks have done—each hook  76  extends circularly around the periphery of topper  74 . This configuration leads to no outward extending hooks  76  that can be inadvertently bumped against by a caregiver or other person standing next to transport chair  20 . Because the height of topper  74  is often at or near a common height of people&#39;s heads (when standing), any outwardly projecting hooks—such as in the prior art—can create potentially painful projections when bumped against a person&#39;s head. In contrast, the hooks  76  of the IV pole  36  shown in  FIGS. 1-3  do not extend outwardly, and therefore do not create any projections which can be bumped against from an angle that is directly aligned with the angle of the projection. Instead, any bumps against hooks  76  will be sideways and/or glancing, thereby minimizing the impact of such bumps. Topper  74  and hooks  76  therefore help to mitigate the seriousness of any injury that might otherwise arise from a person bumping their head, or other body part, against hooks  76 . 
         [0095]    While  FIGS. 1-3  illustrate an IV pole topper  74  having three arcuately shaped hooks  76 , the construction of IV pole topper  74  may be modified. For example,  FIG. 47  shows one alternative embodiment of an IV pole topper  274  that may be attached to transport chair  20 , or to any of the other transport chair embodiments discussed herein. IV pole topper  274  includes five arcuate hooks. Still other numbers of hooks  76  may be included in IV pole topper  274 . Further, the shape of IV pole toppers  74  and/or  274  may be changed from that shown to any other shapes that reduce the likelihood of any hooks  76  pointing directly toward a person who might make inadvertent contact with the hooks. For example, hooks  76  could point radially inward toward the center of IV pole topper  74  or  274 . Other constructions are also possible. 
         [0096]    As noted above, transport  20  may also include a chart holder for carrying one or more patient&#39;s medical charts, or for carrying a binder, or for carrying papers, or any combination of these items. The configuration of the chart holder may vary, as will be described in greater detail below. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the chart holder includes a bottom portion  38  on which the chart and/or papers may rest. The top portion  40  prevents the charts and/or papers from tipping out of the bottom portion. The top portion is defined by a bent bar  80  that extends between upper portions  58  of forward legs  54  behind back rest  34 . Bent bar  80  is bent in such a way so as to define an opening  82  ( FIG. 1 ) between bar  80  and the back of back rest  34 . A chart, binder, or set of papers may be inserted into opening  82  until the bottom of the chart, binder, or papers rests against bottom portion  38  of the chart holder. The vertical distance between the bottom portion  38  and the top portion  40  of the chart holder is dimensioned such that it is smaller than the height and/or width of conventional papers. Thus, when the chart, binder, or papers rest on bottom portion  38 , the top end of the chart, binder, or papers will extend higher than bent bar  80 . Bent bar  80  will thus prevent the chart, binder, or papers from tipping off of bottom portion  38 . In some embodiments, a clip or other fastening structure may be included that grips the chart, binder, or papers. Such a clip may be particularly useful for flexible items that could potentially bend or fold out of the opening  82  while still seated on bottom portion  38 , such as individual sheets of papers, or small quantities of paper, or other flexible items. 
         [0097]    A transport chair  220  according to another embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 4-10 . Those components of transport chair  220  that are the same as those of transport chair  20  are labeled with the same reference numbers, and the description of those components applies equally to transport chair  220 . Those components of transport chair  220  that are similar to, but include modifications, to corresponding components on transport chair  20  will be referenced by the same reference number raised by  200 . Those components of transport chair  220  that do not have an analogue in transport chair  20  will bear a new reference number. It will further be understood that transport chair  220  may be modified to exclude any of its components that are lacking from chair  20 , and/or it may be modified to include any of the components of chair  20  that it is shown to lack in  FIGS. 4-10 . 
         [0098]    Transport chair  220  is similar to transport chair  20  but, as shown, does not include any chart holder components, an oxygen bottle holder, nor an IV pole. Transport chair  220  further includes a pair of buttons  214  that are not present in transport chair  20 , as well as a set of wheelies  78  positioned at a bottom end of rear legs  52  of frame  22 , as well as other differences. Buttons  214  may be pushed vertically downward to automatically cause the immediately adjacent footrest  30  to pivot from a use position in front of seat  24  (shown in  FIGS. 4-8 ) to a stowed position along the sides  46  of chair  220  (shown in  FIG. 9 ). The construction and function of buttons  214 , as well as the pivoting mechanism controlled by buttons  214  will be described in greater detail below. Wheelie set  78  helps facilitate a caregiver lifting the front end of transport chair  220  when moving chair  220  over an obstacle, such as a curb, or other obstruction. Wheelie set  78  also helps prevent over-tipping of chair  220  backwards, thereby helping to prevent an accidental backward tipping of chair  220  completely over, as will be discussed more below, particularly with respect to  FIGS. 66 and 67 . 
         [0099]    Transport chair  220 , like transport chair  20 , includes a pair of front wheels  28   a  that are spaced apart a lateral distance D 4  that is less than the lateral distance D 3  between rear wheels  28   b.  This creates a more open space in front of seat  24  so that a patient may enter and exit chair  220  more easily. 
         [0100]    The detailed construction of various of the components of transport chairs  20  and  220 , as well as other embodiments of the transport chairs, will be described in more detail below. These components include the armrests, the foot rests, the oxygen bottle holder, the brakes, a calf rest, and the IV pole and IV pole topper, as well as other components. As was noted previously, these various components may be combined together in a single transport chair in any suitable fashion, or they may be used individually by themselves within a transport chair. 
         [0101]    Armrests 
         [0102]      FIGS. 11-13  depict a third embodiment of a transport chair  420  that includes many of the same aspects and components as transport chairs  20  and  220 . Those components of transport chair  420  that are the same as those of transport chair  20  or  220  are labeled with the same reference numbers, and the description of those components applies equally to transport chair  420 . Those components of transport chair  420  that do not have an analogue in transport chair  20  will bear a new reference number. It will further be understood that transport chair  420  may be modified to exclude any of its components that are lacking from chair  20  or chair  220 , and/or it may be modified to include any of the components of chair  20  or  220  that it is shown to lack in  FIGS. 11-13 . 
         [0103]    The armrests  26  of chair  420  may be incorporated into any of the chair embodiments described herein, including transport chairs  20  and  220 , as well as any of the transport chairs subsequently described herein. Armrests  26  each include a support bar  90  and an arm bar  92 . Arm bar  92  provides the structure that a patient may rest his or her arms on while seated in seat  24 . Arm bar  92  also provides a structure that a patient may grasp when entering or exiting seat  24 . Support bar  90  connects arm bar  92  to frame  22 . Arm bar  92  includes a rear portion  86  and a forward portion  88 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the height (H 1 ) of forward portion  88  is higher than the height (H 2 ) of rear portion  86 . The higher height (H 1 ) of forward portion  88  provides more accessible support to a patient who is either entering or exiting chair  420 . That is, a patient who is standing, or nearly standing, is more easily able to reach the forward portions  88  of armrests  26  while they are standing, or nearly standing. This makes it easier for a patient to hold onto forward portions  88  while the patient is exiting or entering chair  420 , or about to exit or enter chair  420 . While the specific height (H 1 ) of forward portion  88  may vary, it may generally be chosen to be close the median height above ground (for a given population) of a person&#39;s index finger (or middle finger) when that person is standing and has his or her arms and hands hanging downward at his or her sides. This median height varies somewhat for different populations, but generally varies little beyond one or two inches. For example, this height varies no more than a few inches when looking at human males within the 95th percentile in height as compared to human females who are with the 5th percentile for height. 
         [0104]    By positioning the forward portions  88  of armrests  26  at a height that can typically be touched by the ends of a patient&#39;s fingers while he or she is fully standing, the patient is able to feel and make contact with the handles while he or she is still fully upright. This enables the patient to make a tactile determination of the position of chair  420  relative to his or her body while they are fully standing. When going from a standing-to-sitting position, the patient therefore does not typically have to begin to bend prior to determining the location of the chair, thus helping to ensure that the patient (who may not be physically adept at supporting themselves in a bent position) aims and aligns themselves properly with the seat  24  prior to sitting down. The higher height of the front ends of armrests  26  also gives confidence to the patient, and eases his or her transition from merely touching the handles while standing to holding them firmly for support during their downward motion into the chair. 
         [0105]    Still further, during exit from chair  420 , the higher height of forward portions  88  of armrests  26  enables the patient to continue to hold onto the armrests  26  virtually throughout the entire sitting-to-standing motion. Indeed, the patient can often continue to push downward on the forward portions  88  of the armrests  26  (and thus lift themselves upward) throughout the entire sitting-to-standing motion. This substantially eliminates the need for a terminal portion of the patient&#39;s sitting-to-standing transition to take place without providing any structure on the chair for the patient to grasp. This also continues to provide a tactile indication to the patient of the location of the chair relative to their body after they have stood up, helping to ensure the patient doesn&#39;t lose his or her balance, and also helping to remind the patient of his or her proximity to the chair. Still further, it can help maintain the patient&#39;s balance while he or she is standing in front of the chair  420 . 
         [0106]    While the height H 2  of rear portion  86  is shown in  FIG. 11  as being defined with respect to the floor, this has been done primarily for comparison purposes with the height H 1  of forward portion  88  of armrests  26 . In actual practice, the height H 2  may be more beneficially defined with respect to the top surface  48  of seat  24 . That is, the height of rear portion  86  may be chosen be positioned above seat  24  at a height that corresponds to, or is near, the median height of a population&#39;s elbows when they are seated on seat  24  and their arms are hanging downward at their sides. Thus, a person sitting upright in chair  420  on seat  24  does not need to slouch much, if at all, in order to rest his or her elbows on rear portion  86  of armrests  26 . This height provides easy support and comfort for a person&#39;s arms while seated in chair  420 . 
         [0107]    As can also be seen in  FIG. 11 , forward portion  88  of armrests  26  also may extend forwardly from front edge  44  of seat portion a distance Dl. Distance D 1  may be equal to several inches, although the precise magnitude of distance D 1  can vary. By extending forwardly from front edge  44 , a patient is more easily able to grasp armrests  26  while standing in front of chair  420 , or while either beginning to transition from the standing-to-sitting position or finishing the transition from the sitting-to-standing position. The patient does not need to reach behind his or her back to grasp the armrests. This makes is easier to not only see the armrests, but also to hold them while standing upright, or nearly upright. Further, the extra length of armrests  26  provides a structure for a patient to support himself or herself while getting close to seat  24 . In contrast to prior art transport chairs with armrests that extend only as far as the front edge of the seat (or a shorter distance), the armrests  26  of chair  420  provide a supportive structure for the patient that does not require the patient to hunch over, or angle their arms, to reach armrests  26  while standing. Instead, the patient can support himself or herself on armrests  26  while standing completely upright with his or her arms oriented straight up or down. This makes it easier for the patient to enter or exit chair  420 . 
         [0108]    As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , armrests  26  may be pivotable between a use position ( FIG. 11 ) and a stowed position ( FIG. 12 ). This pivoting enables the armrests to be moved out of the way so that a patient may exit or enter seat  24  along either of the sides of seat  24 . The pivoting of armrests  26  also enables a patient having a girth nearly equal to, or wider than, the lateral separation of armrests  26  to fit comfortably on seat  24  without being squeezed between armrests  26 , or prevented altogether from sitting on seat because of insufficient lateral separation between armrests  26 . 
         [0109]    The pivoting of armrests  26  takes place about a generally horizontal pivot axis  94  that, in the illustrated embodiment, is aligned with cross bar  50 . Pivot axis  94  is located at a height less than the height of seat  24 . By being located at a height lower than seat  24 , there is substantially no structure that inhibits or obstructs a patient from exiting a side of seat  24  when armrest  26  is pivoted to the stowed position. Thus, as can be seen in  FIG. 12 , when armrest  26  is pivoted to the stowed position, arm bar  92  is completely behind back rest  34  while support bar  90  is angled such that no portion of it presents any actual obstruction to a patient exiting seat  24  from the side. Thus, when armrest  26  is pivoted to the stowed position, chair  420  is configured—from the patient&#39;s stand point—substantially as if no armrest were present. Moving the armrest  26  to the stowed position therefore clears any obstacles that might otherwise impede entering or exiting seat  24  from the side. It also clears any structure that would prevent, or render uncomfortable, a patient with girth greater than the lateral distance between armrests  26  from sitting in seat  24 . 
         [0110]    Pivot axis  94  is also located at a position that is forward of the generally vertical plane defined by back rest  34 , as can be seen in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . By locating pivot axis  94  forward of the plane generally defined by back rest  34 , the lever arm defined between pivot axis  94  and the front end of forward portion  88  is reduced (as compared to a pivot axis that was in line with back rest  34 ). This reduced lever arm distance means that greater downward forces may be safely applied to forward portion  88  of armrests  26  than would be possible if pivot axis  94  were positioned closer to—or behind—the generally vertical plane defined by back rest  34 . This, in turn, makes forward portions  88  more solid and provides a feeling to the patient of greater strength and stability for forward portions  88 , thereby giving the patient confidence during entry or exit into seat  24  that he or she may safely use forward portions  88  to fully support himself or herself when exiting or entering seat  24 . 
         [0111]    Any and all of the transport chair embodiments described herein, including, but not limited to, chairs  20  and  220 , as well as the subsequently described chairs, may include the pivotable armrests  26  described above with respect to  FIGS. 11 and 12 . That is, any of the armrests  26  of the other transport chairs described herein may include armrests  26  that pivot from a pivot axis defined below the seat  24  and forward of back rest  34 . Further, the armrests  26  of any of the transport chair embodiments described herein may include the features of a forward portion  88  that is elevated with respect to a rear portion  86  of arm bar  92 . The pivoting mechanism that enables armrests  26  to pivot between the use and the stowed positions may take on any suitable form. One illustrative embodiment of a pivoting mechanism is described below with respect to  FIGS. 13-15 . Another illustrative embodiment of a pivoting mechanism is described with respect to  FIGS. 16-20 . Still other pivoting mechanisms may be used for any of the transport chairs described herein. 
         [0112]      FIGS. 13-14  illustrate in greater detail one suitable construction of a pivoting mechanism  96  for armrests  26 . Pivoting mechanism  96  includes a pair of bushings  98 , a release handle  100 , a cylindrical body  102 , a spring  104 , a locking pin  106 , an end cap  108 , a spring housing  110 , and a stop pin  112 . Bushings  98  are each dimensioned to fit within cylindrical body  102 . More specifically, each bushing  98  is dimensioned to fit within a corresponding channel  114  defined on the end of cross bar  50  ( FIGS. 13 and 14 ). Bushings  98  facilitate the pivoting movement of armrest  26  while it pivots about axis  94 . A neck portion of release handle  100  fits within an aperture  116  ( FIG. 15 ) defined within spring housing  110 . The neck portion is attached to locking pin  106  after the neck portion has been inserted through aperture  116 . Spring  104  is cylindrically shaped and has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of aperture  116 . The diameter of spring  104  is also greater than an upper portion  118  of locking pin  106 , but less than the diameter of a lower portion  120  of locking pin  106 . Spring  104  thus fits over upper portion  118  but not lower portion  120 . Spring  104  is interposed between locking pin  106  and an interior of spring housing  110 . Spring  104  may be configured such that, when armrest  26  is pivoted to the stowed position, spring  104  is compressed and exerts a force against locking pin  106  that urges locking pin  106  radially inward toward pivot axis  94 . This urging of locking pin  106  toward pivot axis  94  will cause locking pin  106  to automatically slide into an a stop aperture  122  defined on cross bar  50  when armrest  26  has been pivoted to the use position. Spring  104  will continue to urge locking pin  106  to remain in stop aperture  122  while armrest  26  is in the use position. When locking pin  106  seated inside stop aperture  122 , armrest  26  is prevented from rotating about pivot axis  94  because cross bar  50  does not rotate, which means that stop aperture  122  does not move, nor can armrest  26  while locking pin  106  is inserted in stop aperture  122 . 
         [0113]    In order to move armrest  26  to the stowed position, a user must first pull on release handle  100  in a direction radially outward from pivot axis  94 . Because release handle  100  is internally coupled to locking pin  106 , this outward radial force will tend to move locking pin  106  out of stop aperture  122 , provided this outward radial force is of sufficient magnitude to overcome the spring force of spring  104 , which biases locking pin  106  towards the locked position within stop aperture  122 . Once locking pin  106  is moved out of stop aperture  122 , armrest  26  is free to rotate to the stowed position. The pivoting movement of armrest  26  about pivot axis  94  is limited by stop pin  112 , which is inserted into cylindrical body  102  such that a portion of it extends inwardly from the interior or cylindrical body  102 . This inward portion of stop pin  112  may ride in an elongated channel  124  ( FIG. 14 ) defined within cross bar  50 . The ends of this elongated channel  124  define the forward and rearward limits of the pivoting motion of armrest  26 . When stop pin  112  reaches one end of this elongated channel  124 , armrest  26  is prevented from further rotation in a clockwise direction, and when stop pin  112  reaches the other end of elongated channel  124 , armrest  26  is prevented from further rotation in a counterclockwise direction. 
         [0114]    When armrest  26  is moved to the use position ( FIG. 11 ), spring  104  will automatically push locking pin  106  into aperture  122  defined in cross bar  50 . Consequently, when a user pushes armrests  26  to their use position, armrests  26  will each automatically return to their locked state. In this locked state, neither armrest  26  can pivot unless a user pulls on release handle  100 . Because of this, a user can lift up on either or both of armrests  26  without causing the armrests to pivot with respect to cross bar  50 . The armrests can therefore be used either by the patient or the caregiver to exert an upward force on the transport chair. Such upward forces may be the result of a patient attempting to reposition himself or herself on seat  24 , such as by pulling himself or herself forward, or such forces may be the result of a caregiver attempting to partially lift, or otherwise reposition, the transport chair. Regardless of the purpose of the forces, when armrests  26  are locked in the use position, they are not movable in any upward, downward, or sideways directions, thereby providing a solid and useful structure for grasping for the patient to use as a support during ingress or egress, as well as a solid and useful structure for a caregiver to grasp to hold or to move the transport chair. 
         [0115]      FIGS. 16-20  illustrate an alternative construction of a pivoting mechanism  196  that may be used with transport chair  420 , and/or with any of the other transport chair embodiments described herein. Pivoting mechanism  196  includes cylindrical body  102  attached to, or integrated into, the bottom end of support bar  90 . Pivoting mechanism  196  further includes a bushing  98 , a release handle  100 , a spring housing  110 , a spring  104 , a locking pin  106 , a stop pin  112 , and an end cap  108 . Pivoting mechanism  196  operates in substantially the same manner as pivoting mechanism  96 . That is, a user pulls on release handle  100  radially outwardly from the horizontal pivot axis  94  defined by cross bar  50  in order to allow armrest  26  to pivot. This outward movement of handle  100  pulls locking pin  106  out of stop aperture  122  in cross bar  50 , thereby enabling armrest  26  to pivot. The pivoting movement of armrest  26  is limited by stop pin  112  engaging the ends of elongated aperture  124 . When armrest  26  is in the use position, stop pin  112  engages a bottom end  111  of elongated aperture  124  ( FIGS. 17 and 17A ). When armrest  26  is moved the stowed position, the upward pivoting of armrest  26  is stopped when stop pin  112  engages a top end  113  of elongated aperture  124  ( FIG. 18 ). Further, due to the biasing of spring  104 , pin  106  is continually urged radially inwardly toward pivot axis  94 , so that when armrest  26  is returned to the use position, pin  106  will automatically be inserted back into aperture  122  of cross bar  50 , thereby preventing further pivoting of armrest  26  in the absence of a user pulling on release handle  100  again. Both bushing  98  and end cap  108  will rotate with armrest  26  as it pivots. 
         [0116]    End cap  108  of  FIGS. 16-18  is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 19 and 20 . End cap  108  acts as both an end cap that prevents dirt and unwanted environment debris from entering pivoting mechanism  196 , as well as a bushing. More specifically, end cap  108  includes an interior surface  300  ( FIG. 20 ) that engages an exterior surface  302  of cross bar  50 . When armrest  26  pivots, interior surface  300  slides along exterior surface  302  of cross bar  50 . End cap  108  further includes a plurality of flexible fingers  304  that each include a cam surface  306  and a shoulder  308 . Cam surface  306  engages an interior surface  310  of cylindrical body  102  ( FIG. 16 ) that has an interior diameter slightly less than the exterior diameter of the collectively plurality of flexible fingers  304 . Consequently, when end cap  108  is pushed inwardly into cylindrical body  102 , flexible fingers  304  flex radially inwardly due to the engage of cam surfaces  306  with interior surface  320 . This inward flexing continues as end cap  108  is pushed further and further into cylindrical body. 
         [0117]    When end cap  108  is pushed fully into cylindrical body  102 , flexible fingers  304  will reach a groove  312  defined in interior surface  310  ( FIG. 16 ). Groove  312  is dimensioned to allow flexible fingers  304  to return to their unflexed stated. In this unflexed stated, shoulders  308  of flexible fingers  304  will engage an edge of groove  312 , thereby preventing end cap  108  from being pulled out of cylindrical body  102 . Only if each flexible finger is manually engaged and flexed inwardly so that shoulders  308  disengage from the edge of groove  312  can end cap  108  be removed from cylindrical body  102 . However, after cylindrical body  102  and end cap  108  are both mounted to cross bar  50 , the exterior surface  302  of cross bar  50  has a diameter sufficiently large to prevent any inward flexing of flexible fingers  304 . Consequently, when end cap  108  and cylindrical body  102  are mounted to cross bar  50 , it is impossible to remove end cap  108  without breaking end cap  108 . Only if cylindrical body  102  is removed from cross bar  50  (by unscrewing stop pin  112  and pulling on release handle  100 , is it theoretically possible to remove end cap  108  from cylindrical body  102  (by manually flexing fingers  304  in the manner described above). End cap  108  thereby forms both a permanent end cap, as well as a bushing for pivoting mechanism  196 . 
         [0118]    It will be understood by those skilled in the art that pivoting mechanisms  96  and  196  may be varied substantially from that disclosed herein. It will also be understood that the location of pivoting mechanisms  96 ,  196  and/or the release for the pivoting mechanism  96 ,  196  may be moved to different locations on the transport chair. For example, the release for pivoting mechanism  96 , 196  may be moved to be positioned anywhere along support bar  90 , or at any location along arm bar  92 . When positioned on arm bar  92 , the release for pivoting mechanism  96 ,  196  may be positioned on an underside of arm bar  92  so as to not interfere with a patient resting his or her arms on armrests  26 , yet still be accessible to a seated patient so that he or she may pivot the arms to the stowed position, if desired. 
         [0119]    Transport chair  420 , or any of the other transport chair embodiments described herein, may also be configured such that the lateral distance D 2  ( FIG. 3 ) between armrests  26  may be increased or decreased. This variable lateral distance allows chair  420  to be more comfortably used with patients of different size. In order to change the lateral distance between armrests  26 , a release mechanism (not shown) may be included anywhere on armrests  26 , or near cross bar  50 . Indeed, in one embodiment, the release mechanism may be triggered by the same release handle  100  used to enable the armrests to pivot about axis  94 . The extension and/or retraction of armrests  26  toward and away from the center of seat  24  (thereby varying distance D 2 ) may be accomplished in a variety of different manners. In one embodiment, cylindrical portion  102  may have its length along axis  94  extended in the direction of axis  94  so that it overlaps a greater portion of cross bar  50  when the armrests are positioned as close as possible to each other (i.e. distance D 2  is at a minimum). The overlapping portion may then be selectively reduced by sliding cylindrical portion  102  outwardly along axis  94  so that distance D 2  increases. Armrests  26  may then be supported at different lateral spacings from each other by having different amounts of cylindrical portion  102  overlap cross bar  50 . Alternatively, cylindrical body  102  could be dimensioned to have a diameter smaller than the diameter of cross bar  50  so that body  102  fit within cross bar  50  and cross bar  50  overlapped variable amounts of cylindrical body  102 . Still other manners of changing the distance D 2  could also be used. 
         [0120]    Oxygen Bottle Holder 
         [0121]      FIGS. 21-23  illustrate another embodiment of a transport chair  620  according to various aspects of the invention. Transport chair  620  is similar to transport chairs  20 ,  220 , and  420  but, as shown, does not include any chart holder components, any footrests, any wheelies, or any IV pole. Those components of transport chair  620  that are the same as those of transport chairs  20 ,  220 , or  420  are labeled with the same reference numbers, and the description of those components applies equally to transport chair  620 . It will be understood that wheeled transport chair  620  may be modified to exclude any its components that are lacking from chairs  20 ,  220 , or  420 , and/or it may be modified to include any of the components of chairs  20 ,  220 , or  420  that are shown lacking in  FIGS. 21-23 . 
         [0122]    Transport chair  620  includes an oxygen bottle holder  130  that includes an upper portion  132  and a lower portion  42 . Lower portion  42  includes a base or body  134  in which is defined a circular recess. The circular recess has a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter or most conventional oxygen bottles  66  so that the bottom end of the oxygen bottle  66  can be inserted into the recess. As shown in  FIGS. 21-23 , base  134  is positioned close to the floor so that a caregiver does not have to lift the oxygen bottle  66  very high in order to position its bottom end within the circular recess. Further, the height (H) of base  134  (see  FIG. 23 ) may be relatively small so that the height which a caregiver has to lift the bottle  66  to insert it into base  134  is reduced. Indeed, in one embodiment, the depth of the circular recess may be insufficient to prevent bottle  66  from tipping out of the circular recess without the additional stabilization and/or locking forces provided by upper portion  132  of bottle holder  130 , which will be described in more detail below. In another embodiment, such as that shown in  FIGS. 29A-29B , the height H the circular recess defined in base  134  is sufficiently tall such that an oxygen bottle  66  positioned therein will not tip out of the base  134 , even in the absence of the oxygen bottle being secured by upper portion  132  of bottle holder  130 . An example of an oxygen bottle being held on the transport chair solely by way of base  134  is shown in  FIG. 29B . In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 21-23  and  29 A- 29 B, the height H is smaller at a rear end of base  134  than at a forward end of base  134 . This helps a caregiver insert the bottle  66  more easily into the circular recess defined in base  134  than if the height of the circular recess were uniform throughout its entire circumference. 
         [0123]    Upper portion  132  of bottle holder  130  may take on a variety of different configurations. A first embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 21-25 , a second embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 26-28 , and a third embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 29A-30B . Still other embodiments are possible. 
         [0124]    In the embodiment of  FIGS. 21-25 , upper portion  132  includes a clamp  140  having an arcuate body or housing  142  in which a pair of slideable arcuate fingers  144  are housed. Arcuate fingers  144  are shown more clearly in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . In  FIG. 12 , fingers  144  are shown in the extended position, which corresponds to the position in which a bottle  66  may be secured to transport chair  620 . In  FIG. 25 , fingers  144  are shown in the retracted position, which corresponds to the position in which a bottle  66  may either be inserted between fingers  144  or removed from between fingers  144 . 
         [0125]    In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 21-25 , each finger  144  includes a stop shoulder  146 , a toothed surface  148 , and a low friction member  150 . The toothed surface interacts with, and engages, a gear  152  that is rotatably secured within housing or body  142 . As fingers  144  extend into, or retract out of, housing  142 , toothed surfaces  148  engage gear  152 , causing gear  152  to rotate. Because both toothed surfaces engage gear  152 , any movement of one finger  144  either into or out of housing  142  automatically causes a corresponding similar movement of the other finger  144 . That is, both arms retract into, or extend out of, housing  142  in unison. This uniform movement occurs even if an external extension or retraction force is applied to only one of the fingers  144 . The retraction of movable fingers  144  into housing  142  is terminated when stop shoulders  146  engage against stops  154  within housing  142 . 
         [0126]    A spring  156  is positioned between portions of each finger  144 , as shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . Spring  156  urges each finger to the extended position shown in  FIG. 24 . Thus, when fingers are retracted into housing  142 , a force must be applied to one or both of fingers  144  that is greater than the biasing force of spring  156 . 
         [0127]    Low friction members  150  are, in the embodiment shown, rollers that may rotate about an axis  158  that is generally vertical in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . Low friction members  150  may take on other forms. Low friction members  150 , when configured as rollers, are configured to rollingly interact with the exterior surface of bottle  66  when bottle  66  is inserted into upper portion  132 . The movement of a bottle into upper portion  132  of bottle holder  130  is shown sequentially in  FIGS. 21-23 . In  FIG. 21 , the base of the bottle  66  is placed in lower portion  42  of bottle holder  130  and the upper portion of the bottle  66  is positioned to abut against rollers  150 . The caregiver then pushes the bottle  66  against rollers  150 , which causes a force to be exerted on the ends of movable fingers  144  that tends to retract the fingers into housing  142 . As the fingers begin to retract, the horizontal separation S between the ends of fingers  144  ( FIG. 22 ) begins to increase.  FIG. 22  shows the bottle pushed almost all of the way into the space between fingers  144 . Rollers  150  help to reduce the frictional resistance of bottle  66  against fingers  144  as bottle  66  is inserted into upper portion  132 . Rollers  150  also acts as low friction cams that help to translate the movement of the bottle  66  toward upper portion  132  into a finger retracting movement that widens the separation between the ends of fingers  144 . 
         [0128]    Once the ends of fingers  144  have been forced apart far enough to accommodate the full diameter of bottle  66 , any further movement of bottle  66  toward upper portion  132  will allow the fingers  144  to extend out of housing  142 . That is, once the bottle  66  is positioned within upper portion  132 , the force of spring  156  will force fingers  144  out of housing  142  back to their extended (and bottle locking) position. Any outward forces exerted by the bottle against the interior of fingers  144  will not result in any retraction of the fingers  144  into housing  142 . Instead, fingers  144  will not move against such outward forces applied to bottle  66 . Bottle  66  will therefore be securely held within the arcuate interior region defined by arcuate fingers  144  ( FIG. 23 ). 
         [0129]    Because of the configuration of upper portion  132  of bottle holder  130  in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 21-25 , it is not necessary for a caregiver, or other person, to directly touch any of upper portion  132  when pushing a bottle  66  thereinto. That is, the person does not need to grasp either finger  144 , or any other portion of upper portion  132  in order to secure a bottle therein. Instead, the person may simply hold onto bottle  66  and push the bottle toward upper portion  132 . This pushing force will cause fingers  144  to initially retract until the bottle fits between the fingers. Thereafter, the force of spring  156  will return fingers  144  to their extended and locked position. A caregiver, or other person, therefore can keep both hands on bottle  66  while securing it to chair  420 , and does not need to release one hand in order to manipulate upper portion  132 . Because of the weight of bottles  66 , this makes it easy to secure it to chair  420  while retaining full control of bottle  66  with two hands. 
         [0130]    In order to remove a bottle from bottle holder  130 , a caregiver or other person may grasp either one of movable fingers  144  and push them in a direction that causes them to retract into housing  142 . Once sufficiently retracted, the top portion of bottle  66  may be tipped out of the reach of fingers  144  while the bottom portion of the bottle  66  remains in the circular recess of base  134 . Once out of the reach of fingers  144 , the person may then freely lift the bottle  66  out of the base  134 . 
         [0131]    Upper portion  132  of bottle holder  130  may be secured to chair  420  by way of a bar  160  that is secured to a bracket  162  attached to the upper portion  58  of one of the forward legs  54  of frame  22 , as shown in  FIGS. 21-23 . 
         [0132]      FIGS. 26-28  illustrate an alternative embodiment of bottle holder  130 . More particularly,  FIGS. 26-28  illustrate an alternative embodiment of an upper portion  132 ′ of bottle holder  130 . Those components of upper portion  132 ′ that are the same as those found in upper portion  132  are labeled herein with the same reference numbers. Those components of upper portion  132 ′ that are similar to components in upper portion  132  but have been changed in some fashion have been given the same reference number followed by the prime symbol  0 . Components in upper portion  132 ′ that are not found in upper portion  132  have been given a new number. 
         [0133]    Upper portion  132 ′ differs from upper portion  132  in that upper portion  132 ′ includes a trigger  136  that automatically extends fingers  144 ′ when a user inserts an oxygen bottle into upper portion  132 ′. Trigger  136  is visible in  FIGS. 26-28  and intersects a channel  138  in which one of fingers  144 ′ slides. Trigger  136  includes a trigger pin  164  defined therein. A trigger spring  170  is disposed between trigger  136  and an inner surface of body  142 ′. Trigger spring  170  is adapted to exert a biasing force that urges trigger  136 , and its attached trigger pin  164 , outward toward the position shown in  FIG. 27 . When in this outward position, trigger pin  164  engages a slot  171  defined in one of fingers  144 ′. This engagement prevents the finger  144 ′ from extending outward into the extended position shown in  FIG. 28 . However, when a user inserts the top portion of an oxygen bottle into upper portion  132 ′ and presses the bottle against trigger  136 , the force applied by the user to trigger  136  will overcome the biasing force of trigger spring  170 , thereby allowing trigger  136  and trigger pin  164  to slide inwardly (toward spring  170 ) until pin  164  disengages from slot  171 . When pin  164  disengages from slot  171 , the biasing force of spring  156  will automatically urge fingers  144 ′ to the outward configuration in the manner discussed above with respect to upper portion  132 . 
         [0134]    When a person wishes to remove the oxygen bottle from upper portion  132 ′, he or she simply manually pushes on either or both of fingers  144 ′ in a direction that urges the fingers  144 ′ toward their retracted positions. By applying sufficient force to overcome the biasing of spring  156 , fingers  144 ′ will retract into body  142 ′. As one of fingers  144 ′ retracts, an angled surface  169  will urge pin  164  inward, forcing trigger  136  to compress trigger spring  170 . Angled surface  169  will continue to urge pin  164  inward until pin  164  reaches slot  171 , at which point trigger spring  170  will urge pin  164  into slot  171 , which will retain fingers  144 ′ in their retracted positions (provided the top portion of the oxygen bottle has been removed sufficiently from upper portion  132 ′ so as to provide clearance for trigger  136  extending outwardly). 
         [0135]    Upper portion  132 ′ therefore provides a convenient tool for easily inserting an oxygen bottle therein without requiring a user to manually manipulate fingers  144 ′ prior to inserting the oxygen bottle therein. This frees the user&#39;s hands, thereby enabling him or her to use both of their hands for holding the bottle and/or for other purposes while positioning the bottle in holder  130 . Trigger  136  therefore provides an automatic gripping or locking feature that automatically locks or grips the upper end of the oxygen when it is inserted into upper portion  132 ′. The amount of force necessary to activate trigger  136  can be made relatively low because trigger spring  170  exerts a force that does not directly prevent the extension of fingers  144 ′. In other words, trigger spring  170  exerts a force that is generally perpendicular to the movement of the adjacent finger  144 ′, and it is the physical blocking action of pin  164  that resists the extension of fingers  144 ′, not the force of spring  170 . Therefore, trigger spring  170  can be configured such that relatively little force is necessary to overcome it so that a user inserting an oxygen bottle into upper portion  132 ′ does not detrimentally notice the extra force necessary to compress spring  170 . 
         [0136]    As was noted, the finger  144 ′ adjacent to trigger  136  includes an angled surface  169  that urges trigger  136  toward spring  170  when the finger  144 ′ is pushed inwardly to its retracted position. Angled surface  169  also allows spring  170  to extend toward a more extended position while fingers  144 ′ are in their extended position. Thus, trigger spring  170  is never left to remain in the fully compressed state (or the state where it is compressed enough to release finger  144 ′). This helps to reduce fatigue of spring  170  and ensure that spring  170  will always have sufficient resilience to urge pin  164  back into slot  171 , even after long periods of use or non-use, including long periods of repetitive use and non-use. 
         [0137]      FIGS. 29A-30B  illustrate another alternative embodiment of a bottle holder  330  that may be used on any of the transport chairs discussed herein. Bottle holder  330  includes a base  134  that is, in one version, the same as base  134  of bottle holder  130 . Bottle holder  330  further includes an upper portion  332  that is modified from the upper portions  132  and  132 ′ of bottle holder  130 . More specifically, upper portion  332  includes a movable arm  166  that is pivotable between a locked position ( FIGS. 29A ,  30 A) and an unlocked position ( FIGS. 29B ,  30 B). Movable arm  166  pivots between the locked and unlocked positions by a user grasping the arm  166  and either raising it or lowering it. When in the raised (unlocked) position of  FIGS. 29B and 30B , a user may either insert a bottle  66  into upper portion  332 , or remove a bottle  66  therefrom. When in the lowered (locked) position of  FIGS. 29A and 30A , the arm  166  prevents the bottle  66  from being moved into or out of the upper portion  332 . 
         [0138]    Movable arm  166  may include a latching mechanism positioned adjacent its free end that releasably interacts with a stationary end  168  of upper portion  332  ( FIG. 30B ). The latching mechanism can be a magnet that magnetically couples to a magnet positioned on stationary end  168  to releasably hold movable arm  166  in the lowered position. Alternatively, the latching mechanism can be a pin that fits into a hole, wherein one of the pin and hole is defined on one of arm  166  and stationary end  168 , and the other of the pin and hole is defined on the other of the arm  166  and stationary end  168 . Other latching mechanisms may also be used, such as, but not limited to, hook and loop type fasteners (e.g. Velcro), snaps, or other types of structures. 
         [0139]    Movable arm  166  pivots about a pivot axis  334  ( FIG. 29A ) that is angled with respect to horizontal. More specifically, pivot axis  334  slopes downwardly toward the ground in the front-to-back direction. This downward angle of pivot axis  334  helps provide clearance for movable arm  166  when it is raised or lowered while bottle  66  is present so that arm  166 &#39;s range of motion will not be blocked by bottle  66 . Additional clearance is also provided by the shape of movable arm  166 . Rather than being curved in an arcuate shape of a constant radius, movable arm  166  is constructed to be curved in a manner wherein the radius of curvature is varied. More specifically, and as can be better seen in  FIG. 29B , movable arm includes a first curved section  336  closest to pivot axis  334  and a second curved section  338  that is positioned closer to the free end of movable arm  166 . First curved section  336  has a smaller radius of curvature than second curved section  338 . This difference in curvature may be defined by way of discrete differences, i.e. there may be a total of two different radii (or another discrete number of different radii), or this difference in curvature may be continuous, i.e. there may be radii that continuously vary. Whether discrete or continuous (or combinations thereof), the different radii of curvature help to ensure that movable arm  166  is not prevented from moving to the locked position when a bottle  66  is held by holder  330 . 
         [0140]    It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, although bottle holders  130  and  330  have been described herein as being used for holding an oxygen bottle, any bottle or other structure—whether containing oxygen or some other substance—that are desirably transported with a patient on a transport chair may be secured to the transport chair by way of bottle holders  130  or  330 . It will also be understood that, although trigger  136  has been described herein only in conjunction with upper portion  132 ′, trigger  136  could also be adapted to be used with upper portion  332 . When so adapted, upper portion  332  would include one or more springs, or other devices, that automatically lowered movable arm  166  into the downward, or locked position, (e.g.  FIG. 28B ) when a user inserted the upper end of an oxygen bottle into upper portion  332 . Further, one or more additional springs, or other devices, could be added that—after movable arm  166  was manually lifted to the raised, or unlocked position—retained movable arm in this raised position until such time as a user inserted another bottle into upper portion  332  and thereby once again activated the trigger  136 . Still other variations are possible. 
         [0141]    Brake and Release Pedals 
         [0142]      FIGS. 31-34  illustrate in greater detail a braking system  172  that, as illustrated, is incorporated into transport chair  420 . It will be understood that braking system  172  is not limited to being used with transport chair  420 , but instead can be incorporated into any of the different transport chair embodiments disclosed herein.  FIGS. 35-42  illustrate in detail an alternative brake system  372  that also may be used on any of the transport chairs described herein, including, but not limited to, chair  420 . It will also be understood that braking systems  172  and  372  can be used on other medical devices besides transport chairs and wheelchairs, such as, but not limited to, cots, stretchers, beds, gurneys, or any other medical device having wheels that are desirably braked and unbraked. 
         [0143]    Transport chair  420  includes a brake pedal  126  and a release or go pedal  128  ( FIGS. 31-34 ). Brake pedal  126  prevents rear wheels  28   b  from rotating when brake pedal  126  is pressed. Pressing release or go pedal  128  causes the brake pedal  126  to be released, and thereby allows rear wheels  28   b  to freely rotate. Front wheels  28   a,  in the illustrated embodiments, are casters that are both freely rotatable and freely swivelable at all times. In some embodiments, however, brake pedal  126  also activates brakes on front wheels  28   a  so that all four wheels  28  are braked. In such cases, release pedal  128  will release all four brakes when it is pressed. 
         [0144]      FIGS. 31-34  illustrate one manner of constructing brake system  172 . Brake system  172  is constructed using a pin-and-slot type of arrangement wherein a pin is inserted into a slot in order brake wheels  28   b  and removed therefrom in order to allow rotation of wheels  28   b.  It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that different types of brake systems  172  may be used, such as, but not limited to, drum brakes, disc brakes, other types of frictional brakes, and/or still other types of brakes. 
         [0145]    As best seen in  FIGS. 33 and 34 , brake system  172  includes a pair of toothed wheels  174 , a pair of screws  176 , a pair of bushings  178 , a pair of brake pin links  180 , a pair of springs  182 , a pair of stationary mounting brackets  184 , a brake rod  186 , a pair of torsion springs  188 , a pair of shoulder bolts  190 , a spring pin  192 , and a brake link  194 . Spring pin  192  secures brake rod  186  within a pair of brake link apertures  195  defined at the lower ends of rear legs  52 . Spring pin  192  connects brake rod  186  to legs  52  in a non-rotational manner. That is, brake rod  186  does not rotate, but instead remains in a fixed position. Brake link  194  is rotatably secured to mounting brackets  184  by screws  176  that are inserted through bushings  178  and link apertures  198  defined at each end of brake link  194 . Screws  176  further extend into apertures  200  defined in mounting brackets  184 . Apertures  200  may be internally threaded to threadingly receive screws  176  and secure screws  176  to mounting brackets  184 . Screws  176  further extend through brake link apertures  202  defined in each brake pin link  180 . This connection allows brake pin links  180  to rotate about a generally horizontal pivot axis that is aligned with the longitudinal extent of screws  176 . 
         [0146]    Each brake pin link  180  includes a brake pin  204  on its outward side that selectively fits between pairs of teeth on toothed wheels  174  in order to selectively brake chair  420 . Springs  182  each bias brake pin links  180  such that each brake pin  204  is urged radially toward the rotational axis  206  of rear wheels  28   b.  Thus, each spring  182  urges each brake pin  204  towards a braking position. When brake pedal  126  is pressed, it enables each brake pin link  180  to rotate such that spring  182  is free to insert a brake pin  204  defined on each brake pin link  180  between the nearest pair of teeth on toothed wheels  174 . The downward movement of brake pedal  126  does not force brake pin  204  into the space between pairs of teeth on toothed wheels  174 . Instead, the force of springs  182  urges pin  204  into these inter-teeth spaces. Thus, if transport chair  420  is positioned such that brake pins  204  are not precisely aligned with a space between teeth on toothed wheels  174 , it is not necessary for a caregiver to supply sufficient force to move chair  420  slightly (which may be difficult due to the weight of the patient, and/or the transport chair being positioned on an incline) in order to change the alignment of pins  204  with toothed wheels  174 . Instead, this force is supplied by springs  182  and, if pins  204  are not precisely aligned with the spaces between teeth on wheels  174 , any slight rolling of chair  420  will bring about an alignment of pins  204  with the inter-tooth spaces on wheels  174 , at which point springs  182  will insert the pins  204  between the teeth, thereby braking chair  420 . Such rolling movement does not need to occur immediately at the time of pressing brake pedal  126 , but may occur at any time after brake pedal  126  is pressed. As soon as such movement occurs, pins  204  will be urged by springs  182  into spaces between the teeth on wheel  174 , thereby locking wheels  28   b  and preventing any further movement. 
         [0147]    Brake system  172  therefore avoids the requirement that a user must press down on brake pedal  126  with sufficient force to urge pins  204  between the teeth on wheel  174 . As a result, the amount of force necessary to push down on brake pedal  126  is the same, regardless of whether pins  204  are aligned with spaces between the teeth on wheel  174  or not. This gives the user of the transport chair a consistent feel when using brake pedal  126 . It also avoids the problem of some prior art toothed-wheel-and-pin braking systems where, depending upon the relative position of the pin and toothed wheel when the brakes are applied, the user may have to apply an enormous force to activate the brakes in some cases, and may only have to apply a small force in other cases. 
         [0148]    Pressing release pedal  128  will rotate brake rod  186  and brake pin links  180  such that pins  204  are moved out of engagement with toothed wheel  174 , thereby allowing rear wheels  28   b  to freely rotate. The pressing of release pedal  128  and rotation of brake pin links  180  will overcome the spring forces exerted by springs  182  such that pins  204  are able to move out of engagement with toothed wheel  174 . Generally speaking, a portion of the energy expended by the user in fully pushing release pedal  128  down will be devoted to stretching springs  182 , which will therefore store this energy as potential energy that is later used to urge the pins  204  back into engagement with toothed wheels  174  when brake pedal  126  is later pressed. Release pedal  128 , when pressed, will remain in the pressed condition by way of a slot (not shown) defined on the underside of release pedal  128 . Similarly, brake pedal  126  will remain in the pressed condition when pressed by way of a slot (not shown) defined on the underside of brake pedal  126 . Torsion springs  188  each urge brake pedal  126  and release pedal  128  toward their upward positions so that, when one pedal is pressed, the other is released (i.e. moved upward). Thus, pressing brake pedal  126  will cause release pedal  128  to be released (i.e. moved upward). Similarly, pressing release pedal  128  will cause brake pedal  126  to be released. 
         [0149]    As noted, brake system  172  is configured such that at least some of the energy required to press release pedal  128  is stored as potential energy in springs  182 . This potential energy remains stored in springs  182  until a user presses brake pedal  126 . Upon pressing brake pedal  126 , the movement of brake rod  186  and brake pin links  180  allows springs  182  to pull brake pins  204  into locked engagement with toothed wheels  174 , thereby releasing the potential energy. Such potential energy is therefore stored while the chair is free to be pushed, and released when braked. 
         [0150]      FIGS. 35-42  illustrate an alternative brake system  372  that may be used on any of the transport chair embodiments discussed herein. Brake system  372 , like brake system  172 , includes a brake pedal  126  and a go pedal  128 , and pressing on brake pedal  126  prevents rotation of rear wheels  28   b . Further, pressing on go pedal  128  automatically causes the release of brake pedal  126 , thereby enabling rear wheels  28   b  to freely rotate. Brake system  372 , like brake system  172 , is based upon a toothed gear and pin system, although brake system  372  uses multiple sets of pins, unlike brake system  172 . Brake system  372  differs from brake system  172  in that, among other things, brake system  372  is contained within rearward legs  52  of frame  22 . Legs  52  thereby provide a housing for brake system  372  that helps shield it from dirt, dust, and other contaminants, as well as providing a more visually pleasing exterior. Further, rearward legs prevent objects from getting caught in the toothed gears, and other components, of brake system  372 . The detailed construction of brake system  372  will now be described. 
         [0151]    In addition to go pedal  128  and brake pedal  126 , brake system  372  further includes a pair of bearing covers  374 , a brake shaft  376 , a toggle shaft  378 , a toggle link  380 , a pair of wheel shafts  382 , a plurality of roller bearings  384 , and a pair of brake gear assemblies  386 . Toggle shaft  378  and toggle link  380  operate to pivot upwardly one or the other of brake pedal  126  and go pedal  128 . That is, toggle shaft  378  and toggle link  380  toggle the up and down pressing of pedals  126  and  128  so that only one of these pedals can ever be pressed at a given moment. Pressing on the pedal that is currently raised will cause that pedal to lower while simultaneously causing the other pedal to release (move upward). This toggling action is accomplished through an upper pin  388  and a lower pin  390  defined on toggle link  380 . 
         [0152]    As can more easily be seen in  FIGS. 41 and 42 , toggle link is rotatable about the pivot axis defined by toggle shaft  378 . In the braked position shown in  FIG. 41 , lower pin  390  is position at a location lower than the pivot axis of toggle shaft  378 . When a user presses on the go pedal, the downward force exerted by the user on the go pedal is transferred to upper pin  388 , which in turn causes link  380  to rotate clockwise (in  FIGS. 41 and 42 ). This clockwise rotation causes lower pin  390  to move upwardly, thereby causing brake pedal  126  to move upwardly and thereby release the brake (in a manner to be described below). Brake pedal  126  and go pedal  128  are held in either the up or down configuration by way of a pair of springs, brake cam link assemblies, and a brake cam spring pads that are contained within each brake gear assembly  386 , as will be discussed in greater detail below. 
         [0153]    As can be seen more clearly in FIGS.  36  and  38 - 39 , each brake gear assembly  386  includes a plurality of components that are positioned inside of each respective rear leg  52  of frame  22 . These components include a pair of brake fingers  392 , a toothed wheel  394 , a brake cam  396 , a brake cam link assembly  398 , a spring  400 , and a brake cam spring pad  402 . Each brake finger  392  is pivotable about a brake finger pivot axis  404 . Further, each brake finger  392  includes a braking pin  406  that has a longitudinal axis that extends out of the plane of  FIGS. 38 and 39 . When the transport chair is in the braked condition, one of the braking pins  406  from each set of brake fingers  392  will be positioned in one of the slots defined in toothed wheel  394 . As shown in  FIG. 39 , which illustrates brake gear assembly  386  in the braked position, the braking pin  406  from the left brake finger  392  is positioned between a pair of teeth defined on toothed wheel  394 . Toothed wheel  394  is fixedly attached to wheel shaft  382  such that, when toothed wheel  394  is prevented from rotating (by way of a pin  406 ), wheel shaft  382  is also prevented from rotating. Still further, wheel shaft  382  is fixedly attached to one of the rear wheels  28   b.  Consequently, when a pin  406  prevents toothed wheel  394  from rotating, the attached rear wheel  28   b  is also prevented from rotating, and is thus in a braked condition. 
         [0154]    As can be seen more clearly in  FIGS. 38 and 39 , pins  406 , brake fingers  392 , and toothed wheel  394  are constructed such that only a single pin  406  may engage the teeth of toothed wheel  394  at any given time. That is, pins  406  are positioned so as to be at staggered locations with respect to the spaces between teeth on toothed wheel  394 . If one of the pins  406  is contacting the crest of one of the teeth, and is thus prevented from inserting itself in the gap between adjacent teeth, the other of the pins  406  will be positioned between a pair of teeth, and therefore able to insert itself a pair of teeth. By having pins  406  oriented in this staggered condition, it effectively doubles the number of teeth, thereby reducing the total number of angular orientations the rear wheels  28   b  may have where one of pins  406  is not able to insert itself between a pair of teeth on wheel  394 . 
         [0155]    A spring  408  is connected between each set of brake fingers  392  and urges the brake fingers  392  toward each other. This urging also urges the brake pins  406  radially toward the center of toothed wheel  394 . When one of the pins  406  is aligned with one of the spaces between adjacent teeth, spring  406  will therefore urge that pin  406  into that space and keep the pin there until a user presses the go pedal  128 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, when a user steps on go pedal  128 , fingers  392  are forced apart, causing spring  408  to stretch, and also causing the one pin  406  that is lodged in toothed wheel  394  to become dislodged. A person stepping on go pedal  128  therefore must press down with sufficient force to stretch spring  408 . As a result, spring  408  will store potential energy while the go pedal is pressed, and release this energy when the brake pedal is pressed. The released energy will cause fingers  392  to pivot toward each other, and one of pins  406  will become lodged in toothed wheel  394 . 
         [0156]    As with brake system  172 , the user who pushes down on brake pedal  126  does not directly force any of pins  406  into the slots of toothed wheel  394 . This means that, in those situations where neither one of pins  406  may not be perfectly aligned with a slot, the user does not have to push down on the brake pedal with any additional force in order to force one or both rear wheels  28   b  to rotate a small amount so that one of pins  406  will become aligned with a slot. Instead, the user pushes down on the brake pedal  126  with the same amount of force regardless of whether or not any pins  406  are aligned with the slots on wheel  394 . If none are aligned, then the chair won&#39;t be braked until one or both of the rear wheels  28   b  rotates sufficiently to allow a pin  406  to enter one of the slots of toothed wheel  394 . This, however, will happen automatically due to the force applied by spring  408 . Thus, if the chair does not become completely immobile after brake pedal  126  is pressed, it will become completely immobile once one or both of the rear wheels  28   b  rotate a tiny amount. 
         [0157]    The manner by which fingers  392  are forced apart when the go pedal  128  is pressed can be more easily understood with respect to  FIGS. 38-39 . Pressing on the go pedal  128  causes brake shaft  376  to rotate, as was discussed above. This rotation, in turn, causes brake cam  396  to rotate. Brake came  396  includes a cam surface  410  that engages the ends of brake fingers  392 . Because of the shape of cam surface  410 , when brake cam  396  is oriented as shown in  FIG. 38  (unbraked condition), fingers  392  will be forced apart by cam surface  410  sufficiently far so that neither pin  406  is positioned in a slot of toothed wheel  394 . When brake cam  396  is rotated, however, as shown in  FIG. 39 , the shape of cam surface  410  allows fingers  392  to move closer to each other (as urged by spring  408 ), thereby enabling one of pins  406  to enter a slot on toothed wheel  394 . 
         [0158]    Spring  400 , spring pad  402 , and brake cam link assembly  394  function to keep brake cam  396  in either the braked orientation or the unbraked orientation. That is, these elements prevent the brake system from staying in an intermediate position where the system is neither completely braked or completely free. When either the brake pedal  126  or the go pedal is pressed, spring  400  is compressed, and thus exerts an expansive force against brake cam link assembly  398 . This expansive force will translate into either a clockwise or counterclockwise rotational force against brake cam  396 . More specifically, when the brakes are engaged, spring  400  will exert a clockwise force on brake cam  396 , as shown in  FIG. 39 . When the brakes are disengaged, spring  400  will exert a counterclockwise force on brake cam  396 , as shown in  FIG. 38 . In either case, the force of spring  400  will act to resist toggling of brake and go pedals  126  and  128 . A channel  412  defined in each of the bodies of pedals  126  and  128  will prevent further rotation of brake cam  396  in the direction it is being urged by spring  400 . More specifically, as can be seen in  FIGS. 41-42 , an upper end  414  of each channel  412  will define the amount of allowable rotation of brake cam  396 , and will therefore limit the rotation of brake cam  396  between the range defined in  FIGS. 38 and 39 . 
         [0159]      FIG. 40  illustrates in better detail the manner in which each toothed wheel  394  and each rear wheel  28   b  are coupled together. Because the rear wheel  28   b  is positioned outside of rear leg  52 , while the toothed wheel  394  is positioned inside of the rear leg  52 , the toothed wheel  394  and rear wheel  28  cannot be directly attached to each other. Because of this lack of direct coupling, there is the potential for an undesirable amount of mechanical slop between the toothed wheel  394  and the rear wheel  28   b . That is, there is the potential that, while toothed wheel  394  is prevented from rotating by one of pins  406 , the corresponding rear wheel  28   b  might be able to rotate a small amount because of the indirect coupling of the rear wheels  28   b  to the toothed wheel. This would otherwise give the transport chair an undesirable feel when the brake was activated because each rear wheel  28   b  would still be able to rotate a tiny amount. This would also have the potential for giving the patient less confidence in the stability of the chair when he or she was exiting and entering the chair, in which case he or she might not place as much force on, or otherwise rely on the stability of, the transport chair. This could then make entering and exiting the chair more difficult for the patient. 
         [0160]    Consequently, it is desirable to reduce the amount of mechanical slop between the rear wheels  28   b  and their corresponding toothed wheels  394 . This is accomplished through several design features. First, each wheel shaft  382  includes a flat surface  416  defined in the area where toothed wheel  394  attaches to shaft  382 . This flat surface  416  can be seen in  FIGS. 38 and 39 . Flat surface  416  prevents any rotation of shaft  382  that does not also involve a corresponding amount of rotation of toothed wheel  394 . In other words, were the exterior surface of shaft  382  completely round in the area of wheel  394 &#39;s attachment thereto, it would potentially be possible for wheel  394  to slip on shaft  382 . Flat surface  416  prevents any such slippage. Further, toothed wheel  394  is tightly coupled to shaft  382  by way of a collar  418  ( FIG. 40 ) that is secured to toothed wheel  394  by a pair of screws  419 , or other suitable fasteners. The tight attachment of toothed wheel  394  to wheel shaft  382 , including the engagement between flat surface  416  and toothed wheel  394 , means there is very little, if any, mechanical slop between toothed wheel and shaft  382 . That is, when one rotates, the other rotates the same amount. 
         [0161]    Rear wheels  28   b  are coupled to shaft  382  in a manner that also reduces, or eliminates, any mechanical slop between the wheels and shaft  382 . Shaft  382  includes a keyed surface  422  that tightly engages a complementarily shaped keyed surface defined on the interior side of each rear wheel  28   b  (not shown). When a threaded fastener is attached to the threaded end of shaft  382  (after wheels  28   b  is attached to shaft  382 ), the tightening of the threaded fastener urges the keyed surface of  422  tightly against the corresponding keyed surface of the rear wheel  28   b,  thereby reducing or eliminating any mechanical slop between the rear wheel  28   b  and shaft  382 . As a result, when toothed wheel  394  is prevented from rotating by a pin  406 , rear wheels  28   b  are also prevented, and have little, if not any, freedom of movement. This provides the user and patient with a stable chair, when braked, to help facility ingress and egress into and out of the chair. 
         [0162]    It will be understood that various modifications can be made to brake system  172  and/or brake system  372 . For example, while brake system  372  illustrates spring  408  biasing both pins  406  toward toothed wheel  394 , system  172  could be modified to have two separate springs, or other biasing mechanisms, so that each pin  408  was biased by its own separate spring or biasing mechanism. Brake system  372  could also be modified to include more than two pins  408  that are urged into braking engagement between the teeth of wheel  394 . By including more than two pins  408 , the resolution of toothed wheel  394  would be effectively increased, thereby decreasing the amount of rotational movement that wheel  394  (and the rear wheel  28   b  to which it is coupled) could experience prior to at least one of the pins  408  lodging itself between teeth when the brake pedal is pressed. Still further, the alignment of each of the pair of pins  408  relative to toothed wheel  394  within a first one of rear legs  52  could be offset from the alignment of the pair of pins  408  relative to the other toothed wheel  394  within the second rear leg  52 . By making the alignment of pins  408  to their adjacent toothed wheel  394  different for each rear wheel  28   b , the effective resolution of the toothed wheels is increased such that, when the brake pedal is pressed, there are more opportunities for at least one of the pins  408  in one of the rear legs  52  to be aligned an inter-tooth space in its adjacent wheel  394 . This will result in increasing the probability that, when the brake pedal is pressed, at least one of the two rear wheels  28   b  will immediately lock without any further rotation of the wheels  28   b,  while the other rear wheel will thereafter lock when it rotates sufficiently to allow one of its corresponding pins  408  to insert itself into the adjacent toothed wheel  394 . 
         [0163]    In yet another modification, brake system  372  could be modified so that both pins  408  are positioned at the same relative orientation to the teeth of wheel  394 . When so positioned, both pins  408  will either be jointly inserted between different pairs of teeth on wheel  394 , or they will jointly be out misaligned with the space between different pairs of teeth on wheel  394 . Although such a modification would decrease the overall resolution of the slots on the toothed wheel  394 , the use of multiple pins simultaneously lodged in these slots could provide increased braking strength. Further, the loss of resolution could be mitigated by having the pins  408  in one rear leg  52  offset from the pairs of pins  408  in the other rear leg  52 , as discussed above. 
         [0164]    In yet another modification, brake system  172  and/or  372  can be modified to use different brake activation and brake de-activation structures than the brake pedal  126  and release pedal  128 . For example, in one embodiment, the control of the brakes is carried out using hand controls, instead of foot controls. That is, instead of activating and deactivating the brakes by pressing on pedals with a foot, the user activates and deactivates the brakes by manipulating a control using his or her hands. Such controls may be positioned at any suitable location on the transport chair where a user is able to touch the controls without having to bend over, or otherwise make uncomfortable movements. As but one example, handles  32  could include—or have positioned adjacent thereto—one or more buttons, switches, pivotable members, or other structures that, upon pushing, switching, or pivoting, activate and/or deactivate the brakes. The transmission of the movement of these controls to the area adjacent rear wheels  28   b  and toothed wheels  194 ,  394  could be carried out in any suitable manner, such as, but not limited to, one or more Bowden cables. Still other variations are also possible. 
         [0165]    Footrests 
         [0166]      FIGS. 43-45  illustrate one embodiment of a swing mechanism for footrests  30 . As was briefly described above, any of the transport chair embodiments described herein may be equipped with footrests  30  that automatically pivot from the use position ( FIGS. 4-8 ) to the stowed position ( FIG. 9 ) when a user presses on a button  214  ( FIGS. 43-44 ). This automatic pivoting clears the space in front of seat  24 , thereby providing more space for a patient to enter or exit the transport chair. The swing mechanism shown in  FIGS. 43-45  may be used on any of the transport chair embodiments discussed herein. Alternatively, different swing mechanisms may be used in place of the specific embodiment shown in  FIGS. 43-45 . Still further, in some embodiments, footrests  30  are configured so that they do not automatically swing away, but instead require a user to manually push the footrests  30  into a stowed position. In still other embodiments, footrests  30  are configured so that they do not swing or pivot between a use and stored position at all, but instead remain in the use position at all times. 
         [0167]    A swing or pivot mechanism  216  is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 43 and 44 . Swing mechanism  216  includes button  214 , a spring  218 , a caster post  219 , a push shaft  222 , a lock insert  224 , an extend tube  226 , a spring bushing  228 , a torsion spring  230 , a spring holder  232 , and a pin  248 . All of these components are positioned inside of, or coupled to, a cylindrical body portion  250  of extend tube  226 . Spring holder  232  is fixedly coupled to caster post  219 . Spring bushing  228  and extend tube  226  are fixedly coupled to each other so that they will rotate with each other when footrest  30  moves between the stowed and use positions. When footrest  30  is in the use position, rotation of extend tube  226  is prevented by the position of pin  248  within a main channel  252  defined in lock insert  224 . More specifically, lock insert  224 , spring bushing  228 , are prevented from rotating with respect to caster post  219  (which is attached to frame  22 ) because of the position of pin  248  in channel  252 . When button  214  is pressed downwardly, push shaft  222  is also pushed downwardly, which in turn relieves the upward pressure exerted by spring  218  on pin  248  that otherwise keeps pin  248  lodged in channel  252  (note: lock insert  224  is shown in  FIG. 45  upside down with respect to its orientation in  FIG. 44 ). By relieving this pressure, the torsional force of torsion spring  230 , which is coupled by way of spring bushing  228 , and cylindrical body  250  to lock insert  224 , is sufficient to overcome the rotational resistance created by the interaction of pin  248  against a detent  254  defined on lock insert  224 . Therefore, lock insert, as well as cylindrical body  250  (and extend tube  226 ) are free to rotate due to the force of torsional spring  230 . This rotation causes the extend tube  226 , to which footrest  30  is coupled, to pivot to the stowed position. This pivoting motion is slowed by the frictional engagement of detent  254  with pin  248 . Footrest  30  therefore pivots with a more controlled, and less jerky movement, to the stowed position that it otherwise would with detent  254 . 
         [0168]    When footrest  30  reaches the stowed position, lock insert  224  will have rotated sufficiently far to allow pin  248  to engage a lip  256  defined generally opposite main channel  252  ( FIG. 45 ). This engagement of lip  256  with pin  248 , along with the force exerted by spring  218 , will resist rotation of footrest  30  out of the stowed position. However, as can be seen in  FIG. 45 , lip  256  is sufficiently sloped such that a person can manually overcome the resistance offered by the interaction between lip  256  and pin  248 . Therefore, in the absence of any additional user applied force, footrests  30  will automatically swing to the stowed position after button  214  is pressed and remain there. Further, they will remain there unless a force is applied manually by a user to pivot them back to the use position. Once in the use position, the force of spring  218  will cause pin  248  to re-lodge itself in main channel  252 , thereby preventing footrests  30  from moving out of the use position in the absence of someone pressing the corresponding button  214 . A pair of hard stops  258  ( FIG. 45 ) prevent rotation of footrests  30  beyond the range of motion defined between the use position and the stowed position. This range of motion is chosen so that the footrests  30  will not bang into any portion of frame  22 , or any other portion of the transport chair, when they are automatically pivoted from the use position to the stowed position. 
         [0169]    Other than the buttons  214 , the automatic swinging of the footrests  30  from the use position to the stowed position upon pushing buttons  214  is carried out in a manner wherein the components for swinging the footrests  30  are all self-contained within caster post  219  and cylindrical body portion  250 . Thus, there are no components that stick out, no latches that need manual re-positioning, no arms that need to be manually re-adjusted upon one or the other of the swinging motions, and no other structures that extend outside the compact and combined unit of the caster post  219  and the cylindrical body portion  250 . Further, the caster posts  219  and cylindrical body portions  250  are positioned on top of the part of forward legs  54  to which front wheels  28   a  are attached. The addition of caster posts  219  and/or cylindrical portion  250  at the front end of front legs  54  therefore does not add to the physical footprint of the chair beyond what is already required for supporting the front wheels  28   a.  This means that swinging the footrests  30  between the use position and the stowed position does not require additional structures that otherwise clutter the front area of the transport chair more than if such swinging abilities were not present. Swinging mechanisms  216  therefore enable swinging movement of footrests  30  without increasing clutter that would otherwise hinder patient ingress and egress to and from the chair. 
         [0170]    It will be understood by those skilled in the art that other types of triggers for activating the swinging or pivoting mechanism  216  may be used as an alternative to button  214 . Further, the location of the trigger, whether it includes button  214  or some other type of trigger, can be changed from being positioned atop cylindrical body portion  250  to another suitable location. Still further, in one alternative embodiment, no triggering mechanism is included and the swinging of footrests  30  between their use and stowed position is carried out by manually applying forces to the footrest  30 , or any component physically attached thereto, in the direction of either the use position or the stowed position. In this manual embodiment, the cylindrical body  250  can include one or more components that help retain the footrests in either the use or stowed position, such as one or more detents, or the like. Such components will require a person to exert a slightly greater force to initially move the footrest  30  out of either the use or stowed position than is required to swing the footrest after it has become dislodged from either the use or stowed position. Still other variations are possible. 
         [0171]    In the illustrated embodiments, the swinging of footrests  30  between the use and stowed positioned takes place about a generally vertical axis  212  ( FIGS. 43-44 ). As can best be seen in  FIG. 43 , generally vertical axis  212  is also the axis about which front caster wheels  28   a  swivel. That is, in the illustrated embodiments, front wheels  28   a  are caster wheels that are able to both rotate about a generally horizontal rotational axis, which allows movement of the chair, and to swivel about generally vertical axis  212 , which allows swiveling of the caster wheels so that they may turn in the direction of movement of the chair. A more compact design is achieved by having both the swiveling of front wheels  28   a  and the swinging of footrests  30  about a common axis  212 . 
         [0172]    In addition to the pivoting or swinging of footrests  30  between the use and stowed positions, each footrest  30  includes a footrest pan  234  that is pivotable about a generally horizontal pivot axis  260  ( FIG. 44 ) between an upright position (shown in  FIG. 44 ) and a generally flat position (not shown). In the generally flat position, footrest pan  234  is oriented generally horizontally so that it provides a platform on which a user may position his or her feet. 
         [0173]      FIG. 44  illustrates one embodiment of a pivoting assembly  262  that may be used with any of the footrests  30  of any of the transport chairs disclosed herein. Pivoting assembly  262  is adapted to maintain its associated footrest pan  234  in the upright position shown in  FIG. 44  (as well as other figures, e.g.  FIGS. 4-10 ) in the absence of a patient positioning his or her feet thereon. Thus, when a patient is about to enter seat  24 , footrest pans  234  will be oriented vertically upright, thereby creating more space for the user to enter seat  24  (assuming the footrests have been pivoted to the use position—even more space will be created if the footrests  30  are kept in the stowed position until after the patient enters seat  24 ). In order to pivot the pans  234  to their horizontal orientation, the patient lifts his or her feet and places them on top of the pans  234 , forcing them down to their horizontal orientation. When it is time for the patient to exit the transport chair, the patient lifts his or her feet off of the pans  234 , and the pans will automatically pivot upwardly, creating more clearance in the front area of the transport chair so that either egress from the chair, or having the patient rest his or her feet directly on the ground, is easier. 
         [0174]    Pivoting assembly  262  includes footrest pan  234 , a spacer bushing  236 , a pair of bushings  238 , a slotted spring holder  240 , a torsion spring  242 , a spring housing  244 , a pivot cover  246 , a pin  264 , and a retaining ring  266 . Spacer bushing  236 , bushings  238 , pan  234 , slotted spring holder  240 , torsion spring  242 , spring housing  244 , and pivot cover  246  are all coupled to a generally straight section  268  of extend tube  226 . Pin  264  fits into a slot  270  defined in slotted spring holder  240 . Pin  264  also fits into an aperture  272  defined in straight section  268 . Pin  264 , as well as slotted spring holder  240 , therefore do not pivot about pivot axis  260 . Torsion spring  242  is coupled at one end to slotted spring holder  240 . The other end of torsion spring  242  is coupled to spring housing  244 , which in turn is coupled to pan  234 . The manner of the coupling between torsion spring  242  and pan  234  is such that, when pan  234  is in the upright position, relatively little torsional force is being exerted by spring  242  on pan  234 . Further, to the extent such a torsional force is being applied, it is urging pan  234  to remain in the upright position. When a person presses down on pan  234 , they must overcome the resistance of torsion spring  242 . The energy expended in overcoming this resistance is stored as potential energy in spring  242  and released when a person removes his or her feet from pan  234 . This released potential energy is used in rotating pan  234  back to its upright position. 
         [0175]    By configuring footrests  30  so that they automatically return to their upright position, not only does this create greater clearance for the patient, but this also allows the transport chairs to nest together. Examples of such nesting are shown in  FIGS. 62-65 . When the footrests  30  of a first transport chair are in their upright position and the first chair is nested into the back side of a second chair, the upright position of the footrests  30  of the first chair allow the first chair to be nested without having the footrests come into contact with the rear wheels  28   b.  By automatically returning the footrests to their upright position, a user therefore does not need to manually alter the configuration of the footrests prior to nesting one into another, which reduces the amount of work that would otherwise be necessary to nest the chairs together. 
         [0176]    As can be seen more clearly in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 43-44  and  8 , each footrest  30  also includes a pivot extension  208  defined in pivot cover  246 . Pivot extension  208  is adapted to allow a caregiver to easily use his or her foot to manually flip the attached footrest  30  from the upward orientation to the downward orientation. The caregiver can accomplish this by inserting the toe of his or her shoe underneath pivot extension  208  while footrest  30  is in the upright position and then pivoting his or her shoe upwardly and slightly outwardly (i.e. away from the footrest  30  on the opposite side of the chair). This will cause the pivot extension  208  to pivot upwardly and the footrest pan  234  to pivot downwardly to the use (e.g. generally horizontal) orientation. When in this use position, pivot extension  208  is oriented generally horizontally (see  FIG. 52 ), while when in the stowed position, pivot extension  208  is oriented generally vertically ( FIGS. 43-44 ). By being oriented generally vertically when footrest  30  is in the stowed positioned, pivot extension  208  does not extend outwardly from footrest  30 , and therefore does not create an extra obstruction in this orientation. Pivot extension  208  provides a convenient structure for enabling a caregiver to move footrests  30  to their lowered position without requiring the caregiver to bend down and manually manipulate the footrests  30 . Such manual lowering can assist a patient who is in the process of putting his or her feet onto footrests  30 . 
         [0177]    IV Pole and Toppers 
         [0178]    As was noted previously, IV pole  36  includes an IV pole topper attached to its top end, such as, but not limited to, the IV pole toppers  74  and/or  274  shown in  FIGS. 46 and 47 . Each IV pole topper  74 ,  274  includes a plurality of hooks  76  on which an IV bag, or other medical equipment may be hung. While some transport chair embodiments shown herein do not include an IV pole  36  attached thereto, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that such transport chair embodiments may be modified to include an IV pole having an IV pole topper. Further, those embodiments showing an IV pole  36  may be modified to eliminate the IV pole  36 . 
         [0179]    IV pole topper  274  includes an attachment aperture  276  ( FIG. 47 ) defined in its center that is adapted to receive a fastener  278  ( FIG. 48 ) that is also received in the top end of IV pole  36 . The fastener  278  may be any suitable fastener, such as, but not limited to, a screw or other threaded fastener. The threads of the fastener  278  matingly engage internal threads defined in the top end of IV pole  36  (not shown), to thereby secure IV pole topper  274  to IV pole  36 . In one embodiment, fastener  278  is configured to attach IV pole topper  74  and/or  274  to IV pole  36  such that the topper  74  and/or  274  is free to rotate about the generally vertical axis defined by the upper portion of pole  36 . In another embodiment, fastener  278  is configured to rigidly attach IV pole topper  74  and/or  274  to pole  36  such that the attached topper is not able to rotate about this generally vertical axis. 
         [0180]    Because IV pole topper  274  is attached to pole  36  by way of a fastener  278  that fits into the top of topper  274 , fastener  278  is largely invisible to people in the vicinity of the transport chair. This is because the IV pole topper  274  is often positioned at a height generally at, or above, the normal eye level of a standing person. Thus, unless a person is positioned above the generally horizontal plane defined by topper  274 , he or she will not see fastener  278  positioned in aperture  276 . That is, fastener  278  is not visible from any vantage points at or below the horizontal plane defined by the main body of topper  274 . 
         [0181]    IV pole topper  274  is, in some embodiments, colored in a manner that signifies information to a caregiver. In some embodiments, topper  274  is a uniform color. In other embodiments, topper  274  may be multi-colored. Regardless of whether it is single or multi-colored, the color of topper  274  can be used to provide information to caregivers in a healthcare facility where there are multiple transport chairs. For example, a healthcare facility may choose to have all of its transport chairs that are assigned to a specific floor of a building, or a specific department of the facility, a first color, while all of its transport chairs that assigned to a different floor or department are given a different color. This provides an easy visual indication to caregivers of where the transport chair is to be returned to if it is moved to a different location. Further, owners of the transport chair can easily change the assignment of a particular transport chair by replacing the topper  274  with one of a different color. 
         [0182]    Alternatively, the color or colors toppers  274  may be used to provide visual information about one or more aspects of the patient assigned to that chair. For example, one particular color of toppers  274  may be used to indicate that the patient assigned thereto is an infection risk, or that the patient assigned thereto is not an infection risk. In other embodiments, the color may indicate the language spoken by a particular patient, whether the chair is clean or in need of cleaning, or it may indicate medical information about the particular patient, such as, but not limited to, allergies, fall risks, medication information, whether the patient is blind, whether the patient is deaf, or any other useful classification where a visual indicator is helpful to the caregivers, staff, or other individuals who use the transport chair. Still other categories of patient information may be indicated by the colors of toppers  274  (or  74 ). 
         [0183]    The different colored toppers  74 ,  274  may be made available to users of the transport chairs in a variety of different manners. In one manner, the customer who is purchasing the transport chair orders different colored toppers  74 ,  274  from the manufacturer of the transport chair during the initial purchase of the transport chair. In an alternative manner, the customer may separately order toppers  74 ,  274  in the desired colors subsequent to the initial transport purchase, either from the manufacturer of the transport chair, and/or from designated dealers who are authorized by the manufacturer of the transport chair. In still other manners, colored toppers  74 ,  274  may be available for purchase or lease from third parties that have no affiliation with the manufacturer of the transport chair. 
         [0184]    In still other embodiments, IV pole  36  may be used with other objects besides toppers  74 ,  274  to indicate any of the above-mentioned information. That is, different types of toppers may be used that do not provide IV hooks for hanging IV bags. Such toppers may be configured and designed in any manner. In some embodiments, such toppers serve only to indicate information, and do not provide any other functionality. In other embodiments, such as with toppers  74 ,  274 , the toppers are configured to indicate information and to provide an additional function, such as providing hooks for IV bags. When the toppers are used to visually convey information, such toppers, for example, may act in the same manner as a flag that indicates information. Indeed, in some embodiments, the toppers are flags, and such flags may be made of flexible material or more rigid material. In other embodiments, the toppers are configured to hold paper on which symbols or words can be written or printed. In still other embodiments, the toppers include other types of writing surfaces (e.g. whiteboard-type surfaces, or other types of surfaces) built therein on which messages or other indications may be written. 
         [0185]    When used to provide information to caregivers, the toppers to IV pole  36  may be configured in different manners from that of toppers  74 ,  274 . That is, the topper may be of a conventional hook configuration that is color coded, or otherwise altered or configured in some manner to provide information. Such alterations or configuration may include changes to the shape of all or a portion of the topper. Such changes or configurations can be implemented in a manner that is visually apparent to caregivers not only while they are positioned next to the transport chair to which the IV pole  36  is attached, but also from greater distances, such as the distances the caregivers may encounter in their work environment (e.g. the lengths of hallways, corridors, etc.) 
         [0186]    In summary, a variety of different types of toppers—whether configured like toppers  74 ,  274  or otherwise—may be used to create a system of visual communication that provides caregivers information about the patient in the transport chair, or the transport chair itself. It will be understood that, in still other embodiments, this system of visual communication can be applied to other medical devices besides transport chairs. For example, toppers  74 ,  274 , and all of the variations discussed herein, may be used with beds, stretchers, operating tables, cots, or other devices that support and/or transport patients. In still other embodiments, this system may be applied to medical devices that are used to treat patients, such as ventilators, pumps, dialysis machines, and other medical devices. As discussed above, when the toppers are applied to non-transport chair medical devices, the toppers may be configured like toppers  74  and/or  274 , or they may be differently configured, including, but not limited to, configurations that do not provide any hooks or support for IV bags. 
         [0187]      FIGS. 48 and 49  illustrate one manner in which IV pole  36  may be attached to frame  22  of a transport chair. As shown, a plurality of clamps  280  are used to secure IV pole  36  to one of the forward legs  54  of frame  22 . More specifically, in the region of the forward leg  54  where IV pole  36  is secured, forward leg  54  includes a first section  282  and a second section  284 . First and second sections  282  and  284  are angled with respect to each other. One of clamps  280  is attached to first section  282  and IV pole  36 , while the other of clamps  280  is attached to second section  284  and IV pole  36 . Because first and second sections  282  and  284  are angled with respect to each other, a more secure attachment of IV pole  36  to forward leg  54 , and thus the entire transport chair, is effected. The reasons for this are explained below. 
         [0188]    Often times a caregiver or other user of the transport chair will push or pull on the chair by grasping IV pole  36  instead of handles  32 . When the person does this, they may exert a significant amount of force on IV pole  36  and the clamps  280  used to secure pole  36  to the transport chair. This applied force can itself be significant and/or this applied force can be, and often is, amplified by the lever arm distance between the location where the force is applied to pole  36  and the location of the uppermost clamp  280 . For example,  FIG. 48  illustrates an applied force F applied to pole  36  at a distance D 5  from the uppermost clamp  280 . Regardless of whether the applied force itself is significant, or the multiplicative effect of the lever arm distance is amplifying the force, the clamp or clamps  380  need to be able to withstand such forces over time. 
         [0189]    In the past, IV poles have been attached to wheelchairs using only a single clamp. When a person pushes, pulls, or otherwise exerts a force on the IV pole, this has tended to loosen that clamp, particularly over time. Further, the use of a single clamp only structurally restrains the IV pole in four degrees of freedom (forward-backward movement, lateral movement, and rotations about perpendicular horizontal axes). Movement in the vertical direction, as well as rotation about the vertical axis of the pole, is only frictionally restrained by the clamp, not structurally restrained. This frictional restraint can be overcome with time. Further, even the structural restraints can be loosened over time due to the magnitude and repetition of the applied forces. The loosening of the restraints (structural, frictional, or both) can happen even if multiple clamps are used and they are attached in a collinear arrangement with respect to each other. 
         [0190]    The clamp arrangement shown in  FIGS. 48 and 49  (and elsewhere herein), however, overcomes the aforementioned issues and provides structural restraint in all six degrees of freedom. It achieves this by using a pair of clamps  280  that are located at different which are not parallel or aligned with each other (sections  282  and  284 ). Each clamp  280  structurally restrains pole  36  in four degrees of freedom (forward backward movement, lateral movement, and rotation about perpendicular horizontal axes). Further, the combination of the two clamps  280  being arranged in a non-collinear fashion structurally restrains both vertical movement and rotation about a vertical axis defined by the vertical upper portion of IV pole  36 . Rotational movement is structurally resisted because the two clamps  280  are not rotationally aligned (they don&#39;t have center axes that are collinear). Vertical movement is also structurally resisted because at least one, if not both, of sections  282  and  284  are not vertically oriented, and their corresponding clamps  280  are also not vertically oriented. Consequently, by having angled sections  282  and  284  in leg  54 , as well as corresponding angled sections in IV pole  36  (not separately labeled), and using clamps  280  at each section, a coupling is achieved between IV pole  36  that structurally resists any movement in all six degrees of freedom. This solid coupling helps to prevent any wiggling over time between pole  36  and the chair, even in the presence of excessive forces, and even after such forces are repeated and accumulated over lengthy periods of time. This solid coupling also gives the user a robust feeling when grabbing the IV pole  36 , and further allows the user to push and/or pull on the transport chair without causing damage to the pole  36 , or loosening the connection between the pole  36  and the transport chair. 
         [0191]    As an alternative to arranging clamps  280  in the manner shown in  FIGS. 48 and 49 , it would be possible to achieve a similar level of robustness and structural restraint in six degrees of freedom if clamps  280  were parallel, but not collinear, and they were properly positioned to abut the bends or elbows in the leg  54 . By being parallel but not collinear, rotation about a vertical axis would be structurally resisted by the two clamps. Further, by positioning the clamps  280  adjacent the bends or elbows in leg  54 , vertical movement of the IV pole  36  would be prevented by the bends or elbows contacting one or both of the clamps  280 . 
         [0192]    In addition to its use on transport chairs and wheel chairs, the clamps  280  and attachment methods shown and described herein may be used to attach IV poles  36  to other medical devices, such as, but not limited to, stretchers, beds, cots, surgery tables, pumps, ventilators, dialysis equipment, or still other types of medical equipment. By clamping the IV pole  36  to the medical device at two locations that are not parallel and collinear with respect to each other—or that are parallel but not collinear with each other and the clamps are arranged adjacent the bends or elbows in the attachment structure—the IV pole may be secured in a fashion that structurally resists motion in all six degrees of freedom and provides a robust coupling between the medical device and the IV pole. 
         [0193]    It will also be understood that any of the toppers discussed herein can be used with a modified IV pole that is different from IV pole  36 . For example, the IV pole could be modified so that it was a telescoping pole whose vertical height was adjustable in a telescoping manner. Thus, if no IV bag needed to be hung and/or no communication information was desired to be displayed in a highly visible manner on the transport chair, or other mobile medical device, the telescoping IV pole could be lowered to its lowest height so as to not be an obstruction or obstacle. If an IV bag were later to be hung, or if it were later desired to use the pole for visually displaying information, the IV pole could then be extended vertically. The topper could remain on the IV pole in both its extended and retracted positions, or it could be removed when the pole was retracted to its lowest position. Still other variations of the IV pole could be implemented. 
         [0194]    As was described previously, IV pole toppers  74  and  274  are each generally circularly shaped with arcuate hooks  76  defined in, and aligned with, the overall circular shape of toppers  74  and  274 . This configuration not only leads to no outwardly pointing hooks  76  that could be inadvertently bumped against, it also leads to no outwardly point extensions, prongs, or other structures that could directly come into contact with a person&#39;s head, eye, or other body part that was positioned at the same height as the topper  74 ,  274 . Toppers  74  and  274  each include a ribbon  84  that has a top edge  288 , a bottom edge  290 , an outer surface  292 , and an inner surface  294 . Ribbon  84  is connected to a central body  296  by way of a plurality of spokes  298 . Ribbon  84  is arranged to define a circular shape in both toppers  74  and  274 . Top edge  288  is continuous around the entire circular shape of ribbon  84  in both toppers  74  and  274 . Bottom edge  290  is not continuous around the entire circular shape, but instead is interrupted several times in areas of ribbon  84  that are adjacent to each hook  76 . These interruptions provide space for a user to insert a loop, or other structure, that is attached to an IV bag over one of hooks  76 . Hooks  76  themselves are circular and defined within ribbon  84 . 
         [0195]    Although ribbon  84  is depicted as circular shaped in  FIGS. 46 and 47 , it can be modified to have different shapes in other embodiments. In one alternative embodiment, ribbon  84  is shaped as a polygon. When shaped as a polygon, ribbon  84  can include a hook  76  defined on each side of the polygon. Alternatively, multiple hooks  76  may be defined on each side of the polygon, or hooks  76  may be defined in less than all of the polygon sides. Although changing the shape of ribbon  84  from a circular shape to a polygonal shape will create some vertical edges, such edges can be smoothed or blunted, particularly in cases where the polygon is more than three or four sided. In still other embodiments, ribbon  84  may be curved in the vertical direction as well as the horizontal direction, having, for example, an outer surface  292  that, when traveling vertically downward from top edge  288  to bottom edge  290 , traces a curved path. Other shapes besides curved shapes may also be used. 
         [0196]    As shown in the accompanying drawings, ribbon  84  is endless in the sense that it does not include an end or a beginning. Instead, it forms a complete circle which, as noted, can be modified to other shapes. In addition to modifying ribbon  84  to other shapes, ribbon  84  may be modified to not be endless. As but one example, ribbon  84  could be made of several discrete sections that are spaced from each other, but are still each arcuately shaped so that the sections, in combination, still generally defined a circle. Still other variations are possible. 
         [0197]    Calf Rests 
         [0198]    In any of the transport chair embodiments disclosed herein, one or more calf rests  450  may be included. Examples of such calf rests  450  are shown in  FIGS. 29A-29B  and  51 - 61 , among other figures. Calf rests  450  are adapted to support a patient&#39;s legs while sitting in seat  24 . Further, calf rests  450  are adapted to be extendable and retractable between a stowed position ( FIG. 51 ) and a use position ( FIG. 52 ). In the embodiments of the transport chair shown in  FIGS. 51-52 , there is only one calf rest shown. However, it will be understood that two calf rests  450  may be incorporated into a single transport chair, such as is shown in  FIGS. 29A and 29B . It will also be understood that calf rests  450  can be incorporated into other medical devices besides transport chairs, including, but not limited to, examination tables, operating tables, or any other patient support apparatus where it is desirable to be able to selectively support one or both of a patient&#39;s lower legs. 
         [0199]    As shown in more detail in  FIGS. 51-61 , calf rests  450  include an inner extrusion  452 , an outer extrusion  454 , and a pad assembly  456 . Pad assembly  456  includes an upper surface  458  upon which a patient may rest his or her calf, or leg. Upper surface  458  may be padded, or it may provide a surface to which a pad may be fastened. As is shown more clearly in  FIGS. 60 and 61 , pad rest assembly  456  is pivotable about a generally horizontal pivot axis so that pad rest assembly  456  may be oriented at an angle that generally aligns with the patient&#39;s calf. Further, inner extrusion  452  is able to translate with respect to outer extrusions  454  in a telescoping manner—that is, inner extrusion  452  can slide into, and extend out of, outer extrusion  454 . 
         [0200]    When calf rest  450  is in the retracted position, it is retained therein by way of a locking mechanism that will be discussed in greater detail below. In order to release the locking mechanism, a user pulls on a handle  460  that is coupled to an upper end of inner extrusion  452 . Pulling on handle  460  releases the locking mechanism, thereby enabling a user to pull inner extrusion  452  out of outer extrusion  454 . Once calf rest  450  is pulled to the fully extended use position, any upward pivoting of calf rest  450  is resisted by the weight of the patient&#39;s calf resting on pad assembly  456  and any further downward pivoting is prevented by a suspension linkage  466  coupled between frame  22  and calf rest  450 . In terms of the relative translation of inner extrusion  452  with respect to outer extrusion  454 , such relative translation is prevented in the extended position because a latch, such as an outer end  480  of a peg  474 , will be inserted into a use position aperture  522  ( FIGS. 55 ,  56 , and  59 ) defined in the upper end of outer extrusion  454 . That is, when a user has fully translated inner extrusion  452  out of outer extrusion  454  and into the extended or use position, and the user releases handle  460 , outer end  480  of peg  474  will be pulled by a spring  476  in such a manner that it will insert itself into use position aperture  522 , and thereby prevent retraction of calf rest  450  back into the stowed position. This is described in greater detail below. 
         [0201]    In order to retract calf rest  450  back to its retracted position, a user pulls on handle  460  again, which causes peg  474  to be rotated (overcoming the force of spring  476 ) out of use position aperture  522 , thereby allowing inner extrusions  452  to translate with respect to outer extrusion  454 . While still holding handle  460 , the user pushes the inner extrusion  452  back toward the outer extrusion  454 . Once fully retracted, the locking mechanism automatically re-engages, and the calf rest is not able to extend, nor pivot downwardly, without once again pulling on handle  460 . 
         [0202]    The detailed construction of a locking assembly  462  that may be used with calf rest  450  will now be described with respect to  FIGS. 53-58 . Locking assembly  462 , in addition to inner and outer extrusions  452  and  454 , further includes an outer bushing  464 , a suspension linkage  466 , a lower pivot bracket  468  that are coupled to outer extrusion  454 . Locking assembly also includes a cassette  470  that is positioned inside of inner extrusion  452 , an inner bushing  472 , peg  474 , a spring  476 , and a Bowden cable  478 . Peg  474  is positioned so that an outer end  480  will extend through an aperture  482  defined in outer extrusion  454  when calf rest  450  is in the retracted position, as well as through use position aperture  522  when in the extended position—as discussed above. When peg  474  is positioned in aperture  482 , cassette  470  is unable to slide within outer extrusion  454  because the engagement of end  480  of peg  474  with the edges of aperture  482 . Further, because cassette  470  is fixedly attached to inner extrusion  452 , inner extrusion  452  is also unable to slide within outer extrusion  454 , thereby preventing calf rest  450  from extending to the use position. 
         [0203]    As is more clearly shown in  FIGS. 57 and 58 , peg  474  is rotatable about a pivot axis  484 . Spring  476  is coupled to peg  474  and exerts a biasing force that urges peg  474  about pivot axis  484  in a direction that causes end  480  to extend into aperture  482  (if aligned therewith). That is, spring  476  exerts a force that tends to re-engage the locking mechanism whenever aperture  482  is aligned with aperture  486  in inner extrusion  452  (through which outer end  480  of peg  474  also extends). When peg  474  is rotated (counterclockwise in  FIG. 57 ), outer end  480  of peg  474  will recede out of aperture  482  defined in outer extrusion  454 , as well as aperture  486  defined in inner extrusion  452 . As a result, when peg  474  is oriented in the manner shown in  FIG. 58 , inner extrusion  452  will be free to slide within outer extrusion  474 , thereby enabling a user to extend inner extrusion  452  outwardly to a use position. The rotation of peg  474  is effected by Bowden cable  478 , which has its other end  488  coupled to handle  460 . As shown in  FIGS. 53 and 54 , pulling on handle  460  will cause the Bowden cable  478  to pull on peg  474  in such a manner so as to retract its outer end  480  out of apertures  482  and  486 , thereby allowing calf rest  450  to be extended. 
         [0204]    When calf rest  450  is in the stowed position and a user pulls on handle  460 , not only does pulling on handle  460  release calf rest  450  such that it may extend outwardly in front of the transport chair, it also releases the pivoting ability of calf rest  450 . That is, once handle  460  is pulled and calf rest  450  is unlocked, not only does inner extrusion  452  become free to translate out of outer extrusion  454 , but both inner and outer extrusions  452  and  454  become free to pivot about a pivot axis  504  ( FIGS. 51-56 ). Pulling on handle  460 , which only requires movement in a single direction, therefore causes a release of movement ability in two different degrees of freedom. The downward pivoting of inner and outer extrusions  452  and  454  is limited by suspension linkage  466 . 
         [0205]    In addition to retaining inner extrusion  452  within outer extrusion  454 , outer end  480  of peg  474  also retains calf rest  450  in the stowed position underneath seat  24 . That is, peg  474 —when in the locking position—not only prevents inner and outer extrusions  452  and  454  from translating with respect to each other in a telescoping type of movement, but peg  474  also prevents inner and outer extrusions  454  and  454  from pivoting about pivot axis  504  when peg  474  is in the locked position. Peg  474  prevents this pivoting motion by contacting a latch surface  506  defined on one side of lower pivot bracket  468  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 55-56 ). When in the stowed position underneath seat  24 , outer end  480  of peg  474  abuts against latch surface  506  and this abutment prevents calf rest  450  from pivoting downward about pivot axis  504 . When a user pulls on handle  460 , however, outer end  480  of peg  474  recedes within inner extrusion  452  through aperture  486  (in the manner described above), which moves outer end  480  of peg  474  out of contact with latch surface  506 , thereby enabling calf rest  450  to pivot downwardly about axis  504 . Thus, when in the locked position, outer end  480  of peg  474  extends out of aperture  486  sufficiently far to not only block relative movement of outer extrusion  454 , but also relative pivoting (about axis  504 ) of both inner and outer extrusions  452  and  454  with respect to bracket  468 . The single act of pulling on handle  460  therefore releases two different locking mechanisms—one that locks translation and another that locks pivoting. 
         [0206]      FIG. 59  shows more detail of the construction of pad assembly  456 . Pad assembly  456  includes a pivot rail bracket  490 , an inner extrusion cover  492 , an end  488  of the Bowden cable, and handle  460 . Pivot rail bracket  490  provides a track  494  along which handle  460  slides when a user pulls thereon. Pivot rail bracket  490  is also pivotable about a pivot axis  496  that is aligned with a hole  498  defined at the upper end of inner extrusion  452 . Pivot rail bracket  490  may therefore pivot in the manner shown in  FIGS. 60 and 61 . Further, because upper surface  458  is coupled to pivot rail bracket  490 , upper surface  458  is able to pivot to accommodate a patient&#39;s leg angle. 
         [0207]    Pivot rail bracket include a rear top surface  500  and a rear bottom surface  502  that together define the limits of the pivoting of pivot rail bracket  490 . That is, when rear bottom surface  502  contacts the interior bottom surface of inner extrusion  452  ( FIG. 60 ), pivot rail bracket  490  is prevented from pivoting further in a counterclockwise direction (with respect to  FIG. 60 ). Similarly, when rear top surface  500  contacts the interior top surface of inner extrusion  452  ( FIG. 61 ), pivot rail bracket  490  is prevented from pivoting further in a clockwise direction (with respect to  FIG. 61 ). 
         [0208]    Other Features 
         [0209]      FIGS. 61-65  illustrate the ability of a transport chair embodiment  820  to nest with another similar transport chair  820 . Transport chair  820  is similar to the other transport chairs described herein, and they all have the same nesting ability as transport chair  820 . Those components of transport chair  820  that are the same as those of the other transport chairs described herein are labeled with the same reference numbers, and the description of those components applies equally to transport chair  820 . This nesting ability is facilitated by the overall configuration of the transport chairs ( 820  and other embodiments) wherein the front end of the chair is generally wider than the rear end of the chair. By having the front end of the chair more expansive than the rear end, the front end of a first chair is able to fit around the more narrow rear end of a second chair, thereby allowing them to nest together. Further, as has been noted already, by having the front end more expansive than the rear end, there is more space in the front end of the chair for a patient to stand, thereby facilitating ingress into, and egress out of, the transport chair. 
         [0210]    Chairs  820  may be modified so that, when nested, one or more portions of frame  22 , or other components of the chair, will frictionally engage a portion of the other nested chair so that there is frictional engagement between the nested chairs. This frictional engagement can facilitate movement of the entire group of nested chairs, particularly where steering or motive forces are applied to the rearmost chair in the group in a direction other than forward, or in situations where steering or motive forces are applied to one of the other chairs in the group other than the rearmost chair. As an alternative to frictional engagement between the nested chairs, a latch or other releasable physical coupling may be included on the chairs so that the nested chairs are generally held together when in the nested condition. Regardless of whether frictionally or mechanically engaged, the coupling of the chairs together also helps ensure that, if the brake pedal of one of the chairs (e.g. the rearmost in the group) is pressed, the entire group of chairs will be effectively braked through the braking of that single chair. 
         [0211]    In yet another alternative embodiment, the transport chairs include one or more physical structures that are configured to come into physical contact with, and press on (if not already pressed), the go pedal  128  of a second chair positioned in front thereof when the chairs are nested together. This ensures that, as multiple chairs are nested together, all of the chairs in the nested group will have their brakes released with the sole possible exception of the rear-most chair in the group (which can be manually turned on and off by pressing on the brake and go pedals). This helps avoid the scenario where a user has nested a group of chairs together and, after attempting to push the entire group, discovers that one of the chairs in the group has its brake pedal pressed, thereby impeding movement of the entire group. 
         [0212]    In still other embodiments, this automatic release of the brakes in the forward chair by the immediately rearward chair can be accomplished by other physical structures that don&#39;t necessarily physically push on go pedal  128 . For example, each chair could be configured with an alternative structure for activating go pedal  128 , such as a hand switch, or other alternative structure. When so configured, each chair could further include an activating mechanism that automatically released the brakes of the forward chair via the alternative structure (e.g. hand switch). Still other variations are possible. 
         [0213]    Transport chair  820  further includes a pair of Foley catheter bag hooks  510  that are positioned generally underneath seat  24  on either side of seat  24 . In the illustrated embodiments, hooks  510  are coupled to seat brackets  68  ( FIG. 8 ). Hooks  510  provide a structure for hanging a Foley catheter bag, which a patient riding in transport chair  820  may be using. Hooks  510  are positioned out of the way so that they do not obstruct normal use of transport chair  820 , yet provide a convenient location for hanging such a Foley bag. Further, when hung on either of hooks  510 , the Foley catheter bag is positioned along the side of transport chair  820 , which is out of the way of the patient&#39;s legs and the caregiver&#39;s legs. Hooks  510  are positioned near the front of transport chair  820 , but do not stick out in either a forward direction or a lateral direction. Hooks  510  may be added to any of the other transport chair embodiments disclosed herein. 
         [0214]    Transport chairs  820  also include an optional chart holder  512  positioned behind back rest  34 . Chart holder  512  provides a location for storing medical charts, papers, records, or other items that a caregiver may want to transport while pushing a patient with chair  820 . 
         [0215]      FIGS. 66 and 67  illustrate in greater detail a wheelie roller set  78  that helps prevent tipping of the transport chair. Wheelie roller set  78  may be used in any of the chair embodiments described herein, or it may be omitted. Wheelie set  78  includes rollers or wheelies  514 , wheelie brackets  516 , and wheel attachment pins  518  which serve as the axles for the rotation of wheelies  514 . As can be seen in  FIG. 66 , wheel axles  518  are positioned at a location that is a distance D 5  behind the axle of rotation of rear wheels  28   b.  By varying this distance, the amount of backward tipping of the transport chair before rollers or wheelies  514  come into contact with the ground  520  can be controlled. As shown in  FIG. 66 , front wheels  28   a  have been lifted off of ground  520  by a distance D 6 . Further lifting of front wheels  28   a  is substantially prevented by the contacting of wheelies  514  with ground  520 . More specifically, a much greater force is required to lift front wheels  28   a  any higher than the position shown than is required to lift them distance D 6 . This is because, by coming into contact with the ground, wheelies  514  shift the axis of rotation of the chair backward, requiring more force to lift up the front end any further. 
         [0216]    Wheelies  514  assist in moving the transport chair over uneven surfaces where a caregiver desires to lift up the front end of the chair to move over the uneven surface (e.g. a curb, or the like). Wheelies assist in movement over uneven surfaces by providing a low friction interface with the ground  520 , when they are engaged. Further, as noted, wheelies  514  help prevent excessive tipping of the transport chair. 
         [0217]    In the configuration shown in  FIG. 66 , wheelies  514  have an axis of rotation (defined by axles  518 ) that falls within the circular area defined by rear wheels  28   b  when viewed from the side (such as is shown in  FIG. 66 ). This relative location of the axes of rotation, as well as the fact that the smaller diameter of the wheelies  514  relative to the diameter of rear wheels  28   b  means that the rear end of wheelies  514  does not extend as far back as the rear end of rear wheels  28   b.  More specifically, the rear end of rear wheels  28   b  extends a distance D 7  farther back than the rear end of wheelies  514 . This greater rearward extension of wheels  28   b  means that the wheelies  514  substantially do not create any additional obstacles for a caregiver&#39;s feet when the caregiver is standing or walking behind the transport chair. The relatively short rearward extension of wheelies  514  also means that they do not create any tripping hazards for individuals walking behind the transport chair. 
         [0218]    The above description is that of several embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.