A FOLDING STRETCHER

Abstract: A stretcher system (as seen in an inverse plan view) comprises two longitudinal profiles (3) between which a strechtcher sheet (2) is stretched, said profiles (3) being provided with brackets (5) between which foldable transversal stiffening members (4), said brackets (5) being provided with through openings (7, 8) for insertion of not shown leg and support members securable by the aid of clamping screws.

Description: A folding stretcher The present invention relates to a folding stretcher that may assembled in a simple manner, is strong, light-weight, and does not require much space in storage. Several of the so called life-saving, emergency, and stand-by services have tried for a long time to develop a stretcher system which, being inexpensive in production, also presents a sufficient degree of solidity, service life, and ease in use. Known technology disclosed a long series of stretchers of various kinds. Furthermore, a long series of so called "stacking" hospital beds are known. However, none of these known techniques disclose a combined system permitting, e.g. that an ordinary ambulance stretcher in an emergency can be transformed into a bed by simple movements and in a short time. It is an object o£ the present invention to eliminate this difficulty and, thus, discloses a stretcher system comprising relatively few basic members which, with a simple assembly, may be used as an ambulance stretcher, a surgical table, a transport and evacuation stretcher, and, if necessary, as an ordinary two-storeyed bunk, or a single bed. In the following, the invention is disclosed in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings , wherein Figure 1 shows the object of the invention in a plan view, Figure 2 shows the object of the invention in a plan view with extended carrying handles, also seen in plan vie Figure 3 shows the object of the invention a folded state in a plan view, Figure 4 shows the object of the invention in a set-up state, shown in an inverted plan view, Figure 5 shows the object of the invention in a set-up state, shown in an inverted plan view and with extended carrying handles, Figure 6 shows the object of the invention in a folded state as seen in an inverted plan view, 5 Figure 7 shows the object of the invention in a partly fold¬ ed state, as seen in a plan view, Figure 8 shows a leg with rollers, Figure 9 shows a joining and lengthening member, Figure 10' shows a lengthened element with a foot element, 10 Figure 11 shows a joining and lengthening bracket, and Figure 12 shows a foot bracket for mounting, e.g. on skis. The object of the invention, the stretcher 1, comprises the following members. 15 A sheet 2 is stretched between two longitudinal profiles 3. The tension force is provided by two foldable transversal stiff¬ ening members 4 secured to brackets 5 mounted on said profiles 3. 20 In said longitudinal profiles 3 extendable carrying handles 6 are provided. Brackets 5 are provided with through openings 7, 8 with 25 clamping screws 9. Said openings 7, 8 are intended for receiving, e.g. a leg mem¬ ber 9 with rollers 10 (see Figure 8), an ordinary extension member 11, or an extension member 12 having a centering bolt 30 13. As shown in Figure 2, said stretcher may be used as a convent¬ ional ambulance stretcher with dimensions adapted to convent¬ ional vehicles, helicopters and aircrafts used for services of 35 this kind. By inserting, e.g. a leg member 9 with roller 10 through said through openings 8 it is possible, e.g. to provide a surgical table by simple movements. Using the same stretcher 1, e.g. on skis provided with foot brackets according to Figure 12 it is possible to provide a sledge with skis very rapidly. Said bracket in Figure 12 is shown with a foot plate to be secured by screws. It may, obviously, be secured by a clamping device. By using an element as shown in Figure 11 horizontally and vertically with members according to Figures 8, 9, and 10 it is possible to provide almost- any desired structure, practical considerations forming the only limit. It is assumed that said profiles are made of aluminium, how- ever, this should not exclude other materials. By this invention a stretcher system is, thus, achieved which by the aid of simple and inexpensive members covers a wide range of application in life-saving, emergency and stand-by services, both as regards solidity, service life, and felxibilitv.

Claims: CLAIM: A foldable stretcher (1) consisting of two longitudinal pro¬ files (3) between which a stretcher sheet (2) is stretched, 5 c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said profiles (3) are provided with brackets (5) between which foldable transversal stiffening members (4) are provided, said brackets (5) being provided with through openings (7,8) for receiving leg and support members (9, 10, 11) to be attached by the aid of 10. clamping screws (9). 15 20 25 30 35

Inventors: DOMMERUD SVEIN AASTEN, DOMMERUD, SVEIN, AASTEN
Applicants: APOTEKERNES FAELLESINDKJOEP AS, A/S APOTEKERNES FAELLESINDKJOEP
Application year: 1986
Main classification: A61G1
IPC codes: A61G1