Patent Description:
Patient supports include, for example, stretchers, wheelchairs, portable beds and stationary beds. In the case of transportation systems, often times, along with transporting the patient, there is often a need to transport equipment associated with the patient.

A number of factors must be taken into account when such equipment includes medical equipment relating to the patient. Medical equipment must be secured to the patient system to prevent injuries as well as damage to the equipment. This is even more pertinent during transportation of the patient on the patient support. Medical equipment can be heavy and cumbersome and often lack handles for ease of transportation. The manner of securing the equipment must not restrict access to either the equipment or the patient, and should allow the medical equipment to be installed and removed easily.

Current solutions for mounting medical equipment to patient transportation systems include attaching the medical equipment near the patient with straps or seat belts. The medical equipment is also sometimes placed on the patients themselves.

However, these current solutions are far from ideal. They do not secure the medical equipment in a manner which allows for one or more of: quick release, quick attachment, secure attachment, ease of access to the secured medical equipment, let alone taking into account the cumulative weight of the equipment. Additionally, current solutions can also hinder the patient being moved onto or off the patient system.

Furthermore, current solutions are not suitable for critical care patient transportation systems. A patient under critical care may be connected to multiple devices for sustaining or monitoring life. During transport of the patient, these devices must accompany the critical care patient. Current patient transport solutions cannot accommodate the numerous devices, and are not robust enough to support the numerous devices during transportation. Additionally, current solutions can make some of the devices inaccessible during patient transport.

<CIT> discloses a coupling system having a base member connectable to a patient transport system and a positioning member releasably couplable to the base member and equipment.

Therefore, there is a desire for a support assembly that can overcome at least some of the above-described drawbacks.

It is an object of the present technology to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art.

According to one aspect of the present technology, there is provided a support assembly attachable to a patient support. The support assembly includes a support unit and two connector units. The support unit, which is configured to support the device, includes a shelf, two support legs and two support feet. The shelf has a support surface for supporting one or more devices. The two support legs extend downwardly from the support shelf and are spaced apart from each other. Each one of the support foot of the two support feet is at a distal end of a respective support leg. The two connector units are removably attachable to the patient support and to a respective support unit. Each connector unit includes a patient support attachment portion and a support unit attachment portion. The patient support attachment portion is removably attachable to the patient support. The support unit attachment portion is removably attachable to the respective support unit. The support unit attachment portion and the respective support foot include inter-engageable elements which can be moved relative to one another to move the support unit between an extended position and a retracted position when the two connector units are attached to the support unit.

In some embodiments, the inter-engageable elements includes a rail on the support unit attachment portion, and a channel defined by channel walls in the support foot, where the channel is configured to receive the rail. The rail and the channel being configured such that the rail is moveable longitudinally along the channel.

In some embodiments, when the support unit and the two connector units are connected, each rail is positioned inwardly of a channel base of the respective channel.

In some embodiments, each rail is on an outer surface of each connector unit, and each channel is defined in an inner surface of each support foot.

In some embodiments, the rail includes a rail neck connecting the rail to the outer face of the connector unit, and the channel walls include a longitudinal opening along one side which is configured to receive the rail neck when the rail is received in the channel.

In some embodiments, each channel has a first channel end which is open, and each rail has a first rail end and a roller at the first rail end, the first rail end and the roller receivable in the first channel end.

In some embodiments, the inter-engageable elements can slide relative to each other along a plane, the plane being perpendicular to the support surface of the shelf.

In some embodiments, when the two connector units are connected to the support unit, the inter-engageable elements of the support unit attachment portion and the respective support foot have respective longitudinal axes which are parallel to each other.

In some embodiments, longitudinal axes of the inter-engageable elements of each support unit attachment portion and the respective support foot are perpendicular to the support surface of the shelf.

In some embodiments, each support leg is transverse to the support surface of the shelf.

In some embodiments, the support unit and the connector unit are configured such that a larger proportion of the rail is received in the channel in the retracted position compared to the extended position.

In some embodiments, the support unit and the connector unit are configured such that in the retracted position, the channel support unit is vertically aligned with the connector unit, and in the extended position, the support unit is displaced laterally from the connector unit.

In some embodiments, the support assembly further includes a locking assembly for locking the relative positions of the support unit and the connector units in one or both of the retracted position and the extended position.

In some embodiments, the locking assembly includes corresponding latch members on the support unit and the connector unit, a resilient member and an actuator. The resilient member is biased toward a locked position in which the latch members are engaged. The actuator, which when actuated causes the latch members to dis-engage in an unlocked position.

In some embodiments, the support assembly further includes a handle extending from at least one of the support feet or the support legs of the support unit.

In some embodiments, the actuator is a button disposed on an upper surface of the handle.

In some embodiments, the support assembly further includes at least one stop member extendable from the support unit to at least one of the connector units to maintain engagement of the inter-engageable members.

In some embodiments, the support assembly further includes at least one pole extending upwardly from the shelf.

In some embodiments, the support assembly further includes a connector attached to the support surface, the connector configured to removeably attach the device thereto.

In some embodiments, the support assembly further includes a foldable cylinder support attached to one of the support legs.

In some embodiments, the support assembly further includes at least one infusion pump fixation attached to one of the support legs.

In some embodiments, the support assembly further includes a power bar configured to electrically power at least one device when the support unit electrically connected to a source.

In another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a patient support assembly including a patient support and the support assembly according to the above aspect or according to the above aspect and one or more of the above embodiments. The patient support has a frame, and has a head end and a foot end. The support assembly is connected to the frame of the patient support at the foot end.

In some embodiments, when the support assembly is in the retracted position, the support unit is vertically above the foot end of the patient support, and when the support assembly is in the extended position, the support unit extends beyond the foot end of the patient support.

In some embodiments, the support assembly further includes at least one patient support pole attached to the frame at the foot end of the patient support and extending vertically from the frame.

In certain embodiments, a support assembly is easily moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, thereby facilitating patient transfer.

In certain embodiments, the support assembly is configured with a mechanism to maintain the support assembly in the extended position and/or the retracted position.

In the context of the present specification, unless expressly provided otherwise, the words "first", "second", "third", etc. have been used as adjectives only for the purpose of allowing for distinction between the nouns that they modify from one another, and not for the purpose of describing any particular relationship between those nouns.

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the term "about" in the context of a given value or range refers to a value or range that is within <NUM>%, preferably within <NUM>%, and more preferably within <NUM>% of the given value or range.

As used herein, the term "and/or" is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of the two specified features or components with or without the other. For example "A and/or B" is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of (i) A, (ii) B and (iii) A and B, just as if each is set out individually herein.

The present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The use of "including", "comprising", or "having", "containing", "involving" and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter as well as, optionally, additional items. In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements.

According to embodiments of the present technology, there is provided a support assembly having a support unit and connector units. The connector units are removably connectable to a patient support. The support unit is, in turn, removably connectable to the connector units. The support unit is also connectable to devices such as medical devices, for example, ventilators. The support unit is configured for the devices to be easily and quickly connected thereto.

When the support unit is connected to the connector units, the support unit can move between retracted and extended positions, thereby providing clearance, which can, for example, be useful when transferring a patient from the patient transportation system to somewhere else, for example, to a bed. In certain embodiments, in the extended position, at least a portion of the support unit is moved beyond an end of the patient transportation system thereby moving it away from the patient providing clearance for the patient.

The patient support may be a stationary support such as a stationary bed or a patient transportation system such as a stretcher, a wheelchair or a portable bed, for example. The description and drawings herein refer to a stretcher as the patient support but it will be appreciated that the present technology is not limited to stretchers.

Referring to <FIG>, there is provided a support assembly <NUM>, according to an embodiment of the present technology, which is connected to a stretcher <NUM>. The support assembly <NUM> and the stretcher <NUM> together define a stretcher assembly <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present technology. It is contemplated that, instead of the stretcher <NUM>, the support assembly <NUM> could be connected to another patient transport system or a patient support system such as a bed.

The stretcher <NUM>, which has a head end 21a and a foot end 21b, includes a frame <NUM>, a support body <NUM> and wheel assemblies <NUM>. The support body <NUM>, which is for supporting a patient, is connected to and supported by the frame <NUM>. More specifically, the frame <NUM> surrounds the support body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the frame <NUM> may only partially surround the support body <NUM>, or be positioned differently with respect to the support body <NUM>. The wheel assemblies <NUM>, which are also connected to the frame <NUM>, enable the stretcher <NUM> to be moved. In the present embodiment, the frame <NUM> is adjustable between a lower position and a higher position to adjust a height of the support body <NUM> relative to the ground. As is known, the frame <NUM> is typically adjusted to the lower position when moving the stretcher <NUM> for stability purposes.

The support assembly <NUM> is attachable to the stretcher <NUM> at either the head end 21a or the foot end 21b. In the accompanying figures, the support assembly <NUM> is connected to the foot end 21b of the stretcher <NUM>. In some embodiments, the support assembly <NUM> could be attachable to the head end 21a of the stretcher <NUM>, such that the support unit <NUM> would be configured to extend over an upper body of a patient. In such embodiments, an automated CPR could be attached to the support assembly <NUM>. The support assembly <NUM> is configured to support a variety of devices so that a patient resting on the support body <NUM> is proximate to said variety of devices. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the devices include a ventilator 28a, a monitor 28b, a heart-lung support system 28c and six infusion pumps 28d. Furthermore, the support body <NUM> also includes a power bar 28e. In some embodiments, the power bar 28e is a hospital grade power bar that can supply the devices with electrical power when the support unit <NUM> is electrically connected to an electrical source. It is understood that the devices could be replaced with other devices without departing from the scope of the present technology. It is also contemplated that there could be more or less devices supported by the support assembly <NUM>.

The support assembly <NUM> includes a support unit <NUM> and two connectors units 34a, 34b. As will be described below, the two connectors units 34a, 34b are removably attachable to the frame <NUM> of the stretcher <NUM> at opposite sides thereof, and the support unit <NUM> and the two connector units 34a, 34b are removably attachable to one another. When the support unit <NUM> and the two connector units 34a, 34b are attached to one another, the support unit <NUM> is moveable relative to the two connector units 34a, 34b between a retracted position in which the support unit <NUM> is vertically above the foot end 21b of stretcher <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>) and an extended position in which the support unit <NUM> extends beyond the foot of the stretcher 21b (<FIG>). The extended position is longitudinally displaced with respect to the stretcher <NUM> compared to the retracted position. Thus, the two connectors units 34a, 34b are fixedly connected to the stretcher <NUM>, the support unit <NUM> is moveable relative to the stretcher <NUM>. Moving the support unit <NUM> to the extended position can facilitate patient transfer from a lateral side of the stretcher <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the support unit <NUM> will first be described in greater detail. It will be appreciated from the following paragraphs that the support unit <NUM> is robust, in that it can, in many instances, withstand crashes.

The support unit <NUM> has a shelf <NUM> which has a support surface <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the shelf <NUM> is generally horizontal. However, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, the shelf <NUM> could be angled relative to a horizontal plane (i.e., tilted). The shelf <NUM> has three connecting interfaces 42a, 42b, 42c (<FIG>) that are configured to respectively connect with the ventilator 28a, the monitor 28b and the heart-lung support system 28c. In other embodiments, there could be more or less than three connecting interfaces. In the present embodiment, the three connecting interfaces 42a, 42b, 42c are similar to the technology described in <CIT>. It is contemplated, however that connecting interfaces 42a, 42b, 42c could be different. In other embodiments, the connecting interfaces 42a, 42b, 42c could be omitted and the devices connected directly to the shelf <NUM>. In some embodiments, the connecting interfaces 42a, 42b, 42c could be on a bottom of the shelf <NUM>. The shelf <NUM> defines an aperture <NUM> configured to receive a cylindrical tank such as an oxygen tank. In some embodiments, the aperture <NUM> could be omitted. The shelf <NUM> also has two push bars 46a, 46b extending upwardly therefrom. The push bars 46a, 46b enable a person to push the support unit <NUM>, to in turn, push the stretcher <NUM>. The shelf <NUM> also has a foldable intravenous (IV) pole <NUM>. It is understood that the shelf <NUM> could differ, for example by omitting the foldable IV pole <NUM>, without departing from the scope of the present technology. It is to be appreciated that the support unit <NUM> can accommodate a plurality of medical devices, which may be particularly useful when the support assembly <NUM> is connected to a stretcher <NUM> supporting a critical care patient which requires numerous medical devices for sustaining or monitoring life.

The support unit <NUM> is generally quadrilaterally shaped and has a head side and foot side and two lateral sides. Support legs 50a, 50b extend from respective lateral sides of the shelf <NUM>. Specifically, each of the support legs 50a, 50b is transverse to the support surface <NUM> of the shelf <NUM>. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the support legs 50a, 50b could extend from the shelf <NUM> at a different angle relative to the support surface <NUM>. The support legs 50a, 50b are connected to the shelf <NUM> via a plurality of fasteners, specifically bolts. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the support legs 50a, 50b could be connected to the shelf <NUM> differently, for example by an adhesive. In other embodiments, the support legs 50a, 50b could be integral with the shelf <NUM>.

The support legs 50a, 50b are similar (mirror-images of one another), and hence, only the support leg 50a will be described in detail herein. The support leg 50a defines two apertures 52a, 52b having generally triangular shapes. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, there could be more or less than two apertures and/or that the apertures 52a, 52b could form other shapes for reducing weight of the support unit <NUM> while retaining structural integrity. The support leg 50a also has, on an inner side thereof (i.e., side of the support leg 50a facing the support leg 50b), and extending downwardly from the support surface <NUM>, a reinforcing rib <NUM> for reinforcing the support leg 50a. The present configuration of the support leg 50a (i.e., the presence of the apertures 52a, 52b) reduces the amount of material required to manufacture the support legs 50a, 50b and weight while providing sufficient stability and structural integrity to support the shelf <NUM> when devices are connected thereto.

The support leg 50a notably differs from the support leg 50b in that there is a foldable supporting member <NUM> disposed on the inner side of the support leg 50a. The foldable supporting member <NUM> is configured to be generally aligned with the aperture <NUM> of the shelf <NUM> when in an unfolded position, and is configured to partially support a cylindrical tank that is received through the aperture <NUM>. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the foldable support member <NUM> could be omitted and/or that the pivotal support member <NUM> could be disposed on the support leg 50b. Furthermore, the support legs 50a, 50b also differs in that the support leg 50b has six pump fixations <NUM> on an outer side thereof for connecting with the six infusion pumps 28d.

The support unit <NUM> is also provided with a support foot 60a at a distal end of the support leg 50a, and a support foot 60b at a distal end of the support leg 50b. The support leg 50a is removably attachable to the connector unit 34a via the support foot 60a, and the support leg 50b is removably attachable to the connector unit 34b via the support foot 60b. Like the support legs 50a, 50b, the support feet 60a, 60b are similar (mirror-images of one another), and hence, only the support foot 60a will be described in detail herein.

The support foot 60a extends in a longitudinal direction, and has an inter-engageable element <NUM> that is engageable with an inter-engageable element <NUM> of the connector unit 34a. Specifically, in this embodiment, the inter-engageable element <NUM> is a channel <NUM> that is defined by channel walls 63a, 63b, 63c (<FIG>) on an inner side 65a of the support foot 60a. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the channel <NUM> could be defined on an outer side 65b of the support foot 60b. The channel <NUM> is open-ended on one end 67a for receiving the inter-engageable element <NUM> therein, and closed-ended on another end 67b for, in some instances, limiting movement of the support foot 60a (thus the support unit <NUM>) relative to the connector unit 34a. Furthermore, the channel wall 63a has an upper lipped edge <NUM> and the channel wall 63c has a lower lipped edge <NUM>. As will be described below, the upper and lower lipped edges <NUM>, <NUM> can engage the inter-engageable element <NUM> for limiting lateral movement of the support foot 60a (i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the inner surface 65a of the support foot 60a relative to the connector unit 34a). The support foot 60a further has a roller <NUM> (<FIG>) that is disposed within the channel <NUM> proximate to the open-end 67a thereof. More precisely, the roller <NUM> is disposed on a bottom side of the channel <NUM>, below the channel wall 63a. In the present embodiment, the roller <NUM> is a bearing, but it is contemplated that the roller <NUM> could be another member such as a low friction wheel. As will be described in greater detail below, the roller <NUM> is configured to engage the inter-engageable element <NUM> and assists in easing movement of the support foot 60a relative to the connector unit 34a.

The support foot 60a further has an abutting portion <NUM> that is proximate to the open-end 67a of the channel <NUM> and that extends laterally from the inner side 65a of the support foot 60a (i.e., extends toward the support foot 60b). The abutting portion <NUM> is connected to the support foot 60a via fasteners. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the abutting portion <NUM> could be connected differently, for example, via an adhesive. In other embodiments, the abutting portion <NUM> could be integral with the support foot 60a. The abutting portion <NUM> is configured to abut a stopping pin <NUM> for limiting longitudinal movement of the support foot 60a relative to the connector unit 34a. Thus, moving a position of the abutting portion <NUM> longitudinally along the support foot 60a would result in changing the longitudinal range of motion of the support foot 60a relative to the connector unit 34a.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the support unit <NUM> also has a handle 80a extending from the support leg 50a, and a handle 80b extending from the support leg 50b. The handles 80a, 80b extend in a direction away from the lateral side of the shelf. In other embodiments, the handles 80a, 80b could extend from, respectively, the support feet 60a, 60b. Since the handles 80a, 80b are similar (mirror-images of one another), only the handle 80a will be described herein.

The handle 80a includes an inner portion <NUM> and an outer portion <NUM>. The outer portion <NUM> is integral with the support leg 50a, and the inner portion <NUM> is removably connected to the outer portion <NUM> via fasteners. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the inner and outer portions <NUM>, <NUM> could be connected differently, or they could be one-piece. A locking assembly <NUM> of the support assembly <NUM> is received in the handle 80a, between the inner and outer portions <NUM>, <NUM> (it is understood that the handle 80b also has a locking assembly <NUM>).

The inner and outer portions <NUM>, <NUM> each respectively define hand apertures <NUM> for receiving part of a hand in order to manipulate the handle assembly 80a. The inner and outer portions <NUM>, <NUM> each further define a recessed portion <NUM> (only recessed portion of the inner portion <NUM> is shown) that is configured to receive a part of a latch member <NUM> of the locking assembly <NUM>. As a result, the recessed portion <NUM> has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the latch member <NUM>. The recessed portions <NUM> of the inner and outer portions <NUM>, <NUM> also have a receiving section <NUM> configured to receive a resilient member <NUM> of the locking assembly <NUM>, and has an open-ended section <NUM> from which part of the latch member <NUM> is configured to project. The inner and outer portions <NUM>, <NUM> also each respectively define actuator apertures <NUM> on upper surfaces thereof that intersect with their respective recessed portions <NUM>. Each of the actuator apertures <NUM> is configured to receive a part of the actuator <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the locking assemblies <NUM> will be described in greater detail. As mentioned above, the support assembly <NUM> has two locking assemblies <NUM>. Each of the locking assemblies <NUM> includes the latch member <NUM>, the resilient member <NUM>, the actuator <NUM>, a pivoting pin <NUM> and an actuating pin <NUM>. Each of the locking assemblies <NUM> is adjustable between a locked position and an unlocked position. When one or both of the locking assemblies <NUM> are in the locked position, the support unit <NUM> is generally locked relative to the connector units 34a, 34b (i.e., prevented from being moved longitudinally), whereas when both of the locking assemblies <NUM> are in the unlocked position, the support unit <NUM> can move relative to the connector units 34a, 34b. It is contemplated that in some implementations of the present technology, there could be only one locking assembly <NUM>. As the locking assemblies <NUM> are similar, only the locking assembly <NUM> of the handle 80a will be described herein.

The latch member <NUM> has an upper segment <NUM> extending generally horizontally, an intermediate segment <NUM> extending generally vertically from the upper segment <NUM>, and a lower segment <NUM> extending generally horizontally from the lower segment <NUM>. The upper and lower segments <NUM>, <NUM> are parallel, though they may not be parallel in other embodiments.

The upper segment <NUM> defines a slot <NUM>, extending longitudinally, that is configured to receive the actuating pin <NUM> therein. The slot <NUM> is sloped such that an end of the slot <NUM> closer to the intermediate segment <NUM> is vertically lower than the other end. This orientation can assist the locking assembly <NUM> to return toward the locked position.

The intermediate segment <NUM> defines a pivoting aperture <NUM> vertically below the intersection of the intermediate and lower segments <NUM>, <NUM>. The pivoting aperture <NUM> receives the pivoting pin <NUM>, which defines a lateral axis <NUM>, and which is also connected to the handle 80a. Thus, the latch member <NUM> is pivotally connected to the inner and outer portions <NUM>, <NUM> by the pivoting pin <NUM>, such that the latch member <NUM> is pivotable about the lateral axis <NUM>.

The lower segment <NUM> has a hook portion <NUM> that extends vertically downwardly, and that has a tapered edge <NUM>. The hook portion <NUM> is configured to extend from the open-ended section <NUM> when the locking assembly <NUM> is in the locked position.

The resilient member <NUM> is a spring, but it is contemplated that the resilient member <NUM> could be another resilient member such as an elastic member, a shape memory alloy, or the like. The resilient member <NUM> is received in the receiving section <NUM>, and abuts the intermediate segment <NUM>. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the resilient member <NUM> could be disposed elsewhere. For instance, in some embodiments, the resilient member <NUM> could abut the upper segment <NUM>. As will be described below, the resilient member <NUM> is configured to bias the locking assembly <NUM> toward the locked position.

The actuator <NUM> is a button. It is contemplated that the actuator <NUM> could be another actuator such as a lever. The actuator <NUM> is received through the actuator apertures <NUM> of the inner and outer portions <NUM>, <NUM>, and is operatively connected to the latch member <NUM>. Specifically, in this embodiment, the actuator <NUM> is connected to the latch member <NUM> by the actuating pin <NUM>, which extends through the slot <NUM>. As will be described below, in response to the actuator <NUM> being actuated (i.e., pressed), the latch member <NUM> moves from a locked position to an unlocked position corresponding to, respectively, the locking assembly <NUM> being in the unlocked position and the locked position.

It is to be noted that the configuration of the locking assemblies <NUM> position the actuators <NUM> at a top of the handles 80a, 80b. This can assist in reducing a likelihood of the actuators <NUM> being actuated by accident (such as by the person operating the stretcher).

Adjustment of the locking assembly <NUM> between the locked and unlocked positions will now be briefly described. At rest, the locking assembly <NUM> is in the locked position. In the present embodiment, the locking assembly <NUM> is biased to the locked position by the resilient member <NUM>. Upon actuation of the actuator <NUM>, the actuating pin <NUM> moves through the slot <NUM>, and the latch member <NUM> moves. Specifically, the movement of the latch member <NUM> is a pivotal movement about the lateral axis <NUM>. The pivotal motion of the latch member <NUM> is such that the hook portion <NUM> moves upwardly (i.e., away and out of the open-ended section <NUM>). Also, the intermediate segment <NUM> resiliently deforms the resilient member <NUM>. As a result of the resilient deformation, the resilient member <NUM> biases the intermediate segment <NUM>, and thus the latch member <NUM>, back towards the initial position. Therefore, upon release of the actuator <NUM>, the resilient member <NUM> biases the latch member <NUM> toward the locked position, such that the locking assembly <NUM> returns to the unlocked position.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the connector units 34a, 34b will now be described in greater detail. It will be appreciated from the following paragraph that, like the support unit <NUM>, the connector units 34a, 34b are configured to be robust, so that the support assembly <NUM> can, in some instances, withstand crashes. The connector units 34a, 34b are fixedly connected to the frame <NUM> of the stretcher <NUM>. Specifically, the connector unit 34a is connected to one lateral side of the frame <NUM>, and the connector unit 34b is connected to the other lateral side of the frame <NUM>. In stretchers having more than one frame, the connector units 34a, 34b are configured to be connected to the stretcher in an oppositely-facing manner. As the connector units 34a, 34b are similar (mirror-images of one another), only the connector unit 34a will be described in detail herein.

The connector unit 34a has a stretcher attachment portion <NUM> that is removably attachable to the stretcher <NUM> and a support unit attachment portion <NUM> that is removably attachable to the support foot 60a. The stretcher attachment portion <NUM> and the support unit attachment portion <NUM> are removably attachable to one another.

The stretcher attachment portion <NUM> defines a channel <NUM> that extends along a length of the stretcher attachment portion <NUM>. The channel <NUM> is sized to surround a side rail <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. The stretcher attachment portion <NUM> is then connected to the side rail <NUM> of the frame <NUM> by fasteners. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the stretcher attachment portion <NUM> could be connected to the side rail <NUM> of the frame <NUM> in a different manner.

The support unit attachment portion <NUM> includes a part <NUM>, a part <NUM> and the inter-engageable element <NUM>. The parts <NUM>, <NUM>, which are longitudinally spaced from one another, are interconnected by the inter-engageable element <NUM> and are removably connected to the stretcher attachment portion <NUM>. Although the part <NUM> is somewhat larger than the part <NUM>, the parts <NUM>, <NUM> are similar to one another. Hence, only the part <NUM> will be described in detail herein.

The part <NUM> has a lower section <NUM> extending generally horizontally and a side section <NUM> extending generally vertically, such that the part <NUM> generally forms an L-shape when seen from a rear elevation view. Upper slots 150a, 150b are defined on a top of the side section <NUM>, and lower slots 152a, 152b are defined on a top of the lower section <NUM>. The upper and lower slots 150a, 150b, 152a, 152d extend laterally, which enables a lateral adjustment between the support unit attachment portion <NUM> and the respective stretcher attachment portions <NUM>. In other words, the upper and lower slots 150a, 150b, 152a, 152d enable the support assembly <NUM> to connect to a variety of stretchers <NUM>, patient supports and/or other patient transportation systems. Indeed, various stretcher <NUM> can have varying width such that the distance between the stretcher attachment portions <NUM> of the connector units 34a, 34b can vary from one stretcher to another. The upper and lower slots 150a, 150b, 152a, 152d enable the support unit attachment portion <NUM> to be laterally adjusted relative to their respective stretcher attachment portions <NUM> to connect with the support unit <NUM>.

The part <NUM> differs from the part <NUM> in that the part <NUM> has a flange <NUM> defining a flange aperture <NUM>. As will be described below, the flange aperture <NUM> is configured to receive the hook portion <NUM> when the locking assembly <NUM> is in the locked position. Additionally, the part <NUM> also defines a pin receiving aperture <NUM> on the top of the side section <NUM>, which, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, is configured to receive the stopping pin <NUM>. The parts <NUM>, <NUM> are configured so that when the connector unit <NUM> is connected to the support unit <NUM>, there is a clearance region between the parts <NUM>, <NUM> and the support foot 60a to minimize chances of something, such as a finger or a cable, getting trapped therebetween. In some instances, the clearance region measures about <NUM>.

The parts <NUM>, <NUM> are inter-connected by the inter-engageable element <NUM>, which is configured to engage with channel <NUM>. The inter-engaging element <NUM> is a rail <NUM>. The rail <NUM> is connected to the side sections <NUM>, at outer sides thereof. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the rail <NUM> could be connected to an inner side of the side sections <NUM>. The rail <NUM> has rail necks <NUM> and a rail head <NUM>. The rail necks <NUM> connects the rail <NUM> to the parts <NUM>, <NUM>. The rail head <NUM> has a height greater than a height of the rail necks <NUM>.

The support unit attachment portion <NUM> also includes a roller <NUM> that is connected to the part <NUM>, adjacent to the rail <NUM>. The roller <NUM> is positioned so that when the support unit <NUM> is connected to the connector units 34a, 34b, and the support assembly <NUM> is in the retracted position, the roller <NUM> is spaced from the roller <NUM>. This can assist in providing smoother movement between the support unit <NUM> and the connector units 34a, 34b.

The support assembly <NUM> also includes stopping pins <NUM> that are configured to be received in the pin receiving apertures <NUM> of the connectors 34a, 34b. It is contemplated that the stopping pins <NUM> could be other stop members. When the stopping pins <NUM> are received in their respective pin receiving apertures <NUM>, and the support unit <NUM> reaches the extended position, the abutting portions of the connectors 34a, 34b can abut the stopping pins <NUM>.

On the head end 21a of the stretcher <NUM> (i.e., opposite to the support assembly <NUM> at the foot end), the stretcher assembly <NUM> has two stretcher poles 180a, 180b. Specifically, the stretcher poles 180a, 180b are connected to the frame <NUM> of the stretcher <NUM>. The stretcher poles 180a, 180b extend in the vertical direction, and are intended for assisting a user to move the stretcher <NUM> in an ergonomic fashion. Specifically, when the frame <NUM> is adjusted to the lower position, the user can move the stretcher without having to bend down. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the stretcher poles 180a, 180b could be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, a description of the support unit <NUM> being connected to the connector units 34a, 34b and a description of the support unit <NUM> moving between the extended and retracted positions will now be provided.

Once the connector units 34a, 34b are connected to the stretcher <NUM>, the support unit <NUM> can be selectively connected to the connector units 34a, 34b. In certain embodiments, before connecting the support unit <NUM> to the connector units 34a, 34b and depending on the exact configurations of the stretcher <NUM> and the devices, it may be preferable to remove the devices from the shelf <NUM> of the support unit <NUM> and adjust the frame <NUM> of the stretcher <NUM> to the lower position. This can facilitate connection between the support unit <NUM> to the connector units 34a, 34b. Additionally, the stopping pins <NUM> are removed from their respective pin receiving apertures <NUM>.

Then, as shown in <FIG>, the channel <NUM> of the support foot 60a is aligned with the rail <NUM> of the connector unit 34a, and the channel <NUM> of the support foot 60b is aligned with the rail <NUM> of the connector unit 34b. The channel <NUM> of the support foot 60a, and the rail <NUM> of the connector unit 34a are parallel with the channel <NUM> of the support foot 60b, and the rail <NUM> of the connector unit 34b. Furthermore, the channels <NUM> of the support feet 60a, 60b and the rails <NUM> of the connector units 34a, 34b are generally parallel to the support surface <NUM> of the shelf <NUM>.

The rails <NUM> are then received in their respective channels <NUM> through the open-ends 67a thereof, and moved (e.g., slid) relative to one another until the rollers <NUM> abut the closed-end 67b of their respective channels <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. This movement is along a plane that is generally perpendicular to the support surface <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the rollers <NUM> abutting the closed-end 67b of their respective channels <NUM> coincides with the support unit <NUM> being in the retracted position. The movement of the rails <NUM> in the channels <NUM> is assisted by the rollers <NUM>, <NUM>. It is to be noted that once the rails <NUM> are received in the channels <NUM>, the rail heads <NUM> are received in the channels <NUM>, and the rail necks <NUM>, <NUM> extend between the upper and lower lipped edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the respective channels <NUM>. This configuration can prevent the support unit <NUM> from moving laterally relative to the connector units 34a, 34b. It is to be noted that while the support unit <NUM> is moving toward the retracted position, the hook portions <NUM> enter into the flange apertures <NUM> without needing to lift the hook portions <NUM> (i.e., without requiring to adjust the locking assembly <NUM> to the unlocked position), due to the tapered edge <NUM> of the hook portions <NUM>. Indeed, as the support unit <NUM> is being moved toward the connector units 34a, 34b, the tapered edges <NUM> abut the flanges <NUM> and cause the hook portions <NUM>, and thus the latch members <NUM>, to move. Eventually, when the rollers <NUM> abut the closed-end 67b of their respective channels <NUM>, and the rails <NUM> are fully, longitudinally, received in the channels <NUM>, the support unit <NUM> is in the retracted position.

Then, the stopping pins <NUM> are receiving in their respective pin receiving apertures <NUM>.

Once the support unit <NUM> is attached to the connector units 34a, 34b, the support unit <NUM> can be selectively moved between the retracted and extended positions.

Referring to <FIG>, when the support unit <NUM> is in the retracted position, provided that the locking assemblies <NUM> are in their locked positions (i.e., the hook portions <NUM> are received in their respective flange apertures <NUM>), the support unit <NUM> is generally fixed relative to the connector units 34a, 34b, such that if desired, the stretcher assembly <NUM> can be moved by the handles 80a, 80b. For ergonomic purposes, for example if the handles 80a, 80b are too low, the stretcher assembly <NUM> can be moved by the push bars 46a, 46b or by the stretcher poles 180a, 180b.

To selectively move the support unit <NUM> to the extended position, both of the locking assemblies <NUM> are to be adjusted to the unlocked position. Thus, as described above, the actuators <NUM> are actuated, thereby causing the latch members <NUM> to pivot about the lateral axis <NUM> such that the hook portions <NUM> move upwardly, and out of the flange apertures <NUM>. Then, the support unit <NUM> is moved away from the connector units 30a, 30b. The actuators <NUM> can be released once the hook portions <NUM> are longitudinally clear of the flange apertures <NUM>. Eventually, as the support unit <NUM> is being moved away from the connector units 30a, 30b, the abutting portions <NUM> of the foot supports 60a, 60b abut the stopping pins <NUM>. In the present embodiment, this abutment indicates that the support unit <NUM> has reached the extended configuration.

The support unit <NUM> can then be selectively moved to the retracted position. To do so, the support unit <NUM> is simply moved toward the connector units 34a, 34b. As mentioned above, as the support unit <NUM> is being moved toward the connector units 34a, 34b, because of the tapered edges <NUM>, the hook portions <NUM> enter the flange apertures <NUM> without needing to adjust the locking assemblies <NUM>. It is to be noted that a larger proportion of the rails <NUM> is received in the corresponding channels <NUM> in the retracted position compared to the extended position.

To disconnect the support unit <NUM> from the connector units 34a, 34b, the stopping pins <NUM> are removed from their respective pin receiving aperture <NUM>, the locking assemblies <NUM> are adjusted to the unlocked position, and the support unit <NUM> is moved away from the connector units 34a, 34b until the rails <NUM> are out of the channels <NUM>. In certain embodiments, before disconnecting the support unit <NUM> from the connector units 34a, 34b and depending on the exact configurations of the stretcher <NUM> and the devices, it may be preferable to remove the devices from the shelf <NUM> of the support unit <NUM> and adjust the frame <NUM> of the stretcher <NUM> to the lower position.

Claim 1:
Support assembly (<NUM>) attachable to a patient support (<NUM>), the support assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a support unit (<NUM>) configured to support one or more devices, the support unit (<NUM>) comprising:
a shelf (<NUM>) having a support surface (<NUM>) for supporting the one or more devices,
two support legs (50a, 50b) extending downwardly from the shelf (<NUM>) and spaced apart from each other, and
two support feet (60a, 60b), each support foot (60a, 60b) at a distal end of a respective support leg (50a, 50b);
two connector units (34a, 34b) removably attachable to the patient support (<NUM>) and to a respective support unit (<NUM>), each connector unit (34a, 34b) comprising:
a patient support attachment portion (<NUM>) removably attachable to the patient support (<NUM>); and
a support unit attachment portion (<NUM>) removably attachable to the respective support unit,
wherein the support unit attachment portion (<NUM>) and the respective support foot comprise inter-engageable elements which can be moved relative to one another to move the support unit (<NUM>) between an extended position and a retracted position when the two connector units (34a, 34b) are attached to the support unit (<NUM>).