Patent ID: 12208042

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIGS.1-3, a patient transport apparatus20is shown for supporting a patient in a health care and/or transportation setting. The patient transport apparatus20illustrated inFIGS.1-2includes a cot. In other versions, however, the patient transport apparatus20may include a hospital bed, stretcher, table, wheelchair, chair, or similar apparatus utilized in the transportation and care of a patient.

As shown inFIGS.1-3, the patient transport apparatus20includes an intermediate frame22configured to support the patient. The intermediate frame22can be like that shown in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0303689 A1, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/488,441, filed on Apr. 21, 2017, entitled, “Emergency Cot With A Litter Height Adjustment Mechanism,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The intermediate frame22may be coupled to a variety of components that aid in supporting and/or transporting the patient. For example, inFIGS.1-3, the intermediate frame22is coupled to a patient support deck24defining a patient support surface25upon which the patient directly rests. The patient support deck24may be defined by one or more articulable deck sections, for example, a fowler deck section26, a seat deck section28, a leg deck section30, and a head deck section32, to facilitate care and/or transportation of the patient in various patient positions. In some versions, various types of mattresses, pads, cushions, and the like (not shown in detail) may be operatively attached to the patient support deck24to support the patient. For example, a head cushion33may be operatively attached to the head deck section32(seeFIGS.5-8).

The intermediate frame22may also be coupled to hand rails34. InFIG.1, the hand rails34extend from opposing sides of the intermediate frame22and provide egress barriers for the patient on the patient support deck24. The hand rails34may also be utilized by an individual, such as a caregiver, an emergency medical technician (EMT), or another medical professional, to move or manipulate the patient transport apparatus20. In some versions, the hand rails34may include a hinge, pivot, or similar mechanism to allow the hand rails34to be folded or stored adjacent to or below the patient support deck24.

The patient transport apparatus20may include a base36. As shown inFIGS.1-3, the base36may include two opposing lateral base sides38,40coupled to two opposing longitudinal base sides42,44. As shown inFIGS.1-3, the longitudinal base sides42,44may include longitudinally-extending rails46,48and the lateral base sides38,40may include crosswise-extending rails50,52which may be coupled at the ends thereof to the rails46,48.

The base36may further include a plurality of caster wheel assemblies54operatively connected adjacent to each corner of the base36defined by the longitudinally-extending rails46,48and the crosswise-extending rails50,52. As such, the patient transport apparatus20ofFIGS.1-3may include four caster wheel assemblies54. The wheel assemblies54may be configured to swivel to facilitate turning of the patient transport apparatus20. The wheel assemblies54may include a swivel locking mechanism to prevent the wheel assemblies54from swiveling when engaged. The wheel assemblies54may also include wheel brakes56to prevent rotation of the wheel.

The patient transport apparatus20may also include a lift mechanism58interposed between the base36and the intermediate frame22. The lift mechanism58may be configured to move between a plurality of vertical configurations including an extended configuration where the intermediate frame22is elevated relative to the base36, as shown inFIGS.1-3, and a retracted configuration (not shown) where the intermediate frame22is lowered such that it is in closer proximity to the base36. The lift mechanism58can be like that shown in the U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0303689 A1.

While moving between the plurality of vertical configurations, the lift mechanism58may move either the base36or the intermediate frame22relative to the other of the intermediate frame22or the base36depending on how the patient transport apparatus20is supported during use. For example, the patient transport apparatus20may be supported at the intermediate frame22when the patient transport apparatus20is being unloaded/loaded into an emergency response vehicle (not shown) and the patient transport apparatus20may be supported at the base36when the patient transport apparatus20is resting on a surface60(shown inFIGS.1-3). In instances where the patient transport apparatus20is supported at the intermediate frame22, the lift mechanism58, while moving between the plurality of vertical configurations, moves the base36relative to the intermediate frame22. In instances where the patient transport apparatus20is supported at the base36, the lift mechanism58, while moving between the plurality of vertical configurations, moves the intermediate frame22relative to the base36.

The patient transport apparatus20may include a variety of components that allow the lift mechanism58to move between the plurality of vertical configurations. For example, in the version ofFIGS.1-3, the patient transport apparatus20includes a bracket62and a slidable member64, the slidable member64being disposed within a channel66of the bracket62and being moveable between a plurality of different positions in the channel66. The bracket62may be coupled to a variety of locations on the patient transport apparatus20. For example, referring to the version ofFIGS.1-3, the bracket62may be coupled to the intermediate frame22. In some examples, the bracket62may be coupled to an underside of the intermediate frame22. In other examples, however, the bracket62may be coupled to a different location on the patient transport apparatus20. For instance, the bracket62may be coupled to a side of the intermediate frame22. In another example, the bracket62may be coupled to the patient support deck24. Furthermore, while a single bracket62is shown as being coupled to the intermediate frame22inFIGS.1-3, another bracket62may be coupled to the intermediate frame22. For example, another bracket62may also be coupled to an underside of the intermediate frame22.

The channel66may have various configurations and shapes, e.g., straight, zig-zag, S-shaped, curved, diagonal/sloped, or any combination thereof. In other versions, the channel66may have a non-linear shape, a piecewise shape, a curvilinear shape, or any combination of linear or non-linear shapes. The bracket62and the channel66can be like that shown in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0303689 A1.

As previously stated, the patient transport apparatus20includes a slidable member64, which is disposed in the channel66and is moveable between a plurality of different positions in the channel66. Here, as the slidable member64moves between the plurality of different positions within the channel66, the lift mechanism58moves between the plurality of vertical configurations. In this way, each position of the slidable member64in the channel66corresponds to a vertical configuration of the lift mechanism58. For example, in the extended configuration ofFIGS.1-3, the slidable member64is positioned near a first end of the channel66. In the retracted configuration (not shown), the slidable member64is positioned closer to a second end of the channel66. The slidable member64can be like that shown in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0303689 A1.

InFIG.1, the lift mechanism58includes a first frame member68and a second frame member70, both of which are coupled to the intermediate frame22and the base36. A first end72of the second frame member70may be pivotally coupled to the head-end of the intermediate frame22at a connection point74such that the second frame member70may pivot about the connection point74. A second end73of the second frame member70may be pivotally coupled to a foot-end of the base36at a connection point80such that the second frame member70may pivot about the connection point80. Furthermore, a first end76of the first frame member68may be pivotally coupled to a foot-end of the intermediate frame22via the slidable member64. More specifically stated, and as shown inFIGS.1-3, the first end76may be pivotally coupled to the slidable member64, which is disposed in the channel66of the bracket62, which is coupled to the intermediate frame22.

As such, the first frame member68is pivotally coupled to the intermediate frame22and may pivot about the slidable member64. Also shown, a second end78of the first frame member68may be pivotally coupled to a head-end of the base36at a connection point81such that the first frame member68may pivot about the connection point81. Furthermore, the first frame member68and the second frame member70may be pivotally coupled to each other at the pivot axle83to form an “X” frame82.

The lift mechanism58may include a second, similarly constructed X frame84, which may include a third frame member86and a fourth frame member88. Similar to X frame82, the third frame member86and the fourth frame member88of X frame84may be pivotally coupled to a side of the intermediate frame22and a side of the base36. For example, the third frame member86and the fourth frame member88of X frame84may be pivotally coupled to a side of the intermediate frame22and a side of the base36, which oppose a side of the intermediate frame22and a side of the base36to which the first frame member68and the second frame member70are coupled. In one such version, as shown inFIGS.1-3, X frame84is coupled to the intermediate frame22and to the base36, and X frame82is coupled to the intermediate frame22and to the base36. It will be appreciated that any reference herein to the first frame member68may also be a reference to the third frame member86. Similarly, any reference to the second frame member70may also be a reference to the fourth frame member88.

InFIG.1, the frame members68,70,86,88are hollow and telescopingly include further frame members90,92,94,96, respectively. Further frame members90,92,94,96are supported for movement into and out of the respective frame members68,70,86,88to extend a length of the respective frame members68,70,86,88. In the version shown inFIGS.1-3, the further frame members90,92,94,96extend out of frame members68,70,86,88toward the base36. However, in other examples, the further frame members90,92,94,96may extend out of frame members68,70,86,88toward the intermediate frame22. In these examples, frame members68,70,86,88are coupled to the base36or the intermediate frame22via further frame members90,92,94,96. However, in other examples, the frame members68,70,86,88may be of a fixed length and exclude further frame members90,92,94,96.

Additionally, while the lift mechanism58of the representative version illustrated inFIG.1includes four frame members68,70,86,88, the lift mechanism58may include any suitable number of frame members.

As previously stated, the slidable member64is coupled to the first end76of the first frame member68and, therefore, the first end76of the first frame member68and the slidable member64may be integrally moveable along the length of the channel66. As such, as the slidable member64moves between the plurality of positions in the channel66, the lift mechanism58moves between the plurality of vertical configurations, which correspond to the position of the slidable member64.

Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the lift mechanism58may move between the plurality of vertical configurations due to a patient care provider applying a manual action to the lift mechanism58, or components thereof. Additionally, or alternatively, the patient transport apparatus20may include one or more actuators98, which may be coupled to any suitable component of the lift mechanism58and may be configured to move the lift mechanism58between the plurality of vertical configurations. As shown inFIGS.1-3, the illustrated actuator98is realized as a hydraulic linear actuator, which is connected to and extends between the respective brackets100and102. In this particular version, the hydraulic linear actuator includes a cylindrical housing104fastened to the bracket102, the cylindrical housing104including a reciprocal rod106having a piston (not shown) located within the cylindrical housing104. The distal end of the reciprocal rod106is connected by a joint108to the bracket100. The joint108allows pivotal movement about two orthogonally related axes. Extension and retraction of the reciprocal rod106will facilitate movement of the frame members68,86of the lift mechanism58about the axis of the reciprocal rod106.

The actuator98is further described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,398,571, filed on Jun. 30, 2005, entitled, “Ambulance Cot and Hydraulic Elevating Mechanism Therefor,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Furthermore, techniques for utilizing actuator98to manipulate the components of the patient transport apparatus20can be like those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0303689 A1.

In some versions, the actuator98may not be the hydraulic linear actuator shown inFIG.1. The actuator98may be any actuator suitable for actuating the lift mechanism58such that the lift mechanism58moves between the plurality of vertical configurations. For example, the actuator98may be an electric motor, a servo motor, a pneumatic actuator, or any other suitable actuator.

Referring toFIGS.4A-4B, the patient transport apparatus20may further include a deck extension assembly110according to versions of the present disclosure. The deck extension assembly110provides adjustable extension to the patient support deck24, as described in greater detail below. In some versions, the deck extension assembly110could provide extension for other deck sections, such as the leg deck section30or a foot deck section (not shown).FIGS.4A-4Bshow the deck extension assembly110coupled to an end of the fowler deck section26. However, any suitable coupling location to facilitate adjustable extension of a deck section is contemplated.

With continued reference toFIGS.4A-4B, in the illustrated versions, the deck extension assembly110defines the head deck section32, and generally includes a brace112extending between a mount end114and a coupling end116, a pivot coupling124operatively attached to the coupling end116and supporting the head deck section32for selective pivoting movement relative to the brace112, a mount118operatively attached to the fowler deck section and defining a receiver120slidably supporting the brace112adjacent to the mount end114for movement along a brace axis122between a plurality of extension positions110E,110R, and a retainer140interposed between the mount118and the brace112to selectively retain the brace112in one of the plurality of extension positions110E,110R. The retainer is operable between a retained configuration142(shown inFIGS.9A-9D and12A-12D) and a released configuration144(shown inFIGS.10A-11D). In the retained configuration142, the retainer140prevents relative movement between the mount118and the brace112. In the released configuration144, the retainer140permits movement of the brace112relative to the mount118between the plurality of extension positions110E,110R. The retainer140changes from the retained configuration142to the released configuration144in response to force F applied to the head deck section32in a direction along the brace axis122(seeFIGS.9A-12D). Each of the components of the deck extension assembly110introduced above will be described in greater detail below.

As will be appreciated from the subsequent description below, the various components of the deck extension assembly110may be manufactured from various materials, of similar or different types to each other, such as from plastic, aluminum, steel, composite, the like, or a combination thereof. For example, in some versions, brace112may be formed at least partially from a metallic material (e.g., as a hollow, bent tube with a cylidrical profile), and the mount118, the pivot coupling124, and/or other components may be formed at least partially from a plastic material. However, other configurations are contemplated.

As noted above, the mount118is operatively attached to the fowler deck section26of the patient transport apparatus20. More specifically, as shown in the examples illustrated inFIGS.5-7, the mount118is coupled to a fowler patient support surface119of the fowler deck section26with fasteners111(not shown in detail). In some versions, the fasteners111may be realized by threaded fasteners, rivets, clips, and the like, and may also or alternatively include adhesives, hook-and-loop materials, and the like. Other configurations are contemplated. The mount118defines the receiver120, which slidably supports the brace112. More specifically, the receiver120receives the mount end114of the brace112such that the receiver slidably supports the brace112adjacent to the mount end114for movement along the brace axis122between the plurality of extension positions110E,110R.FIGS.1and2illustrate different extension positions110E,110R. For example,FIG.1shows the deck extension assembly110in an extended extension position110E, whileFIG.2shows the deck extension assembly110in a retracted extension position110R, discussed in further detail below.

As shown best inFIGS.4A-4B, the pivot coupling124of the deck extension assembly110is operatively attached to the coupling end116of the brace112and is configured to support the head deck section32for selective pivoting movement relative to the brace112. To this end, the pivot coupling124includes a pivot mount123which is received by the coupling end116of the brace112to operatively attach the pivot coupling124to the brace112. Here, the pivot mount123and the coupling end116may have shapes or profiles which interlock or which otherwise correspond to each other, and may be attached via a snap-fit engagement, via fasteners, and the like (not shown in detail). The pivot coupling124also includes a pivot shaft125which supports a pivot plate127for movement. Here, referring toFIGS.5-7, the pivot plate127of the pivot coupling124may be configured to move between a plurality of pivot configurations126,130,132. The plurality of pivot configurations may include a headrest configuration126where the pivot coupling124is arranged with the pivot plate127positioned such that a patient head support surface128of the head deck section32is aligned with the patient support surface25to support a head of a patient (seeFIG.5). The plurality of pivot configurations may also include a backward configuration130where the pivot coupling124is arranged with the pivot plate127positioned such that the patient head support surface128of the head deck section32is arranged below the patient support surface25such that the head deck section32does not support a head of the patient (seeFIG.7). The plurality of pivot configurations may further include a plurality of intermediate configurations132between the headrest configuration126and the backward configuration130.FIG.6depicts one intermediate configuration132.

In some examples, the pivot coupling124includes a friction lock mechanism134interposed between the pivot shaft125and the pivot plate127The friction lock mechanism134may be configured to limit pivotal movement of the head deck section32relative to the brace112in response to a pivot input force PF applied to the head deck section32that is less than a pivot force threshold, while allowing pivotal movement of the head deck section32relative to the brace112in response to a pivot input force PF applied to the head deck section32that is greater than the pivot force threshold (seeFIG.6). In other words, if the pivot coupling124experiences a pivot input force PF (e.g., as applied by a caregiver) that results in a large enough pivot input torque about the pivot coupling124to overcome the friction of the friction lock mechanism134, the friction lock mechanism134is configured to permit pivoting of the head deck section32relative to the brace112to allow the head deck section32to pivot between the plurality of pivot configurations.

It will be appreciated that the head deck section32may be coupled to the pivot coupling124in various ways. For example, the head deck section32may be coupled to the pivot coupling124via one or more fasteners, rivets, adhesives, snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, and the like. For example, as shown inFIG.8, the pivot plate127of the pivot coupling124may define a pivot coupling mounting surface136. Similarly, the head deck section32may define a head deck mounting surface138. In some examples, a hook-and-loop fastener139may be arranged on or otherwise between the pivot coupling mounting surface136and the head deck mounting surface138to couple the pivot coupling mounting surface136and the head deck mounting surface138together, thereby securing the head deck section32to the pivot coupling124.

Referring now toFIGS.9A-12D, the retainer140of the deck extension assembly110is interposed between the mount118and the brace112to selectively retain the brace112in one of the plurality of extension positions110E,110R. For example, the retainer140may be operable between a retained configuration142(shown inFIGS.9A-9D and12A-12D) and a released configuration144(shown inFIGS.10A-11D). In the retained configuration142, the retainer140prevents or otherwise inhibits relative movement between the mount118and the brace112within the receiver120. In the released configuration144, the retainer140permits movement of the brace112relative to the mount118. For example, as will be discussed further below, in the released configuration144, the brace112may be capable of movement relative to the mount118between the plurality of extension positions110E,110R.

The retainer140changes from the retained configuration142to the released configuration in response to a force F applied to the head deck section32and/or to the brace112in a direction along the brace axis122. In other words, if a caregiver or some other user desires to extend or retract the deck extension assembly110to move the head deck section32and the head cushion33, the retainer140permits translation of the brace112relative to the mount118in response to a user pushing (or pulling) on the head deck section32and/or the brace112forward (or backward) along the brace axis122. For example,FIGS.9A-12Dillustrate a sequence of the deck extension assembly110moving between the plurality of extension positions in response to the applied force F noted above. InFIGS.9A-9D, the deck extension assembly110is in the retracted extension position110R and the retainer140is in the retained configuration142. Next, inFIGS.10A-10D, the retainer140changes to the released configuration144in response to the force F being applied to the brace112. As a result, the deck extension assembly110is free to translate from the retracted extension position110R towards one of the extended extension positions110E or otherwise between the extension positions110E,110R.FIGS.10A-11Dshow a sequence of the retainer140moving from the released configuration144to the retained configuration142as the deck extension assembly110reaches the extended extension position110E. InFIGS.10A-10D, the retainer140is in the released configuration144and still experiencing the force F that is translating the brace112relative to the mount. InFIGS.11A-11D, the deck extension assembly110reaches a fully extended extension position110E, and the retainer140moves from the released configuration144to the retained configuration142, thereby preventing relative movement between the brace112and the mount118.

The retainer140may be configured in various ways to limit movement of the brace112relative to the mount118. For example, referring toFIGS.9A-12D, the mount118may define a detent channel146(seeFIGS.9D,10D,11D, and12D) and the retainer140may include a detent mechanism148. The detent mechanism148may include a latch150. The latch150may be arranged for movement along the detent channel146between an engaged position150E and a disengaged position150D. The retainer140may further include a plurality of catches152defined by the brace112. The plurality of catches152may be arranged in a spaced relation along the brace axis122to define the plurality of extension positions. Referring toFIGS.9A-9D, the latch150and the plurality of catches152may be arranged such that contact between the latch150and one of the plurality of catches152places the retainer140in the retained configuration142to limit relative movement between the mount118and the brace112. In other words, when one of the plurality of the catches152is aligned with the latch150, the latch150is configured to move from the disengaged position150D to the engaged position150E such that the latch150contacts the one of the plurality of catches152to limit relative movement between the mount118and the brace112. Conversely, the latch150is configured to move from the engaged position150E to the disengaged position150D to place the retainer140in the released configuration144in response to the force F being applied to the head deck section32and/or the brace112in a direction along the brace axis122.

In some versions, the detent mechanism148may further include a latch biasing mechanism154arranged to urge the latch150toward the engaged position150E. Thus, when one of the plurality of catches152is aligned with the latch150, the latch150is urged towards the engaged position150E to place the retainer140in the retained configuration142to limit movement of the brace112relative to the mount118. In other words, when one of the plurality of catches152is aligned with the latch150, the latch150is automatically moved to the engaged position150E to limit movement of the brace112relative to the mount118. It will be appreciated that the latch biasing mechanism154is configured exert a biasing force sufficient to urge the latch150into the engaged position150E, but also so as to allow the latch to move to the disengaged position150D in response to the force F being exerted on the head deck section and/or the brace112to allow the retainer140to move into the released configuration144. The latch biasing mechanism154may be configured or otherwise arranged in various ways to urge the latch150to the engaged position150E. In some versions, the latch biasing mechanism154may include a compression spring. Other configurations are contemplated.

The plurality of catches152and the latch150may employ corresponding geometries that facilitate engagement of the latch150with one of the plurality of catches152to limit movement of the brace112relative to the mount118. In other words, the latch150is shaped and sized such that the latch150may be received by one of the plurality of catches152to limit movement axial movement of the brace112relative to the mount118along the brace axis122. For example, referring toFIGS.9A-12D, the plurality of catches152may be defined by a plurality of catch apertures156arranged transverse to the brace axis122. Correspondingly, the latch150may be realized as a ball158having a ball diameter BD. Here, the plurality of catch apertures156may each have a catch aperture diameter CD and define a catch aperture rim160. In some examples, the catch aperture diameter CD is smaller than the ball diameter BD such that the ball158abuts the catch aperture rim160of one of the plurality of catch apertures156when the ball158is aligned with one of the plurality of catch apertures156and in the engaged position150E to limit relative movement between the mount118and the brace112along the brace axis122.

With reference toFIG.4A-12D, in addition to the first brace112and the first mount118, the deck extension assembly110may include a second brace212and a second mount218to provide further support and stability to the deck extension assembly110. Similar to the first brace112, the second brace212may extend between a second mount end214and a second coupling end216and define a second brace axis222. Also similar to the first mount118, the second mount218may be operatively attached to the fowler deck section26of the patient transport apparatus20. Particularly, the first mount118may be operatively attached to a first lateral portion162of the fowler deck section26, while the second mount218may be operatively attached to a second lateral portion262of the fowler deck section26. The first lateral portion162may be one side of the fowler deck section26and the second lateral portion262may be the opposite side of the fowler deck section26.

Similar to the first receiver120of the first mount118, the second mount218may define a second receiver220. The second receiver220may be configured to slidably support the second brace212. For example, the second receiver220may be configured to receive the second mount end214of the second brace212such that the second receiver220slidably supports the second brace212adjacent to the second mount end214for movement along a second brace axis222.

Similar to the first retainer140, the deck extension assembly110may further include a second retainer240. The second retainer240may be interposed between the second mount218and the second brace212to selectively retain the second brace212. For example, the second retainer240may be operable between a second retained configuration242(shown inFIGS.9A-9D and12A-12D) and a second released configuration244(shown inFIGS.10A-11D). In the second retained configuration242, the second retainer240may be configured to prevent relative movement between the second mount218and the second brace212within the second receiver220. In the second released configuration244, the second retainer240may be configured to permit movement of the second brace212relative to the second mount218. Similarly, operation of the first retainer140and the second retainer240changes from the first and second retained configurations142,242, respectively, to the first and second released configurations144,244, respectively, in response to the force F applied to the head deck section32and or one of the first and second braces first brace112,212in a direction along the first and second brace axes122,222.

Further, similar to the description above, the second mount218may define a second detent channel246(seeFIGS.9C,10C,11C, and12C) and the second retainer240may include a second detent mechanism248. The second detent mechanism248may include a second latch250. The second latch250may be arranged for movement along the second detent channel246between a second engaged position250E and a second disengaged position250D. The retainer240may further include a second plurality of catches252defined by the second brace212. The second plurality of catches252may be arranged in a spaced relation along the second brace axis222. Similar to the first detent mechanism148(described above), contact between the second latch250and one of the second plurality of catches252places the second retainer240in the second retained configuration242to limit relative movement between the second mount218and the second brace212along the second brace axis222.

In some versions, the first detent mechanism148may be aligned with the second detent mechanism248such that the first retainer140and the second retainer140are simultaneously in one of the first and second retained configurations142,242, respectively, or the first and second released configurations144,244, respectively, as shown inFIGS.9A-12D. Consequently, in some examples, the second plurality of catches252may be defined by the second brace212such that the second plurality of catches252are aligned with the first plurality of catches152defined by the first brace112. Therefore, in some examples, the first latch150and the second latch250are configured to move to the first disengaged position150D and the second disengaged position250D, respectively, to move the first retainer140and the second retainer240to the first released configuration144and the second released configuration244, respectively, in response to the force F applied to the head deck section32in a direction along the first and second brace axes122,222.

Similar to the first plurality of catches152and the first latch150, the second plurality of catches252and the second latch250may be configured in various ways to facilitate engagement of the second latch250with one of the second plurality of catches252to limit movement of the second brace212relative to the second mount218. In other words, the second latch250may likewise be shaped and sized such that the second latch250may be received by one of the second plurality of catches252to limit movement axial movement of the second brace212relative to the second mount218along the second brace axis222. For example, referring toFIGS.9A-12D, the second plurality of catches252may be defined by a second plurality of catch apertures256arranged transverse to the second brace axis222. Correspondingly, the second latch250may be a second ball258having a second ball diameter BD2. The second plurality of catch apertures256may each have a second catch aperture diameter CD2and define a second catch aperture rim260. In some examples, the second catch aperture diameter CD2is smaller than the second ball diameter BD2such that the second ball258abuts the second catch aperture rim260of one of the second plurality of catch apertures256when the second ball258is aligned with one of the second plurality of catch apertures256and in the second engaged position250E to limit relative movement between the second mount218and the second brace212along the second brace axis222.

Additionally, similar to the first detent mechanism148, the second detent mechanism248may further include a second latch biasing mechanism254. The second latch biasing mechanism254may be configured to urge the second latch250toward the second engaged position250E. Thus, when one of the second plurality of catches252is aligned with the second latch250, the second latch250is placed in the second engaged position250E to place the second retainer240in the second retained configuration242to limit movement of the second brace212relative to the second mount218. In other words, when one of the second plurality of catches252is aligned with the second latch250, the second latch250is automatically moved to the second engaged position250E to limit movement of the second brace212relative to the second mount218.

In some examples, such as shown inFIGS.4-12D, the head deck section32may be operatively attached to the first coupling end116of the first brace112and the second coupling end216of the second brace212. For example, similar to the description of the pivot coupling124above, the pivot coupling124may be configured to support the head deck section32for selective pivoting movement relative to the first brace112and the second brace212. Here the pivot coupling124may extend between the first coupling end116of the first brace112and the second coupling end216of the second brace212, and, as described above, the pivot coupling124may be configured to support the head deck section32for selective pivoting movement.

As noted above, another version of the deck extension assembly110is shown inFIGS.13-17. Unless otherwise indicated, for the purposes of clarity and consistency, the components and structural features of the version of the deck extension assembly110described above (e.g., in connection withFIGS.1-12D) that are the same as or that otherwise correspond to the version of the deck extension assembly110ofFIGS.13-17are provided with the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and in the following description.

Referring toFIGS.13-17, this version of the deck extension assembly110is similar to the version of the deck extension assembly110described above in connection withFIGS.1-12D. While the specific differences will be described in greater detail below, here too in this version the deck extension assembly110may be attached to the patient transport apparatus20(e.g., to the fowler deck section26), and employs the brace112extending between the mount end114and the coupling end116. Here in this version, however, the pivot coupling124is configured differently, whereby the pivot shaft125is formed together with the brace112as a unitary component that is slidably received by the receiver120of the mount118. Put differently, in this version there is no pivot mount123that is received within the coupling end116of the mount118because the pivot shaft125itself is formed as a portion of the mount118adjacent to the coupling end116. Here too in this version, the pivot plate127of the pivot coupling124is realized with a clamshell configuration and defines a hinge mount300to facilitate assembly, whereby the hinge mount300can be positioned around the pivot shaft125and the clamshell configuration of the pivot plate127can be brought together and bonded (e.g., via ultrasonic welding, adhesives, fasteners, and the like) to secure the pivot plate127about the pivot shaft125and thereby define the friction lock mechanism134.

As is best depicted inFIGS.15-16, in this version the brace112and the second brace212are connected by a bridge302which extends laterally therebetween. For the purposes of brevity, the second brace212will not be described in detail for this version. The brace112has an angled, extruded profile defining a lip304which is slidably received by the mount118, and a strut306extending between the lip304and the bridge302. Here, the catches152are formed in the strut306and are spaced from each other along the brace axis122(seeFIG.15). In this version, the detent mechanism148of the retainer140is supported generally vertically by the mount118(as opposed to generally laterally as in the previous version).

It will be further appreciated that the terms “include,” “includes,” and “including” have the same meaning as the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising.” Moreover, it will be appreciated that terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like are used herein to differentiate certain structural features and components for the non-limiting, illustrative purposes of clarity and consistency.

Several configurations have been discussed in the foregoing description. However, the configurations discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to any particular form. The terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.