Patent ID: 12239581

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention 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 following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted”, “connected”, “engaged” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings and are thus intended to include direct connections between two members without any other members interposed therebetween and indirect connections between members in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween. Further, “connected” and “engaged” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Additionally, the words “lower”, “upper”, “upward”, “down” and “downward” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words or similar import. It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” and any singular use of any word, include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. As used herein, the term “include” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

Referring to the figures, in which like numerals indicate like features, a first non-limiting example of a patient transport apparatus (or just “apparatus”) in accordance with the invention is generally indicated by reference numeral100(inFIGS.1to15). A second non-limiting example of a patient transport apparatus in accordance with the invention is generally indicated by reference numeral10(inFIGS.16to38). It will be appreciated that the first and second example embodiments of the apparatus (100,10) share certain common (though not necessarily physically identical) features, which are in some instances designated by like numerals. The common features, when designated by like reference numerals, will be discussed with reference to one of the example embodiments only, and it will be appreciated that each feature performs a similar function in respect of the other example embodiment, even though not described or discussed, unless otherwise mentioned.

As will become apparent from the description that follows, both the apparatuses (100,10) are adapted to act as emergency medical services (EMS) patient transport apparatuses, and various components and aspects of the apparatuses (100,10) are specifically designed and adapted for this purpose.

With reference toFIGS.1to15, the apparatus100comprises a patient support assembly (generally designated by reference numeral12) which comprises of a main portion12.1, a first portion12.2and a second portion12.3. The main portion12.1is located centrally, and between the first and second portions (12.2and12.3). The first and second portions (12.2and12.3) therefore extend on opposite sides of the main portion12.1. The first and second portions (12.2and12.3) of the patient support assembly12are independently and pivotably adjustable relative to the main portion12.1. This independent adjustability of the first and second portions (12.2and12.3) facilitates the configuration of the apparatus100in various predetermined configurations, as will be described in more detail below.

The apparatus100further comprises a first wheel arrangement14and a second wheel arrangement16. The first and second wheel arrangements (14and16) are adjustable relative to each other, and also adjustable relative to the patient support assembly12. In the case of apparatus100, the first and second wheel arrangements may also, by means of being interconnected by gas struts (as is described more fully below) be adjustable as a unit. In the case of the second example embodiment apparatus10, independent adjustability of the wheel arrangements plays a vital role in the configuration of the apparatus10in the various configurations (as discussed more fully below).

The adjustability of the first and second portions (12.2and12.3) of the patient support assembly12and the adjustability of the first and second wheel arrangements (14,16) facilitate configuring the apparatus100in three or more configurations.

When the apparatus100is configured in the first configuration, the apparatus100is configured as a stretcher (typically shown inFIGS.1,2,4,8and12to15). When the apparatus100is configured in the second configuration, the apparatus100is configured as a chair or more particularly, a wheelchair (typically shown inFIG.9). When the apparatus100is configured in the third configuration, the apparatus100is configured as a “stair chair” (typically shown inFIGS.3,10and11). These configurations, and the hardware provided to facilitate these configurations, and interchangeability between these configurations, are discussed in more detail below.

The main portion12.1, the first portion12.2and the second portion12.3are associated with a main support frame18.1, a first support frame18.2and a second support frame18.3, respectively.

The first support frame18.2is pivotably attached to the main support frame18.1, by means of a first pivot member20, while the second support frame18.3is pivotably attached to the main support frame18.1by means of a second pivot member22.

The first wheel arrangement14comprises a first wheel subframe24and a pair of wheels or casters (generally indicated by reference numeral26), while the second wheel arrangement16comprises a second wheel subframe28, also fitted with a pair of wheels or casters26.

The first and second wheel arrangements (14,16) are pivotably fixed relative to the support assembly12. More particularly, the first and second wheel subframes (24,28) are pivotably fixed relative to the support assembly12. The first wheel subframe24is attached or fixed to the main support frame18.1by means of a first subframe pivot member30and the second wheel subframe28is attached or fixed to the main support frame18.1by means of second subframe pivot members32.

The first wheel arrangement14is displaceable between a folded configuration (shown inFIG.6) in which the first wheel arrangement14is folded forwards (or flat), and an unfolded configuration (typically shown inFIG.4, for example).

Similarly, the second wheel arrangement16is displaceable between a folded configuration (shown inFIG.6) in which the second wheel arrangement16is folded forwards (or flat), and an unfolded configuration (typically shown inFIG.4, for example).

When the first and second wheel arrangement (14,16) are in the folded configuration, the first and second wheel arrangement (14,16) lie substantially flat relative to the patient support assembly12, enabling the apparatus100to be received within an ambulance. The apparatus100is provided with support wheels102which support the patient support assembly12when the apparatus is received in the ambulance. The support wheels102are mounted to, or extend from, the main support frame18.1. This allows the second patient support assembly12.3to be pivoted upwards when the apparatus100is located in the ambulance, such as when a patient needs to be supported in the Fowler position (as discussed more fully below).

When the apparatus100is configured in the first configuration (which is typically shown inFIGS.1,2,4,8and12to15) the apparatus is configured as a stretcher, and the first and second portions (12.2and12.3) of the patient support assembly12are substantially aligned with each other and with the main portion12.1. The first and second wheel arrangements (14and16) now support the patient support assembly substantially horizontally.

When the apparatus100is configured in the second configuration (which is typically shown inFIG.9) the apparatus is configured as a wheelchair, allowing the patient to be supported in a seated position. Now, the first and second portions (12.2and12.3) of the patient support assembly12are pivoted relative to each other and relative to the main portion12.1. The first and second wheel arrangements (14and16) support the main portion12.1of the patient support assembly12substantially horizontally. The first portion12.2of the patient support assembly12is pivoted downwards (typically by about 80 degrees) and supports lower limbs of the patient, while the second portion12.3of the patient support is pivoted upwards (by between 0 and 90 degrees, but typically by between 65 and 85 degrees) and supports an upper body or torso of the patient. In some cases, the first portion12.2may be retained in a substantially horizontal orientation or may even be pivoted slightly upwards (typically by up to 15 degrees) should this be required, resulting in apparatus100being configured in the fourth configuration (typically shown inFIGS.4and7).

When the apparatus100is configured in the third configuration the apparatus is configured as a “stair chair”, allowing the patient to be supported in a seated position, whilst transporting the patient down a stairway. The patient support assembly12is configured similar as discussed above in respect of the second configuration (wherein the apparatus100is configured as a wheelchair). However, for ergonomic purposes, the second support portion12.3is now typically pivoted upwards by about 65 degrees.

The apparatus100comprises at least a first, but typically also a second stair engagement device70. In use, when the apparatus100is configured in the third configuration, the first and second stair engagement devices70are configured in a position to engage edges of a stair106. The stair engagement device comprises a first and second contact surface which, in use, are provided for engaging the edge of the stair106(typically as shown inFIG.11). The first and second contact surfaces are each formed by an endless belt or a track, each supported by a first and second pulley. The length of the contact surface of the stair engagement device70is such that at least two consecutive stairs106are spanned in use, thereby allowing the apparatus100to be supported in relatively smooth fashion, when traversing a set of stairs106.

In use, and as shown inFIGS.3and10, the stair engagement device70is arranged at a predetermined angle (typically about 35 degrees relative to the first support portion12.1or relative to a vertical plane) to ensure that the main patient support portion12.1is supported in a substantially horizontal (or slightly slanted backwards) orientation when the apparatus100(configured as a stair chair) is located on the set of stairs106(as shown inFIG.11).

Some distinct differences exist between the first and second example embodiments of the apparatus (100,10) when it comes to the third configuration.

The apparatus100includes a stair engagement subframe108, to which the first and second stair engagement devices70are fixed. The stair engagement subframe108is pivotably fixed to a bottom portion of the second wheel subframe28, by means of first and second stair engagement subframe pivots110. The stair engagement subframe108is pivotably displaceable between a folded configuration (typically shown inFIG.4) and an operative configuration (typically shown inFIGS.3,10and11). It will be understood that the stair engagement subframe108is configured in the operative configuration whenever the apparatus100is configured in the third configuration.

The stair engagement subframe pivots110are substantially L-shaped, such that the point112about which the stair engagement subframe108pivots, is spaced perpendicularly from the contact surfaces. This spaces the contact surfaces away from the second wheel subframe28(when the stair engagement subframe108is configured in the operative configuration), to prevent interference between the wheels26of the second wheel arrangement16and the stairs106.

A brace114is pivotably fixed to a top portion of the second wheel subframe28and extends to the stair engagement subframe108. The brace114is provided for supporting the stair engagement subframe108when in the operative configuration. Ends of the brace114are slidably received in an axially extending track or slot116of the stair engagement subframe108.

A first and second torsion spring118extends between the brace114and the second wheel subframe28, such that the brace biases the stair engagement subframe108towards the operative configuration.

A retaining clip120is provided for releasably retaining the stair engagement subframe108in the folded configuration (against the bias) when the apparatus100is not configured in the third configuration.

It will be appreciated that the brace114is provided for transferring forces between the stair engagement devices and the second wheel subframe28, thereby supporting the weight of the apparatus100(and that of the patient) when the apparatus is located on a set of stairs106and inhibits the stair engagement subframe108from collapsing.

The apparatus100comprises a number of gas struts. Firstly, gas struts124are provided between the first and second wheel arrangements (14,16) and between the second wheel arrangement16and the main portion12.1, to aid in unfolding the wheel arrangements and lifting the apparatus up into an operable configuration.

Secondly, a lockable gas strut126is arranged between the first wheel arrangement14and the first portion12.2, for supporting and locking the first portion12.2in various positions relative to the main portion12.1. Similarly, a lockable gas strut126is arranged between the second wheel arrangement16and the second portion12.3, for supporting and locking the second portion12.3in various positions relative to the main portion12.1. Each lockable strut126is associated with a release handle128which, when actuated, allows adjustment of the lockable strut126. The release handles128may be located on either side of the apparatus, depending on a layout of the ambulance and the position of a paramedic or operator relative to the apparatus within the back of an ambulance.

A lock mechanism (which is best shown inFIG.3) is provided for locking the second portion12.3in one or more specific predetermined positions relative to the main portion12.1. The lock mechanism comprises a pivotably mounted sleeve130fixed relative to the second wheel subframe28, and a pivotably mounted member132slidably received therein, which member is connected to the second support frame18.3. In use, a spring-loaded pin134extends through a hole in the sleeve130and into a hole in the member132. The pin134may have a handle or may be an L-shaped lever to facilitate easy handling thereof. The lock mechanism may be positioned on either side of the apparatus, depending on the layout of the ambulance and the position of the paramedic or operator within the ambulance.

A similar lock mechanism may be provided for locking the first wheel arrangement14and thereby also the second wheel arrangement16in the unfolded configurations. The lock however comprises of two machined blocks. A first machined block136secured onto the main support frame18.1, while a second block (not shown) is secured onto the first wheel sub frame24. In use, a spring-loaded pin138extends through a hole in the first block (located on the main support frame18.1) into a locating hole in the second block (located on the first wheel sub frame24). When not in use, the spring-loaded pin is released from the second block while remaining in the first block, therefore resulting in the spring-loaded pin remaining in a compressed position on the second block's surface, while the first and second wheel arrangements are in the folded configuration. When the first and second wheel arrangements are unfolded, the pin moves on the surface of the second block until locating in the locating hole of the second block. The pin may once again comprise a handle or may be an L-shaped lever to facilitate easy handling thereof.

In addition to the lock mechanisms above, it will be appreciated that the lockable gas struts may also serve as locking arrangements for the various displaceable parts, and that the lockable gas struts may allow locking at various positions.

Typically, an ambulance may be adapted for facilitating use of the apparatus100. In this regard, an ambulance lock may be mounted to a floor portion of the ambulance, with which the apparatus100may be secured relative to the ambulance. More specifically, the ambulance lock may be arranged to clamp onto a side portion of the main support frame18.1or alternatively the first support frame18.2(so as not to interfere with any of the other subframes, mechanisms or hardware associated with the wheel arrangements of the apparatus100).

Since the apparatus100is configured as an EMS apparatus, various patient securing devices are provided with which the patient is, in use, secured relative to the apparatus100.

This includes a first adjustable belt76which, in use, extends over a mid-section of the patient, securing the patient relative to the main support frame18.1. The position of the first adjustable belt76relative to the main portion12.1is adjustable to accommodate different anatomies of the patients.

The apparatus also includes a second and third adjustable belt (78,80). A set of sliding cavities or slots are provided to receive the third adjustable belt80relative to the patient support assembly12, to accommodate varying lengths of patients. It will be understood that the most suitable position within the sliding cavity or slot through which the third belt80is received in use will be selected so that the belt will run over a torso of the patient, and may differ, depending on whether the patient is a child or an adult.

Towards a foot-end of the apparatus100, a footrest82with an integrated handle is provided. The footrest82is provided for preventing the patient from sliding from the patient support assembly12, whilst enabling medical personnel to manoeuvre the apparatus100. A push handle84is provided at a head end of the apparatus100, also for manoeuvring the apparatus100, and when transporting a patient down a flight of stairs.

The apparatus100is provided with a first and second arm rest86, pivotably fixed to either side of the main support frame18.1via arm rest hinge members88. Arm rest locking members90are provided for locking the arm rests86in an upright position.

When the arm rest lock members90are unlocked, the arm rests86may be pivoted downward to facilitate easy transfer of the patient from the apparatus100to another bed, such as a hospital bed or a spinal board. When the arm rests86are pivoted to the upward position and locked in place, the arm rests86may be used to secure a spinal board supporting the patient (when the apparatus is configured in the “stretcher” configuration. The arm rests86are manufactured from tubular members, and may be used to hook equipment, such as heart monitors onto.

The apparatus100facilitates the storage of medical equipment. In this regard, an oxygen tank92may be fixed to the apparatus by means of an oxygen tank storage bracket94. Furthermore, a bracket98is provided for housing intravenous (IV) treatment equipment (not shown).

The patient support assembly12is typically manufactured from moulded plastic components. Alternatively, the patient support assembly12may be covered with high density foam or a mattress to provide cushioning for a patient received thereon. A metal plate, such as an aluminium plate, may provide support and rigidity to the foam or mattress.

Frame portions of the apparatus100are manufactured from tubular members, such as aluminium or stainless-steel tube members or a combination thereof. These tube members are interconnected by means of elbow members, T-members, pivotable tubular members as well as connecting pivotable members, and fastened by tubular rivets, hollow rivets, pop rivets and various bolts, or are bent into shapes as shown.

The patient transport apparatus100is also configurable in a fourth configuration, in which the second portion of the patient support assembly is pivoted relative to the main portion12.1of the patient support assembly, while the first portion of the patient support assembly is provided substantially aligned with the main portion of the patient support assembly, or pivoted slightly upwards (typically, up to 15 degrees upwards). When the patient transport apparatus is supported in the fourth configuration, the patient may be supported in a Fowler's position (as shown inFIGS.4and7).

Reference is now made to the second example embodiment of the apparatus10, and particularly,FIGS.16to38.

Now, the second wheel arrangement16is configurable in an intermediate configuration, which is between the folded and unfolded configurations. As discussed more fully below, the second wheel arrangement16is configured in the intermediate configuration when the apparatus10is configured as a stair chair.

The second wheel arrangement16is retained in the intermediate configuration, by the first wheel arrangement14. It will therefore be understood that the first wheel arrangement14needs to remain in the unfolded configuration, for the second wheel arrangement16to be configured in the intermediate configuration.

The second wheel arrangement16is configured into the intermediate configuration by pivoting the second wheel arrangement16forwards from the unfolded configuration, towards the folded configuration, until further pivoting thereof is inhibited by interference of the second wheel subframe28with the first wheel subframe24.

The geometries of the first and second wheel subframes (24,28) are such that the second wheel subframe28is arranged at a predetermined angle (again, about 35 degrees) relative to the main portion12.1of the support assembly12when the second wheel arrangement is in the intermediate configuration. This predetermined angle is calculated to allow the main portion12.1of the support assembly12to be supported substantially horizontally or slight backwards when a patient is transported up or down a flight of stairs, using the apparatus10.

As is best shown inFIG.18, the first wheel subframe24comprises two main support members34which, at one end thereof, are fixed to the main support frame18.1via the first subframe pivot member30. At a second end, the two main support members34are interconnected by a cross member36, which extends beyond the width of the two main support members34. A brace member38comprising a pivot arrangement40extends between the cross member36and a first support cross member42of the first support frame18.2. The brace member38is pivotably connected to the cross member36and the support cross member42, by means of a first pivot T-member44and a second pivot T-member46, respectively.

Also, as shown inFIGS.22and27, the first wheel arrangement14comprises a first locking arrangement48, while the first support frame18.2comprises a second locking arrangement50.

The first locking arrangement48is provided for inhibiting pivoting movement of the second pivot T-member46relative to the first support cross member42. The first locking arrangement48comprises a rod which, when in a locked configuration, is received through an opening through the second pivot T-member46, thereby inhibiting pivoting movement thereof.

The second locking arrangement50is provided for inhibiting pivoting of first support frame18.2relative to main support frame18.1and comprises two parallel rod sections (designated by reference numerals50.1and50.2). When the second locking arrangement50is provided in a locked configuration, the two parallel rod sections (50.1and50.2) are received in openings extending through the first pivot members20, thereby inhibiting pivoting thereof.

Various configurations of the apparatus10can be achieved by configuring the first and second locking mechanisms in various combinations. For example, when both the first and second locking arrangements (48and50) are in a locked configuration, the main support frame18.1and the first support frame18.2(and therefore the main portion12.1and the first portion12.2of the patient support surface) are aligned.

When the first locking arrangement48is in an unlocked configuration, and the second locking arrangement50is in the locked configuration, the first wheel arrangement14can be configured in the folded position, such as when loaded into an ambulance.

When the first locking arrangement48is in the locked configuration, and the second locking arrangement50is in the unlocked configuration, the first support portion may be pivoted downward, such as when the apparatus10is configured as a wheelchair. This is facilitated by pivot arrangement40(as can be seen inFIG.20).

A third locking arrangement52, having two parallel rod sections (designated by reference numerals52.1and52.2respectively) is provided for locking the second support frame18.3relative to the main support frame18.1. Again, the first and second parallel rod sections (52.1and52.2) extend through the second pivot member22when in the locked position. Provision is made for locking the second support frame18.3at various inclinations relative to the main support frame18.1, to support the upper body of the patient at various angles, such as a flat angle (when the apparatus10is configured as a stretcher) and an upright angle (which may be between 45 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the main support frame18.1) when the apparatus is configured as a wheelchair or a stair chair.

The second wheel subframe28comprises two main support members54, connected pivotably to the main support frame18.1via the second subframe pivot members32. The main support members54are interconnected by a stair engagement frame56. A second brace member58having a second pivot arrangement40extends between a support member of the stair engagement frame56and a cross member62of the main support frame18.1. The second brace member58is pivotably fixed to the support member of the stair engagement frame56via a third pivot T-member64and to the member62of the main support frame18.1via a fourth pivot T-member66.

A fourth locking arrangement68extends inside the cross member62, and is provided, when arranged in a locked configuration, for locking the second wheel subframe28in the unfolded configuration.

The apparatus10comprises a stair engagement device70(which is essentially similar to the stair engagement device described above in respect of the first example embodiment), which is fitted to the stair engagement frame56. It will be understood that the stair engagement device70is arranged at a predetermined angle when the second wheel subframe28is held in the intermediate configuration.

The wheels26of the first wheel arrangement14are spaced apart by a greater distance than the wheels26of the second wheel arrangement16, to prevent interference with the wheels of the first and second wheel arrangements (14,16) when the second wheel arrangement16is configured in the intermediate configuration, or when both the first and second wheel arrangements (14,16) are in the folded configurations.

The apparatus10comprises a stabiliser wheel arrangement72extending in a direction away from the second wheel arrangement16. The stabiliser wheel arrangement72comprises a stabiliser wheel frame and a caster.

A connecting member74is provided between the second wheel subframe28, and more particularly the stair engagement frame56and the stabiliser wheel arrangement72for releasably locking the second wheel arrangement16and the stabiliser wheel arrangement72together, when the second wheel arrangement16is in the unfolded configuration.

As is best illustrated inFIGS.32to34, the stabilizer wheel frame is telescopic and is provided for performing various functions. Firstly, the stabilizer wheel arrangement72balances out the stretcher and wheelchair when in motion. The connecting member74is now used to lock the stabilizer wheel arrangement72in place (as best shown inFIG.36).

Furthermore, while the second wheel arrangement16is pivoted towards the intermediate position, but before apparatus10is supported on the stairs by the stair engagement device70, the rear end of the device10is supported and held up by the stabilizer wheel arrangement72. This is shown best inFIG.37.

Since the frame is telescopic, the length of the stabilizer wheel arrangement72can be adjusted as required. When the apparatus10is configured as a stair chair and located on a stair as shown inFIG.31, the length of the stabilizer wheel arrangement72is reduced and the stabilizer wheel arrangement72is pivoted to provide support for the apparatus on the stair and while moving down the stairs.

Therefore, the stabilizer wheel arrangement72is adjustable to enable it to support the apparatus10at varying heights while in a stretcher configuration, and also at various angles, such as when in the stair chair configuration.

The telescopic leg is attached by means of a larger T-joint, which is located on the main support frame12.1over the second pivot member22. The telescopic leg is pivotable but locked in place by the castor or by the connection on the second wheel arrangement16, as seen inFIG.36or37respectively, depending on the movement required.

The connecting member74is pivotably fixed to the stair engagement frame56. This is best illustrated inFIG.38. Therefore, when needed, the connecting member74can be pivoted to an operative position (as shown inFIG.36) to connect the stabilizer wheel arrangement72and the second wheel arrangement16. When no longer required, the connecting member74can be pivoted away.

A locking clip75is also provided, to perform a similar function as the connecting member74, but in instances where the length of the stabilizer wheel arrangement72has been shortened.

In some cases, such as in the second example embodiment of the apparatus10, support caster wheels96are provided, which are not fixed relative to the main portion12.1. These support caster wheels96are also provided for facilitating loading the apparatus10into an ambulance (in cases where the apparatus10is configured in a stretcher configuration). It will be understood that, in cases where the second support frame18.3is pivoted upwards, such as when the apparatus is configured in the Fowler position, the support caster wheels96will no longer be able to facilitate the loading of the apparatus10into the ambulance. In such cases the stabilizer wheel arrangement72may be adjusted to facilitate the loading of the apparatus10into the ambulance.

It will be appreciated that the spacing of the wheels26of the apparatus100are not similar to that of the apparatus10and as mentioned above. Specifically, due to the use of the stair engagement subframe108, the second wheel arrangement16of the apparatus100need not be configured in an intermediate configuration when the apparatus100is configured in the third configuration. Therefore, no interference between the first and second wheel arrangements (14,16) of the apparatus100occurs. Furthermore, since the second wheel arrangement16of the apparatus100remains in position when the apparatus100is configured in the third configuration, the apparatus100does not require a stabiliser wheel arrangement72.

It will be appreciated that, since the first and second wheel subframes (24,28) are both pivotably fixed to the main support frame18.1, the apparatuses (100,10), when configured as a wheelchair, are very compact, and therefore facilitates easy manoeuvring through small corridors and around corners.

The apparatuses (100,10) may be used in a wide number of applications, due to its ability to be used as EMS apparatuses, and also due to its ability to be configured in the various configurations as discussed. The construction of the apparatus is furthermore lightweight, adding to the ease of manoeuvrability, in use.

Furthermore, since the apparatus is easily configurable between the various configurations, the apparatus100may be used to transport a patient in various positions and over different types of terrain, and still be used as an EMS apparatus, supporting a patient whilst being transported by ambulance. Since various wheels or casters are provided, some of which are also adjustable, the apparatus may support the patient in the Fowlers position, even when located inside an ambulance.

The first and second wheel arrangements (14,16) are splayed relative to each other when in the unfolded configuration, to improve stability of the apparatus100.

It will be appreciated that the inclusion of the pivotable stair engagement subframe108(in the case of the first example embodiment100) provides an ergonomic advantage over the configuration of the second example embodiment10, since the patient support assembly12is now generally supported higher relative to the stairs, which eases manoeuvring of the apparatus100by a paramedic or operator. That said, the configuration of the second embodiment10still provides a useful alternative solution.

It will be appreciated that the above description only provides example embodiments of the invention and that there may be many variations without departing from the spirit and/or the scope of the invention. It will easily be understood from the present application that the particular features of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, and designed according to a wide variety of different configurations. In this way, the description of the present invention and the related figures are not provided to limit the scope of the invention but simply represent selected embodiments.

The skilled person will understand that the technical characteristics of a given embodiment can in fact be combined with characteristics of another embodiment, unless otherwise expressed or it is evident that these characteristics are incompatible. Also, the technical characteristics described in a given embodiment can be isolated from the other characteristics of this embodiment unless otherwise expressed.