Patent ID: 8370972

Claim:
A supine lift and stretcher apparatus, comprising: a base portion at least partially defined by an elongated portion extending generally in a first orthogonal direction and having a first end, a second end, and a central portion interposed there between; a frame having a first lateral portion extending in the first orthogonal direction and defining a first lateral portion distal end and a first lateral portion proximal end, a second lateral portion defining a second lateral portion distal end and a second lateral portion proximal end, a proximal portion interconnecting the first lateral portion proximal end and the second lateral portion proximal end, and a distal portion extending generally in a second orthogonal direction interconnecting the first lateral portion distal end and the second lateral portion distal end, wherein at least two of the first lateral portion, the second lateral portion, the proximal portion, and the distal portion define a frame opening; an upper member having the first lateral portion at least partially interposed therein; a lifting portion interconnecting the base with the upper member to move the frame relative to the base generally in a third orthogonal direction; a first axle portion having at least one wheel to transport the apparatus; a second axle portion having at least one wheel to transport the apparatus, wherein the first axle portion and the second axle portion are coupled to the base; and a movable guide wheel attached centrally to the base frame parallel to a long axis of the frame using an enclosed hand operated mechanical or electrically actuated device attached to a wheel mount to raise the at least one wheel from floor contact or to force the at least one wheel into floor contact with a predetermined force.