Patent ID: 7131769

Claim:
A stretcher with a dedicated multi-functional removable patient support platform said stretcher comprising a lower frame assembly supported on casters for displacing same on a support surface, an upper frame assembly supported elevated from said lower frame assembly, adjustable vertical supports adjustably interconnect said upper frame assembly to said lower frame assembly, means to extend and retract said adjustable vertical supports to adjust the height of said upper frame assembly relative to said lower frame assembly, said patient support platform being a rigid rectangular platform having a substantial portion thereof constructed of radiolucent material, detachable securement means for removably securing said patient support platform to a platform support structure of said upper frame assembly, said platform support structure having longitudinal axial restraining guide means to permit limited axial displacement of said patient support platform on said platform support structure, intermediate bearing means between said platform support structure and said patient support platform to permit effortless limited longitudinal displacement of said patient support platform on said platform support structure, said detachable securement means being displaceable from an engaged position to a disengaged position at which said patient support platform can be displaced laterally on said intermediate bearing means to permit said patient support platform to be transferred from said platform support structure laterally thereof in an effortless support manner.