Patent ID: 7018157

Claim:
A powered transport apparatus configured to provide powered transport of a patient support, the patient support defining a footprint having head and foot ends and first and second longitudinal sides extending between the head and foot ends, the powered transport apparatus comprising a frame adapted to be positioned under the patient support by entering one of the longitudinal sides of the patient support, a powered wheel rotatably supported by the frame to provide powered transport of the patient support, a scissor mechanism supported by the frame and configured to transfer downward force from the patient support to the powered wheel, the scissor mechanism being movable between a first position transferring downward force from the patient support to the powered wheel and a second position permitting removal of the frame from the patient support, and a connection member, supported by the scissor mechanism, to removably connect the powered transport apparatus to the patient support with contact pressure at a connection location that is accessible by the powered transport apparatus through one of the first and second longitudinal sides of the footprint.