US20010004778A1 - Stretcher foot pedal - Google Patents
Stretcher foot pedal Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010004778A1 US20010004778A1 US09/782,826 US78282601A US2001004778A1 US 20010004778 A1 US20010004778 A1 US 20010004778A1 US 78282601 A US78282601 A US 78282601A US 2001004778 A1 US2001004778 A1 US 2001004778A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- flip
- pedal
- over
- brake
- yoke
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G1/00—Stretchers
- A61G1/02—Stretchers with wheels
- A61G1/0206—Stretchers with wheels characterised by the number of supporting wheels if stretcher is extended
- A61G1/0225—Stretchers with wheels characterised by the number of supporting wheels if stretcher is extended other configuration, e.g. odd number of wheels
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/60—Supports for surgeons, e.g. chairs or hand supports
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G1/00—Stretchers
- A61G1/02—Stretchers with wheels
- A61G1/0237—Stretchers with wheels having at least one swivelling wheel, e.g. castors
- A61G1/0243—Stretchers with wheels having at least one swivelling wheel, e.g. castors with lockable swivel action, e.g. fixing castor in certain direction
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G1/00—Stretchers
- A61G1/02—Stretchers with wheels
- A61G1/025—Stretchers with wheels having auxiliary wheels, e.g. wheels not touching the ground in extended position
- A61G1/0268—Stretchers with wheels having auxiliary wheels, e.g. wheels not touching the ground in extended position having deployable or retractable wheels
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G1/00—Stretchers
- A61G1/02—Stretchers with wheels
- A61G1/0287—Stretchers with wheels having brakes, e.g. slowing down and/or holding
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G13/00—Operating tables; Auxiliary appliances therefor
- A61G13/10—Parts, details or accessories
- A61G13/12—Rests specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of patient-supporting surfaces
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G13/00—Operating tables; Auxiliary appliances therefor
- A61G13/10—Parts, details or accessories
- A61G13/101—Clamping means for connecting accessories to the operating table
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G13/00—Operating tables; Auxiliary appliances therefor
- A61G13/10—Parts, details or accessories
- A61G13/12—Rests specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of patient-supporting surfaces
- A61G13/1205—Rests specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of patient-supporting surfaces for specific parts of the body
- A61G13/121—Head or neck
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G13/00—Operating tables; Auxiliary appliances therefor
- A61G13/10—Parts, details or accessories
- A61G13/12—Rests specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of patient-supporting surfaces
- A61G13/1205—Rests specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of patient-supporting surfaces for specific parts of the body
- A61G13/1235—Arms
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G13/00—Operating tables; Auxiliary appliances therefor
- A61G13/10—Parts, details or accessories
- A61G13/12—Rests specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of patient-supporting surfaces
- A61G13/1205—Rests specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of patient-supporting surfaces for specific parts of the body
- A61G13/124—Hands or wrists
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G13/00—Operating tables; Auxiliary appliances therefor
- A61G13/10—Parts, details or accessories
- A61G13/12—Rests specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of patient-supporting surfaces
- A61G13/1205—Rests specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of patient-supporting surfaces for specific parts of the body
- A61G13/1245—Knees, upper or lower legs
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G13/00—Operating tables; Auxiliary appliances therefor
- A61G13/10—Parts, details or accessories
- A61G13/12—Rests specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of patient-supporting surfaces
- A61G13/126—Rests specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of patient-supporting surfaces with specific supporting surface
- A61G13/1275—Rests specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of patient-supporting surfaces with specific supporting surface having air-evacuated chambers in order to adapt to the form of the patient
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G13/00—Operating tables; Auxiliary appliances therefor
- A61G13/10—Parts, details or accessories
- A61G13/12—Rests specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of patient-supporting surfaces
- A61G13/128—Rests specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of patient-supporting surfaces with mechanical surface adaptations
- A61G13/129—Rests specially adapted therefor; Arrangements of patient-supporting surfaces with mechanical surface adaptations having surface parts for adaptation of the size, e.g. for extension or reduction
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
- A61G7/057—Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor
- A61G7/05738—Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor with fluid-like particles, e.g. sand, mud, seeds, gel, beads
- A61G7/05753—Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor with fluid-like particles, e.g. sand, mud, seeds, gel, beads air-evacuated, e.g. in order to adapt to the form of the patient
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S5/00—Beds
- Y10S5/911—Bead containing
- Y10S5/913—Bead containing with suction means
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T74/00—Machine element or mechanism
- Y10T74/20—Control lever and linkage systems
- Y10T74/20576—Elements
- Y10T74/20888—Pedals
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a hospital stretcher, and particularly, to a surgical stretcher used for head and neck surgery. More particularly, the present invention relates to a surgical stretcher having a head rest that is adjustable relative to a back section of the stretcher and having hardware, such as a wrist rest assembly and extender board assemblies, that are used in conjunction with the head rest.
- Stretchers having foot pedals that can be engaged to actuate braking and steering mechanisms are also known in the art.
- Stretchers having a head rest may include such foot pedals beneath the head rest. See, for example, the Failor et al. '797patent and the Stryker Model 1068 Head and Neck Surgery Stretcher advertising literature. Sometimes these foot pedals beneath the head rest can get in the way of foot-operated surgical equipment that the surgeon uses during head and neck surgery.
- the stretcher includes a pedal assembly for rotating a brake-steer shaft about an axis.
- the pedal assembly includes a yoke coupled to the brake-steer shaft to rotate therewith and a flip-over pedal having a proximal end coupled to the yoke and a distal end spaced therefrom.
- the flip-over pedal is pivotable about a flip-over axis relative to the yoke.
- the flip-over pedal has a first orientation in which the flip-over pedal extends away from the yoke in a first direction so that the distal end of the flip-over pedal can be engaged to rotate the brake-steer shaft in a first direction.
- the flip-over pedal has a second orientation in which the flip-over pedal extends away from the yoke in a second direction so that the distal end of the flip-over pedal can be engaged to rotate the brake-steer shaft in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective of a surgical stretcher in accordance with the present invention showing a patient support deck having a head end and a foot end, a head rest coupled to the head end of the patient-support deck, and extender boards mounted to sides of the patient-support deck, each of the extender boards being pivotable between a first position adjacent to the head rest and a second position extending toward the foot end of the patient-support deck;
- FIG. 2 is top plan view of the surgical stretcher of FIG. 1 showing both extender boards in their respective first positions adjacent to the head rest and showing one of the extenders pivoting through a transition position (in phantom) into the second position (in phantom) to function as an arm board;
- FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of a back section of the patient-support deck of the stretcher of FIG. 1 in a substantially vertical position showing the back section having a tubular frame member defining the outer perimeter of the back section and a first releasing assembly coupled to the back section, the first releasing assembly being actuatable to unlock the back section for pivoting movement relative to a frame of the stretcher;
- FIG. 4 is a view of the back section similar to FIG. 3, with portions broken away, showing one of the extender boards in the first position and a second releasing assembly coupled to the extender board, the second releasing assembly being actuatable to unlock the back section for pivoting movement relative to the frame of the stretcher;
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5 - 5 of FIG. 4 showing a latch mounted to the extender board for movement between a locking position in which the extender board is locked in the first position and a releasing position (in phantom) in which the extender board is unlocked and can pivot relative to the back section;
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a first embodiment connector assembly that connects each of the extender boards to one of a pair of rails attached to the back section frame member showing the connector assembly including two clutch disks overlying a clutch assembly that biases the clutch disks together in frictional engagement with one another;
- FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment connector assembly that connects each of the extender boards to the respective rail showing the second embodiment connector assembly including two toothed clutch disks overlying an assembly for clamping the clutch disks together;
- FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the surgical stretcher of FIG. 1 showing the back section being locked in a flat table position by a first gas spring connecting the back section to the frame of the stretcher, a bracket coupling the head rest to the back section, the bracket being locked relative to the back section by a second gas spring connecting the bracket to the back section, and the head rest being locked in generally coplanar relation with the back section by a spring clutch connecting the head section to the bracket;
- FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing the bracket tilted downwardly relative to the back section, the head rest tilted rearwardly relative to the bracket, the bracket being pivotable relative to the back section about a transverse horizontal first pivot axis when the second gas spring is unlocked, and the head rest being pivotable relative to the bracket about a transverse horizontal second pivot axis when the spring clutch is unlocked;
- FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing the bracket tilted upwardly relative to the back section and the head rest tilted forwardly relative to the bracket;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the head rest and bracket of FIG. 10 showing a head rest cushion filler above the head rest, a portion of a temporal wrist rest assembly beside the head rest and coupleable to the head rest, and release hardware coupled to the head rest and bracket, the release hardware being movable to simultaneously unlock the second gas spring and the spring clutch so that the head rest and bracket can be repositioned relative to the back section;
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the head rest of FIG. 11 showing the head rest having a flat bottom plate, a longitudinally-extending socket tube appended to each side of the bottom plate, a side plate angling upwardly from each socket tube, and a transversely-extending bar of the temporal wrist rest assembly projecting underneath the head rest;
- FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12 showing a wrist rest assembly coupled to the head rest by longitudinally-extending rods, each rod being received by a respective socket tube of the head rest, a wire grip handle coupled to the head rest beneath the bottom plate thereof, and a release button that can be pressed to unlock the second gas spring and the spring clutch, the release button being positioned to lie between a side handle portion of the wire grip handle and the head rest;
- FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of a portion of the wrist rest assembly, with portions broken away showing a transversely-extending end tube having a portion received in the interior region of an end socket tube and a turn screw coupled to both the end tube and the end socket tube;
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the head rest showing an air manifold assembly coupled to a U-shaped wrist rest of the wrist rest assembly, the wrist rest and air manifold assembly being pivotable away from a head of a patient to an out-of-the-way position (in phantom);
- FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the head rest of FIG. 15 showing the air manifold assembly and wrist rest assembly supporting a drape over the head of the patient to create a tented environment;
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the head rest of FIG. 1 showing a vacuum pad being insertable between the head of the patient and the head rest, the vacuum pad having side walls with top edges that function as wrist rests;
- FIG. 18 is top plan view of the vacuum pad of FIG. 17 in a flat uncupped configuration showing the vacuum pad including a strap extending from one side thereof;
- FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the vacuum pad taken along line 19 - 19 of FIG. 18 showing foam beads filling an interior region of the vacuum pad;
- FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a head end lower portion of the surgical stretcher of FIG. 1 showing a flip-over pedal coupled to a longitudinally-extending brake-steer shaft by a yoke, the yoke being in an upright neutral position, and the flip-over pedal being pivotable in the direction of the double arrow relative to the yoke;
- FIG. 21 is an end elevation view of the surgical stretcher of FIG. 20 showing the yoke in the upright neutral position, the flip-over pedal in a first orientation relative to the yoke, and the yoke being movable in the direction of the single arrow to pivot the brake-steer shaft about a longitudinally-extending axis in the direction of the single arrow;
- FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 21 showing the flip-over pedal and yoke in a steering position and the flip-over pedal being movable relative to the yoke from the first orientation to a second orientation (in phantom);
- FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 22 showing the flip-over pedal and yoke in a braking position and the flip-over pedal being movable relative to the yoke from the second orientation back to the first orientation (in phantom).
- a surgical stretcher 30 in accordance with the present invention includes a frame 32 and a patient-support deck 34 supported by frame 32 as shown in FIG. 1.
- Patient-support deck 34 has a head end 36 , a foot end 38 , and first and second longitudinal sides 40 , 42 extending between head end 36 and foot end 38 .
- Stretcher 30 includes a mattress 44 supported by patient-support deck 34 .
- Mattress 44 has an upwardly-facing patient-support surface 46 on which a patient can rest.
- Stretcher 30 includes a head rest 48 adjacent to head end 36 of patient-support deck 34 .
- Head rest 48 is coupled to a back section 50 of patient-support deck 34 and the position of head rest 48 can be adjusted relative to back section 50 .
- the position of back section 50 can be adjusted relative to frame 32 and relative to the rest of patient-support deck 34 .
- Head rest 48 includes a head cushion 52 that supports the head of the patient.
- Stretcher 30 also includes a pair of extender boards 54 , each of which is mounted to respective first and second longitudinal sides 40 , 42 of back section 50 of patient-support deck 34 .
- Each extender board 54 supports a cushion 56 having an extension surface 58 .
- Extender boards 54 are independently pivotable relative to back section 50 between a first position adjacent to head rest 48 , as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and a second position extending away from back section 50 toward foot end 38 of patient-support deck 34 , as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (in phantom).
- Stretcher 30 includes a pair of side guard assemblies 61 that, when moved to a lowered position as shown in FIG. 1, permit full movement of extender boards 54 between the first and second positions.
- Stretcher 30 includes a lower frame (not shown) covered by a shroud 60 as shown in FIG. 1. Casters 62 are mounted to the lower frame and extend downwardly therefrom to engage a floor 64 on which stretcher 30 sets. Frame 32 and patient-support deck 34 are supported above the lower frame and shroud 60 by a pair of longitudinally spaced-apart elevation mechanisms (not shown), well-known to those skilled in the art. The elevation mechanisms are each covered by a boot 66 as shown in FIG. 1.
- Stretcher 30 includes a plurality of foot pedals 68 that are coupled to the elevation mechanisms. Different foot pedals 68 can be depressed so that the elevation mechanisms are actuated to raise, lower, or tilt frame 32 and patient-support deck 34 relative to floor 64 .
- Stretcher 30 also includes a longitudinally-extending brake-steer shaft 70 .
- Brake-steer shaft 70 is coupled to a conventional caster braking mechanism 71 which is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 20 and which is well known to those skilled in the art.
- Caster braking mechanism 71 brakes casters 62 to prevent them from rotating and swivelling when brake-steer shaft 70 is rotated to a braking position.
- Brake-steer shaft 70 is also coupled to a conventional center wheel mechanism 73 which is also shown diagrammatically in FIG. 20 and which is also well known to those skilled in the art.
- Center wheel mechanism 73 lowers a center wheel (not shown) into engagement with floor 64 when brake-steer shaft 70 is rotated to a steering position.
- a brake pedal 72 is coupled to brake-steer shaft 70 beneath foot end 38 of patient-support deck 34 and a pedal assembly 74 is coupled to brake-steer shaft 70 beneath head end 36 of patient-support deck 34 .
- Brake pedal 72 can be engaged to rotate brake-steer shaft 70 to the braking position, thereby braking casters 62 .
- Pedal assembly 74 includes a yoke 76 and a flip-over pedal 78 coupled to yoke 76 for pivoting movement.
- Flip-over pedal 78 is movable relative to yoke 76 between a first orientation in which a distal end portion 80 can be engaged to rotate brake-steer shaft 70 to the steering position and a second orientation in which end portion 80 can be engaged to rotate brake-steer shaft 70 to the braking position as will be discussed in detail below with reference to FIGS. 20 - 23 .
- Stretcher 30 is well suited for head and neck surgery, and particularly, for outpatient head and neck surgery.
- extender boards 54 can be moved to the first position adjacent to head rest 48 so that extension surfaces 58 cooperate with patient-support surface 46 to increase the support surface area near the head and shoulders of the patient.
- Stretcher 30 can be used to transport the patient from the pre-op waiting area to an operating room where surgery is to be performed on the patient.
- back section 50 can be placed in a desired position depending upon the preference of the caregiver or the patient. For example, if the patient is unconscious, back section 50 can be moved to a horizontal position in which the patient is supported in a lying-down position. Alternatively, if the patient is conscious and capable of sitting up, back section 50 can be moved to an inclined position in which back section 50 is angled at about seventy degrees (70°) relative to frame 32 , thereby placing the patient in a sitting-up position. In addition, back section 50 can be moved to any one of an infinite number of intermediate positions between the horizontal and inclined positions, if desired.
- pedal assembly 74 can be used to move brake-steer shaft 70 to the steering position having the center wheel engaging floor 64 to assist in steering stretcher 30 by providing a frictional contact area with floor 64 about which stretcher 30 can be easily turned.
- pedal assembly 74 can be used to move brake-steer shaft 70 to the braking position so that casters 62 are prevented from rotating or swivelling, thereby preventing stretcher 30 from moving along floor 64 .
- back section 50 can be moved to the horizontal position and one or both of extender boards 54 can be moved away from head rest 48 to their respective second positions. Placing each extender board 54 in the second position results in increased access to the head of the patient by the surgeon.
- extension surfaces 58 of cushions 56 can support the arms of the patient out past sides 40 , 42 of patient-support deck 34 so that IV fluids and anesthesia can be administered to the patient during surgery.
- the surgeon can move the head of the patient to a desired surgical position by adjusting the position of head rest 48 .
- extender boards 54 can be returned to their first positions adjacent to head rest 48 .
- Pedal assembly 74 can be used to move brake-steer shaft 70 out of the braking position and into the steering position and stretcher 30 can then be used to transport the patient to a post-op area where the patient can recover from surgery.
- the patient can rest upon patient-support surface 46 of stretcher 30 before, during, and after surgery.
- extender boards 54 can be moved between first and second positions to function as head extenders and arm boards, respectively.
- Back section 50 can be moved between horizontal and inclined positions.
- Back section 50 includes a tubular frame member 82 having a base strut 84 as shown in FIG. 3.
- a pair of transversely spaced-apart flanges 86 extend away from base strut 84 and couple to respective longitudinally-extending flanges 88 appended to a cross strut 91 of frame 32 .
- Flanges 86 are pinned to flanges 88 so that back section 50 can pivot relative to frame 32 about a transverse pivot axis 92 , shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 - 3 .
- Back section 50 includes a panel 94 attached to frame member 82 .
- Panel 94 of back section 50 includes a substantially planar surface 96 that supports part of mattress 44 as shown in FIG. 2.
- the part of mattress 44 supported by surface 96 of panel 94 includes a back-support surface 47 that engages the upper torso of the patient resting on mattress 44 .
- Frame member 82 includes a pair of spaced-apart longitudinal side struts 98 , a transverse end strut 100 , and a pair of angled corner portions 110 connecting side struts 98 to end strut 100 as shown best in FIG. 3.
- Side struts 98 , end strut 100 , and angled corner portions 110 are configured so as to define a plane in which back section 50 is situated.
- a rail 112 is coupled to each side strut 98 by a pair of spacers 114 that position rails 112 in spaced-apart relation with respective side struts 98 .
- a connector assembly 116 is appended to each extender board 54 .
- Connector assemblies 116 can be attached to rails 112 , thereby coupling extender boards 54 to back section 50 .
- extender boards 54 When coupled to back section 50 , extender boards 54 can pivot about a respective pivot axis 118 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
- Each pivot axis 118 is substantially perpendicular to surface 96 of panel 94 of back section 50 .
- Each extender board 54 includes a frame 120 and a panel 122 attached to frame 120 .
- Panel 122 of each extender board 54 includes a top surface 124 that supports cushion 56 .
- surfaces 124 of panels 122 are maintained in substantially coplanar relation with surface 96 of panel 94 and extension surfaces 58 of cushions 56 are maintained in substantially coplanar relation with back-support surface 47 of mattress 44 .
- Frame 120 of each extender board 54 includes a long side portion 128 , a corner portion 130 integrally appended to portion 128 , a distal end portion 132 integrally appended to comer portion 130 in perpendicular relation to portion 128 , a mid-size side portion 134 appended to portion 132 in parallel relation with portion 128 , an angled portion 136 extending away from portion 134 toward portion 128 , and a short side portion 138 integrally appended to portion 136 in parallel relation with portion 128 as shown best in FIG. 4.
- Portions 128 , 130 , 132 , 134 , 136 , 138 of frame 120 define the perimeter of extender boards 54 .
- Panels 122 extend between portions 128 , 130 , 132 , 134 , 136 , 138 of respective frames 120 .
- Head rest 48 has first and second longitudinally-extending sides 140 , 142 and an end 144 connecting sides 140 , 142 .
- Sides 140 , 142 of head rest 48 are spaced apart by a distance that is smaller than a distance by which sides 40 , 42 of patient-support deck 34 are spaced apart.
- mid-size side portions 134 of frames 120 are adjacent to the respective side 140 , 142 of head rest 48
- angled portions 136 of frames 120 are adjacent to the respective comer portion 110 of frame member 82
- short side portions 138 of frames 120 are adjacent to the respective side struts 98 of frame member 82 .
- mid-size side portion 134 of each frame 120 includes a docking portion 146 that extends toward and is adjacent to end strut 100 of frame member 82 of back section 50 when the respective extender board 54 is in the first position.
- each frame 120 When extender boards 54 are in their first positions, distal end portions 132 of each frame 120 extend substantially transversely and are generally aligned with end 144 of head rest 48 as shown in FIG. 2. In addition, when extender boards 54 are in their first positions, side portions 128 , 134 , and 138 are all substantially parallel with side struts 98 of frame member 82 of back section 50 . Thus, when extender boards 54 are in their first positions adjacent to head rest 48 , extension surfaces 58 provide additional surface area on which the head and shoulders of the patient can rest.
- Each extender board 54 can pivot about respective axes 118 from the first position to a second position in which portion 134 of frame 120 is no longer adjacent to the respective side 140 , 142 of head rest 48 .
- Extender boards 54 extend more toward foot end 38 of patient-support deck 34 than head end 36 of patient-support deck 34 when in the second position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
- extension surfaces 58 can support the arms of the patient out past sides 40 , 42 of patient-support deck 34 .
- connector assemblies 116 couple each extender board 54 to a companion rail 112 and allow each extender board 54 to pivot about a respective axis 118 .
- the description below of one of the connector assemblies 116 applies to the other of the connector assemblies 116 as well.
- Connector assembly 116 includes a slide block 148 having a rail-engaging portion 150 and a clutch plate 152 extending away from rail-engaging portion 150 as shown in FIG. 6.
- Rail-engaging portion 150 of slide block 148 is generally C-shaped so as to define a channel 154 that receives rail 112 .
- Channel 154 of portion 150 is formed to allow longitudinal sliding movement of connector assembly 116 and the associated extender board 54 relative to rail 112 .
- Connector assembly 116 includes a threaded cylinder 156 appended to a bottom corner portion of rail-engaging portion 150 .
- a turn screw 158 is threadedly coupled to cylinder 156 .
- Turn screw 158 can be turned to tighten slide block 148 against rail 112 to prevent connector assembly 116 from sliding relative to rail 112 .
- Turn screw 158 can also be turned to loosen slide block 148 from rail 112 to allow connector assembly 116 to slide relative to rail 112 .
- connector assembly 116 and extender board 54 can be moved to a desired position along rail 112 and then turn screw 158 can be turned to lock connector assembly 116 at the desired position.
- Clutch plate 152 extends horizontally away from its companion rail-engaging portion 150 as shown in FIG. 6.
- a second clutch plate 160 of connector assembly 116 is attached to extender board 54 and is supported by clutch plate 152 .
- clutch plate 160 is connected to clutch plate 152 by a bolt 162 that extends through apertures 164 , 166 formed in clutch plates 152 , 160 , respectively.
- clutch plate 160 pivots relative to clutch plate 152 .
- Bolt 162 includes a square-shaped lug 168 and clutch plate 160 includes a square-shaped recess 170 that receives lug 168 so that bolt 162 turns along with clutch plate 160 as clutch plate 160 is turned relative to clutch plate 152 .
- Bolt 162 cooperates with apertures 164 , 166 of plates 152 , 160 to define pivot axis 118 .
- Bolt 162 extends downwardly past clutch plate 152 and a clutch assembly 172 is mounted to the downwardly-extending portion of bolt 162 as shown in FIG. 6.
- Clutch assembly 172 includes a lower self-lubricating washer 176 , a flat washer 174 , and a set of three Belleville washers 178 that bias flat washer 174 against lower self-lubricating washer 176 .
- a nut 180 threadedly engages bolt 162 so that clutch plates 152 , 160 and clutch assembly 172 are clamped together, thereby loading washers 178 .
- An upper self-lubricating washer 177 is sandwiched between clutch plates 152 , 160 .
- washers 178 causes a top surface 182 of clutch plate 152 and a bottom surface 184 of clutch plate 160 to engage upper self-lubricating washer 177 with sufficient force to hold extender board 54 at any desired position between the first and second positions, independent of the position of back section 50 , while also allowing extender board 54 to be manually moved about axis 118 from one position to another.
- Upper and lower self-lubricating washers 176 , 177 can be, for example, oil-impregnated brass bushings supplied by OILITETM.
- Connector assembly 186 includes a slide block 188 having a rail-engaging portion 190 and a plate 192 extending away from rail-engaging portion 190 as shown in FIG. 6.
- Rail-engaging portion 190 of slide block 188 is generally C-shaped so as to define a channel 194 that receives rail 112 .
- Channel 194 of portion 190 is formed to allow longitudinal sliding movement of connector assembly 186 and the associated extender board 54 relative to rail 112 .
- Connector assembly 186 includes a threaded cylinder 196 appended to a bottom comer portion of rail-engaging portion 190 and a turn screw 198 threadedly coupled to cylinder 196 .
- Turn screw 198 of connector assembly 186 operates to prevent and allow sliding movement of connector assembly 186 relative to rail 112 in a manner similar to the manner in which turn screw 158 of connector assembly 116 operates to prevent and allow sliding movement of connector assembly 116 relative to rail 112 .
- Connector assembly 186 includes a second plate 212 attached to extender board 54 .
- a plurality of radially-extending downwardly-projecting teeth 214 is appended to plate 212 .
- Connector assembly 186 includes a clamping assembly 216 that is movable between a locking position, in which teeth 210 mesh with teeth 214 to prevent pivoting movement of extender board 54 about pivot axis 118 , and a releasing position, in which teeth 210 do not mesh with teeth 214 to allow pivoting movement of extender board 54 about axis 118 .
- Plate 192 is formed to include an aperture 218 and plate 212 is formed to include a threaded aperture 220 as shown in FIG. 7.
- Clamping assembly 216 includes a bolt 222 having an end portion received by aperture 220 and threadedly coupled to plate 212 so that bolt 222 rotates along with clutch plate 212 as clutch plate 212 pivots about axis 118 relative to clutch plate 192 .
- Bolt 222 also includes a portion received by aperture 218 for rotating movement.
- Bolt 222 cooperates with apertures 218 , 220 of plates 192 , 212 to define pivot axis 118 .
- Bolt 222 includes a block portion 224 positioned to lie underneath plate 192 as shown in FIG. 7.
- Connector assembly 186 includes a cylindrical spacer subassembly 226 between block portion 224 and plate 192 .
- connector assembly 186 includes a lever 228 having a yoke 232 , a knob 234 , and a rod 236 connecting yoke 232 to knob 234 .
- Yoke 232 of lever 228 is coupled to block portion 224 of bolt 222 by a pivot pin 230 so that lever 228 can pivot relative to bolt 222 and plate 192 .
- Yoke 232 includes a pair of spaced-apart U-shaped locking edges 238 and a pair of curved edges 240 as shown in FIG. 7.
- Lever 228 can be moved to a vertical releasing position in which curved surfaces 240 face substantially upwardly toward a bottom surface 242 of spacer subassembly 226 as shown in FIG. 7.
- extender board 54 can be lifted upwardly by a slight amount so that teeth 210 of plate 192 do not mesh with teeth 214 of plate 212 and then extender board 54 can be pivoted about axis 118 relative to back section 50 .
- connector assembly 186 is in the releasing position and the position of extender board 54 can be adjusted.
- Lever 228 can pivot from the releasing position in a first direction indicated by arrow 244 , shown in FIG. 7, to a first locking position in which one of locking edges 238 abuts bottom surface 242 of spacer subassembly 226 .
- Lever 228 can also pivot from the releasing position in a second direction indicated by arrow 246 , shown in FIG. 7, to a second locking position in which the other one of locking edges 238 abuts bottom surface 242 of spacer subassembly 226 .
- lever 228 When lever 228 is in either the first locking position or the second locking position, plate 212 is clamped against plate 192 so that teeth 210 mesh with teeth 214 , thereby preventing extender board 54 from pivoting relative to back section 50 .
- connector assembly 186 is in the locking position and extender board 54 is locked in place relative to back section 50 .
- Spacer subassembly 226 includes a cylinder 248 beneath clutch plate 192 , a washer 250 beneath cylinder 248 , and a hard rubber washer 252 sandwiched between washer 250 and cylinder 248 .
- rubber washer 252 is compressed as washer 250 is forced toward cylinder 252 by lever 228 .
- rubber washer 252 is held in compression so that washer 250 acts through lever 228 and bolt 222 to bias plate 212 against plate 192 .
- the compression of rubber washer 252 also biases washer 250 against one or the other of edges 238 of yoke 232 . Biasing of one of edges 238 with washer 250 holds lever 228 in the respective first or second locking position.
- frame 120 of each extender board 54 includes a docking portion 146 .
- Stretcher 30 includes a pair of posts 254 coupled to end strut 100 of frame member 82 of back section 50 .
- Posts 254 extend longitudinally away from end strut 100 as shown, for example, in FIG. 3.
- Each docking portion 146 is essentially a square-shaped tube having a window 256 cut out of one of the sides so that posts 254 can be received inside docking portions 146 .
- posts 254 pass through windows 256 so that a side wall 258 of each docking portion 146 can engage a first side 253 of respective posts 254 to locate extender boards 54 in their first positions.
- stretcher 30 can include a latch assembly 260 coupled to an undersurface 262 of panel 122 of extender boards 54 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
- latch assemblies 260 is descriptive of both latch assemblies 260 .
- Latch assembly 260 includes a bracket 264 that attaches to undersurface 262 of panel 122 and a latch plate 266 having a pair of central flanges 268 pinned to bracket 264 .
- Latch assembly 260 also includes a torsion spring 270 that engages undersurface 262 of panel 122 and latch plate 266 to bias latch plate 266 into a locking position as shown in FIG. 5.
- Latch plate 266 includes an upturned tab 272 having a locking edge 274 and a cam edge 276 as shown in FIG. 5.
- locking edge 274 of tab 272 engages a second side 255 of post 254 so that extender board 54 is locked in the first position.
- Latch plate 266 includes a hand-engaging portion 278 adjacent to long side portion 128 of frame 120 as shown in FIG. 4.
- Hand-engaging portion 278 of latch plate 266 can be moved in a direction indicated by a double arrow 280 , shown in FIG. 5, toward undersurface 262 of panel 122 to move latch plate 266 from the locking position to a releasing position, shown in FIG. 5 (in phantom).
- locking edge 274 is spaced apart from second side 255 of post 254 allowing extender board 54 to be moved out of the first position toward the second position.
- cam edge 276 of tab 272 ramps against post 254 to automatically move latch plate 266 from the locking position to the releasing position allowing extender board 54 to be moved all the way into the first position.
- torsion spring 270 urges latch plate 266 back into the locking position so that extender board 54 is locked in the first position.
- first side 253 of post 254 with side wall 258 of docking portion 146 prevents extender board 54 from pivoting past the first position toward head rest 48 and engagement of locking edge 274 of latch plate 266 prevents extender board 54 from pivoting out of the first position away from head rest 48 .
- a locator post 281 is coupled to and extends away from each of rails 112 as shown in FIG. 2.
- each connector assembly 116 is mounted to the respective rail 112 by sliding rail-engaging portion 150 of slide block 148 onto rail 112 in a direction toward foot end 38 of patient-support deck 34
- engagement of slide block 148 with post 281 places connector assembly 116 at the proper location so that docking portion 146 of frame 120 of extender board 54 will engage post 254 when extender board 54 is moved to the first position.
- Locator posts 281 serve this same function when extender boards 54 are coupled to rails 112 by connector assemblies 186 rather than connector assemblies 116 .
- Rails 112 each have sufficient length to allow other medical equipment, such as IV poles, to be mounted to rails 112 even when extender boards are coupled to rails 112 .
- back section 50 can pivot about axis 92 between horizontal and inclined positions and can be situated in an infinite number of intermediate positions between the horizontal and inclined positions.
- Stretcher 30 includes an actuator 282 having a first end 284 pivotably coupled to a pair of flanges 286 as shown in FIG. 3. Flanges 286 are coupled to cross strut 90 of frame 32 and first end 284 of actuator 282 is coupled to flanges 286 by a pin 290 .
- Actuator 282 has a second end 292 coupled to a pivot block 294 which is pivotably coupled by a pin 297 to a pair of flanges 295 extending from end strut 100 of frame member 82 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
- Actuator 282 is releasable so that back section 50 can pivot about axis 92 relative to frame 32 and actuator 282 is lockable so that back section 50 is prevented from pivoting about axis 92 relative to frame 32 .
- actuator 282 is a gas spring (hereinafter referred to as gas spring 282 ) although it is within the scope of the invention as presently perceived for actuator 282 to include any locking mechanism that can extend and retract and that can be locked to prevent movement of the actuator.
- the term “actuator” as used in this specification and in the claims includes a gas spring, a spring clutch, a ball screw, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or any other suitable mechanism that can be locked to prevent back section 50 from pivoting relative to frame 32 and that can be released to allow back section 50 to be grabbed and manually pivoted relative to frame 32 .
- Gas spring 282 includes a housing 296 , a piston (not shown) inside housing 296 , and a piston rod 298 coupled to the piston and extending out of housing 296 .
- Housing 296 is coupled to flanges 286 and piston rod 298 is coupled to pivot block 294 .
- Gas spring 282 can be locked so that the piston and piston rod 298 are generally fixed relative to housing 296 so that piston rod 298 can neither extend further out of housing 296 nor retract into housing 296 , thereby preventing back section 50 from pivoting about axis 92 relative to frame 32 .
- Gas spring 282 can also be released so that the piston can move and piston rod 298 can extend and retract relative to housing 296 , thereby allowing back section 50 to be grabbed and pivoted about axis 92 relative to frame 32 .
- Gas spring 282 includes a plunger 300 extending out of piston rod 298 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
- Plunger 300 has an extended locking position in which gas spring 282 is locked preventing back section 50 from pivoting relative to frame 32 .
- Plunger 300 also has a plunged releasing position in which gas spring 282 is released allowing back section 50 to pivot relative to frame 32 .
- Plunger 300 is biased into the extended locking position so that gas spring 282 is normally locked.
- Stretcher 30 includes a release rod 310 that can be actuated to move plunger 300 from the locking position to the releasing position.
- Pivot block 294 is formed to include a channel 312 and release rod 310 includes a middle portion 314 received within channel 312 .
- Channel 312 extends generally transversely through pivot block 294 along a V-shaped path defined by first and second angled side walls 316 , 318 and a bottom side wall 320 having chamfered corner portions.
- Middle portion 314 of release rod 310 is bent so that middle portion 314 is trapped within channel 312 by side walls 316 , 318 , 320 of pivot block 294 , thereby preventing release rod 310 from moving transversely relative to back section 50 .
- a plate 321 is attached to pivot block 294 to cover channel 312 , thereby preventing release rod 310 from falling out of channel 312 .
- Release rod 310 includes straight portions 322 that extend transversely away from middle portion 314 beyond pivot block 294 toward respective first and second sides 40 , 42 of back section 50 .
- Release rod 310 also includes first and second handle portions 324 , 326 that are each situated in the plane of back section 50 adjacent to respective corner portions 110 of frame member 82 as shown in FIG. 3.
- Handle portions 324 , 326 angle away from straight portions 322 so that handle portions 324 , 326 are generally parallel with corner portions 110 of frame member 82 .
- a soft handle cover 328 is attached to each of handle portions 324 , 326 to provide a comfortable feel to handle portions 324 , 326 .
- Panel 94 is cut out in the region adjacent to corner portions 110 and handle portions 324 , 326 to allow access to handle portions 324 , 326 from above back section 50 and from below back section 50 .
- Handle portions 324 , 326 are in close proximity to respective corner portions 110 of frame member 82 so that the caregiver or the surgeon can simultaneously grasp one of comer portions 110 and one of handle portions 324 , 326 .
- Handle portion 324 can be squeezed toward the adjacent corner portion 110 of frame member 82 to move plunger 300 from the locking position to the releasing position or, alternatively, handle portion 326 can be squeezed toward the adjacent corner portion 110 of frame member 82 to move plunger 300 from the locking position to the releasing position.
- release rod 310 and pivot block 294 cooperate to provide stretcher 30 with a releasing assembly that can be actuated to adjust the position of back section 50 .
- release rod 310 pivots about a corner of first angled side wall 316 into a first releasing position as shown in FIG. 3 (in phantom).
- release rod 310 moves toward the first releasing position
- handle portion 326 moves away from the adjacent comer portion 110 and middle portion 314 separates away from second angled side wall 318 to move plunger 300 toward the releasing position.
- release rod 310 pivots about a comer of second angled side wall 318 into a second releasing position.
- handle portion 324 moves away from the adjacent comer portion 110 and middle portion 314 separates away from first angled side wall 316 to move plunger 300 toward the releasing position.
- first angled side wall 316 has a comer that provides a first fulcrum point about which release rod 310 can pivot and second angled side wall 318 has a comer that provides a second fulcrum point about which release rod 310 can pivot, thereby allowing either of handle portions 324 , 326 to be actuated to unlock back section 50 for pivoting movement relative to frame 32 .
- the caregiver or surgeon can simultaneously grasp one of comer portions 110 of frame member 82 and the respective handle portion 324 , 326 of release rod 310 so that after actuation of one of handle portions 324 , 326 , the caregiver or surgeon can manually pivot back section 50 relative to frame 32 of stretcher 30 .
- Another releasing assembly 330 is coupled to each extender board 54 so that when extender boards 54 are in the respective first positions, either releasing assembly 330 can be actuated to actuate release rod 310 which releases gas spring 282 allowing back section 50 to pivot relative to frame 32 .
- the description below of one of releasing assemblies 330 is descriptive of both releasing assemblies.
- Releasing assembly 330 includes a release lever 332 and a plunger rod 334 as shown in FIG. 4.
- a plate 336 is attached to distal end portion 132 and mid-size side portion 134 of frame 120 of extender board 54 .
- Release lever 332 includes a middle portion 338 coupled to plate 336 by a pivot pin 340 .
- Release lever 332 also includes an end 344 that engages plunger rod 334 and a handle portion 342 positioned to lie in close proximity to corner portion 130 of frame 120 so that comer portion 130 and handle portion 342 can be grasped simultaneously when releasing assembly 330 is actuated.
- a soft handle cover 343 is attached to handle portion 342 to provide a comfortable feel to handle portions 342 .
- Mid-size side portion 134 of frame 120 is formed to include an internal chamber 346 and plunger rod 334 is received in chamber 346 for sliding movement.
- mid-size side portion 134 of frame 120 is formed to include a slot 348 that provides access to chamber 346 .
- Release lever 332 extends through slot 348 so that end 344 of release lever 332 is received in chamber 346 .
- Plunger rod 334 includes a first end 350 engaging end 344 of release lever 332 within chamber 346 . Plunger rod 334 also includes a second end 352 spaced apart from first end 350 as shown in FIG. 4.
- Frame 120 includes an end block 354 coupled to mid-size side portion 134 by a screw 355 .
- End block 354 is formed to include an aperture 356 and second end 352 of plunger rod 334 extends through aperture 356 into docking portion 146 of frame 120 .
- Plunger rod 334 is formed to include a shoulder 358 and a coil spring 360 is positioned to lie between shoulder 358 and end block 354 . Coil spring 360 is maintained in a state of compression so that plunger rod 334 is biased toward distal end portion 132 of frame 120 and into engagement with end 344 of release lever 332 .
- Mid-size side portion 134 of frame 120 includes an edge 362 that defines a first end of slot 348 .
- spring 360 acts through plunger rod 334 to bias release lever 332 into engagement with edge 362 .
- Engagement of release lever 332 with edge 362 prevents plunger rod 334 from moving past the position shown in FIG. 4 toward distal end portion 132 of frame 120 .
- release lever 332 engages edge 362 releasing assembly 330 is in a locking position.
- Portion 134 of frame 120 includes an edge 370 that defines a second end of slot 348 .
- Handle portion 342 can be moved in direction 364 until release lever 332 engages edge 370 .
- Engagement of release lever 332 with edge 370 prevents plunger rod 334 from moving past the position shown in FIG. 4 (in phantom).
- release lever 332 engages edge 370 releasing assembly 330 is in a releasing position.
- post 254 is a hollow tube which extends through an aperture formed in end strut 100 so that portions of post 254 are positioned to lie on opposite sides of end strut 100 .
- post 254 provides a passage through end strut 100 .
- a plunger 372 is received inside post 254 for sliding movement relative to post 254 as shown in FIG. 4.
- Plunger 372 includes a first end 374 on one side of end strut 100 and a flared second end 376 on the opposite side of end strut 100 .
- a coil spring 378 is mounted on plunger 372 between post 254 and flared second end 376 of plunger 372 . Spring 378 biases second end 376 of plunger 372 into engagement with straight portion 322 of release rod 310 .
- plunger rod 334 moves in direction 368 and second end 352 of plunger rod 334 engages first end 374 of plunger 372 to move plunger 372 in a direction indicated by arrow 380 , shown in FIG. 4.
- plunger 372 moves in direction 380 , due to actuation of releasing assembly 330 , plunger 372 moves release rod 310 into one of its releasing positions, thereby releasing gas spring 282 so that the position of back section 50 can be adjusted.
- Actuation of releasing assembly 330 coupled to the extender board 54 mounted to first side 40 of back section 50 causes first handle portion 324 to move away from the adjacent corner portion 110 of frame member 82 in a direction indicated by arrow 382 as shown in FIG. 4. Movement of first handle portion 324 in direction 382 causes release rod 310 to pivot about the second fulcrum point provided by the corner portion of second angled side wall 318 .
- middle portion 314 of release rod 310 separates away from first angled side wall 316 of pivot block 294 to move plunger 300 toward the releasing position.
- Actuation of releasing assembly 330 coupled to the extender board 54 mounted to second side 42 of back section 50 results in movement of release rod 310 that is a mirror image of the movement of release rod 310 described above with reference to actuation of release assembly 330 coupled to the extender board 54 mounted to first side 40 of back section 50 .
- actuation of releasing assembly 330 coupled to the extender board 54 mounted to second side 42 of back section 50 causes release rod 310 to pivot about the first fulcrum point provided by the corner portion of first angled side wall 316 and middle portion 314 of release rod 310 separates away from second angled side wall 318 of pivot block 294 to move plunger 300 toward the releasing position.
- stretcher 30 includes pivot block 294 and release rod 310 which cooperate to provide stretcher 30 with a first releasing assembly that can be actuated to unlock back section 50 for pivoting movement about axis 92 and stretcher 30 includes a pair of second releasing assemblies 330 , each of which can be actuated to actuate the first releasing assembly.
- the caregiver or surgeon can simultaneously grasp corner portion 130 of the respective frame member 120 and the handle portion 342 of the respective release lever 332 so that after actuation of either of second releasing assemblies 330 , the caregiver or surgeon can manually pivot back section 50 relative to frame 32 of stretcher 30 .
- stretcher 30 includes a head rest 48 coupled to back section 50 .
- Stretcher 30 includes a mounting bracket 384 coupled to back section 50 for pivoting movement about a transverse first pivot axis 386 and head rest 48 is coupled to mounting bracket 384 for pivoting movement about a transverse second pivot axis 388 as shown in FIGS. 8 - 10 .
- a first locking mechanism 390 connects a first elbow portion 392 of bracket 384 to back section 50 and a second locking mechanism 394 connects a second elbow portion 396 of bracket 384 to head rest 48 .
- First locking mechanism 390 is lockable to prevent bracket 384 from pivoting about axis 386 relative to back section 50 and second locking mechanism 394 is lockable to prevent head rest 48 from pivoting about axis 388 relative to bracket 384 .
- first and second locking mechanisms 390 , 394 are both locked, the position of head rest 48 is fixed relative to back section 50 .
- First locking mechanism 390 is releasable to allow manual adjustment of bracket 384 about axis 386 relative to back section 50 and second locking mechanism 394 is releasable to allow manual adjustment of head rest 48 about axis 388 relative to bracket 384 .
- a wire grip handle 398 is coupled to head rest 48 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 2 and 8- 14 .
- Grip handle 398 includes a pair of side handle portions 400 that extend longitudinally alongside each of sides 140 , 142 of head rest 48 in spaced-apart relation therewith. Side handle portions 400 can be grasped to guide the movement of head rest 48 as the position of head rest 48 is manually adjusted.
- Grip handle 398 also includes an end handle portion 410 connecting side handle portions 400 . End handle portion 410 can be grasped to help guide the movement of stretcher 30 along floor 64 .
- Head rest 48 includes a bottom plate 412 having a downwardly-facing bottom surface 414 and grip handle 398 includes a rear central branch 416 extending from end handle portion 412 and coupling to bottom surface 414 of bottom plate 412 as shown in FIG. 11. Grip handle 398 also includes a pair of front branches 418 that couple to bottom surface 414 of bottom plate 412 .
- side handle portions 400 , end handle portion 410 , and branches 416 , 418 of wire grip handle 398 are shown as being a single integral piece, it is within the scope of the invention as presently perceived for each side handle portion 400 and end handle portion 410 to be separate pieces that are configured to separately attach to head rest 48 .
- Stretcher 30 includes a pair of release buttons 420 coupled to head rest 48 and coupled to first and second locking mechanisms 390 , 394 .
- Release buttons 420 can be moved from a locking position to a releasing position to simultaneously unlock first locking mechanism 390 and second locking mechanism 394 .
- Each release button 420 is positioned to lie between one of side handle portions 400 of grip handle 398 and a corresponding side 140 , 142 of head rest 48 .
- each release button 420 includes a thumb-engaging surface 422 .
- the caregiver or surgeon can grasp side handle portions 400 of grip handle 398 with his or her fingers and can actuate release buttons 420 by pressing on thumb-engaging surfaces 422 with his or her thumbs to move release buttons 420 to the releasing position, thereby unlocking first and second locking mechanisms 390 , 394 .
- first and second locking mechanisms 390 , 394 are unlocked, the caregiver or surgeon can use side handle portions 400 of grip handle 398 to manually move head rest 48 to a desired position relative to back section 50 .
- Head rest 48 can be moved to and locked in an infinite number of positions relative to back section 50 .
- bracket 384 and head rest 48 can be locked in a position in which head rest 48 is substantially aligned with back section 50 as shown in FIG. 8.
- Bracket 384 can pivot downwardly about axis 386 from the position shown in FIG. 8 to a lowered position, shown, for example, in FIG. 9.
- bracket 384 can pivot upwardly about axis 386 from the position shown in FIG. 8 to a raised position, shown, for example, in FIG. 10.
- head rest 48 can tilt rearwardly about axis 388 from the position shown in FIG. 8 to a rearward inclined position, shown in FIG. 9, or, alternatively, head rest 48 can tilt forwardly about axis 388 from the position shown in FIG. 8 to a forward inclined position, shown in FIG. 10.
- Frame member 82 of back section 50 includes a first intermediate strut 424 connecting side struts 98 between end strut 100 and base strut 84 as shown in FIG. 3.
- a pair of transversely spaced-apart flanges 426 extend away from intermediate strut 424 .
- Bracket 384 includes a pair of side plates 428 and a spacer plate 430 connecting side plates 428 as shown, for example, in FIG. 11.
- Each plate 428 of bracket 384 includes a first terminal end portion 432 coupled to a respective flange 426 by a pivot pin 434 which extends transversely between flanges 426 . Pivot pin 434 cooperates with flanges 426 to define pivot axis 386 about which bracket 384 pivots relative to back section 50 .
- Head rest 48 includes a pair of spaced-apart flanges 436 extending downwardly from bottom surface 414 of bottom plate 412 as shown in FIG. 11.
- Each plate 428 of bracket 384 includes a second terminal end portion 438 coupled to a respective flange 436 by a pivot pin 440 which extends transversely between flanges 436 .
- Pivot pin 440 cooperates with flanges 436 to define pivot axis 388 about which head rest 48 pivots relative to bracket 384 .
- First terminal end portion 432 of bracket 384 is coupled to back section 50 between end strut 100 of frame 82 and axis 92 as shown in FIGS. 8 - 10 .
- Side plates 428 of bracket 384 are curved so that sufficient clearance is established between bracket 384 and end strut 100 of frame 82 of back section 50 to allow bracket 384 to support head rest 48 at a position elevated above mattress 44 .
- the clearance between bracket 384 and end strut also allows gas spring 282 to extend from flanges 286 to pivot block 294 between side plates 428 of bracket 384 as shown, for example, in FIG. 3.
- release rod 310 which is coupled to pivot block 294 adjacent to end strut 100 of frame member 82 , is coupled to back section 50 at a position between terminal end portions 432 , 438 of bracket 384 .
- first locking mechanism 390 is a gas spring (hereinafter referred to as gas spring 390 ), although it is within the scope of the invention as presently perceived for locking mechanism 390 to include any of the locking mechanisms that were mentioned above with reference to actuator 282 .
- Gas spring 390 includes a housing 442 , a piston (not shown) inside housing 442 , and a piston rod 444 coupled to the piston and extending out of housing 442 .
- Gas spring 390 can be locked so that piston rod 444 can neither extend further out of housing 442 nor retract into housing 442 , thereby preventing bracket 384 from pivoting about axis 386 relative to back section 50 .
- Gas spring 390 can also be released so that the piston and piston rod 444 can extend and retract relative to housing 442 , thereby allowing bracket 384 to pivot about axis 386 relative to back section 50 .
- Frame member 82 of back section 50 includes a second intermediate strut 446 connecting side struts 98 adjacent to base strut 84 as shown in FIG. 3.
- a pair of flanges 448 extend away from intermediate strut 446 toward end strut 100 .
- Housing 442 of gas spring 390 includes an end 450 coupled to flanges 448 for pivoting movement by a pivot pin 452 .
- Flanges 448 are coupled to intermediate strut 446 at a slightly off-center location so that gas spring 390 does not interfere with gas spring 282 as either of gas springs 390 , 282 is operated.
- piston rod 444 includes an end 454 coupled for pivoting movement to elbow portion 392 of one of side plates 428 by a pivot pin 456 .
- second locking mechanism 394 is a spring clutch (hereinafter referred to as spring clutch 394 ), although it is within the scope of the invention as presently perceived for locking mechanism 394 to include any of the locking mechanisms that were mentioned above with reference to actuator 282 .
- Spring clutch 394 includes a clutch housing 458 and a rod 460 slidably received by clutch housing 458 .
- Spring clutch 394 also includes a coil gripping spring (not shown) received in clutch housing 458 and defining an interior region receiving a portion of rod 460 .
- Spring clutch 394 can be locked so that the gripping spring constricts around rod 460 preventing rod 460 from sliding relative to the gripping spring and clutch housing 458 .
- Spring clutch 394 can also be released so that the gripping spring loosens its grip on rod 460 allowing rod 460 to slide relative to the gripping spring and clutch housing 458 .
- a pair of flanges 462 are appended to housing 458 of spring clutch 394 as shown in FIG. 11.
- Flanges 462 are coupled to elbow portions 396 of side plates 428 by a pivot pin 464 which extends between elbow portions 396 .
- Head rest 48 includes a pair of spaced-apart flanges 466 extending downwardly from bottom surface 414 of bottom plate 412 as shown in FIG. 11.
- An end 468 of rod 460 is coupled to flanges 466 by a pivot pin 470 .
- rod 460 when spring clutch 394 is locked, rod 460 cannot move relative to housing 458 , thereby preventing head rest 48 from pivoting relative to bracket 384 , and when spring clutch 394 is released, rod 460 can move relative to housing 458 , thereby allowing head rest 48 to pivot relative to bracket 384 .
- stretcher 30 includes release buttons 420 that can be engaged to simultaneously unlock first and second locking mechanisms 390 , 394 .
- Release buttons 420 are each coupled to opposite ends of pivot pin 440 by an arm 472 .
- Arms 472 are each fixed to pivot pin 440 to rotate about axis 388 therewith.
- arms 472 and head rest 48 both pivot about axis 388 relative to bracket 384 .
- release buttons 420 can be held in the same orientation relative to head rest 48 as head rest 48 is moved relative to bracket 384 about axis 388 .
- both release buttons 420 move as result of the rigid coupling of arms 472 to pivot pin 440 .
- a transversely-extending tab 474 is appended to one of arms 472 and a plate 476 is appended to bottom plate 412 of head rest 48 as shown in FIG. 11. Plate 476 is bent so that a portion of plate 476 is positioned to lie in confronting relation with tab 474 .
- a first Bowden wire 478 includes a sheath 480 extending from plate 476 to gas spring 390 and a cable 482 extending from tab 474 to gas spring 390 through sheath 480 .
- a second Bowden wire 484 includes a sheath 486 extending from plate 476 to spring clutch 394 and a cable 488 extending from tab 474 to spring clutch 394 through sheath 486 .
- gas spring 390 and spring clutch 394 automatically lock to pull cables 482 , 488 relative to sheaths 480 , 486 , respectively, in a direction opposite to direction 490 so that tab 474 is moved toward plate 476 and release buttons 420 are moved back to their locking positions adjacent to side handle portions 400 of grip handle 398 .
- a transversely-extending socket tube 492 having a square-shaped side wall 494 defining an interior region 496 is coupled to bottom surface 414 of bottom plate 412 of head rest 48 as shown in FIG. 11.
- Socket tube 492 has spaced-apart open ends 498 that provide access to interior region 496 .
- Socket tube 492 is adapted to allow attachment of a temporal wrist rest assembly 500 , a portion of which is shown in FIG. 11, to head rest 48 .
- Temporal wrist rest assembly 500 includes a transversely-extending rod 510 and a first vertical rod 512 appended to an end of rod 510 as shown in Figs. 11 and 12 . Temporal wrist rest assembly 500 also includes a second vertical rod 514 coupled to first vertical rod 512 for telescoping movement and a temporal wrist rest 516 coupled to an upper end 518 of second vertical rod 514 for pivoting movement.
- Transversely-extending rod 510 can be inserted into interior region 496 of socket tube 492 so that temporal wrist rest assembly 500 is mounted to head rest 48 .
- Rod 510 can be inserted into interior region 496 through either of open ends 498 of socket tube 492 so that temporal wrist rest assembly 500 is adjacent to side 140 of head rest 48 or so that temporal wrist rest assembly 500 is adjacent to side 142 of head rest.
- Rod 510 extends above one of side handle portions 400 and beneath bottom plate 412 of head rest 48 when wrist rest assembly 500 is mounted to head rest 48 .
- the cross-section of transversely-extending rod 510 is square-shaped so that side wall 494 of socket tube 492 engages rod 510 to prevent rod 510 from pivoting relative to socket tube 492 .
- a threaded cylinder 520 is appended to a bottom corner portion of socket tube 492 and a turn screw 522 is threadedly coupled to cylinder 520 .
- Turn screw 522 can be turned to tighten rod 510 against socket tube 492 to prevent transverse movement of temporal wrist rest assembly 500 relative to head rest 48 .
- Turn screw 522 can also be turned to loosen rod 510 from socket tube 492 to allow transverse movement of temporal wrist rest assembly 500 relative to head rest 48 .
- the transverse position of wrist rest 516 relative to head rest 48 can be adjusted by moving rod 510 within socket tube 492 to a desired position and then turn screw 522 can be tightened to lock temporal wrist rest assembly 500 in the desired transverse position.
- a threaded cylinder 524 is appended to a corner portion of first vertical tube 512 and a turn screw 526 is threadedly coupled to cylinder 524 .
- Turn screw 526 can be turned to tighten second vertical rod 514 against first vertical rod 512 to prevent vertical telescoping movement of second vertical rod 514 relative to first vertical rod 512 .
- Turn screw 526 can also be turned to loosen rod 514 from rod 512 to allow vertical telescoping movement of rod 514 relative to rod 512 .
- the vertical position of wrist rest 516 relative to head rest 48 can be adjusted by moving rod 514 relative to rod 512 to a desired position and then turn screw 526 can be tightened to lock wrist rest 516 in the desired vertical position.
- Bracket 528 is appended to wrist rest 516 and couples wrist rest 516 to second vertical rod 514 .
- Bracket 528 includes a pair of pivot portions 530 and a stop portion 532 connecting pivot portions 530 .
- Pivot portions 530 are coupled to upper end 518 of second vertical rod 514 by a pivot pin 533 .
- Wrist rest 516 can pivot about pin 533 relative to second vertical rod 514 between a first position, shown in FIG. 12, in which stop portion 532 of bracket 528 engages one side of rod 514 to support wrist rest 516 in the first position and a second position (not shown) in which stop portion 532 of bracket 528 engages an opposite side of rod 514 to support wrist rest 516 in the second position.
- wrist rest 516 When wrist rest 516 is in the first position, the surgeon can rest his or her wrists on wrist rest 516 while performing surgery on the patient. When wrist rest 516 is in the second position, wrist rest 516 is moved away from head rest 48 so that the surgeon has greater access to the head of the patient.
- Head rest 48 includes a pair of longitudinally-extending socket tubes 534 appended to bottom plate 412 as shown in FIGS. 11 - 13 .
- Socket tubes 534 each include a tube wall 536 defining an interior region 538 as shown best in FIG. 12.
- Socket tubes 534 each have an open end 540 that provides access to interior regions 538 of respective socket tubes 534 .
- Socket tubes 534 are adapted to allow attachment of a wrist rest assembly 542 to head rest 48 as shown in FIG. 13.
- Wrist rest assembly 542 includes a longitudinally-extending first rod 544 and a longitudinally-extending second rod 546 .
- a transversely-extending end rod 548 is integrally appended to first rod 544 and a transversely-extending end socket tube 550 is appended to an end of second rod 546 .
- Wrist rest assembly 542 further includes a first vertical rod 560 appended to an end portion of rod 548 and extending upwardly therefrom as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.
- An end tube 549 of wrist rest assembly 542 is appended to first vertical rod 560 and extends transversely therefrom.
- Wrist rest assembly 542 also includes a second vertical rod 562 coupled to first vertical rod 560 for telescoping movement and a U-shaped wrist rest 564 coupled to an upper end 566 of second vertical rod 562 for pivoting movement.
- End socket tube 550 includes a tube wall 552 defining an interior region 554 of end socket tube 550 and a portion of end tube 549 is received in interior region 554 as shown in FIG. 14.
- a turn screw 556 couples end tube 549 to end socket tube 550 so that rods 544 , 546 are coupled together.
- Turn screw 556 can be rotated about an axis 558 to move end tube 549 relative to end socket tube 550 , thereby moving first vertical rod 560 and end rod 548 which moves rod 544 relative to rod 546 .
- Longitudinally-extending rods 544 , 546 can be inserted through open ends 540 of respective socket tubes 534 into interior regions 538 so that wrist rest assembly 542 is mounted to head rest 48 .
- Wrist rest assembly 542 can be moved longitudinally relative to head rest 48 to a desired position and then turn screw 556 can be turned to tighten rods 544 , 546 against tube walls 536 of socket tubes 534 , thereby locking wrist rest assembly 542 from longitudinal movement relative to head rest 48 .
- Turn screw 556 can also be turned to loosen rods 544 , 546 from tube walls 536 of socket tubes 534 so that wrist rest assembly 542 can be longitudinally moved relative to head rest 48 .
- a threaded cylinder 568 is appended to a corner portion of first vertical tube 560 and a turn screw 570 is threadedly coupled to cylinder 568 .
- Turn screw 570 can be turned to tighten second vertical rod 562 against first vertical rod 560 to prevent vertical telescoping movement of second vertical rod 562 relative to first vertical rod 560 .
- Turn screw 570 can also be turned to loosen rod 562 from rod 560 to allow vertical telescoping movement of rod 562 relative to rod 560 .
- the vertical position of wrist rest 564 relative to head rest 48 can be adjusted by moving rod 562 relative to rod 560 to a desired position and then turn screw 570 can be tightened to lock wrist rest 564 in the desired vertical position.
- Bracket 572 is appended to wrist rest 564 and couples wrist rest 564 to second vertical rod 562 .
- Bracket 572 includes a pair of pivot portions 574 and a stop portion 576 connecting pivot portions 574 .
- Pivot portions 574 are coupled to upper end 566 of second vertical rod 562 by a pivot pin 578 .
- Wrist rest 564 can pivot about pin 578 relative to second vertical rod 562 between a first position, shown in FIG. 13, in which stop portion 576 of bracket 572 engages one side of rod 562 to support wrist rest 564 in the first position and a second position (not shown) in which stop portion 576 of bracket 572 engages an opposite side of rod 562 to support wrist rest 564 in the second position.
- Wrist rest 564 includes a pair of side portions 580 and an end portion 582 connecting side portions 580 .
- side portions 580 When wrist rest 516 is in the first position, side portions 580 extend above sides 140 , 142 of head rest 48 away from end portion 582 toward patient-support deck 34 .
- the surgeon can rest his or her wrists on side portions 580 and end portion 582 of wrist rest 564 while performing surgery on the patient when wrist rest 564 is in the first position.
- wrist rest 564 is in the second position, wrist rest 564 is moved away from head rest 48 so that the surgeon has greater access to the head of the patient.
- end tube 549 is received in interior region 554 of end socket tube 550 and turn screw 556 is coupled to both end tube 549 and end socket tube 550 .
- An end plug 584 is inserted into an interior region 586 of end tube 549 and is fixed to end tube 549 as shown in FIG. 14.
- End socket tube 550 includes an end wall 588 adjacent to end plug 584 .
- End wall 588 is formed to include an aperture 590 and end plug 584 is formed to include a threaded aperture 592 .
- Turn screw 556 includes a knob 594 and a threaded screw portion 596 extending away from knob 594 as shown in FIG. 14. Threaded screw portion 596 extends through aperture 590 formed in end wall 588 and is received by threaded aperture 592 formed in end plug 584 so that threaded screw portion 596 of turn screw 556 threadedly engages end plug 584 . As knob 594 is rotated about axis 558 , threaded screw portion 596 rotates relative to end plug 584 and end wall 588 about axis 558 .
- Knob 594 includes a tube-engaging surface 598 that can be moved into engagement with end wall 588 of end socket tube 550 as shown in FIG. 14.
- knob 594 can be turned in a tightening direction, indicated by arrow 600 , shown in FIG. 13, until tube-engaging surface 598 of knob 594 engages end wall 588 .
- Further rotation of knob 594 in direction 600 after initial engagement between tube-engaging surface 598 and end wall 588 , causes threaded screw portion 596 to rotate within end plug 584 but engagement between tube-engaging surface 598 and end wall 588 prevents axial movement of threaded screw portion 596 along axis 558 .
- Knob 594 can be turned in a loosening direction, indicated by dotted arrow 610 , shown in FIG. 13, until rods 544 , 546 are once again free to move relative to socket tubes 534 of head rest 48 . After rods 544 , 546 are loosened from socket tubes 534 , wrist rest assembly 542 can be completely decoupled from head rest 48 .
- End socket tube 550 includes an edge 612 defining a slot 614 as shown in FIG. 14.
- a post 616 is coupled to end tube 549 and is received in slot 614 so that, when wrist rest assembly 542 is decoupled from head rest 48 , post 616 engages edge 612 to limit the amount by which end socket tube 550 and rod 546 can pivot relative to end tube 549 about axis 558 .
- Each of side portions 580 of wrist rest 564 can include open ends 618 that allow auxiliary medical equipment to be attached to wrist rest 564 .
- an air manifold assembly 620 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, can be attached to wrist rest 564 .
- Air manifold assembly 620 includes end caps 622 that mount to respective open ends 618 of side portions 580 .
- Air manifold assembly 620 also includes a flexible tube 624 extending from each end cap 622 . Flexible tubes 624 each couple to an end of a cylindrical air manifold 626 of air manifold assembly 620 .
- Air manifold 626 can include a center wall 628 that partitions air manifold 626 into an oxygen delivery side 630 and a carbon dioxide removal side 632 .
- Center wall 628 divides an interior region of manifold 626 into two separate side-by-side interior regions.
- Sides 630 , 632 of air manifold 626 are each formed to include a plurality of pores 634 that open into the respective side-by-side interior regions of air manifold 626 .
- some of pores 634 are associated with oxygen delivery side 630 of air manifold 626 and some of pores 634 are associated with carbon dioxide removal side 632 of air manifold 626 .
- Each end cap 622 includes a tube connector 640 depending downwardly therefrom.
- An oxygen delivery hose 636 can be coupled to one of tube connectors 640 and a carbon dioxide removal hose 638 can be coupled to the other of tube connectors 640 .
- End cap 622 associated with oxygen delivery hose 636 , oxygen delivery side 630 of air manifold 626 , and the flexible tube 624 therebetween all include internal passageways (not shown) in fluid communication with one another so that oxygen supplied through oxygen delivery hose 636 can flow through the internal passageways and out of the pores 634 associated with oxygen delivery side 630 of air manifold 626 .
- end cap 622 associated with carbon dioxide removal hose 638 , carbon dioxide removal side 632 of air manifold 626 , and the flexible tube 624 therebetween all include internal passageways (not shown) in fluid communication with one another so that, when suction is applied to carbon dioxide removal hose 638 , the air in the vicinity of pores 634 associated with carbon dioxide removal side 632 of air manifold 626 , can flow through the internal passageways and into carbon dioxide removal hose 638 .
- Flexible tubes 624 can be manipulated into an infinite number of orientations relative to wrist rest 564 so that air manifold 626 is at a desired position relative to the head of the patient supported by head rest 48 .
- Wrist rest 564 and air manifold assembly 620 can pivot away from the head of the patient, for example, to an intermediate out-of-the-way position as shown in FIG. 15 (in phantom) so that the access to the head of the patient is increased.
- Flexible tubes 624 have sufficient stiffness to support a surgical drape 642 over the head of the patient to create a tented environment as shown in FIG. 16.
- Drape 642 can include a “sticky” side that adheres to the head of the patient and that adheres to the portions of air manifold assembly 620 and wrist rest 564 that support drape 642 above the head of the patient. The surgeon can cut a hole in drape 642 to expose the part of the head of the patient on which surgery is to be performed. Even when wrist rest 564 is covered by drape 642 , the surgeon can rest his or her wrists on side and end portions 580 , 582 of wrist rest 564 .
- head rest 48 carries a head cushion 52 that supports the head of the patient.
- Head rest 48 includes a pair of spaced-apart side plates 644 angling upwardly from respective socket tubes 534 to define a head cushion-receiving space 646 therebetween as shown best in FIGS. 12 and 13.
- bottom plate 412 , socket tubes 534 , and side plates 644 of head rest 48 are shown as being a single integral piece, it is within the scope of the invention as presently perceived for some or all of these components to be separate pieces that are fastened together.
- each socket tube 534 and the associated side plate 644 could be an extruded piece that fastens to a respective side of a single bottom plate 412 .
- Other divisions of head rest 48 into separate pieces that fasten together are also possible.
- Head cushion 52 includes angled side surfaces 648 and a bottom surface (not shown).
- the bottom surface of head cushion 52 engages bottom plate 412 of head rest 48 and portions of side surfaces 648 engage companion side plates 644 so that head cushion 52 securely mates with head rest 48 within head cushion-receiving space 646 .
- Fasteners (not shown), such as hook-and-loop fastener strips, can be attached to head cushion 52 and head rest 48 so that head cushion 52 is more securely coupled to head rest 48 .
- Head cushion 52 includes an upwardly-facing concave surface 650 that defines a head cradle 652 as shown, for example, in FIG. 11.
- Head cradle 652 is adapted to receive the head of the patient and concave surface 650 helps to stabilize the head of the patient during surgery.
- a cradle insert 654 can be coupled to head rest 48 to fill head cradle 652 when stretcher 30 is being used to transport the patient before and after surgery.
- Cradle insert 654 includes a downwardly-facing convex surface 656 that engages concave surface 650 of head cushion 52 when cradle insert 654 is inserted into head cradle 652 .
- Head cushion 52 includes a pair of upwardly-facing substantially planar surfaces 658 , each of which extends between a respective upper edge 660 of concave surface 650 and the corresponding side surface 648 .
- Cradle insert 654 includes a pair of fastening flaps 662 , each of which includes a first portion 664 that extends over one of planar surfaces 658 when cradle insert 654 is received in head cradle 652 , and each of which includes a second portion 666 that can be folded downwardly from its associated first portion 664 into engagement with side plates 644 of head rest 48 .
- a hook-and-loop fastener strip 668 is fixed to each second portion 666 of fastening flaps 662 and a companion hook-and-loop fastener strip 670 is fixed to an outer surface 672 of each side plate 644 of head rest 48 .
- fastening flaps 662 can be folded relative to head cushion 52 and head rest 48 so that strips 668 engage companion strips 670 to firmly secure cradle insert 654 in head cradle 652 .
- Cradle insert 654 includes an upwardly-facing substantially planar surface 674 that is positioned to lie above convex surface 656 . Surface 674 supports the head of the patient when cradle insert 654 is received in head cradle 652 of head cushion 52 .
- head cushion 676 is shown in FIGS. 17 - 19 .
- Head cushion 52 can be removed from head cushion-receiving space 646 and head cushion 676 can be inserted into head cushion-receiving space 646 to replace head cushion 52 as indicated by double arrow 678 shown in FIG. 17.
- head cushion 676 provides increased stabilization of the head of the patient, which is desirable during some head surgeries.
- Head cushion 676 is a two-chamber vacuum pad (hereinafter referred to as vacuum pad 676 ) that includes a foam pad 680 in one of the chambers and a plurality of plastic beads 682 in the other of the chambers as shown in FIG. 19.
- Vacuum pad 676 includes a bag 684 having three sheets that are sealed together to define the chambers.
- bag 684 includes a first outer sheet made of Penn Nyla P079 material, a second outer sheet made of 15 mil urethane, and a middle sheet made of 6 mil urethane.
- Foam pad 680 is positioned to lie between the middle sheet and the first outer sheet.
- Plastic beads 682 are contained within a plurality of tubes 683 that are connected to form a bead pad. Some of tubes 683 are orthogonal to other of tubes 683 as shown in FIG. 19. The bead pad is positioned to lie between the middle sheet and the second outer sheet of bag 684 .
- Vacuum pad 676 includes a tube connector port 686 and a relief valve 688 as shown in FIG. 17.
- the bead pad which contains beads 682 is air permeable and the middle and second sheets of bag 684 are air impermeable.
- a hose (not shown) can be attached to tube connector port 686 and suction can be applied to the hose to draw air out of the second chamber and out of the bead pad through tube connector port 686 . Drawing air out of the second chamber and bead pad causes beads 682 to be compressed together, thereby placing vacuum pad 676 in a rigid state.
- vacuum pad 676 When vacuum pad 676 is in the non-rigid state, vacuum pad 676 is formable into an infinite number of configurations.
- vacuum pad 676 can be formed from a flat uncupped configuration, shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, into a cupped configuration, shown in FIG. 17.
- Vacuum pad 676 has spaced-apart side wall portions 690 and a bottom portion 692 connecting side wall portions 690 .
- Vacuum pad 676 includes a hook-and-loop fastener strap 694 extending away from one of side wall portions 690 and vacuum pad includes a companion hook-and-loop fastener strip (not shown) fixed to the other of side wall portions 690 .
- a portion of strap 694 can be attached to the companion strip to help hold vacuum pad 676 in the cupped configuration as shown in FIG. 17.
- Vacuum pad 676 includes edges 696 that face substantially upwardly when vacuum pad 676 is in the cupped configuration to provide a wrist rest surface 698 on which the wrists of the surgeon can rest during surgery. Edges 696 of side walls 690 are formable when vacuum pad 676 is in the non-rigid state.
- the surgeon can press relief valve 688 to place vacuum pad 676 in the non-rigid state and then form edges 686 until wrist rest surfaces 698 are fashioned into the desired shape. The surgeon can then release relief valve 688 and vacuum pad 676 will return to the rigid state having wrist rest surfaces 698 fixed in the desired shape.
- stretcher 30 includes pedal assembly 74 which includes yoke 76 and flip-over pedal 78 coupled to yoke 76 for pivoting movement, as shown in FIGS. 20 - 23 .
- Flip-over pedal 78 has a first orientation relative to yoke 76 in which distal end portion 80 of flip-over pedal is on one side of yoke 76 , as shown in FIGS. 20 - 22
- flip-over pedal 78 has a second orientation relative to yoke 76 in which distal end portion 80 of flip-over pedal 76 is on the other side of yoke 76 , as shown in FIG. 23, and as also previously described.
- a bottom end 700 of yoke 76 is fixed to brake-steer shaft 70 and a top end 710 of yoke 76 is formed to include a pair of spaced-apart pivot portions 712 as shown in FIG. 20.
- Yoke 76 includes a stop portion 714 connecting pivot portions 712 .
- Flip-over pedal 78 has a proximal end 716 coupled to pivot portions 712 of yoke 76 above stop portion 714 by a pivot pin 718 . Pivot pin 718 cooperates with pivot portions 712 to define a pivot axis 720 about which flip-over pedal 78 can pivot relative to yoke 76 .
- Brake-steer shaft 70 is coupled to the lower frame of stretcher 30 for pivoting movement about a pivot axis 722 .
- Axis 720 of flip-over pedal 78 is spaced apart from, and is substantially parallel with, axis 722 of brake-steer shaft 70 .
- axis 720 is always at a higher elevation above floor 64 than is axis 722 as shown in FIGS. 21 - 23 .
- yoke 76 offsets flip-over pedal 78 upwardly to occupy a range of positions that is at a higher elevation relative to floor 64 than would be the case if flip-over pedal were connected to brake-steer shaft 70 to rotate about axis 722 .
- Having flip-over pedal 78 at this heightened elevation increases the amount of room available on floor 64 in the vicinity of pedal assembly 74 for medical devices (not shown), such as foot pedal controllers used during surgery to operate associated medical equipment.
- Brake-steer shaft 70 has a neutral position midway between the braking and steering positions, shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, in which yoke 76 is in an upright vertical orientation having axis 720 over axis 722 .
- the center wheel is spaced apart from floor 64 and casters 62 are free to rotate and swivel.
- Flip-over pedal 78 includes a rod 724 that connects distal end portion 80 to proximal end 716 .
- Rod 724 is bent at the middle so that distal end portion 80 of flip-over pedal 78 is spaced apart from shroud 60 a sufficient distance to allow the caregiver or surgeon to step on distal end portion 80 without interference from shroud 60 .
- brake-steer shaft 70 can be rotated from the neutral position, shown in FIG. 21, in a clockwise direction 726 to the steering position, shown in FIG. 22, by application of a downward force to distal end portion 80 of flip-over pedal 78 .
- the downward force on distal end portion 80 is transmitted through flip-over pedal 78 and yoke 76 to brake-steer shaft 70 .
- Yoke 76 is in a first tilted orientation when brake-steer shaft 70 is in the steering position.
- flip-over pedal 78 can be pivoted from the first orientation, shown in FIG. 22 (in solid), to the second orientation, shown in FIG. 22 (in phantom).
- distal end portion 80 is spaced apart from floor 64 by a first distance 728 if flip-over pedal 78 is in the first orientation and distal end portion 80 is spaced apart from floor 64 by a second distance 730 if flip-over pedal 78 is in the second orientation.
- Second distance 730 is larger than first distance 728 so that more room is available on floor 64 in the vicinity of pedal assembly 74 when distal end portion 80 is spaced apart from floor 64 by second distance 730 .
- brake-steer shaft 70 can be rotated from the steering position, shown in FIG. 22, in a counterclockwise direction 732 through the neutral position to the braking position, shown in FIG. 23, by application of a downward force to distal end portion 80 of flip-over pedal 78 .
- the downward force on distal end portion 80 is transmitted through flip-over pedal 78 and yoke 76 to brake-steer shaft 70 .
- Yoke 76 is in a second tilted orientation when brake-steer shaft 70 is in the braking position.
- flip-over pedal 78 can be pivoted from the second orientation, shown in FIG. 23 (in solid), back to the first orientation, shown in FIG. 23 (in phantom).
- distal end portion 80 is spaced apart from floor 64 by a third distance 734 if flip-over pedal 78 is in the second orientation and distal end portion 80 is spaced apart from floor 64 by a fourth distance 736 if flip-over pedal 78 is in the first orientation.
- Fourth distance 736 is larger than third distance 728 so that more room is available on floor 64 in the vicinity of pedal assembly 74 when distal end portion 80 is spaced apart from floor 64 by fourth distance 736 .
- flip-over pedal 78 can be selectively moved to the first and second orientations relative to yoke 76 and a downward force can be applied to distal end portion 80 of flip-over pedal 78 to move brake-steer shaft between the steering, neutral, and braking positions so that the braking of casters 62 and the position of the center wheel is controlled in a desired manner.
- Stretcher 30 includes indicia 738 affixed to shroud 60 for indicating the position of brake-steer shaft 70 . After brake-steer shaft 70 has been moved to the desired position, flip-over pedal 78 can be moved to a position that maximizes the availability of room on floor 64 in the vicinity of pedal assembly 74 .
Abstract
A pedal assembly for rotating a brake-steer shaft of a stretcher. The pedal assembly includes a yoke coupled to the brake-steer shaft to rotate therewith and a flip-over pedal having a proximal end coupled to the yoke and a distal end spaced therefrom. The flip-over pedal is pivotable about a flip-over axis relative to the yoke. The flip-over pedal has a first orientation in which the flip-over pedal extends away from the yoke in a first direction so that the distal end of the flip-over pedal can be engaged to rotate the brake-steer shaft in a first direction. The flip-over pedal has a second orientation in which the flip-over pedal extends away from the yoke in a second direction so that the distal end of the flip-over pedal can be engaged to rotate the brake-steer shaft in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/369,546, filed Aug. 6, 1999, and entitled “ADJUSTABLE HEAD REST FOR A PATIENT SUPPORT”, which is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/892,147, filed Jul. 14, 1997, and entitled “SURGICAL STRETCHER”.
- The present invention relates to a hospital stretcher, and particularly, to a surgical stretcher used for head and neck surgery. More particularly, the present invention relates to a surgical stretcher having a head rest that is adjustable relative to a back section of the stretcher and having hardware, such as a wrist rest assembly and extender board assemblies, that are used in conjunction with the head rest.
- Hospital stretchers having head rests that support the head of a patient during head and neck surgery are known. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,797 to Failor et al. Hospital stretchers having wrist rests that support the wrists of a surgeon performing surgery on the head and neck of the patient are also known. See, for example, the Failor et al. '797 patent and U.S. Pat. No. 4,390,011 to Evans.
- Stretchers having foot pedals that can be engaged to actuate braking and steering mechanisms are also known in the art. Stretchers having a head rest may include such foot pedals beneath the head rest. See, for example, the Failor et al. '797patent and the Stryker Model 1068 Head and Neck Surgery Stretcher advertising literature. Sometimes these foot pedals beneath the head rest can get in the way of foot-operated surgical equipment that the surgeon uses during head and neck surgery.
- According to the present invention, the stretcher includes a pedal assembly for rotating a brake-steer shaft about an axis. The pedal assembly includes a yoke coupled to the brake-steer shaft to rotate therewith and a flip-over pedal having a proximal end coupled to the yoke and a distal end spaced therefrom. The flip-over pedal is pivotable about a flip-over axis relative to the yoke. The flip-over pedal has a first orientation in which the flip-over pedal extends away from the yoke in a first direction so that the distal end of the flip-over pedal can be engaged to rotate the brake-steer shaft in a first direction. The flip-over pedal has a second orientation in which the flip-over pedal extends away from the yoke in a second direction so that the distal end of the flip-over pedal can be engaged to rotate the brake-steer shaft in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
- Additional objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.
- The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective of a surgical stretcher in accordance with the present invention showing a patient support deck having a head end and a foot end, a head rest coupled to the head end of the patient-support deck, and extender boards mounted to sides of the patient-support deck, each of the extender boards being pivotable between a first position adjacent to the head rest and a second position extending toward the foot end of the patient-support deck;
- FIG. 2 is top plan view of the surgical stretcher of FIG. 1 showing both extender boards in their respective first positions adjacent to the head rest and showing one of the extenders pivoting through a transition position (in phantom) into the second position (in phantom) to function as an arm board;
- FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of a back section of the patient-support deck of the stretcher of FIG. 1 in a substantially vertical position showing the back section having a tubular frame member defining the outer perimeter of the back section and a first releasing assembly coupled to the back section, the first releasing assembly being actuatable to unlock the back section for pivoting movement relative to a frame of the stretcher;
- FIG. 4 is a view of the back section similar to FIG. 3, with portions broken away, showing one of the extender boards in the first position and a second releasing assembly coupled to the extender board, the second releasing assembly being actuatable to unlock the back section for pivoting movement relative to the frame of the stretcher;
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line5-5 of FIG. 4 showing a latch mounted to the extender board for movement between a locking position in which the extender board is locked in the first position and a releasing position (in phantom) in which the extender board is unlocked and can pivot relative to the back section;
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a first embodiment connector assembly that connects each of the extender boards to one of a pair of rails attached to the back section frame member showing the connector assembly including two clutch disks overlying a clutch assembly that biases the clutch disks together in frictional engagement with one another;
- FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment connector assembly that connects each of the extender boards to the respective rail showing the second embodiment connector assembly including two toothed clutch disks overlying an assembly for clamping the clutch disks together;
- FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the surgical stretcher of FIG. 1 showing the back section being locked in a flat table position by a first gas spring connecting the back section to the frame of the stretcher, a bracket coupling the head rest to the back section, the bracket being locked relative to the back section by a second gas spring connecting the bracket to the back section, and the head rest being locked in generally coplanar relation with the back section by a spring clutch connecting the head section to the bracket;
- FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing the bracket tilted downwardly relative to the back section, the head rest tilted rearwardly relative to the bracket, the bracket being pivotable relative to the back section about a transverse horizontal first pivot axis when the second gas spring is unlocked, and the head rest being pivotable relative to the bracket about a transverse horizontal second pivot axis when the spring clutch is unlocked;
- FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing the bracket tilted upwardly relative to the back section and the head rest tilted forwardly relative to the bracket;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the head rest and bracket of FIG. 10 showing a head rest cushion filler above the head rest, a portion of a temporal wrist rest assembly beside the head rest and coupleable to the head rest, and release hardware coupled to the head rest and bracket, the release hardware being movable to simultaneously unlock the second gas spring and the spring clutch so that the head rest and bracket can be repositioned relative to the back section;
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the head rest of FIG. 11 showing the head rest having a flat bottom plate, a longitudinally-extending socket tube appended to each side of the bottom plate, a side plate angling upwardly from each socket tube, and a transversely-extending bar of the temporal wrist rest assembly projecting underneath the head rest;
- FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12 showing a wrist rest assembly coupled to the head rest by longitudinally-extending rods, each rod being received by a respective socket tube of the head rest, a wire grip handle coupled to the head rest beneath the bottom plate thereof, and a release button that can be pressed to unlock the second gas spring and the spring clutch, the release button being positioned to lie between a side handle portion of the wire grip handle and the head rest;
- FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of a portion of the wrist rest assembly, with portions broken away showing a transversely-extending end tube having a portion received in the interior region of an end socket tube and a turn screw coupled to both the end tube and the end socket tube;
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the head rest showing an air manifold assembly coupled to a U-shaped wrist rest of the wrist rest assembly, the wrist rest and air manifold assembly being pivotable away from a head of a patient to an out-of-the-way position (in phantom);
- FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the head rest of FIG. 15 showing the air manifold assembly and wrist rest assembly supporting a drape over the head of the patient to create a tented environment;
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the head rest of FIG. 1 showing a vacuum pad being insertable between the head of the patient and the head rest, the vacuum pad having side walls with top edges that function as wrist rests;
- FIG. 18 is top plan view of the vacuum pad of FIG. 17 in a flat uncupped configuration showing the vacuum pad including a strap extending from one side thereof;
- FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the vacuum pad taken along line19-19 of FIG. 18 showing foam beads filling an interior region of the vacuum pad;
- FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a head end lower portion of the surgical stretcher of FIG. 1 showing a flip-over pedal coupled to a longitudinally-extending brake-steer shaft by a yoke, the yoke being in an upright neutral position, and the flip-over pedal being pivotable in the direction of the double arrow relative to the yoke;
- FIG. 21 is an end elevation view of the surgical stretcher of FIG. 20 showing the yoke in the upright neutral position, the flip-over pedal in a first orientation relative to the yoke, and the yoke being movable in the direction of the single arrow to pivot the brake-steer shaft about a longitudinally-extending axis in the direction of the single arrow;
- FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 21 showing the flip-over pedal and yoke in a steering position and the flip-over pedal being movable relative to the yoke from the first orientation to a second orientation (in phantom); and
- FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 22 showing the flip-over pedal and yoke in a braking position and the flip-over pedal being movable relative to the yoke from the second orientation back to the first orientation (in phantom).
- A
surgical stretcher 30 in accordance with the present invention includes aframe 32 and a patient-support deck 34 supported byframe 32 as shown in FIG. 1. Patient-support deck 34 has ahead end 36, afoot end 38, and first and secondlongitudinal sides head end 36 andfoot end 38. Stretcher 30 includes amattress 44 supported by patient-support deck 34. Mattress 44 has an upwardly-facing patient-support surface 46 on which a patient can rest. - Stretcher30 includes a
head rest 48 adjacent tohead end 36 of patient-support deck 34.Head rest 48 is coupled to aback section 50 of patient-support deck 34 and the position ofhead rest 48 can be adjusted relative toback section 50. In addition, the position ofback section 50 can be adjusted relative toframe 32 and relative to the rest of patient-support deck 34.Head rest 48 includes ahead cushion 52 that supports the head of the patient. - Stretcher30 also includes a pair of
extender boards 54, each of which is mounted to respective first and secondlongitudinal sides back section 50 of patient-support deck 34. Eachextender board 54 supports acushion 56 having anextension surface 58.Extender boards 54 are independently pivotable relative toback section 50 between a first position adjacent tohead rest 48, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and a second position extending away fromback section 50 towardfoot end 38 of patient-support deck 34, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (in phantom). Stretcher 30 includes a pair of side guard assemblies 61 that, when moved to a lowered position as shown in FIG. 1, permit full movement ofextender boards 54 between the first and second positions. - Stretcher30 includes a lower frame (not shown) covered by a
shroud 60 as shown in FIG. 1.Casters 62 are mounted to the lower frame and extend downwardly therefrom to engage afloor 64 on which stretcher 30 sets.Frame 32 and patient-support deck 34 are supported above the lower frame andshroud 60 by a pair of longitudinally spaced-apart elevation mechanisms (not shown), well-known to those skilled in the art. The elevation mechanisms are each covered by aboot 66 as shown in FIG. 1. Stretcher 30 includes a plurality offoot pedals 68 that are coupled to the elevation mechanisms.Different foot pedals 68 can be depressed so that the elevation mechanisms are actuated to raise, lower, ortilt frame 32 and patient-support deck 34 relative tofloor 64. -
Stretcher 30 also includes a longitudinally-extending brake-steer shaft 70. Brake-steer shaft 70 is coupled to a conventionalcaster braking mechanism 71 which is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 20 and which is well known to those skilled in the art.Caster braking mechanism 71brakes casters 62 to prevent them from rotating and swivelling when brake-steer shaft 70 is rotated to a braking position. Brake-steer shaft 70 is also coupled to a conventionalcenter wheel mechanism 73 which is also shown diagrammatically in FIG. 20 and which is also well known to those skilled in the art.Center wheel mechanism 73 lowers a center wheel (not shown) into engagement withfloor 64 when brake-steer shaft 70 is rotated to a steering position. - A
brake pedal 72 is coupled to brake-steer shaft 70 beneathfoot end 38 of patient-support deck 34 and apedal assembly 74 is coupled to brake-steer shaft 70 beneath head end 36 of patient-support deck 34.Brake pedal 72 can be engaged to rotate brake-steer shaft 70 to the braking position, thereby brakingcasters 62.Pedal assembly 74 includes ayoke 76 and a flip-overpedal 78 coupled toyoke 76 for pivoting movement. Flip-overpedal 78 is movable relative toyoke 76 between a first orientation in which adistal end portion 80 can be engaged to rotate brake-steer shaft 70 to the steering position and a second orientation in whichend portion 80 can be engaged to rotate brake-steer shaft 70 to the braking position as will be discussed in detail below with reference to FIGS. 20-23. -
Stretcher 30 is well suited for head and neck surgery, and particularly, for outpatient head and neck surgery. Prior to surgery, when the patient is resting onstretcher 30 in a pre-op waiting area, for example,extender boards 54 can be moved to the first position adjacent to head rest 48 so that extension surfaces 58 cooperate with patient-support surface 46 to increase the support surface area near the head and shoulders of the patient.Stretcher 30 can be used to transport the patient from the pre-op waiting area to an operating room where surgery is to be performed on the patient. - During transport, back
section 50 can be placed in a desired position depending upon the preference of the caregiver or the patient. For example, if the patient is unconscious, backsection 50 can be moved to a horizontal position in which the patient is supported in a lying-down position. Alternatively, if the patient is conscious and capable of sitting up, backsection 50 can be moved to an inclined position in which backsection 50 is angled at about seventy degrees (70°) relative to frame 32, thereby placing the patient in a sitting-up position. In addition, backsection 50 can be moved to any one of an infinite number of intermediate positions between the horizontal and inclined positions, if desired. - During transport of the patient to the operating room,
pedal assembly 74 can be used to move brake-steer shaft 70 to the steering position having the centerwheel engaging floor 64 to assist in steeringstretcher 30 by providing a frictional contact area withfloor 64 about whichstretcher 30 can be easily turned. Afterstretcher 30 reaches the desired location in the operating room,pedal assembly 74 can be used to move brake-steer shaft 70 to the braking position so thatcasters 62 are prevented from rotating or swivelling, thereby preventingstretcher 30 from moving alongfloor 64. - Prior to surgery, back
section 50 can be moved to the horizontal position and one or both ofextender boards 54 can be moved away fromhead rest 48 to their respective second positions. Placing eachextender board 54 in the second position results in increased access to the head of the patient by the surgeon. In addition, extension surfaces 58 ofcushions 56 can support the arms of the patient outpast sides support deck 34 so that IV fluids and anesthesia can be administered to the patient during surgery. After the patient has been anesthetized, the surgeon can move the head of the patient to a desired surgical position by adjusting the position ofhead rest 48. - After surgery,
extender boards 54 can be returned to their first positions adjacent to headrest 48.Pedal assembly 74 can be used to move brake-steer shaft 70 out of the braking position and into the steering position andstretcher 30 can then be used to transport the patient to a post-op area where the patient can recover from surgery. Thus, the patient can rest upon patient-support surface 46 ofstretcher 30 before, during, and after surgery. In addition,extender boards 54 can be moved between first and second positions to function as head extenders and arm boards, respectively. - As previously described,
back section 50 can be moved between horizontal and inclined positions.Back section 50 includes a tubular frame member 82 having abase strut 84 as shown in FIG. 3. A pair of transversely spaced-apartflanges 86 extend away frombase strut 84 and couple to respective longitudinally-extendingflanges 88 appended to a cross strut 91 offrame 32.Flanges 86 are pinned toflanges 88 so thatback section 50 can pivot relative to frame 32 about atransverse pivot axis 92, shown, for example, in FIGS. 1-3. -
Back section 50 includes apanel 94 attached to frame member 82.Panel 94 ofback section 50 includes a substantiallyplanar surface 96 that supports part ofmattress 44 as shown in FIG. 2. The part ofmattress 44 supported bysurface 96 ofpanel 94 includes a back-support surface 47 that engages the upper torso of the patient resting onmattress 44. - Frame member82 includes a pair of spaced-apart longitudinal side struts 98, a
transverse end strut 100, and a pair ofangled corner portions 110 connecting side struts 98 to endstrut 100 as shown best in FIG. 3. Side struts 98,end strut 100, and angledcorner portions 110 are configured so as to define a plane in which backsection 50 is situated. Arail 112 is coupled to eachside strut 98 by a pair ofspacers 114 that position rails 112 in spaced-apart relation with respective side struts 98. - A
connector assembly 116 is appended to eachextender board 54.Connector assemblies 116 can be attached torails 112, thereby couplingextender boards 54 to backsection 50. When coupled to backsection 50,extender boards 54 can pivot about arespective pivot axis 118 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Eachpivot axis 118 is substantially perpendicular to surface 96 ofpanel 94 ofback section 50. - Each
extender board 54 includes aframe 120 and apanel 122 attached to frame 120.Panel 122 of eachextender board 54 includes atop surface 124 that supportscushion 56. Asextender boards 54 pivot relative to backsection 50, for example, in adirection 126 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, surfaces 124 ofpanels 122 are maintained in substantially coplanar relation withsurface 96 ofpanel 94 and extension surfaces 58 ofcushions 56 are maintained in substantially coplanar relation with back-support surface 47 ofmattress 44. -
Frame 120 of eachextender board 54 includes along side portion 128, acorner portion 130 integrally appended toportion 128, adistal end portion 132 integrally appended tocomer portion 130 in perpendicular relation toportion 128, amid-size side portion 134 appended toportion 132 in parallel relation withportion 128, anangled portion 136 extending away fromportion 134 towardportion 128, and ashort side portion 138 integrally appended toportion 136 in parallel relation withportion 128 as shown best in FIG. 4.Portions frame 120 define the perimeter ofextender boards 54.Panels 122 extend betweenportions respective frames 120. -
Head rest 48 has first and second longitudinally-extendingsides end 144 connectingsides Sides head rest 48 are spaced apart by a distance that is smaller than a distance by which sides 40, 42 of patient-support deck 34 are spaced apart. Whenextender boards 54 are in their first positions,mid-size side portions 134 offrames 120 are adjacent to therespective side head rest 48, angledportions 136 offrames 120 are adjacent to therespective comer portion 110 of frame member 82, andshort side portions 138 offrames 120 are adjacent to the respective side struts 98 of frame member 82. In addition,mid-size side portion 134 of eachframe 120 includes adocking portion 146 that extends toward and is adjacent to endstrut 100 of frame member 82 ofback section 50 when therespective extender board 54 is in the first position. - When
extender boards 54 are in their first positions,distal end portions 132 of eachframe 120 extend substantially transversely and are generally aligned withend 144 ofhead rest 48 as shown in FIG. 2. In addition, whenextender boards 54 are in their first positions,side portions back section 50. Thus, whenextender boards 54 are in their first positions adjacent to headrest 48, extension surfaces 58 provide additional surface area on which the head and shoulders of the patient can rest. - Each
extender board 54 can pivot aboutrespective axes 118 from the first position to a second position in whichportion 134 offrame 120 is no longer adjacent to therespective side head rest 48.Extender boards 54 extend more towardfoot end 38 of patient-support deck 34 thanhead end 36 of patient-support deck 34 when in the second position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Thus, whenextender boards 54 are in their second positions, extension surfaces 58 can support the arms of the patient outpast sides support deck 34. - As previously described,
connector assemblies 116 couple eachextender board 54 to acompanion rail 112 and allow eachextender board 54 to pivot about arespective axis 118. The description below of one of theconnector assemblies 116 applies to the other of theconnector assemblies 116 as well. -
Connector assembly 116 includes aslide block 148 having a rail-engagingportion 150 and aclutch plate 152 extending away from rail-engagingportion 150 as shown in FIG. 6. Rail-engagingportion 150 ofslide block 148 is generally C-shaped so as to define achannel 154 that receivesrail 112.Channel 154 ofportion 150 is formed to allow longitudinal sliding movement ofconnector assembly 116 and the associatedextender board 54 relative to rail 112. -
Connector assembly 116 includes a threadedcylinder 156 appended to a bottom corner portion of rail-engagingportion 150. Aturn screw 158 is threadedly coupled tocylinder 156.Turn screw 158 can be turned to tighten slide block 148 againstrail 112 to preventconnector assembly 116 from sliding relative to rail 112.Turn screw 158 can also be turned to loosen slide block 148 fromrail 112 to allowconnector assembly 116 to slide relative torail 112. Thus,connector assembly 116 andextender board 54 can be moved to a desired position alongrail 112 and then turnscrew 158 can be turned to lockconnector assembly 116 at the desired position. -
Clutch plate 152 extends horizontally away from its companion rail-engagingportion 150 as shown in FIG. 6. A secondclutch plate 160 ofconnector assembly 116 is attached toextender board 54 and is supported byclutch plate 152. In addition,clutch plate 160 is connected toclutch plate 152 by abolt 162 that extends throughapertures clutch plates - As
extender board 54 pivots aboutaxis 118,clutch plate 160 pivots relative toclutch plate 152.Bolt 162 includes a square-shaped lug 168 andclutch plate 160 includes a square-shapedrecess 170 that receives lug 168 so thatbolt 162 turns along withclutch plate 160 asclutch plate 160 is turned relative toclutch plate 152.Bolt 162 cooperates withapertures plates pivot axis 118. -
Bolt 162 extends downwardly pastclutch plate 152 and aclutch assembly 172 is mounted to the downwardly-extending portion ofbolt 162 as shown in FIG. 6.Clutch assembly 172 includes a lower self-lubricatingwasher 176, aflat washer 174, and a set of threeBelleville washers 178 that biasflat washer 174 against lower self-lubricatingwasher 176. Anut 180 threadedly engagesbolt 162 so thatclutch plates clutch assembly 172 are clamped together, thereby loadingwashers 178. An upper self-lubricatingwasher 177 is sandwiched betweenclutch plates washers 178 causes atop surface 182 ofclutch plate 152 and abottom surface 184 ofclutch plate 160 to engage upper self-lubricatingwasher 177 with sufficient force to holdextender board 54 at any desired position between the first and second positions, independent of the position ofback section 50, while also allowingextender board 54 to be manually moved aboutaxis 118 from one position to another. Upper and lower self-lubricatingwashers - An alternative
embodiment connector assembly 186 is shown in FIG. 7. The description below of one of theconnector assemblies 186 applies to the other ofconnector assemblies 186 as well.Connector assembly 186 includes aslide block 188 having a rail-engagingportion 190 and aplate 192 extending away from rail-engagingportion 190 as shown in FIG. 6. Rail-engagingportion 190 ofslide block 188 is generally C-shaped so as to define achannel 194 that receivesrail 112.Channel 194 ofportion 190 is formed to allow longitudinal sliding movement ofconnector assembly 186 and the associatedextender board 54 relative to rail 112. -
Connector assembly 186 includes a threadedcylinder 196 appended to a bottom comer portion of rail-engagingportion 190 and aturn screw 198 threadedly coupled tocylinder 196.Turn screw 198 ofconnector assembly 186 operates to prevent and allow sliding movement ofconnector assembly 186 relative to rail 112 in a manner similar to the manner in which turnscrew 158 ofconnector assembly 116 operates to prevent and allow sliding movement ofconnector assembly 116 relative to rail 112. - A plurality of radially-extending upwardly-projecting
teeth 210 is appended to plate 192 as shown in FIG. 7.Connector assembly 186 includes asecond plate 212 attached toextender board 54. A plurality of radially-extending downwardly-projectingteeth 214 is appended toplate 212.Connector assembly 186 includes a clampingassembly 216 that is movable between a locking position, in whichteeth 210 mesh withteeth 214 to prevent pivoting movement ofextender board 54 aboutpivot axis 118, and a releasing position, in whichteeth 210 do not mesh withteeth 214 to allow pivoting movement ofextender board 54 aboutaxis 118. -
Plate 192 is formed to include anaperture 218 andplate 212 is formed to include a threadedaperture 220 as shown in FIG. 7. Clampingassembly 216 includes abolt 222 having an end portion received byaperture 220 and threadedly coupled toplate 212 so thatbolt 222 rotates along withclutch plate 212 asclutch plate 212 pivots aboutaxis 118 relative toclutch plate 192.Bolt 222 also includes a portion received byaperture 218 for rotating movement.Bolt 222 cooperates withapertures plates pivot axis 118. -
Bolt 222 includes ablock portion 224 positioned to lie underneathplate 192 as shown in FIG. 7.Connector assembly 186 includes acylindrical spacer subassembly 226 betweenblock portion 224 andplate 192. In addition,connector assembly 186 includes alever 228 having ayoke 232, aknob 234, and arod 236 connectingyoke 232 toknob 234.Yoke 232 oflever 228 is coupled to blockportion 224 ofbolt 222 by apivot pin 230 so thatlever 228 can pivot relative to bolt 222 andplate 192.Yoke 232 includes a pair of spaced-apart U-shaped locking edges 238 and a pair ofcurved edges 240 as shown in FIG. 7. -
Lever 228 can be moved to a vertical releasing position in which curved surfaces 240 face substantially upwardly toward abottom surface 242 ofspacer subassembly 226 as shown in FIG. 7. Whenlever 228 is in the releasing position,extender board 54 can be lifted upwardly by a slight amount so thatteeth 210 ofplate 192 do not mesh withteeth 214 ofplate 212 and then extenderboard 54 can be pivoted aboutaxis 118 relative to backsection 50. Thus, whenlever 228 in the releasing position,connector assembly 186 is in the releasing position and the position ofextender board 54 can be adjusted. -
Lever 228 can pivot from the releasing position in a first direction indicated byarrow 244, shown in FIG. 7, to a first locking position in which one of lockingedges 238 abutsbottom surface 242 ofspacer subassembly 226.Lever 228 can also pivot from the releasing position in a second direction indicated by arrow 246, shown in FIG. 7, to a second locking position in which the other one of lockingedges 238 abutsbottom surface 242 ofspacer subassembly 226. Whenlever 228 is in either the first locking position or the second locking position,plate 212 is clamped againstplate 192 so thatteeth 210 mesh withteeth 214, thereby preventingextender board 54 from pivoting relative to backsection 50. Thus, whenlever 228 is in either the first or the second locking position,connector assembly 186 is in the locking position andextender board 54 is locked in place relative to backsection 50. -
Spacer subassembly 226 includes acylinder 248 beneathclutch plate 192, awasher 250 beneathcylinder 248, and ahard rubber washer 252 sandwiched betweenwasher 250 andcylinder 248. Aslever 228 is moved between the releasing position and either of the first or second locking positions,rubber washer 252 is compressed aswasher 250 is forced towardcylinder 252 bylever 228. Whenlever 228 is in either the first or the second locking position,rubber washer 252 is held in compression so thatwasher 250 acts throughlever 228 and bolt 222 tobias plate 212 againstplate 192. The compression ofrubber washer 252 alsobiases washer 250 against one or the other ofedges 238 ofyoke 232. Biasing of one ofedges 238 withwasher 250 holdslever 228 in the respective first or second locking position. - As previously described,
frame 120 of eachextender board 54 includes adocking portion 146.Stretcher 30 includes a pair ofposts 254 coupled to endstrut 100 of frame member 82 ofback section 50.Posts 254 extend longitudinally away fromend strut 100 as shown, for example, in FIG. 3. Eachdocking portion 146 is essentially a square-shaped tube having awindow 256 cut out of one of the sides so thatposts 254 can be received insidedocking portions 146. Whenextender boards 54 are pivoted into their first positions,posts 254 pass throughwindows 256 so that aside wall 258 of eachdocking portion 146 can engage afirst side 253 ofrespective posts 254 to locateextender boards 54 in their first positions. - If
extender boards 54 are coupled to backsection 50 byconnector assemblies 116,stretcher 30 can include alatch assembly 260 coupled to anundersurface 262 ofpanel 122 ofextender boards 54 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The description below of one oflatch assemblies 260 is descriptive of bothlatch assemblies 260. -
Latch assembly 260 includes abracket 264 that attaches to undersurface 262 ofpanel 122 and a latch plate 266 having a pair of central flanges 268 pinned tobracket 264.Latch assembly 260 also includes atorsion spring 270 that engagesundersurface 262 ofpanel 122 and latch plate 266 to bias latch plate 266 into a locking position as shown in FIG. 5. - Latch plate266 includes an
upturned tab 272 having a lockingedge 274 and acam edge 276 as shown in FIG. 5. When latch plate 266 is in the locking position andextender board 54 is in the first position, lockingedge 274 oftab 272 engages asecond side 255 ofpost 254 so thatextender board 54 is locked in the first position. Latch plate 266 includes a hand-engagingportion 278 adjacent tolong side portion 128 offrame 120 as shown in FIG. 4. Hand-engagingportion 278 of latch plate 266 can be moved in a direction indicated by adouble arrow 280, shown in FIG. 5, towardundersurface 262 ofpanel 122 to move latch plate 266 from the locking position to a releasing position, shown in FIG. 5 (in phantom). When latch plate 266 is in the releasing position, lockingedge 274 is spaced apart fromsecond side 255 ofpost 254 allowingextender board 54 to be moved out of the first position toward the second position. - When
extender board 54 is moved from the second position back to the first position,cam edge 276 oftab 272 ramps againstpost 254 to automatically move latch plate 266 from the locking position to the releasing position allowingextender board 54 to be moved all the way into the first position. Afterextender board 54 reaches the first position havingside wall 258 ofdocking portion 146 engagingfirst side 253 ofpost 254,torsion spring 270 urges latch plate 266 back into the locking position so thatextender board 54 is locked in the first position. Thus, engagement offirst side 253 ofpost 254 withside wall 258 ofdocking portion 146 preventsextender board 54 from pivoting past the first position towardhead rest 48 and engagement of lockingedge 274 of latch plate 266 preventsextender board 54 from pivoting out of the first position away fromhead rest 48. - A
locator post 281 is coupled to and extends away from each ofrails 112 as shown in FIG. 2. When eachconnector assembly 116 is mounted to therespective rail 112 by sliding rail-engagingportion 150 ofslide block 148 ontorail 112 in a direction towardfoot end 38 of patient-support deck 34, engagement ofslide block 148 withpost 281places connector assembly 116 at the proper location so that dockingportion 146 offrame 120 ofextender board 54 will engage post 254 whenextender board 54 is moved to the first position. Locator posts 281 serve this same function whenextender boards 54 are coupled torails 112 byconnector assemblies 186 rather thanconnector assemblies 116.Rails 112 each have sufficient length to allow other medical equipment, such as IV poles, to be mounted torails 112 even when extender boards are coupled to rails 112. - As previously described,
back section 50 can pivot aboutaxis 92 between horizontal and inclined positions and can be situated in an infinite number of intermediate positions between the horizontal and inclined positions.Stretcher 30 includes anactuator 282 having afirst end 284 pivotably coupled to a pair offlanges 286 as shown in FIG. 3.Flanges 286 are coupled to crossstrut 90 offrame 32 andfirst end 284 ofactuator 282 is coupled toflanges 286 by apin 290.Actuator 282 has asecond end 292 coupled to apivot block 294 which is pivotably coupled by apin 297 to a pair offlanges 295 extending fromend strut 100 of frame member 82 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.Actuator 282 is releasable so thatback section 50 can pivot aboutaxis 92 relative to frame 32 andactuator 282 is lockable so thatback section 50 is prevented from pivoting aboutaxis 92 relative to frame 32. - In a preferred embodiment,
actuator 282 is a gas spring (hereinafter referred to as gas spring 282) although it is within the scope of the invention as presently perceived foractuator 282 to include any locking mechanism that can extend and retract and that can be locked to prevent movement of the actuator. Thus, the term “actuator” as used in this specification and in the claims includes a gas spring, a spring clutch, a ball screw, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or any other suitable mechanism that can be locked to prevent backsection 50 from pivoting relative to frame 32 and that can be released to allow backsection 50 to be grabbed and manually pivoted relative to frame 32. -
Gas spring 282 includes ahousing 296, a piston (not shown) insidehousing 296, and apiston rod 298 coupled to the piston and extending out ofhousing 296.Housing 296 is coupled toflanges 286 andpiston rod 298 is coupled to pivotblock 294.Gas spring 282 can be locked so that the piston andpiston rod 298 are generally fixed relative tohousing 296 so thatpiston rod 298 can neither extend further out ofhousing 296 nor retract intohousing 296, thereby preventing backsection 50 from pivoting aboutaxis 92 relative to frame 32.Gas spring 282 can also be released so that the piston can move andpiston rod 298 can extend and retract relative tohousing 296, thereby allowing backsection 50 to be grabbed and pivoted aboutaxis 92 relative to frame 32. -
Gas spring 282 includes aplunger 300 extending out ofpiston rod 298 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.Plunger 300 has an extended locking position in whichgas spring 282 is locked preventing backsection 50 from pivoting relative to frame 32.Plunger 300 also has a plunged releasing position in whichgas spring 282 is released allowing backsection 50 to pivot relative to frame 32.Plunger 300 is biased into the extended locking position so thatgas spring 282 is normally locked. -
Stretcher 30 includes arelease rod 310 that can be actuated to move plunger 300 from the locking position to the releasing position.Pivot block 294 is formed to include achannel 312 andrelease rod 310 includes amiddle portion 314 received withinchannel 312.Channel 312 extends generally transversely throughpivot block 294 along a V-shaped path defined by first and secondangled side walls bottom side wall 320 having chamfered corner portions.Middle portion 314 ofrelease rod 310 is bent so thatmiddle portion 314 is trapped withinchannel 312 byside walls pivot block 294, thereby preventingrelease rod 310 from moving transversely relative to backsection 50. Aplate 321 is attached to pivot block 294 to coverchannel 312, thereby preventingrelease rod 310 from falling out ofchannel 312. -
Release rod 310 includesstraight portions 322 that extend transversely away frommiddle portion 314 beyondpivot block 294 toward respective first andsecond sides back section 50.Release rod 310 also includes first andsecond handle portions back section 50 adjacent torespective corner portions 110 of frame member 82 as shown in FIG. 3. Handleportions straight portions 322 so that handleportions corner portions 110 of frame member 82. Asoft handle cover 328 is attached to each ofhandle portions portions -
Panel 94 is cut out in the region adjacent to cornerportions 110 and handleportions portions above back section 50 and from below backsection 50. Handleportions respective corner portions 110 of frame member 82 so that the caregiver or the surgeon can simultaneously grasp one ofcomer portions 110 and one ofhandle portions -
Handle portion 324 can be squeezed toward theadjacent corner portion 110 of frame member 82 to move plunger 300 from the locking position to the releasing position or, alternatively, handleportion 326 can be squeezed toward theadjacent corner portion 110 of frame member 82 to move plunger 300 from the locking position to the releasing position. Thus,release rod 310 and pivot block 294 cooperate to providestretcher 30 with a releasing assembly that can be actuated to adjust the position ofback section 50. - When
handle portion 324 is squeezed toward theadjacent corner portion 110,release rod 310 pivots about a corner of firstangled side wall 316 into a first releasing position as shown in FIG. 3 (in phantom). Asrelease rod 310 moves toward the first releasing position, handleportion 326 moves away from theadjacent comer portion 110 andmiddle portion 314 separates away from secondangled side wall 318 to moveplunger 300 toward the releasing position. - Alternatively, when
handle portion 326 is squeezed toward theadjacent comer portion 110,release rod 310 pivots about a comer of secondangled side wall 318 into a second releasing position. Asrelease rod 310 moves toward the second releasing position, handleportion 324 moves away from theadjacent comer portion 110 andmiddle portion 314 separates away from firstangled side wall 316 to moveplunger 300 toward the releasing position. - Thus, first
angled side wall 316 has a comer that provides a first fulcrum point about which releaserod 310 can pivot and secondangled side wall 318 has a comer that provides a second fulcrum point about which releaserod 310 can pivot, thereby allowing either ofhandle portions section 50 for pivoting movement relative to frame 32. In addition, the caregiver or surgeon can simultaneously grasp one ofcomer portions 110 of frame member 82 and therespective handle portion release rod 310 so that after actuation of one ofhandle portions section 50 relative to frame 32 ofstretcher 30. - Another releasing
assembly 330 is coupled to eachextender board 54 so that whenextender boards 54 are in the respective first positions, either releasingassembly 330 can be actuated to actuaterelease rod 310 which releasesgas spring 282 allowing backsection 50 to pivot relative to frame 32. The description below of one of releasingassemblies 330 is descriptive of both releasing assemblies. - Releasing
assembly 330 includes arelease lever 332 and aplunger rod 334 as shown in FIG. 4. A plate 336 is attached todistal end portion 132 andmid-size side portion 134 offrame 120 ofextender board 54.Release lever 332 includes amiddle portion 338 coupled to plate 336 by apivot pin 340.Release lever 332 also includes an end 344 that engagesplunger rod 334 and ahandle portion 342 positioned to lie in close proximity to cornerportion 130 offrame 120 so thatcomer portion 130 and handleportion 342 can be grasped simultaneously when releasingassembly 330 is actuated. A soft handle cover 343 is attached to handleportion 342 to provide a comfortable feel to handleportions 342. -
Mid-size side portion 134 offrame 120 is formed to include aninternal chamber 346 andplunger rod 334 is received inchamber 346 for sliding movement. In addition,mid-size side portion 134 offrame 120 is formed to include a slot 348 that provides access tochamber 346.Release lever 332 extends through slot 348 so that end 344 ofrelease lever 332 is received inchamber 346. -
Plunger rod 334 includes afirst end 350 engaging end 344 ofrelease lever 332 withinchamber 346.Plunger rod 334 also includes asecond end 352 spaced apart fromfirst end 350 as shown in FIG. 4.Frame 120 includes anend block 354 coupled tomid-size side portion 134 by ascrew 355.End block 354 is formed to include anaperture 356 andsecond end 352 ofplunger rod 334 extends throughaperture 356 intodocking portion 146 offrame 120.Plunger rod 334 is formed to include ashoulder 358 and acoil spring 360 is positioned to lie betweenshoulder 358 andend block 354.Coil spring 360 is maintained in a state of compression so thatplunger rod 334 is biased towarddistal end portion 132 offrame 120 and into engagement with end 344 ofrelease lever 332. -
Mid-size side portion 134 offrame 120 includes anedge 362 that defines a first end of slot 348. Whenrelease lever 332 is unactuated,spring 360 acts throughplunger rod 334 to biasrelease lever 332 into engagement withedge 362. Engagement ofrelease lever 332 withedge 362 preventsplunger rod 334 from moving past the position shown in FIG. 4 towarddistal end portion 132 offrame 120. Whenrelease lever 332 engagesedge 362 releasingassembly 330 is in a locking position. - Movement of
handle portion 342 ofrelease lever 332 towardcomer portion 130 offrame 120 in a direction indicated byarrow 364, shown in FIG. 4, causes end 344 ofrelease lever 332 to move in a direction indicated byarrow 366. Movement of end 344 indirection 366 pushesplunger rod 334 in a direction indicated byarrow 368 resulting insecond end 352 of plunger rod moving further intodocking portion 146 offrame 120. In addition, movement ofplunger rod 334 indirection 368further compresses spring 360. -
Portion 134 offrame 120 includes anedge 370 that defines a second end of slot 348.Handle portion 342 can be moved indirection 364 untilrelease lever 332 engagesedge 370. Engagement ofrelease lever 332 withedge 370 preventsplunger rod 334 from moving past the position shown in FIG. 4 (in phantom). Whenrelease lever 332 engagesedge 370 releasingassembly 330 is in a releasing position. - As previously described, when
extender board 54 is in the first position,docking portion 146 engagespost 254 to locateextender board 54 in the first position. In addition, whenextender board 54 is in the first position,mid-size side portion 134 is generally aligned withpost 254 as shown in FIG. 4.Post 254 is a hollow tube which extends through an aperture formed inend strut 100 so that portions ofpost 254 are positioned to lie on opposite sides ofend strut 100. Thus, post 254 provides a passage throughend strut 100. - A
plunger 372 is received insidepost 254 for sliding movement relative to post 254 as shown in FIG. 4.Plunger 372 includes afirst end 374 on one side ofend strut 100 and a flaredsecond end 376 on the opposite side ofend strut 100. Acoil spring 378 is mounted onplunger 372 betweenpost 254 and flaredsecond end 376 ofplunger 372.Spring 378 biases second end 376 ofplunger 372 into engagement withstraight portion 322 ofrelease rod 310. Whenextender board 54 is in the first position and handleportion 342 ofrelease lever 332 is moved indirection 364 towardcorner portion 130 offrame 120 ofextender board 54,plunger rod 334 moves indirection 368 andsecond end 352 ofplunger rod 334 engagesfirst end 374 ofplunger 372 to moveplunger 372 in a direction indicated by arrow 380, shown in FIG. 4. - As
plunger 372 moves in direction 380, due to actuation of releasingassembly 330,plunger 372 movesrelease rod 310 into one of its releasing positions, thereby releasinggas spring 282 so that the position ofback section 50 can be adjusted. Actuation of releasingassembly 330 coupled to theextender board 54 mounted tofirst side 40 ofback section 50 causesfirst handle portion 324 to move away from theadjacent corner portion 110 of frame member 82 in a direction indicated byarrow 382 as shown in FIG. 4. Movement offirst handle portion 324 indirection 382 causesrelease rod 310 to pivot about the second fulcrum point provided by the corner portion of secondangled side wall 318. Asrelease rod 310 pivots about the second fulcrum point,middle portion 314 ofrelease rod 310 separates away from firstangled side wall 316 ofpivot block 294 to moveplunger 300 toward the releasing position. - Actuation of releasing
assembly 330 coupled to theextender board 54 mounted tosecond side 42 ofback section 50 results in movement ofrelease rod 310 that is a mirror image of the movement ofrelease rod 310 described above with reference to actuation ofrelease assembly 330 coupled to theextender board 54 mounted tofirst side 40 ofback section 50. For example, actuation of releasingassembly 330 coupled to theextender board 54 mounted tosecond side 42 ofback section 50 causes releaserod 310 to pivot about the first fulcrum point provided by the corner portion of firstangled side wall 316 andmiddle portion 314 ofrelease rod 310 separates away from secondangled side wall 318 ofpivot block 294 to moveplunger 300 toward the releasing position. - Thus,
stretcher 30 includespivot block 294 andrelease rod 310 which cooperate to providestretcher 30 with a first releasing assembly that can be actuated to unlock backsection 50 for pivoting movement aboutaxis 92 andstretcher 30 includes a pair of second releasingassemblies 330, each of which can be actuated to actuate the first releasing assembly. In addition, the caregiver or surgeon can simultaneously graspcorner portion 130 of therespective frame member 120 and thehandle portion 342 of therespective release lever 332 so that after actuation of either of second releasingassemblies 330, the caregiver or surgeon can manually pivot backsection 50 relative to frame 32 ofstretcher 30. - As previously described,
stretcher 30 includes ahead rest 48 coupled to backsection 50.Stretcher 30 includes a mountingbracket 384 coupled to backsection 50 for pivoting movement about a transversefirst pivot axis 386 and head rest 48 is coupled to mountingbracket 384 for pivoting movement about a transversesecond pivot axis 388 as shown in FIGS. 8-10. Afirst locking mechanism 390 connects afirst elbow portion 392 ofbracket 384 to backsection 50 and asecond locking mechanism 394 connects asecond elbow portion 396 ofbracket 384 to headrest 48. -
First locking mechanism 390 is lockable to preventbracket 384 from pivoting aboutaxis 386 relative to backsection 50 andsecond locking mechanism 394 is lockable to prevent head rest 48 from pivoting aboutaxis 388 relative tobracket 384. Thus, when first andsecond locking mechanisms head rest 48 is fixed relative to backsection 50.First locking mechanism 390 is releasable to allow manual adjustment ofbracket 384 aboutaxis 386 relative to backsection 50 andsecond locking mechanism 394 is releasable to allow manual adjustment ofhead rest 48 aboutaxis 388 relative tobracket 384. - A wire grip handle398 is coupled to head rest 48 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 2 and 8-14.
Grip handle 398 includes a pair of side handleportions 400 that extend longitudinally alongside each ofsides head rest 48 in spaced-apart relation therewith. Side handleportions 400 can be grasped to guide the movement ofhead rest 48 as the position ofhead rest 48 is manually adjusted.Grip handle 398 also includes anend handle portion 410 connecting side handleportions 400.End handle portion 410 can be grasped to help guide the movement ofstretcher 30 alongfloor 64. -
Head rest 48 includes abottom plate 412 having a downwardly-facingbottom surface 414 and grip handle 398 includes a rearcentral branch 416 extending fromend handle portion 412 and coupling tobottom surface 414 ofbottom plate 412 as shown in FIG. 11.Grip handle 398 also includes a pair of front branches 418 that couple tobottom surface 414 ofbottom plate 412. Although side handleportions 400,end handle portion 410, andbranches 416, 418 of wire grip handle 398 are shown as being a single integral piece, it is within the scope of the invention as presently perceived for eachside handle portion 400 and endhandle portion 410 to be separate pieces that are configured to separately attach to headrest 48. -
Stretcher 30 includes a pair ofrelease buttons 420 coupled tohead rest 48 and coupled to first andsecond locking mechanisms Release buttons 420 can be moved from a locking position to a releasing position to simultaneously unlockfirst locking mechanism 390 andsecond locking mechanism 394. Eachrelease button 420 is positioned to lie between one of side handleportions 400 of grip handle 398 and acorresponding side head rest 48. In addition, eachrelease button 420 includes a thumb-engagingsurface 422. - In use, the caregiver or surgeon can grasp side handle
portions 400 of grip handle 398 with his or her fingers and can actuate releasebuttons 420 by pressing on thumb-engagingsurfaces 422 with his or her thumbs to moverelease buttons 420 to the releasing position, thereby unlocking first andsecond locking mechanisms second locking mechanisms portions 400 of grip handle 398 to manually movehead rest 48 to a desired position relative to backsection 50. - After the caregiver or surgeon has moved
head rest 48 to the desired position, the caregiver or surgeon can remove his or her thumbs from the thumbengaging surfaces 422 and releasebuttons 420 will automatically return to the locking position so that first andsecond locking mechanisms head rest 48 in the desired position. Thus, the positioning of side handleportions 400 alongsidehead rest 48 in spaced-apart relation therewith and the positioning ofrelease buttons 420 between side handleportions 400 and head rest 48 facilitates the easy unlocking and manual repositioning ofhead rest 48 relative to backsection 50. -
Head rest 48 can be moved to and locked in an infinite number of positions relative to backsection 50. For example,bracket 384 and head rest 48 can be locked in a position in which head rest 48 is substantially aligned withback section 50 as shown in FIG. 8.Bracket 384 can pivot downwardly aboutaxis 386 from the position shown in FIG. 8 to a lowered position, shown, for example, in FIG. 9. Alternatively,bracket 384 can pivot upwardly aboutaxis 386 from the position shown in FIG. 8 to a raised position, shown, for example, in FIG. 10. In addition, head rest 48 can tilt rearwardly aboutaxis 388 from the position shown in FIG. 8 to a rearward inclined position, shown in FIG. 9, or, alternatively, head rest 48 can tilt forwardly aboutaxis 388 from the position shown in FIG. 8 to a forward inclined position, shown in FIG. 10. - Frame member82 of
back section 50 includes a firstintermediate strut 424 connecting side struts 98 betweenend strut 100 andbase strut 84 as shown in FIG. 3. A pair of transversely spaced-apartflanges 426 extend away fromintermediate strut 424.Bracket 384 includes a pair ofside plates 428 and aspacer plate 430 connectingside plates 428 as shown, for example, in FIG. 11. Eachplate 428 ofbracket 384 includes a firstterminal end portion 432 coupled to arespective flange 426 by apivot pin 434 which extends transversely betweenflanges 426.Pivot pin 434 cooperates withflanges 426 to definepivot axis 386 about whichbracket 384 pivots relative to backsection 50. -
Head rest 48 includes a pair of spaced-apart flanges 436 extending downwardly frombottom surface 414 ofbottom plate 412 as shown in FIG. 11. Eachplate 428 ofbracket 384 includes a secondterminal end portion 438 coupled to arespective flange 436 by a pivot pin 440 which extends transversely betweenflanges 436. Pivot pin 440 cooperates withflanges 436 to definepivot axis 388 about which head rest 48 pivots relative tobracket 384. - First
terminal end portion 432 ofbracket 384 is coupled to backsection 50 betweenend strut 100 of frame 82 andaxis 92 as shown in FIGS. 8-10.Side plates 428 ofbracket 384 are curved so that sufficient clearance is established betweenbracket 384 andend strut 100 of frame 82 ofback section 50 to allowbracket 384 to supporthead rest 48 at a position elevated abovemattress 44. The clearance betweenbracket 384 and end strut also allowsgas spring 282 to extend fromflanges 286 to pivot block 294 betweenside plates 428 ofbracket 384 as shown, for example, in FIG. 3. Thus,release rod 310, which is coupled to pivot block 294 adjacent to endstrut 100 of frame member 82, is coupled to backsection 50 at a position betweenterminal end portions bracket 384. - In a preferred embodiment of
stretcher 30,first locking mechanism 390 is a gas spring (hereinafter referred to as gas spring 390), although it is within the scope of the invention as presently perceived for lockingmechanism 390 to include any of the locking mechanisms that were mentioned above with reference toactuator 282.Gas spring 390 includes ahousing 442, a piston (not shown) insidehousing 442, and apiston rod 444 coupled to the piston and extending out ofhousing 442.Gas spring 390 can be locked so thatpiston rod 444 can neither extend further out ofhousing 442 nor retract intohousing 442, thereby preventingbracket 384 from pivoting aboutaxis 386 relative to backsection 50.Gas spring 390 can also be released so that the piston andpiston rod 444 can extend and retract relative tohousing 442, thereby allowingbracket 384 to pivot aboutaxis 386 relative to backsection 50. - Frame member82 of
back section 50 includes a secondintermediate strut 446 connecting side struts 98 adjacent tobase strut 84 as shown in FIG. 3. A pair offlanges 448 extend away fromintermediate strut 446 towardend strut 100.Housing 442 ofgas spring 390 includes anend 450 coupled toflanges 448 for pivoting movement by apivot pin 452.Flanges 448 are coupled tointermediate strut 446 at a slightly off-center location so thatgas spring 390 does not interfere withgas spring 282 as either of gas springs 390, 282 is operated. As shown, for example, in FIG. 11,piston rod 444 includes anend 454 coupled for pivoting movement to elbowportion 392 of one ofside plates 428 by apivot pin 456. - In a preferred embodiment of
stretcher 30,second locking mechanism 394 is a spring clutch (hereinafter referred to as spring clutch 394), although it is within the scope of the invention as presently perceived for lockingmechanism 394 to include any of the locking mechanisms that were mentioned above with reference toactuator 282.Spring clutch 394 includes aclutch housing 458 and arod 460 slidably received byclutch housing 458.Spring clutch 394 also includes a coil gripping spring (not shown) received inclutch housing 458 and defining an interior region receiving a portion ofrod 460.Spring clutch 394 can be locked so that the gripping spring constricts aroundrod 460 preventingrod 460 from sliding relative to the gripping spring andclutch housing 458.Spring clutch 394 can also be released so that the gripping spring loosens its grip onrod 460 allowingrod 460 to slide relative to the gripping spring andclutch housing 458. - A pair of
flanges 462 are appended tohousing 458 ofspring clutch 394 as shown in FIG. 11.Flanges 462 are coupled to elbowportions 396 ofside plates 428 by apivot pin 464 which extends betweenelbow portions 396.Head rest 48 includes a pair of spaced-apart flanges 466 extending downwardly frombottom surface 414 ofbottom plate 412 as shown in FIG. 11. Anend 468 ofrod 460 is coupled toflanges 466 by apivot pin 470. Thus, whenspring clutch 394 is locked,rod 460 cannot move relative tohousing 458, thereby preventinghead rest 48 from pivoting relative tobracket 384, and whenspring clutch 394 is released,rod 460 can move relative tohousing 458, thereby allowing head rest 48 to pivot relative tobracket 384. - As previously described,
stretcher 30 includesrelease buttons 420 that can be engaged to simultaneously unlock first andsecond locking mechanisms Release buttons 420 are each coupled to opposite ends of pivot pin 440 by anarm 472.Arms 472 are each fixed to pivot pin 440 to rotate aboutaxis 388 therewith. Thus,arms 472 and head rest 48 both pivot aboutaxis 388 relative tobracket 384. By havingarms 472 and head rest 48 both pivot aboutaxis 388,release buttons 420 can be held in the same orientation relative to head rest 48 as head rest 48 is moved relative tobracket 384 aboutaxis 388. In addition, if only one ofrelease buttons 420 is pressed, bothrelease buttons 420 move as result of the rigid coupling ofarms 472 to pivot pin 440. - A transversely-extending
tab 474 is appended to one ofarms 472 and aplate 476 is appended tobottom plate 412 ofhead rest 48 as shown in FIG. 11.Plate 476 is bent so that a portion ofplate 476 is positioned to lie in confronting relation withtab 474. Afirst Bowden wire 478 includes asheath 480 extending fromplate 476 togas spring 390 and acable 482 extending fromtab 474 togas spring 390 throughsheath 480. Asecond Bowden wire 484 includes asheath 486 extending fromplate 476 to spring clutch 394 and acable 488 extending fromtab 474 to spring clutch 394 throughsheath 486. - When
release buttons 420 are pressed to the releasing position, thereby pivotingarms 472 and pivot pin 440 aboutaxis 388,tab 474 is moved away fromplate 476 so thatcables sheaths arrows 490, shown in FIG. 11. Movement ofcables respective directions 490 actuates mechanisms (not shown) inside ofgas spring 390 andspring clutch 394, in a manner well known to those skilled in the art, to simultaneously unlockgas spring 390 andspring clutch 394 so that the position ofhead rest 48 can be adjusted. Whenrelease buttons 420 are no longer pressed,gas spring 390 andspring clutch 394 automatically lock to pullcables sheaths direction 490 so thattab 474 is moved towardplate 476 and releasebuttons 420 are moved back to their locking positions adjacent to side handleportions 400 ofgrip handle 398. - A transversely-extending
socket tube 492 having a square-shapedside wall 494 defining aninterior region 496 is coupled tobottom surface 414 ofbottom plate 412 ofhead rest 48 as shown in FIG. 11.Socket tube 492 has spaced-apart open ends 498 that provide access tointerior region 496.Socket tube 492 is adapted to allow attachment of a temporalwrist rest assembly 500, a portion of which is shown in FIG. 11, to headrest 48. - Temporal
wrist rest assembly 500 includes a transversely-extendingrod 510 and a firstvertical rod 512 appended to an end ofrod 510 as shown in Figs. 11 and 12. Temporalwrist rest assembly 500 also includes a secondvertical rod 514 coupled to firstvertical rod 512 for telescoping movement and atemporal wrist rest 516 coupled to anupper end 518 of secondvertical rod 514 for pivoting movement. - Transversely-extending
rod 510 can be inserted intointerior region 496 ofsocket tube 492 so that temporalwrist rest assembly 500 is mounted to headrest 48.Rod 510 can be inserted intointerior region 496 through either ofopen ends 498 ofsocket tube 492 so that temporalwrist rest assembly 500 is adjacent toside 140 ofhead rest 48 or so that temporalwrist rest assembly 500 is adjacent toside 142 of head rest.Rod 510 extends above one of side handleportions 400 and beneathbottom plate 412 ofhead rest 48 whenwrist rest assembly 500 is mounted to headrest 48. The cross-section of transversely-extendingrod 510 is square-shaped so thatside wall 494 ofsocket tube 492 engagesrod 510 to preventrod 510 from pivoting relative tosocket tube 492. - A threaded
cylinder 520 is appended to a bottom corner portion ofsocket tube 492 and aturn screw 522 is threadedly coupled tocylinder 520.Turn screw 522 can be turned to tightenrod 510 againstsocket tube 492 to prevent transverse movement of temporalwrist rest assembly 500 relative to headrest 48.Turn screw 522 can also be turned to loosenrod 510 fromsocket tube 492 to allow transverse movement of temporalwrist rest assembly 500 relative to headrest 48. Thus, the transverse position ofwrist rest 516 relative to head rest 48 can be adjusted by movingrod 510 withinsocket tube 492 to a desired position and then turnscrew 522 can be tightened to lock temporalwrist rest assembly 500 in the desired transverse position. - A threaded
cylinder 524 is appended to a corner portion of firstvertical tube 512 and aturn screw 526 is threadedly coupled tocylinder 524.Turn screw 526 can be turned to tighten secondvertical rod 514 against firstvertical rod 512 to prevent vertical telescoping movement of secondvertical rod 514 relative to firstvertical rod 512.Turn screw 526 can also be turned to loosenrod 514 fromrod 512 to allow vertical telescoping movement ofrod 514 relative torod 512. Thus, the vertical position ofwrist rest 516 relative to head rest 48 can be adjusted by movingrod 514 relative torod 512 to a desired position and then turnscrew 526 can be tightened to lockwrist rest 516 in the desired vertical position. - A
bracket 528 is appended towrist rest 516 andcouples wrist rest 516 to secondvertical rod 514.Bracket 528 includes a pair ofpivot portions 530 and astop portion 532 connectingpivot portions 530. Pivotportions 530 are coupled toupper end 518 of secondvertical rod 514 by apivot pin 533.Wrist rest 516 can pivot aboutpin 533 relative to secondvertical rod 514 between a first position, shown in FIG. 12, in which stopportion 532 ofbracket 528 engages one side ofrod 514 to supportwrist rest 516 in the first position and a second position (not shown) in which stopportion 532 ofbracket 528 engages an opposite side ofrod 514 to supportwrist rest 516 in the second position. Whenwrist rest 516 is in the first position, the surgeon can rest his or her wrists onwrist rest 516 while performing surgery on the patient. Whenwrist rest 516 is in the second position,wrist rest 516 is moved away fromhead rest 48 so that the surgeon has greater access to the head of the patient. -
Head rest 48 includes a pair of longitudinally-extendingsocket tubes 534 appended tobottom plate 412 as shown in FIGS. 11-13.Socket tubes 534 each include atube wall 536 defining aninterior region 538 as shown best in FIG. 12.Socket tubes 534 each have anopen end 540 that provides access tointerior regions 538 ofrespective socket tubes 534.Socket tubes 534 are adapted to allow attachment of awrist rest assembly 542 to head rest 48 as shown in FIG. 13. -
Wrist rest assembly 542 includes a longitudinally-extendingfirst rod 544 and a longitudinally-extendingsecond rod 546. A transversely-extendingend rod 548 is integrally appended tofirst rod 544 and a transversely-extendingend socket tube 550 is appended to an end ofsecond rod 546.Wrist rest assembly 542 further includes a firstvertical rod 560 appended to an end portion ofrod 548 and extending upwardly therefrom as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. Anend tube 549 ofwrist rest assembly 542 is appended to firstvertical rod 560 and extends transversely therefrom.Wrist rest assembly 542 also includes a secondvertical rod 562 coupled to firstvertical rod 560 for telescoping movement and aU-shaped wrist rest 564 coupled to anupper end 566 of secondvertical rod 562 for pivoting movement. -
End socket tube 550 includes atube wall 552 defining aninterior region 554 ofend socket tube 550 and a portion ofend tube 549 is received ininterior region 554 as shown in FIG. 14. Aturn screw 556 couples endtube 549 to endsocket tube 550 so thatrods Turn screw 556 can be rotated about anaxis 558 to moveend tube 549 relative to endsocket tube 550, thereby moving firstvertical rod 560 andend rod 548 which movesrod 544 relative torod 546. - Longitudinally-extending
rods open ends 540 ofrespective socket tubes 534 intointerior regions 538 so thatwrist rest assembly 542 is mounted to headrest 48.Wrist rest assembly 542 can be moved longitudinally relative to head rest 48 to a desired position and then turnscrew 556 can be turned to tightenrods tube walls 536 ofsocket tubes 534, thereby lockingwrist rest assembly 542 from longitudinal movement relative to headrest 48.Turn screw 556 can also be turned to loosenrods tube walls 536 ofsocket tubes 534 so thatwrist rest assembly 542 can be longitudinally moved relative to headrest 48. - A threaded
cylinder 568 is appended to a corner portion of firstvertical tube 560 and aturn screw 570 is threadedly coupled tocylinder 568.Turn screw 570 can be turned to tighten secondvertical rod 562 against firstvertical rod 560 to prevent vertical telescoping movement of secondvertical rod 562 relative to firstvertical rod 560.Turn screw 570 can also be turned to loosenrod 562 fromrod 560 to allow vertical telescoping movement ofrod 562 relative torod 560. Thus, the vertical position ofwrist rest 564 relative to head rest 48 can be adjusted by movingrod 562 relative torod 560 to a desired position and then turnscrew 570 can be tightened to lockwrist rest 564 in the desired vertical position. - A
bracket 572 is appended towrist rest 564 andcouples wrist rest 564 to secondvertical rod 562.Bracket 572 includes a pair ofpivot portions 574 and astop portion 576 connectingpivot portions 574. Pivotportions 574 are coupled toupper end 566 of secondvertical rod 562 by apivot pin 578.Wrist rest 564 can pivot aboutpin 578 relative to secondvertical rod 562 between a first position, shown in FIG. 13, in which stopportion 576 ofbracket 572 engages one side ofrod 562 to supportwrist rest 564 in the first position and a second position (not shown) in which stopportion 576 ofbracket 572 engages an opposite side ofrod 562 to supportwrist rest 564 in the second position. -
Wrist rest 564 includes a pair ofside portions 580 and anend portion 582 connectingside portions 580. Whenwrist rest 516 is in the first position,side portions 580 extend abovesides head rest 48 away fromend portion 582 toward patient-support deck 34. The surgeon can rest his or her wrists onside portions 580 andend portion 582 ofwrist rest 564 while performing surgery on the patient whenwrist rest 564 is in the first position. Whenwrist rest 564 is in the second position,wrist rest 564 is moved away fromhead rest 48 so that the surgeon has greater access to the head of the patient. - As previously described,
end tube 549 is received ininterior region 554 ofend socket tube 550 and turnscrew 556 is coupled to bothend tube 549 and endsocket tube 550. Anend plug 584 is inserted into aninterior region 586 ofend tube 549 and is fixed to endtube 549 as shown in FIG. 14.End socket tube 550 includes anend wall 588 adjacent to endplug 584.End wall 588 is formed to include anaperture 590 andend plug 584 is formed to include a threadedaperture 592. -
Turn screw 556 includes aknob 594 and a threadedscrew portion 596 extending away fromknob 594 as shown in FIG. 14. Threadedscrew portion 596 extends throughaperture 590 formed inend wall 588 and is received by threadedaperture 592 formed inend plug 584 so that threadedscrew portion 596 ofturn screw 556 threadedly engagesend plug 584. Asknob 594 is rotated aboutaxis 558, threadedscrew portion 596 rotates relative to endplug 584 andend wall 588 aboutaxis 558. -
Knob 594 includes a tube-engagingsurface 598 that can be moved into engagement withend wall 588 ofend socket tube 550 as shown in FIG. 14. Whenrods respective socket tubes 534,knob 594 can be turned in a tightening direction, indicated by arrow 600, shown in FIG. 13, until tube-engagingsurface 598 ofknob 594 engagesend wall 588. Further rotation ofknob 594 in direction 600, after initial engagement between tube-engagingsurface 598 andend wall 588, causes threadedscrew portion 596 to rotate withinend plug 584 but engagement between tube-engagingsurface 598 andend wall 588 prevents axial movement of threadedscrew portion 596 alongaxis 558. Thus, after tube-engagingwall 598 engagesend wall 588, rotation ofknob 594 in direction 600 pullsend plug 584 andend tube 549 towardend wall 588 which causesrods tube walls 536 ofsocket tubes 534, thereby lockingwrist rest assembly 542 from longitudinal movement relative to headrest 48. -
Knob 594 can be turned in a loosening direction, indicated bydotted arrow 610, shown in FIG. 13, untilrods socket tubes 534 ofhead rest 48. Afterrods socket tubes 534,wrist rest assembly 542 can be completely decoupled fromhead rest 48.End socket tube 550 includes anedge 612 defining aslot 614 as shown in FIG. 14. Apost 616 is coupled to endtube 549 and is received inslot 614 so that, whenwrist rest assembly 542 is decoupled fromhead rest 48,post 616 engagesedge 612 to limit the amount by whichend socket tube 550 androd 546 can pivot relative to endtube 549 aboutaxis 558. - Each of
side portions 580 ofwrist rest 564 can includeopen ends 618 that allow auxiliary medical equipment to be attached towrist rest 564. For example, anair manifold assembly 620, shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, can be attached towrist rest 564. Airmanifold assembly 620 includesend caps 622 that mount to respective open ends 618 ofside portions 580. Airmanifold assembly 620 also includes aflexible tube 624 extending from eachend cap 622.Flexible tubes 624 each couple to an end of acylindrical air manifold 626 ofair manifold assembly 620. -
Air manifold 626 can include a center wall 628 thatpartitions air manifold 626 into anoxygen delivery side 630 and a carbondioxide removal side 632. Center wall 628 divides an interior region ofmanifold 626 into two separate side-by-side interior regions.Sides air manifold 626 are each formed to include a plurality ofpores 634 that open into the respective side-by-side interior regions ofair manifold 626. Thus, some ofpores 634 are associated withoxygen delivery side 630 ofair manifold 626 and some ofpores 634 are associated with carbondioxide removal side 632 ofair manifold 626. - Each
end cap 622 includes atube connector 640 depending downwardly therefrom. Anoxygen delivery hose 636 can be coupled to one oftube connectors 640 and a carbondioxide removal hose 638 can be coupled to the other oftube connectors 640.End cap 622 associated withoxygen delivery hose 636,oxygen delivery side 630 ofair manifold 626, and theflexible tube 624 therebetween all include internal passageways (not shown) in fluid communication with one another so that oxygen supplied throughoxygen delivery hose 636 can flow through the internal passageways and out of thepores 634 associated withoxygen delivery side 630 ofair manifold 626. Similarly,end cap 622 associated with carbondioxide removal hose 638, carbondioxide removal side 632 ofair manifold 626, and theflexible tube 624 therebetween all include internal passageways (not shown) in fluid communication with one another so that, when suction is applied to carbondioxide removal hose 638, the air in the vicinity ofpores 634 associated with carbondioxide removal side 632 ofair manifold 626, can flow through the internal passageways and into carbondioxide removal hose 638. -
Flexible tubes 624 can be manipulated into an infinite number of orientations relative towrist rest 564 so thatair manifold 626 is at a desired position relative to the head of the patient supported byhead rest 48. For example, it may be desirable to positionair manifold 626 so that oxygen delivered to the patient throughmanifold 626 is directed toward the nose and mouth of the patient as shown in FIG. 16.Wrist rest 564 andair manifold assembly 620 can pivot away from the head of the patient, for example, to an intermediate out-of-the-way position as shown in FIG. 15 (in phantom) so that the access to the head of the patient is increased. -
Flexible tubes 624 have sufficient stiffness to support asurgical drape 642 over the head of the patient to create a tented environment as shown in FIG. 16.Drape 642 can include a “sticky” side that adheres to the head of the patient and that adheres to the portions ofair manifold assembly 620 andwrist rest 564 that supportdrape 642 above the head of the patient. The surgeon can cut a hole indrape 642 to expose the part of the head of the patient on which surgery is to be performed. Even whenwrist rest 564 is covered bydrape 642, the surgeon can rest his or her wrists on side and endportions wrist rest 564. - As previously described, head rest48 carries a
head cushion 52 that supports the head of the patient.Head rest 48 includes a pair of spaced-apartside plates 644 angling upwardly fromrespective socket tubes 534 to define a head cushion-receivingspace 646 therebetween as shown best in FIGS. 12 and 13. Althoughbottom plate 412,socket tubes 534, andside plates 644 ofhead rest 48 are shown as being a single integral piece, it is within the scope of the invention as presently perceived for some or all of these components to be separate pieces that are fastened together. For example, eachsocket tube 534 and the associatedside plate 644 could be an extruded piece that fastens to a respective side of asingle bottom plate 412. Other divisions ofhead rest 48 into separate pieces that fasten together are also possible. -
Head cushion 52 includes angled side surfaces 648 and a bottom surface (not shown). Whenhead cushion 52 is received in head cushion-receivingspace 646, the bottom surface ofhead cushion 52 engagesbottom plate 412 ofhead rest 48 and portions of side surfaces 648 engagecompanion side plates 644 so thathead cushion 52 securely mates withhead rest 48 within head cushion-receivingspace 646. Fasteners (not shown), such as hook-and-loop fastener strips, can be attached tohead cushion 52 and head rest 48 so thathead cushion 52 is more securely coupled tohead rest 48. -
Head cushion 52 includes an upwardly-facingconcave surface 650 that defines ahead cradle 652 as shown, for example, in FIG. 11.Head cradle 652 is adapted to receive the head of the patient andconcave surface 650 helps to stabilize the head of the patient during surgery. Acradle insert 654 can be coupled to head rest 48 to fillhead cradle 652 whenstretcher 30 is being used to transport the patient before and after surgery.Cradle insert 654 includes a downwardly-facingconvex surface 656 that engagesconcave surface 650 ofhead cushion 52 whencradle insert 654 is inserted intohead cradle 652. -
Head cushion 52 includes a pair of upwardly-facing substantiallyplanar surfaces 658, each of which extends between a respectiveupper edge 660 ofconcave surface 650 and thecorresponding side surface 648.Cradle insert 654 includes a pair of fastening flaps 662, each of which includes afirst portion 664 that extends over one ofplanar surfaces 658 whencradle insert 654 is received inhead cradle 652, and each of which includes asecond portion 666 that can be folded downwardly from its associatedfirst portion 664 into engagement withside plates 644 ofhead rest 48. - A hook-and-
loop fastener strip 668 is fixed to eachsecond portion 666 of fastening flaps 662 and a companion hook-and-loop fastener strip 670 is fixed to anouter surface 672 of eachside plate 644 ofhead rest 48. Whencradle insert 654 is inserted intohead cradle 652, fastening flaps 662 can be folded relative tohead cushion 52 and head rest 48 so thatstrips 668 engage companion strips 670 to firmlysecure cradle insert 654 inhead cradle 652.Cradle insert 654 includes an upwardly-facing substantiallyplanar surface 674 that is positioned to lie aboveconvex surface 656.Surface 674 supports the head of the patient whencradle insert 654 is received inhead cradle 652 ofhead cushion 52. - An alternative
embodiment head cushion 676 is shown in FIGS. 17-19.Head cushion 52 can be removed from head cushion-receivingspace 646 andhead cushion 676 can be inserted into head cushion-receivingspace 646 to replacehead cushion 52 as indicated bydouble arrow 678 shown in FIG. 17. Compared tohead cushion 52,head cushion 676 provides increased stabilization of the head of the patient, which is desirable during some head surgeries. -
Head cushion 676 is a two-chamber vacuum pad (hereinafter referred to as vacuum pad 676) that includes afoam pad 680 in one of the chambers and a plurality ofplastic beads 682 in the other of the chambers as shown in FIG. 19.Vacuum pad 676 includes abag 684 having three sheets that are sealed together to define the chambers. In a preferred embodiment,bag 684 includes a first outer sheet made of Penn Nyla P079 material, a second outer sheet made of 15 mil urethane, and a middle sheet made of 6 mil urethane.Foam pad 680 is positioned to lie between the middle sheet and the first outer sheet.Plastic beads 682 are contained within a plurality oftubes 683 that are connected to form a bead pad. Some oftubes 683 are orthogonal to other oftubes 683 as shown in FIG. 19. The bead pad is positioned to lie between the middle sheet and the second outer sheet ofbag 684. -
Vacuum pad 676 includes atube connector port 686 and arelief valve 688 as shown in FIG. 17. The bead pad which containsbeads 682 is air permeable and the middle and second sheets ofbag 684 are air impermeable. A hose (not shown) can be attached totube connector port 686 and suction can be applied to the hose to draw air out of the second chamber and out of the bead pad throughtube connector port 686. Drawing air out of the second chamber and bead pad causesbeads 682 to be compressed together, thereby placingvacuum pad 676 in a rigid state. - When suction is not applied to the hose, air is permitted to enter the second chamber so that
beads 682 are not compressed together andvacuum pad 676 is in a non-rigid state. In addition,relief valve 688 can be manually pressed so that air is permitted to enter the second chamber, thereby placingvacuum pad 676 in the non-rigid state. Pressingrelief valve 688places vacuum pad 676 in the non-rigid state even when suction is applied to the hose connected totube connector port 686. - When
vacuum pad 676 is in the non-rigid state,vacuum pad 676 is formable into an infinite number of configurations. For example,vacuum pad 676 can be formed from a flat uncupped configuration, shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, into a cupped configuration, shown in FIG. 17.Vacuum pad 676 has spaced-apartside wall portions 690 and abottom portion 692 connectingside wall portions 690.Vacuum pad 676 includes a hook-and-loop fastener strap 694 extending away from one ofside wall portions 690 and vacuum pad includes a companion hook-and-loop fastener strip (not shown) fixed to the other ofside wall portions 690. A portion ofstrap 694 can be attached to the companion strip to help holdvacuum pad 676 in the cupped configuration as shown in FIG. 17. - When
vacuum pad 676 is in the cupped configuration and carried byhead rest 48,bottom portion 692 ofvacuum pad 676 rests uponbottom plate 412 ofhead rest 48 and spaced-apartside wall portions 690 are adjacent toside plates 644 ofhead rest 48.Vacuum pad 676 includesedges 696 that face substantially upwardly whenvacuum pad 676 is in the cupped configuration to provide awrist rest surface 698 on which the wrists of the surgeon can rest during surgery.Edges 696 ofside walls 690 are formable whenvacuum pad 676 is in the non-rigid state. If the surgeon wishes to change the shape of wrist rest surfaces 698 during surgery whenvacuum pad 676 is in the rigid state, the surgeon can pressrelief valve 688 to placevacuum pad 676 in the non-rigid state and then form edges 686 until wrist rest surfaces 698 are fashioned into the desired shape. The surgeon can then releaserelief valve 688 andvacuum pad 676 will return to the rigid state having wrist rest surfaces 698 fixed in the desired shape. - As previously described,
stretcher 30 includespedal assembly 74 which includesyoke 76 and flip-overpedal 78 coupled toyoke 76 for pivoting movement, as shown in FIGS. 20-23. Flip-overpedal 78 has a first orientation relative toyoke 76 in whichdistal end portion 80 of flip-over pedal is on one side ofyoke 76, as shown in FIGS. 20-22, and flip-overpedal 78 has a second orientation relative toyoke 76 in whichdistal end portion 80 of flip-overpedal 76 is on the other side ofyoke 76, as shown in FIG. 23, and as also previously described. - A
bottom end 700 ofyoke 76 is fixed to brake-steer shaft 70 and atop end 710 ofyoke 76 is formed to include a pair of spaced-apartpivot portions 712 as shown in FIG. 20.Yoke 76 includes astop portion 714 connectingpivot portions 712. Flip-overpedal 78 has aproximal end 716 coupled to pivotportions 712 ofyoke 76 abovestop portion 714 by apivot pin 718.Pivot pin 718 cooperates withpivot portions 712 to define apivot axis 720 about which flip-overpedal 78 can pivot relative toyoke 76. - Brake-
steer shaft 70 is coupled to the lower frame ofstretcher 30 for pivoting movement about apivot axis 722.Axis 720 of flip-overpedal 78 is spaced apart from, and is substantially parallel with,axis 722 of brake-steer shaft 70. As brake-steer shaft 70 is moved between the steering and braking positions,axis 720 is always at a higher elevation abovefloor 64 than isaxis 722 as shown in FIGS. 21-23. Thus,yoke 76 offsets flip-overpedal 78 upwardly to occupy a range of positions that is at a higher elevation relative tofloor 64 than would be the case if flip-over pedal were connected to brake-steer shaft 70 to rotate aboutaxis 722. Having flip-overpedal 78 at this heightened elevation increases the amount of room available onfloor 64 in the vicinity ofpedal assembly 74 for medical devices (not shown), such as foot pedal controllers used during surgery to operate associated medical equipment. - Brake-
steer shaft 70 has a neutral position midway between the braking and steering positions, shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, in whichyoke 76 is in an upright verticalorientation having axis 720 overaxis 722. When brake-steer shaft 70 is in the neutral position, the center wheel is spaced apart fromfloor 64 andcasters 62 are free to rotate and swivel. - Flip-over
pedal 78 includes arod 724 that connectsdistal end portion 80 toproximal end 716.Rod 724 is bent at the middle so thatdistal end portion 80 of flip-overpedal 78 is spaced apart from shroud 60 a sufficient distance to allow the caregiver or surgeon to step ondistal end portion 80 without interference fromshroud 60. - When flip-over
pedal 78 is in the first orientation, one side ofrod 724 engagesstop portion 714 ofyoke 76 and when flip-overpedal 78 is in the second orientation, an opposite side ofrod 724 engagesstop portion 714 ofyoke 76. Engagement ofrod 724 withstop portion 714 supports flip-overpedal 78 in the respective first and second orientations.Stop portion 714 ofyoke 76 is formed so that flip-overpedal 78 rotates aboutaxis 720 relative toyoke 76 through an angle of one hundred eighty degrees (180°) when pivoted between the first and second orientations. - When flip-over
pedal 78 is in the first orientation, brake-steer shaft 70 can be rotated from the neutral position, shown in FIG. 21, in aclockwise direction 726 to the steering position, shown in FIG. 22, by application of a downward force todistal end portion 80 of flip-overpedal 78. The downward force ondistal end portion 80 is transmitted through flip-overpedal 78 andyoke 76 to brake-steer shaft 70.Yoke 76 is in a first tilted orientation when brake-steer shaft 70 is in the steering position. - When brake-
steer shaft 70 is in the steeringposition having yoke 76 in the first tilted orientation, flip-overpedal 78 can be pivoted from the first orientation, shown in FIG. 22 (in solid), to the second orientation, shown in FIG. 22 (in phantom). When brake-steer shaft 70 is in the steering position,distal end portion 80 is spaced apart fromfloor 64 by afirst distance 728 if flip-overpedal 78 is in the first orientation anddistal end portion 80 is spaced apart fromfloor 64 by asecond distance 730 if flip-overpedal 78 is in the second orientation.Second distance 730 is larger thanfirst distance 728 so that more room is available onfloor 64 in the vicinity ofpedal assembly 74 whendistal end portion 80 is spaced apart fromfloor 64 bysecond distance 730. - When flip-over
pedal 78 is in the second orientation while brake-steer shaft 70 is in the steering position, brake-steer shaft 70 can be rotated from the steering position, shown in FIG. 22, in acounterclockwise direction 732 through the neutral position to the braking position, shown in FIG. 23, by application of a downward force todistal end portion 80 of flip-overpedal 78. The downward force ondistal end portion 80 is transmitted through flip-overpedal 78 andyoke 76 to brake-steer shaft 70.Yoke 76 is in a second tilted orientation when brake-steer shaft 70 is in the braking position. - When brake-
steer shaft 70 is in the brakingposition having yoke 76 in the second tilted orientation, flip-overpedal 78 can be pivoted from the second orientation, shown in FIG. 23 (in solid), back to the first orientation, shown in FIG. 23 (in phantom). When brake-steer shaft 70 is in the braking position,distal end portion 80 is spaced apart fromfloor 64 by athird distance 734 if flip-overpedal 78 is in the second orientation anddistal end portion 80 is spaced apart fromfloor 64 by afourth distance 736 if flip-overpedal 78 is in the first orientation.Fourth distance 736 is larger thanthird distance 728 so that more room is available onfloor 64 in the vicinity ofpedal assembly 74 whendistal end portion 80 is spaced apart fromfloor 64 byfourth distance 736. - Thus, flip-over
pedal 78 can be selectively moved to the first and second orientations relative toyoke 76 and a downward force can be applied todistal end portion 80 of flip-overpedal 78 to move brake-steer shaft between the steering, neutral, and braking positions so that the braking ofcasters 62 and the position of the center wheel is controlled in a desired manner.Stretcher 30 includesindicia 738 affixed toshroud 60 for indicating the position of brake-steer shaft 70. After brake-steer shaft 70 has been moved to the desired position, flip-overpedal 78 can be moved to a position that maximizes the availability of room onfloor 64 in the vicinity ofpedal assembly 74. - Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and as defined in the following claims.
Claims (10)
1. A pedal assembly for rotating a brake-steer shaft of a stretcher about an axis, the pedal assembly comprising
a yoke coupled to the brake-steer shaft to rotate therewith, and
a flip-over pedal having a proximal end coupled to the yoke and a distal end spaced apart from the proximal end, the flip-over pedal being pivotable about a flip-over axis relative to the yoke from a first orientation in which the flip-over pedal extends away from the yoke in a first direction so that the distal end of the flip-over pedal can be engaged to rotate the brake-steer shaft in a first direction and a second orientation in which the flip-over pedal extends away from the yoke in a second direction so that the distal end of the flip-over pedal can be engaged to rotate the brake-steer shaft in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
2. The pedal assembly of , wherein the flip-over axis is spaced apart from the axis of the brake-steer shaft.
claim 1
3. The pedal assembly of , wherein the flip-over axis is substantially parallel to the axis of the brake-steer shaft.
claim 2
4. The pedal assembly of , wherein the yoke extends upwardly from the brake-steer shaft, the yoke has a bottom end coupled to the brake-steer shaft, and the yoke has a top end to which the flip-over pedal is coupled.
claim 1
5. The pedal assembly of , wherein the brake-steer shaft has a neutral position in which the yoke is in an upright vertical position, the flip-over pedal includes a portion supported in a horizontal orientation by the yoke when the flip-over pedal is in the first orientation and when the flip-over pedal is in the second orientation.
claim 4
6. The pedal assembly of , wherein the brake-steer shaft has a steering position in which the yoke is rotated away from the upright vertical position in a first direction to a first angled position, the distal end of the flip-over pedal is spaced apart from a floor on which the apparatus sets by a first distance when the flip-over pedal is in the first orientation, the distal end of the flip-over pedal is spaced apart from the floor by a second distance when the flip-over pedal is in the second orientation, and the second distance is larger than the first distance.
claim 5
7. The pedal assembly of , wherein the brake-steer shaft has a braking position in which the yoke is rotated away from the upright vertical position in a second direction to a second angled position, the distal end of the flip-over pedal is spaced apart from the floor by a third distance when the flip-over pedal is in the first orientation, the distal end of the flip-over pedal is spaced apart from the floor by a fourth distance when the flip-over pedal is in the second orientation, and the third distance is larger than the fourth distance.
claim 6
8. The pedal assembly of , wherein the yoke includes a pair of spaced-apart flanges and a stop surface extending between the flanges, the proximal end of the flip-over pedal is positioned to lie between the flanges.
claim 1
9. The pedal assembly of , wherein the flip-over pedal includes a portion having a first side that engages the stop surface of the yoke when the flip-over pedal is in the first orientation and a second side that engages the stop surface of the yoke when the flip-over pedal is in the second orientation.
claim 8
10. A pedal assembly for rotating a brake-steer shaft of a stretcher about an axis, the pedal assembly comprising a flip-over pedal having a proximal end coupled to the brake-steer shaft and a distal end spaced apart from the proximal end, the flip-over pedal being pivotable about a flip-over axis relative to the brake-steer shaft from a first orientation in which the flip-over pedal extends away from the brake-steer shaft in a first direction so that the distal end of the flip-over pedal can be engaged to rotate the brake-steer shaft in a first direction and a second orientation in which the flip-over pedal extends away from the brake-steer shaft in a second direction so that the distal end of the flip-over pedal can be engaged to rotate the brake-steer shaft in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US09/782,826 US6314597B2 (en) | 1997-07-14 | 2001-02-14 | Stretcher foot pedal |
US09/954,360 US6374439B2 (en) | 1997-07-14 | 2001-09-17 | Stretcher head rest |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US08/892,147 US6076208A (en) | 1997-07-14 | 1997-07-14 | Surgical stretcher |
US09/369,546 US6249923B1 (en) | 1997-07-14 | 1999-08-06 | Adjustable head rest for a patient support |
US09/782,826 US6314597B2 (en) | 1997-07-14 | 2001-02-14 | Stretcher foot pedal |
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US09/369,546 Division US6249923B1 (en) | 1997-07-14 | 1999-08-06 | Adjustable head rest for a patient support |
US09/369,546 Continuation US6249923B1 (en) | 1997-07-14 | 1999-08-06 | Adjustable head rest for a patient support |
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US09/954,360 Division US6374439B2 (en) | 1997-07-14 | 2001-09-17 | Stretcher head rest |
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US20010004778A1 true US20010004778A1 (en) | 2001-06-28 |
US6314597B2 US6314597B2 (en) | 2001-11-13 |
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US09/370,655 Expired - Lifetime US6108840A (en) | 1997-07-14 | 1999-08-06 | Head rest for a patient support |
US09/369,546 Expired - Fee Related US6249923B1 (en) | 1997-07-14 | 1999-08-06 | Adjustable head rest for a patient support |
US09/484,987 Expired - Lifetime US6202231B1 (en) | 1997-07-14 | 2000-01-18 | Surgical stretcher |
US09/782,826 Expired - Fee Related US6314597B2 (en) | 1997-07-14 | 2001-02-14 | Stretcher foot pedal |
US09/954,360 Expired - Fee Related US6374439B2 (en) | 1997-07-14 | 2001-09-17 | Stretcher head rest |
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US09/370,655 Expired - Lifetime US6108840A (en) | 1997-07-14 | 1999-08-06 | Head rest for a patient support |
US09/369,546 Expired - Fee Related US6249923B1 (en) | 1997-07-14 | 1999-08-06 | Adjustable head rest for a patient support |
US09/484,987 Expired - Lifetime US6202231B1 (en) | 1997-07-14 | 2000-01-18 | Surgical stretcher |
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US09/954,360 Expired - Fee Related US6374439B2 (en) | 1997-07-14 | 2001-09-17 | Stretcher head rest |
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US8281433B2 (en) | 2008-10-24 | 2012-10-09 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Apparatuses for supporting and monitoring a person |
US20100101022A1 (en) * | 2008-10-24 | 2010-04-29 | Carl William Riley | Apparatuses for supporting and monitoring a person |
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US9549705B2 (en) | 2009-09-18 | 2017-01-24 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Apparatuses for supporting and monitoring a condition of a person |
US9013315B2 (en) | 2009-09-18 | 2015-04-21 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Sensor control for apparatuses for supporting and monitoring a person |
US10111794B2 (en) | 2009-09-18 | 2018-10-30 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Person support apparatus having physiological sensor |
US20110068935A1 (en) * | 2009-09-18 | 2011-03-24 | Riley Carl W | Apparatuses for supporting and monitoring a condition of a person |
US8525680B2 (en) | 2009-09-18 | 2013-09-03 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Apparatuses for supporting and monitoring a condition of a person |
US8525679B2 (en) | 2009-09-18 | 2013-09-03 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Sensor control for apparatuses for supporting and monitoring a person |
US20110068928A1 (en) * | 2009-09-18 | 2011-03-24 | Riley Carl W | Sensor control for apparatuses for supporting and monitoring a person |
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US9044204B2 (en) | 2009-09-18 | 2015-06-02 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Apparatuses for supporting and monitoring a condition of a person |
US10583058B2 (en) | 2009-09-18 | 2020-03-10 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Person support apparatus having physiological sensor |
US9549675B2 (en) | 2009-09-18 | 2017-01-24 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Sensor control for apparatuses for supporting and monitoring a person |
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US20110142021A1 (en) * | 2009-12-16 | 2011-06-16 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Communication apparatus and communication method |
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US9761109B2 (en) | 2012-05-22 | 2017-09-12 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Occupant egress prediction systems, methods and devices |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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JP2001510069A (en) | 2001-07-31 |
WO1999003418A2 (en) | 1999-01-28 |
EP0996387A2 (en) | 2000-05-03 |
WO1999003418A3 (en) | 1999-04-08 |
AU8293998A (en) | 1999-02-10 |
TR200000082T2 (en) | 2000-06-21 |
CA2297484A1 (en) | 1999-01-28 |
US6249923B1 (en) | 2001-06-26 |
US6076208A (en) | 2000-06-20 |
DE69822833D1 (en) | 2004-05-06 |
DE69822833T2 (en) | 2005-03-17 |
US6374439B2 (en) | 2002-04-23 |
US20020013966A1 (en) | 2002-02-07 |
ATE262845T1 (en) | 2004-04-15 |
US6202231B1 (en) | 2001-03-20 |
BR9810871A (en) | 2000-08-08 |
US6314597B2 (en) | 2001-11-13 |
EP0996387B1 (en) | 2004-03-31 |
US6108840A (en) | 2000-08-29 |
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