Claims:1. An assembly (100) for supporting and maneuvering a stretcher (20) in a vehicle, the assembly (100) comprising:
a frame (1), connected to and elevating from a floor (2) of the vehicle;
a plurality of sliding members (3), disposed on the frame (1), each of the plurality of sliding members (3) are movable between a first position and a second position relative to the frame (1); and
a pair of tracks (4, 5), supported on the frame (1) and coupled to each of the plurality of sliding members (3), the pair of tracks (4, 5) is configured to be shifted between a retracted condition and a receiving condition corresponding to the first position and a second position of the plurality of sliding members (3) for supporting and maneuvering the stretcher (20) in the vehicle.

2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of tracks (4, 5) comprises of a first track (4) and a second track (5) structured to receive and guide wheels of the stretcher (20).

3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a first ramp (6) fixed to the floor (2) of the vehicle, wherein the first ramp (6) is structured to align with the first track (4) in the receiving condition of the pair of tracks (4, 5).

4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a second ramp (7), connectable to an end of the second track (5) and movably supported on the floor (2), the second ramp (7) is displaceable with the pair of tracks (4, 5) between the retracted condition and the receiving condition.

5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second track (5) is configured to extend away from the at least one frame (1) in the receiving condition.

6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a first locking mechanism (13) configured to selectively lock the plurality of sliding members (3).

7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first locking mechanism (13) is connected to a first lever (8) to selectively lock and unlock the plurality of sliding members (3).

8. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises at least one second locking mechanism (9) configured to selectively lock the stretcher (20) relative to the pair of tracks (4, 5).

9. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of tracks (4, 5) in the receiving condition aligns with an opening in the vehicle to receive the stretcher (20).

10. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the pair of tracks (4, 5) in the retracted condition is at an offset to the opening of the vehicle.

11. A vehicle comprising an assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure, in general, relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to storage, loading and unloading of a stretcher in a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an assembly for supporting and maneuvering the stretcher into and out from the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Generally, myriad of vehicles have been modified or customized for use during immediate medical assistance or for transporting a patient to a medical assistance facility. Such vehicles are known as medically equipped vehicle or medical aid vehicles which transports patients to treatment facilities, such as hospitals. Typically, out-of-hospital medical care or first aid may be provided to the patient in such vehicles. The vehicles are used to respond to medical emergencies by emergency medical services. For this purpose, they are required to rapidly transport paramedics and other first responders to the scene, carry equipment for administering emergency care and transport patients to hospital or other definitive care.

Typically, the vehicles may be termed as ambulances and are equipped with stretchers to transport and/or support the patients. The stretchers generally have wheels mounted on feet which can be employed to maneuver the stretcher in the surrounding of the vehicle and in the hospital to shift the patients. Upon supporting the patient, the stretcher may be loaded into the vehicle.

Due to the traffic density and the constant traffic congestion which are generally present in cities, the vehicles have been downsized to smaller vehicles which are capable of easily maneuvering within the city. The downsizing of the vehicles causes concern with respect to loading, unloading and accommodation of the stretcher. The downsized vehicles have a small opening in a rear section of the which may be covered by a tailgate. The tailgate may be configured to open and allow loading and unloading of the stretcher, however, due to the space constraints the stretcher may occupy the central space of the ambulance which may be in line with the tailgate of the ambulance and may restrict accommodation of paramedics who are essential in treating the patients.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional mechanisms.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by an assembly as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the assembly as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure an assembly for supporting and maneuvering a stretcher in a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes a frame, connected to and elevating from a floor of the vehicle. A plurality of sliding members are disposed on the frame, where each of the plurality of sliding members are movable between a first position and a second position relative to the frame. Further, a pair of tracks are supported on the frame and coupled to each of the plurality of sliding members. The pair of tracks are configured to be shifted between a retracted condition and a receiving condition corresponding to the first position and a second position of the plurality of sliding members for supporting and maneuvering the stretcher in the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the pair of tracks includes a first track and a second track structured to receive and guide wheels of the stretcher.

In an embodiment, the assembly includes a first ramp fixed to the floor of the vehicle, where the first ramp is structured to align with the first track in the receiving condition of the pair of tracks. Further, the assembly includes a second ramp, connectable to an end of the second track and movably supported on the floor, the second ramp is displaceable with the plurality of tracks between the retracted condition and the receiving condition.

In an embodiment, the second track is configured to extend away from the at least one frame in the receiving condition.

In an embodiment, the assembly includes a first locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the plurality of sliding members. The first locking mechanism is connected to a first lever to selectively lock and unlock the plurality of sliding members.

In an embodiment, the assembly includes at least one second locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the stretcher relative to the pair of tracks.

In an embodiment, the pair of tracks in the receiving condition aligns with an opening in the vehicle to receive the stretcher.

In an embodiment, one of the pair of tracks in the retracted condition is at an offset to the opening of the vehicle.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figures 1a and 1b illustrate a top view of an assembly for supporting and maneuvering a stretcher in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figures 2a and 2b illustrate a perspective views of the assembly of Figure 1 with a pair of tracks in a retracted condition and a receiving condition, respectively.

Figures 3a and 3b illustrate a stretcher supported on the assembly of Figure 1 with the pair of tracks in the retracted condition and the receiving condition, respectively.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system and method illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other assemblies, systems, mechanisms, devices, methods, and processes for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that, such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, to its system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a mechanism, an assembly, or a device that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, an assembly for supporting and maneuvering a stretcher in a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes a frame, connected to and elevating from a floor of the vehicle. A plurality of sliding members are disposed on the frame, where each of the plurality of sliding members are movable between a first position and a second position relative to the frame. Further, a pair of tracks are supported on the frame and coupled to each of the plurality of sliding members. The pair of tracks are configured to be shifted between a retracted condition and a receiving condition corresponding to the first position and a second position of the plurality of sliding members for supporting and maneuvering the stretcher in the vehicle.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The vehicle may be including but not limited to a passenger vehicle, a utility vehicle, light commercial vehicles, and any other vehicle employed as an ambulance. Further, the stretcher is a device employed for moving patients who require medical care. The stretcher may be including but not limited to a basic cot type stretcher which is to be carried by two or more paramedics and/or an assistant, and a wheeled stretcher equipped with variable height frames, wheels, tracks. The stretcher may be configured to be accommodated within the vehicle. The stretchers are primarily employed in acute out-of-hospital care situations by emergency medical services (EMS), military, and search and rescue personnel. Further, the stretcher may include a collapsible wheel mechanism mounted on a variable-height wheeled frame. Furthermore, the stretcher may include a provision to lock when accommodated within the vehicle. Additionally, plurality of handles may be connected to the stretcher which are employed to grip and maneuver the stretcher.

Figures 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure which illustrate an assembly (100) for supporting and maneuvering a stretcher (20) in a vehicle. The assembly (100) includes a frame (1) connected to the floor (2) of the vehicle. The frame (1) may be structured to be elevated from the floor (2) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the frame (1) may include a plurality of sections connected to the floor (2). The frame (1) is structured by a plurality of vertical sections fixed to floor (2) of the vehicle and extending from the floor (2). The frame (1) further includes a plurality of horizontal section and cross sections fixed to the vertical sections. Further, the frame (1) may be connected to the floor (2) at an offset to an opening in the vehicle. The opening may be defined at a rear portion of the vehicle and may be covered by a tailgate.

The assembly (100) may further include a plurality of sliding members (3) [as can be best seen in Figure 1b] that are disposed on the frame (1). Each sliding members (3) of the plurality of sliding members (3) may be movable between a first position [as in Figure 1a] and a second position [as in Figure 1b] relative to the frame (1). In an embodiment, each of the plurality of sliding members (3) may be disposed at spaced intervals on the frame (1). The plurality of sliding members (3) may be disposed horizontally in a lateral direction from a side wall of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the plurality of sliding members (3) may include a fixed rail connected to the frame (1) and a movable rail that may be slidably disposed on the fixed rail. The movable rail may be configured to displace between the first position and the second position relative to the fixed rail connected to the frame (1). In an embodiment, the plurality of sliding members may include but not limited to a C-shaped fixed rail and a C-shaped movable rail disposed within the fixed rail and may have any other shape capable of imparting sliding motion. Further, the fixed rail may be a tubular member and the movable rail may be a tubular member telescopically slidable within the fixed rail. Furthermore, a pair of tracks (4, 5) may be supported on the frame (1) and may be coupled to each of the plurality of sliding members (3). The pair of tracks (4, 5) may include a first track (4) and a second track (5), structured to receive, and guide wheels of the stretcher (20). The first track (4) and the second track (5) of the pair of tracks (4, 5) may be configured to be shifted between a retracted condition and a receiving condition corresponding to the first position and the second position of the plurality of sliding members (3). For example, the pair of tracks (4, 5) may be configured to rest in the retracted condition when the plurality of sliding members (3) are in the first position and the pair of tracks (4, 5) may be configured to rest in the receiving condition when the plurality of sliding members (3) are in the second position.

In the illustrative embodiment, the second track (5) of the pair of tracks (4, 5) may be configured to extend away from the at least one frame (1) in the receiving condition and may be positioned offset to the position of the second track (5) in the retracted condition, as best seen in Figure 2b. Further, one of the pair of tracks (4, 5) in the retracted condition may be at an offset to the opening of the vehicle and pair of tracks (4, 5) in the receiving condition may be in alignment with the opening of the vehicle to receive the stretcher (20). For example, when the plurality of sliding members (3) are displaced from the first position to the second position the pair of tracks (4, 5), are shifted to the receiving condition. In the receiving condition, the pair of tracks (4, 5) are adapted to receive and support the stretcher (20) by maneuvering the stretcher (20) from outside the vehicle [as seen in Figure 3b]. Upon receiving the stretcher (20), the pair of tracks (4, 5) may be shifted back to the retracted condition by displacing the plurality of sliding members (3) from the second position to the first position. The pair of tracks (4, 5) in the retracted condition defines a space in the vehicle that may be employed to accommodate paramedics and enables the paramedics to perform their duties with the availability of the walk through [as seen in Figure 3a].

In the exemplary embodiment, as seen in Figures 2a and 2b, the assembly (100) includes a first ramp (6) fixed to the floor (2) of the vehicle, which may be structured to align with the first track (4) when the pair of tracks (4, 5) are shifted to the receiving condition. Further, the assembly (100) may include a second ramp (7). The second ramp (7) may be connectable to an end of the second track (5) and may be movable supported on the floor (2). The second ramp (7) may be continuously aligned with the second track (5) and may be displaceable with the pair of tracks (4, 5) between the retracted condition and the receiving condition. The second ramp (7) may be connected to at least one ramp wheel (11) disposed on a guide strip (12) which is mounted on the floor (2). The at least one ramp wheel (11) may be adapted to roll on the guide strip (12) when the pair of tracks (4, 5) are shifted between the retracted condition and the receiving condition. In an embodiment, when the pair of tracks (4, 5) are shifted to the receiving condition, the at least one ramp wheel (11) may be rolled on guide strip (12) and displace the second ramp (7) away from the first ramp (6). The second ramp (7) when displaced to the receiving condition enables the wheels of the stretcher to ride on the first ramp (6) and the second ramp (7) to guide the stretcher (20) onto the pair of tracks (4, 5). Furthermore, when the stretcher (20) is to be maneuvered out of the vehicle, the wheels of the stretcher (20) may be rolled on the first ramp (6) and the second ramp (7) from the pair of tracks (4, 5) to unload the stretcher (20).

In an embodiment, the first ramp (6) and the second ramp (7) are defined with an inclined profile having a first end positioned proximal to the floor (2) and the other end proximal to the end of the pair of tracks (4, 5). The inclined profile of the first ramp (6) and the second ramp (7) enables portion of the stretcher (20) to ascend and descend along the first ramp (6) and the second ramp (7) into and out of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, provisions may be defined in the assembly (100) that may extend from the sides of the pair of tracks (4, 5), the first ramp (6) and the second ramp (7) to restrict lateral movement of the stretcher (20) when the stretcher may be supported on the pair of tracks (4, 5), the first ramp (6) and the second ramp (7).

Further, the assembly (100) includes a first locking mechanism (13) connected to the plurality of sliding members (3). The first locking mechanism (13) may be configured to selectively lock the plurality of sliding members (3) at any position between the first position and the second position. In an embodiment, the first locking mechanism (13) may be configured to lock the plurality of sliding members (3) in the first position and/or the second position to restrict movement of the pair of tracks (4, 5) and in-turn restrict lateral movement of the stretcher (20) in the vehicle. Furthermore, the first locking mechanism (13) may be connected to a first lever (8). The first lever (8) may be configured to selectively lock and unlock the plurality of sliding members (3). For example, upon actuating the first lever (8), the first locking mechanism (13) may be configured to unlock and allow sliding of the plurality of sliding members (3).

In an embodiment, the first locking mechanism (13) may include but is not limited to a key-key way arrangement, a mechanical latch, a hook, a spring loaded stub, and any other type of lock capable of being operated by the first lever (8) to lock and unlock the plurality of sliding members (3).

Additionally, referring back to Figures 1a and 1b, the assembly (100) includes at least one second locking mechanism (9). The at least one second locking mechanism (9) may be provisioned between the pair of tracks (4, 5) and/or on the tracks to selectively lock the stretcher (20) when the stretcher (20) is supported over the pair of tracks (4, 5). In an embodiment, the at least one second locking mechanism (9) may be adapted to lock a body of the stretcher (20) or the wheels of the stretcher (20) from displacing when supported on the pair of tracks (4, 5). The at least one second locking mechanism (9) may be connected to a second lever (10). The second lever (10) may be configured to selectively lock and unlock the stretcher (20). In an embodiment, the stretcher (20) may be snap locked into the at least one second locking mechanism (9) when the stretcher (20) is received in the vehicle. Further, upon actuating the second lever (10), the at least one second locking mechanism (9) may be unlocked to release the stretcher (20) to unload the stretcher (20) from the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the at least one second locking mechanism (9) may include but is not limited to a key-key way arrangement, a mechanical latch, a hook, a spring loaded stub, and any other type of lock capable of being operated by the second lever (10) to lock and unlock the stretcher (20) when supported on the pair of tracks (4, 5).

In an embodiment, both the first locking mechanism (13) and the at least one second locking mechanism (9) are required for balanced support and ensuring the safety of the stretcher (20) within the vehicle.

In an embodiment, a handle may be connected to the assembly (100). The handle may be employed to provide grip during sliding of the pair of tracks (4, 5) between the retracted condition and the receiving condition. Further, the first lever (8) apart from locking and unlocking the plurality of sliding members may be employed as the handle to slide the pair of tracks (4, 5) between the retracted condition and the receiving condition.

In an embodiment, the assembly (100) enables storage and maneuvering of the stretcher (20) in vehicles having smaller dimensions.

In an embodiment, the assembly (100) creates space for other devices and paramedics even when the stretcher (20) is supported in the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the assembly (100) enables the stretcher (20) to be received from the tailgate of the vehicle without any modifications.

Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 Assembly
1 Frame
2 Floor
3 Sliding members
4 First track
5 Second track
6 First ramp
7 Second ramp
8 First lever
9 Second locking mechanism
10 Second lever
11 Ramp wheel
12 Guide strip
13 First locking mechanism (13)
20 Stretcher