DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, rule 13]

Title: “STRETCHER ASSEMBLY FOR A MEDICAL CARE VEHICLE”

NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE APPLICANT:
TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company having its registered office at Bombay house, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001, Maharashtra, INDIA.
Nationality: Indian

The following specification particularly describes the disclosure and the manner in which it is to be performed.
TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to medical care vehicles. More specifically, the invention is related to assemblies for mounting equipments within the medical care vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Medical care vehicles, such as ambulances, are used for transporting sick or injured patients from one location to another. The medical care vehicles are equipped with certain emergency medical care systems which assist in taking care of the patient, even during transit. Typically, the medical care vehicles are provided with removable stretchers, stretcher platform, oxygen cylinders, other medical instruments/medicines etc. The removable stretcher is adapted to be removable mounted on the stretcher platform. Also provided within the vehicle are seats for medical practitioners, and caretakers. Typically, the seats of the medical practitioners are arranged in such a manner, that the patient lying on the stretcher and medical instruments/medicines remain accessible to them. However, in the presently existing medical care vehicle, the medical instruments are often placed in awkward positioning, and thus cause incontinence to the medical practitioners and caretakers.

In light of foregoing discussion, it is necessary to develop an improved stretcher assembly for a medical care vehicle to overcome the problems stated above.

OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
One objective of the present disclosure is to obviate above mentioned drawbacks and provide a safe, simple, reliable, and easy to manufacture stretcher assembly for a medical care vehicle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide new assembly for mounting equipments within a medical care vehicle, such as an ambulance.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a stretcher assembly adapted to hold a cylinder beneath its bed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an ambulance wherein a stretcher bed may be unlocked one said, e.g. a lateral side, of the stretcher assembly.

Further objects and features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A stretcher assembly for a vehicle includes a stretcher frame mounted on a floor of the vehicle, the frame includes a top frame, a bottom frame opposite to the top frame and a plurality of vertical members connecting the top fame to the bottom frame and defining a space therein; a stretcher bed adapted to be removably supported on the top frame of the stretcher frame; and a slider assembly adapted to hold a medical equipment, and associated with the bottom frame of the stretcher to be telescopically moved with respect to the stretcher frame to move the medical equipment in and out of the space defined between the top and bottom frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG 1 shows a stretcher assembly within a medical care vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 shows the shows the stretcher assembly of FIG. 1, wherein the slider assembly is in an extended position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 shows the shows the stretcher assembly of FIG. 1, wherein the slider assembly is in an extended position and is carrying an oxygen cylinder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 shows two views of a stretcher bed support frame and locking mechanism of the stretcher assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 shows two views of a locking mechanism of the stretcher assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
Referring now to figures 1 to 5, wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the disclosure only, and not for the purpose of limiting the same.

The present disclosure provides a stretcher assembly 10 for a medical care vehicle 100 (partially illustrated). The medical care vehicle 100 (also referred to as vehicle 100) may be any vehicle, such as an ambulance, used for transporting sick or injured patients from one location to another. The stretcher assembly 10 of the present disclosure is adapted to be provided within the medical care vehicle 100. More specifically, the stretcher assembly 10 of the present disclosure is adapted to be removably mounted on a floor 102 of the medical care vehicle 100.

The stretcher assembly 10 includes a stretcher frame 12 (also referred to as “frame”) mounted on a floor 102 of the vehicle 100. The stretcher frame 12 of the stretcher assembly 10 includes a top frame 14, a plurality of vertical members 16, and a bottom frame 18. The plurality of vertical members 16 connect the top fame 18 to the bottom frame 18 and define a space (not numbered) therein.

More specifically, the bottom frame 18 is mounted on the floor 102 of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the bottom frame 18 is removably fastened to the floor 102 of the vehicle 100, behind the driver.

As best shown in FIG. 4, a stretcher supporting frame 20 is provided on the top frame 14. The stretcher supporting frame 20 is connected to the top frame 14 through a set of sliders 22. Specifically, the set of sliders 22 are adapted to slide to move the stretcher supporting frame 20 from a closed position to an open position (Shown in FIG. 5).The stretcher supporting frame 20 includes a pair of channels 24 for wheels 27 of a stretcher bed 23. The wheels roll on the pair of channels 24 when an unlocked stretcher bed 23 is pushed and pulled.

The movement of the stretcher supporting frame 20 on the top frame 14 may be locked and allowed by a stretcher supporting frame locking mechanism 26 (Best illustrated in FIG. 5). The stretcher supporting frame locking mechanism 26 includes a first connecting link 28 which connects a first slider of the set of sliders 22 to an intermediate link 30. Likewise, a second connecting link 32 connects a second of the second set of sliders 22 to the intermediate link 30. The intermediate link 30 is pivotally mounted on a portion of the stretcher frame 12. In one embodiment the intermediate link 30 is pivotally mounted on a middle portion of the frame, in a vertically upstanding orientation. Such positioning of the intermediate link 30 makes sure that the first and the second link of the set of sliders 22 remain aligned. An operating handle 34 is connected to the intermediate link 30. The operating handle 34, when operated, moves the intermediate link 30. The intermediate link 30, connected pivotally to the stretcher frame 12, moves thereby moving the first and the second link of the second set of sliders. The first and the second link of the second set of sliders, thereby, lock or unlock the second set of sliders. The stretcher supporting frame 20 further includes handle 36. The handle 36 is used for pushing and puling the stretcher supporting frame 20, as and when required.

As per one embodiment of the present invention, one or more medical equipments such as an Oxygen cylinder 25 may be received below the top frame 14. It shall herein be noted that cylinders of various size may be received therein.

The cylinder 25 may be adapted to rest on the bottom frame 18 in the space between the bottom frame 18 and the top frame 14. Due to such positioning, the cylinder does not protrude out of the frame, and thus not occupying any additional space on the floor 102 of the vehicle 100.

To mount the cylinder 25 on the stretcher frame 12, a slider assembly (52 54) is provided. The slider assembly is adapted to hold the medical equipment 24, and is associated with the bottom frame 18. The slider assembly is adapted to be telescopically moved with respect to the stretcher frame 12, to move the medical equipment in and out of the space defined between the top frame 14 and bottom frame 18.

The slider assembly of the stretcher assembly 10 includes a pair of sliders 52, and 54. The pair of sliders 52 and 54 may be disposed below the top frame 14. Specifically, the pair of sliders 52, and 54 may be disposed on bottom frame 18. Alternatively, the pair of sliders 52 and 54 may be disposed on the floor 14 of the vehicle. While being parallel to each other pair of sliders 52 and 54 is also parallel to the floor 14 of the vehicle 100. The pair of sliders 52 and 54 may be positioned space apartly from one another. The space between the sliders may be decided based on the length of the medical equipments, e.g. the cylinder 25.

A plurality of links 56 connects the sliders, such that a rectangular channel 58 is created. The rectangular channel 58 is adapted to hold one or more medical care equipments. In one embodiment, the rectangular channel 58 is adapted to removably receive the oxygen cylinder 25. The rectangular channel 58, as illustrated, may also be provided with a cylinder holding clamps. When the pair of slides is in a closed position, the rectangular channel 58 is positioned below the top frame 14 (shown in FIG. 1). When the pair of sliders is in an open position, i.e. when the pair of sliders has slid out, the rectangular channel 58 gets positioned out (shown in FIG. 2).

At least one handle 60 is provided on the rectangular channel 58 (also referred to as “holding member”). A user, such as medical practitioners, or a caretaker, may hold and apply force on the handle to slide the sliders (and thus the rectangular channel) between the closed and the open position.

At least one of the sliders (52 or 54) may be provided with a locking mechanism 62. The locking mechanism 62 is adapted to the lock the sliding movement of the sliders on or between the closed and the open position thereof. A locking/unlocking knob 64 is provided to operate the locking mechanism 64. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking/unlocking knob 36 is positioned towards the handle 60. To unlock the locking mechanism 62 may be moved against the spring action, thereby disengaging the locking/unlocking knob 64 from the slotted channel. The locking/unlocking knob 36 may be provided proximate to the handle such that the knob may be operated from one hand, while the other hand may pull or push the handle. The locking/unlocking knob 64 of the locking mechanism 62 may be spring loaded towards a slotted channel 66 on one of the sliders.

The foregoing description is a specific embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that this embodiment is described for purpose of illustration only, and that numerous alterations and modifications may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come within the scope of the disclosure as claimed or the equivalents thereof.

Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 Medical care vehicle
102 Floor
10 Stretcher assembly
12 Stretcher Frame (frame)
14 Top frame
16 Plurality of vertical members
18 Bottom frame
20 Stretcher supporting frame
22 Sliders
23 Stretcher bed
24 Channels
25 Medical equipment
26 Stretcher supporting frame locking mechanism
28 First connecting link
30 Intermediate link
32 Second connecting link
34 Operating handle
36 Handle
52 and 54 Slider assembly
56 Links
58 Rectangular channel
60 Handle
62 Locking mechanism
64 Locking/unlocking knob

,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A stretcher assembly 10 for a vehicle 100, the stretcher assembly 10 comprising:
a stretcher frame 12 mounted on a floor 102 of the vehicle 100, the stretcher frame 12 includes a top frame 14, a bottom frame 18 opposite to the top frame 14 and a plurality of vertical members 16 connecting the top fame 14 to the bottom frame 18 and defining a space therein;
a stretcher bed 23 adapted to be removably supported on the top frame 14 of the stretcher frame 12; and
a slider assembly 52, 54 adapted to hold one or more medical equipments 25, and associated with the bottom frame 18 of the stretcher frame 12 to be telescopically moved with respect to the stretcher frame 12 to move the medical equipment 25 in and out of the space defined between the top frame 14 and bottom frame 18.

2. The stretcher assembly 10 for a vehicle 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the medical equipment 25 is an oxygen cylinder.

3. The stretcher assembly 10 for a vehicle 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slider assembly 52, 54 comprises,
a pair of pair of sliders disposed on the bottom frame 18,
a plurality of links connecting the pair of sliders and define a rectangular channel adapted to house a medical equipment 25.

4. The stretcher assembly 10 for a vehicle 100 as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one slider of the pair of sliders includes at least one locking mechanism 62 adapted to the lock the sliding movement of the sliders with respect to the bottom frame 18.

5. The stretcher assembly 10 for a vehicle 100 as claimed in claim 4, wherein the slider assembly comprises at least one handle 60 and at least one holding member for holding the medical care equipment 25.

Dated this 15th Day of October, 2013
GOPINATH A S
IN/PA 1852
OF K&S PARTNERS
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT