Patient transporting device for passenger vehicles

The invention relates to a patient transport device for passenger cars, in particular passenger aircraft, which seats about openable is according to the preamble of claim 1. Such devices for transporting sick, injured or disabled in passenger aircraft are eg as fixed installations that placed on passenger seats can be known. The setting up of these fixed installations, however, still relatively expensive, because they for the safe transport even under very bumpy flight conditions by anchoring straps, eg on front and rear seats, must be lashed. But above all, serve these known devices only as a travel cot on the plane, while for forming and unloading of the patient, for example by a nurse truck into the aircraft in and at the arrival point out again from the aircraft, additional Carrying (stretchers) are required. This is relatively complex and requires a repeated patient transfer of patients. Moreover, it is hardly or very difficult, in smaller aircraft with narrow and angled Additions to the known stretchers from outside the aircraft to to get to the seat rows. The previous transport facilities Patients in passenger aircraft are therefore more costly, difficult to use and also for patients cumbersome and tiring.

It is therefore an object of the present invention, a patient transport device introduction which overcomes these previous disadvantages and for a much simpler and better patient transport from one Shuttle vehicle on a plane or in a long-haul vehicle while the trip on the plane and then on again to a destination Transport means outside the aircraft makes. This is simple Equipment and little effort a secure and comfortable transportation of Patients, sick and accident victims make. The transport device should also be folded as easily as possible and in a compact space and be stowed and during the flight, even under turbulent conditions so be stable, that strong acceleration forces are sustained.

This object is achieved with a patient transport device according to Claim 1, which built just a few parts, light and stable is by combining a base frame with a multifunctional Lying device. The base frame forms a simple, self-supporting, stable and shock-proof anchored base for the lying device, wherein the stretcher system at a few anchor points by fixing elements simply in Base frame on and can be disengaged. The lying device is self-supporting and stably constructed so and they both as a feeder carrier for forming Unloading as well as anchored in the basic frame, a travel bed is used. The reclining device is also designed adjustable so that they both during Travel as bed optimal patient comfort ensures as well as Carrying when loading and unloading is so shortened that access under very confined conditions is no problem, Moreover, the whole transport device easily collapsible and therefore when not in use stowed in a very compact space.

The inventive transport device is particularly thanks lighter, more compact and stable design mainly for passenger aircraft and in particular for smaller aircraft with correspondingly narrow access and space. But it is also used in other passenger transport agents with rows of seats, as in coaches or trains, where it is necessary, above the seats easily mounted with analog Advantages over known patient transport devices.

The dependent claims relate to advantageous developments the invention with particularly strong, lightweight and easy to use Versions, with universal settings for optimal Comfort and patient-oriented position during the trip as well as for loading and Unloading the aircraft. Simple and easy to use fasteners permit rapid assembly and stowing in the smallest Space and force exerting adjusting the reclining device, which from Patients themselves are operated, as well as a number of the base frame attachable accessories provide the best possible patient care and Comfort.

In the following the invention with reference to embodiments and Figures further explained, show case<dl tsize="10"><dt>Fig. 1 - 3</dt><dd>in three views, from the side, from above and from the front, a inventive patient transport device with base frame and lying device,</dd><dt>Fig. 4</dt><dd>a variant with additional installations on the base frame,</dd><dt>Fig. 5</dt><dd>perspective a lying device as carrying,</dd><dt>Fig. 6</dt><dd>side view of a reclining device with support structure and regulating members,</dd><dt>Fig. 7</dt><dd>a lying device in collapsed condition,</dd><dt>Fig. 8</dt><dd>a shortened bed facility as tote for loading and unloading of a patient</dd><dt>Fig. 9</dt><dd>a lying device with 3 parts and 2 joints,</dd><dt>Fig. 10</dt><dd>Seen from above, a rectangular frame as a support structure Lying device.</dd></dl>

Figures 1 to 3 show in three views, from the side, from above and from front, an inventive patient transport device which over has rows of seats or seats 4 of an aircraft can be opened, in which the backrest the seats 4 are preferably folded down. The patient transport device consists of two separate parts: a base frame 10 and a Lying device 20th

The base frame is made in this example of two of the seat rails 3 Aircraft floor fixable lower crossbar 11, connected from order two vertical supports 12 and two upper longitudinal beams 13, which by means of adjusting and fixing elements 15, 16, 17 relative to each other adjustable and are also fixed. The position of the lower crossbeam can in the Seat rails 3 can be adjusted and fixed by means of the fixing elements 15, the vertical supports 12 are by the fixing 16 with the lower Crossbeams 11 and the fixing members 17 with the upper longitudinal beams 13 adjusted and set connected. With the fixing elements 15 are thus according to the position of the seat rails 3 the crossbar 11 optimally between the seats 4 positioned. With the fixing elements 16, the supports 12 are in Transversely positioned between the seats 4 and with the fixing 17, the longitudinal members 13 as supporting rails in the longitudinal direction X on the seats set in the best possible position. This is all the conveying device optimally adjustable with respect to the arrangement of the seats as well as on the patient's needs and making any necessary additional equipment and Caregivers.

The lying device 20 includes a head portion 21, a middle section 22 and at least one foot part (in this example, two base portions 23, 24) on, which are connected together by the joints S1, S2, S3, so that the Location of head and foot part with the inclusion of a support structure 26 adjustable is. The deck 20 is using detachable fixing elements F1, F2 to four places safe and stable one to the base frame 10 and can be released connected. Thus, the lying device 10 both as a bed during the Travel be used in aircraft, when it is fixed in the base frame, as as feeder carrier (stretcher), when the fixing elements are dissolved. To the Use as tote is the lying device also shortened, so that this a patient with even very confined spaces with angled Access safely and comfortably into the plane and again can be carried out.

Earlier known transport devices in airplanes had during are consuming anchored and secured flight with belts on the seats. The present invention patient transport device is, however, self-supporting formed only by the fixing elements 15 to the seat rails 3 stably fixed without any additional necessary anchorages would. A particularly reliable embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 is seen to also removable slanted truss struts 19, 19a, which the vertical supports 12 connected to the upper longitudinal beams 13 so and support that even high horizontal accelerations especially in Driving direction X can be intercepted, which, in disturbed air operations occur in collisions or accidents. It is with the novel Transport device possible acceleration bumps to about 10 g with a patient lying on it must be well supported and keep. For the top angled supports 19 is also above the seats 4 plenty of space available, while tighter free space between the seats down so completely for used the optimum positioning of the crossbeams 11 and the supports 12 can be. Advantageously, moreover, all joints, connecting and Fixing the transport device without play or preloaded formed, so that the whole construction rattle (rattle free) is. The whole Transport device is designed collapsible, preferably Quick-release fasteners are used which without tools and even of only are one person to assemble and disassemble. This adjustment and mounting elements are with advantage to actuate the same, eg as push buttons, which Moreover, all of which can be designated by color for easy installation. Advantageously, the lying device 20 and the base frame 10 individually folded, as for example for the lying device in Fig. 7 is shown, and wherein the base frame in the transverse beam elements 11, Posts 12 and horizontal beams 13 can be disassembled, which thus also total requires minimal storage space for storage. This is particularly important in aircraft where space needs to be very well utilized and where It is therefore possible that such a collapsed patient transport device as emergency aid always carry.

Figure 4 shows examples of additional equipment and installations 44, which on The base frame 10 and on the longitudinal beams 13 are attached. Thus serves the longitudinal beams as rail system. An alternative oblique connecting strut 19a illustrates another possible use for supporting high horizontal deceleration forces. With the fixing elements 17 are the Longitudinal beams fixed on the supports 12 in different positions. (In Fig. 4 as shifted from the position in FIG. 1.) Thus, for example medical technology Devices such as an incubator or an oxygen supply, etc. in the correct position to be fixed securely. FIGS. 4 and Fig. 3 also show a Curtain rod 41 with a curtain 42, which not only affects the patient itself, but if necessary, a caregiver can shield by Take off (43) of the curtain frame. When additional installations can detachable handrails 46 or more adjustment elements, such as an insertable Post 47 for setting a Trendelenburg position 39 (Fig. 1) of Patients are in case of poor circulation, etc., used. In order to are the best possible conditions in the function as a travel cot both created for the patient as well as for its support.

Voted on the base frame 10 is also the lying device 20 from relatively few parts consisting, yet designed multifunctional. The following example illustrates in a perspective view according to Fig. 5 and by the Seen side of FIG. 6 a lying device with a sturdy, lightweight rotating tube profile as self-supporting carrying frame 31, which at the four corners, the head part and the foot part and two handles H1, H2 forms. The surfaces of the parts 21-24 are as little as a perforated aluminum cup formed, on which a mattress 32 rests. This example of a four-part lying device has a head portion 21, a middle section 22 and two foot parts 23, 24 and three Einstellgelenke S1, S2, S3 on the universal Setting the lying device in its two functions as a bed and as Sluggish. Head part and foot parts are in this example to a short, light Support structure 26 (in this case T-shaped) supported. At this supporting structure are also a further pair of handles H3 as well as a fixing device F2 mounted for engagement in the base frame 10th The other Fixing device F1 is mounted here on the frame 31, thereby a stable ensure anchoring around the lying device 20 in the base frame 10th

On the structure 26 are a movable support 27 for guiding the lower foot part 24 and exerting force adjusting elements 28 and 29 to supported adjustment of the head and foot parts. These consist of a mixture incremental gas springs, which infinitely adjustable and lockable are. These are actuators 33, for example in the form of handles, which are connected via cable pulleys with the setting members 28, 29th Preferably these operating handles 33 are operated by the patient himself, so he can always find and set an optimum position during the journey - as in correspondence with a hospital bed elevator.

Figure 7 shows an example of a reclining apparatus of FIG. 6 in a collapsed State, which here in the middle around the joint S2 of the support frame 31 and 26 is folded flat about a joint of the support structure. This is a reduced dimension of half the length L1 and only about 10 cm achieved thickness. Even the base frame is easily collapsible by the crossbeams 11, supports 12 and longitudinal beams 13 by loosening the Fixing elements 15, 16, 17 are mutually separated. Even a partial decomposition, in which the supports 12 still remain connected to the transverse beams 11, enough to the dismantled Grundge vice 10 to a very compact volume reduce to stow.

Figure 8 illustrates the possible shortening of the lying device 10 for the Use as carrier under very cramped conditions. By lifting of Headboard 21 and foot parts 23, 24, the length of the lying device which is in a stretched state L1, an order such as 30 - 40% reduced length L2 are brought. Also a possible variant "wheelchair position" 38 (Wheelchair) of FIG. 9 results in a massive reduction of the carrying length. In addition, for example, the handles H3 to the support structure 26 may also be removable or retractable, since the frame 31 nor the handles H2 for carrying available.

9 shows another example of a reclining device consisting of only three Parts, headboard 21, middle part 22 and foot part 24 with two connecting links S1 and S3 there. Here, then, is the central part 22 and the upper base part 23 6 summarized in Fig. In part. These three parts 21, 22, 24 are here adjustable by means of three power-wielding setting elements 28, 29, 30 and fixed analogous to the illustration in Fig. 6.

10 shows as a further example a short and compact rectangular frame as a support structure 26. This provides a favorable force receiving the rectangular frame attached to this fixing elements F1, F2. Also Securing straps 35 for the patient to be on the self-supporting Support structure 26 and the support frame 31 vera guy sure

The structure of the inventive transport device of only a few Elements and using tubular profiles and truss structures while allowing a very low weight and high stability with a large Stoss security especially in driving direction X. Preferably, the whole built structure made of light metal, in particular aluminum alloys , Making a total weight may be achieved by less than 50 kg, eg for base and lying device each about 15 - 20 kg total for all transport means only 30 - 40 kg. Particularly light and easy produced is also an embodiment of fiber composite materials, eg coal or glass fiber reinforced thermoplastics, which also pipes built for the support frame 31 and the base frame 10 and a Tissue engaging surface of the lying device can have 20th