subject: The role of a stretcher [print this page] The role of a stretcher The role of a stretcher
As a result of intensive studies in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention adopts a non-step stopper mechanism, which is capable of fixing a stretcher at a desired point of height, and capable of stopping the slide mechanism, which moves the stretcher up/down smoothly in a non-step manner. As a result, a stretcher of little sliding resistance and capable of being fixed at a desired position has been created successfully and the above-described problems has been solved.
A first aspect of the invention is a medical stretcher comprising an upper frame for placing a litter on an upper portion thereof having casters in the front portion and rear portion, and a slide mechanism for changing up/down the position of the upper frame, characterized in that a non-step stopper mechanism for stopping the sliding in the slide mechanism in a non-step manner is provided. Owing to a slide system for changing up/down the height of the stretcher and an arrangement of the non-step stop, it is possible to slide up/down the stretcher and to fix the same at a desired position, and little superfluous vibration is rendered. As a result, a patient can be free from pain or uneasiness.
A second aspect of the invention is a ambulance stretcher characterized in that the sliding of the slide mechanism is made by the expansion and contraction of a constant force spring. By using a constant force spring in the slide mechanism for changing up/down the height of the stretcher, the up/down movement is performed smoothly. As a result, an effect is that a patient can be free from uneasiness or pain during the up/down movement.
A third aspect of the invention is a stretcher characterized in that the non-step stopper mechanism comprises a mechanical lock structure. By adopting the mechanical lock structure for stopping the movement while the height of the stretcher is changed up/down, unlike a mechanism in which a pin is inserted into a previously formed hole, stop position and fixing position are not limited to specific positions. Accordingly, there is no amplification of pain due to the vibration generated by insertion of the pin into the hole, or danger of sudden lowering of the stretcher manufacturers due to such malfunction as a fail of the pin being inserted into the role etc, as the case of the conventional mechanism.
