US20080209634A1

US20080209634A1 - Comfort glide hospital gurney

Info

Publication number: US20080209634A1
Application number: US11/712,692
Authority: US
Inventors: G. Robert Stevens
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-03-01
Filing date: 2007-03-01
Publication date: 2008-09-04

Abstract

The Comfort Glide Hospital Gurney will provide shock absorption relief through the use of spring, gas, or air shock absorbers mounted within each of the structural support legs of the gurney. This preferred structure will allow for a less traumatizing experience for the hospital patient who is already in physical pain. In use, the patient will lay atop of the Comfort Glide Hospital Gurney during transportation to and from surgery, X-Ray or a variety of other transportation needs. The patient will feel less pain throughout their journey when being rolled over carpeted areas to tile floor areas, anywhere there may be a gap in the flooring, and especially when being moved in and out of an elevator. The Comfort Glide Hospital Gurney shall accomplish a less painful ride throughout the patient's hospital experience along with convenience and safety.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The Comfort Glide Hospital Gurney relates to the more common hospital gurney used today for transporting patients to and from surgery and the like, and for transferring patients between the gurney and a hospital bed. The above invention is a modification of an existing standard hospital gurney. More particularly, the above invention is modified through the installation and use of springs, air, or gas shock absorbers mounted within the structural support legs of the gurney.
Productive treatment of non-ambulatory hospital patients more than often requires the patient to be transported within the hospital environment. This kind of transportation of non-ambulatory patients is quite often uncomfortable and painful when transported on a standard hospital gurney.
The art of the Comfort Glide Hospital Gurney discloses improvement devices that will minimize a patients discomfort level significantly. For example, the Comfort Glide Hospital Gurney is modified through the installation and use of spring, air, or gas shock absorbers mounted within the structural support legs of the frame of the gurney.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general terms, standard hospital gurneys provide no type whatsoever of any shock relief for non-ambulatory patients, orthopedic patients, and those patients with neck, spinal cord, or hip injuries. Thus, causing a significant amount of discomfort and inconvenience while an attendant transports a patient through the hospital environment.
The problems described above are best resolved through the use of the Comfort Glide Hospital Gurney. The above mentioned invention will allow for the installation and use of spring, air or gas shock absorbers mounted within the structural legs of the frame work of the hospital gurney. Therefore, providing a more comfortable and less painful journey for the non-ambulatory hospital patient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of the hospital gurney with the shock absorbing mechanism installed.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the hospital gurney with the shock absorbing mechanism installed.

FIG. 3 is a view of the structural support leg of the hospital gurney with the shock absorbing mechanism installed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In reference to the drawing figures, the Comfort Glide Hospital Gurney 12 includes a frame comprised of the patient support deck 7, the lower support and storage deck 11, the outer structural support legs 2, and the inner structural support legs 3.
The Comfort Glide Hospital Gurney 12 is equipped with an adjustable head rest 8 at the head end of the patient support deck 7. In addition, the patient support deck 7 supports a comfortable mattress 9 on which a patient may rest. The patient support deck 7 is further equipped with a pair of railings 10 to secure a patient during transportation. The pair of railings 10 are hinged (not shown) at the side of the patient support deck 7 and locked (not shown) in place during patient transportation.
The Comfort Glide Hospital Gurney 12 is a modification of an existing gurney. The structural support legs 2 & 3 have been modified to accommodate a shock absorber mechanism 1. The shock absorber mechanism 1 is fulfilled through the use of either a spring, air, or gas shock absorber mounted within the outer structural support leg 2, and secured to the inner structural support leg 3 and the patient support deck 7.
The inner structural support leg 3 is smaller in diameter than the outer structural support leg 2 thus, providing the support legs 2 & 3 to slide smoothly within one another. At the base of the inner structural support leg 3 a ball bearing swivel 6 provides a 360 degree movement for the rubber wheel 5 that is attached. Respectively, all four ball bearing swivels 6 and the rubber wheels 5 provide a wheel lock 13 so that the attendant may have easier steering capabilities during transportation.
The inner structural support leg 3 slides inside the outer structural support leg 2. At the top of the inner structural support leg 3 a shock absorber mechanism 1 is secured. At the bottom of the outer structural support leg 2 a rubber bushing 4 provides for stabilization of the inner structural support leg 3. The rubber bushing 4 also provides a “no pinch” zone between the sliding of the inner structural support leg 3 into the outer structural support leg 2.
Further structural stabilization is accomplished through securing the lower support and storage deck 11 to the inner structural support legs 3 just above the ball bearing swivel 6. Although the Comfort Glide Hospital Gurney 12 is a modification of an existing gurney, patients and medical personnel will appreciate the comfort of transportation throughout the hospital environment that the shock absorber mechanism 1 mounted within the outer structural support leg 2, and secured to the inner structural support leg 3 provides.

Claims

1. This is a modified gurney for transporting a hospital patient to and from surgery and throughout the hospital environment comprising of a shock absorber mechanism installed within the structural support legs of the gurney.

2. The gurney as set forth in claim 1 provides for the installation of a shock absorber mechanism installed within an outer structural support leg and secured to the top of an inner structural support leg that slides within the outer structural support leg thus, providing for the much needed shock relief during patient transportation.

3. The gurney as set forth in claim 1, said shock absorbing mechanism is provided through the installation and use of either a spring, air, or gas shock absorber mounted within the outer structural support leg and secured to the inner structural support leg.

4. The gurney as set forth in claim 2, said inner structural support legs secure a mounted shock absorbing mechanism atop of them and slide within the outer structural support leg providing for a more comfortable cushioned transport of non-ambulatory hospital patients.

5. The gurney as set forth in claims 1 through 4 is claimed as new and desired.

6. Small entity status is claimed.