1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a trolley in particular to an accident and emergency trolley.
2. Description of Related Art
It is known to provide accident and emergency trolleys designed to be raised and lowered, tilted longitudinally, but such conventional trolleys suffer from the disadvantages of being difficult to operate and manouver and the patient having to be transferred to another surface for X-rays or imaging.
Accordingly, the present invention provides an accident and emergency trolley for supporting and transporting a patient comprising a surface overlying an upper frame, the upper frame supported on a base frame so that it can be raised and lowered relative to the base frame, the upper frame being mounted at its periphery on opposed radius arms connected to respective first and second actuators, the actuators operated by foot operated pedals, said pedals is disposed on one or either side of the trolley such that operation of any single pedal enables the trolley to be raised at either end or both ends simultaneously. Advantageously, the opposed radius arms provide an uninterrupted window under the trolley allowing for X-ray/imaging. Further their operation is much simplified only requiring a single operation compared to the complex arrangement of pedals on conventional trolleys in order to achieve tilt. Preferably, the pedals for all functions are advantageously located at each side of the trolley allowing for easy access and avoids the operators having to travel and operate pedals located around the trolley for individual functions.
Preferably, the pedals may only be operated with a downward force, thereby providing easier operation. Previous trolleys have pedals which need to be pushed up to operate actuators for certain tilt functions.
Preferably, the trolley comprises a castor mounted centrally on the base frame by resilient means and arranged to engage in either of two positions 180xc2x0 apart so as to provide directional tracking in line with longitudinal axis of the trolley. Therefore, if pushed in a longitudinal direction the castor automatically latches and provides improved steering and maneuverability.
Advantageously, the trolley surface may be sectional to provide at least a backrest movable from a rest position to an inclined position, by means of actuators operable by a single push action, for ease of operation.
Preferably, the trolley additionally comprises safety side rail assemblies each comprising rail arms pivotally mounted on a support member suspended from the upper frame by links, the rail arms movable from a horizontal stowed position to a vertical in-use position, the support member being linked to the upper frame such that it is stowable under its own weight, the arms being locked in their in-use position.
The side rail assemblies advantageously provide for safety of the patient but can be stowed away under the upper frame so that there is no transfer gap when transferring a patient from the trolley to an operating table, bed or similar.