Patient transport apparatus having caster assembly biasing mechanisms
US12005009B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 27, 2021 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 27, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60Y2400/00
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A patient transport apparatus including a support structure movable between a chair configuration for traversing floor surfaces and a stowed configuration for storage. A seat section is pivotably coupled to the support structure. A caster assembly includes a pin coupled to the support structure and defining a swivel axis, a caster frame arranged to pivot about the swivel axis between a plurality of caster orientations, a wheel coupled to the caster frame and arranged for engagement with the floor in the chair configuration, and a biasing mechanism interposed between the caster frame and the pin. The biasing mechanism urges the caster frame toward a stowed caster orientation in response to disengagement between the wheel and floor surfaces occurring as the support structure moves from the chair configuration to the stowed configuration.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.