EP1598042A2

EP1598042A2 - Vertically adjustable stretcher

Info

Publication number: EP1598042A2
Application number: EP05005885A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Robert Alan Williams; Paavo Henrik Pernu; Eero Olavi Vuorenoja
Original assignee: PENSI RESCUE Oy; Evac and Chair International Ltd
Current assignee: PENSI RESCUE Oy; Evac and Chair International Ltd
Priority date: 2004-05-21
Filing date: 2005-03-17
Publication date: 2005-11-23
Also published as: GB0505442D0; FI6376U1; GB2414227A; FIU20040211U0; EP1598042A3; GB2414227B

Abstract

An adjustable support apparatus (1) comprising, first (12) and second (10) support elements, which are, in use, spaced vertically from each other and are moveable relative to each other between a first position, in which they are spaced from each other, and a second position, in which they lie closer to each other, first (14) and second (16) cross members connecting the first (12) and second (10) support elements to each other, at each side of the apparatus (1), said cross members (14, 16) being pivotally connected to each other between their ends with the first cross member (14) being pivotally connected at one end to the second support element (10) and connected at its opposite end to the first support element (12), and with the second cross member (16) being pivotally connected at one end to the first support element (12) and connected at its opposite end to the second support element (10), and actuating means (21) for effecting movement of the first (12) and second (10) support elements relative to each other, characterised in that the connection of each of the first cross members (14) to the first support element (12) includes a rack gear (34) connected to the first support element (12) and the corresponding end of both of the first cross members (14) supports a respective pinion gear (35) which engages the respective rack gear (34) on the first support element (12), with the pinion gears (35) of both of the first cross members (14) being rotationally fast with each other.

Description

Description of Invention

This invention relates to an adjustable support apparatus.

More particularly, the invention relates to an adjustable support apparatus for supporting, for example, a stretcher, bed, incubator, or other means on which or in which a patient is accommodated. The adjustable support apparatus includes, what is known in the art as a "scissor-type" arrangement connecting upper and lowering elements or frames of the apparatus.

Adjustable support apparatuses having such scissor-type arrangements are, by way of example, shown in UK patent Nos. 2301282, 2172875 and 1198892. Each of the apparatuses disclosed in these documents has at each side thereof a pair of cross members (first and second for ease of reference) which are pivotally connected to each other between their ends. An end of the first cross member is pivotally connected to the upper element or frame and its opposite end is slidably connected to the lower element or frame. An end of the other cross member, at a position substantially below the pivotal connection of the first cross member to the upper element or frame, is pivotally connected to the lower element or frame and its opposite end is slidably connected to the upper element or frame, at a position substantially above the slidable connection of the first cross member to the lower element or frame.

An advantage of such scissor-type arrangements is that the spacing between the upper and lower elements or frames can be adjusted whilst maintaining the upper and lower elements or frames substantially parallel with each other and the ground surface on which the apparatus is supported.

A problem with such known scissor-type arrangements is that the upper element or frame is liable to excessive twisting when supporting a patient. Such twisting can be particularly severe when the patient's body weight is not evenly distributed through each of the connections of the scissor-type arrangement to the upper element or frame, i.e. if a patient sits/lies near one side or corner of the upper element or frame. Such twisting is a result of relative movement of the first and/or second cross member at its slidable connection to the lower or upper element or frame, respectively. This is highly undesirable and could result in a number of health and safety issues, such as injury to the patient and/or to the apparatus, particularly if the spacing between the upper and lower elements or frames is adjusted whilst the upper platform is unevenly loaded.

Therefore, according to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an adjustable support apparatus comprising:

first and second support elements, which are, in use, spaced vertically from each other and are moveable relative to each other between a first position, in which they are spaced from each other, and a second position, in which they lie closer to each other;

first and second cross members connecting the first and second support elements to each other, at each side of the apparatus, said cross members being pivotally connected to each other between their ends with the first cross member being pivotally connected at one end to the second support element and connected at its opposite end to the first support element, and with the second cross member being pivotally connected at one end to the first support element and connected at its opposite end to the second support element; and

actuating means for effecting movement of the first and second support elements relative to each other,

characterised in that the connection of each of the first cross members to the first support element includes a rack gear connected to the first support element and the corresponding end of both of the first cross members supports a respective pinion gear which engages the respective rack gear on the first support element, with the pinion gears of both of the first cross members being rotationally fast with each other.

By providing an adjustable support apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, tilting of the uppermost (relative to a ground surface) support element is reduced. This is because even if the uppermost support element is unevenly loaded, the load is distributed between the cross members at each side of the apparatus, thus inhibiting twisting of the uppermost support element.

A further advantage of the adjustable support apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention is that the cross members at each side of the apparatus work in unison.

The adjustable support apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention also assists in the stability of the apparatus during use.

Further features of the first aspect of the invention are set out in claims 2 to 9.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a device for inhibiting relative movement between first and second support elements of an adjustable support apparatus when said apparatus is anchored to an anchoring means of a fixed body, the device comprising:

a first co-operating member provided on the first support element; and

a second co-operating member provided on the first support element;

characterised in that during anchoring of the apparatus to the anchoring means of the fixed body, the second co-operating member abuts a portion of the anchoring means, which abutment engages the second co-operating member with the first co-operating member to inhibit relative movement between the first and second support elements.

Such a device in accordance with the second aspect of the invention inhibiting relative movement between the first and second support elements, which is particularly beneficial when, for example, the adjustable support apparatus is anchored to a floor of a vehicle, particularly when supporting a patient.

Further features of the second aspect of the invention are set out in claims 10 to 17.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided an adjustable support apparatus including a device according to the second aspect of the invention.

According to a forth aspect of the invention there is provided an adjustable support apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention including a device according to the second aspect of the invention.

The invention will now be described by way of examples only with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view from one side and above of an adjustable support apparatus in accordance with the present invention, supporting a stretcher;

Figure 2 is a side view of the apparatus of figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view from one side and above of an adjustable support apparatus in accordance with the present invention, supporting a incubator;

Figure 4 is a side view of the apparatus of figure 3;

Figure 5 is a perspective view from one side and above of an adjustable support apparatus in accordance with the present invention in a lowered condition;

Figure 6 is a side view of the apparatus of figure 5 in a raised condition;

Figure 7 is a side view of the apparatus of figure 5 in a lowered condition;

Figure 8 is a close up perspective view of a detail of the apparatus of figures 1 to 7;

Figure 9 is a close up perspective view of the detail figure 8 from the opposite side of the apparatus, with some parts removed for clarity;

Figure 10 is a perspective view from one side and above of a first anchoring means;

Figure 11 is another perspective view of the first anchoring means of figure 9 with a support apparatus anchored therein;

Figure 12 is a perspective view from one side and above of a device in accordance with the second aspect of the invention positioned at one end of the apparatus of figures 1 to 8;

Figure 13 is a side view of the device shown in figure 12;

Figure 14 is a perspective view from one side and above of a further device in accordance with the second aspect of the invention positioned at the opposite end of the apparatus to the device shown in figures 12 and 13;

Figure 15 is a side view of the further device shown in figure 14;

Figures 1 to 7 all show an adjustable support apparatus 1 in accordance with the invention. Figures 1 and 2 show the adjustable support apparatus 1 supporting a stretcher 2. Figures 3 and 4 show the adjustable support apparatus 1 supporting an incubator 3. Figures 5 to 7 show the adjustable support apparatus 1 without the stretcher 2 or incubator 3; figures 5 and 7 show the adjustable support apparatus 1 in a lowered condition and figure 6 shows the adjustable support apparatus 1 in a raised condition. The configuration of the stretcher 2 and the incubator 3 are well known and are connected to the apparatus 1 by means well known in the art, and thus will not be discussed further.

The adjustable support apparatus 1 includes a lower support element 10 and an upper support element 12. The lower support element 10 includes a pair of substantially parallel elongate

side frame members

10a, 10b positioned at each side of the apparatus 1, which are connected together at one end of the apparatus 1 by an end frame member 10c and at an opposite end of the apparatus by an end frame member 10d. The

end frame members

10c, 10d extend perpendicularly between the elongate

side frame members

10a, 10b.

Each end of each elongate

side frame member

10a, 10b is provided with a castor wheel 11. Each castor wheel 11 is of conventional form and can be individually braked by a respective foot pedal 11a. It will be appreciated, however, that other types or combinations of wheels could be utilised.

The upper support element 12 includes a pair of substantially parallel elongate

side frame members

12a, 12b which are connected together at one end of the apparatus by an end frame member 12c and at an opposite end of the apparatus by an end frame member 12d. The

end frame members

12c, 12d extend perpendicularly between the elongate

side frame members

12a, 12b. The elongate

side frame members

12a, 12b are also connected by an intermediate frame member 12e, which is positioned substantially midway between the

side frame members

12a, 12b, and which also extends perpendicularly between the elongate

side frame members

12a, 12b.

Each end of each

side frame member

12a, 12b is provided with a downwardly extending stopper 22, each with upwardly extending recess therein. The stoppers 22 each engage over a respective projecting cylindrical part 23 provided on each end of each

side frame member

10a, 10b, below its respective stopper 22. The purpose of the stoppers 22 and parts 23 is two-fold. Firstly, they ensure that even when the upper support element 12 is completely lowered (as will be discussed later) the upper and

lower support elements

10, 12 do not engage each other directly (i.e. they define a safe lowermost condition of the upper support element 12), and secondly they provide location of the upper support element 12 relative to the lower support element 10 when upper support element 12 is completely lowered.

The lower support element 10 and the upper support element 12 are connected to each other, at each side of the apparatus 1, by a pair of

cross embers

14, 16. The configuration of the

cross members

14, 16 connecting the elongate

side frame members

10a and 12a is a mirror image of the

cross members

14, 16 connecting the elongate

side frame members

10b and 12b. Therefore only the configuration of the

cross members

14, 16 connecting the elongate

side frame members

10a and 12a will be discussed hereinafter.

The

cross members

14, 16 are pivotally connected to each other between their ends at 15 by a conventional fastening, such as a fastener passing through apertures in both

cross members

14, 16 with an appropriate bearing or bushing , if desired.

The cross member 14 is pivotally connected at 17, adjacent the end frame member 10d, to the elongate side frame member 10a of the lower support element 10 and connected (described in more detail below) at its opposite end, indicated at 18, adjacent the end frame member 12c, to the elongate side frame member 12a of the upper support element 12.

The cross member 16 is pivotally connected at 19, adjacent the end frame member 12d, to the elongate side frame member 12a of the upper support element 12 and connected (described in more detail below) at its opposite end, indicated at 20, adjacent the end frame member 10c, to the elongate side frame member 10a of the lower support element 10.

The apparatus also includes actuating means in the form of a piston/cylinder 21, which is connected at one (lower) end to the lower support element 10 via a bracket (not shown) which is connected to the end frame member 10d, and at an opposite (upper) end to the intermediate frame member 12c of the upper support element 12. The piston/cylinder 21 is actuatable by a foot pedal (not shown) so as to effect movement of the upper support element 12 away from and towards the lower support element 10 so as to adjust the height of the apparatus 1 and thus any article supported thereon, such as, for examples, a stretcher, bed or incubator.

The connection, indicated at 18, of the cross member 14 to the upper support element 12 is provided by a part 30 (see figures 8 and 9). The components and operation of the connection indicated at 18 is mirrored on the opposite side of the apparatus 1, and thus will only be discussed with reference to the connection of the cross member 14 to the elongate side frame member 12b of the upper support element 12.

The channel part 30 includes a pair of substantially parallel side walls 31 (lower), 32 (upper), which are spaced vertically from each other and are connected by a base wall 33. The channel part 30 is connected to an inwardly facing wall of the side frame member 12b by conventional fasteners passing through apertures in the base wall 33.

The upper side wall 32 is provided with a rack gear 34 having teeth which face the lower side wall 31. The rack gear 34 extends along a majority of the upper wall 32, but it is not always required do so. The rack gear 34 is engaged by a respective pinion gear 35 (shown in the cutaway view in figure 9) supported on one end of an axle 36, which axle 36 is supported in an aperture/bushing in the end of the cross member 14, and is free to rotate about its axis. The rack gear 34 should, beneficially, be of suitable length so that teeth of the pinion gear 35 mesh at all times.

The opposite end of the axle 36 supports a pinion gear 35 on the opposite side of the apparatus 1, and thus the pinion gears 35 supported by both cross members 14 are rotationally fast with each other.

Each pinion gear 35 is covered by a cover 37. The cover 37 substantially surrounds the pinion gear 35, and includes an aperture 38, adjacent the upper side wall 32, to permit engagement of teeth of the pinion gear 35 with teeth of the rack gear 34. Upper and lower surfaces of the cover 37 are shaped so as to slot between the

side walls

31, 32.

The connection of each cross member 16 to the elongate

side frame members

10a or 10b of the lower support element 10 are indicated at 20 in figures 1 to 7. Each of the connections indicated at 20 are identical in their components and operation to the connections indicated at 18. They each include a channel part 30, a rack gear 34 connected to the upper wall 32 of the channel part, and a pinion gear 35 supported on an axle 36, which axle is supported at each end by an aperture/bushing in the end of the cross member 16, and is free to rotate about its axis. The pinion gears 35 are thus rotationally fast with each other. Each pinion gear 35 is covered by a respective cover 37.

Operation of the adjustable support apparatus 1 will now be described. When it is desired to adjust the spacing between the lower support element 10 and the upper support element 12, the piston/cylinder 21 is actuated by the foot pedal (i.e. in this example by moving the pedal upwardly to effect lowering of the upper support element 12 and repeated depression of the pedal downwardly to effect raising of the upper support element 12).

During raising of the upper support element 12, the ends of the

cross members

14, 16 which are pivotally connected (i.e. adjacent the

end frame members

10d and 12d) to the upper and

lower support elements

10, 12 pivot relative to their respective connections. However, the opposite ends of the cross members 14, 16 (i.e. those connections indicated at 18 and 20) slide inwardly towards the

end frame members

10d, 12d each along its respective channel part 30, with the pinion gear 35 of each connection travelling along its respective rack gear 34, and the cover 37 sliding between the

side walls

31, 32.

As the pair of pinion gears 35 on the cross members 14 are connected by the axle 36, the pinion gears 35 rotate and move inwardly at the same rate. This is also true for the connections indicated at 20, because the respective pinion gears 35 there are also connected by a respective axle 36. Therefore, even raising of the upper support element 12 is achieved.

Upon lowering of the upper support element 12, each pinion gear 35 travels in the opposite direction along its respective rack gear 34 towards the

end frame members

10c or 12c. Again, because of each pair of pinion gears (upper and lower) are connected by a respective axle 36, and thus cannot rotate relative to each other, even lowering of the upper support element 12 is achieved.

During raising, lowering of the upper support element 12 or when the upper support element 12 is stationary, the connections indicated at 18, 20 also inhibit tilting/twisting of the upper support element 12 relative to the lower support element 10 when the upper support element 12 is unevenly loaded. Even if a load on the apparatus 1 is unevenly distributed, e.g. towards one corner of the upper support element 12 adjacent the connection of the end frame member 12c and the elongate side frame member 12a (when a patient sits near one corner of the apparatus 1), each pair of pinion gears 35 (upper and lower) can only move at the same rate because of their respective axles 36. Thus a load concentrated at one corner of the apparatus 1 will be distributed between both sides of the apparatus 1 and thus between both pairs of

cross members

14, 16 at both sides of the apparatus 1.

Of course, it will be readily apparent that it is not necessary for both the connections indicated at 18 and the connections indicated at 20 to include respective rack gears 34 and pinion gears 35. For example, Whilst maintaining the connection indicated at 20 in its above described form (i.e. with the rack gear 34 and the pinion gear 35), the connections indicated at 18 may each be adapted to a free-sliding arrangement (as shown in the prior art discussed above), thus removing the rack gear 34 and pinion gear 35 therefrom. Alternatively, the connection indicated at 18 may be maintained in its described form with rack gear 34 and pinion gear 35, whilst the connections indicated at 20 may each be adapted to a free-sliding arrangement. Of course, neither of these variations will work as well as the embodiment herein described, but will, in any event, still inhibit tilting/twisting of the upper support element 12 relative to the lower support element 10 when the upper support element 12 is unevenly loaded.

Figures 10 and 11 show an anchoring means 40 for anchoring the apparatus 1 to a fixed body, such as a floor of a vehicle. In the present example, there are provided two anchoring means 40a, 40b, one for anchoring each end of the apparatus 1. The anchoring means 40a for anchoring the end of the apparatus 1 with the end frame member 10c and the anchoring means 40b for anchoring the end of the apparatus 1 with the end frame member 10d. Of course, it is possible to use only one anchoring means to anchor one end only of the apparatus 1, although two provides more secure anchoring.

Each anchoring means 40 includes a substantially planar base member or plate 41, which is fixable to a floor of a vehicle by fasteners 42. Connected to and extending upwardly from the base member 41, substantially perpendicularly away therefrom, are two

side members

43, 44, each of which is substantially planar and has a respective top surface 43a, 43b, which is substantially parallel with the base member 41. The

side members

43, 44 are spaced from each other at each side of the base member 41. The connection of each

side member

43, 44 to the base member 41 is adjustable so that the

side members

43, 44 can be positioned closer to or farther away from each other. Extending between and connecting the

side members

43, 44 is a bridging member 45, which is also substantially planar in shape and of a length dependent upon the spacing of the

side members

43, 44.

An end of the side member 43 remote from its connection to the base member 41 includes a recess 48, which is positioned on the vertical centreline of the side member 43. Positioned at either side of the recess 48 are

slots

46, 47. Each

slot

46 or 47 is substantially parallel with a plane of the base member 41 and extends from an outermost edge of the side member 43 towards recess 48. The depth of each

recess

46 or 47 tapers in a direction towards the recess 48.

The configuration of the side member 44 is a mirror image of the side member 43 and thus also includes a recess 48 and a pair of

slots

46, 47.

Each end of the apparatus 1 can be anchored to the anchoring means 40 by a locking device, indicated at 50 in figures 11 and 12. The locking device 50 connected to the end frame member 10d will be described; the locking device 50 connected to the opposite end of the apparatus 1 on the end frame member 10c is a mirror image thereof, except for some slight variations which will be discussed below. The locking device 50 includes a pair of

brackets

51, 52 connected to the end frame member 10d, and spaced from each other at either side of the connection of the piston/cylinder 21 to the end frame member 10d. A lower end of each

bracket

51, 52 has an aperture 51a, 52a. Each aperture 51a, 52a is cylindrical and has an axis substantially parallel with an axis of the end frame member 10d. The axes of the apertures 51a, 52a of both

brackets

51, 52 are coaxial.

Connected to a lower end of each

bracket

51, 52 is a respective spring-loaded

plunger

53, 55. The spring-loaded plunger 53 is connected to the bracket 51 and has a locking formation 54 extending through the aperture 51a in the bracket 51 away from the connection of the piston/cylinder 21 to the end frame member 10d. The spring-loaded plunger 55 is connected to the bracket 52 and has a locking formation 56 extending through the aperture 52a in the bracket 52 away from the connection of the piston/cylinder 21 to the end frame member 10d. The purpose of the locking

formations

54, 56 is to engage the respective recesses 48 on the

side members

43, 44 of the anchoring means 40. The spring-loaded

plungers

53, 55 are actuated by a foot operable lever 57, which is supported between the

plungers

53, 55 and is spring biased upwardly. In the un-operated condition, the spring-loaded

plungers

53, 55 are biased outwardly and depression of the foot operable lever 57 moves both spring-loaded

plungers

53, 55 inwardly, away from the recesses 48.

Figures 11 and 12 each show a perspective view from the end of the apparatus 1 with the end frame member 10d. Figure 11 shows the apparatus 1 anchored to an anchoring means 40b and figure 12 shows the parts of the apparatus 1 in the same position, but with the anchoring means 40b omitted. The end frame member 10d also supports a second co-operating member of a device in accordance with the second aspect of the invention. The device is provided for inhibiting relative movement between the upper and

lower support elements

10, 12, when the upper support element 12 is completely lowered or lowered to a position near the lower support element 10.

The second co-operating member includes a pair of upwardly standing

planar hook formations

61, 62 connected to the end frame member 10d. The hook formation 61 extends towards the end frame member 10c and is positioned adjacent an outermost side of the bracket 51 (i.e. between the bracket 51 and the elongate side frame member 10a). The hook formation 62 also extends towards the end frame member 10c, but is positioned adjacent an outermost side of the bracket 52 (i.e. between the bracket 52 and the elongate side frame member 10b). Unlike the

brackets

51, 52, the

hook formations

61, 62 are free to rotate about the axis of the end frame member 10d. and spaced from each other along the end frame member 10c.

Connected to a lower, outwardly facing, part of each

hook formation

61, 62, below the axis of the end frame member 10d is a rotatable element in the form of a

wheel

63, 64. Each

wheel

63, 64 is connected to its

respective hook formation

61, 62 by a conventional fastening element and is free to rotate relative to the

hook formation

61, 62 about and axis parallel to the axis about which each

hook formation

61, 62 can rotate.

The device in accordance with the second aspect of the invention also has a first co-operating member which includes an elongate member 71 connected to an underside of the end frame member 12d. The elongate member 71 has an axis substantially parallel with the end frame member 12d (and frame member 10d) and has upturned ends 72, 73, each of which is connected to the end frame member 12d of the upper support element 12 by a respective fastener. The elongate member 71, upturned ends 72, 73 and the end frame member 12d define an aperture to receive the hook formations 61, 62 (when the apparatus 1 is anchored to the anchoring means 40).

To anchor the apparatus 1 to the anchoring means 40a, 40b, a user must align the apparatus 1 with the anchoring means 40a, 40b so that the anchoring means 40a is closest to the apparatus 1 and also so that the leading end of the apparatus 1 is that of the frame member 10d. The apparatus 1 is them moved towards both anchoring means 40a, 40b.

The spring-loaded

plungers

53, 55 of the locking device connected to the end frame member 10c are then aligned with the

slots

46 or 47 in the

side members

43, 44 of the anchoring means 40a. However, to ensure that the leading end of the apparatus 1 (i.e. the end with the end frame member 10d) does not anchor only to the anchoring means 40a, the spacing of the

side members

43, 44 of the anchoring means 40a is wider than that of the spacing of the

side members

43, 44 of the anchoring means 40b. This also ensures that the apparatus 1 can only be engaged with the anchoring means 40a, 40b in one direction.

The apparatus 1 is then moved until the end frame member 10d nears the anchoring means 40b (of course, at the same time the end frame member 10c also nears the anchoring means 40a). The apparatus 1 is then moved farther until the spring-loaded

plungers

53, 55 of the locking devices at both ends of the apparatus move along the

slots

46, 47. As the slots are tapered, the spring-loaded

plungers

53, 55 are both moved progressively inwardly.

Shortly before the spring-loaded

plungers

53, 55 engage the recesses 48, the

wheels

63, 64 abut a portion of their

respective side member

43, 44 and ride up on to the top surface 43a or 43b of the

side member

43, 44. This abutment effects pivoting of the

hook formations

61, 62 and moves the

hook formations

61, 62 between the elongate member 71 and the end frame member 12c, thus inhibiting relative movement between the upper and

lower support elements

10, 12. This is particularly beneficial, when the apparatus 1 is anchored to a floor of the vehicle and is being transported with, or without, a patient thereon. The device ensures that the upper and

lower support elements

10, 12 do not move excessively relative to each other, for example when the vehicle is cornering, braking and/or accelerating, or as a result of uneven road surface.

At the same time as the

hook formations

61, 62 are pivoting, the spring-loaded

plungers

53, 55 approach the recesses 48 and, as they are biased outwardly, each spring-loaded

plunger

53, 55 engages in its respective recess 48, thus anchoring the apparatus to both anchoring means 40a, 40b.

A side view of the engagement of the hook formation 63 with the elongate member 71 is shown in figure 13.

Un-anchoring of the apparatus 1 from the anchoring means 40a, 40b is achieved by depression of the foot operable lever 47 on each locking device. Of course, if a locking device is provided at each end of the apparatus 1, unanchoring of the apparatus 1 will require two operators, one at each end of the apparatus 1 to simultaneously depress both foot operable levers 47. However, it must be appreciated that a linkage could be provided between both foot operable levers 47, so that depression of either with cause both levers 47 to depress. Thus the apparatus 1 could be un-anchored by one operator.

In the present specification "comprise" means "includes or consists of" and "comprising" means "including or consisting of".

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

An adjustable support apparatus (1) comprising:

first (12) and second (10) support elements, which are, in use, spaced vertically from each other and are moveable relative to each other between a first position, in which they are spaced from each other, and a second position, in which they lie closer to each other;

first (14) and second (16) cross members connecting the first (12) and second (10) support elements to each other, at each side of the apparatus (1), said cross members (14, 16) being pivotally connected to each other between their ends with the first cross member (14) being pivotally connected at one end to the second support element (10) and connected at its opposite end to the first support element (12), and with the second cross member (16) being pivotally connected at one end to the first support element (12) and connected at its opposite end to the second support element (10); and

actuating means (21) for effecting movement of the first (12) and second (10) support elements relative to each other,

characterised in that the connection of each of the first cross members (14) to the first support element (12) includes a rack gear (34) connected to the first support element (12) and the corresponding end of both of the first cross members (14) supports a respective pinion gear (35) which engages the respective rack gear (34) on the first support element (12), with the pinion gears (35) of both of the first cross members (14) being rotationally fast with each other.
An apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that the connection of each of the second cross members (16) to the second support element (10) includes a rack gear (34) connected to the second support element (10) and the corresponding end of both of the second cross members (16) supports a respective pinion gear (35) which engages the respective rack gear (34) of the second support element (10), with the pinion gears (35) of both of the second cross members (16) being rotationally fast with each other.
An apparatus according to claim 2 characterised in that the pinion gears (35) of the first cross members (14) are connected by an axle (36), and the pinion gears (35) of the second cross members (16) are connected by a further axle (36).
An apparatus according to any preceding claim characterised in that the actuating means (21) for effecting movement of the first (12) and second (10) support elements relative to each other is provided by a fluid operable piston/cylinder (21).
An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the actuating means (21) for effecting movement of the first (12) and second (10) support elements relative to each other is provided by an electric actuator.
An apparatus according to any preceding claim characterised in that the rack gear (34) is provided in a channel formation (30) on its respective first support element (12) or second support element (10), the channel formation (30) including upper (32) and lower (31) walls spaced vertically from each other.
An apparatus according to claim 6 characterised in that the rack gear (34) is provided on a wall (31, 32) of the channel formation (30).
An apparatus according to claim 7 characterised in that the rack gear (34) is provided on the upper wall (32) of the channel formation (30).
An apparatus according to any preceding claim characterised in that the pinion gear (35) is covered by a cover (37), said cover (37) including an opening to permit engagement of teeth of the pinion gear (35) with the rack gear (34), and wherein the cover (37) slidably engages a wall (31,32) of the channel formation (30) opposite the rack gear (34).
A device for inhibiting relative movement between first (12) and second (10) support elements of an adjustable support apparatus (1) when said apparatus (1) is anchored to an anchoring means (40) of a fixed body, the device comprising:-

a first co-operating member (71, 72, 73) provided on the first support element (12); and

a second co-operating member (61, 62) provided on the second support element (10);

characterised in that during anchoring of the apparatus (1) to the anchoring means (40) of the fixed body, the second co-operating member (61, 62) abuts a portion of the anchoring means (40), which abutment engages the second co-operating member (61, 62) with the first co-operating member (71, 72, 73) to inhibit relative movement between the first (12) and second (10) support elements.
A device according to claim 10 characterised in that abutment of the second co-operating member (61, 62) with the anchoring means (40) effects pivoting of the second co-operating member (61, 62) to engage the first co-operating member (71, 72, 73).
A device according to claim 11 characterised in that the second co-operating member (61, 62) is pivotable about an axis transverse to a direction in which the apparatus (1) is moved to anchor the apparatus (1) to the anchoring means (40) of the fixed body and a rotatable element (63, 64) is provided, connected to the second co-operating member (61, 62), which abuts the anchoring means (40) during anchoring of the apparatus (1) to the anchoring means (40).
A device according to any one of claims 10 to 12 characterised in that the second co-operating member (61, 62) includes a projecting formation and the first co-operating member (71, 72, 73) includes a formation to receive the projecting formation of the second co-operating member (61, 62).
A device according to claim 13 characterised in that the second co-operating member (61, 62) includes a hook formation, and the first co-operating member (71, 72, 73) includes an aperture to receive the hook formation of the second co-operating member (61, 62).
A device according to claim 14 characterised in that the first co-operating member (71, 72, 73) includes an elongate member (71) with which the hook formation of the second co-operating member (61, 62) engages, and the elongate member (71) has a longitudinal axis transverse to a direction in which the apparatus (1) is moved to anchor the apparatus (1) to the anchoring means (40) of the fixed body.
A device according to any one of claims 10 to 15 characterised in that the device includes a pair of second co-operating members.
A device according to any one of claims 10 to 16 characterised in that the device includes a pair of first co-operating members.
An adjustable support apparatus including a device according to any one of claims 10 to 17.
An adjustable support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 including a device according to any one of claims 10 to 17.