Patient support apparatus with powered wheel

• Main Authors: HEIMBROCK RICHARD H, WEBSTER THOMAS M, VOGEL JOHN D
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 14.08.2012
• Subjects: ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS INVEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OFTRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GASEXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS, IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; CABINETS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; COFFEE MILLS; DESKS; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; DRAWERS; FUNERAL DEVICES; FURNITURE; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE; HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS, PERAMBULATORS; HUMAN NECESSITIES; HYGIENE; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS; MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; OFFICE FURNITURE; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; SLEDGES; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL; TABLES; TRANSPORT OR ACCOMODATION FOR PATIENTS; TRANSPORTING; VEHICLES IN GENERAL

A patient support apparatus has a first frame and a second frame supported above the first frame and movable relative to the first frame. A plurality of casters are coupled to the first frame. A wheel is movable relative to the first frame between a lowered position engaging the floor and a raised position spaced from the floor. A drive assembly is coupled to the wheel and is operable to drive the wheel to propel the patient support apparatus along the floor. A foot pedal is coupled to the first frame and is movable to raise and lower the wheel relative to the floor.