Patient transport apparatus including independently or simultaneously operable leg and backrest portions

摘要

A multi-purpose chair/stretcher assembly is disclosed which includes seat, backrest and leg supporting assemblies, the backrest and leg supporting assemblies both being pivotably mounted to the seat assembly. A pair of telescoping linkage assemblies connect the backrest and leg supporting assemblies so that the pivotal movement of one with respect to the other causes both to rotate in the same direction if restricted from telescoping. If this linkage assembly is allowed to telescope, the backrest assembly may be moved independently of the leg supporting assembly. A second linkage assembly connects the leg supporting assembly with the seat assembly. This second linkage assembly, while extendable and contractable, may be locked in a rigid configuration so that the leg supporting assembly may be held in a fixed position with respect to the seat assembly.