Side rail assembly for a wheeled stretcher

摘要

A side rail assembly for a bed-like stretcher includes a tubular side rail with first and second tubular posts connected at each end. Each of a pair of mounting members connected near each end of the stretcher frame includes first and second vertically spaced-apart pivotal connection points. First and second linkage bars are pivotally connected between each of the posts and the connection points of one mounting member to form a pivotally connected quadrilateral. A handle is mounted to each of the posts for pivotal movement about a horizontal line, while a handle linkage connects the handles so that movement of either handle causes identical movement by the other. A latch on each post cooperates with a catch fixedly attached to the frame. A latch actuator connects each latch with a handle, so that pivotal movement of either handle causes the latches to disengage from the catches, permitting lowering of the side rail assembly.