Devices and methods for transferring an object

A transfer device comprising:

• a device body having a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side;
• and an articulated transfer platform comprising:
• a distal platform segment, and a plurality of intermediate platform segments, each platform segment having a first end, a second end, and a segment link positioned at each of the first and second ends, the distal platform segment having a leading edge;
• wherein the segment links of adjacent platform segments are pivotally coupled to each other,
• wherein the segment links of adjacent platform segments are configured to be selectively restrained in an aligned position;
• wherein, in a stowed position, the platform segments of the articulated transfer platform are engaged with an internal track of the device body,
• wherein, as the articulated transfer platform is extended from the stowed position, the distal platform segment is extended laterally away from the device body and the segment links of successive platform segments are restrained in the aligned position upon exiting the internal track, and
• wherein, as the articulated transfer platform is retracted, the segment links of successive platform segments are unrestrained from the aligned position upon entering the internal track.

A transfer device comprising:

• a device body having a first side and a second side;
• and
• an articulated transfer platform comprising:
• a first distal platform segment, a plurality of intermediate platform segments, and a second distal platform segment, each platform segment having a first end, a second end, and a segment link positioned at each of the first and second ends, and each distal platform segment having a leading edge;
• wherein the segment links of adjacent platform segments are pivotally coupled to each other, and are configured to be selectively restrained in an aligned position;
• wherein, in a stowed position, the platform segments of the articulated transfer platform are engaged with an internal track of the device body;
• wherein, as the articulated transfer platform is extended from the first side of the device body, the first distal platform segment is extended laterally away from the device body and the segment links of successive intermediate platform segments are restrained in the aligned position upon exiting the internal track;
• wherein, as the articulated transfer platform is extended from the second side of the device body, the second distal platform segment is extended laterally away from the device body and the segment links of successive intermediate platform segments are restrained in the aligned position upon exiting the internal track;
• and
• wherein, as intermediate platform segments enter the internal track, their segment links are unrestrained from the aligned position.