Track Assembly For Patient Transport Apparatus

A method for tensioning a track, wherein a track assembly is provided and includes a rail, an axle defining a roller axis, a roller supported for rotation about the roller axis, a belt disposed in engagement with the roller and arranged for movement relative to the rail in response to rotation of the roller about the roller axis, a guide supporting the axle for movement relative to the rail, a keeper coupled to the axle and operable between a disengaged configuration to permit movement of the axle relative to the rail, and an engaged configuration to restrict movement of the axle relative to the rail, a brace operatively attached to the rail adjacent to the guide;

• and a belt tensioner including a cam coupled to the axle and defining a plurality of relief catches arranged for engagement with the brace, wherein the plurality of relief catches are each shaped to remain in selective engagement with the brace effected by concurrent movement of the axle and the tensioning cam to tension the belt against the roller while the keeper operates in the disengaged configuration, the method comprising:
• placing the keeper in the disengaged configuration to release tension on the rail and the axle;
• applying a rotational force to the axle, to move the axle and the cam from a first axle position where a first relief catch contacts the brace to a second axle position where a second relief catch contacts the adjacent brace;
• placing the keeper in the engaged configuration, which applies a force against the axle and the rail, holding the cam in a desired position and the belt in a desired tautness;
• wherein engagement occurring between the first relief catch and the brace positions the first relief catch at a first reference distance from the roller axis, and positions the second relief catch at a second reference distance from the roller axis, the second reference distance being larger than the first reference distance, applying additional tightening force against the belt.