Folding Loading Systems For Patient Transport Apparatuses

A loading system for use with a transport vehicle, the loading system comprising:

• a patient transport apparatus comprising a powered track assembly, the patient transport apparatus being operable between a chair configuration and a stowed configuration;
• a loading device supported by the transport vehicle, the loading device comprising:
• a storage frame extending between a first end and a second end along a loading axis and having a loading surface;
• a traction member arranged on the loading surface for engagement with the powered track assembly of the patient transport apparatus;
• and
• a guide assembly coupled to the storage frame and arranged for engagement with the patient transport apparatus in the stowed configuration adjacent to the second end of the storage frame, wherein engagement between the guide assembly and the patient transport apparatus urges the powered track assembly toward the traction member as the patient transport apparatus moves toward the first end of the storage frame.

A loading system comprising:

• a transport vehicle;
• a patient transport apparatus comprising a powered track assembly, the patient transport apparatus being operable between a chair configuration and a stowed configuration;
• a loading device comprising:
• a storage frame coupled to the transport vehicle and extending between a first end and a second end along a loading axis and having a loading surface;
• a guide assembly coupled to the storage frame and arranged adjacent to the loading surface, the guide assembly comprising:
• a guide rail extending parallel to the loading axis;
• and
• a trolley slidably coupled to the guide rail and movable between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration, the trolley configured to releasably engage the patient transport apparatus in the stowed configuration;
• and
• a traction member coupled to the loading surface and configured for engagement with the powered track assembly of the patient transport apparatus.