초록 ▼

A brake assisted steering system for use in controlling movement of a bed including a frame and first and second wheels extending from the frame. The brake assisted steering system includes first and second hand levers and first and second brake mechanisms positioned adjacent the first and second wh

A brake assisted steering system for use in controlling movement of a bed including a frame and first and second wheels extending from the frame. The brake assisted steering system includes first and second hand levers and first and second brake mechanisms positioned adjacent the first and second wheels, respectively. The first hand lever being connected to the first brake mechanism by a first cable and the second hand lever being connected to the second brake mechanism by a second cable. The first hand lever is movable between a first position in which a force is not applied to the first brake mechanism and the first wheel is free to rotate and a second depressed position in which a force is applied to the first brake mechanism causing the first brake mechanism to engage the first wheel and slow down or halt rotation of the first wheel. The second hand lever is movable between a first position in which a force is not applied to the second brake mechanism and the second wheel is free to rotate and a second depressed position in which a force is applied to the second brake mechanism causing the second brake mechanism to engage the second wheel and slow down or halt rotation of the second wheel. The first and second wheels are each pivotally connected to the frame.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A brake assisted steering system for use in controlling movement of, and in combination with, a bed including a frame and first and second wheels extending from the frame, said brake assisted steering system comprising:a) a first hand lever;b) a second hand lever;c) a f

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A brake assisted steering system for use in controlling movement of, and in combination with, a bed including a frame and first and second wheels extending from the frame, said brake assisted steering system comprising:a) a first hand lever;b) a second hand lever;c) a first brake mechanism positioned adjacent the first wheel;d) a second brake mechanism positioned adjacent the second wheel;e) first means for coupling said first hand lever and said first brake mechanism;f) second means for coupling said second hand lever t said second brake mechanism whereby said first hand lever is movable between a first position in which said first brake mechanism is disengaged from the first wheel thereby allowing the first wheel to rotate and a second depressed position in which a force is applied to said first brake mechanism causing said first brake mechanism to engage the first wheel thereby slowing down or preventing rotation of the first wheel and said second hand lever is movable between a first position in which said second brake mechanism is disengaged from the second wheel allowing the second wheel to rotate and a second depressed position in which a force is applied to said second brake mechanism causing said second brake mechanism to engage the second wheel thereby slowing down or preventing rotation of the second wheel;g) the first and second wheels are pivotally connected to the frame by first and second casters, respectively, and said first and second brake mechanisms are pivotally connected to the first and second casters, respectively;h) said first and second brake mechanisms each include a pivotal member pivotally connected to said respective caster and positioned adjacent to the respective wheel, said pivotal member being connected to and caused to pivot by said respective coupling means, said first and second brake mechanisms each further including a brake pad connected to an end of said pivotal member opposite said connection to said respective coupling means for engaging the respective wheel when said brake mechanism is in second position;i) each said pivoting member includes a first recess and said first and second brake mechanisms each further includes a loop extending through said first recess and connected to said respective coupling means;j) said first and second coupling means are each a cable wire, said cable wire being pivotally connected to said respective loop;k) said first and second brake mechanisms each further includes a return mechanism for pivoting said respective brake mechanism back to said first position upon release of said force on said respective hand lever; andl) the first and second casters are U-shaped including a back wall and said return mechanism of both said first and second brake mechanisms each include a pin extending through the back wall of the respective caster for connection with said respective pivoting member, an adjustable stopper slidably positioned on said pin, and a first spring encircling said pin and positioned between the back wall and said adjustable stopper on a side of the back wall opposite said respective pivoting member wherein said first spring is tensioned when said respective pivoting member is caused to pivot towards its respective wheel and said first spring is able to recoil upon removal of said force on said respective hand lever thereby pivoting said respective brake assembly away from its respective wheel and into said first position.