US 12,329,696 B2
Track assembly for patient transport apparatus
Brian J. Tessmer, Mattawan, MI (US); and Nathan W. Matheny, Portage, MI (US)
Assigned to Stryker Corporation, Portage, MI (US)
Filed by Stryker Corporation, Kalamazoo, MI (US)
Filed on Mar. 18, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/608,142.
Application 18/608,142 is a continuation of application No. 17/131,935, filed on Dec. 23, 2020, granted, now 11,963,916.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/954,935, filed on Dec. 30, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2024/0238136 A1, Jul. 18, 2024
Int. Cl. A61G 5/06 (2006.01)
CPC A61G 5/061 (2013.01) [A61G 5/066 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for tensioning a track assembly of a patient transport apparatus configured to transport a patient along stairs, wherein the track assembly includes a rail, an axle defining a roller axis, first and second rollers spaced from each other along the roller axis, a belt disposed in engagement with the first and second rollers and arranged for movement relative to the rail, a keeper coupled to the axle, a brace operatively attached to the rail adjacent to a first end of the rail, and a cam coupled to the axle and defining a plurality of relief catches arranged for engagement with the brace, the method comprising:
placing the keeper in a disengaged configuration to release tension in the belt;
applying rotational force to the axle to move 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 brace to tighten the belt; and
placing the keeper in an engaged configuration to apply a force against the axle and the rail to maintain the cam positioned with the second relief catch contacting the brace with the belt tightened against the first and second rollers.