| CPC A61G 7/103 (2013.01) [A61G 7/08 (2013.01); A61G 7/1032 (2013.01); A61G 7/1044 (2013.01); A61L 2/10 (2013.01); A61L 2/18 (2013.01); A61L 2/26 (2013.01); A61L 2202/11 (2013.01); A61L 2202/15 (2013.01); A61L 2202/17 (2013.01); A61L 2202/26 (2013.01)] | 47 Claims | 

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               1. 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 having a first end, a second end, a leading edge extending between the first end and the second end, a trailing edge extending between the first end and the second end, and a distal locking mechanism; 
                a plurality of intermediate platform segments, including a lead intermediate platform segment and one or more successive intermediate platform segments, each intermediate platform segment having a first end, a second end, a first edge extending between the first end and the second end, a second edge extending between the first end and the second end, and an intermediate locking mechanism; 
                wherein the distal locking mechanism is releasably securable to the intermediate locking mechanism of the lead intermediate platform segment, and 
                wherein the intermediate locking mechanism of each successive intermediate platform segment is releasably securable to the intermediate locking mechanism of a preceding intermediate platform segment; and 
                wherein, in a stowed position, the one or more successive intermediate platform segments are positioned below the lead intermediate platform segment, and 
                wherein, in an extended position, the distal platform segment is located laterally away from the device body, the distal locking mechanism is secured to the intermediate locking mechanism of the lead intermediate platform segment, and the intermediate locking mechanism of one of the successive intermediate platform segments is secured to the intermediate locking mechanism of the lead intermediate platform segment. 
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