GB2552003A

GB2552003A - Stretcher

Info

Publication number: GB2552003A
Application number: GB1611762.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Moralee Kieran
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-07-06
Filing date: 2016-07-06
Publication date: 2018-01-10
Anticipated expiration: 2036-07-06
Also published as: GB2552003B; GB201611762D0

Abstract

A stretcher 1 comprising a frame body and a head support (16), wherein the head support comprises an attachment member 17 for engaging with a complementary attachment member being worn by a casualty for restricting movement of a casualtys head while on the stretcher. The stretcher may comprise a connector adapted to engage with a complementary connector 20 being worn by the casualty for restricting movement of the casualtys torso while on the stretcher, and may comprise first, second and third handle sections 2, 3, 4. The frame body may comprise a telescopic pole assembly comprising first, second and third sets 7, 9, 10 of telescopic poles between the head support and first handle, the first and third handles, and the second and third handles, respectively. Further provided are a head covering, a neck brace and a garment each comprising complimentary connectors on rear surfaces thereof.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Stretcher

Abstract Title: Stretcher with detachable head restraint (57) A stretcher 1 comprising a frame body and a head support (16), wherein the head support comprises an attachment member 17 for engaging with a complementary attachment member being worn by a casualty for restricting movement of a casualty’s head while on the stretcher. The stretcher may comprise a connector adapted to engage with a complementary connector 20 being worn by the casualty for restricting movement of the casualty’s torso while on the stretcher, and may comprise first, second and third handle sections 2, 3, 4. The frame body may comprise a telescopic pole assembly comprising first, second and third sets 7, 9, 10 of telescopic poles between the head support and first handle, the first and third handles, and the second and third handles, respectively.

Further provided are a head covering, a neck brace and a garment each comprising complimentary connectors on rear surfaces thereof.

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Stretcher

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a stretcher that enables a person with spinal injuries to be immobilised safely and quickly. The invention also relates to a head 5 covering, a neck brace and a body armour garment for use with said stretcher.

Background to the Invention

Conventional field stretchers are designed to evacuate military personnel from the field or other casualties, e.g. in the event of a natural disaster, to a hospital so that they can receive medical treatment. Such stretchers typically include a pair of rails terminating in handles and a sheet of fabric that extends between the rails to support the casualty. While such stretchers may be suitable for evacuating casualties with minor injuries or lower limb injuries, the fabric sheet is not suitable for supporting causalities who have suffered spinal injuries where immediate isolation of the neck and immobilisation of the spine is required. Instead, in such instances, it is more 15 conventional to use spinal boards that are formed from a hard plastics material that afford improved support to the causality’s neck and spine. Once the casualty has been placed on the spinal board a neck brace is fitted and the casualty is then secured to the spinal board using a series of straps to prevent movement of the casualty’s body during transport. However, the process of fitting a neck brace around a casualty’s neck and 20 securing the casualty’s body to the spinal board is known to be time consuming which is disadvantageous and potentially fatal if the casualty needs to be evacuated quickly.

Due to the large size of military stretchers and spinal boards it is also not practical for them to be carried by soldiers themselves in the field. This means that a casualty may have to wait for an extended period of time before a medical team arrives with a stretcher to evacuate the casualty. This could be particularly problematic if the injuries sustained are severe and/or if the injury occurs while the military unit is engaged in conflict and rapid evacuation of the casualty is required.

It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a stretcher that is readily transportable and which can be carried easily by military personal in the field.

It is another object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a stretcher that is suitable for transporting casualties with spinal injuries.

It is a further object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a stretcher system that enables a casualty’s neck to be isolated quickly.

It is yet a further object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a stretcher system that enables a casualty’s spine to be immobilised quickly.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a stretcher comprising a frame body and a head support, wherein the head support comprises an attachment member for engaging with a complimentary attachment member being worn by a casualty for temporarily restricting the movement of the casualty’s head while on the stretcher.

By using the stretcher of the present invention the time required to stabilise the neck of a casualty can be significantly reduced, i.e. compared to the time required to stabilise a casualty’s neck using a conventional spinal board and neck brace system.

Moreover, the method of stabilising a casualty’s neck is relatively straightforward since it is only necessary to bring the attachment member and the complimentary attachment member into engagement in order to stabilise the casualty’s neck. This is in contrast to existing methods in which it is necessary to fit a neck brace and secure multiple straps over the casualty’s head in order to stabilise the neck of the casualty. Not only are existing methods more complicated and time consuming they can also add to the discomfort of the casualty. Advantageously, the stretcher system of the present invention does not require straps to be passed over a casualty’s head in order to stabilise the neck and therefore the comfort of the casualty when on the stretcher of the present invention is not compromised.

In a preferred embodiment the attachment member comprises a female part and the complimentary attachment member comprises a male part. However, it will also be appreciated that the attachment member could be a male part and the complimentary attachment member may be a female part.

The frame body may comprise a connector adapted to engage with a complementary connector being worn by the casualty for temporarily restricting the movement of the casualty’s torso while on the stretcher. Such a system means that a solider can wear and carry the stretcher when in the field. Moreover, if the solider carrying the stretcher of the present invention is injured or suffers a spinal injury, the stretcher may be deployed in-situ which avoids unnecessary delays in evacuating the casualty. Alternatively, and if the casualty is not wearing the stretcher, e.g. the stretcher is packed away in a rucksack or the like, the stretcher may be easily fitted to the casualty’s torso in a single step simply by bringing the connector and the complimentary connector into engagement. The stretcher can then be deployed to lock the spinal column in a straight line. This enables the casualty to be evacuated both safely and speedily from the site where the injury occurred.

Preferably the connector comprises a male connecting element and the complimentary connector comprises a female connecting element. However, it will also 5 be appreciated that the connector could be a female element and the complimentary connector could be a male element.

The stretcher may comprise a first handle section at one end of the frame body and a second handle section provided at an opposite end of the frame body. The first handle section and the second handle section may each comprise two opposing handles which enable the stretcher to be carried by four people.

A third handle section may be provided between the first handle section and the second handle section. The third handle section may also comprise two opposing handles having the advantage that the stretcher of the present invention can be carried by at least six people.

Preferably the first handle section, the second handle section and the third handle section comprise a plastics material. Handle sections made from plastics are easy to manufacture, lightweight and relatively inexpensive. In alternative embodiments the handle sections may be formed from metals such as aluminium, titanium or the like.

The frame body preferably comprises a telescopic pole assembly. The use of telescopic poles means that the length of the stretcher can be quickly adjusted to the height of the casualty. It also enables the stretcher to be collapsed and stored in a small volume. This enables the stretcher to be either carried on a person’s back or stowed in a rucksack or the like.

The telescopic pole assembly may comprise a first set of telescopic poles between the head support and the first handle section. The use of the first set of 5 telescopic poles enables the head support to be moved axially away from the first handle section. It also allows the first attachment member to be brought into engagement with the complimentary attachment being worn by the casualty to isolate the neck and restrict the movement of the casualty’s head.

The telescopic pole assembly may comprise a second set of telescopic poles between the first handle section and the third handle section. The use of the second set of telescopic poles enables the third handle section to be moved axially away from the first handle section to form the part of the stretcher.

The telescopic pole assembly may comprise a third set of telescopic poles between the second handle section and to the third handle section. The use of the second set of telescopic poles enables the second handle section to be moved axially away from the third handle section. This means that this part of the stretcher can be adjusted to a length that corresponds with the lower part of the casualty’s body. This affords improved comfort to the casualty during evacuation.

At least one telescopic pole may comprises a tongue and groove profile along the length of the telescopic pole. When two telescopic poles comprise the tongue and groove profile the tongue of one telescopic pole engages with the groove of another telescopic pole to prevent rotation of the telescopic poles. By preventing the telescopic poles from rotating unnecessary delays in stretcher deployment are avoided. Preferably, the at least one telescopic pole may comprise at least two tongue and groove profiles along the length of the telescopic pole since this further reduces the risk of the poles rotating. Preferably the two tongue and groove profiles are provided opposite each other.

The telescopic poles may be formed from metal or plastics. Preferably the telescoping poles comprise extruded aluminum or titanium.

Advantageously, the stretcher of the present invention allows for the attachment of a harness which enables the casualty’s full body to be secured to the stretcher. This useful when it is necessary to airlift the casualty to safety.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a head covering comprising a complimentary attachment member, wherein the complimentary attachment member is provided on a rear surface of the head covering for engaging with the attachment member of the head support of the stretcher according to the first aspect of the invention.

The head covering according to the second aspect of the invention may incorporate any or all features described in relation to the first aspect of the invention as appropriate.

The head covering may be elastomeric and may be adapted to conform to the shape of a person’s head or to the shape of a helmet. Preferably the head covering is in the form of an elastomeric net or mesh.

Preferably the complimentary attachment member is attached to or formed from a metallic or plastic plate that is fastened to the head covering.

Alternatively, the head covering is a helmet and the complimentary attachment member is integrally formed thereon or fixed to the helmet by fasteners.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a neck brace comprising a complimentary attachment member, wherein the complimentary 5 attachment member is provided on a rear surface of the neck brace for engaging with the attachment member of the head support of the stretcher according to the first aspect of the invention.

The neck brace according to the third aspect of the invention may incorporate any or all features described in relation to the first aspect of the invention and the second aspect of the invention as appropriate.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a garment comprising a complimentary connector, wherein the complimentary connector is provided on a rear surface of the garment for engaging with the connector located on the stretcher according to the first aspect of the invention.

The garment according to the fourth aspect of the invention may incorporate any or all features described in relation to the first, second or third aspects of the invention as appropriate.

The complimentary connector may be integrally formed on the garment, but in a preferred embodiment the complimentary connector is provided on a mounting plate.

The mounting plate with complimentary connector may then be fixed to the garment using fasteners. This enables the complimentary connector to be retrofitted to existing garments and also allows the complimentary connector to be removed as necessary.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the garment is a body armour garment.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 shows a stretcher according to the present invention in a collapsed configuration.

Figure 2 shows a stretcher according to the present invention in an extended configuration.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a handle section for use with the stretcher 10 according to the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a plurality of telescopic poles used in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 5 shows a stretcher according to the present invention in a collapsed configuration provided with a fixing plate.

Figure 6 shows a stretcher according to the present invention in an extended configuration with a fixing plate.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 which show the stretcher 1 of the present invention in collapsed and extended configurations respectively, it can be seen that the stretcher 1 comprises a first handle section 2, a second handle section 3 and a third handle section 4. Said handles are made of plastics and are manufactured using an injection moulding process. Advantageously the handles have a slightly curved profile so that the stretcher 1 conforms to a user’s back while being transported.

As best shown in Figure 3, the first handle section 2 comprises two handles 2a,

2b which are attached via a cross member. The handles 2a, 2b and the cross member 2c define a first recess 3 and a second recess 4 on opposite sides of the cross member 2c. The first recess 3 comprises two cylindrical cavities 5, 6 which are adapted to receive and partially house a first set of telescopic poles 7 having a substantially cylindrical profile. The second recess comprises an attachment point 8 for a male part of a connector and is adapted to receive a complementary connector once the connector and the complementary connector have been brought into engagement. On either side of the second recess 4 the first handle section comprises two further cylindrical cavities (four in total) that are each adapted to receive and partially house a second set of telescopic poles 9 (four sets of telescopic poles in to total).

As best shown in Figures 1 and 2 the second handle section 3 is located away from the first handle section 2. The second handle section 3 comprises two handles 3a, 3b and a bridge 3c which extends between the two handles 3a, 3b. In this embodiment each handle 3a, 3b comprises two openings that face the first handle section 2 and are adapted to receive and partially house a third set of telescopic poles 10 (four sets of telescopic poles in total).

The third handle section 4 comprises two separate handles 4a, 4b which are located between the first handle section 2 and the second handle section 3. Each handle comprises four orifices. Two orifices face the first handle section and are adapted to receive and partially house the second set of telescopic poles 9 extending from the first handle section 2. Two further orifices are provided on an opposite side of handles 4a, 4b and face the second handle section 3. These orifices are adapted to receive and partially house the third set of telescopic poles 10 extending from the second handle section 3.

As best shown in Figure 4 the telescopic poles of the first, second and third sets of telescopic poles 7, 9, 10 are provided with a first tongue 11 and groove 12 profile 5 that extends along the length of the telescopic poles. From Figure 4 it can be seen that the tongue 11 of one telescopic pole engages with the groove 12 of an adjacent telescopic pole which prevents the telescopic poles from rotating. In this embodiment the plurality of telescopic poles comprise a second tongue 13 and groove 14 profile opposite the first tongue 11 and groove profile 12. This arrangement further minimises the risk that the poles may rotate and delay deployment of the stretcher 1.

The telescopic poles are formed from extruded aluminium which is a lightweight metal that contributes to minimising the overall weight of the stretcher 1. As best shown in Figures 2 and 6, each pole is also provided with an aperture 15 along its length that is adapted to receive a retractable pin (not shown) which extends radially outwards from an end cap (not shown) located between adjacent telescoping poles. Thus, once the desired length of the stretcher 1 has been obtained the pin can be inserted into the aperture 15 to lock the poles into position.

The stretcher 1 comprises a head support 16 which is connected to the first set of telescopic poles 7 which extend axially outward from the first handle section 2. As best shown in Figures 2, 5 and 6 the head support 16 comprises an attachment member 17 in the form of a female part that is adapted to receive a male part of a complementary attachment member (not shown). The head support 16 also comprises a release means in the form of a button which when pressed releases the male part from the female part. The button 18 has a ridged profile 19.

As indicated above, a connector (not shown) is attached to an attachment point located in the second recess 4 of the first handle section 2. The connector has a male element (not shown) which extends axially in the direction of the third handle section. The connector is adapted for insertion into a corresponding female element of a complementary connector 20 that is attached to a garment being worn by a user or casualty.

In this embodiment and as best shown in Figures 5 and 6, the complementary 10 connector is attached to a fixing plate 21 having a rectangular profile. The complementary connector 20 is provided on one side of the fixing plate 21 with the opposite side of the fixing plate 21 kept free so that the fixing plate 21 can be fixed to the rear side of a garment that is to be worn by a user. On either side of the complementary connector 20 there is provided a plurality of apertures 22 which are adapted to receive corresponding fastening elements for attaching the fixing plate 21 to the garment. For instance, the fixing plate 21 may be fixed to a body armour garment when the stretcher system is to be utilised by military personal. This means that the stretcher 1 can be easily and quickly fixed to a user’s back simply by bringing the male element and the female element into engagement, either for transporting the stretcher 1 or for evacuating a casualty. As best shown in Figures 1 and 2 the complementary connector 20 comprises a device 23 for disengaging the complimentary connector 20 from the connector.

In this embodiment of the invention the male part of the complementary attachment member is located at the rear of a soldier’s helmet. More specifically the complementary attachment member comprises a small rectangular plate from which the male part downwardly depends. The complementary attachment member itself is attached to an elastomeric net which is adapted to conform to the shape of a soldier’s helmet.

To mount the stretcher 1 in its collapsed configuration to a user’s back, the male element of the connector is first positioned above and proximal to the female element of the complementary connector 20 that is attached at the rear of the body armour garment being worn by the user. Then the stretcher 1 is moved downwardly in order to bring the male element into engagement with the female element.

In the event the person wearing the stretcher 1 suffers a spinal injury it is important that the spinal column of the casualty is immobilised. In a first step the head support 16 is moved axially outward from the first handle section 2 in the direction of the complementary attachment member located on the casualty’s helmet. Once the female part 17 of the head support 16 and male part of the complementary attachment member are aligned, the male part and the female part 17 are brought into engagement to lock the spinal column of the casualty in a straight line. Then, the bridge 3c of the second handle section 3 may be used to pull the second handle section 3 away from the third handle section 4 to cause extension of the third set of telescopic poles 10 between the second handle section 3 and the third handle section 4. As the second handle section is pulled away from the third handle section 4, this also causes the third handle section to move axially away from the first handle section 2 to form a stretcher 1 having a telescopic frame. The length of the stretcher 1 can be adjusted easily using the telescopic adjustment mechanism to provide improved comfort to the casualty and/or to increase ease of transport and manoeuvrability.

Since the stretcher 1 comprises six handles 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a and 4c, it is possible for the stretcher to be carried by six people at once which enables the casualty to be evacuated quickly and over longer distances if needed before fatigue sets in.

Removing the casualty from the stretcher 1 can be achieved simply by first pressing the button 18 located at the rear of the head support 16 to disengage the male part of the complementary attachment member on the helmet from the female part on the head support. Then, the device 23 for disengaging the complimentary connector 20 from the connector may be pressed to disengage the male element from the female element. Once disengaged, the stretcher 1 can be moved away from the casualty so that the casualty can be treated. The stretcher 1 may then be returned to its collapsed configuration (Figures 1 and 5) simply by pushing the second handle section 3 and the head support 16 in the direction of the first handle section.

The above embodiment embodiments are described by way of example only.

Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A stretcher comprising a frame body and a head support, wherein the head support comprises an attachment member for engaging with a complimentary attachment member being worn by a casualty for temporarily restricting the 5 movement of a casualty’s head when laying on the stretcher.

2. A stretcher according to claim 1, wherein the attachment member comprises a female part and the complimentary attachment member comprises a male part.

3. A stretcher according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the stretcher comprises a connector adapted to engage with a complementary connector being worn by

10 the casualty for temporarily restricting movement of the casualty’s torso while on the stretcher.

4. A stretcher according to claim 3, wherein the connector comprises a male connecting element and the complimentary connector comprises a female connecting element.

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5. A stretcher according to any preceding claim comprising a first handle section at one end of the frame body and a second handle section provided at an opposite end of the frame body.

6. A stretcher according to any preceding claim, wherein a third handle section is provided between the first handle section and the second handle section.

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7. A stretcher according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the first handle section, the second handle section or the third handle section comprise a plastics material

8. A stretcher according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame body comprises a telescopic pole assembly.

9. A stretcher according to claim 8, wherein the telescopic pole assembly comprises a first set of telescopic poles between the head support and the first

5 handle section.

10. A stretcher according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the telescopic pole assembly comprises a second set of telescopic poles between the first handle section and the third handle section.

11. A stretcher according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein the telescopic pole

10 assembly comprises a third set of telescopic poles between the second handle section and the third handle section.

12. A stretcher according to any one of claims 8-11, wherein at least one telescopic pole comprises a tongue and groove profile along the length of the telescopic pole.

15

13. A stretcher according to claim 12, wherein the at least one telescopic pole comprises at least two tongue and groove profiles along the length of the telescopic pole.

14. A stretcher according to any one of claims 8-14, wherein the telescopic poles are formed from metal, preferably the telescopic poles comprise extruded

20 aluminium or titanium.

15. A head covering comprising a complimentary attachment member, wherein the complimentary attachment member is provided on a rear surface of the head

16. covering for engaging with the attachment member of the head support of the stretcher according to any one of the preceding claims.

17. A head covering according to claim 15, wherein the head covering is elastomeric and is adapted to conform to the shape of a person’s head or to the 5 shape of a helmet.

18. A head covering according to claim 15, wherein the head covering is a helmet and the complimentary attachment member is integrally formed thereon or fixed to the helmet by fasteners.

19. A neck brace comprising a complimentary attachment member, wherein the

10 complimentary attachment member is provided on a rear surface of the neck brace for engaging with the attachment member of the head support of the stretcher according to any one of claims 1-14.

20. A garment comprising a complimentary connector, wherein the complimentary connector is provided on a rear surface of the garment for engaging with the 15 connector located on the stretcher according to any one of claims 1-14.

21. A garment according to claim 19, wherein the complimentary connector is fixed to the body armour garment by fasteners.

22. A garment according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the garment is a body armour garment.

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23. A stretcher, head covering, neck brace and garment as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1611762.4 Examiner: MrBenHampson