GB2408691A - Reversible stretcher - Google Patents

Abstract

The stretcher is reversible and as such does not have a predetermined top surface or underneath surface. This platform has longitudinal rails (5) on one surface and transverse rails (4) on the opposing surface. Each pair of rails can provide both a skid means and a casualty protection means. The stretcher can be sledged either lengthways or sideways according to which pair of rails is below the casualty platform. Whichever rails are above the plane of the casualty platform can provide additional protection for the casualty. The main frame (1) of the stretcher may include casualty attachment means, locators (10 and 14 Fig. 4) for auxiliary equipment and defined anchor zones (8 and 9 Fig 6) for lifting tackle.

Description

240869 1

VERSATILE AND LIGHTWEIGHT STRETCHER FOR THE TRANSPORT OF

CASUALTIES

The invention relates to stretchers, of sled-like form, to be used for the transport of injured or unwell persons or animals from typically, but not essentially, remote locations or from locations possibly presenting access difficulties.

There are various existing stretcher formats designed to assist with the transport of persons or animals from difficult and dangerous locations. The diverse and frequently unpredictable nature of incidents and incident locations can present practical difficulties if, upon arrival, it is found that the stretcher taken to the site is not pre-configured appropriately for the conditions actually encountered.

The object of this invention is to provide a versatile, lightweight and reversible stretcher that can be used in a variety of ways without reconfiguration. The selection of method of use can be made after arrival at the incident site; thus providing the attendants with a stretcher having increased versatility and adaptability. Specifically this invention is designed to enable either longitudinal or sideways sledging of the stretcher without reconfiguration and is constructed so that the rails not used for a sledging procedure can provide additional security for the casualty.

According to this invention, this stretcher is constructed in such a way that it is reversible. There is no 'top' surface or 'underneath' surface. One of these two surfaces is provided with two long rail devices situated longitudinally each side of this surface and the opposing surface is provided with two short transverse rail devices situated at each end of that surface.

When this stretcher is presented at the incident site so that the longitudinal rails are uppermost, the casualty, after loading onto the body support platform, is protected at the sides by these rails and the underneath transverse rails facilitate sideways movement of the stretcher platform.

Similarly when this stretcher platform is presented so that the end mounted transverse rails are uppermost, the casualty, after loading, is supported and protected, at the foot and head ends respectively, by these transverse rails and the underneath longitudinal rails provide a skid means to facilitate lengthways movement of the stretcher. In either case, whether the longitudinal rails or transverse rails are underneath the casualty platform at the time of loading, these underneath rails also serve to lift the bed platform so as to reduce casualty contact with the ground or other surface.

According to this invention, this stretcher is constructed so that in addition to the essential longitudinal and transverse rail devices mounted on the basic frame, a casualty support platform is provided and this is fitted principally to each end of the stretcher frame with additional but subordinate attachments to the sides of the basic frame.

Preferably the basic frame and the attached rails are constructed from tubular lightweight metal and structural joints are welded.

Preferably this stretcher is provided with means to attach and secure the casualty. This could be by the fitting of quick release webbing straps that would be aligned to latch across the casualty. Similarly, if required, additional quick release straps could be provided to secure the casualty's shoulders and feet.

Preferably any casualty attachment means would be secured to the stretcher so that the attachment anchors can rotate or otherwise accommodate the reversible characteristics of the stretcher thereby enabling the use of the same set of casualty attachment means whichever way up the stretcher is presented to the casualty.

Preferably but not essentially this stretcher is provided with locator means, one at each or selected corners, to enable the fitment of additional equipment such as, but not limited to, extension handles, wheel devices, additional casualty protection means and / or buoyancy aids.

According to this invention, when locator means are provided, any auxiliary equipment fitted to these locator means would, preferably, be secured by means of a drop pin with finger grip zones. Alternative means of locking auxiliary equipment into the locator position, such as a bolt for example, could provide for permanent attachment of the optional device.

According to this invention this stretcher is constructed so that identifiable and secure anchor zones are incorporated to facilitate attachment of lifting tackle in the form of slings, rope, chain or the like. These anchor zones are positioned so as to enable the user to elect to offset the lift point from the centreline of the stretcher so as to modify the orientation of the stretcher (and consequently the casualty) with respect to horizontal when the stretcher is being raised or lowered. These anchor zones are also located so that when connected to crane or winch, the stretcher can alternatively be raised or lowered in a vertical mode.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: FIGURE 1 illustrates the stretcher and part of the casualty support means.

FIGURE 2 shows the stretcher resting on the ground supported by the two longitudinal rails. Both an end view and a side view are shown.

FIGURE 3 shows the stretcher resting on the ground supported by the two transverse rails. Both an end view and a side view are shown.

FIGURE 4 illustrates the optional locator means which can be provided at all or selected corners of the basic stretcher frame. Two cross sections are included for clarity.

FIGURE 5 shows a representation of an optional extension handle and a representation of an optional wheel device immediately prior to insertion into the locator means.

FIGURE 6 shows a side elevation of the stretcher supported by symmetrical lift slings.

As shown in figure 1, the stretcher comprises a rectangular main frame 1 having on one surface longitudinal rails 5 and on the opposite surface, transverse rails 4 together with a casualty support means such as tensioned webbing elements 3 and 2. These support elements are interlinked to maintain regular spacing when loaded irregularly. Additional frame support means 8 and 9 are provided.

The detailed relationship between the various main frame components is shown in figure 2. Specifically this figure 2 depicts the stretcher supported on a surface 7 by the two long rails 5 attached to the sides of the rectangular main frame 1. In this orientation the two additional transverse rails 4 provide additional means of security and / or protection for the casualty resting on the support means 2 and 3. Additional links 8 and 9 between the sides of the main frame 1 and the two rails 5 are provided. The 'V' format links 9 serve also to locate the transverse casualty support means 2 and the link 8 serves to form a secure attachment zone for lift slings or the like. In this orientation, this stretcher can be sledged or otherwise moved longitudinally.

Figure 3 depicts exactly the same stretcher but in this figure the stretcher is supported on the surface 7 by the two end mounted transverse rails 4. In this orientation this stretcher can be sledged or otherwise moved at right angles to the long axis of the stretcher.

So that extension handles, wheels or other auxiliary devices can be removably attached to the main frame to assist with stretcher transport or handling, locators can be provided at each or selected corners as shown by figure 4. These locators comprise two distinct parts 10 and 14. The auxiliary equipment includes a projection that is designed to slide into and through the outermost part 10 and then when this projection engages with the locking part 14. When the holes in both the locking part 14 and the end of the auxiliary equipment align, a securing pin 16, provided with a finger grip zone 15, is inserted from above. This securing pin 16 is additionally provided with a tether means 18 and a retention means17 to hold it in place after the fitment of any auxiliary equipment. Cross-sections M and BB serve to illustrate a possible detailed arrangement of the two locator parts 10 and 14. To prevent chaffing of casualty support means 2, spacer plates 13 (having a central hole for the securing pin 16) and 12 are provided. For reinforcement, an additional hoop 11 is provided in conjunction with locator part 10.

It is a specific feature of this invention that auxiliary equipment such as, but not limited to, handles and / or wheels can be fitted to the main frame 1 whether this frame is orientated with the long rails uppermost or the short transverse rails uppermost. Figure 5 serves to illustrate this characteristic of the design. The shown auxiliary equipment, in the form of handle and wheel, is representational. By way of example, each handle 19 or wheel device 20 includes reinforcement plates 23 that serve also to provide an alignment stop into locator 14. Optionally the handle may include an anchor loop 22 secured so that it can pivot. A hand protection sleeve 21 can be provided with each extension handle.

So that the entire stretcher can be lifted securely by means of crane or winch, in conjunction with rope, chain, slings or other lifting tackle, the link elements 8 and 9, illustrated by Figure 6, are positioned to restrain and define the location of lift points.

When a stretcher is loaded with a human casualty, typically the balance line of the combined stretcher and casualty is a short distance (typically 120 mm) nearer the head end than the centre line of the unloaded stretcher. Accordingly the links and 8 and 9 are also positioned so as to allow the user, as circumstances dictate, to elect to off-set the central lift point of slings and thus influence the attitude of the stretcher in relation to the horizontal. Figure 6 illustrates a stretcher orientated so that the longitudinal rails 5 are beneath the casualty and rigged for a horizontal lift by means of sling devices 24. In this mode, the transverse rails 4 provide added protection and security at head and foot ends of the stretcher. Whilst not specifically illustrated, it is a feature of this design that the stretcher could also be similarly rigged but with the longitudinal rails uppermost. In this latter mode, the short transverse rails 4 keep the main frame 1 off the surface and the two long rails can serve to provide additional lateral protection and security for the casualty.

Claims (5)

1. A reversible stretcher comprising a casualty support platform with skid means situated both above and below the plane of the casualty support platform.

2. A stretcher according to claim 1 wherein the skid means is orientated longitudinally on one surface and laterally on the opposite surface of the casualty support platform.

3. A stretcher according to the preceding claims wherein the bed portion of the casualty support platform is attached principally to the ends of the platform frame and subordinately to the sides of the platform frame.

4. A stretcher according to any of the preceding claims and being optionally provided with locators situated at one or more corners for auxiliary apparatus such as, but not limited to, detachable handles or wheel devices.

5. A stretcher according to any of the preceding claims and being provided with defined anchor zones for lifting tackle attachment.