HEATED STRETCHER

Abstract

A stretcher with a heated section, the heated section of the stretcher comprising: two opposing electrically conductive elements positioned at, or towards, opposing sides of the stretcher, wherein the opposing electrically conductive elements are connectable to a power source; an electrically conductive layer in electrical contact with the opposing electrically conductive elements, to heat up when the opposing electrically conductive elements are powered by the power source; such that the electrically conductive layer is X-ray transparent to allow a patient to be X-rayed whilst on the stretcher.

Claims

1. A stretcher with a heated section, the heated section of the stretcher comprising: two opposing electrically conductive elements positioned at, or towards, opposing sides of the stretcher, wherein the opposing electrically conductive elements are connectable to a power source; an electrically conductive layer in electrical contact with the opposing electrically conductive elements, to heat up when the opposing electrically conductive elements are powered by the power source; wherein the electrically conductive layer is X-ray transparent to allow a patient to be X-rayed whilst on the stretcher.

2. The stretcher of claim 1 wherein the electrically conductive layer comprises an electrical conductor extending in two dimensions within the electrically conductive layer, in particular wherein the electrically conductive layer comprises an electrical conductor extending substantially continuously in two dimensions within the electrically conductive layer.

3. The stretcher of claim 1 further comprising: an electrically insulating layer configured to electrically insulate: the electrically conductive layer; and at least a portion of the opposing electrically conductive elements; from a user of the stretcher.

4. The stretcher of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive layer comprises a polymer with a carbon additive.

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. (canceled)

9. The stretcher of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive layer is configured to have a substantially uniform resistivity.

10. The stretcher of claim 1, a distance between the opposing electrically conductive elements is constant for at least a part of their length.

11. The stretcher of claim 10, wherein the distance between the opposing electrically conductive elements is reduced for part of their length to increase the patient heating in that part of their length.

12. The stretcher of claim 1 comprising a cover intended for single use and comprising an electronic identifier for determining a metric associated with a use of the cover, wherein the cover is configured to cover an outer surface of the stretcher.

13. The stretcher of claim 12, wherein the electronic identifier is configured to interact with a system for enforcing single use of the cover.

14. The stretcher of claim 12, wherein the electronic identifier comprises a number, and wherein the stretcher comprises a reader to read the number of the cover and to compare the number with a list of previously read numbers and to provide an alert and/or limit operation of the heated section when it is determined that the number matches a previously read number in the list.

15. The stretcher of claim 12, wherein the electronic identifier is configured to be updated after a use to provide an indication that the cover has been used to prevent re-use.

16. The stretcher of claim 12, comprising one or more of: a thermochromic ink; thermochromic dye; and thermochromic paint disposed on a visible portion of the cover configured to provide a visual indication of a temperature along the stretcher.

17. The stretcher of claim 16 further comprising the power source, wherein the power source has at least two different user-adjustable power settings to provide at least lower and higher power heating, such that the user is able to use the visual indication of the temperature of the cover to adjust the power setting.

18. The stretcher of claim 17 comprising a rigid layer positioned below the electrically conductive layer to support a user of the stretcher, wherein: each of: the electrically conductive layer; the opposing electrically conductive elements; and the electrically insulating layer are configured to be flexible and the rigid layer is configured to fold along a fold line to reduce an extended length of the stretcher.

19. The stretcher of claim 17 comprising a rigid layer positioned below the electrically conductive layer to support a user of the stretcher, wherein the rigid layer comprises multiple panels and wherein the stretcher is configured to fold along a gap between each of the multiple panels.

20. The stretcher of claim 17 comprising a rigid layer positioned below the electrically conductive layer to support a user of the stretcher, wherein the rigid layer is configured to bow to provide the support to a user of the stretcher along an extended length of the stretcher.

21. The stretcher of claim 1, comprising an extended section of the stretcher that extends beyond an end of the electrically conductive layer to provide an unheated portion of the stretcher for a user's head.

22. The stretcher of claim 1 wherein the stretcher is configured to be foldable, and further comprising: a base layer comprising a flexible plastic sheet; a set of three patient support panels mounted sequentially on the base layer having gaps there between such that the base layer with the three patient support panels is foldable along each gap into a shorter, generally flat folded configuration; wherein in an unfolded configuration the three patient support panels are configured to support, respectively the head, back, and legs of a patient; and further comprising a set of handles along each side of the stretcher in the unfolded configuration; and wherein, when bearing a patient, the stretcher bows along a longitudinal axis such that the combination of the base layer and patient support panels is inhibited from buckling in a region of the patient's back.

23. A foldable stretcher comprising: a base layer comprising a flexible plastic sheet; a set of three patient support panels mounted sequentially on the base layer having gaps there between such that the base layer with the three patient support panels is foldable along each gap into a shorter, generally flat folded configuration; wherein in an unfolded configuration the three patient support panels are configured to support, respectively the head, back, and legs of a patient; and further comprising a set of handles along each side of the stretcher in the unfolded configuration; and wherein, when bearing a patient, the stretcher bows along a longitudinal axis such that the combination of the base layer and patient support panels is inhibited from buckling in a region of the patient's back.

24. The foldable stretcher of claim 23 with a removeable plastic sheath, wherein the set of handles along each side of the stretcher comprises handles formed in the removeable plastic sheath, and further comprising a carbon-loaded silicone heating layer to heat the patient at least in a region of the patient's back.

25. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DECRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] These and other aspects of the invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a stretcher 100 with a heated section 120, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0044] FIG. 2 shows a heated stretcher 200 with support blocks 202.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a stretcher 100 with a heated section 120, the heated section 120 of the stretcher 100 comprises two opposing electrically conductive elements 104 positioned towards opposing sides 103 and 105 of the stretcher 100. The opposing electrically conductive elements 104 are connectable, at connection 126, to a power source.

[0046] The stretcher 100 comprises an electrically conductive layer 106 in electrical contact with the opposing electrically conductive elements 104. The electrically conductive layer 106 heats up when the opposing electrically conductive elements 104 are powered by the power source. The electrically conductive layer 106 is X-ray transparent to allow a patient to be X-rayed whilst on the stretcher 100.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the electrically conductive layer 106 is a silicone rubber sheet manufactured loaded with carbon powder to give electrical conductivity. The approximate conductivity of the electrically conductive layer 106 is 50 Ω/□ (Ohms per square). An example size of electrically conductive layer 106 is 40 cm×100 cm, this shape forms about 40% of a square so the resistance from one side to the other is approximately 20Ω (Ohms). The electrically conductive layer 106 forms a heated area for the shoulders, back and buttocks. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrically conductive layer 106 is 3 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrically conductive layer 106 is a carbon loaded silicone sheet. Such a sheet may be obtained from a number of suppliers.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the opposing electrically conductive elements 104 comprises copper braid. However, other conductors may be used.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the opposing electrically conductive elements 104 are stapled onto a base layer 114 of the stretcher. The staples therefore penetrate the layers placed between the opposing electrically conductive elements 104 and the base layer 114. However, other mechanisms of attached the opposing electrically conductive elements 104 are envisaged, for example stitching. The opposing electrically conductive elements 104 lead up to a battery housing 118. The opposing electrically conductive elements 104 may protrude through an insulating layer 102 in order to reach the battery housing 118, if this is the case then the opposing electrically conductive elements 104 are insulated by an electrically insulating wire covering for the protruding portion of the opposing electrically conductive elements 104. The base layer 114 is a flexible layer. In the illustrated embodiment, the base layer is approximately 1.8 m by 0.5 m in size.

[0050] The electrically conductive layer 106 comprises an electrical conductor extending in two dimensions 130 within the electrically conductive layer 106. The electrically conductive layer 106 comprises an electrical conductor extending substantially continuously in the two dimensions 130 within the electrically conductive layer 106.

[0051] The stretcher comprises an electrically insulating layer 102 configured to electrically insulate the electrically conductive layer 106 and at least a portion of the opposing electrically conductive elements 104 from a user of the stretcher 100. The insulating layer 102 is flexible. The insulating layer 102 is wrapped around edges of the conductive layer 106 and may be bonded to a base layer 114 of the stretcher 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the insulating layer 102 is a durable waterproof cleanable fabric used to cover a front of the stretcher 100. The insulating layer 102 may be sealed to a rear of the stretcher with adhesive.

[0052] Preferably the electrically conductive layer 106 comprises an electrically conductive polymer. Preferably the electrically conductive polymer is an electrically conductive elastomer. Preferably the electrically conductive layer 106 comprises silicone rubber. Preferably the electrically conductive layer comprises a conductive additive. Preferably the conductive additive comprises carbon. Preferably the electrically conductive layer 106 is made from carbon loaded silicone.

[0053] Preferably the electrically conductive layer 106 is configured to have a substantially uniform resistivity.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, a distance 128 between the opposing electrically conductive elements 106 is constant for a part of their length. In other words, the distance 128 is constant for a length of the opposing electrically conductive elements 106. This provides for a substantially constant resistance between a first of the opposing electrically conductive elements 106 and a second of the opposing electrically conductive elements 106. In other embodiments, a distance between the opposing electrically conductive elements 106 is reduced for part of their length to increase the patient heating in that part of their length. Specifically, a distance between the opposing electrically conductive elements 106 is reduced for a length aligned with a portion of the heated section 120 where a patient's shoulder would be positioned and also reduced where a patient's buttocks area would be positioned (when on the stretcher). The reduced distance between the opposing electrically conductive elements 106 provides less resistance, greater current, and therefore greater warming in the areas in greatest contact with the stretcher (i.e. shoulder and buttocks).

[0055] The stretcher 100 comprises a cover 116 intended for single use. In implementations, the cover 116 comprises an electronic identifier 136 for determining a metric associated with a use of the cover 116. The cover 116 is configured to cover an outer surface of the stretcher. The outer surface may be said to be a surface above the insulating layer 102 and a surface below a base layer 114.

[0056] The cover 116 may be considered to be an outer cover because, in embodiments, the cover 116 encloses the outer surface of the stretcher 100. The cover 116 may be a single use polymer liner. The cover 116 comprises handles 138 for stretcher bearers to hold when bearing a patient.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 116 is configured to fold around a head end 150 of the stretcher 100. At each foot end (152a, 152b), the cover 116 comprises an attachment 134a, 134b at each end, i.e. foot end and head end, of the stretcher, such as buttons, ziplock, or similar. Therefore, the cover 116 is configured to be folded around the head end 150 of the stretcher 100 and secured at the foot ends 152a, 152b via the attachments 134a, 134b. In other embodiments, the cover may be a sheath configured to be pulled over the outer surface of the stretcher 100. The cover therefore may comprise a thick polythene bag with carry handles on both sides and an attachment for sealing the opening when installed, the handles can be seen in FIG. 2 as handles 206.

[0058] The cover 116 is configured to be welded along each side. The cover 116 may comprise one or two flat plastic sheets, and may be manufactured by folding the sheet, or by placing one sheet over the other, and heat sealing the folded sheet/sheets to form a 3-sided closed “bag”. Heat and pressure are used to create a heat seal along two or three sides of the cover therefore creating a “bag” into which the stretcher slides. An alternative way of forming the cover 116 is to glue 3 sides and heat seal and/or gluing the third side, in this example, a blown film method may be utilised.

[0059] The handles of the cover 116 are reinforced by doubling the thickness of the cover in the handle area. Other configurations to strengthen the handles may be used such as adding materials locally to strengthen the handles.

[0060] The electronic identifier 136 is configured to interact with a system for enforcing single use of the cover 116. The electronic identifier 136 comprises a number or other identifying character(s). The stretcher comprises a reader 124, e.g. housed in a battery housing 118, and configured to read the number of the cover 116 and to compare the number with a list of previously read numbers and to provide an alert and/or limit operation of the heated section 120 when it is determined that the number matches a previously read number in the list. The reader may include a microprocessor configured to perform such functions by program code stored in non-volatile memory. The battery housing 118 may further house an alarm sounder configured to sound an alarm when the reader 124 determines that the number matches a previously read number in the list. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic identifier 136 is an RFID tag positioned on the cover 116 to prevent re-use of a contaminated cover. This registers on the reader 124 in the battery housing 118 and may either give an audible warning or prevent heated use if re-use is attempted.

[0061] The electronic identifier 136 is configured to be updated after a use to provide an indication that the cover 116 has been used to prevent re-use.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the stretcher 100 comprises a thermochromic ink disposed on a visible portion 140 of the cover 116 configured to provide a visual indication of a temperature of the stretcher 100. In an alternative embodiment, the stretcher 100 comprises a thermochromic dye disposed on a visible portion 140 of the cover 116 configured to provide a visual indication of a temperature of the stretcher 100. In an alternative embodiment, the stretcher 100 comprises a thermochromic paint disposed on a visible portion 140 of the cover 116 configured to provide a visual indication of a temperature of the stretcher 100.

[0063] FIG. 1 shows the stretcher 100 comprising the battery housing 118 configured to house a battery or other power source.

[0064] FIG. 1 does not illustrate the stretcher 100 having a power source (e.g. a battery) housed within the battery housing 118, however, in embodiments, the stretcher 100 does comprise the power source (e.g. a battery). In such embodiments, the power source is housed in the battery housing 118. In such embodiments, the power source has at least two different user-adjustable power settings to provide at least lower and higher power heating, such that the user is able to use the visual indication 140 of the temperature of the cover 116 to adjust the power setting. The battery housing 118 comprises a user interface, such as a switch with labels, that allows the user to change between the lower, upper, and off settings.

[0065] The stretcher 100 comprises a rigid layer 112 positioned below the electrically conductive layer 106 to support a user of the stretcher 100. The rigid layer 112 may be still rigid enough to support a patient along an extended length 132 length of the stretcher but is flexible enough to bow when stretcher bearers bear the stretcher holding a patient.

[0066] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, each of: the electrically conductive layer 106; the opposing electrically conductive elements 104; and the electrically insulating layer 102 are configured to be flexible and the rigid layer 112 is configured to fold along a fold line 122 to reduce the extended length 132 of the stretcher 100. The extended length of the stretcher illustrated in FIG. 1 is 1920 mm. A minor length 133 of the stretcher illustrated in FIG. 1 is 690 mm. The extended length 132 and the minor length 133 the stretcher may vary between embodiments, however, the extended length 132 and minor length 133 of the stretcher 100 are such that a patient is able to lie on the stretcher.

[0067] The rigid layer 112 comprises multiple panels 144a, 144b, 144c. The stretcher 100 is configured to fold along a gap (e.g. 122) between multiple panels (gap 122 allows panels 144a and 144b to fold). The gaps 122a, 122b allow the base layer 114 to form a hinge and for the stretcher 100 to be folded into three sections. It should be understood that folding into three sections is just an example embodiment and the stretcher 100 may be configured to fold into any number of sections (e.g. 2, 4, 5 sections) for easy storage. When a patient lies on the stretcher 100, the base layer and the three panels 144a, 144b, 144c form all, or part of, a cylinder which is rigid along the length 132 of the patient.

[0068] The battery housing 118 may be secured by fasteners to the rigid panel 112 through any intervening layers (e.g. the electrically conductive layer).

[0069] The rigid layer 112 is configured to bow to provide the support to a patient on the stretcher 100 along the extended length 132 of the stretcher 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the rigid layer is bonded to the base layer 114.

[0070] The stretcher 100 comprises an extended section 146 of the stretcher 100 that extends beyond an end 148 of the electrically conductive layer 106 to provide an unheated portion 108 of the stretcher 100 for a patient's head.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, the stretcher 100 comprises a cushioning layer 110. The cushioning layer 110 may comprise foam. If the stretcher comprises the cushioning layer 110 then cushioning layer 110 may be placed between the electrically conductive layer 106 and the rigid layer 112. In the illustrated embodiment the cushioning layer 110 is 1.8 m×0.5 m×13 mm. A portion of the cushioning layer 110 may form the unheated portion 108. The unheated portion 108 may be thicker than (e.g. double the thickness of) a remainder portion of the cushioning layer 110.

[0072] FIG. 2 shows a stretcher 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cover 116 is covering the stretcher 200. The stretcher 100 comprises expanded polystyrene head restraints 202 configured to be fitted to the cover either side of a patient's head using either Velcro or double side sticky tape. The head restraints 202 are be configured to be single use. The head restraints 202 are wedge shaped and have a hole 204 in the middle to allow the patient to hear what is being said. The head restraints 202 are configured to be ridged and lightweight. The head restraints 202 comprise adhesive strips to attach the cover 115. The stretcher comprises multiple handles 206. The handles 206 are formed by the cover 116.