Rescue Litter

Abstract

A rescue litter relates generally to a person, animal, and provisions carrying apparatus for purposes of human or animal recovery and relief missions. The carrying apparatus has commonalities with portable beds. The rescue litter aids manually carrying a casualty. The rescue litter comprises a stretcher sheet. The rescue litter also comprises at least one strap along the stretcher sheet to support the weight of the casualty. The stretcher sheet comprises guides to direct progressive motion of the strap(s) from a strap holder on the stretcher sheet where the strap(s) is/are held, to a head end where the strap(s) is/are free to grasp.

Claims

1. A bedroll for a rescue litter to carry a casualty, comprising: a stretcher sheet, at least one strap arrayed on the stretcher sheet to support the weight of the casualty, at least one guide to direct the strap(s) from at least one strap holder on the stretcher sheet to a head end of the stretcher sheet where the strap(s) is/are free to grasp wherein the guides are within sleeves along the edges of the stretcher sheet from the strap holder to the head end, the sleeves to receive stretcher poles.

2. The bedroll according to claim 1 wherein the guide(s) is/are internal to the stretcher sheet to guide the strap(s) within the stretcher sheet.

3. The bedroll according to claim 1 wherein the strap(s) are slidable within the guide(s) to direct progressive motion of the strap(s) from the strap holder where the strap(s) is/are held (to the stretcher sheet) to the head end.

4. The bedroll according to claim 1 wherein the guide(s) attach the strap(s) to the stretcher sheet.

5. The bedroll according to claim 1 wherein the guide or at least one of the guides is attached to the head end of the stretcher sheet.

6. bedroll according to claim 1 wherein the guide or at least one of the guides is attached to the stretcher sheet in the middle of the head end.

7. The bedroll according to claim 1 wherein the guides are disposed along the edges of the stretcher sheet from the strap holder to the head end.

8. The bedroll according claim 1 wherein the guides are disposed on a first side of the stretcher sheet opposite to a second side to stretcher sheet intended for the casualty to rest upon.

9. The bedroll according to claim 1 wherein the strap holder releasably attaches the strap(s) to the stretcher sheet.

10. The bedroll according to claim 1 where the strap holders comprise edge holders at the lateral edges of the stretcher sheet.

11. The bedroll according to claim 10 wherein the straps are arrayed as a Vee from the lateral edges edge holder to the guide in the middle of the head end.

12. The bedroll according to claim 1 wherein the at least one strap comprises a pair of straps along edges of the stretcher sheet from the strap holder to the head end.

13. (canceled)

14. The bedroll according to claim 1 comprising a harness across the stretcher sheet intermediate the head end and a foot end to bind the torso of the casualty to the stretcher sheet.

15. The bedroll according to claim 14 wherein the harness comprises bands connected to the stretcher sheet to bind the torso of the casualty to the stretcher sheet.

16. The bedroll according to claim 14 wherein the harness comprises three bands which cross each other over the stretcher sheet.

17. The bedroll according to claim 14 wherein the harness is connected to the stretcher sheet at edges which traverse from the foot end to the head end.

18. The bedroll according to claim 14 wherein the harness is connected to the guides.

19. The bedroll according to claim 14 wherein the harness is connected to the strap(s).

20. The bedroll according to claim 14 wherein the harness is connected to the strap connector.

21. The bedroll according to claim 1 wherein the strap holder is attached to a foot end of the stretcher sheet opposite from the head end.

22. The bedroll according to claim 1 wherein the stretcher sheet narrows from the head end where the stretcher sheet is widest to the foot end where the stretcher sheet is narrowest.

23. The bedroll according to claim 22 wherein the stretcher sheet is trapezoidal.

24. The bedroll according to claim 1 comprising handles at the head end of the strap(s) to tow the rescue litter.

25. The bedroll according to claim 1 comprising a clevis at the head end of the strap(s) configured to connect the rescue litter by the strap(s) to a tow device.

26. The bedroll according to claim 20 wherein the clevis connects the straps together at the head end of the straps.

27. The bedroll according to claim 1 wherein the stretcher sheet comprises inflatable compartments along the edges of the stretcher sheet where are the guides.

28. The bedroll according to claim 1 comprising a foot stop at a foot end of the stretcher sheet to stop the casualty from sliding off the foot end of the stretcher sheet.

29. The bedroll according to claim 28 wherein the foot stop is formed by a merger of the straps at the foot end.

30. The bedroll according to claim 28 wherein the foot stop comprises the strap holder configured to hold the strap(s) across the foot end of the stretcher sheet.

31. The bedroll according to claim 28 wherein the foot stop comprises a bar connected to the straps to position the bar across the foot end of the stretcher sheet.

32. The bedroll according to claim 28 wherein the foot stop comprises a wheel to roll as the rescue litter is towed.

33. The rescue litter according to claim 1 comprising stretcher poles along the edges of the stretcher sheet from the foot end of the stretcher sheet to the head end.

34. (canceled)

35. (canceled)

36. (canceled)

37. (canceled)

Description

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates the underneath of a rescue litter;

[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates the rescue litter in perspective as seen from above; and

[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates an edge on view of a rescue litter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. The details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and use the invention.

[0044] References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0045] A rescue litter 1000 is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. Major components of the rescue litter are a bedroll 900 and litter poles 700, 800. The bedroll 900 comprises a stretcher sheet 600 of cloth configured to be stretched between the two stretcher poles 700, 800.

[0046] The rescue litter 1000 has a first side which can be seen in FIG. 1. The rescue liter 1000 has a second side which can be seen in FIG. 2. The second side is intended for a casualty tor rest upon. In use the first side is underneath the second side.

[0047] As can be seen in FIG. 1 which shows the rescue litter 1000 from underneath, the bedroll 900 has two straps 36, 38. Strap holders 42, 44 hold an end of each strap 36, 38 to the first side 86 of the stretcher sheet 600. The straps 36, 38 are directed to a head end 32 of the stretcher sheet 600 by a guide 34. The guide 34 is attached to the first side 86 of the stretcher sheet 600. Free lengths 26, 28 of each strap 36,38 extend off the head end 32 of the stretcher sheet 600. The straps 36, 38 are free to grasp by their free lengths 26, 28. A clevis 24 is tied to the free lengths 26, 28 to aid grasping the free lengths 26, 28.

[0048] As can be seen in FIG. 2 which illustrates the rescue litter 1000 from above, the bedroll 900 also comprises a harness of bands 102, 104, 112 which is attached to the upper side 96 of the stretcher sheet. The harness of bands 102, 104, 112 is configured to bind a casualty to the stretcher sheet 600.

[0049] Together FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show the bedroll 900 for a rescue litter 1000 to carry a casualty, comprising: the stretcher sheet 600, the two straps 36, 38 arrayed on the stretcher sheet 600 to support the weight of the casualty. The guide 34 directs the straps 36, 38 from the strap holders 42, 44 on the stretcher sheet 600 to a head end 32 of the stretcher sheet where free lengths 26, 28 the straps 26, 38 are free to grasp.

[0050] FIG. 3 shows an edge on view of the rescue litter 1000. The stretcher pole 700 extends from the head end 32 of the stretcher sheet 600. An edge 46 of the stretcher sheet 600 is visible from the head end 32 to the foot end 82 of the stretcher sheet 600. The strap 36 is held to the stretcher sheet 600 by the strap holder 42 attached to the first side 86 of the stretcher sheet 600. The strap 36 is guided to the head end 32 by the guide 34 which is attached to the stretcher sheet 600 at the head end 32. The free length 26 of the strap 36 extends from the guide 36. The free length 26 is free to grasp 26 beyond the head end 32 of the stretcher sheet 600. The clevis 24 to pull the strap 36 is tied to the free length 26. A carabiner lever 22 on the clevis 24 opens inwards so that the clevis may be conveniently hitched.

[0051] The bands 102, 106, 112 of the harness can be seen in FIG. 3 arrayed along the second side 96 of the stretcher sheet 600. A buckle 108 for the band 102 and a buckle 106 for the band 104 can be seen. A casualty may be bound to the second side 96 of the stretcher sheet 600 and buckled into the harness of bands 102, 106, 112 using the buckles 106, 108.

[0052] Each litter pole comprises a straight pole portion 16, 18 and a J shaped portion 12, 14 capped to the head end of the straight pole portion 16 18. The J shaped portions 12, 14 are hand grips to grip the ends of the litter poles to lift the recue litter. The J shaped portions are removable from the ends of the straight pole portions so that that straight pole portions 16, 18 can be inserted through the sleeves 92, 94 which extend along the edges 46, 48 of the stretcher sheet 600 from the head end 32 to the foot end 82.

[0053] Each seam is made by folding over a lateral strip of the stretcher sheet 600 which is sewn, taped, or buttoned back to the stretcher sheet 600 along a seam .52, 54 which traverse the stretcher sheet from the head end 32 to the foot end 82. The sleeves 92, 92 have the same width and the same length and are parallel.

[0054] The straight portions of the poles have foot end extensions 72, 74 which extend out of the sleeves 92, 94 away from the foot end 82 the stretcher sheet 600. A bar makes a foot stop 84 to prevent the casualty from slipping off the foot end 82 of the stretcher sheet 60. The foot stop crosses the foot end 82 and is attached to the foot end extensions 72, 74.

[0055] Wheels 66, 68 aligned with the sleeves 92, 94 and the straight portions 16, 18 of the poles 700, 800 are attached to the ends of an axle 114. The axle 114 crosses the foot end 82 of the stretcher sheet 600 like the foot stop 84. The axle is attached to the foot end extensions 72, 74 on the first side which is the underside when the casualty is being carried. This can be seen from FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 together. This places the wheels under the stretcher sheet 600 to keep the stretcher sheet 600 off the ground. The foot stop 84 is attached to the foot end extensions on the second side so that the foot stop is above the foot end 82 of the stretcher sheet 600 when the casualty is being carried so that the foot stop 84 is in position to catch the foot of the casualty.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 1, the strap holders 42, 44 are attached the stretcher sheet 600 by the seams 52, 54 of the sleeves 92, 94 along the lateral sides. The strap holders 42, 44 are located intermediate the head end 32 and the foot end 82. The strap holders are located proximate where end of bands 102, 104 attach to the seams of the sleeves. This helps the straps to take up the weight of the casualty. This helps prevent the weight of the casualty from tearing the stretcher sheet.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 1, the guide 34 is attached to the stretcher sheet 600 in the middle of the head end 32. The straps are arrayed as a Vee from the lateral located edge holders to the guide in the middle of the head end. The straps are ideally positioned to be under the head and the shoulders of the casualty to comfortably support the weight of the upper body of the casualty. The straps are also ideally arrayed to transfer the weight of the casualty, both upper body weight and also body weight captured in harness to the free lengths 26, 28 of the straps 36, 38. So the rescue litter may be lifted and towed by the straps without discomfort to casualty or tearing the stretcher sheet 600.

[0058] The guide 34 is a component attached to the stretcher sheet, or the guide is formed by two parallel slits through the stretcher sheet 600 parallel to the head end 34. The guide 34 is configured to allow the straps 36, 38 to slide between the guide 34 and the first side 86 of the stretcher sheet 600, or the guide is configured to attach the straps 36, 38 to the stretcher sheet 600.

[0059] Allowing the straps 36 to slide between the guide 34 and the stretcher sheet 600 directs progressive motion of the strap(s) from the strap holder to the head end. At the strap holders 42, 44 the straps 36, 38 are held to the stretcher sheet and/or harness bans 102, 104. At the head end the straps slide by the guide. Thus the place where the stretcher sheet 600 is subject to tearing by the weight on the straps 36, 38 is the strap holders 42, 44 and this compensated by strong strap holders and strong attachments of the strap holders to the stretcher sheet 600 and bands 102, 104 of the harness.

[0060] Configuring the guide 34 to attach the straps 36, 38 to the head end 32 of the stretcher sheet constrains the straps 36, 38 and stretcher sheet 600 to share the force of pulling the litter and the weight of the casualty. Hence the strength of both the straps 36, 38 and the stretcher sheet 600 is combined efficiently.

[0061] The entire bedroll 900 including the stretcher sheet 600, harness of band 102, 104, 112, and the straps 36,38 with strap holders 42, 44 are a single package. The bedroll is rolled or folded into convenient small and light weight package for transport into rough terrain. The bedroll is unrolled and unfolded to on arrival where the casualty is in distress to carry the casualty to safety.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter to carry a casualty, comprising: a stretcher sheet, at least one strap arrayed on the stretcher sheet to support the weight of the casualty, at least one guide to direct the strap(s) from at least one strap holder on the stretcher sheet to a head end of the stretcher sheet where the strap(s) is/are free to grasp.

[0063] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the guide(s) is/are internal to the stretcher sheet to guide the strap(s) within the stretcher sheet.

[0064] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the strap(s) are slidable within the guide(s) to direct progressive motion of the strap(s) from the strap holder where the strap(s) is/are held (to the stretcher sheet) to the head end.

[0065] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the guide(s) attach the strap(s) to the stretcher sheet.

[0066] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the guide or at least one of the guides is attached to the head end of the stretcher sheet.

[0067] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the guide or at least one of the guides is attached to the stretcher sheet in the middle of the head end.

[0068] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the guides are disposed along the edges of the stretcher sheet from the strap holder to the head end.

[0069] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the guides are disposed on a first side of the stretcher sheet opposite to a second side to stretcher sheet intended for the casualty to rest upon.

[0070] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the strap holder releasably attaches the strap(s) to the stretcher sheet.

[0071] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter where the strap holders comprise edge holders at the lateral edges of the stretcher sheet.

[0072] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the straps are arrayed as a Vee from the lateral edges edge holder to the guide in the middle of the head end.

[0073] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the at least one strap comprises a pair of straps along edges of the stretcher sheet from the strap holder to the head end.

[0074] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the guides are within sleeves along the edges of the stretcher sheet from the strap holder to the head end, the sleeves to receive stretcher poles.

[0075] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter comprising a harness across the stretcher sheet intermediate the head end and a foot end to bind the torso of the casualty to the stretcher sheet.

[0076] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the harness comprises bands connected to the stretcher sheet to bind the torso of the casualty to the stretcher sheet.

[0077] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the harness comprises three bands which cross each other over the stretcher sheet.

[0078] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the harness is connected to the stretcher sheet at edges which traverse from the foot end to the head end.

[0079] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the harness is connected to the guides.

[0080] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the harness is connected to the strap(s).

[0081] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the harness is connected to the strap connector.

[0082] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the strap holder is attached to a foot end of the stretcher sheet opposite from the head end.

[0083] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the stretcher sheet narrows from the head end where the stretcher sheet is widest to the foot end where the stretcher sheet is narrowest.

[0084] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the stretcher sheet is trapezoidal.

[0085] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter comprising handles at the head end of the strap(s) to tow the rescue litter.

[0086] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter comprising a clevis at the head end of the strap(s) configured to connect the rescue litter by the strap(s) to a tow device.

[0087] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the clevis connects the straps together at the head end of the straps.

[0088] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the stretcher sheet comprises inflatable compartments along the edges of the stretcher sheet where are the guides.

[0089] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter comprising a foot stop at a foot end of the stretcher sheet to stop the casualty from sliding off the foot end of the stretcher sheet.

[0090] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the foot stop is formed by a merger of the straps at the foot end.

[0091] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the foot stop comprises the strap holder configured to hold the strap(s) across the foot end of the stretcher sheet.

[0092] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the foot stop comprises a bar connected to the straps to position the bar across the foot end of the stretcher sheet.

[0093] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter wherein the foot stop comprises a wheel to roll as the rescue litter is towed.

[0094] In an alternate embodiment, there is a bedroll for a rescue litter comprising stretcher poles along the edges of the stretcher sheet from the foot end of the stretcher sheet to the head end.

[0095] In a preferred embodiment, there is a stretcher pole for a rescue litter comprising first and second J shaped forms capping ends of a straight pole portion, wherein the J shaped forms are configured as a hand grip and a skid.

[0096] In an alternate embodiment, there is a stretcher pole for a rescue litter further comprising a detachment device which restricts the first and second J shaped forms from being pulled straight off the straight pole portion.

[0097] In an alternate embodiment, there is a stretcher pole for a rescue litter wherein the detachment device fixes the first J shaped form one hundred and eighty degrees around the straight pole portion from the second J shaped form.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment, there is a rescue litter to carry a casualty, comprising stretcher pole to suspend a stretcher sheet, and a bedroll comprising the stretcher sheet, at least one strap arrayed on the stretcher sheet to support the weight of the casualty, at least one guide to direct the strap(s) from at least one strap holder on the stretcher sheet to a head end of the stretcher sheet where the strap(s) is/are free to grasp.

[0099] The invention has been described by way of examples only. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the claims.