AU2005202502B2

AU2005202502B2 - Rescue sheet

Info

Publication number: AU2005202502B2
Application number: AU2005202502A
Authority: AU
Inventors: John Anthony Neville Bromberger
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-06-11
Filing date: 2005-06-09
Publication date: 2011-05-19
Anticipated expiration: 2025-06-09
Also published as: AU2005202502A1

Description

AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT (Original) APPLICATION NO: LODGED: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION LODGED: ACCEPTED: PUBLISHED: RELATED ART: NAME OF APPLICANT: John Anthony Neville Bromberger ACTUAL INVENTOR(S): John Anthony Neville Bromberger ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: LORD AND COMPANY, Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys, of 4 Douro Place, West Perth, Western Australia, 6005, AUSTRALIA. INVENTION TITLE: RESCUE SHEET DETAILS OF ASSOCIATED PROVISIONAL APPLICATION NO: Australian Provisional Patent Application Number 2004903165 filed on 11 June 2005. The following Statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to me/us: TITLE RESCUE SHEET FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a rescue sheet for emergency relocation of non 5 ambulant persons disposed upon a bed. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is known to provide a rescue sheet that facilitates emergency evacuation or relocation of non-ambulant persons, such as patients, in case of fire or other emergencies. Typically, such a rescue sheet comprises a sheet of strong nylon 10 material that is disposed under a mattress of a person's bed. The sheet is provided with strong elastic corner straps that are looped over respective corners of the mattress in order to secure the rescue sheet to the mattress when the bed is made up each day. The sheet is also provided with at least two transversely disposed straps of webbing which are arranged to be fastened around the person when an emergency arises and 15 the person must be quickly removed from the vicinity of the emergency to a safe location. In this way, the mattress and bedding are also secured to the person. The mattress, bedding and the person may then be lowered onto the floor, and by grasping either or each of two towing straps provided at each end of the sheet, the person, mattress and bedding may be quickly relocated to a safe location by sliding the sheet 20 on the floor. During the evacuation, the person is protected from hard surfaces by the mattress and may readily be taken down stairs to safety, if necessary. After evacuation, the person can remain secured in the bedding and mattress by the fastened straps of the rescue sheet, thereby preventing the person, who may be a patient 2 suffering from a form of dementia such as Alzheimer's disease, from wandering from the safe location. Whilst known rescue sheets slide readily over smooth surfaces, such as vinyl or tiled surfaces, one experiences much greater friction on carpeted surfaces making the 5 person more difficult to move quickly to a safe location by the above described method. If known rescue sheets are formed from a lower friction material, however, one finds that the mattress, to which it is secured, tends to slide from under the person when the person sits on the bed, thereby placing the person at risk of injury. The present invention attempts to overcome at least in part some of the 10 aforementioned disadvantages. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a rescue sheet for relocating a person disposed upon a bed, the rescue sheet comprising a relatively low friction sheet member having an upper surface and a lower surface, a 15 handle strap attached to and extending from at least one end of the sheet member, at least one securing strap attached to and extending from a side of the sheet member, wherein at least a portion of at least one surface of the sheet member is made from a material having non-slip qualities. 20 In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a sheet element adapted to receive an overlying rescue sheet, the sheet element comprising a relatively low friction sheet member having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein at least a portion of one surface of the sheet member is made from a material having non-slip qualities, the sheet element further comprising a handle strap 3 engaging means and a plurality of loops, wherein the engaging means is arranged to engage a handle strap attached to and extending from at least one end of the overlying rescue sheet and the plurality of loops are adapted to receive transversely disposed securing straps attached to and extending from the overlying rescue sheet. 5 DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top plan view of a rescue sheet in accordance with the present invention; 10 Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of the rescue sheet shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a top plan view of a sheet member adapted to be secured to a conventional rescue sheet in accordance with the present invention; Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the sheet member of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of the rescue sheet of any of the preceding 15 Figures shown fitted to a mattress on a bed base; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of a person secured to the mattress by the rescue sheet of the present invention, wherein the person is being removed from the bed base to another location . 20 DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Referring initially to Figures 1, 2, 5 and 6, wherein like numerals and symbols refer to like parts throughout, there is shown a rescue sheet 10 for relocating a person upon a bed, the rescue sheet 10 including a sheet member 12 having an upper surface 20 and a lower surface 30, a handle strap 16 attached to and extending from at least one end 4 13 of the sheet member 12 and at least one transversely disposed securing strap 18 attached to and extending from the sheet member 12. At least a portion of at least one surface 20, 30 is made from a material having non-slip qualities. Preferably, the portion having non-slip qualities is comprised of at least one panel 14 attached to a 5 side 19 of the upper surface 20 of the sheet member 12. Preferably, as shown in the Figures, the rescue sheet 10 has a handle strap 16 attached to and extending from each opposing end 13 of the sheet member 12 and has a pair of securing straps 18 attached to and extending from opposing edges of the sheet member 12. The sheet member 12 is arranged in use to be disposed between a bed base 300 and a 10 mattress 200, wherein the lower surface 30 of the sheet member 12 is contiguous with the bed base 300, and the upper surface 20 of the sheet member 12 is contiguous with the mattress 200. Accordingly, the sheet member 12 is sized and shaped to cover a substantially large portion of the bed base 300. In the particular embodiment of the present invention shown in each of the Figures, 15 the sheet member 12 is substantially rectangular in shape, with truncated tapering portions provided at each end 13 thereof. However, it is envisaged that the sheet member 12 may be formed in alternative shapes, such as an oval or a rectangle, provided that the sheet member 12 is of a size and shape which would cover a substantially large portion of the bed base 300. Preferably, each comer of the sheet 20 member 12 is provided with an elastic strap 15 that is arranged in use to be looped over a corresponding corner of the mattress 200 so that the sheet member 12 remains secured to the mattress 200 when the bed is made. The sheet member 12 is made from a relatively low-friction material, such as a plastics material including, but not limited to extra heavy weave polyethylene 5 material, polypropylene-coated fabrics, polytarp, or any low-friction fabric that is tear or shear-resistant and has the general ability to slide over a surface. The handle straps 16 are preferably formed of a single length of webbing material that is securely attached to the sheet member 12 about a perimeter thereof by stitching. In 5 the embodiment shown, the handle straps 16 each comprise a loop extending outwardly from each end 13 of the sheet member 12. The securing straps 18 are preferably formed of respective lengths of webbing material that are securely attached to the sheet member 12 by stitching alongside the perimeter of each length of webbing, wherein free ends of the securing straps 18 10 extend outwardly from the sides 19 of the sheet member 12. The securing straps 18 are each provided with a fastening means 11, such as a clasp and buckle, and a means to adjust an effective length of the securing straps 18. In this manner, when the securing straps 18 are fastened around a person, the length can be adjusted in order to allow for varying girth of the person and thereby secure the 15 person to the mattress 200 during an evacuation procedure. Preferably, a pair of panels 14 are disposed substantially along the length of, and are longitudinally aligned with, each side 19 of the sheet member 12. Preferably, the panels 14 are attached to the sides 19 of the sheet member 12 by stitching alongside the perimeter of the side panels 14. It is envisaged that the panels 14 can be also 20 stitched to the lower surface 30 of the sheet member 12. The panels 14 are formed from a non-slip material, preferably a cushioned matting made from a plastics material, such as Miracle Grip matting. When the rescue sheet 10 is disposed on the bed base 300, the non-slip material of the panels 14 prevents the 6 rescue sheet 10 and the mattress 200 thereon from sliding, particularly when a person sits on the mattress 200. In use, the rescue sheet 10 is disposed between the bed base 300 and a mattress 200, wherein the lower surface 30 of the sheet member 12 is contiguous with the bed base 5 300, and the upper surface 20 of the sheet member 12 is contiguous with the mattress 200. The handle straps 16 are respectively disposed at the foot and the head of the bed base 300, whilst the securing straps 18 extend outwardly from the sides of the bed base 300. The handle straps 16 and securing straps 18 may be tucked under the bed base for neatness and safety when the rescue sheet 10 is not required to be used. It is 10 also envisaged that the sheet member 12 may be provided with a plurality of pockets disposed adjacent to the securing straps 18 into which the securing straps 18 may be tucked. The elastic straps 15 are looped over the corresponding corner of the mattress 200 so that the sheet member 12 remains secured to the mattress 200 when the bed is made each day. 15 During the course of a rescue operation or evacuation, the handle straps 16 and the securing straps 18 are emptied from their corresponding pockets or untucked from under the bed base 300. The securing straps 18 are fastened around the person by engaging the fastening means 11 and the effective length of each securing strap 18 is adjusted to firmly wrap and secure the rescue sheet 10, the mattress 200 and 20 accompanying bedding to the person. The rescue sheet 10, mattress 200, bedding and the person is then lowered onto the floor, and by grasping either or each of the handle straps 16, the person, mattress 200 and bedding may be quickly moved or towed away to a safe location by sliding the rescue sheet 10 on the floor. 7 Most known rescue sheets in the prior art have a similar general form to the rescue sheet 10 of the present invention, as described earlier, except known rescue sheets are provided with a sheet member made from nylon rather than a low friction material and therefore it has no requirement for side panels made of a non-slip matting to 5 prevent the mattress from slipping off the rescue sheet. The second embodiment of the present invention provides a sheet element 100 that is adapted to receive an overlying known rescue sheet in order to effectively convert the overlying known rescue sheet into the rescue sheet 10 of the present invention. Referring to Figures 3 - 6, wherein like numerals and symbols refer to like parts 10 throughout, there is shown a sheet element 100 including a sheet member 12 having an upper surface 20 and a lower surface 30, a panel 14 attached to each side 19 of the upper surface 20 of the sheet member 12 and at least one loop 21 disposed on opposing sides 19 of the upper surface 30 of the sheet member 12. Preferably, there are a pair of loops 21 disposed on each side 19 of the upper surface 30 of the sheet 15 member 12. The opposing loops 21 are arranged to receive securing straps 18 attached to and extending from the sheet member of the known rescue sheet. The sheet element 100 further includes an engagement means 17 disposed at each end 13 of the upper surface 30 of the sheet member 12. The engagement means 17 is arranged to receive a respective handle strap attached to and extending from each end 20 of the sheet member of the known rescue sheet. Preferably, the engagement means 17 are formed from strips of hook and loop material, such as VelcroTM, which can be fastened over the handle strap of the known rescue sheet to secure the sheet element 100 thereto. 8 The sheet member 12 of the sheet element 100 is arranged in use to be disposed between a bed base 300 and an overlying sheet member of a known rescue sheet. The lower surface 30 of the sheet member 12 is contiguous with the bed base 300, and the upper surface 20 of the sheet member 12 is contiguous with the overlying sheet 5 member of the known rescue sheet. The overlying sheet member of the known rescue sheet is contiguous with the mattress 200. Accordingly, the sheet member 12 is sized and shaped to cover a substantially large portion of the bed base 300, and is preferably sized and shaped the same as the overlying sheet member of the known rescue sheet. In this particular embodiment of the present invention, the sheet 10 member 12 is substantially rectangular in shape, with truncated tapering portions provided at each end 13 thereof. However, it is envisaged that the sheet member 12 may be formed in alternative shapes, such as an oval or a rectangle, provided that the sheet member 12 is of a size and shape which would cover a substantially large portion of the bed base 300. 15 The sheet member 12 is made from a low-friction material, such as a plastics material, including but not limited to extra heavy weave polyethylene material, polypropylene coated fabrics, polytarp, or any low-friction fabric that is tear- or shear-resistant. The panels 14 extend substantially along the length of, and are longitudinally aligned with, each side 19 of the sheet member 12. Preferably, the panels 14 are attached to 20 the sides 19 of the sheet member 12 by stitching alongside the perimeter of the panels 14. It is envisaged that the panels 14 can be also stitched to the lower surface 30 of the sheet member 12. The panels 14 are formed from a non-slip material, preferably a cushioned matting made from a plastics material, such as Miracle Grip matting. When the rescue sheet 9 10 is disposed on the bed base 300, the non-slip material of the panels 14 prevents the rescue sheet 10 and the mattress 200 resting thereabove from sliding over the mattress 200, particularly when a person sits upon the mattress 200. During a rescue or evacuation procedure, the sides 19 of the sheet member 12 are 5 wrapped around an underside of the mattress 200 and the person by fastening the securing straps of the prior art rescue sheet around the person. In use, the sheet member 12 of the sheet element 100 is disposed between a bed base 300 and an overlying sheet member of a known rescue sheet in the manner described above. The securing straps of the known rescue sheet are received in corresponding 10 loops 21, whilst the handle straps of the known rescue sheet are received by the engaging means 17 to engage the handle straps of the prior art rescue sheet. In this way, the sheet element 100 is secured to the prior art rescue sheet, thereby facilitating the use of the prior art rescue sheet in the same way as the rescue sheet 10 as described above. In other words, the sheet element 100 combines with the prior art 15 rescue sheet to effectively convert the prior art rescue sheet to the rescue sheet 10 of the present invention and provide the same functionality and advantages of the rescue sheet 10. Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. 10

Claims

1. A rescue sheet for relocating a body disposed upon a mattress, the rescue sheet comprising a relatively low friction sheet member having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein at least a portion of each of the upper and lower surfaces of the sheet member is made from a material having non-slip qualities.

2. A rescue sheet according to claim 1, wherein the sheet member has at least one panel disposed on each of the upper and lower surfaces thereof, the panel being made from a material having non-slip qualities.

3. A rescue sheet according to claim 2, wherein the sheet member has a pair of panels disposed on opposing sides of the upper and lower surfaces of the sheet member.

4. A rescue sheet according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the or each panel is disposed substantially along the length of respective sides of the upper and lower surfaces of the sheet member.

5. A rescue sheet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rescue sheet further comprises a handle strap attached to and extending from at least one end of the sheet member.

6. A rescue sheet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle is formed of a length of webbing, securely attached to the sheet member about a perimeter thereof.

7. A rescue sheet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle comprises a loop extending from the end of the sheet member.

8. A rescue sheet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet member has a pair of handles disposed at opposing ends thereof. 11

9. A rescue sheet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rescue sheet is arranged to receive an overlying rescue sheet, comprising a handle strap engaging means and a plurality of loops, wherein the engaging means is arranged to engage a handle strap attached to and extending from at least one end of the overlying rescue sheet and the plurality of loops are arranged to receive transversely disposed securing straps attached to and extending from the overlying rescue sheet.

10. A rescue sheet according to claim 9, wherein the loop portions are disposed on opposing sides of the sheet member.

11. A rescue sheet according to claim 9, wherein the handle engagement means includes at least one strip of a hook and loop material, fastenable over the handle of the overlying rescue sheet.

12. A rescue sheet according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rescue sheet further comprises at least one securing strap attached to and extending from a side of the sheet member.

13. A rescue sheet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing strap is provided with a fastening means to fasten the securing strap around 25 the person.

14. A rescue sheet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing strap is provided with an adjusting means for adjusting the length thereof .

15. A rescue sheet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet member is provided with a pair of securing straps.

16. A rescue sheet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein corners of the sheet member are provided with a mattress engaging strap, the strap being arranged to loop over a corresponding corner of the mattress. 12

17. A rescue sheet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet member is provided with one or more pockets, the or each pocket being disposed adjacent a respective securing strap and the or each pocket being arranged to receive a respective securing strap.

18. A rescue sheet substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.