AU2021106884A4 - Seat for transporting a person of reduced mobility - Google Patents

Abstract

A seat arrangement (1) is provided for transporting a person of reduced mobility, having a seat (10) made of a strong, flexible material, and first and second shoulder straps (20, 21). The seat (10) has a seat section (12) and a rear section (14). Each shoulder strap (20, 21) has a loop portion (22, 23) and front and rear attachment portions (24, 25; 26, 27) on opposite ends of the loop portions (22, 23) attached to a respective side of the seat section (12) at forward and rear locations. The shoulder straps (20, 21) are formed by a single continuous length of material having seat strengthening portions (30, 31) provided on the lower surface of the seat section (12) and which cross-over each other to provide strength to the seat section (12). In use a person sitting on the seat (10) can be supported with their lower limbs above the ground and transported by two carriers, each carrier engaging one of the first and second shoulder straps (20, 21) on a respective side of the seat (10). Fig 3 to accompany abstract. 1/12 28 29 20 23 2126 22 33 32 27 41 40 42 25 14 13 15 1 24 348 46 17 -44 49 18 1 44 45 12 0 FIG 1

Description

1/12

28

29 20

23

2126 22

33 32 27 41 40 42 25 14 13 15

1 24 348 46 17 -44 44 18 1 49

45 12 0

FIG 1

SEAT FOR TRANSPORTING A PERSON OF REDUCED MOBILITY FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a seat for transporting persons with reduced mobility. The invention is particularly suitable for transporting a person with a lower limb injury, but may also be used for transporting any injured or infirm person having reduced mobility. Particular environments where the seat may be used include, but are not limited to, sporting arenas, combat situations, schools and workplaces.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] The transportation of persons with reduced mobility, particularly those with lower-limb injuries, typically requires the use of a stretcher on which the person is laid down. Conventional stretchers are cumbersome, heavy and are not conveniently portable. If a stretcher is not available, an injured person may be assisted to move by placing an arm or both arms around the shoulder or shoulders of one or two carriers positioned alongside the injured person. In this case, the carrier or carriers can assist in bearing the weight of the person as they limp to a place where medical attention can be provided. In the latter example, however, in particular, the following disadvantages may arise. Further injury may be sustained if the injured person's weight is too great for the carrier(s) to bear for an extended period of time while transporting the person. Also, the injured person may be required to use both their non-injured and recently injured limb for stability. Unnecessary stops may be taken whilst the injured person and/or carriers reposition themselves to ensure the assistance provided to the injured person is safe and comfortable for all parties. Further, if performed incorrectly, the carriers may themselves may sustain an injury, i.e. back injury, while assisting the transportation of the injured person. Another disadvantage of some known devices and methods is that they can require the carriers to make physical contact with the person being carried, which may lead to inappropriate or invasive touching of the person being carried by the carriers.

[0003] It is desirable to provide a transportation device which overcomes or alleviates one or more of the disadvantages of existing transportation methods for an injured person, particularly a person with a lower-limb injury.

[0004] It is also desirable to provide a portable transportation device for a person with reduced mobility which has a lightweight construction, which is relatively inexpensive to produce, and which is compact and easily stored, eg as part of a first aid kit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention broadly relates to a seat arrangement for transporting a person with reduced mobility, including a seat made of a strong, flexible material; and a pair of shoulder supports, each extending from a respective side of the seat; wherein in use a person sitting on the seat can be supported with his/her lower limbs above the ground and transported by a pair of carriers each engaging a respective one of the shoulder supports.

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a seat arrangement for carrying a person of reduced mobility, comprising: a seat made of a strong, flexible material, wherein the seat is configured to support a person sitting on the seat and having a seat section and a rear section; and first and second shoulder straps, each shoulder strap having a loop portion, and front and rear attachment portions on opposite ends of the loop portion attached to a respective side of the seat section at forward and rear locations; wherein the shoulder straps are formed by a single continuous length of material having seat strengthening portions which are provided on the lower surface of the seat section and which cross-over each other to provide strength to the seat section, herein in use a person sitting on the seat can be supported with their lower limbs above the ground and carried by two carriers, each carrier engaging a respective one of the first and second shoulder straps on one side of the seat.

[0007] In an embodiment the seat arrangement includes carrier handles to assist the carriers to support and carry the person seated on the seat. The carrier handles may also assist the carriers to adjust the position of the person being carried into a position that is comfortable for the carriers and for the person sitting on the seat.

[0008] According to a second aspect, there is provided a seat arrangement for carrying a person of reduced mobility, comprising: a seat made of a strong, flexible material, wherein the seat is configured to support a person sitting on the seat, and having a seat section and a rear section; and first and second shoulder straps, each shoulder strap having a loop portion, and front and rear attachment portions on opposite ends of the loop portion attached to a respective side of the seat section at forward and rear locations; wherein the seat includes carrier handles on opposite sides of the seat; wherein in use a person sitting on the seat can be supported with their lower limbs above the ground and carried by two carriers, each carrier engaging a respective one of the first and second shoulder straps on one side of the seat and grasping a carrier handle on the opposite side of the seat.

[0009] In one embodiment the carrier handles are provided in or on the rear section of the seat. The carrier handles may include apertures in the rear section on respective sides of the seat.

[00010] Alternatively, or additionally, the carrier handles may include handles provided on the shoulder straps. The carrier handles provided on the shoulder straps may be formed by loops of material attached to the shoulder straps.

[00011] The seat may include a thigh support section extending from the front of the seat section to assist in supporting the thighs of a person seated on the seat section.

[00012] In one embodiment, the thigh support section includes a pair of grasping handles, provided on opposite sides of the thigh support section which are configured to be grasped by the person sitting on the seat while the person is being carried.

[00013] According to a third aspect, there is provided a seat arrangement for carrying a person of reduced mobility, comprising a seat made of a strong, flexible material, wherein the seat has is configured to support a person sitting on the seat, and having a seat section and a rear section; and first and second shoulder straps, each shoulder strap having a loop portion, and front and rear attachment portions on opposite ends of the loop portion attached to a respective side of the seat section at forward and rear locations; wherein the seat includes first and second rear carrier handles on respective sides of the seat, wherein the seat further includes a thigh support section extending from a front of the seat section and first and second grasping handles, provided on opposite sides of the thigh support section; wherein in use a person sitting on the seat can be supported with their lower limbs above the ground and carried by two carriers, each carrier engaging a respective one of the first and second shoulder straps on one side of the seat, and holding a rear carrier handle on the opposite side of the seat, and the grasping handles are configured to be grasped by the person sitting on the seat while the person is being carried.

[00014] In an embodiment each grasping handle is formed by a hole in a piece of material at a respective side edge of the thigh support section.

[00015] Alternatively, the grasping handles may be provided by one of more loops of material attached to the front edge or side edges of the seat.

[00016] The material for the seat is preferably chosen to be lightweight and flexible to allow the seat section to conform to the behind of a person seated on the seat section whilst also providing sufficient strength to support an adult person. Suitable lightweight, flexible materials for the seat section include canvas or other strong fabric material, graphene and/or a flexible synthetic or plastics material. The material for the seat may be a bio-compatible and/or waterproof material,

[00017] In an embodiment, the seat section and the rear section may be formed in one piece. Preferably the rear section is curved upwardly from the seat section. .

The seat section and the upward curve of the rear section create a cradle in which the person being carried can sit securely. At least part of the sides of the rear section and seat section may also be curved to form a generally bucket shaped seat. This arrangement improves the stability of the person sitting in the seat while they are being carried, thereby making the process of carrying the person safer and easier.

[00018] The thigh support section may be formed from the same material as the seat section and the rear section. In one embodiment the seat section, the rear section and the thigh support section are formed in one piece. Alternatively, the thigh support section may be formed from a separate piece of material which is attached to the front of the seat section, such as by sewing or glue or other attachment means.

[00019] The shoulder straps may be formed from loops of strong, flexible material attached to respective side portions of the seat section. The shoulder straps are preferably formed from a strong, lightweight webbing material, such as nylon, polypropylene, polyester and/or seat belt webbing. The material for the shoulder straps may be a bio-compatible and/or waterproof material,

[00020] In one embodiment, each shoulder strap may be formed from an individual loop of webbing material.

[00021] In another embodiment, the shoulder straps may be formed from a continuous loop of webbing material having attachment portions connected to and extending along a surface of the seat section and loop sections extending from the seat section to form the shoulder straps. In this embodiment, the parts of the shoulder straps connected along a surface of the seat section may provide strengthening to the seat section.

[00022] In one embodiment, the seat may include a back support. The back support may be arranged to extend substantially parallel to a rear edge of the seat. The back support may be attached to the rear section of the seat. Alternatively, or additionally, the back support may comprise at least one back support strap connected to and extending between the shoulder straps.

[00023] The provision of a back support lessens the risk of a person seated on the seat section falling backwards off the seat support, for instance if the person is being carried over rough terrain or sloping ground or up or down stairs.

[00024] The back support may be made of a similar webbing material to that of the shoulder straps, such as nylon, polypropylene, polyester and/or seat belt webbing

[00025] Advantageously, the presently disclosed seat effectively provides a strong, durable, safe to use and portable device to carry a person of reduced mobility.

[00026] The seat may have a rectangular or oval shape. In one preferred embodiment the seat is of oblong form and is preferably between about 30-40cm wide and between about 60-80cm long.

[00027] Advantageously, the seat and shoulder straps are configured to be folded or rolled up for transportation and storage.

[00028] The use of lightweight, flexible materials for the seat section, the rear section and the shoulder supports, and for the thigh support section, when provided, enables the seat to be conveniently rolled up or folded for ease of transportation and storage.

[00029] In one embodiment, the seat can be folded or rolled up into a half-packed condition with one of the shoulder straps folded within the sections of the seat and the other shoulder strap outside the folded or rolled up seat for transportation.

[00030] In one embodiment, the seat may include securing elements for securing the seat in the rolled up or folded condition and/or the half-packed condition.

[00031] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a seat arrangement for carrying a person of reduced mobility, comprising: a seat made of a strong, flexible material, wherein the seat is configured to support a person sitting on the seat, and having a seat section , and a rear section; and first and second shoulder straps, each shoulder strap having a loop portion, and front and rear attachment portions on opposite ends of the loop portion attached to a respective side of the seat section at forward and rear locations; wherein in use a person sitting on the seat can be supported with their lower limbs above the ground and carried by two carriers, each carrier engaging a respective one of the first and second shoulder straps on one side of the seat; wherein the seat and shoulder straps are configured to be folded or rolled up for transportation and storage; and wherein the seat includes securing elements for securing the seat in a rolled up or folded condition.

[00032] The securing elements may be provided on any convenient part of the seat, such as the rear section or the seat section. Alternatively, or additionally, the securing elements may be provided on the thigh support section, such as on tabs on the thigh support section.

[00033] The securing elements may be provided on the rear section of the seat in the form of press studs for engagement with stud-receiving elements on the seat portion. It will, however be appreciated that other forms of securing elements could be provided, such as strips of hook and loop fastening material of the type marketed under the trade mark Velcro.

[00034] In another embodiment, the shoulder straps may be adjustable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00035] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[00036] Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a seat for transporting a person with reduced mobility;

[00037] Figure 2 shows a front view of the seat of Figure 1;

[00038] Figure 3 shows an underneath view of the seat of Figure 1;

[00039] Figure 4 shows a rear perspective view of the seat of Figure 1;

[00040] Figure 5 shows a side view of the seat of Figure 1;

[00041] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the seat of Figure 1 in a half-packed condition;

[00042] Figure 7 shows a view of the seat of Figure 1 in a fully packed condition;

[00043] Figure 8 shows a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a seat having rear handle straps;

[00044] Figure 9 shows a front view of the seat of Figure 8;

[00045] Figure 10 shows a rear view of the seat of Figure 8;

[00046] Figure 11 shows a rear perspective view of the seat of Figure 8;

[00047] Figure 12 shows a side view of the seat of Figure 8;

[00048] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the seat of Figure 8 in a half packed condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00049] Figures 1 to 7 show different views of a seat arrangement 1 for transporting a person of reduced mobility according to a first embodiment of the invention. The seat arrangement 1 comprises a seat 10 and first and second shoulder straps 20, 21.

[00050] The first and second shoulder straps 20, 21 are attached to opposite sides of the seat 10 to enable the person of reduced mobility supported by the seat to be transported by two carriers (not shown), each carrier engaging with a respective one of the shoulder straps 20, 21.

[00051] As shown more particularly in Figure 2, the seat 10 is configured to support a person sitting on the seat and includes a middle seat section 12, an upwardly curved rear section 14, and a front thigh support section 16 configured to support the thighs of a person seated on the seat section 12.

[00052] The seat 10 is generally rectangular in shape having a front edge 11 which corresponds to the front edge of the thigh support section 16, a rear edge 13 which corresponds to the rear edge of the rear section 14, and left and right side edges 15 and 17.

[00053] The seat section 12 and rear section 14 shown in Figure 1 may be conveniently formed from a single piece of material, which is generally square in shape. The thigh support section 16 extends from the front of the seat section 12 and is generally oblong rectangular in shape. The thigh support section 16 may be formed from a separate piece of material from the seat and rear sections 12 and 14. Alternatively, the whole seat 10 comprising the seat section 12, the rear section 14 and the thigh support section 16 may be of unitary construction and formed from a single piece of material.

[00054] As shown more particularly in the rear perspective view of Figure 4 and the side view of Figure 5, the rear section 14 curves upwardly from the rear of the seat section 12. At least a rear part of each side of the seat section 12 also curves upwardly so that the seat section 12 and the rear section 14 together form a generally bucket shaped seat, with the thigh support section 16 extending forwardly from the seat section 12. The seat section and the rear section create a cradle in which the person being carried can sit securely. This arrangement improves the stability of the person sitting in the seat while they are being carried, thereby making the process of carrying the person safer and easier

[00055] The material for the seat section 12, the rear section 14 and the thigh support section 16 is preferably a light weight, flexible plastics material having sufficient strength to support the weight of an adult person seated on the seat section 12. The seat 10 preferably has an edging 18 also made of canvas or fabric material extending around the peripheral edges of the seat section 12, the rear section 14 and the thigh support section 16 to prevent any fraying of the edges of the material(s) forming the seat section 10, the rear section 14 and the thigh support section 16. The edging 18 may be made of the same, or a similar material to that of the seat section 10, the rear section 14 and the thigh support section 16, which is attached by stitching or other means such as an adhesive. In an alternative embodiment, the seat section 12, the rear section 14, the thigh support section 16 and/or the edging may be made of canvas or other strong fabric material. Other suitable lightweight flexible materials include graphene and/or flexible synthetic materials. The material for the seat 10 may be a bio-compatible and/or waterproof material.

[00056] Each shoulder strap 20, 21 has a loop portion 22, 23, a front portion 24, , and a rear portion 26, 27. Each front portion 24, 25 extends from a forward end of the respective loop portion 22, 23 to a side of the seat section 12 at a forward location where each front portion 24, 25 is attached to the seat section 12 by attachment means. Each rear portion 26, 27 extends from a rear end of the respective loop portion 22, 23 to a respective side of the rear section 14 at a rear location where each rear portion 26, 27 is attached to the rear section 14 of the seat by attachment means.

[00057] In one particularly preferred embodiment, which is best shown in Figure 3, the attachment means comprises attachment portions 30, 31 of the shoulder straps 20, 21 which extend diagonally across the lower surface of the seat section 11 from the lower end of a rear portion 26, 27 of a shoulder strap 20, 21 on one side of the seat 10 to the lower end of the front portion 25, 24 of the shoulder strap 21, on the opposite side of the seat 10. The attachment portions 30, 31 may be secured to the rear section 14 and the seat section 12 of the seat by any convenient securing means, such as stitching or glue.

[00058] Other forms of attachment means could be used for attaching and securing the shoulder straps to the seat. For example, the lower ends of the front and rear portions 24, 25, 26, 27 could simply be stitched or glued to rear and seat sections of the seat at the locations where they meet the rear and seat sections of the seat 10. However, the diagonally extending attachment portions 30, 31 which crossover one another on the lower surface of the seat section 12 as shown in Figure 3 to provide additional strengthening to the seat section 12.

[00059] The shoulder straps are preferably formed from a strong webbing material, such as the type of material used to form seat belts in vehicles. The webbing material of the attachment portions 24, 25, 26, 27 may be attached to the seat section 12 by stitching or other means, such as an adhesive. The loop portions , 21 preferably include padded sections 28, 29 to provide more comfort for the shoulders of the carriers who engage with the loop portions 22, 23 to transport the person of reduced mobility. Each front attachment portions 24, 25 preferably includes a respective adjustment element 32, 33, such as a buckle, to enable the length of each shoulder strap 20, 21 to be adjusted. The material for the shoulder straps may also be a bio-compatible and/or waterproof material.

[00060] In use, a carrier (not shown) on each side of the seat 10 places a respective shoulder strap 20, 21 over one of their shoulders, such that the seat 10 is between the carriers. Each carrier preferably rests a respective shoulder strap 20, 21 on their shoulder on their shoulder remote from the seat, such that the shoulder strap 20, 21 extends diagonally across the body of the carrier. Alternatively, each carrier may a respective shoulder strap 20, 21 on their shoulder immediately adjacent the person to be carried, though the method in which the shoulder straps extend diagonally across the body of the carrier has been found to be a more effective carrying method.

[00061] The carriers may lower the seat 10 down, either through bending their knees or adjusting the shoulder straps 20, 21 to a desired height by the adjustment buckles 32, 33 to assist the person to be carried to sit on the seat 10. A person of reduced mobility, such as an elderly or infirm person or a person with a lower limb injury, may then sit on the seat section 12 with his or her lower back at least partly supported by the rear section 14, and with the thigh support section 54 providing additional support for the thighs of the person to be carried. The person can then be lifted and carried by the carriers to a desired location.

[00062] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the seat 10 is provided with carrier handles , 41 to assist the carriers to support and carry the person seated on the seat section 12. The carrier handles 40, 41 are preferably in the form of apertures 42, 43 provided in the rear section 14 on respective sides of the seat 10. In use, a carrier engaging a shoulder strap 20, 21 on one side of the seat 10 can hold the carrier handle 41, 40 on the opposite side of the seat 10 to provide additional support for the lower back of the person being carried.

[00063] In the seat arrangement of Figures 1 to 5, the seat 10 is also provided with a pair of grasping handles 44, 45 provided on opposite sides of the thigh support section 16 which are configured to be grasped by the person sitting on the seat while the person is being carried. This provides additional security for the person being carried to assist in preventing the person from falling off the seat while he is being carried. The grasping handles may also allow adjustment of the position of the person to be carried on the seat to redistribute their weight in a manner that makes it easier for the carriers to carry the person sitting on the seat. The grasping handles 44, 45 are preferably in the form of apertures 46, 47 provided in opposite side parts 48, 49 of the thigh support section 16 on respective sides of the seat 10. An advantageous feature of the seat 10 of Figures 1 to 5 is that it can be conveniently folded or rolled up into a relatively small package for transportation or storage when not in use as shown in Figures 6 and 7. For this purpose, the seat 10 is provided with securing means 50 for securing the seat in a rolled up or folded condition. The securing means preferably comprises a pair of securing elements 51, 52 which are preferably provided on the rear section 14 of the seat.

[00064] In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 7, the securing elements are in the form of first and second securing straps 51, 52 each having a female or male fastener 53, 54 for engagement with the respective male or female fastener 54, 53 on the other securing strap 52, 51. As shown in Figure 3, the first securing strap 51 has a first end 55 attached to the rear edge of the rear section 14 and a female fastener 53 provided on the second free end 56 of the securing strap 51. As shown in the side views of Figure 5, the second securing strap 52 has a first end 57 attached to a side edge of the rear section 14 and a male fastener 54 provided on the second free end 58 of the securing strap 51. The female and male fasteners 53, 54 are preferably in the form of releasable fastening clips, though other forms of fasteners could be provided.

[00065] Figure 6 shows the seat 10 in a half-packed condition for transportation in which the seat 10, comprising the seat section 12, the rear section 14 and the front thigh support section 16, is folded or rolled up and secured by the securing straps 51, 52 with the female and male fasteners 53, 54 in engagement with each other. In this half-packed condition, one of the shoulder straps 20 is folded within the rolled up sections 12, 14 and 16 of the seat with only the padded section 28 of the loop portion 22 of the shoulder strap 20 exposed. The other shoulder strap 21 is not folded within the folded or rolled up sections 12, 14 and 16 of the seat 10 so that the shoulder strap 21 can be used to carry the half-packed seat 10 from one location to another.

[00066] Figure 7 shows the seat 10 in a fully packed condition for storage. In this condition, the seat section 12, the rear section 14 and the front thigh support section 16 are folded or rolled up with both of the shoulder straps 20, 21 folded within the within the folded or rolled up sections 12, 14 and 16, and only the padded sections 28, 29 of the loop portions 22, 23 of the shoulder straps 20, 21 exposed. The seat is secured in the fully packed condition by the securing straps 51, 52 with the female and male fasteners 53, 54 in engagement with each other.

[00067] Figures 8 to 13 show a seat arrangement 60 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The seat arrangement 60 is similar to the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 7, and corresponding reference numerals have been applied to corresponding parts. The seat arrangement of Figures 8 to 13 differs from the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 7 in that it includes additional carrier handles 61,62.

[00068] As best shown in Figures 10 and 11, the carrier handles 61, 62 are formed by one or more loops of material attached to the rear portions 26, 27 of the shoulder straps 20, 21. In the embodiment of Figures 8 to 13, there are two loops 63, 64 of material attached to each rear portion 26, 27.

[00069] It will be appreciated that different forms of carrier handles may be used instead of the loops 63, 64 shown in Figures 8 to 13. For example, the carrier handles may comprise moulded plastic hand grips which are attached to the rear portions 26, 27 of the shoulder straps 20, 21.

[00070] In use, the seat 60 of Figures 8 to 13 functions in essentially the same manner as the embodiment of Figures 1 to 7, with the person of reduced mobility sitting on the seat section 12 of the seat 10 with his or her lower back partly supported by the rear section 14 and the thigh support section 54 providing support for the thighs of the person to be carried. The carriers on each side of the seat 10 have the choice of either using the carrier handles 40, 41 provided by the apertures 42, 43 in the rear section 14, or the additional carrier handles 60, 61 provided by the loops 63, 64 of material attached to the rear portions 26, 27 of the shoulder straps , 21 to provide additional support for the lower back of the person being carried.

[00071] As shown in Figure 13, the seat arrangement 60 can be folded or rolled up into a half-packed condition for transportation in the same manner as described with reference to Figure 6. In this condition, the carrier handle 62 of the shoulder strap 21 which is not folded or rolled up within the seat 10 provides a carrier handle which can be used to carry the half-packed seat 10 from one location to another for transportation, in addition to the shoulder strap 21.

[00072] The seat arrangement 60 can also be folded or rolled up into a fully packed condition for storage in the same manner as described with reference to Figure 7.

[00073] The embodiments of the invention described above have been described by way of example only and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

[00074] For example, the seat section may be a shape other than rectangular. For example, the seat section may be circular, triangular or hexagonal in shape.

[00075] Also, as an example, the shoulder strap may be provided with more than one shoulder strap provided per carrier. For example, two shoulder straps may be provided for each carrier.

[00076] In another modification (not shown), one or more back straps may be provided to provide additional back support for the person being carried. The or each back strap may be attached to the rear portions 26, 27 of the shoulder straps such that they extend between the rear portions 26, 27. The or each the back strap may be provided by either a non-rigid or rigid material.

[00077] Still further, other forms of securing elements may be provided, such as strips of hook and loop fastening material of the type marketed under the trade mark Velcro, hook and eye fasteners, buttons, clips or studs.

[00078] It will be appreciated that the flexible material from which the seat is made is readily foldable or collapsible by rolling up such that it may be stored in a first aid kit or in a portable bag on a carrier's person for quick and easy access.

TABLE OF PARTS 1 Seat arrangement Seat 11 Front edge of seat 12 Seat section 13 Rearedge ofseat 14 Rear section Left side edge of seat 16 Front thigh support section 17 Right side edge of seat 18 Edging First shoulder strap 21 Second shoulder strap 22, 23 Loop portions of shoulder straps 24, 25 Front portions of shoulder straps 26, 27 Rear portions of shoulder straps 28,29 Padded sections of loop portions , 31 Attachment portions of the shoulder straps 32,33 Adjustment elements of shoulder straps ,41 Carrier handles 42,43 Apertures in rear section 44,45 Grasping handles 46,47 Apertures in thigh support section 48,49 Side parts of thigh support section Securing means 51,52 Securing straps 53 Female fastener 54 Male fastener First end of securing strap 51 56 Second free end of securing strap 51 57 First end of securing strap 52 58 Second free end of securing strap 52 Seat of second embodiment 61,62 Additional carrier handles 63,64 Loops forming additional carrier handle

Claims (5)

1. A seat arrangement for transporting a person of reduced mobility, comprising a seat made of a strong, flexible material, wherein the seat is configured to support a person sitting on the seat, and having a seat section and a rear section; first and second shoulder straps, each shoulder strap having a loop portion, and front and rear attachment portions on opposite ends of the loop portion attached to a respective side of the seat section at forward and rear locations; wherein the shoulder straps are formed by a single continuous length of material having seat strengthening portions which are provided on the lower surface of the seat section and which cross-over each other to provide strength to the seat section, wherein in use a person sitting on the seat can be supported with their lower limbs above the ground and transported by two carriers, each carrier engaging a respective one of the first and second shoulder straps on one side of the seat.

2. A seat arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the seat includes carrier handles to assist the carriers to support and carry the person seated on the seat section.

3. A seat arrangement for transporting a person of reduced mobility, comprising a seat made of a strong, flexible material, wherein the seat has a seat section is configured to support a person sitting on the seat, and having a seat section and a rear section; first and second shoulder straps, each shoulder strap having a loop portion, and front and rear attachment portions on opposite ends of the loop portion attached to a respective side of the seat section at forward and rear locations; wherein the seat includes carrier handles on respective sides of the seat; wherein in use a person sitting on the seat can be supported with their lower limbs above the ground and transported by two carriers, each carrier engaging a respective one of the first and second shoulder straps on one side of the seat and grasping a carrier handle on the opposite side of the seat.

4. A seat arrangement for transporting a person of reduced mobility, comprising a seat made of a strong, flexible material, wherein the seat has a seat section is configured to support a person sitting on the seat and having a seat section and a rear section; first and second shoulder straps, each shoulder strap having a loop portion, and front and rear attachment portions on opposite ends of the loop portion attached to a respective side of the seat section at forward and rear locations; wherein the seat includes first and second carrier handles provided in or on the rear section on respective sides of the seat, wherein the seat further includes a thigh support section extending from a front edge of the seat section and first and second grasping handles, provided on opposite sides of the thigh support section; wherein in use a person sitting on the seat can be supported with their lower limbs above the ground and transported by two carriers, each carrier engaging a respective one of the first and second shoulder straps on one side of the seat, and holding a carrier handle on the opposite side of the seat, and the grasping handles are configured to be grasped by the person sitting on the seat while the person is being carried.

5. A seat arrangement for carrying a person of reduced mobility, comprising: a seat made of a strong, flexible material, wherein the seat is configured to support a person sitting on the seat, and having a seat section and a rear section; and first and second shoulder straps, each shoulder strap having a loop portion, and front and rear attachment portions on opposite ends of the loop portion attached to a respective side of the seat section at forward and rear locations; wherein in use a person sitting on the seat can be supported with their lower limbs above the ground and carried by two carriers, each carrier engaging a respective one of the first and second shoulder straps on one side of the seat; wherein the seat and shoulder straps are configured to be folded or rolled up for transportation and storage; and wherein the seat includes securing elements for securing the seat in a rolled up or folded condition