EP0843991A1

EP0843991A1 - New stretcher for the non traumatic transfer of people and animals in critical situations

Info

Publication number: EP0843991A1
Application number: EP97500207A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Claudio Artemio Blotta
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-11-25
Filing date: 1997-11-25
Publication date: 1998-05-27

Abstract

NEW STRETCHER FOR THE NON TRAUMATIC TRANSFER OF PEOPLE AND ANIMALS IN CRITICAL SITUATIONS; that includes a structure of support and transport of the subjected body, provided of handles of command, characterized because this structure includes at least a flattened plate that, having at least one of their borders in disposition proximal to their support plane, is defined by an obverse face and another of reverse on which an endless band slides guided on the periphery of, at least, a guiding roller; so that this band, starting from this border is able to transfer the subjected body between the stretcher and the adjacent area to the same.

Description

I - Background of the invention

The present invention consists on a new stretcher for the non traumatic transfer of people and animals in critical situations.

It is a stretcher whose structure has a border proximal to the plane of support combined with a device of endless bands that allow the transfer of a body between the stretcher and its adjacent area, or vice versa avoiding inconveniences that can be traumatic.

As it is known, stretchers are for the transfer of bodies of the sick or injured. There is great quantity of types of stretchers known, each one of them having a different combination of means, in order to obtain the best effectiveness to make the mentioned transfer.

In this way, there are stretchers known by their structure provided of folding legs combined with different locking and positioning means. These means, according to the case, can be activated so much to maintain erect said legs during the displacement of the stretcher, or to fold them when the body is loaded or when the same is introduced inside an ambulance.

Stretchers with different types of legs are also well-known, like for example legs composing X-shaped sets, legs composed by different tracts, endeded in wheels or in rolling platforms, etc.

Among the well-known stretchers there are provided units of beds composed of movable tracts, as well as of beds collapsible with regard to the structure.

In most of the cases they are stretchers to which it has been tried to endow of the best possible versatility, with the purpose that they adapt to the different stages that compose the operation of transfer of a body. That is to say, that they can be prepared appropriately for the quick displacement on different support planes, for their disposition inside ambulances or other means of transport and for the appropriate load of the body in the same place of the emergency.

However, one of the most serious problems present and that none of the well-known stretchers has solved conveniently, is the transfer of patients traumatized with lesions that require immobilization until their arrival to the place of attention. Indeed, experience shows that, in patients with certain type of traumatic lesions, the movements that are made to prepare the body in the stretcher, even with the greatest care, increases the lesions to the extent of causing the death of the injured one.

To minimize these risks stretchers with a collapsible rigid bed are used. To prepare the body a canvas is used, that is passed below the body and maintaining it stretched by the borders, it allows to place the body in the rigid bed. In other cases, a not very thick frame is used, on which a strongly tensed fabric is mounted so that it does not cede due to the weight of the body.

The problem is that, in the case of the canvas, if the stretcher bearers do not maintain it extremely and constantly tight, the feared traumatic disaccomodation of the body can take place. With the frame, the problem can take place due to the thickness of the same.

All these problems are solved by means of the stretcher of the present invention whose structure includes two overlapped flattened plates. Each one of these plates is defined by respective obverse and reverse faces, the superior plate having at least one of its borders proximal to the plane of support of the stretcher. On the faces of the plates, respective endless bands slide, embeded by guiding rollers, and provided of means of reciprocal linking.

As the directions of turning of both bands are inverse, while the inferior band or displacement band allows the displacement of the stretcher by the support plane until it is disposed adjacent to the body, the superior band or transfer band and the sliding border allow the transfer of the body toward the superior plate without abrupt movements neither traumatic disaccomodation taking place.

Making the operation in an inverse way you can unload the body on any support plane, under the same conditions of security.

In this way, the present invention contributes with a stretcher that does not only allow to make the transfer of a patient of high risk under conditions of maximum security, but also it admits the incorporation of command and activating means such as jack-like mechanisms with levers or auxiliary engines that facilitate its control.

II - Brief Description of the Drawings

For better clarity and understanding of the object of the invention, it has been illustrated with several figures in which one of their favorite embodiments have been represented, everything simply as an illustrative example, not limiting the scope of the present invention:

Figure 1 is a view in perspective that allows to observe the general constitution of the stretcher. The biggest arrow indicates the direction of displacement of the endless band transfer (top). The smallest arrows show the direction of rotation of both guiding cylinders of the bands.

Figure 2 is a top view where the conformation of the structure can be seen clearly as well as the disposition of the main guiding rollers, and of tile auxiliary rollers.

Figure 3 is a lateral view of the stretcher. The overlapped disposition of both flattened plates can be clearly seen. In the case of the superior plate, the inclined plane it finishes in a border proximal to the support surface can be seen. Among both plates the passage dedicated to the endless bands is observed, where the same ones define an area of superficial contact. Nevertheless and to the illustrative effects both tapes are shown lightly separated.

Figure 3 is a detail of the previous figure corresponding to the area of the inclined plane that ends in the border proximal to the support surface. In the same way that in the previous figure and to illustrative effects, both endless bands appear lightly separated, although in a favorite way of embodiment an area of superficial contact inside the passage is established.

Figure 4 is a view similar to that of figure 3 but in a way of embodiment where a jack mechanism and a command lever are included.

In the different figures, the same reference numbers indicate same or corresponding parts, and the groups of several elements have been pointed out with letters.

List of main references:

(a) structure of the stretcher.

(b) superior flattened plates.

(b') inferior flattened plates.

(1) transfer endless band [superior].

(2) displacement endless band [inferior].

(1-2) area of superficial contact among (1) and (2).

(3) guiding cylinder of the endless band (1).

(3

) auxiliary guiding cylinder of the endless band (1).

(4) guiding cylinder of the endless band (2).

(4 ) auxiliary guiding cylinder of the endless band (2).

(5) revolving assembling wall.

(5 ) axes of the guiding cylinders.

(6) obverse face of (b).

(6 ) reverse face of (b).

(7) obverse face of (b').

(7 ) reverse face of (b').

(8) sliding border of (b), proximal to (20).

(8 ) sliding border of (b').

(9) inclined plane.

(10) passage among the plates (b) and (b') overlapped.

(11) handles.

(12) actioning lever.

(12 ) command hilt of (12).

(13) jack mechanism.

(20) support plane.

III - Summary of the invention

To the specified ends, the new stretcher for the non traumatic transfer of people and animals in critical situations that includes a structure (a) of support and transport of the subjected body, provided of handles of command(11), characterized because this structure (a) includes at least a flattened plate (b) that, having at least one (8) of their borders in disposition proximal to their support plane (20), is defined by an obverse face (6) and another of reverse (6') on which an endless band slides (b) guided on the periphery of, at least, a guiding roller (3); so that this band (b), starting from this border (8) is able to transfer the subjected body between the stretcher and the adjacent area to the same.

IV - Description of the preferred embodiments

The present invention consists on a new stretcher for the non traumatic transfer of people and animals in critical situations.

In general terms, the stretcher possesses a structure (a) for the support and the transport of the subjected body. This structure (a) includes, at least, a flattened plate (b), defined by an obverse face (6) and another reverse (6 ') on which an endless band slides (1) which is guided on the periphery of a guiding roller (3). The flattened plate (b) has one (8) of their borders in a disposition proximal to the support plane (20) of the stretcher, so that the mentioned endless band (1) is able to transfer the subjected body between the stretcher and the area adjacent to the same.

In the present way of embodiment the structure (a) of the stretcher includes two flattened plates (b) and (b ') ―one superior (b) and another inferior (b ')―that are disposed overlapped. [see figures 1 and 4]

More particularly, the superior plate flattened (b) is defined by their obverse (6) and reverse (6') faces, on which an endless band transfer (1) slides. This transfer band (1) is guided by a guiding cylinder (3) supplemented by another auxiliary guiding cylinder (3') that maintains it disposed against the obverse wall (6) of the superior plate (b). [see figures 1 and 2]

On the other hand, the inferior flattened plate (b') is defined by their respective obverse (7) and reverse (7 ') faces, on which an endless band of displacement slides (2). This band (2), located below the transfer band (1), is also guided by a respective guiding cylinder (4) supplemented by another auxiliary guiding cylinder (4') that disposes it against the obverse wall (7) of the inferior plate (b'). [see figures 3 and 4]

In the area of the stretcher, where the main guiding cylinders(3)(4) as well as the assistants (3 ') (4') are found, the structure (a) conforms paths walls of revolving assembly (5) for the axes (5') of the mentioned cylinders (3)(3') y(4)(4'). [see figure 2]

On the other hand, both plates (b) and (b') are overlapped in such disposition that, among the reverse face (6') of the superior plate (b) and the obverse face (7) of the inferior plate (b'), a passage is conformed (10) for both endless bands (1) and (2).

Also, both endless bands (1) and (2) possess means of reciprocal linking that can be constituted by an area of superficial contact (1-2) reciprocal among the same, disposed inside the passage (10) defined among the plates (b) and (b'). In this case, the height of the passage (10) is equivalent to the thickness of both endless bands (1) and (2), which assures the superficial contact. [see figures 1, 3 and 3a where you can appreciate what has been described, with the expressed exception that, to the illustrative effects, both tapes (1) and (2) appear lightly separate in the area of superficial contact (1-2).]

The means of reciprocal linking among endless bands (1)(2) can also be constituted each by s engagements solidary with the guiding cylinders (3) and (4). In this case, the height of the passage (10) can be bigger and the endless bands (1) and (2) not maintaining the area of superficial contact (1-2). [see figure 4 where the separation among tapes (1) and (2) would be real.]

In the opposite end to that of the guiding cylinders (3)(4), both flattened plates (b) and (b ') conform respective sliding borders (8) and (8 ') of each one of the endless bands (1) and (2).

It is so in the area proximal to their sliding border (8), the plate flattened superior (b) presents an inclined plane (9) guided toward the support plane (20), so that the border (8) is the more proximal to this plane (20). [see figure 3a]

Although in the present way of embodiment the mentioned border (8) proximal to the support plane (20) is one of the traverse borders of the superior plate (b),in other forms this border (8) can be constituted by one of the longitudinal borders.

The stretcher is completed with command handles (11) that are projected from the obverse face (6) of the superior flattened plate (b).

The set functions in the following way:

Each guiding cylinder (3)(4) allows the displacement of an endless band (1) (2) on its respective plate (b) (b'). Complementarily, the auxiliary guiding cylinders (3') (4') maintain the endless bands (1) (2) disposed against the obverse face (6) (7) of the respective flattened plates (b) (b'), while the sliding borders (8) (8') facilitate the displacement of the mentioned bands (1) (2).

As these endless bands (1) (2) possess means of reciprocal linking, ―such as an area of superficial contact (1-2) among the same (1) (2), located inside the passage (10) among plates (b) (b')―the direction of turn of both bands (1) and (2) is inverse. [see figure 3a]

In this way if the stretcher is disposed in the support plane (20) and it is made to advance on the endless displacement band (2), said (2) will move with regard to the reverse face (7') of the inferior plate (b'), going from the sliding border (8') toward the guiding cylinder (4).

Simultaneously, the endless transfer band (1) will rotate in the opposite direction, due to which it will move by the obverse face (6) of the, superior plate (b), going from the sliding border (8) toward the auxiliary guiding cylinder (3'). [see figures 1, 3 and 4]

If the border (8) of the inclined plane (9) of the stretcher is approached to a body located in the adjacent area, the endless transfer band (1) will drag it on the obverse face (6) of the superior plate (b). [see figure 1]

In an inverse way, if one makes the stretcher go back, the endless band (1) will transfer the subjected body until depositing it in the adjacent area of the support plane (20).

Anyway, the transfer of the subjected body is carried out in an extremely soil way and without subjecting it to abrupt movements or traumatic disaccomodations.

On the other hand and in different ways of embodiment, the stretcher can have command means to carry out the displacement of the stretcher.

These command means can be a jack mechanism (13) activated by means of a lever (12) ended in a hilt (12'), or a similar mechanism (13) but activated by means of an auxiliary engine. In both cases the mechanisms are connected to at least one of the guiding cylinders (3) (4). [see figure 4]

It is certain that being the present invention carried out, modifications concerning certain construction details and form will be able to be introduced, without it implying to move away from the fundamental principles that are clearly stated in the claim clauses that follow:

Claims

NEW STRETCHER FOR THE NON TRAUMATIC TRANSFER OF PEOPLE AND ANIMALS IN CRITICAL SITUATIONS; that includes a structure of support and transport of the subjected body, provided of handles of command, characterized because this structure includes at least a flattened plate that, having at least one of their borders in disposition proximal to their support plane, is defined by an obverse face and another of reverse on which an endless band slides guided on the periphery of, at least, a guiding roller; so that this band, starting from this border is able to transfer the subjected body between the stretcher and the adjacent area to the same.
NEW STRETCHER FOR THE NON TRAUMATIC TRANSFER OF PEOPLE AND ANIMALS IN CRITICAL SITUATIONS; in accordance with claim 1; characterized because the structure includes two overlapped flattened plates defined by respective obverse and reverse faces on which, embedded by guiding rollers, respective endless bands slide provided of means of reciprocal linking the direction of turn being inverse; the superior plate having at least one of its borders proximal to the plane of support of the stretcher.
NEW STRETCHER FOR THE NON TRAUMATIC TRANSFER OF PEOPLE AND ANIMALS IN CRITICAL SITUATIONS; in accordance with claim 2; characterized because the endless transfer band, corresponding to the superior plate constitutes a driving means of the subjected body, while the endless displacement band, corresponding to the inferior plate constitutes, in turn, a means of displacement of the structure with regard to the support plane.
NEW STRETCHER FOR THE NON TRAUMATIC TRANSFER OF PEOPLE AND ANIMALS IN CRITICAL SITUATIONS; in accordance with claim 2; characterized because the means of reciprocal linking of the endless bands are constituted by an area of reciprocal superficial contact among the same bands, disposed inside the defined passage between the reverse face of the superior plate and the obverse face of the inferior plate.
NEW STRETCHER FOR THE NON TRAUMATIC TRANSFER OF PEOPLE AND ANIMALS IN CRITICAL SITUATIONS; in accordance with claim 2; characterized because the means of reciprocal linking of the endless bands are each constituted by solidary engagements with the guiding cylinders.
NEW STRETCHER FOR THE NON TRAUMATIC TRANSFER OF PEOPLE AND ANIMALS IN CRITICAL SITUATIONS; in accordance with claims 1 and 2; characterized because the border proximal to the support plane consists on an inclined plane conformed in a traverse border of the plate.
NEW STRETCHER FOR THE NON TRAUMATIC TRANSFER OF PEOPLE AND ANIMALS IN CRITICAL SITUATIONS; in accordance with claims 1 and 2; characterized because the border proximal to the support plane consists on an inclined plane conformed in a longitudinal border of the plate.
NEW STRETCHER FOR THE NON TRAUMATIC TRANSFER OF PEOPLE AND ANIMALS IN CRITICAL SITUATIONS; in accordance with claims 1 and 2; characterized because the structure possesses command means constituted by a lever and a jack mechanism connected with at least one of the guiding cylinders.
NEW STRETCHER FOR THE NON TRAUMATIC TRANSFER OF PEOPLE AND ANIMALS IN CRITICAL SITUATIONS; in accordance with claims 1 and 2; characterized because the structure possesses command means constituted by an auxiliary engine and a jack mechanism connected with at least one of the guiding cylinders.