ES2674530A1 - FLOTATION DEVICE FOR THE RESCUE OF UNCONSCIOUS PEOPLE (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Flotation device for the rescue of unconscious people. A flotation device is described for the rescue of unconscious persons. The device comprises a main flotation body which in turn comprises a coupling area, a support area opposite the coupling area, a floating surface which in use is in contact with the water and a supporting surface opposite to the floating surface. The device is characterized in that the coupling zone comprises a groove configured to receive the neck of an unconscious person; and in that the floatation device further comprises an additional floatation body provided on the floatation surface of the main floatation body, the additional floatation body being configured for, in use, providing an inclination of the neck of the unconscious person with respect to a vertical plane that allows unblocking the airway of the unconscious person. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

5 This disclosure refers to flotation devices for the rescue of unconscious people.

STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE There are currently different types of flotation elements or lifeguards used to rescue people or for people who do not know how to swim.

For rescue or rescue, are known, for example, the buoys or rescue cans designed to be carried by the lifeguard who takes them swimming towards the victim so that both (victim and lifeguard) rest on the buoy and can stay afloat .

15 To facilitate its movement in water, rescue buoys consist of an aerodynamic shape, for example, formed by an elongated body with rounded edges. There are also rescue buoys provided with handles to facilitate the grip of both the victim and the lifeguard. However, these systems are not suitable for the rescue of an unconscious person.

20 In the rescue of an unconscious (or unconscious) person, adequate treatment of their airways is decisive. The reflex closure of the glottis, the entry of fluid into the respiratory tract and muscle and tongue relaxation can obstruct the airway and prevent the diffusion of oxygen (02) in the blood. The most basic way of

25 Avoiding airway obstruction is placing the victim's head in the proper position. To do this, in the case of water rescue of an unconscious person, when the lifeguard reaches the unconscious person, according to weight and / or damage suffered by the victim, the lifeguard chooses between at least three manual techniques or known maneuvers, namely:

30 hand-neck maneuver: for people not very heavy; in these cases, the lifeguard takes the victim by the neck to hold his head with one hand; Shoulder-armpit maneuver: for heavier people; in these cases, the lifeguard passes an arm over the victim's shoulder and takes it from the opposite armpit with his hand;

 3Q..12-2016

lathe maneuver: it is more complicated and is used in cases of suspected injury to

column; in these cases the lifeguard is placed on the victim's back with a

arm forming a straight line along his chest and taking his chin with a

hand and with the other hand holding the neck and the back of the head.

A common denominator of this type of maneuvering is that they involve the use of one of the lifeguard's hands and / or arms at the hands and, therefore, force him to move and / or stay afloat while waiting for the rescue means, by example boat or helicopter, only with its legs.

In addition, in rescuing an unconscious person, prompt and adequate attention is crucial. Therefore, there is a need for a flotation device designed to be carried by the lifeguard swimming to the victim that is suitable for the rescue of an unconscious person.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect a flotation device is provided for the rescue of unconscious people. The flotation device comprises a main flotation body which in turn comprises a coupling zone, a bearing zone opposite the coupling zone, a flotation surface that in use is in contact with water and an opposing bearing surface to the flotation surface. The flotation device is characterized in that the coupling area comprises a groove configured to receive the neck of an unconscious person and that the flotation device further comprises an additional flotation body provided on the flotation surface of the main flotation body. The additional flotation body is configured to, in use, provide an inclination of the neck of the unconscious person with respect to a vertical plane such that it allows the airway of the unconscious person to be unobstructed.

According to this aspect, the presence of the additional flotation body creates an additional upward thrust to that already provided by the main flotation body. In addition, the additional flotation body in combination with the slit into which the neck of the unconscious person is introduced implies that, when the neck of the unconscious person is introduced into the slit and its head (in particular its neck) is supported the support surface, the additional flotation body Upivote "towards the coupling area or portion producing

 3Q..12-2016

a push in the area where the neck of the unconscious person begins. This combination of thrusts (additional upwards and towards the coupling area) provided by the additional flotation body causes an inclination of the neck of the unconscious person with respect to a vertical plane such that it can deconstruct its airway. Or what is the same, provides an angle of inclination of the neck of the unconscious person suitable to open, or keep open (hyperextended), and above the water level, to the airways of the unconscious person.

In other words, the additional flotation body pushes the body of the unconscious person backwards, keeping it with its back to the water and guaranteeing the hyperextension of its neck and respiratory tract. As indicated above, when a person is unconscious, he runs out of muscle tone, therefore, all his muscles, including the muscles of the tongue, relax. The reflex closure of the glottis attached to relaxed tongue muscles can block the trachea and close its airways. For this, in the rescue of an unconscious person, it is crucial to place the victim in a position of hyperextension of the neck and respiratory tract. This position prevents the muscles of the tongue even when relaxed can block the airways.

Throughout the present description and claims, the device in use should be understood when the neck of an unconscious person (who is normally in the water) is placed in the slit and his head rests on the support surface of the body of main flotation It should also be understood that during the use of the flotation device, the flotation surface is in contact with the water, while the support surface remains opposite to the flotation surface.

According to some examples, the angle of inclination may be between 17 ° and 27 °. In more examples, the angle of inclination can be between 20 ° and 24 °. And, in a particular example, the angle of inclination can be approximately 22 °.

According to some examples, the additional flotation body may be provided in a portion posterior to the coupling area. In particular, the additional flotation body may be disposed behind the slit when the flotation device is viewed from the front coupling portion. This guarantees the position of hyperextension of the neck and airways of the unconscious person whose neck has been inserted into the slit when his head, specifically the neck, rests on the support surface.

5 According to some examples, the flotation device may comprise means Slit closing mechanics. In this way, the flotation device can "close" around the neck of the unconscious person. In other words, this It implies that the flotation device is self-clamping. This allows its use by part of the lifeguard, leaving his hands free once placed and "held" around the

10 neck Therefore, by freeing the lifeguard's hands, he can also use his hands for swimming, which reduces the transfer time of the unconscious person, that is, improves the efficiency of the movement.

Examples of mechanical closure means may comprise a strip, tape or band

15 configured to join the free ends of the slit. In particular, a band can be provided which, at least one of its ends, has, for example, clips, Velcro®, a buckle or the like.

According to some examples, the main flotation body may comprise a

20 elongated shape that allows to be scratched in the water. This longer than wide shape allows the lifeguard in circumstances to take the victim with two hands while swimming with the legs and drag the victim. In addition, it is a form that allows the lifeguard to swim by dragging the device with relatively little resistance. Particularly, the main flotation body may comprise a substantially hydrodynamic shape such that

25 provides minimal tensile strength of water when it is scratched in water. This facilitates, for example, the movement of the lifeguard without a victim to the rescue site since a flotation device with a hydrodynamic shape opposes a lower resistance to water by being dragged, for example, by a lifeguard.

Throughout the present description and claims, a hydrodynamic shaped body should be understood as a body designed to travel faster in water consisting of an elongated shape with rounded edges.

According to some examples, the flotation device can be made from a polymeric material with a polyurethane coating, giving it great durability, lightness and high shock resistance such as, for example, vinyl. Therefore, being a light flotation device opposes a lower resistance to

5 travel of the lifeguard to the rescue site.

In some of these examples, the materials that make up the flotation device can be woven (also called '' films') such as a polymeric fabric (commercially available as Nylon®), with polyurethane coating (TPU) or a

10 polyester fabric with a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating. These materials can configure a cavity containing CO2 under pressure to generate buoyancy. When using flexible materials, possible shocks are avoided with the flotation device itself to the injured person or the lifeguard that may cause additional damage.

15 In more examples, the flotation device may be inflatable. For this, the flotation device may comprise one or more inflation means, for example, an oral inflation tube (manual or by air pump) or a compressed gas / foam cartridge / inflator system. One aspect of inflatable devices is that they allow the lifeguard's travel speed to the rescue site to be increased as it can

20 be presented, for example, folded in a fanny pack and actuated instantly once the person to be rescued has been reached. In addition, inflatable devices (or those made of low buoyancy materials) make it easier for the rescuer to practice rescues when the victim is submerged in water.

In some of these examples, the main flotation body may comprise two lateral cavities substantially the same size. The provision of two lateral cavities of adequate height, in combination with the additional flotation body contributes to preventing the unconscious person from leaning forward or laterally.

According to some examples, the groove can have a substantially "C" shape. Alternatively, a substantially "U" shape may be provided depending on the circumstances, while the slit is suitable for receiving a person's neck.

According to some examples, the main flotation body may be provided with one or more handles that facilitate the grip, for example, of the lifeguard.

According to some examples, the main flotation body may comprise one or more holes at its ends. In these holes you can tie up trailing ropes or ropes to facilitate the scraping of the device with and without victim.

Although the use of the flotation device associated with the rescue of an unconscious person in the water has been described, that is to say that it has been described that a flotation device substantially as described allows maintaining the position of the neck of the unconscious person at its angle (inclination) during all the rescue in the water until it comes out of it, it is also worth mentioning that these devices can also be used once out of the water, to keep the rescued person with the neck immobilized in the position of hyperextension of your airways.

Other objects, advantages and features of embodiments of the invention will be apparent to the person skilled in the art from the description, or can be learned with the practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Particular embodiments of the present invention will be described below by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1 A and 18 show perspective views, respectively from above and below of a flotation device according to an example;

Figures 2A and 28 show side views of the flotation device of Figures 1A and 1 B, respectively without and with victim;

Figures 3A and 38 show plan views of the flotation device of Figures 1A and 1 B, respectively without and with victim; Y

Figures 4A and 48 show sectional views of the flotation device of the previous figures, respectively without and with victim.

DETAILED EXHIBITION OF EMBODIMENTS In the following figures, the same reference numbers have been used to indicate matching elements.

5 Figures 1A and 18 show perspectives of a flotation device according to an example, respectively viewed from above and below. The flotation device comprises a main flotation body 1 having a substantially elongated shape extending between two ends 11, 12. Between both ends 11, 12 and following a line

10 imaginary (dotted line A) that joins both ends 11, 12, the main flotation body 1 can be divided into a front coupling area or portion 10 and a rear portion 20.

The main flotation body 1 further comprises a flotation surface 200 (which

15 is the one shown in Figure 18) and a bearing surface 100 (which is the one shown in Figure 1A), opposite to the floating surface 200. Also, the floating surface 200 can be defined as the one that in use look at the water. Additionally, the main flotation body 1 comprises a slot 101 provided in the front coupling portion 10. Particularly, in the example of Figures 1A and 18, the slot 101

20 is disposed substantially in the center of the front coupling portion 10 Y is substantially "C" shaped. In more examples, other suitable ways to receive a person's neck may be provided, for example, "U" shape or the like provided that they allow to receive a person's neck. In more alternatives, the slit can be provided in another position of the front coupling portion.

25 As shown in Figure 18, the flotation device further comprises an additional flotation body 30 provided on the flotation surface 200 of the main flotation body 1. In addition, the additional flotation body 30 is provided in the portion rear 20 of the main flotation body 1, substantially in its center. That is to say that this

30 provided substantially in correspondence with the slit 101 of the front coupling portion 10. In other words, the additional flotation body may be provided behind the slit when the flotation device is viewed from its front coupling portion.

In this way, in use, that is when the neck of a person who is in the water in the slit 101 And its head rests on the support surface 100 of the body of main flotation 1, the additional flotation body 30 creates a moment up and towards the beginning of the neck of the person that involves the positioning of the neck and the 5 head of the person with an inclination angle (see reference to in figure 48) with with respect to a vertical plane (see reference 8 in figure 48) such that it allows to keep open, (or open as appropriate) the airways of the person. The moment created by the additional flotation body thus results from the combination of additional thrusts produced by the additional flotation body substantially as described

10 above, that is, the additional upward thrust and the "pivot" thrust or movement towards the coupling area.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 48, the vertical plane 8 can be understood as a plane substantially perpendicular to the water level N. In circumstances, the vertical plane 15 can coincide with a plane substantially perpendicular to the bearing surface 100 of the body of main flotation 1.

Additionally, as shown in the example of Figure 48, the angle of inclination a with respect to the vertical plane B is the angle that is formed when rotated backward, is

20 say towards the neck, a cranial frontal plane D of the victim. Or put another way, when the cranial frontal plane D of the victim pivots back approximately at the height of the victim's throat.

Throughout the present disclosure, it should be understood that the cranial frontal plane of a

25 person is that plane that divides the head of the person into an anterior portion and another posterior portion through the center of gravity of the head. Therefore, when there is no inclination of the neck and head back (towards the neck), the cranial frontal plane coincides with the vertical plane B of the example of Figure 48.

In addition, from the example of Figure 4B, it can also be seen that the angle of inclination a can be defined as that which positions the cranial frontal plane D substantially parallel to a tangent of the section of the main floating body 1.

 3Q..12-2016

In these examples, the front coupling portion 10 of the main flotation body 1 comprises a closure strip 40 configured to join the ends of the slit 101. To open and close the closure strip 40, mechanical closure means 41-42 are provided at least one end of the strip 40 and the recess 101. Examples of mechanical closure means 41-42 comprise Velcro®, clips, buckles or the like such that allow opening and closing the closure strip 40 around a person's neck.

Figures 2A and 28 show side views, respectively without and with a victim and Figures 3A and 38 show plan views, respectively with and without a victim. In these examples, the main flotation body 1 comprises two lateral cavities 1A and 18 that are substantially symmetrical and of the same size. The lateral cavities 1A and 18 may have a height H such that it covers the length of the victim's neck. This reduces the possibility that the unconscious person can lean laterally (arrow E). It also helps, once placed and fixed around the neck of the victim, his head remains in the correct position (hyperextension) alone, without the lifeguard must use his hands to maintain this position. This allows the lifeguard only to take care of holding the flotation device and swimming back to the shore.

In examples, one or more side handles may be provided for the lifeguard to hold the flotation device. Alternatively or additionally, one or more floating drag ends may be provided.

Figures 4A and 48 show sectional views of the flotation device of the previous figures, respectively without and with victim. In these examples, the main flotation body 1 and the additional flotation body 30 are integrally formed. Alternatively, the main flotation body and the additional flotation body may be independent bodies joined together. In these figures, in particular in figure 48, the thrust (arrow C) exerted by the additional flotation body 30 towards the body of the unconscious person (i.e. towards the front coupling portion) is shown, in particular to the area where your neck begins. This push C allows the unconscious person to be held with his back to the water and with his head at an angle of inclination with respect to the vertical plane 8 such that it promotes hyperextension of his neck and respiratory tract.

In several of the figures holes 111, 121 (see for example Figure 1 B) are shown at the ends 11, 12 of the main flotation body 1. The holes 111, 121 allow, for example, to hold a floating end for securing the device to the lifeguard (not shown). This allows the lifeguard to drag / tow the unconscious victim attached to the

5 flotation device substantially as described above, that is, maintaining the desired position of hyperextension of your neck and airways.

In the previous examples, the flotation device is shown as an inflatable device and therefore, 300 oral inflation tubes are also shown. In examples

10 alternatives, the flotation device may not be inflatable. In some of these examples, it can be manufactured from a geometry generated by flexible polyurethane foam or by ethyl vinyl acetate polymers (known as EVA rubber). In more alternatives, one of the flotation bodies (main or additional) may be inflatable and the other not.

Although only some particular embodiments and examples of the invention have been described herein, the person skilled in the art will understand that other alternative embodiments and / or uses of the invention are possible, as well as obvious modifications and equivalent elements. In addition, the present invention encompasses all possible combinations of

20 the concrete embodiments that have been described. The numerical signs relating to the drawings and placed in parentheses in a claim are only intended to increase the understanding of the claim, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claim's protection. The scope of the present invention should not be limited to specific embodiments, but should only be determined by a reading.

25 appropriate of the attached claims.

Claims (12)

1. A flotation device for the rescue of unconscious persons comprising: a main flotation body (1) comprising 5 a coupling area (10), a support zone opposite the coupling zone (10), a flotation surface (200) in use is in contact with water and a bearing surface (100) opposite the flotation surface (200), characterized in that the coupling area (10) comprises a groove (101) 10 configured to receive the neck of an unconscious person; and because the flotation device also includes an additional flotation body (30) provided on the flotation surface (200) of the main flotation body (1), the additional flotation body (30) being configured to, in use, provide an inclination (or) of the neck of person 15 unconscious with respect to a vertical plane (B) such that it allows the airway of the unconscious person to be unobstructed. 2. The flotation device of claim 1, characterized in that the angle of inclination (o) is between 17 ° and 27 °. 3. The flotation device of any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the angle of inclination (o) is between 20 ° and 24 °. 4. The flotation device of any one of claims 1 -3, characterized in that the inclination angle (o) is approximately 22 °. The flotation device of any one of claims 1 -4, characterized in that the additional flotation body (30) is provided in a rear portion (20) to the coupling area (10).

6.

The flotation device of any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that it comprises mechanical means (40-41-42) for closing the slit (101).

7.

The flotation device of any one of claims 1-6, characterized

because the main flotation body (1) comprises an elongated shape that allows it to be scraped into the water. The flotation device of claim 7, characterized in that the body of main flotation (1) comprises a substantially hydrodynamic form such that it provides a minimum tensile resistance to water when it is scratched in the water. 9. The flotation device of any one of claims 1-8, characterized 10 because it is made from a polyurethane coated polymer fabric or a polyester fabric with a polyvinyl chloride coating. 10. The flotation device of any one of claims 1-9, characterized because it is manufactured from a geometry generated by flexible polyurethane foam 15 or by ethyl vinyl acetate polymers. 11. The flotation device of any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that it is inflatable. The flotation device of claim 11, characterized in that the main flotation body (1) comprises two lateral cavities (1A, 1 B) substantially the same size. 13. The flotation device of any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that the slit (101) has a substantially "C" shape. 14. The flotation device of any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that the main flotation body (1) is provided with one or more handles. 15. The flotation device of any one of claims 1-14, characterized in that the main flotation body (1) comprises one or more holes (11, 121) at its ends (11, 12).