GB2546736A

GB2546736A - Evacuation system

Info

Publication number: GB2546736A
Application number: GB1601308.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bateman Paul
Original assignee: Solo Int Ltd
Current assignee: Solo Int Ltd
Priority date: 2016-01-25
Filing date: 2016-01-25
Publication date: 2017-08-02
Also published as: GB2546636B; GB201701330D0; GB2546636A; GB201601308D0

Abstract

An evacuation system for deployment within a vehicle (for example a tank or other armoured vehicle), and method of evacuating an individual/casualty from the said vehicle, comprises the provision of a slide 20 within a vehicle which is attached to the interior of the vehicle. In one embodiment the slide comprises a sheet including a stretcher section 2 and connection means 5b, 5s configured for attachment to a vehicle attachment means provided within the vehicle; the arrangement being such that when the connection means are attached to the vehicle attachment means, the stretcher section is held in an extended configuration (for example providing a floating floor) in which a casualty may be supported thereon. The stretcher may further comprise a banking section 3, which is held in a non-parallel plane to the stretcher section in use, and/or a pull strap 23 for securing to body armour worn by the casualty.

Description

Evacuation System

This invention relates to an evacuation system, an evacuation slide, an evacuation method and a kit of parts.

Background

Tanks and other armoured vehicles are well-known, having been in operation in various forms for many years, and are commonly used in combat situations. Such vehicles often come under attack, and due to their armouring they are generally attacked using heavy weaponry. When such weaponry is successfully used against a tank or armoured vehicle, the vehicle may be blown up, causing the occupants of the vehicle to be trapped inside until, if they are fortunate, rescue arrives. This problem is exacerbated if the or each occupant is unconscious, which is a strong likelihood. Within such vehicles there is also typically little room to move, which further hinders escape and rescue.

As an example of such an armoured vehicle, which for simplicity will be described throughout the remainder of this document, may be mentioned the Scout SV tracked vehicle, although any armoured vehicle, including ships, may suffer similar problems. The Scout SV is a tank which usually holds a commander, gunner and driver, with each of these occupants being provided with a respective hatch on the top of the vehicle allowing ingress and egress therethrough in normal use.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a system and methodology to assist in the evacuation of occupants from an armoured vehicle. This aim is achieved by provision of dedicated evacuation equipment for use in evacuation, as will be described below.

One item of dedicated evacuation equipment is a slide, which may be stored, in normal use, rolled up behind the driver’s seat (for example) where it does not cause obstruction. In the event of an evacuation procedure being performed, the slide may be unrolled and attached to connection points provided within the vehicle, thus forming a “floating floor” over which a casualty may be slid towards an exit of the vehicle. Use of a floating surface is advantageous since if there is a bomb blast underneath the vehicle it may damage the flooring and cause it to become hazardous, so it is better to float above it, plus it avoids unevenness and obstruction due to cabling and the axles of the vehicles. As set out below, portions of the slide may be provided that extend upwardly from the main slide portion, which help to slide the casualty past wall obstructions (somewhat like a bobsleigh run) and also help to tilt the casualty from the driver’s seat onto the slide. In such vehicles the driver’s seat usually tilts backwards and, once so tilted, the driver can then be pulled backwards off the seat onto the slide.

An additional item of dedicated evacuation equipment is a pull strap, which provides a simple and effective means for pulling the casualty along the slide and out from the vehicle. The pull strap may for example comprise a 14ft (4.27m) x 1.77 inch (45mm) strap with two karabiners on the ends which connect onto the standard user body armour grab handles, to enable the casualty to be pulled backwards along the slide by this means. If this strap is not provided, a simple rope can be used if necessary.

The system is custom-designed to be used in an emergency for vehicles such as the Scout SV tracked vehicle and others. The casualty evacuation system provides the ability to quickly extract an injured or unconscious casualty out of, for example, the commander’s, gunner’s or driver’s seat. The system allows for the egress of a casualty and forms a floating floor system that the casualty can be pulled over. In a preferred arrangement, the system includes a modular stretcher / slide with banking and a casualty pull strap. The slide can be rolled up and positioned behind the driver’s seat. However, it is equally possible to use unitary rather than modular constructions.

In this way, the present invention enables a casualty to be evacuated within 1.5 minutes.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an evacuation slide for deployment within a vehicle, the vehicle being provided with internal attachment means, the slide comprising: a sheet including a stretcher section, and connection means, the connection means configured for attachment to the vehicle attachment means; the arrangement being such that when the connection means are attached to the vehicle attachment means, the stretcher section is held in an extended configuration in which a casualty may be supported thereon.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided an evacuation system comprising an evacuation slide according to the first aspect and a pull strap.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising: an evacuation slide according to the first aspect.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided an evacuation method for evacuating a casualty from a vehicle, comprising the steps of: a) providing an evacuation slide within the vehicle; b) attaching the slide to the interior of the vehicle; c) sliding the casualty along the slide toward the exterior of the vehicle.

Other aspects of the invention are set out in the claims.

In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, an evacuation slide is provided for each occupant within the vehicle, and additionally an evacuation pull strap is used in conjunction with the slide.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 schematically shows a plan view of a casualty evacuation slide in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, in an unrolled state prior to deployment;

Fig. 2 schematically shows a lateral view of the slide of Fig. 1 when in a deployed state;

Fig. 3 schematically shows a plan view of a casualty evacuation slide in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, in a disconnected configuration;

Fig. 4 schematically shows a plan view of a casualty evacuation slide in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention in an unrolled state prior to deployment, including an evacuation pull strap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 schematically shows a plan view of a casualty evacuation slide in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention in an unrolled state prior to deployment;

Fig. 6 schematically shows a lateral view of the casualty evacuation slide of the fourth embodiment when in a deployed state;

Fig. 7 schematically shows a casualty evacuation slide in accordance with the present invention in a stowed configuration; and

Fig. 8 schematically shows a casualty evacuation slide in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention in a partially deployed configuration.

Please note that in the following description, reference numbering will be retained as far as possible for equivalent items throughout the various embodiments.

Fig. 1 schematically shows a plan view of a casualty evacuation slide 1 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, in an unrolled state prior to deployment. The slide comprises a sheet of substantially planar form, such that its width, i.e. the dimension orthogonal to the plane of the drawing sheet, is both substantially constant throughout the extent of the slide, and much smaller than the other dimensions. The slide 1 shown is formed from a flexible material, such as one or more layers of cloth, flexible plastics material or a combination thereof, which enables the slide to be rolled or folded up into a stowed configuration, as will be described further below. Preferably the slide has low friction on its top side, to facilitate evacuation of a casualty, again as will be described further below. In some embodiments, a low friction coating or layer (such as Teflon (RTM) for example) may be applied to the surface of the slide, as is generally known in the art. As this embodiment is for fitting into a Scout SV vehicle, the slide 1 may have a total length of around 2.56m, and a width, at its widest point, of around 1,90m.

The slide 1 comprises three main sections: a stretcher section 2 of substantially rectangular shape, a banking section 3 which at least partially surrounds the stretcher section 2, and a leading section 4 which connects to the banking section 2. Advantageously, these sections may be provided as separate modules, which may be connected together by means of a releasable fastening, such as hook-and-loop material, zip fastenings or the like. Although relating to a different embodiment, Fig. 3 shows a modular slide in its separate component parts. With such a modular arrangement, the modules would typically be connected together before installation within a vehicle. Use of such a modular arrangement is advantageous since the slide will be easier to repair or replace any damaged parts. In addition, the stretcher section 2 may be used separately to carry the casualty once retrieved from the vehicle.

The stretcher section 2, the banking section 3 and the leading section 4 are all provided with a plurality of connection means configured for attachment to respective pre-positioned vehicle attachment means, the vehicle attachment means generally being in the form of security clips, loops or rings provided within the interior of the vehicle. It should be noted that in general, such vehicles do not have these attachment means provided as standard. In such cases, the attachment means must be provided separately. For the stretcher section 2 and banking section 3, the respective connection means comprise a plurality of loop members, in this case D-rings 5 (with 5s designating D-rings provided on the stretcher section and 5b designating banking section D-rings provided on the banking section). Separate clips may be required to connect the D-rings to the vehicle attachment means depending on the type of vehicle. The outermost D-ring 5b is preferably of the quick-release type. The number and placement of the D-rings 5 depends on the vehicle for which the slide is intended. Banking section 3 is also provided with an additional connection means comprising a loop member, in this case an adjustable D-ring 6b at the distal end of a strap 7b attached to the banking section 3. Again, the arrangement of the strap and D-ring is dependent upon the vehicle in question. Leading section 4 meanwhile is provided with connection means in the form of a loop member in the form of a quick-release buckle 81 provided at the distal ends of three straps 91. This buckle 81 and strap 91 configuration is arranged such that in open air it is outside of the rear door, wraps around the back door’s foot step (outside the vehicle door), then re-clips to make tension by clipping the quick-release buckle 81 back on itself. The quick release buckle 81 allows for the final tensioning of webbing through the buckle making the slide taut, but since this would otherwise also make it hard to release the tension, the buckle is made quick-release to allow the slide to unclip and relax.

In all cases, the connection means and any straps are configured so that when connected to the respective vehicle attachment means, the slide is held in an extended, floating configuration in which a casualty may be supported thereon.

Fig. 2 schematically shows a lateral view of the slide of Fig. 1 when in a deployed state, i.e. when the connection means are attached to the respective vehicle attachment means placing the stretcher section in an extended configuration. It will be seen firstly that stretcher section 2, as well as the central areas of banking section 3 and leading section 4, is held in a flat orientation for the casualty to be easily slid thereon. This sliding surface forms a floating floor in use, i.e. so that the surface is raised above the floor of the vehicle interior. This creates a level platform to pull the casualty over.

The lateral areas of the banking section and leading section are held in a nonparallel plane relative to the stretcher section 2, for example substantially perpendicular to the stretcher section 2, by virtue of the connection means 5b being connected to respective vehicle attachment means. In this way, these lateral areas at least partially cover over adjacent interior walls of the vehicle, and any obstructions, to form a smooth passage. Such vehicles may have various obstructions present on the walls, such as jerry cans of water, electronics, ammo boxes and other sharp corners which could hamper the evacuation process, so these banked “bobsleigh-type” corners facilitate a smooth extraction.

Fig. 3 schematically shows a plan view of a casualty evacuation slide 10 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, in a disconnected configuration. This embodiment is generally similar to that of Fig. 1, however the shapes and dimensions of the stretcher section 2’, banking section 3’ and leading section 4’ are somewhat changed. As with the first embodiment, the slide 10 has a modular construction, and in Fig. 3 the separate stretcher section 2’, banking section 3’ and leading section 4’ are shown slightly spaced apart. In operation, slide 10 is used in exactly the same way as slide 1 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 schematically shows a plan view of a casualty evacuation slide 20 in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention in an unrolled state prior to deployment, including a casualty evacuation pull strap 23 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Slide 20 has an overall shape similar to previously-described slides 1 and 10, however here again, the shapes and sizes of the individual sections differ from those previously described. In particular, in this embodiment, the banking section comprises three parts - a central section 3”, and opposingly-placed lateral sections 21 and 22. This arrangement is useful where the lateral sides of the vehicle interior include projections that are likely to damage the banking section in the corresponding banking areas, requiring more frequent repair or replacement of those particular areas of the slide 20.

Strap 23 as shown comprises first and second karabiners 24, 25 for attaching to the grab handles of the vest of a casualty (not shown). Each karabiner 24, 25 is connected, via a respective strap 26, 27, to a main pull strap section 28, which is used to assist in moving the casualty along the slide.

Fig. 5 schematically shows a plan view of a casualty evacuation slide 30 in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention in an unrolled state prior to deployment. Here, the stretcher section 2”’ is relatively long compared to previously-described stretcher sections, and extends for the entire length of the sheet, so that no header section is required. Two lateral banking sections or flaps 31, 32 are connected on opposing sides of the stretcher section 2”’. Three adjustable D-rings 33, 34, 35 are attached to the slide via respective straps 36, 37, 38.

Fig. 6 schematically shows a lateral view of the casualty evacuation slide 30 of the fourth embodiment when in a deployed state. For clarity, straps 36, 37, 38 have been omitted. Each lateral banking section 31, 32 extends substantially perpendicularly from the plane of the stretcher section 2”’, to at least partially cover areas of adjacent walls of the vehicle interior.

Fig. 7 schematically shows a casualty evacuation slide in accordance with the present invention in a stowed configuration. In this configuration, the various sections of the slide are connected together, and the slide is either rolled up or folded together into a relatively compact form. In this compact form it may be housed within a quick-release stowage bag 40, and located as required within the vehicle, for example behind the driver’s seat. The stowage bag 40 includes an four openings 41 in its base, through which respective connection means 5s can be accessed without having to open the bag and unfold the sheet. This aids the deployment process (as will be described further below), without the bulk of the sheet hindering the operatives.

Fig. 8 schematically shows a casualty evacuation slide 20 in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention in a partially deployed configuration. Here, stretcher section 2” has been connected to the vehicle via connections means 5s”, with the four connection means 5s” on the rightmost end of the stretcher section as shown corresponding to the four connection means accessible through the openings 41 of the stowage bag 40. Most of the banking section 3” and the leading section 4” have not yet been unrolled, and so remain as a bundle 42. The arrow 43 indicates the direction of unrolling.

Typical evacuation system kit

An evacuation slide kit for a Scout SV vehicle would typically include the following items:

Part One: Casualty Extraction Slide for Scout SV vehicle comprises: a. 1 x stretcher section; b. 1 x banking section; c. 1 x header section; d. 13 x D-rings and 13 x security clips; e. 2 x adjustable D-ring attachments; f. 1 x 13ft -14ft (400-430cm) made-to-measure extraction pull strap; g. 2 x karabiners; h. 1 x stowage bag.

Optionally, the kit may also comprise a self-inflating mattress, for placing the casualty on subsequent to evacuation.

Method of use

Initial Checks:

All internal vehicle clips need to be tested to ensure that they are serviceable and free from possible blockages. The slide’s adjustable D-ring straps must be checked and adjusted to ensure that the stretcher section and the banking section are optimised for rapid deployment in case of an emergency. The slide is to be checked for any tears or missing D-rings. The D-rings and karabiners need to be checked for any burrs or cracks before any training or stowing prior to a task. All straps and hook-and-loop material are to be free of debris and checked for tears and fraying. The slide must to be clean and free from any debris.

The slide must be folded / rolled in the correct sequence to allow for a rapid deployment and packed into the stowage bag with the correct D-rings accessible. The stowage bag must then be positioned in the correct location within the vehicle, such as behind the driver’s seat. Any rescuers must know where this is, and must also be able to locate the driver’s release handle (on the right hand side of the Scout vehicle), so the driver can be dropped down backwards.

Preferred Deployment Sequence (assuming that the driver is to be evacuated by two rescuers, e.g. the commander and gunner): a) Ensure the vehicle is safe to enter; b) The number one rescuer must ensure that the stretcher section is fixed to the floor by a first D-ring accessible from the stowage bag, followed by the remaining accessible D-rings by connection onto corresponding security clip points; c) Begin to unroll the slide from the stowage bag, connecting each D-ring to respective attachment point as it is freed from the slide “bundle”; d) Release the driver’s seat to tilt backwards so the driver is near horizontal onto the slide, connect the harness extraction pull strap(s), via karabiners, to the driver’s body armour two rear grab handles and pass the end of the pull strap to the vehicle’s rear door ready for the number two rescuer to pull; e) Continue to unroll the slide onto attachment connection points on the wall of the vehicle, with the last connection point being the quick release buckle where the slide is over the exit door. The slide is pulled tight, so that the slide is connected by these D-ring connection points so that it is laid out flat and taut, ready to pull the casualty across towards the exit; f) Once sufficient D-rings are connected on the slide then secure the front adjustable D-ring tension strap 91 and pull it tight over the rear foot step, then fold out the lateral banking sections and attach their D-rings to the appropriate connection points. The final connection point number 5 is quick-release and so can be pulled tight to make the slide rigid. The driver casualty is now ready to be extracted along the length of the slide; g) The number one rescuer will assist the casualty along the stretcher slide and around the banking towards the rear door. The number two rescuer is required to pull the casualty out, e.g. using the extraction pull strap.

The above-described embodiments are exemplary only, and other possibilities and alternatives within the scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The slide described above is custom-shaped to go around the bends of a Scout SV vehicle. If the slide is to be used for an alternative vehicle, the dimensions may be changed accordingly, while remaining within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An evacuation slide for deployment within a vehicle, the vehicle being provided with internal attachment means, the slide comprising: a sheet including a stretcher section, and connection means, the connection means configured for attachment to the vehicle attachment means; the arrangement being such that when the connection means are attached to the vehicle attachment means, the stretcher section is held in an extended configuration in which a casualty may be supported thereon.

2. An evacuation slide according to claim 1, wherein the connection means comprises at least one loop member.

3. An evacuation slide according to either of claims 1 and 2, wherein the connection means comprises at least one loop member connected to the sheet via a strap.

4. An evacuation slide according to either of claims 2 and 3, wherein the at least one loop member comprises a D-ring.

5. An evacuation slide according to any preceding claims, wherein the sheet is at least partially flexible, such that it may be moved between a relatively compact stowed configuration and the extended configuration.

6. An evacuation slide according to claim 5, wherein in the stowed configuration at least some connection means are accessible without extending the sheet.

7. An evacuation slide according to any preceding claim, wherein the slide comprises a banking section at a lateral edge of the sheet, the banking section including banking connection means configured for attachment to internal attachment means of the vehicle, such that when stretcher section is in the extended configuration and the banking connection means are so attached, the banking section is at least partially held in a non-parallel plane relative to the stretcher section.

8. An evacuation slide according to claim 7, comprising a further banking section attached to the opposite lateral edge of the sheet.

9. An evacuation slide according to either of claims 7 and 8, wherein the banking sections are held substantially perpendicular to the stretcher section in its extended configuration by attachment of the banking connections means.

10. An evacuation slide according to any preceding claim, wherein the slide is modular, being constructed from a plurality of releasable sections.

11. An evacuation slide according to claim 10, wherein the sections comprise mutually engaging hook and loop material to enable releasable connection therebetween.

12. An evacuation slide according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the slide is of unitary form.

13. An evacuation system comprising an evacuation slide according to any of claims 1 to 12 and a pull strap.

14. An evacuation system according to claim 13, wherein the pull strap comprises securing means for securing to body armour worn by the casualty.

15. A kit of parts comprising: an evacuation slide according to any of claims 1 to 12.

16. A kit according to claim 15, wherein the connections means comprises a plurality of D-rings and associated clips.

17. A kit according to either of claims 15 and 16, wherein the connection means comprises at least one karabiner.

18. A kit according to any of claims 15 to 17, comprising a stowage bag for containing the slide when in the stowed configuration.

19. A kit according to any of claims 15 to 18, comprising a self-inflating mattress.

20. A kit according to any of claims 15 to 19, comprising a pull strap.

21. A kit according to claim 20, wherein the pull strap comprises securing means for securing to body armour worn by the casualty.

22. A kit according to any of claims 15 to 21, comprising a banking section.

23. An evacuation method for evacuating a casualty from a vehicle, comprising the steps of: a) providing an evacuation slide within the vehicle; b) attaching the slide to the interior of the vehicle; and c) sliding the casualty along the slide toward the exterior of the vehicle.

24. A method according to claim 23, wherein the evacuation slide comprises a slide in accordance with any of claims 1 to 12.

25. A method according to either of claims 23 and 24, wherein step b) comprises attaching the slide to the interior of the vehicle such that a section of the slide is held in an extended configuration capable of supporting the casualty.

26. A method according to any of claims 23 to 25, wherein step c) comprises securing a pull strap to the casualty, and pulling on the pull strap to cause the casualty to slide along the slide.

27. A method substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.

28. An evacuation slide substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.

29. An evacuation system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.

30. A kit of parts substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.