US4566445A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Stretcher for persons with spinal injuries
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1983-07-29
•
Granted: 1986-01-28
•
Expires: 2003-07-29
Abstract
Abstract A stretcher for traumatized patients comprises a rigid board having a central core of polyimide foam and a skin of graphite reinforced expoxy; this board is exceptionally radiolucent. The board has built in handles for transporting the patient, straps for holding a patient on the board, and means for applying traction to a patient. The stretcher is designed for transporting the patient and applying a variety of diagnostic tests to the patient, including computer aided tomography scanning, without removing the patient from the stretcher. It also facilitates efforts to make a closed reduction of a cervical fracture with fluoroscopic monitoring.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard K. Jelsma
- 👤 Charles H. Choi
- 👤 Thomas G. Hynes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 08:24
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61G; A61G1/00; A61G1/01; A61G1/04; A61G1/044
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
255 words
A rigid, portable, radiolucent stretcher suitable for transporting and supporting a traumatized patient and suitable for radiographic examination of a traumatized patient, the stretcher comprising: (a) an elongated rigid board having a top surface, a substantially flat bottom surface, a torso portion, and a leg portion, the board having a longitudinal centerline and comprising a laminate having a central core of polyimide foam and a skin of graphite reinforced epoxy material, the board having an aluminum equivalency of less than 1 mm; (b) adjustable straps for holding a patient on the board; (c) a cushion pad on the top surface of the board, the aluminum equivalency of the pad and board together being less than 1.5 mm; (d) means for applying traction to a patient and means for securing the traction applying means to the board at the head thereof; (e) a first set of stops and a second set of stops on the bottom surface of the board, each stop of the first set of stops being separated a first distance from the centerline of the board so the stretcher can sit securely on a first concave surface, each stop of the second set of stops being positioned a second distance from the longitudinal centerline of the board so that the stretcher can sit securely on a second concave surface, the first distance being different from the second distance, and the curvature of the first concave surface being different from the curvature of the second concave surface; and (f) means for lifting the stretcher.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
255 words
A rigid, portable, radiolucent stretcher suitable for transporting and supporting a traumatized patient and suitable for radiographic examination of a traumatized patient, the stretcher comprising: (a) an elongated rigid board having a top surface, a substantially flat bottom surface, a torso portion, and a leg portion, the board having a longitudinal centerline and comprising a laminate having a central core of polyimide foam and a skin of graphite reinforced epoxy material, the board having an aluminum equivalency of less than 1 mm; (b) adjustable straps for holding a patient on the board; (c) a cushion pad on the top surface of the board, the aluminum equivalency of the pad and board together being less than 1.5 mm; (d) means for applying traction to a patient and means for securing the traction applying means to the board at the head thereof; (e) a first set of stops and a second set of stops on the bottom surface of the board, each stop of the first set of stops being separated a first distance from the centerline of the board so the stretcher can sit securely on a first concave surface, each stop of the second set of stops being positioned a second distance from the longitudinal centerline of the board so that the stretcher can sit securely on a second concave surface, the first distance being different from the second distance, and the curvature of the first concave surface being different from the curvature of the second concave surface; and (f) means for lifting the stretcher.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The stretcher of claim 1 in which the lifting means are provided by at least a portion of the straps having handles.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The stretcher of claim 1 in which the board is narrower at the torso portion than at the leg portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
165 words
An elongated rigid board for supporting a traumatized patient, the board having a torso section and a leg section, each at least two feet long, the torso section being at least 3 inches narrower than the leg section, the board having a top surface and a substantially flat bottom surface, the board having a longitudinal centerline, the bottom surface of the board having a first set of stops and a second set of stops thereon, each stop of the first set of stops being positioned a first distance from the longitudinal centerline of the board so that the board can sit securely on a first concave surface, each stop of the second set of stops being positioned a second distance from the longitudinal centerline of the board so that the board can sit securely on a second concave surface, the first distance being different from the second distance, the curvature of the first concave surface being different from the curvature of the second concave surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
165 words
An elongated rigid board for supporting a traumatized patient, the board having a torso section and a leg section, each at least two feet long, the torso section being at least 3 inches narrower than the leg section, the board having a top surface and a substantially flat bottom surface, the board having a longitudinal centerline, the bottom surface of the board having a first set of stops and a second set of stops thereon, each stop of the first set of stops being positioned a first distance from the longitudinal centerline of the board so that the board can sit securely on a first concave surface, each stop of the second set of stops being positioned a second distance from the longitudinal centerline of the board so that the board can sit securely on a second concave surface, the first distance being different from the second distance, the curvature of the first concave surface being different from the curvature of the second concave surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The board of claim 4 comprising a plurality of straps secured to the board for securely holding a patient on the board.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The board of claim 5 in which at least a portion of the straps have handles.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The article of claim 5 comprising four straps for holding a patient at the shins, thighs, pelvis and torso.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The board of claim 4 including means for applying traction to the patient, the applying means being mounted at the head of the board.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
243 words
A portable stretcher comprising: (a) an elongated rigid board having a top surface, a flat bottom surface, a torso portion, and a leg portion, the board having a longitudinal centerline and comprising a laminate having a central core of rigid polyimide foam and a skin of graphite reinforced epoxy material, the board having an aluminum equivalency of less than 1 mm, the leg portion being at least 3 inches wider than the torso portion, and both the leg portion and the torso portion each being at least 2 feet long; (b) mounted at the head of the board, means for applying traction to a patient on the board; (c) a first set of stops and a second set of stops on the bottom surface of the board, each stop of the first set of stops being positioned a first distance from the centerline of the board so the stretcher can sit securely on a first concave surface, each stop of the second set of stops being positioned a second distance from the longitudinal centerline of the board so that the stretcher can set securely on a second concave surface, the first distance being different from the second distance and the curvature of the first concave surface being different from the curvature of the second concave surface; and (d) a plurality of straps secured to the board for securely holding a patient on the board, at least a portion of the straps having handles.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
243 words
A portable stretcher comprising: (a) an elongated rigid board having a top surface, a flat bottom surface, a torso portion, and a leg portion, the board having a longitudinal centerline and comprising a laminate having a central core of rigid polyimide foam and a skin of graphite reinforced epoxy material, the board having an aluminum equivalency of less than 1 mm, the leg portion being at least 3 inches wider than the torso portion, and both the leg portion and the torso portion each being at least 2 feet long; (b) mounted at the head of the board, means for applying traction to a patient on the board; (c) a first set of stops and a second set of stops on the bottom surface of the board, each stop of the first set of stops being positioned a first distance from the centerline of the board so the stretcher can sit securely on a first concave surface, each stop of the second set of stops being positioned a second distance from the longitudinal centerline of the board so that the stretcher can set securely on a second concave surface, the first distance being different from the second distance and the curvature of the first concave surface being different from the curvature of the second concave surface; and (d) a plurality of straps secured to the board for securely holding a patient on the board, at least a portion of the straps having handles.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
239 words
A rigid, portable, radiolucent stretcher suitable for transporting and holding a traumatized patient and suitable for radiographic examination of a traumatized patient, the stretcher comprising: (a) an elongated rigid board having a top surface, a bottom surface, a torso portion, and a leg portion, the board being narrower at the torso portion than at the leg portion, the board having a longitudinal centerline and comprising a laminate having a central core of foam and a skin, the board being sufficiently rigid when that the stretcher is lifted at its end with a 250 pound patient on the stretcher, the maximum deflection of the board is less than 1/2 inch, the board having an aluminum equivalency of less than 1 mm; (b) means for holding a patient on the board; and (c) a first of stops and a second set of stops on the bottom surface of the board, each stop of the first set of stops being positioned a first distance from the longitudinal centerline of the board so that the stretcher can sit securely on a first concave surface, each stop of the second set of stops being positioned a second distance from the longitudinal centerline of the board so that the stretcher can set securely on a second concave surface, the first distance being different than the second distance and the curvature of the first concave surface being different from the curvature of the second concave surface.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
239 words
A rigid, portable, radiolucent stretcher suitable for transporting and holding a traumatized patient and suitable for radiographic examination of a traumatized patient, the stretcher comprising: (a) an elongated rigid board having a top surface, a bottom surface, a torso portion, and a leg portion, the board being narrower at the torso portion than at the leg portion, the board having a longitudinal centerline and comprising a laminate having a central core of foam and a skin, the board being sufficiently rigid when that the stretcher is lifted at its end with a 250 pound patient on the stretcher, the maximum deflection of the board is less than 1/2 inch, the board having an aluminum equivalency of less than 1 mm; (b) means for holding a patient on the board; and (c) a first of stops and a second set of stops on the bottom surface of the board, each stop of the first set of stops being positioned a first distance from the longitudinal centerline of the board so that the stretcher can sit securely on a first concave surface, each stop of the second set of stops being positioned a second distance from the longitudinal centerline of the board so that the stretcher can set securely on a second concave surface, the first distance being different than the second distance and the curvature of the first concave surface being different from the curvature of the second concave surface.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The article of claim 10 including a cushion pad on the top surface of the board.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
159 words
An article suitable for holding a traumatized patient rigidly and suitable for radiographic examination of a traumatized patient comprising: (a) an elongated rigid board having a top surface and a substantially flat bottom surface and a longitudinal centerline; (b) means for securely holding a patient on the board; and (c) a first set of stops and a second set of stops on the bottom surface of the board, each stop of the first set of stops being positioned a first distance from the longitudinal centerline of the board so that the stretcher can sit securely on a first concave surface, each stop of the second set of stops being positioned a second distance from the longitudinal centerline of the board so that the stretcher can sit securely on a second concave surface, the first distance being different than the second distance and the curvature of the first concave surface being different from the curvature of the second concave surface.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
159 words
An article suitable for holding a traumatized patient rigidly and suitable for radiographic examination of a traumatized patient comprising: (a) an elongated rigid board having a top surface and a substantially flat bottom surface and a longitudinal centerline; (b) means for securely holding a patient on the board; and (c) a first set of stops and a second set of stops on the bottom surface of the board, each stop of the first set of stops being positioned a first distance from the longitudinal centerline of the board so that the stretcher can sit securely on a first concave surface, each stop of the second set of stops being positioned a second distance from the longitudinal centerline of the board so that the stretcher can sit securely on a second concave surface, the first distance being different than the second distance and the curvature of the first concave surface being different from the curvature of the second concave surface.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
40 words
The stretcher of claim 1 in which the board is sufficiently rigid that when the stretcher is lifted at its ends with a 250 pound patient on the stretcher, the maximum deflection of the board is less than 1/2 inch.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
The stretcher of claim 1 wherein the board has an aluminum equivalency of less than 0.5 mm.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
The stretcher of claim 3 in which the board is at least 3 inches narrower at the torso portion than at the leg portion.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
The stretcher of claim 15 in which the torso portion and the leg portion are each at least 2 feet long.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US879335A
Cited
US1586355A
Cited
US2753233A
Cited
US2926660A
Cited
US2947007A
Cited
US3139883A
Cited
US3648305A
Cited
US3886606A
Cited
US3947686A
Cited
US4024861A
Cited
US4205111A
Cited
US4484571A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-01-27 | 1989-07-29 | 1990-01-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-01-27 | 1993-07-29 | 1994-01-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-01-27 | 1997-07-29 | 1998-01-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |