Abstract:
An apparatus for securing a body to an immobilization board, comprising: a strap having a first end and a second end; and a device to movably couple the first end of the strap to the second end of the strap, wherein the device comprises a first lateral member coupled to the first end of the strap, a second lateral member for providing tension to the strap, a third lateral member having a corrugated side for applying friction to the strap.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field 
         [0002]    The present invention generally relates to emergency medical devices and, more particularly, to an apparatus for securing a body to an immobilization board. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    High energy collisions, such as those sustained during car accidents, recreational activities, or sporting events occasionally result in significant injury, such as neck, back or head injuries. Generally, when treating a victim with a suspected head and/or neck injury, stabilization of the head and neck is a matter of high priority. Stabilization is accomplished by securing the victim to a rigid board (spine board, long board, backboard, half board, etc.) via a number of straps positioned across the victim to ensure stability. The straps typically consist of a mechanism or device to adjust the length and secure the strap to a desired position. 
         [0005]    Fabric hook and loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO®) are commonly used to secure the strap to the desired position. However, fabric hook and loop fasteners do not provide the ability to make accurate adjustments necessary to ensure the victim is properly secured to the rigid board. D or O-ring attachments may be used in place of, or in conjunction with, hook and loop fasteners to allow the user to make adjustments. However, a D or O-ring attachment does not adequately prevent the strap from slipping out of position. Another commonly used device is a seat belt—type mechanical buckle. However, such buckles consist of moving parts which are susceptible to wear, leading to degradation and possible failure. The above mentioned deficiencies in the currently used devices do not provide an adequate means for reliably securing the victim to the board, thus increasing the risk of the victim falling off of the board and sustaining further injuries. 
         [0006]    Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved apparatus for securing a body to an immobilization board. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    Embodiments of the present invention comprise an apparatus for securing a body to an immobilization board, comprising: a strap having a first end and a second end; and a device to movably couple the first end of the strap to the second end of the strap, wherein the device comprises a first lateral member coupled to the first end of the strap, a second lateral member for providing tension to the strap, a third lateral member having a corrugated side for applying friction to the strap. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, an apparatus for securing a body to an immobilization board comprises: a strap having a first end and a second end; and a tension lock buckle, for movably coupling the first end to the second end of the strap, wherein the tension lock buckle comprises a plurality of teeth for applying friction to the strap. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, an apparatus for securing a body to an immobilization board comprises: a board for supporting a body; a strap, having a first and second end, coupled to the board; and a device to movably couple the first end of the strap to the second end of the strap, wherein the device comprises a first lateral member coupled to the first end of the strap, a second lateral member for providing tension to the strap, a third lateral member having a corrugated side for applying friction to the strap. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    Embodiments of the present invention, briefly summarized above and discussed in greater detail below, can be understood by reference to the illustrative embodiments of the invention depicted in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended figures illustrate only exemplary embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  depicts a schematic view of an exemplary immobilization board suitable to be used with an apparatus for securing a body to an immobilization board in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  depicts a top view of an apparatus for securing a body to an immobilization board in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  depicts a bottom view of an apparatus for securing a body to an immobilization board in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  depicts a front view of an apparatus for securing a body to an immobilization board in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  depicts a side view of an apparatus for securing a body to an immobilization board in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 6 and 7  depict a side view of an apparatus for securing a body to an immobilization board in operation in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0017]    To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to emergency medical devices. The inventive apparatus includes a cervical spine strap for securing a body to an immobilization board. The inventive apparatus advantageously allows for precise, quick adjustments and is not susceptible to slipping or degradation due to break down of moving parts. 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  depicts a schematic view of an exemplary immobilization board suitable to be used with an apparatus for securing a body to an immobilization board in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The immobilization board  106  generally comprises a rigid material for supporting a body  108 . The rigid material may be any material suitable to provide support for the body  108 . For example, the immobilization board  106  may comprise wood, plastic, or the like. In some embodiments, the material may be light weight so as to allow the immobilization board  106  to be easily maneuvered by an operator. In some embodiments, for example, where the immobilization board  106  may be used in an environment where there is water present (e.g., a beach or pool), the immobilization board  106  may comprise a material that is buoyant in water. 
         [0020]    The shape and length of the immobilization board  106  may vary in accordance with the purpose of use, or the environment in which the immobilization board  106  may be used. In some embodiments, for example, in embodiments such as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the immobilization board  106  may be of a sufficient length that an entire body  108  may be supported. In some embodiments, the immobilization board  106  may be of a shorter length, for example, such that only the neck and head is supported, or such that the neck, head, and back are supported. 
         [0021]    The apparatus  112  for securing a body  108  to the immobilization board  106 , described below with respect to  FIGS. 2-7 , may be positioned in any location on the immobilization board  106  necessary to properly secure the body  108 . In some embodiments, such as depicted in  FIG. 1 , more than one apparatus  112  (three shown) may be utilized. In such embodiments, the more than one apparatus  112  may be positioned at various locations of the immobilization board  106  to ensure a proper stabilization of the body  108 . For example, each of the more than one apparatus  112  may be positioned parallel to one another at various locations of the immobilization board  106  or may be positioned to cross one another at various locations of the immobilization board  106 . 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, the immobilization board  106  comprises one or more slots or holes  110 . The shape and amount of slots or holes  110  may be varied in accordance with the intended use of immobilization board  106 . For example, in some embodiments, the slots or holes  110  may be positioned to allow for one or more operators to securely hold and carry the immobilization board  106 . In some embodiments, the slots or holes  110  may be configured to allow the strap  104  of apparatus  112  to be fed through to prevent the strap  104  from moving out of a desired position during use of the immobilization board  106 . 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, the board  106  may comprise an additional support (not shown), for example, a cervical collar, neck brace, neck collar, or the like, to ensure the head and neck of the body  108  remains in a fixed position. 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  depicts a top view of an apparatus  112  for securing a body  108  to an immobilization board  106  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0025]    The apparatus  112  generally comprises a strap  104  and a buckle  202 . The strap  104  may comprise any suitable material capable of withstanding a sufficient amount of tension to ensure a body is properly secured to an immobilization board. For example, the strap  104  may have a breaking strength of up to about 860 lbs. The strap  104  may be any length suitable to reach around a body and an immobilization board to facilitate a secure fit. In some embodiments, the strap  104  may be up to about 9 ft. long. 
         [0026]    The strap  104  may also comprise additional properties to ensure prolonged continuous use and reliability. For example, the strap  104  may be resistant to tear, stretching and absorption. In some embodiments, the strap  104  may be constructed from a material comprising a polymer, such as nylon, polypropylene, polyester, or the like. In some embodiments the strap  104  may be constructed from the material in a woven design, such as a webbing, cross stitching, braiding, or the like. 
         [0027]    The buckle  202  generally comprises a first side  213 , a second side  214 , a first lateral arm  218  for securing a first end  208  of the strap  104 , a second lateral arm  206  for applying tension to the strap  104 , and a tab  220  having an extension  216 . In some embodiments the buckle may comprise one or more additional lateral arms (one shown)  210  to increase the overall strength of the buckle  202  and provide an increased resistance to twisting. Between the lateral arms  218 ,  210 ,  206 , and the tab  220  are spaces  211 ,  207 ,  209  to allow for the strap  104  to pass through. The first end  208  of the strap  104  may be looped around the first lateral arm  218  and secured via at least one of stitching  217 , adhesive (not shown), rivets (not shown), staples (not shown), or the like. 
         [0028]    The buckle  202  may be constructed from any suitable material capable of withstanding the forces associated with securing a body to an immobilization board. The material may also comprise one or more other beneficial properties, for example, resistance to absorption, abrasion, mold, chemical degradation, and the like. In some embodiments, the buckle  202  is constructed from a plastic or polymer, such as, polyacetal, acetal resin, polytrioxane, polyformaldehyde, polyoxymethylene (e.g., DELRIN®), nylon, polyvinyl chloride, or the like. 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  depicts a bottom view of an apparatus  112  for securing a body to an immobilization board in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. As can be seen in the figure, the second lateral arm  206  may be tapered to a bottom surface  302  having a smaller width than the top of the second lateral arm  206  to facilitate smooth movement of the strap  104 . The second lateral arm  206  may be any shape sufficient as to not impede movement of the strap  104 . For example, the second lateral arm  206  may be rounded, trapezoidal, triangular, or the like. 
         [0030]    The bottom surface of extension  216  of tab  220  comprises a corrugated surface  304  to provide a frictional force to the strap  104 , thus keeping it in a desired position. The corrugated surface  304  may comprise a plurality of elements having any shape sufficient to provide enough friction to the strap  104  to eliminate the possibility of the strap  104  slipping out of the desired position. For example, in some embodiments, such as the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4 , the corrugated surface  304  may comprise a plurality of “teeth”. 
         [0031]    As can be seen in the side view, depicted in  FIG. 5 , the sides  214  ( 212  not shown) of the buckle  202  may comprise a curved shape to conform to the surface of a body, facilitate comfort for the body being secured, and to aid in lengthening or removal of the strap via the tab  220 . 
         [0032]      FIGS. 6 and 7  depict a side view of an apparatus for securing a body to an immobilization board in operation in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , the second end  602  of the strap  104  is passed through the space  207  between lateral arm  210  and the second lateral arm  206 . The second end  602  of the strap  104  is then looped around the second lateral arm  206  and passed back through space  209  between the second lateral arm  206  and the extension  216  of tab  220 , and pulled through in a horizontal direction  600 , passing under the corrugated surface  304  of tab extension  216 . 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , when the strap  104  is pulled in a horizontal direction  600  away from the buckle  202 , the top surface of the strap  104  engages the corrugated surface  304  causing a frictional force sufficient to keep the strap  104  in a static position. To make adjustments or remove the apparatus  112 , a user applies a force in an upward direction  702  to the tab  220 , which causes the strap  104  to disengage from the corrugated surface  304 , thereby releasing the friction and allowing the strap  104  to move freely. 
         [0035]    While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.