Abstract:
A patient assist lift (PAL) device comprising a contoured shell which provides many benefits to patients and rescuers. A PAL device reduces or eliminates the risks of injuring a patient during mobilization. A PAL device may be quickly and easily attached to a patient, and supports hips, spine, torso, and neck. Color coded straps encourage proper use of a PAL device. Ergonomic handles and straps reduce or eliminate injury to rescuers during lifting and movement of an injured person. A PAL device enables rescuers to lift and mobilize an injured person from any position and in any situation. A PAL device is especially effective in emergencies in providing a safe and efficient means to secure and move a patient with the least amount of effort while minimizing the risks and discomfort to both patient and rescuer in mobilizing such patient. A smaller PAL device can be used to immobilize children or extremities.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   1. Technical Field 
   The present invention relates generally to a means of immobilizing and moving an injured person (patient). A patient often requires the assistance of one or more rescue workers to move him or her to a place of safety where he or she may receive further attention. Such patient may suffer additional injury if moved improperly. Carrying a patient by his or her arm or clothing would be inappropriate because such means are neither designed nor adapted for easy grasping. Further, because of the difficulty of grasping a patient who needs to be moved, a caregiver or rescue worker may also sustain injuries such as a sprained back or pulled muscles. Injuries to caregivers and rescue workers are particularly likely when it is necessary to quickly move a patient due to emergency circumstances. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Certain patents and publications have disclosed concepts associated with securing or moving injured persons, but none meet the needs filled by the present invention. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,122,778 issued Sep. 26, 2000 to Cohen describes a lift vest or garment-like device which enables caregivers to assist a patient in moving from one position to another. Such vest is distinguishable from the present invention because it is meant to be attached to only the upper torso of a patient and does not provide sufficient immobilization to reduce the potential of further injury to the patient. Further, such vest is not designed to be used in emergency situations where the time to secure a patient may be minimal. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,627,428 issued Dec. 9, 1986 to Brooks discloses a child safety restraint for a medical transporting device. The apparatus includes a semi-rigid base and a cover or harness which holds a patient between the base and the cover. The lower layer of material has apertures through which fastening members of the semi-rigid support extend. This invention is further distinguishable as it is used only in conjunction with patient stretchers and ambulances. 
   Finally, a Kendricks extraction device (KED) and spine boards have been used for many years on patients with suspected spinal injuries. The present invention is distinguishable from such devices in that it is designed to be used in all types of rescue situations. Further, a KED is a short board and is principally used for sitting patients. KED boards do not have specially designed handles and straps for the convenience and benefit of rescuers. 
   None of these inventions solves the problem of safely and efficiently immobilizing essentially any patient in any type of rescue situation and allowing the patient to be moved without the threat of increased potential injury to both the patient and the rescuer. Consequently, a need exists for a device to assist rescuers in immobilizing and moving all varieties of persons suspected of having an injury. Also, a need exists for a device which enables rescuers to lift or move a person from any position. Also, a need exists for a device which reduces or eliminates the risks of further injuring a person during such immobilization and movement. Also, a need exists for a device which may be quickly and easily attached to an injured person, providing support for the hips, spine, torso, and neck of the person. And finally, a need exists for a device which reduces the risk of injury to rescuers during lifting and transporting an injured person. The present invention fills these needs and others as detailed more fully below. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A patient assist lift (PAL) is a contoured, flexible immobilization and transport device which provides many benefits to injured persons and rescuers in a variety of situations. A PAL reduces or eliminates the risk of additional injury to a patient during immobilization and transport and may be quickly and easily attached to an injured person by utilizing nylon straps. Once properly attached around a patient, the nylon straps cause the PAL to conform to the patient, providing support to the patient&#39;s hips, spine, torso, and neck. A smaller version of a PAL may also be used to immobilize and support an injured child, infant, or even an isolated extremity. 
   A PAL provides additional benefits to rescuers in that it is lightweight, thin, buoyant, durable, and simple to use. Ergonomic handles attached to the nylon straps provide a means to reduce or eliminate injury to rescuers during lifting and movement of an injured person. Color coded straps also encourage proper and efficient use of the PAL by providing visual indication to determine if the straps have been properly fastened around a patient. Once fastened, a PAL enables rescuers to immobilize and lift the patient from virtually any position. Being lightweight and thin allows maximum portability and ease of handling in rescue situations. The buoyancy of a PAL also provides an additional margin of safety and support when performing a water rescue. Finally, it is possible to trim material from a PAL in order to provide a custom fit for very unique rescue situations. 
   The invention accordingly comprises the features described more fully below, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. The objects of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a patient assist lift device; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a patient secured to a patient assist lift device; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention being utilized to extract an injured person from an automobile seat; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a patient assist lift device with a cervical restraint; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a cervical restraint used in conjunction with a cervical collar to immobilize the head and neck of a patient; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a patient secured to a patient assist lift device being rescued from water; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a patient secured to a patient assist lift device, with a cervical restraint and cervical collar being used to immobilize the head and neck, and lying on a transportation backboard; 
       FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing it secured to a patient&#39;s injured leg in a splint fashion by means of nylon straps utilizing adjustable buckles; 
       FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing it secured to a patient&#39;s injured leg in a splint fashion by means of nylon straps utilizing hook and loop fasteners; and, 
       FIG. 8C  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing it secured to a patient&#39;s injured leg and foot in a splint fashion by means of nylon straps utilizing buckles. 
   

   REFERENCE NUMERALS 
   
       
         102  patient assist lift (PAL) 
         104  handle 
         106  strap 
         108  buckle 
         112  length of PAL 
         114  width of PAL 
         116  narrow end of PAL 
         118  hip-supporting portion 
         202  patient 
         304  automobile seat 
         402  cervical restraint 
         404  soft cylinders 
         406  cylinder connecting material 
         502  head strap 
         504  chin strap 
         510  cervical collar 
         508  head of patient 
         602  water 
         702  transportation backboard 
         704  backboard slot 
         802  limb brace strap 
         804  buckle 
         806  strap retention slot 
         808  limb brace 
         810  limb 
         812  injury site 
         814  extremity 
         822  nylon strap with hook and loop fastener 
         824  foot securing strap 
         826  tensioning strap 
     
  
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   While the invention is described below with respect to a preferred embodiment, other embodiments are possible. The concepts disclosed herein apply equally to other devices for supporting and facilitating the transportation of an injured person or patient. The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying figures. 
     FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a patient assist lift (PAL)  102  according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The overall shape of the PAL  102  is roughly that of the silhouette of a human torso. The overall length  112  and width  114  can be varied such that the PAL  102  can ultimately conform to any sized human torso; from a very large adult to the smallest of infants. The length  112  can be further varied to provide a hip supporting portion  118  for the hips of a patient. Depending upon the rescue situation, hip support  118  may or may not be practical. Thus, the PAL  102  can be sized appropriately for any rescue situation and for any sized patient. 
   This embodiment shows two straps  106  attached to the PAL  102 , each strap  106  being essentially one piece with attached handles  104 . Also, each strap  106  is attached to the flexible shell of the PAL  102  using slots cut in the shell material. Each strap  106  also wraps around the outside of the PAL  102  to provide additional support when conforming the shell to a patient. As shown, the straps  106  utilize single adjustable side release buckles  108  that serve to allow the PAL  102  to be attached around a patient and properly tensioned. Another potential method of fastening the straps  106  around a patient would be with hook and loop fasteners. Thus, any means of fastening the straps  106  would be sufficient so long as the means allows for proper tensioning of the straps  106  around the patient. 
   The shell of the PAL  102  can be constructed of any flexible material that can conform to a patient. In the preferred embodiment, the shell is constructed of 1/16 inch HDPE (high density polyethylene) plastic. This material serves to make the PAL  102  lightweight and conformable while providing a tough outer surface that provides an extra measure of protection to a patient. This durable material protects a patient against bruises and scrapes that could occur during movement over rough terrain or other sharp obstacles. In addition, because this material is waterproof and lighter than water, it adds buoyancy to the PAL  102  in water rescue situations. Further yet, the surface friction of HDPE is reduced when wet and thus the outer shell of the PAL  102  becomes easier to slide over rough surfaces such as might be present in a water rescue in which the rescuer pulled the patient with attached PAL  102  onto the bank over rocks or other objects. 
   In addition, the PAL  102  can be lined on the inside surface (“patient” side) with ½ inch closed cell polyethylene foam material. In this configuration, the buoyancy, cushioning, and protective properties of the PAL  102  are greatly increased. The foam material is waterproof and lighter than water, and can literally allow the PAL  102  to float a moderately sized patient during a water rescue situation. Also, the cushioning properties of this foam material in conjunction with an HDPE outer support shell afford increased protection from impacts that could potentially occur during movement over rough terrain or other sharp obstacles. Another benefit of using this type of foam material for an inner lining is that it better protects the delicate skin of certain patients with advanced diseases that render the skin susceptible to injury with even the slightest touch. 
   Still another benefit of an embodiment of the PAL  102  that utilizes either an HDPE outer shell or an HDPE outer shell in conjunction with a closed cell polyethylene foam inner liner is that it is relatively inexpensive and thus disposable. In a rescue situation a PAL  102  would likely be subjected to significant abuse that would render further uses impractical. For instance, an injured patient would likely be losing bodily fluids which could contaminate the surfaces of the PAL  102 . Although waterproof in this embodiment, decontamination might possibly be less cost-effective than mere disposal and replacement of the PAL  102 . 
     FIG. 2  shows the preferred embodiment being utilized to immobilize and move a patient  202 . With respect to  FIG. 1 , straps  106  with buckles  108  allow the device to conform to the patient  202  and thus immobilize the patient. The PAL  102  in this embodiment is made of a 1/16 inch HDPE flexible support shell. The flexibility of the support shell is what allows the PAL  102  to conform. Once the straps  106  are correctly fastened around the patient  202 , the straps  106  can be tightened sufficiently to draw the sides of the PAL  102  snugly around the patient  202 . Extra tensioning of the straps  106  further helps to secure and encapsulate the patient  202  within the PAL  102  and does not put undue pressure on the patient  202 . Once conformed to the patient  202 , the PAL  102  becomes a circular truss that resists bending and thus acts as an upper torso “splint” that supports the patient&#39;s spine and prevents unnecessary movement which, if allowed, would likely further aggravate injuries. 
   Handles  104  in the preferred embodiment provide an efficient and effective means for a rescuer to lift and move the patient  202 . These handles  104  afford a comfortable and safe means of grasping and lifting the patient  202  using a PAL  102  in its preferred embodiment. A rescuer lifting the patient  202  is better able to use a correct lifting technique and thus minimize the possibility of either mishandling the patient or else causing injury to his or her own body. 
     FIG. 3  shows the use of a PAL  102  in its preferred embodiment in an automobile crash rescue situation. In this situation, and with respect to  FIG. 1 , a PAL  102  without the extra hip-supporting portion  118  is most effective. Because the PAL  102  is both thin and lightweight, it can be easily slid between the injured patient and the car seat  304  by pulling on the handles  104  as shown. Once in place, the PAL  102  can be attached to the patient  202  using the straps  106  and drawn snugly around the patient&#39;s torso. Once the PAL  102  is secured to the patient  202 , the patient can be more easily extricated by grasping the handles  104  and gently pulling the patient  202  from the car seat  304 . The correctly attached PAL  102  serves to maintain proper torso alignment of the patient  202  and thus prevents additional injury due to unnecessary movement. 
     FIG. 6  shows the use of a PAL  102  in its preferred embodiment in a water rescue situation. With respect to  FIG. 1 , The PAL  102  in this embodiment is made of a 1/16 inch HDPE flexible backing with a ½ inch closed cell polyethylene foam interior surface. The use of a flexible plastic support shell coupled with the closed cell foam provides additional buoyancy when the PAL  102  is properly attached to the patient  202  in water  602 . This additional buoyancy reduces stress on the patient  202  by allowing the patient  202  to float more easily. Thus, the risk of the patient  202  submerging and drowning is greatly reduced. This added buoyancy also assists rescuers in extracting the patient  202  from the water  602  because of the additional “lift” it generates to compensate for the weight of the patient  202 . The plastic support shell in this embodiment provides support for the patient&#39;s  202  torso and hips and protects the patient  202  from scrapes and other injuries which could occur, for instance, if the patient  202  should happen to strike a submerged object. Also, the plastic support shell in this embodiment provides a low friction surface that allows a rescuer to more easily slide the patient  202  from the water. For example, a rescuer extracting the patient  202  with an attached PAL  102  from a swimming pool can grasp the handles  104  and slide the patient over the pool edge and onto the pool deck more easily due to the low friction provided by the plastic support shell. The plastic support shell and closed cell foam interior surface in this embodiment would also protect the patient  202  from scrapes and further injury due to the sliding action. 
     FIGS. 4 and 5  provide a perspective view of another embodiment of a patient assist lift (PAL)  102  with a cervical restraint  402 . The cervical restraint  402  in this embodiment is comprised of two soft foam cylinders  404  connected together by a flexible foam material  406  such as that used to line the interior surface of the PAL  102 . When properly utilized, the cervical restraint  402  cradles a patient&#39;s head (see  FIG. 5 ). In a water rescue situation, the cervical restraint  402  provides additional buoyancy to the patient  202 , allowing the patient&#39;s  202  head to float even higher in the water. Also, the soft foam materials used to construct the cervical restraint  402  provide cushioning and stability for the patient&#39;s  202  head and neck. 
     FIG. 5  is a close-up perspective view of this embodiment of a PAL  102  utilizing a cervical restraint  402  to immobilize a patient&#39;s head and neck. The patient  508  in this figure also utilizes a cervical collar  510  for additional immobilization support. As this embodiment shows, the two soft foam cylinders  404  are rolled apart and the flexible foam material  406  used to connect the two cylinders  404  is placed beneath the patient&#39;s  508  head. In this position, the cervical restraint  402  cradles the patient&#39;s head and provides cushioning support. This embodiment also shows two straps (one head strap  502  and one chin strap  504 ) used to attach the cervical restraint  402  to the patient  508 . The head strap  502  wraps around the patient&#39;s  508  head to hold the cylinders  404  snugly against the patient&#39;s  508  head. The head strap  502  then wraps beneath the narrow end  116  of the PAL  102  to further immobilize the patient.  FIG. 7  is a perspective view further showing the patient  508  immobilized by the present embodiment utilizing a cervical restraint  402  with the optional cervical collar  510  and lying on a backboard  702 . The patient&#39;s  508  head is immobilized by the cervical restraint  402  as indicated above. The head strap  502  is passed around the outside of the backboard  702  for attachment beneath. Once attached, this effectively immobilizes patient&#39;s  508  head, neck, and spine for easy transport by a rescuer who lifts the backboard  702  using the provided slots  704  as hand grips. 
     FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention showing a patient&#39;s leg  810  secured to a limb brace  808  acting as a splint device. With reference to  FIG. 1 , the limb brace  808  is made of the same or similar materials, and according to the same principles, as those used to make a PAL  102  device of  FIG. 1 . The limb brace  808  is secured by at least two straps  802 . The ends of the straps are connected by buckles  804 . A limb brace  808  may be made with any number of straps to properly secure and accommodate a patient&#39;s limb  810 . A limb brace  808  may likewise be of any length or width to accommodate varying lengths and sizes of limbs  810  and for applying a limb brace  808  to part or all of a limb  810 . Preferably, at least one strap  802  is placed above an injury site  812 , and at least one strap  802  is placed below such injury site  812 . Slots  806  in the limb brace  808  allow for positioning of the straps  802  along the length of the limb brace  808  and away from any injury site  812 . Such positioning may be made for patient comfort or for proper immobilization of a patient&#39;s limb  810 . 
     FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of a limb brace  808  as shown in  FIG. 8A  wherein the straps  802  are secured by hook and loop fasteners  822  instead of buckles  804 . With reference to  FIG. 8B , hook and loop fasteners  822  may provide increased comfort and better fit of the limb brace  808  to the patient&#39;s limb  810 . Also, with reference to  FIG. 8B , the limb brace  808  is made of the same or similar materials, and according to the same principles, as those used to make a PAL  102  device as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     FIG. 8C  shows a perspective view of another use of the limb brace  808  as shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . With reference to  FIG. 8C , a patient&#39;s leg  810  and foot  814  are secured to a limb brace  808 . In this embodiment, the angle of repose of the patient&#39;s extremity  814  is fixed by a foot-securing strap  824 . This foot-securing strap  824  passes through slots  806  in the limb brace  808  near the patient&#39;s foot  814  and is secured at the opposite end of the limb brace  808  to at least one other strap  802  by a tensioning strap  826 . The limb brace  808  may be contoured to the patient&#39;s foot  814  by cutting one or more short slots (not shown) into the limb brace  808  at or near the bend in the limb brace  808 . Such cuts are from the side of the limb brace  808  toward its center. Such cuts may be made at any angle relative to the side of the limb brace  808 . A limb brace  808  is preferably made of materials which may by easily cut or adapted to a limb and which still provide sufficient support for its intended purposes. A limb brace  808  may be used on any extremity or portion of an extremity, and such limb brace  808  may be adapted to any contour as appropriate to the situation. For example, a limb brace  808  may be fit to a wrist and hand, or to a bent knee. 
   The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Further, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variation and modification commensurate with the above teachings, within the skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described herein are further intended to explain the best mode presently known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to use the invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternate embodiments to the extent permitted.