Patent Publication Number: US-7707667-B1

Title: Padded backboard coverslip

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation-in-part under 35 U.S.C. 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/511,247 filed Aug. 29, 2006, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part under 35 U.S.C. 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/108,082 filed Apr. 15, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,100,226 issued Sep. 5, 2006. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention has its use in the immobilization of trauma victims, particularly those with potential spinal injuries. 
   BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
   Presently either wooden or synthetic backboard devices or backboards transport victims or patients of trauma from the scene of injury to a hospital. Often these patients must remain secured to the backboard device for several hours. Multiple studies have demonstrated that these backboard devices are extremely uncomfortable and can cause decubitus ulcer formation in certain high-risk individuals such as those paralyzed as a result of their injuries. Furthermore, placing patients flat on these backboards result in the patient&#39;s neck resting in an anatomically hyperextended position. A study from 1993 demonstrated that the addition of padding to these backboards improves patient comfort and may decrease the likelihood of decubitus ulcer formation without compromising spinal immobilization. Other research has shown that additional cranial or head padding to elevate and/or support the head, places the spine in an anatomically neutral position and may therefore decrease the risk of cervical spine injury. 
   Conventional backboard pads or pads have numerous shortcomings. Many are of excessive width that prevents or hinders the transporter from placing his or her hand inside the handholds on the sides of the underlying backboard. Some backboard pads secure to backboards with straps that cross beneath the backboard, preventing the transporter from sliding the backboard when necessary. Some backboard pads are incorporated into the construction of the underlying backboard. These function well but are prohibitively expensive to many ambulance companies whose patients could benefit from a pad that adapts to the backboards already in use. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to a backboard pad assembly comprising a pad and side wrappings and back coverslip that emanate from the sides of the pad so as to extend around the backboard and retain the pad to the backboard. The pad comprises a body pad and a cranial pad for support of the head. The cranial pad may be attached to or integrated as part of the body pad. The pad is composed of foam or other pliable material for support and cushioning of the body and head. The pad is made from or coated with a waterproof and chemically resistant material that can be medically disinfected for multiple use. The side wrappings and back coverslip are attached to the pad and are preferably of an elastic material that wraps around and secures the pad to the backboard. The side wrappings and back coverslip are preferably one continuous piece. The side wrappings and back coverslip are made from or coated with a waterproof and chemically resistant material that can be medically disinfected for multiple use. The pad including the body pad and cranial pad, the side wrappings and back coverslip can be made of or coated with the same waterproof and chemically resistant material that can be medically disinfected. 
   The dimensions of the pad are sufficiently narrow so as to allow the handholds in a backboard to be exposed. Optionally, the pad is equal in width to the backboard with recessed areas in the pad to expose the handholds of the backboard. The pad may be shaped, when viewed from above, so as to follow the contour or geometric profile of the associated backboard. 
   The side wrappings and back coverslip fit around and grip the backboard so as to envelop it. The side wrappings may extend from beneath the cranial pad. The backboard pad assembly is placed on the backboard by sliding it onto one end of the backboard. Optionally, the side wrappings may extend around the backboard and attach to itself with a hook-and-loop closure such as VELCRO®, or some other similar method. VELCRO® is a registered trademark of Velcro Industries B.V. The side wrappings are composed of an elastic material or the like. 
   Openings in the pad and/or the side wrappings correspond in location to the handholds in the backboard. The pad, including the body pad and cranial pad, side wrappings, and/or back coverslip may be offered in a variety of shapes, sizes, and overall profiles to accommodate different shapes and sizes of backboards, including pediatric backboards. 
   The cranial pad and body pad may be made of the same or different materials. Typical materials include rubber, plastic, or polymeric materials that support and cushion the patient. Polymeric foam materials include polyurethane, polyester polyurethane, polyolefins, polystyrene, polyethylene, and cross-linked polyethylene. The foam may be flexible or semi-flexible and may be open cell or closed cell. 
   The pads, side wrappings, and back coverslip are made from or coated with a waterproof and chemically resistant material that can be medically disinfected such that they can be reused. Both organic and inorganic coatings are contemplated. Examples of materials that can be used to coat the pads, especially foam pads, include acrylics, polyacrylates such as the methacrylates, epoxies, thermoplastic rubber, vinyl materials such as polyvinyl chloride and so forth. The coating may contain particles of inorganic materials including pigments and fillers such as carbon, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and so forth. These may also be used to coat the side wrappings and back coverslip. 
   Examples of coating compositions and methods for applying a coating or film to a foam or other base including the side wrappings and back coverslip are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,167,151 (Muraoka et al.), 4,439,473 (Lippman), 4,536,454 (Haasl), 4,680,204 (Das et al.), 4,983,424 (Saidman et al.), 5,118,557 (Barnewall), 5,256,716 (Haasl et al.), 5,314,940 (Stone), 5,424,828 (Minami), 5,429,840 (Raterman et al.), 6,228,476 (Borgrett, et al.), 6,315,938 (Jandali), 6,420,471 (Douarre), and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2003/0121103 (Wempe), 2005/0255307 (Dennis et al.), and 2006/0032572 (Dennis et al.), all incorporated herein by reference. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above features and advantages of this invention are illustrated in the following drawings where: 
       FIG. 1  is an orthogonal view of one embodiment of a backboard pad assembly mounted on a backboard. 
       FIG. 1A  is a top view of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 1B  is a left side view of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . The right side view is a mirror image of  FIG. 1B . 
       FIG. 1C  is a headward end view of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 1D  is a footward end view of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 1E  is a bottom view of one embodiment of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 1F  is a bottom view of another embodiment of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 2A  is a top view of another embodiment of the backboard pad assembly. 
       FIG. 2B  is a left side view of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 2A . The right side view is a mirror image of  FIG. 2B . 
       FIG. 2C  is a headward end view of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 2A . 
       FIG. 2D  is a footward end view of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 2A . 
       FIG. 2E  is a bottom view of one embodiment of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 2A . 
       FIG. 2F  is a section  2 F- 2 F view of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 2A . 
       FIG. 2G  is a section  2 G- 2 G view of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 2A . 
       FIG. 2H  is a section  2 H- 2 H view of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 2A . 
       FIG. 3A  is a top view of another embodiment of the backboard pad assembly. 
       FIG. 3B  is a left side view of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 3A . The right side view is a mirror image of  FIG. 3B . 
       FIG. 3C  is a headward end view of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 3A . 
       FIG. 3D  is a footward end view of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 3A . 
       FIG. 3E  is a bottom view of one embodiment of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 3A . 
       FIG. 3F  is a section  3 F- 3 F view of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 3A . 
       FIG. 3G  is a section  3 G- 3 G view of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 3A . 
       FIG. 3H  is a section  3 H- 3 H view of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 3A . 
       FIG. 4A  is a top view of another embodiment of the backboard pad assembly. 
       FIG. 4B  is a left side view of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 4A , The right side view is a mirror image of  FIG. 4B . 
       FIG. 4C  is a headward end view of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 4A . 
       FIG. 4D  is a footward end view of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 4A . 
       FIG. 4E  is a bottom view of one embodiment of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 4A . 
       FIG. 4F  is a bottom view of another embodiment of the backboard pad assembly shown in  FIG. 4A . 
       FIG. 5A  is a top view of the backboard pad assembly. 
       FIG. 5B  is a left side view of the backboard pad assembly. The right side view is a mirror image of  FIG. 5B . 
       FIG. 5C  is a headward end view of the backboard pad assembly. 
       FIG. 5D  is a footward end view of the backboard pad assembly. 
       FIG. 5E  is a bottom view of one embodiment of the backboard pad assembly. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4  depict the backboard pad assembly  101  secured to a backboard  102 . 
     FIG. 1  is an orthogonal view of one embodiment of a backboard pad assembly  101  mounted on a backboard  102  with handholds  102   a . Shown are cranial pad  101   a , body pad  101   b , and side wrappings  101   c . The bottom wrapping or back coverslip  101   g  (not visible in this view) and side wrappings  101   c  are typically constructed from one continuous piece of material that may be elastic. 
   This invention improves patient care with respect to trauma patients particularly those with potential spinal cord injuries. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the cranial pad  101   a  and body pad  101   b  have edges within the inner limits of the handholds  102   a  of the backboard  102 . 
   The cranial pad  101   a , when viewed from the top, tapers so as to follow the contour of a backboard  102  with similar tapering. Hence, the backboard pad assembly  101  will not encroach upon the handholds  102   a  of the backboard  102 . 
     FIG. 1A  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . Shown are cranial pad  101   a , backboard  102 , body pad  101   b , side wrappings  101   c , and backboard handholds  102   a . The backboard  102  is enclosed by the backboard pad assembly  101 . 
     FIG. 1B  is a left side view of the backboard pad assembly  101  shown in  FIG. 1 . The right side view is a mirror image of  FIG. 1B . Also shown are backboard  102 , cranial pad  101   a , body pad  101   b , bottom wrapping  101   g , and side wrappings  101   c . The cranial pad  101   a  is elevated relative to the body pad  101   b  in order to place the spine in an anatomically neutral position. The cranial pad  101   a  and body pad  101   b  may be made from one piece of material. 
     FIGS. 1 and 1B  show the difference in thickness or height between the cranial pad  101   a  and the body pad  101   b . The cranial pad  101   a  elevates the patient&#39;s head, thus maintaining the cervical spine in an anatomically neutral position. 
     FIG. 1C  is a headward end view of the backboard pad assembly  101  shown in  FIG. 1 . Shown are backboard  102 , cranial pad  101   a , body pad  101   b , bottom wrapping  101   g , and side wrappings  101   c.    
     FIG. 1D  is a footward end view of the backboard pad assembly  101  shown in  FIG. 1 . Shown are backboard  102 , cranial pad  101   a , body pad  101   b , bottom wrapping or coverslip  101   g , and side wrappings  101   c.    
     FIG. 1F  is a bottom view of one embodiment of the backboard pad assembly  101  shown in  FIG. 1 . Shown are backboard  102 , zipper  105 , backboard handholds  102   a , bottom wrapping  101   g , and side wrappings  101   c . The bottom wrapping  101   g  has an integrated zipper  105 , which runs lengthwise down the center of the bottom wrapping  101   g . The function of the zipper  105  is to relax the bottom wrapping  101   g  and facilitate the attachment and removal of the backboard pad assembly  101  to the backboard  102 . Because the zipper  105  does not run the entire length of the bottom wrapping  101   g , there is no need for the operator to engage the zipper  105  each time the backboard pad assembly  101  is replaced. In another embodiment, the zipper  105  may extend the entire length of the bottom wrapping  101   g . In other embodiments, other fastening means may be utilized such as a strip of VELCRO®, snaps, hooks, or the like to perform the zipper&#39;s function. 
     FIG. 1F  is a bottom view of another embodiment of the backboard pad assembly  101  shown in  FIG. 1 . Shown are backboard  102 , zipper  105 , backboard handholds  102   a , bottom wrapping  101   g , and side wrappings  101   c . The bottom wrapping  101   g  has an integrated zipper  105 , which runs lengthwise down the center of the bottom wrapping  101   g . The function of the zipper  105  is to relax the bottom wrapping  101   g  and facilitate the attachment and removal of the backboard pad assembly  101  to the backboard  102 . In this embodiment, the zipper  105  extends the entire length of the bottom wrapping  101   g . In other embodiments, other fastening means may be utilized such as a strip of VELCRO®, snaps, hooks, or the like to perform the zipper&#39;s function. 
     FIG. 2A  is a top view of another embodiment of the backboard pad assembly  101 .  FIG. 2A  alternately demonstrates the cranial pad  101   a  extending to the edges of the body pad  101   b . Here the body pad  101   b  has recesses to allow for clearance of the backboard handholds  102   a . The side wrappings  101   c  extend around the backboard  102 . Tension from the elastic nature of the side wrappings  101   c  keeps the backboard pad assembly  101  securely attached to the backboard  102 . 
   The cranial pad  101   a , when viewed from the top, tapers so as to follow the contour of a backboard with similar tapering. Hence, the cranial pad  101   a  and the footward end of the body pad  101   b  will not encroach upon the handholds  102   a  of the backboard  102 . 
   Alternatively, the edges of the cranial pad  101   a  and body pad  101   b  may extend to the edges of the backboard  102 , but the edges of the pad will be recessed to the inner limits of the handholds  102   a  present on the backboard  102  as shown in  FIG. 2A . 
   Also depicted are immobilization straps or restraints  103  which are fastened together by a buckle  103   a . The immobilization straps  103  and buckles  103   a  serve to secure the patient to the backboard  102 . Other means of fastening the immobilization straps such as VELCRO® may alternatively be used. The cranial pad  101   a  elevates the patient&#39;s head and maintains the cervical spine in an anatomically neutral position. 
     FIG. 2B  is a left side view of the backboard pad assembly  101  shown in  FIG. 2A . The right side view is a mirror image of  FIG. 2B . Also shown are backboard  102 , cranial pad  101   a , restraint buckle  103   a , body pad  101   b , side wrappings  101   c , bottom wrapping  101   g , restraints  103 , and restraint buckle  103   a . The cranial pad  101   a  and the body pad  101   b  are located in anatomically necessary sections to provide additional support to the patient&#39;s head, torso, knees, and feet. The cranial pad  101   a  and the body pad  101   b  can be made from one piece of the same material. 
     FIGS. 2C and 2D  have been enlarged to show detail. 
     FIG. 2C  is a headward end view of the backboard pad assembly  101  shown in  FIG. 2A . Also shown are restraints  103 , restraint buckle  103   a , cranial pad  101   a , side wrappings  101   c , bottom wrapping  101   g , and backboard  102 . 
     FIG. 2D  is a footward end view of the backboard pad assembly  101  shown in  FIG. 2A . Also shown are restraints  103 , restraint buckle  103   a , cranial pad  101   a , body pad  101   b , side wrappings  101   c , bottom wrapping  101   g , and backboard  102 . 
     FIG. 2E  is a bottom view of one embodiment of the backboard pad assembly  101  shown in  FIG. 2A . Also shown are backboard  102 , zipper  105 , backboard handholds  102   a , bottom wrapping  101   g , and side wrappings  101   c . The bottom wrapping  101   g  has an integrated zipper  105 , which runs lengthwise down the center of the bottom wrapping  101   g . The function of the zipper  105  is to relax the side wrappings and facilitate the attachment and removal of the backboard pad assembly  101  to and from the backboard  102 . Because the zipper  105  does not run the entire length of the bottom wrapping  101   g , there is no need for the operator to engage the zipper  105  each time the backboard pad assembly  101  is replaced. In another embodiment, the zipper  105  may extend the entire length of the bottom wrapping  101   g . In other embodiments, other fastening means may be utilized such as a strip of VELCRO®, snaps, hooks, or the like to perform the zipper&#39;s function. 
     FIGS. 2F ,  2 G, and  2 H have been enlarged to show detail. Slot  101   e  has also been enlarged to show detail. 
     FIG. 2F  is a section  2 F- 2 F view of the backboard pad assembly  101  shown in  FIG. 2A . The body restraints are omitted to enhance clarity of the drawings. Shown are cranial restraints  103 , cranial restraint buckle  103   a , cranial pad  101   a  which contains slot  101   e , bottom wrapping  101   g , and side wrappings  101   c . The side wrappings  101   c  and the cranial pad  101   a  may be made of the same material. The slot  101   e  serves as an opening through the cranial pad  101   a  for the placement of the restraints  103 . 
     FIG. 2G  is a section  2 G- 2 G view of the backboard pad assembly  101  shown in  FIG. 2A . Shown are cranial restraints  103 , cranial restraint buckle  103   a , body restraints  103  and body restraint buckle  103   a , cranial pad  101   a , body pad  101   b , body pad  101   h , bottom wrapping  101   g , and side wrappings  101   c . The side wrappings  101   c , bottom wrapping  101   g , and the pads  101   a  and  101   b  may be made of the same material. 
     FIG. 2H  is a section  2 H- 2 H view of the backboard pad assembly  101  shown in  FIG. 2A . The cranial restraints are omitted to enhance clarity of the drawings. Shown are body restraints  103 , body restraint buckle  103   a , cranial pad  101   a , body pad  101   b , bottom wrapping  101   g , and side wrappings  101   c . The side wrappings  101   c  and bottom wrapping  101   g  may be made of the same material. The slot  101   e  serves as an opening through the body pad  101   b  for the placement of a restraint  103 . 
     FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  3 C,  3 D, and  3 E are the same as  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  2 C,  2 D, and  2 E. 
     FIGS. 3F ,  3 G, and  3 H have been enlarged to show detail of another embodiment. 
     FIG. 3F  is a section  3 F- 3 F view of the backboard pad assembly  101  shown in  FIG. 3A . The body restraints are omitted to enhance clarity of the illustration. Shown are cranial restraints  103 , cranial restraint buckle  103   a , cranial pad  101   a , and bottom wrapping  101   g , and side wrappings  101   c . The restraints  103  are securely attached to the cranial pad  101   a.    
     FIG. 3G  is a section  3 G- 3 G view of the backboard pad assembly  101  shown in  FIG. 3A . Shown are cranial restraints  103 , cranial restraint buckle  103   a , body restraints  103  and body restraint buckle  103   a , cranial pad  101   a , body pad  101   b , bottom wrapping  101   g , and side wrappings  101   c.    
     FIG. 3H  is a section  3 H- 3 H view of the backboard pad assembly  101  shown in  FIG. 3A . The cranial restraints are omitted to enhance clarity of the illustration. Shown are body restraints  103 , body restraint buckle  103   a , cranial pad  101   a , body pad  101   b , bottom wrapping  101   g , and side wrappings  101   c . The side wrappings  101   c  and the bottom wrapping  101   g  may be made from one continuous piece or separate pieces of elastic material or the like. The restraints  103  are securely attached to the body pad  101   b.    
     FIG. 4A  is a top view of another embodiment of the backboard pad assembly  101 . Also shown are end straps  104 , backboard  102 , backboard handholds  102   a , cranial pad  101   a , body pad  101   b , restraints  103 , restraint buckle  103   a , and side wrappings  101   c . The end straps  104  maintain the backboard pad assembly  101  in a proper position on the backboard  102 . 
     FIG. 4B  is a left side view of the backboard pad assembly  101  shown in  FIG. 4A . The right side view is a mirror image of  FIG. 4B . Also shown are end straps  104 , end strap attachments  104   a , backboard  102 , cranial pad  101   a , body pad  101   b , restraints  103 , restraint buckle  103   a , and side wrappings  101   c . The pads  101   a  and  101   b  are located in anatomically necessary sections to provide additional support for the patient&#39;s head, torso, knees, and feet. The attachment  104   a  may be any suitable material such as VELCRO®. 
     FIGS. 4C and 4D  have been enlarged to show detail. 
     FIG. 4C  is a headward end view of the backboard pad assembly  101  shown in  FIG. 4A . Also shown are end strap  104 , restraints  103 , restraint buckle  103   a , cranial pad  101   a , side wrappings  101   c , and backboard  102 . 
     FIG. 4D  is a footward end view of the backboard pad assembly  101  shown in  FIG. 4A . Also shown are end strap  104 , restraints  103 , restraint buckles  103   a , cranial pad  101   a , body pad  101   b , side wrappings  101   c , and backboard  102 . 
     FIG. 4E  is a bottom view of one embodiment of the backboard pad assembly  101  shown in  FIG. 4A . Also shown are end straps  104 , end strap VELCRO® attachments  104   a , backboard  102 , backboard handholds  102   a , zipper  105 , and side wrappings  101   c.    
     FIG. 4F  is a bottom view of another embodiment of the backboard pad assembly  100  shown in  FIG. 4A . Also shown are end straps  104 , end strap attachment extensions  104   c , end strap buckle  104   b , backboard  102 , backboard handholds  102   a , and side wrappings  101   c . The zipper  105  is not visible in this view, but is located under the end strap attachment extensions  104   c.    
     FIG. 5A  is a top view of another embodiment of the backboard pad assembly  101 .  FIG. 5A  alternately demonstrates the cranial pad  101   a  extending to the edges of the body pad  101   b . Here the body pad  101   b  has recesses to allow for clearance of the backboard handholds  102   a . The side wrappings  101   c  extend around the backboard  102 . Tension from the elastic nature of the side wrappings  101   c  keeps the backboard pad assembly  101  securely attached to the backboard  102 . 
   The edges of the cranial pad  101   a  and body pad  101   b  extend to the edges of the backboard  102 , but the edges of the pad are recessed to the inner limits of the handholds  102   a  present on the backboard  102  as shown in  FIG. 5A . 
     FIG. 5B  is a left side view of the backboard pad assembly  101  shown in  FIG. 5A . The right side view is a mirror image of  FIG. 5B . Also shown are backboard  102 , cranial pad  101   a , body pad  101   b , side wrappings  101   c , and bottom wrapping  101   g . The cranial pad  101   a  and the body pad  101   b  are located in anatomically necessary sections to provide additional support to the patient&#39;s head, torso, knees, and feet. The cranial pad  101   a  and the body pad  101   b  can be made from one piece of the same material. 
     FIGS. 5C and 5D  have been enlarged to show detail. 
     FIG. 5C  is a headward end view of the backboard pad assembly  101  shown in  FIG. 5A . Also shown are cranial pad  101   a , side wrappings  101   c , bottom wrapping  101   g , and backboard  102 . 
   The side wrappings  101   c  extend from the top of the pads  101   a  and  101   b.    
     FIG. 5D  is a footward end view of the backboard pad assembly  101  shown in  FIG. 5A . Also shown are cranial pad  101   a , body pad  101   b , side wrappings  101   c , bottom wrapping  101   g , and backboard  102 . The side wrappings  101   c  extend from the top of the pads  101   a  and  101   b.    
     FIG. 5E  is a bottom view of one embodiment of the backboard pad assembly  101  shown in  FIG. 5A . Also shown are backboard  102 , zipper  105 , backboard handholds  102   a , bottom wrapping  101   g , and side wrappings  101   c . The bottom wrapping  101   g  has an integrated zipper  105 , which runs lengthwise down the center of the bottom wrapping  101   g . The function of the zipper  105  is to relax the side wrappings and facilitate the attachment and removal of the backboard pad assembly  101  to and from the backboard  102 . Because the zipper  105  does not run the entire length of the bottom wrapping  101   g , there is no need for the operator to engage the zipper  105  each time the backboard pad assembly  101  is replaced. In another embodiment, the zipper  105  may extend the entire length of the bottom wrapping  101   g . In other embodiments, other fastening means may be utilized such as a strip of VELCRO®, snaps, hooks, or the like to perform the zipper&#39;s function. 
   The above description discloses a preferred embodiment. However, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains will be aware of variations and modifications that do not from the scope of Applicant&#39;s invention as hereinafter claimed.