Patent Abstract:
A spine board for evacuating a patient from an accident site. At least one cleat is positioned on a longitudinal edge of the spine board and having a proximal end coupled to the spine board, and a distal end disposed away from the spine board and formed in a hook shape, so that securing means, such as straps, can be quickly attached to the cleat to secure to the spine board, the head of a patient placed on the spine board, the head immobilizer placed at the sides of the head, and a cervical collar wrapped around the neck of the patient, without having to lift the spine board off the ground the spine board while the patient laying thereon, and that can be used in any weather or ambient light conditions, and can even be attached by feel. In accordance with a exemplary embodiment, the cleat is coupled to a groove or on an axle extending along a longitudinal edge of the spine board and positioned adjustably along the groove. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a retrofittable cleat array includes a cleat support structure is fixed to a top plate. The cleat support structure and the cleat are insertable into a through-slot in a pre-existing board.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to spine boards, sometimes known as spine boards or long boards, and more particularly to an improved means for securing a patient thereon for transport to a medical facility. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The process of rescuing a person suspected of suffering spinal trauma is well known. Generally, the patient is prepared for transport by the emergency medical team by first attaching a cervical collar to immobilize the head, neck and shoulders so that they are kept as motionless as possible with regard to each other. Depending on the type and nature of the accident, it is the goal of the rescue team to get the patient on a spine board to limit motion of the patient. Once on the board, the patient&#39;s head is further restrained from movement by placing a head immobilizer on the board at each side of the patient&#39;s head. There are a number of products and methods available for accomplishing this task from blanket rolls on each side of the head, to padded vertical plates that can be attached to the spine board via board engagement means such as hook and loop fasteners. 
     Next the patient&#39;s head is secured to the board with any number of restraint means such as but not limited to straps provided with hook and loop fasteners, cravats, tape or other fixture means.  FIG. 1  is an example of a conventional prior art spine board  10  having an array of elongated handhold openings  12  spaced about the peripheral edge of the board. These handhold opening  12  serve the dual purpose of handholds for physically manipulating the board as well as providing apertures through which straps S (also shown, for example, in the inventive embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 ) may be passed for securing a patient to the board. 
     Regardless of the method used to secure the patients head to the board, preparing the patient for transport on the conventional spine board typically requires an additional step of taping the head in two places, or otherwise securing the head onto the spine board. To accomplish this, depending on how the head was secured to the board, the board holding the patient might need to first be lifted off its resting surface enough to either pass the attachment straps or adhesive tape under and around the board, or around and through the slots. To pass tape or other securing means under the board will require the lifting of the board and patient. The process of lifting the board to secure a patient can be difficult and time consuming, and possibly dangerous especially when the board is on an unstable surface, or a surface such as grass, dirt, snow, ice, mud or the like because it requires extra personnel that may not be available, or, diluting the efforts of those already on the scene. The problem is further exacerbated when operating in confined spaces. It is critically important that the patient be properly immobilized on the spine board for transport and equally important that the process is carried out in the most expedient manner possible to ensure the patient is delivered to a medical facility expeditiously, especially if the patient has suffered significant trauma. Any extra time required to secure the patient properly can impede timely delivery to a medical facility, and may naturally have an adverse affect on the patient&#39;s prognosis. 
     When using a conventional spine board, materials that are used to secure the patient&#39;s head must be either passed through the handhold openings  12  between front and back sides of the spine board (also shown, for example, in the inventive embodiment shown  FIG. 3 ), wrapped around the board, taped to the board, or in some other way attached to the board to secure the patient&#39;s body to the spine board. Because both ends of each and all the handles are integrated into the spine board, a pre-formed loop at one end of a loop-end strap cannot be attached to the handle. 
     The last step is to secure to the spine board the head immobilizer (whatever method is used) and the cervical collar. The head immobilizer with the head sandwiched therein is secured about the forehead and also about the chin of the patient to the spine board. The patient, the head immobilizer, and the cervical collar are then secured to the spine board (making a “single mechanical unit”). This is usually done by wrapping adhesive tape completely around the spine board the head immobilizer, the cervical collar, and the spine board with or by using pre-manufactured straps with hook-and-loop fasteners at each end. 
     Conventional spine boards typically require lifting the spine board with the patient thereon off the ground again to wrap the head of the patient to the board using, for example, adhesive table. The head end of the spine board with the patient secured thereon is lited off the ground so that several rotations of adhesive tape can be wrapped around the head of the patient to securely secure the head of the patient to the board. This activity, where the board is lifted with the patient so that the adhesive tape can be brought under the board further delays rescue and provides additional opportunity for slips and falls. Furthermore, if adhesive tapes are used to secure the patient, tape is extremely difficult to handle while wearing BSI (body substance isolation) gloves or anything on the hands, and hook-and-loop fasteners may fail due to dirt, snow, ice, grass, or other debris at the accident site. Also, handling adhesive tape is time consuming and difficult to handle and is rendered ineffective or worse in the rain and snow, or at a dark accident site. 
     Further, since conventional spine boards have head area handhold openings and body area handhold opening disposed at predetermined and fixed positions, it may also be difficult to accommodate differently sized patients, for example, to secure a small-size patient, such as, a three-feet-tall child, to a spine board made for a full-size patient, such averaged size adult about five feet ten inches tall, or vice versa. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention is set to overcome the above-described drawbacks of the prior attempts. An object of the present invention is to provide a spine board system which includes a spine board; at least one cleat being positioned on a longitudinal edge of the spine board and having a proximal end coupled to the spine board, and a distal end disposed away from the spine board and formed in a hook shape. In accordance with the present invention, straps, cordage, tape, cravats or many other methods can be quickly attached to the cleat to secure to the spine board, the head of a patient placed on the spine board, the head immobilizer placed at the sides of the head, and a cervical collar wrapped around the neck of the patient. The patient is secured to the spine board without having to lift the spine board off the ground the spine board with the patient laying thereon. In accordance with the present invention, a patient can be quickly secured to a spine board in any weather or ambient light conditions, and the securing means can even be attached to the spine board by feel. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a spine board system suitable for fast securing a patient of different sizes thereon. The spine board system comprises a spine board and at least one cleat positioned adjustably along a longitudinal edge of the spine board and having a proximal end coupled to the spine board, A distal end disposed away from the spine board and formed in a hook shape, so that straps can be quickly attached to the cleat to secure to the spine board all of the head of a patient placed on the spine board, a head immobilizer placed at the sides of the head, and a cervical collar wrapped around the neck of the patient, without having to lift off the ground the spine board with the patient thereon. The cleat is coupled to a groove extending along a longitudinal edge of the spine board and positioned adjustably along the groove. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a retrofittable cleat array for a spine board. The cleat array includes a top plate. A cleat support structure is fixed to the top plate and defines a gap. At least one cleat is supported in the gap by the cleat support structure. In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the top plate, the cleat support structure and the cleat are configured and dimensioned so that the cleat support structure and the cleat are insertable into a through-slot in a pre-existing board. The top plate is configured and dimensioned to enable the cleat support structure to be retained in the through-slot. The cleat is further configured and dimensioned to receive and retain a flexible securing member, such as a strap, used for securing a patient to the board. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate certain aspects of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain, without limitation, the principles of the invention. Like reference characters used herein indicate like parts throughout the several drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a typical prior art spine board; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view, similar to  FIG. 1 , and showing a first embodiment of the spine board with an improved securing means; 
         FIG. 3  is the perspective of  FIG. 2  and showing a patient secured to the board with restraints attached to the improved securing means; 
         FIG. 4  is a fragmentary top plan of the head portion of the spine board shown in  FIG. 3  with the patient thereon illustrated in phantom lines; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  6 - 6  in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a fragmentary portion of the spine board shown in  FIGS. 2-6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged fragmentary section view taken at inset circle  8  in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken at lines  9 - 9  in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a fragmentary portion of the spine board showing an alternate embodiment of the attachment cleats; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  11 - 11  in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a fragmentary portion of the spine board showing another alternate embodiment of the attachment cleats; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  13 - 13  in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a fragmentary portion of the spine board showing a further alternate embodiment of the attachment cleats; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  15 - 15  in  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a fragmentary portion of the spine board showing another alternate embodiment of the attachment cleats; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  17 - 17  in  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a fragmentary portion of the spine board showing still another alternate embodiment of the attachment cleats; 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  19 - 19  in  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a fragmentary portion of the spine board showing a still further alternate embodiment of the attachment cleats; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a fragmentary portion of a spine board and showing an alternate embodiment of an articulated cleat in the down or stored position that is journaled for rotation about an axle that is oriented perpendicular to the long axis of the spine board; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a fragmentary portion of a spine board and showing a final in the down and stored position that is journaled for rotation about an axle that is oriented in alignment with the long axis of the spine board; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view, similar to  FIG. 22 , showing the articulated cleat in the up position and ready for attachment of restraints; 
         FIG. 24  is a top plan view of a spine board suited with an array of the articulated cleats shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23  and surrounding the outer periphery of the spine board; 
         FIG. 25  is an enlarged detail view taken at inset circle  25  in  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a cross-section view taken along lines  26 - 26  in  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a top view of exemplary embodiment of an inventive retrofittable cleat array; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the inventive retrofittable cleat array showing the cleat in the up and ready position; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the inventive retrofittable cleat array showing the cleat in the down and stowed position; 
         FIG. 30  is a bottom perspective view of the inventive retrofittable cleat array; 
         FIG. 31  is a top perspective view of the inventive retrofittable cleat array; 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective view showing the inventive retrofittable cleat array applied to a conventional spine board; 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view illustrating the inventive spine board showing multiple instances of the inventive cleat array positioned on the spine board for securing the torso, head and neck of a patient; 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view illustrating the inventive spine board showing the torso, head and neck of a patient secured by straps engaged with inventive cleat array; 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective view of a fragmentary portion of the spine board showing a handhold portion having a wide handhold opening to accommodate the hands of rescue personnel; 
         FIG. 36  is an enlarged fragmentary section view taken at inset circle  36  in  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 37  is a cross-sectional view taken at lines  37 - 37  in  FIG. 36 ; 
         FIG. 38  is a perspective view showing another inventive embodiment configured as a stair chair; and 
         FIG. 39  is a top view inventive stair chair shown in  FIG. 38 . A stair chair is used, similarly to a spine board, to transport a patient. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, and drawings, and their previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. 
     The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention in its best, currently known embodiment. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the invention described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not in limitation thereof. 
     The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention and the examples included therein and to the Figures and their following description. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-4 , in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive spine board, a board  100  is provided sharing similarities with the prior art board  10  shown in  FIG. 1  having handholds  102 , a head end  112 A, a foot end  112 B, side board edges  104  and a longitudinal axis  106 . In accordance with the inventive spine board, the board  100  is suited with at least one pair of juxtaposed cleat arrays  114  at the head end  112 A of the spine board  100 . Each juxtaposed cleat array  114  is surrounded by an endless edge  118  that defines a through-hole or through-slot  120  through the board  100 . The innermost edge of  118  is suited with a series of substantially “T” shaped cleats  122  spaced apart by complimentary “T” shaped spaces  124 . This arrangement of cleats  122  and spaces  124  provides a series of strap entry and anchor points to selectively attach straps S or the like to secure the head H of the patient P wearing a cervical collar C to the board  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , in accordance with the inventive spine board, the board  100  has a longitudinal board edge  104 . At least one cleat  122  is positioned adjacent to the longitudinal board edge  104 . Each cleat  122  has a proximal end coupled to the board  100 , and a distal end disposed opposite the proximal end. The distal end has an engagement member (for example, the cross of the T-shaped cleat  122  shown in  FIG. 2-4 ) configured and dimensioned to receive and retain a flexible securing member, such as strap S, used for securing a body (patient P) to the board  100 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4-6 , the cleat array  114  is shown in more detail. Each individual cleat  122  is composed of a post  128  that extends outward toward the side board edges  104 , and perpendicular to the long axis  106  of the spine board  100 . Each post  128  is connected at the central point of a crossbar  130 . The ends of each crossbar  130  are suited with protuberances  132 . In operation, the strap S, such as cravats, tape or the like is looped, passed through the board  100 , via through-slot  120  and placed around the neck, formed by post  128  of the cleat  122  and then co-joined to form a closed loop L around the post  128 . The crossbars  130  act as stops for any lateral movement along post  128 . The protuberances  132  act as stops to further prevent a loop L, especially an enlarged loop, from inadvertently disengaging from the composite cleat  122  formed by post  128  and crossbar  130 . 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the inventive spine board shown in  FIGS. 2-6 , the board  100  has a board edge  104  and a long axis  106 , and defines a through-slot  120  disposed in the board  100  adjacent to the board edge  104  and parallel to the long axis  106 . One or more cleats  122  may comprise a post  128  extending outward from the interior of the board  100  toward the board edge  104  and perpendicular to the long axis  106 . Each cleat  122  is configured and dimensioned for selectively attaching securing means (for example, strap S) to secure a patient P to the board  100 . The cleat may comprise the post  128  may be connected to a crossbar (for example, the cross of the T-shaped cleat  122 ) configured and dimensioned to prevent the securing means from slipping off the cleat  122 . 
     As seen more clearly in cross-section views  5  and  6 , spine boards are normally suited with longitudinal ribs R that serve to provide structural strength, dispose the board slightly above its resting surface in order to pass straps S through the through-slots  120  and provide space for hands to gain access to the through-slots  120  to manipulate the board  100  with patient P thereon. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the cleat  122  may be of reduced thickness T 2  relative the spine board thickness T 1 . This reduced thickness T 2  of cleat  122  enables the loop L to be easily passed through the board  100  even if the board is resting on a soft surface such as snow, grass, or the like, where the resting surface may be in close proximity to, or in actual contact with, the bottom of the board  100 . 
       FIGS. 7, 8 and 9  are views that are enlarged for clarity of this exemplary embodiment. As shown, the board  100  has a board thickness T 1 , and the cleat  122  has a cleat thickness T 2  that is less than the board thickness T 1  to facilitate the attachment of the securing means (for example, straps S). 
     For purposes of illustration, the following alternate embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 10 through 23  will show only a fragment of one cleat array, the mirror image of which, as shown and described herein with reference to  FIGS. 2-9 , is not shown. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  show a fragmentary portion of a second embodiment of a spine board  200  having a cleat array  214 . Each cleat array  214  is composed of a series of cleats  222  that extend from an inside edge  218 , that defines a through-slot  220  through the board  200 . 
     As in the previously described embodiment, this opening through the board provides a passage through which a strap may be passed to loop around the cleat  222 . The cleat  222  is composed of a post  228  extending horizontally from inside edge  218  and out toward the side edge  204  of board  200  and then co-joins a downwardly angled prong  230  at its distal end. The composite arrangement of post  228  and angled prong  230  serve to retard the strap loop from inadvertently disengaging from the cleat  222 . In accordance with this exemplary embodiment, the post  228  of the cleat  222  terminates in a downwardly angled prong  230  disposed at a distal end of the post  228  effective to prevent the securing means from unintended disengagement from the cleat  222 . 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  show a fragmentary portion of a third embodiment of a spine board  300  having a cleat array  314 . Each cleat array  314  is composed of a series of individual cleats  322  that extend from an inside edge  318 , that defines a through-slot  320  through the board  300 . The cleat  322  has a top surface  328  that extends from, and is co-planar with, the top surface  308  of the board  300  and terminates in an end  330  that is perpendicular to the top surface  328  of cleat  322 . End  330  connects to an angled bottom  332  that re-joins annular edge  318  to form a truncated triangular shape. The geometry of cleat  322  provides a reduced neck portion shown as dimension N 1  at its juncture with edge  318  and an enlarged end portion shown as dimension N 2  within the margin of through-slot  320 . Subsequently, when the loop of a strap is tightened around the narrow neck of a cleat  322 , the enlarged end  330  serves to prevent the loop from inadvertently disengaging from the cleat  322 . 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment, the board  300  has a board top surface  308 . The cleat  322  has a cleat top surface  328  extending from and substantially co-planar with the board top surface  308 . The cleat  322  terminates in a terminating end  330  that is perpendicular to the cleat top surface  308 . The terminating end  330  is integrally formed with an angled bottom  332  that re-joins the board  300  forming a substantially truncated triangular shape thereby forming a cleat geometry having a reduced neck portion N 1  extending from the board edge and an enlarged end portion N 2  disposed within the through-slot  320 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , a fragmentary portion of a fourth embodiment of a spine board  400  with a cleat array  414  is shown. This embodiment is similar to the second embodiment with a post  428  extending from an edge  418  defining a through-slot  420  through the board  400  and an angled prong  430 . The prong  430  is detailed with a downwardly extending protrusion  432  to further inhibit the loop of the strap from disengaging from first neck portion defined by post  428  of cleat  422 . 
     A fifth embodiment of a spine board  500  is shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17  having a cleat array  514 . The cleat array  514  is suited with a post  528  extending from an edge  518  defining a through-slot  520 . The post  528  terminates in bulbous end portion  530 . It will be appreciated that the reduced cross-sectional area of the neck portion defined by post  528  in combination with the increased cross-sectional area of the bulbous end portion  530  serve to inhibit the loop of the strap from disengaging from the post  528  of cleat  522 . 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment, the protrusion defines a bulbous portion  530  with a reduced cross-sectional area of the post  528  relative to an increased cross-sectional area of the bulbous end portion  530  inhibit the securing means from disengaging from the cleat  522 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , a sixth embodiment is disclosed showing a spine board  600  with cleat array  614  similar in construction to the disclosure of board of  500 . The cleat array  614  comprises a composite assembly of post  628 , a downwardly angled prong  629  and a bulbous portion  630 . As in the previously described advantage of cleat  514  on spine board  500 , this downwardly angled cleat  614  serves to further retard and inhibit the loop of a strap from inadvertently disengaging from the post  628  of cleat  622 . 
     The cleat arrays of previously described embodiments, up to this point, have one piece designs that could be cast, molded or otherwise manufactured to produce an improved spine board according to the principles of the present invention. The following embodiments shown in  FIGS. 20 through 26  are suited with articulated cleats, for example, journaled within interior slots. 
       FIGS. 20 and 21  show a seventh alternate embodiment having a spine board  700  with an elongated through-slot or through-slot  720  through board  700  defined by edge  718 . Cleats  722 , similar to the geometry and structure of cleat  22 , shown and described in  FIGS. 2 through 9 , are journaled within the through-slot  720  for rotation about an axle  724  oriented perpendicularly to the long axis of the spine board  700 .  FIGS. 20 and 21  show a pair of cleats, one at each end of the through-slot  720 .  FIG. 20  shows a cleat  722  in a down and stored position and  FIG. 21  shows a cleat in an up and ready position for securing a patient to the board  700 . 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment, each cleat  722  is journaled within the through-slot  720  for rotation about a cleat axle  724  oriented substantially perpendicular to the long axis of the board  700  so that the cleat  722  can be rotated into a stored position ( FIG. 20 ) and rotated into a ready position ( FIG. 21 ). 
       FIGS. 22 and 23  show an eighth embodiment of a spine board  800 , similar to the previously shown embodiment of the inventive spine board  700 . In this exemplary embodiment, the inventive spine board  800  is suited with a through-slot  820 , defined by edge  818 , which forms a passage through the board  800 . Within the through-slot  820  is held for rotation at least one cleat  822 , similar to cleat  722 , on an axle  824 . The elongated axle  824  is oriented parallel with the long axis of the board  800  and spans the longitudinal length of the slotted through-slot  820 . In operation, this cleat  822  may be positioned anywhere along the axle  824  to provide a variety of positions from which to place anchor points for attachment of straps to secure the patient to the board  800 .  FIG. 22  shows the cleat  822  in the down and stored position and  FIG. 23  shows the cleat  822  in the up and ready position for securing a patient to the spine board  800 . 
       FIG. 24  shows a spine board  800  detailed with a series of cleat array pairs  814  suited with cleats  822 . These juxtaposed pairs of cleat arrays  814  are spaced from head portion  812 A to foot portion  812 B on spine board  800  so that a patient may be fully secured all along the board with these easily deployed and slidably positionable cleats  822 . 
       FIG. 25  shows an enlarged detail view of one cleat array  822  in the through-slot  820  defined by edge  818 . The axle  824  and cleat journaled thereon is seen more clearly in  FIG. 26 . The cleat  822  is shown in the down and stored position with a phantom line showing the cleat in the up and ready position for securing a patient to the board  800 . In order to maintain the up position of the cleat  822 , and arrest its movement once position, a ball  832 A formed on cleat  822  is received by within an elongated groove  834  along one side of the side wall of through-slot  820  defined by the edge  818 . Additional arrestment of any further downward movement, once the cleat  822  is positioned in the down and stored position, is provided by a right angled corner  836  on bottom of cleat  822  that bears against the inner surface of through-slot  820  defined by the edge  818 . Atop the cleat  822 , opposite this corner protrusion  836 , the cleat is rounded and concentric with axle  824  so that the cleat can be rotated upward without interference. When the cleat is rotated to its most vertical position the ball clicks into the elongated groove  834  to maintain that up position for application of a looped strap. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 25 , it should be noted that the through-slot  820  is sufficiently wide enough to accommodate the finger of a gloved hand to reach into the through-slot or through-slot  820  to urge the cleat  822  into the up, operable and ready position for attachment of the strap to secure a patient to the board  800 . 
     In accordance with this exemplary embodiment of the inventive spine board  800 , the elongated axle  824  disposed within the through-slot  820  is oriented parallel with the long axis of the board  800  and spans substantially a longitudinal length of the through-slot  820 . The cleat  822  is slidably engaged on the elongated axle  824 , and two or more cleats  822  may be provided on each elongated axle  824 . Additionally, stopping means, such as a clamping mechanism or ratchet mechanism (not shown) my also be provided to fix the cleat  822  on the elongated axle  824  and prevent it from sliding. 
       FIG. 27  is a top view of exemplary embodiment of an inventive retrofittable cleat array.  FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the inventive retrofittable cleat array showing the cleat in the up and ready position.  FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the inventive retrofittable cleat array showing the cleat in the down and stowed position.  FIG. 30  is a bottom perspective view of the inventive retrofittable cleat array.  FIG. 31  is a top perspective view of the inventive retrofittable cleat array.  FIG. 32  is a perspective view showing the inventive retrofittable cleat array applied to a conventional spine board. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a retrofittable cleat array  900  is provided for a spine board  10  (shown, for example, in  FIG. 32 ). The cleat array  900  includes a top plate  901 . A cleat support structure  903  is fixed to the top plate  901  and defines a gap  921 . At least one cleat  922  is supported in the gap  921  by the cleat support structure  903 . In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the top plate  901 , the cleat support structure  903  and the cleat  922  are configured and dimensioned so that the cleat support structure  903  and the cleat  922  are insertable into a though-slot (e.g., handhold  12 ) in a pre-existing board  10  (shown in  FIG. 32 ). The top plate  901  is configured and dimensioned to enable the cleat support structure  903  to be retained in the though-slot  920 . The cleat  922  is further configured and dimensioned to receive and retain a flexible securing member, such as a strap, used for securing a patient to the board  10 . 
     The cleat support structure  903  has a cleat support long axis. Similar to other embodiments described herein (for example,  FIGS. 2-19 ), the cleat  922  may comprises a post extending outward the cleat support structure  903  and perpendicular to the cleat support long axis. The cleat  922  is configured and dimensioned for selectively attaching securing means (e.g., strap S) to secure a patient to the board. Various configurations of the cleat  922  described herein, and others, may be incorporated into this inventive retrofittable cleat array  900 . 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, at least one cleat  922  having a proximal end and a distal end disposed opposite the proximal end is supported by the cleat support structure  903 . The distal end of the cleat has an engagement member configured and dimensioned to receive and retain the flexible securing member (e.g., the strap S). Adjustment means may be provided for adjusting at least one of a location, angle and rotation of said at least one cleat relative to the board. Similar, for example, to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 20-21 , the cleat  922  may be journaled within the gap  921  for rotation about an axle oriented perpendicularly to the long axis of the cleat support structure  903 . 
     In accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the adjusting means may comprise an elongated axle  924  disposed within the gap  921 . The elongated axle  924  is oriented parallel with the cleat support long axis and spans substantially a longitudinal length of the cleat support structure  903 . The cleat support structure  903  supports the elongated axle  924 , which in turn supports the cleat  922 . The cleat  922  may be slidably engaged at the proximal end on the elongated axle  924 . 
     In use, the cleat support structure  903  can be inserted into a though-slot  920  on a pre-existing spine board  10 . The top plate  901  may be glued to the top surface of the board, and/or screws of other fixing means used to fix the top plate  901  to the board. The cleat support structure  903  may have one or more cleats  922  integrally fixed to it (similar to the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 2-21 , but instead of being directly fixed or supported by the board, in this retrofit cleat array, the cleat support structure  903  provides the support to the cleats. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 27-32 , the cleat support structure  903  may include support blocks  905  that supports the elongated axle  924 , which in turn supports the cleat  922 . A cleat stop  907  may also be provided to support the cleat  922  when in the stowed position. 
     In accordance with the inventive retrofittable cleat array  900 , a pre-existing spine board  10  can be retrofitted with the advantages of the inventive aspects described herein. Conventional spine boards may be made from a variety of manufacturing techniques and materials. For example injection or blow molded plastic spine boards are known, an may have handholds on the order of 6″ to 10″ long and 1″ to 2″ wide. Other dimensions for the handholds are of course possible, the geometry of the handholds can include, for example, flat, curved or beveled edges. The inventive retrofittable cleat array can be configured and dimensioned to accommodate the specific geometry of a particular preexisting spine board, and the dimensions shown in the drawings and described herein are intended to be non-limiting examples. 
       FIG. 33  is a perspective view illustrating the inventive spine board  100  showing multiple instances of the inventive cleat arrays  114  positioned on the spine board  100  for securing the torso, head and neck of a patient.  FIG. 34  is a perspective view illustrating the inventive spine board  100  showing the torso, head and neck of a patient secured by straps engaged with the inventive cleat arrays  114 . As shown in  FIGS. 33-34 , in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive spine board  100 , a board  100  is provided sharing similarities with the prior art board  10  shown in  FIG. 1  having handholds  102 , a head end  112 A, a foot end  112 B, side board edges  104  and a longitudinal axis  106 . In accordance with this aspect of the inventive spine board  100 , the board  100  is suited with multiple instances of juxtaposed cleat arrays  114  positioned on the spine board  100  for engaging with securing means, such as straps S for securing the torso, head and neck of a patient. Each juxtaposed cleat array  114  is surrounded by an endless edge  118  that defines a through-hole or through-slot  120  through the board  100 . IN the non-limiting exemplary embodiment shown, the innermost edge of  118  is suited with a series of substantially “T” shaped cleats  122  spaced apart by complimentary “T” shaped spaces  124 . This arrangement of cleats  122  and spaces  124  provides a series of strap entry and anchor points to selectively attach straps S or the like to secure the head H of the patient P wearing a cervical collar C to the board  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 33-34 , in accordance this aspect of the inventive spine board, the multiple instances of the inventive cleat arrays  114  enable the preferred crisscrossing of straps S for securing the torso of the patient (typically, the straps crisscross around the chest area of the patient P and engage with the cleat arrays  114  located on the spine board  100  in the torso area of the patient P). The inventive cleat arrays  114  enable a rescuer to quickly secure the straps to the T-shaped cleats  122  as described herein. Also, a cervical collar C is similarly secured to immobilize the neck area of the patient P by engaging straps S with the cleat arrays  114  located on the board  100  at the neck area of the patient. The head H of the patient P can also be secured by engaging straps S with the cleat arrays  114  located on the board  100  at the head area of the patient P. In accordance with the inventive spine board  100 , for example, the typically difficult task of securing a patient&#39;s head to the board  100  using, for example, tape or hook and loop fasteners, is significantly made easier by utilizing the inventive cleat arrays  114 . In addition to, or instead of the T-shaped cleats  122 , other embodiments of the cleats  122  described herein may be provided as the cleat arrays  114 . 
       FIGS. 35, 36 and 37  are views similar to  FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 .  FIG. 35  is a perspective view of a fragmentary portion of the spine board  100  showing a handhold portion having a wide handhold opening to accommodate the hands of rescue personnel.  FIG. 36  is an enlarged fragmentary section view taken at inset circle  36  in  FIG. 35 .  FIG. 37  is a cross-sectional view taken at lines  37 - 37  in  FIG. 36 . In accordance with the inventive spine board  100  each juxtaposed cleat array  114  is surrounded by an endless edge  118  that defines a through-hole or through-slot  120  through the board  100 . The though-slot  120  has a width that allows the fingers of the rescue personnel to easily pass into the through-slot  120  and grab with spine board  100 , without interference from the cleat array  114  that is also disposed within the through-slot  120 . 
       FIG. 38  is a perspective view showing another inventive embodiment configured as a stair chair.  FIG. 39  is a top view inventive stair chair shown in  FIG. 38 . A stair chair is used, similarly to a spine board, to transport a patient. Rather than lying on the spine board on one&#39;s back, in the case of a stair chair, the patient is transported while in a seated position. However, just as is the case with a spine board, the patient must be preferably secured to the stair chair prior to being picked up and transported. In accordance with the inventive stair chair, a retrofittable cleat array  1000  is provided for a spine board  1001 . Cleats  1022  are supported in a gap  1021 . Each cleat  1022  is further configured and dimensioned to receive and retain a flexible securing member, such as a strap, used for securing a patient to the stair chair  1001 . Various configurations of the cleat  1022  described herein, and others, may be incorporated into this inventive stair chair  1001 . Other patient transport systems can also utilize the inventive cleat arrays  1000  shown in  FIGS. 38 and 39 , as well as the other embodiments shown herein. For example, a stokes stretcher, often used for transporting a patient over difficult terrain or when using a helicopter for rescue, can be integrally formed or retrofitted with the embodiments of the inventive cleat arrays  1000  shown in  FIGS. 38 and 39 , or any of the other embodiments described herein. 
     With respect to the above description, it is realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for parts of the invention, including variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art. All equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0