Abstract:
A tracked backboard having a track system hingedly attached and handles for lifting one end of the backboard off of the ground. The track system, when unlocked from the backboard, pivots downward and remains on the terrain so as to provide traction throughout the length of the track. In one embodiment, the system is constructed so as to be long enough to span at least two stair treads to provide smooth transit down stairwells. The track system hinges freely to hug the terrain over which the backboard is traversing. A brake system is provided within the tracking system to slow the descent of the backboard.

Description:
1. RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/621,791 filed Oct. 25, 2004, entitled BACKBOARD WITH A TRACK. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to a patient backboard. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a backboard which has attached to a portion thereof a track system for providing mobility for the backboard over uneven terrain. Stairs, rough outdoor terrain and difficult situations to move a patient can be overcome even with only one operator. A braking system is provided to slow the descent of a patient and to help control the descent of the patient and the operator of the backboard when descending.  
         [0004]     2. Background and Related Art  
         [0005]     Backboards have been used by paramedics for quite some time in stabilizing the body of a patient so that further injury does not occur during transport. Backboards are traditionally a rigid platform to which handles are attached or in which handles are formed and usually involve the cooperation of two people to carry the patient from one location to another. Since backboards are rigid, when descending a stairway, the individual supporting the end of the backboard on the downhill side must typically lift the backboard as high as possible to maintain a level platform on which the patient can be retained. This is awkward and often dangerous for the individual at the lower end of the backboard.  
         [0006]     In a similar manner, to help alleviate the strain on the individual at the bottom of the backboard, the individual at the higher end must often stoop so as to lower his or end of the backboard and attempt to provide a more level surface for the patient. This stooping position while descending stairs is also very dangerous for the upper person as they may trip and at the very least expose themselves to potential back strain.  
         [0007]     Another problem in descending terrain is that the weight of the patient in the backboard plus a portion of the weight of the upper person is borne by the lower person. Although this causes physiological strain on the lower person, there is also a traction problem in that soles of the shoes of the lower person must have a frictional coefficient high enough to resists slippage when descending. If the ground is wet or uneven, the weight of the patient and a portion of the weight of the upper person may make it difficult to maintain footing, or in some cases, may result in the lower person attempting to go faster to compensate for lost traction with the result that the upper person cannot keep up and may trip.  
         [0008]     Thus, while techniques currently exist that are used to provide support to a patient that is being moved, challenges still exist. Accordingly, it would be an improvement in the art to augment or even replace current techniques with other techniques.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     The present invention relates to a patient backboard. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a backboard which has attached to a portion thereof a track system for providing mobility for the backboard over uneven terrain. Stairs, rough outdoor terrain and difficult situations to move a patient can be overcome even with only one operator. A braking system is provided to slow the descent of a patient and to help control the descent of the patient and the operator of the backboard when descending.  
         [0010]     Implementation of the present invention embraces a rigid backboard that is hinged at the end thereof to a track system. The track system can lock against the backboard or can be pivoted downward so that the track is in full contact with the terrain over which the backboard is being moved. A single individual can operate the backboard by lifting the end that is opposite the tracks off of the ground and placing most of the weight of the backboard and patient on the tracks. By moving forward, the tracks begin to rotate around the bogies that retain the track to the track system, allowing forward propulsion of an individual over terrain. The track system is equipped with a brake that can be operated by a hand control located at the operator&#39;s end of the cot. Handles also pop out of the operator&#39;s end to provide for easier operation of the backboard and also providing a mounting point for the handbrake.  
         [0011]     In at least one implementation, the backboard includes a cam bar which in one position allows backboard supports to be located against the bottom of the backboard and in a second torqued position urges the supports downward from their stored position into a support position 90° from the stored position. As such, the backboard may be placed on a surface off of the ground to provide for easier care of the patient.  
         [0012]     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows and in the appended claims. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     In order that the manner in which the above recited and other features and advantages of the present invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that the drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present invention and are not, therefore, to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, the present invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates a top planar view of a representative embodiment of the present invention that includes a backboard with pop out handles in an extended position;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front elevational view of the representative embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the track system;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side elevational view of the representative embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the track system pivoted outward from the backboard;  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  illustrates a side elevational view of the representative embodiment of  FIG. 1  with a brake system for slowing the track;  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  illustrates a top planar view of another representative embodiment of the present invention in an extended position;  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  illustrates a bottom planar view of the representative embodiment of  FIG. 5  in an extended position;  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of a representative embodiment the present invention in a folded or chair position;  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  illustrates a bottom planar view of the representative embodiment of  FIG. 7  in a folded or chair position;  
         [0022]      FIG. 9  illustrates a front perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7  in a folded or chair position;  
         [0023]      FIG. 10  illustrates a back perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7  in a folded or chair position; and  
         [0024]      FIG. 11  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7  in a folded or chair position.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0025]     The present invention relates to backboard. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a backboard which has attached to a portion thereof a track system for providing mobility for the backboard over uneven terrain. Stairs, rough outdoor terrain and difficult situations to move a patient can be overcome even with only one operator. A braking system is provided to slow the descent of a patient and to help control the descent of the patient and the operator of the backboard when descending.  
         [0026]     It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention.  
         [0027]     Embodiments of the present invention embrace a rigid backboard that is hinged at the end thereof to a track system. The track system can lock against the backboard or can be pivoted downward so that the track is in full contact with the terrain over which the backboard is being moved. A single individual can operate the backboard by lifting the end that is opposite the tracks off of the ground and placing most of the weight of the backboard and patient on the tracks. By moving forward, the tracks begin to rotate around the bogies that retain the track to the track system, allowing forward propulsion of an individual over terrain. The track system is equipped with a brake that can be operated by a hand control located at the operator&#39;s end of the cot. Handles also pop out of the operator&#39;s end to provide for easier operation of the backboard and also providing a mounting point for the handbrake.  
         [0028]     In at least one embodiment, the backboard includes a cam bar which in one position allows backboard supports to be located against the bottom of the backboard and in a second torqued position urges the supports downward from their stored position into a support position 90° from the stored position. As such, the backboard may be placed on a surface off of the ground to provide for easier care of the patient.  
         [0029]     With reference now to  FIG. 1 , a top planar view of a representative embodiment of the present invention that includes a backboard with pop out handles in an extended position is illustrated. In  FIG. 1 , track system  10  is coupled underneath a backboard  12 , which is configured to receive a patient. Projecting from under backboard  12  are two pop-out handles  14  that facilitate a user in maneuvering backboard  12 .  
         [0030]     With reference to  FIG. 2 , a front view of the representative embodiment of  FIG. 1  with the track system is illustrated. Track system  10  is located under backboard  12  to support backboard  12  off the ground. In the illustrated embodiment, track system  10  is approximately 1⅞ inches high. Also illustrated in  FIG. 2  is cam bar  16 , which is located along the longitudinal axis of backboard  12  and recessed partially within backboard  12 . Supports  18  are illustrated a stored position against the bottom of backboard  12 .  
         [0031]     With reference to  FIG. 3 , a side elevational view of the representative embodiment of  FIG. 1  is illustrated with the track system pivoted outward from the backboard. Specifically, hinge  20  couples track system  10  to backboard  12 . A user may either lift the end of the backboard opposite the track system or utilize pop-out handles  14  for an easier grip to lift one end of the backboard system or cot. Track system  10  is deployed away from the bottom of backboard  12  in  FIG. 3 . In the illustrated position, the track system may be used to descend an incline or hill.  
         [0032]     While applying a hand control  22 , brake system  24  slows the progress of the track over bogies  26  and reduces the rate of descent. In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, only one person is needed to carry a patient on a backboard down a hill. In the illustrated embodiment, track system  10  is long enough to span the treads of at least two stairs, thereby providing a smooth descent down stairways.  
         [0033]     With reference now to  FIG. 4 , a side view of the representative embodiment of  FIG. 1  is illustrated with a brake system for slowing the track. In  FIG. 4 , track system  10  is shown having a toothed belt  28  which engages bogies  26  and is supported midpoint by a mid-bogie  30  and guides  32 . Mid-bogie  30  projects through a gap in the middle of guides  32  to maintain engagement with belt  28 . A brake disc  34  rotates with one of the bogies and has caliper  36  clasped around it. Caliper  36  is cable operated by the hand control located at the other end of the backboard.  
         [0034]     The rate of descent can be controlled by applying pressure between caliper  36  and brake disc  34 . It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention embrace other braking systems, including a drum brake system.  
         [0035]     In one embodiment of the present invention, a track system is provided on either edge of the backboard. The track system is hinged at the center of the end of the backboard, as can be seen in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0036]     Track system  10  is designed to swing up to 90°, however, it has been found that the optimal range of motion is between 0° and 30°. Further, track system  10  can be locked in position against the bottom of the backboard so that it is unobtrusive when not in use. A lock  38  is attached to the bottom of the backboard and engages track system  10  in the center thereof.  
         [0037]     While the track system is shown pivoting from the end of backboard  12  in  FIG. 3 , it is appreciated that the track system pivot may be located inward from the end of the backboard. In addition, a portion of the backboard may hinge with the track system.  
         [0038]     With reference now to  FIGS. 5-6 , a top planar view and a bottom planar view of another representative embodiment of the present invention are respectively illustrated. Backboard  40  is in an extended position and includes one or more handles  42 . Backboard  40  comprises a first portion  44  pivotably coupled to a second portion  46 . Accordingly, backboard  40  can be positioned in an extended position, as illustrated in  FIGS. 5-6 , or in a hinged or chair position, as will be further illustrated below. Backboard  40  further includes track system  48  that facilitates selective movement of the backboard  40 , such as in the transport of a patient.  
         [0039]     With reference to  FIG. 7 , a side view of a representative embodiment is illustrated in a folded or chair position. In  FIG. 7 , backboard  50  is placed into a folded position by pivoting the front surface of first portion  52  toward the front surface of second portion  54 , such that first portion  52  forms a back and second portion  54  forms a seat. Additonally, a front surface of third portion  56  is pivoted away from the front surface of the second portion  54 . Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, third portion  56  provides support to track system  58  when backboard  50  is in a hinged or chair position. Additionally, one or more handles  60  are provided to assist the patient in staying on backboard  50  during transport, and includes a brake system to slow and/or stop movement of track system  58 .  
         [0040]     With reference now to  FIG. 8 , a bottom planar view of the representative embodiment of  FIG. 7  is illustrated in a folded or chair position.  
         [0041]     With reference to  FIG. 9 , a front perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 7  is illustrated in a folded or chair position. In  FIG. 9 , backboard  50  comprises a plurality of handles  62  to facilitate a user in holding onto and/or transporting backboard  50 .  
         [0042]     With reference to  FIG. 10 , a back perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9  is illustrated in a folded or chair position, and demonstrates the descent down an incline through utilization of track system  58 .  
         [0043]     With reference to  FIG. 11 , a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 9  is illustrated with backboard  50  being in a folded or chair position.  
         [0044]     Thus, as discussed herein, the embodiments of the present invention embrace backboards. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for providing a backboard which has attached to a portion thereof a track system for providing mobility for the backboard over uneven terrain. Stairs, rough outdoor terrain and difficult situations to move a patient can be overcome even with only one operator. A braking system is provided to slow the descent of a patient and to help control the descent of the patient and the operator of the backboard when descending.  
         [0045]     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.