CA1285914C - Safety harness for mattresses - Google Patents
Safety harness for mattressesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1285914C CA1285914C CA000581763A CA581763A CA1285914C CA 1285914 C CA1285914 C CA 1285914C CA 000581763 A CA000581763 A CA 000581763A CA 581763 A CA581763 A CA 581763A CA 1285914 C CA1285914 C CA 1285914C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- harness
- straps
- mattress
- strap
- longitudinal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C31/00—Details or accessories for chairs, beds, or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass, e.g. upholstery fasteners, mattress protectors, stretching devices for mattress nets
- A47C31/08—Mattress hand-straps, hand-grips or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
- A61G7/0504—Harnesses or restraining devices in order to evacuate a patient with the mattress, e.g. in situations of emergency, disaster or fire
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
- A62B5/00—Other devices for rescuing from fire
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Emergency Management (AREA)
- Critical Care (AREA)
- Nursing (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Mattresses And Other Support Structures For Chairs And Beds (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An emergency evacuation harness, such as is used for evacuating immobile patients, or similar persons, comprises longitudinal and transverse straps forming a grid-like structure of longitudinal and transverse loops. The attachment means are provided at each side of each transverse loop. Further longitudinal straps extend from one end, having fastening means which are aligned and connect to the attached means when the further longitudinal straps are pulled over the transverse loops to hold the patient in position. The further longitudinal straps extend to form a handle.
Transverse belts extending between the fastening means have releasable tightening means.
An emergency evacuation harness, such as is used for evacuating immobile patients, or similar persons, comprises longitudinal and transverse straps forming a grid-like structure of longitudinal and transverse loops. The attachment means are provided at each side of each transverse loop. Further longitudinal straps extend from one end, having fastening means which are aligned and connect to the attached means when the further longitudinal straps are pulled over the transverse loops to hold the patient in position. The further longitudinal straps extend to form a handle.
Transverse belts extending between the fastening means have releasable tightening means.
Description
~8~14 EMERGENCY EVACUATION HARNESS
This invention relates to an emergency evacuation harness, and particularly to such a harness for use in hospitals and other establishments having immobile persons, for evacuation of such persons. The invention also relates to a mattress cover embodying the harness and to a mattress incorporating the harness.
It is has been proposed, for emergency evacuation of hospital patients who are bedridden, to use straps which extend under a mattress and pass up and over the patient. When the straps are tightened, the mattress is drawn up partly around the patient. A handle is provided at one end, or both ends, for pulling the mattress and patient to a safe place.
In some arrangements, straps are positioned beneath the mattress, extending laterally. A sufficient length must be provided to pass up and over the patient and mattress, the ends often hang down, being inconvenient, and interfering with cleaning. In other arrangements, a sheet o~ material is positioned below the mattress, with lateral straps being attached to the sheet of material.
Again, enough length of strap must be provided to extend up and over the patient and mattress. It has been proposed to provide retaining means at the sides of the mattress to hold the excess lengths of strap, until needed. Where a sheet of material is provided, the straps can be held on the material, in a folded condition. Straps extending over the ends of the mattress are also provided to position the patient longitudinally on the mattress when the straps are in use. Again, provision can be made to hold these straps against hanging down when not in use.
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128S9~4 The present invention provides a harness which can be fitted around a mattress, with external longitudinally extending straps which are normally stored at one end, but which, in use, extend over the mattress, and the patient, from one end to the other end. The longitudinal straps are provided with fastening means for engaginq with attachment means on the harness at the sides of the mattress. The longitudinal straps extend to the other end of the mattress and form a handle for pulling the mattress along.
Broadly, one form of the invention comprises a harness having a plurality of transverse straps forming transverse loops, at least one longitudinal strap forming a longitudinal loop, the transverse and longitudinal straps forming a grid-like structure, with attachment means on said transverse loops at each side; and further external longitudinal straps extending from one end of the longitudinal loops, the further external longitudinal straps including fastening means engaging with the attachment means when the further, external, longitudinal straps are positioned over a mattress extending to the other end of said longitudinal loops and forming a handle at said other end.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an emergency evacuation harness suitable for ~25 overlying a mattress or bedding component and for moving an immobile person, the harness comprising a plurality of transverse straps adapted to transversely overlie the mattress or bedding component. A further aspect of the harness may include at least one longitudinal strap adapted to longitudinally overlie the ~30 mattress or bedding component, the longitudinal strap and the transverse straps being adapted to form a grid-like structure over the mattress or bedding component with attachment means associated with the transverse straps. Still further, the harness may include fastening means associated with the :~ :
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longitudinal strap, the fastening means being positioned to align with and connect the longitudinal strap in association with the transverse straps.
In the above embodiment, the harness preferably further includes a plurality of transverse straps, each forming a transversely extending component with at least one longitudinal strap forming a longitudinally extending component. Thus, the longitudinal strap and the transverse straps form a grid-like structure, with attachment means on each of the transverse straps and at each side thereof. The arrangement also includes securing means for securing the transverse straps of the transversely extending component to the longitudinal strap of the longitudinally extending component so that the securing means aligns with and connects the attachment means when the longitudinal strap extends over the transversely extending component.
Another preferred aspect of this arrangement, is where the harness includes gripping means for engaging a mattress or a mattress cover about which the harness is associated. Still further, the harness may include at least one further longitudinal strap extending from and connected to one end of the at least one longitudinal strap.
Yet another embodiment of this invention is where the harness may include a strap which forms a gripping means for ~engaging a mattress or bedding component or mattress cover with the strap which is attached to at least one longitudinal strap, ~30 the strap having a loop at a free end thereof. Further, the harness may include transverse straps which extend laterally between at least one of the longitudinal straps.
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128591.4 In yet another embodiment of the present invention, there may be included a harness with attachment means which are connected to the transverse straps by short straps. Still further, the harness may include transverse straps which include releasable tightening means.
Another feature of the harness may include a strap ~ extending from the other end of the harness and attach to a transverse strap with a loop at a free end thereof for pulling the harness and the mattress or the bedding component. The harness may further include at least one longitudinal strap and with the transverse straps being connected together at cross over positions.
Another embodiment of the present invention may include a harness being adapted to fit a mattress or bedding component with the straps extending in pocket channels on an inner surface of a mattress cover. In this àrrangement, the cover may have access openings at sides and ends thereof for access to the attachment means and the straps.
In this invention, the cover may include access openings at sides and ends thereof with the access openings comprising openable and closable slits in the mattress cover.
Further, the cover may include the transverse straps with at least one of the longitudinal straps being attached to the same.
A still further embodiment of the present invention may include the harness being attached to an inner surface of the ; 30 mattress cover, and having an opening at an end remote from the one end, and means for closing the opening. The opening may be rectangular and include means for closing the opening comprising a plurality of flaps, one on each side of the opening, and means .~, ~. ^
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~285914 for releasably holding the flaps in an overlapping closed position.
Another aspect of the above may include the cover having means for releasably holding the flaps comprising hook and loop material. Further, the cover may include a case at one end with the further longitudinal straps and the fastening means being stored in the case.
lo Another feature of the present invention may include the cover having a case at one end, with the at least one longitudinal strap, the transverse straps and the fastening means being stored in the case. Still a further feature may include the cover having a mattress or bedding component in the mattress cover.
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency evacuation harness suitable for overlying a mattress or bedding component and for moving an immobile person, the harness comprising a plurality of tra,nsverse straps adapted to transversely overlie the mattress or bedding component. ~ further embodiment may include the harness having at least one longitudinal strap adapted to longitudinally overlie the mattress or bedding component, the longitudinal strap and the transverse straps being adapted to form a grid-like structure with attachment means associated with the transverse straps. The harness may also include further longitudinal straps extending from one end of the harness, and connected to at least one longitudinal strap at one end, and adapted to overlie a 30 ~ patient on the mattress or bedding component.
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Further, the harness may include fastening means associated with the further longitudinal straps, the fastening means being positioned to align with and connect to the ~28~ 4 attachment means and the further longitudinal straps associating with the transverse straps from one end to the other end; whereby at least one longitudinal strap and the transverse straps are adapted to hold the mattress or the bedding component in the harness. The further longitudinal straps, the attachment means and the fastening means, may be adapted to hold a patient on the mattress or the bedding component.
-Another preferred embodiment of the above may include the harness having two longitudinal straps adapted to form twolongitudinally extending loops, a further longitudinal strap extending from and connected to one end of each longitudinally extending loop. The harness may also have transverse straps extending laterally between the fastening means.
Another aspect of this invention is where the harness has attachment means connected to the transverse loops by short straps, and the straps may include releasable tightening means.
In this form, there may also be included an additional strap at one end with the additional strap forming a handle. Still further, the harness may include a strap extending from the other end of the harness and being attached to a transverse strap, and a loop at a free end thereof for pulling the harness and the mattress or the bedding component.
Another embodiment of the above described invention is where the harness may have at least one longitudinal strap and where the transverse straps are connected together at cross over positions. Another version is where the straps extend in pocket channels on an inner surface of a m~ttress cover. The mattress cover may also include access openings at sides and ends of the ~ mattress cover for access to the attachment means and the further : :
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lX859~ 4 longitudinal straps. The access may comprise openings which are openable and closable slits in the mattress cover.
In one form of the invention where the harness includes a mattress cover, the transverse straps and at least one longitudinal strap may be attached to the mattress cover.
Alternately, the harness may be attached to an inner surface of ~ the mattress cover, and may have an opening at an end remote from one end, together with means for closing the opening. The opening may be rectangular, and include means for closing the opening which may be a plurality of flaps, one on each side of the opening, together with means for releasably holding the flaps in an overlapping closed position. Such means may releasably hold the flaps and may be hook and loop material.
In a still further form of the invention, the harness may include a case at one end, with further longitudinal straps, at least one longitudinal strap and the fastening means being stored in the case.
The invention will be readily understood with the following description of certain embodiments, by way of example, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
25Figure 1 is a perspective view of one form of harness in accordance with the invention:
Figure 2 is a large section on the line 2-2 of Figure l ;
Figure 3 is an enlarged section on the line 3-3 of 30Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of another form of harness in accordance with the invention; and ~` Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-section on the line 5-5 of Figure 3.
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- , ~X~5914 In Figure 1, a mattress is illustrated in dotted outline at 10. A harness, in accordance with the present invention, comprises, in the example illustrated, two transverse straps 11 and 12 in the form of transversely extending loops.
Also, in the example illustrated, two longitudinal straps 14 and 15 form two longitudinally extending loops. Where the transverse loops and the longitudinal loops cross each other, indicated at ~ 16, they can be connected together, as by stitching or other means.
At each side, extending from each transverse loop, is a short strap 17, having a buckle or some other form of fastener, such as snap-hook fastener 18 at the other end. The short strap 17 can be separate sections of straps or can be formed by folding the transverse straps 11 and 12 back on themselves.
At one end of the mattress, extend two further, longitudinally extending straps 20. These straps 20 extend for a short distance parallel to each other, being joined at the ends of the parallel sections by a first lateral loop belt 21 having a ring 22 at each end and a buckle 23 intermediate the ends. The straps 20 then cross over, and are then connected ~y a further lateral looped belt 24 having a ring 25 at each end and a buckle 26 intermediate the ends. The straps 20 then continue, being joined at the outer ends to form a loop 27 which will serve as a handle. The lateral belts 21 and 24 are positioned such that when the straps 20 are brought up and over to overlie the mattress, and a patient on the mattress, the loops 22 align with fasteners 18 on transverse strap 11, and loops 25 align with fasteners 18 on transverse strap 12, and are attached to the fasteners. The belts 21 and ~4 can be tightened by means of the buckles 23 and 26. A further looped strap 30 can be provided at ; this end to act as a handle. At the other end a strap 31 and loop~32 extend and can be used to assist with pulling the ..~. } i ~:
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mattress, and patient, in cooperation with a handle 27, the straps 31 extending to and being connected to the transverse strap 12.
A cross section through the buckle 26 is illustrated in Figure 2. The loop 25 is shown attached to belt 24. Belt 24 extends in three layers, the end 24a being in the center, and extending through the buckle 26, back over as an outer section 24b, through loop 25 and back, as section 24c, across to the other side, where it passes through the other loop 25. The end then returns, passes through and back out of the buckle, the free end being shown at 24d. Pulling on the free end 24d will tighten the belt. A similar structure occurs for belt 21, loops 22, and buckle 24. One of the straps 20 is also shown in Figure 2, the strap 20 and belts 21 and 24 being connected together where they cross, as by stitching.
The harness can be made of a unit which is fitted over a mattress, a mattress cover then being pulled over the mattress and harness. Openings will be required in the mattress cover, sides and ends, for the straps 20, straps 17 and fastener 18, and straps 21, and loops 32, as indicated in dotted outline at 34.
In an alternative arrangement, the harness can be part of the mattress cover, the straps 11, 12, 14, 15 and 31 extending through channels formed on the mattress cover, for example. This is illustrated in Figure 3, where transverse strap 11 is shown in a channel 35 formed by attaching a strip of material 36 to the mattress cover 37. Again, access as by the openings 34, is required for the straps 20, straps 17 and loops 18, and straps 31 and loop 32. A convenient manner of providing such access is by zip fasteners or by some other form of slit which can be readily opened and closed. The straps, and loops, can then be stored inside the mattress cover until required. The straps 20, belts W
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~28S9~.4 `-21, a~d 24, the loops and buckles, and straps 27 can be stored in a case, shown at 38, which can be attached to the end of the mattress cover.
The number of transverse straps can vary, more than two being provided. The form of the further longitudinally extending strap 20 and transverse belts 21 and 24 can also be varied. Only one longitudinal belt might be provided, with a single point of attachment of both ends of straps 20. The objective of the belts 20 and straps 21 and 24 is to safely retain the patient on the mattress while being moved. A single person can pull on the mattress by using the handle 27, in combination with loop 32. If the strap 30 is provided, this provides for a further person to assist in controlling movement, as down stairs, for example, and also provides for an alternative direction of pulling.
A strip of VelcroTM material can be attached to the straps 20 where they cross over, the strip extending generally laterally. This strip can be wrapped around the wrists of a patient to immobilise the hands, if the arms of the patient are outside the bed clothes.
The harness can be applied in various ways. Thus, it can be applied over-a mattress, which may be of a synthetic foam or other material safe to use. The harness can be positioned over the mattress and then a removable mattress cover positioned over harness and mattress. In a modification as mentioned above, the harness can be attached to and be part of the removable mattress cover. Existing mattress covers often will not be ~30 adapted, or readily adaptable, to the use of the harness, for example, by the provision of slits through which the various straps can extend. In such an arrangement, the harness is positioned over a mattress with a manual cover used and a further cover applied, with slits or similar openings for the straps.
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128S9~4 Instead of a case 38, the straps 20, belts 21 and 24, wrap buckles and strap 27 can be stored inside the end of the mattress cover. Alternatively, the case 38 can be stored inside the mattress cover, holding the belts, etc.
With reference to Figures 4 and 5, the system of the present invention is illustrated in an "in-use" situation with a ~ person enclosed within the safety system and evacuation harness on a mattress. As will be seen, the position of the patientls head relative to the mattress and harness does not influence the effectiveness of the harness assembly.
The harness is enclosed, and during normal use, the mattress is completely covered, causing no inconvenience and is kept clean. No problem is met when the harness is needed as the straps 17 and loops 18 are inside the bed and will not create any problem by having to be threaded back through a bed frame before being fastened.
The straps of the harness can be of various materials, such as webbing of cotton or synthetic material, rubber, including synthetic, rubber, leather, or other. Use of the mattress having the harness fitted in a sensitive area, such as operating rooms, will require selection of specific materials for the harness because of the possibility of static electricity.
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This invention relates to an emergency evacuation harness, and particularly to such a harness for use in hospitals and other establishments having immobile persons, for evacuation of such persons. The invention also relates to a mattress cover embodying the harness and to a mattress incorporating the harness.
It is has been proposed, for emergency evacuation of hospital patients who are bedridden, to use straps which extend under a mattress and pass up and over the patient. When the straps are tightened, the mattress is drawn up partly around the patient. A handle is provided at one end, or both ends, for pulling the mattress and patient to a safe place.
In some arrangements, straps are positioned beneath the mattress, extending laterally. A sufficient length must be provided to pass up and over the patient and mattress, the ends often hang down, being inconvenient, and interfering with cleaning. In other arrangements, a sheet o~ material is positioned below the mattress, with lateral straps being attached to the sheet of material.
Again, enough length of strap must be provided to extend up and over the patient and mattress. It has been proposed to provide retaining means at the sides of the mattress to hold the excess lengths of strap, until needed. Where a sheet of material is provided, the straps can be held on the material, in a folded condition. Straps extending over the ends of the mattress are also provided to position the patient longitudinally on the mattress when the straps are in use. Again, provision can be made to hold these straps against hanging down when not in use.
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128S9~4 The present invention provides a harness which can be fitted around a mattress, with external longitudinally extending straps which are normally stored at one end, but which, in use, extend over the mattress, and the patient, from one end to the other end. The longitudinal straps are provided with fastening means for engaginq with attachment means on the harness at the sides of the mattress. The longitudinal straps extend to the other end of the mattress and form a handle for pulling the mattress along.
Broadly, one form of the invention comprises a harness having a plurality of transverse straps forming transverse loops, at least one longitudinal strap forming a longitudinal loop, the transverse and longitudinal straps forming a grid-like structure, with attachment means on said transverse loops at each side; and further external longitudinal straps extending from one end of the longitudinal loops, the further external longitudinal straps including fastening means engaging with the attachment means when the further, external, longitudinal straps are positioned over a mattress extending to the other end of said longitudinal loops and forming a handle at said other end.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an emergency evacuation harness suitable for ~25 overlying a mattress or bedding component and for moving an immobile person, the harness comprising a plurality of transverse straps adapted to transversely overlie the mattress or bedding component. A further aspect of the harness may include at least one longitudinal strap adapted to longitudinally overlie the ~30 mattress or bedding component, the longitudinal strap and the transverse straps being adapted to form a grid-like structure over the mattress or bedding component with attachment means associated with the transverse straps. Still further, the harness may include fastening means associated with the :~ :
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longitudinal strap, the fastening means being positioned to align with and connect the longitudinal strap in association with the transverse straps.
In the above embodiment, the harness preferably further includes a plurality of transverse straps, each forming a transversely extending component with at least one longitudinal strap forming a longitudinally extending component. Thus, the longitudinal strap and the transverse straps form a grid-like structure, with attachment means on each of the transverse straps and at each side thereof. The arrangement also includes securing means for securing the transverse straps of the transversely extending component to the longitudinal strap of the longitudinally extending component so that the securing means aligns with and connects the attachment means when the longitudinal strap extends over the transversely extending component.
Another preferred aspect of this arrangement, is where the harness includes gripping means for engaging a mattress or a mattress cover about which the harness is associated. Still further, the harness may include at least one further longitudinal strap extending from and connected to one end of the at least one longitudinal strap.
Yet another embodiment of this invention is where the harness may include a strap which forms a gripping means for ~engaging a mattress or bedding component or mattress cover with the strap which is attached to at least one longitudinal strap, ~30 the strap having a loop at a free end thereof. Further, the harness may include transverse straps which extend laterally between at least one of the longitudinal straps.
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128591.4 In yet another embodiment of the present invention, there may be included a harness with attachment means which are connected to the transverse straps by short straps. Still further, the harness may include transverse straps which include releasable tightening means.
Another feature of the harness may include a strap ~ extending from the other end of the harness and attach to a transverse strap with a loop at a free end thereof for pulling the harness and the mattress or the bedding component. The harness may further include at least one longitudinal strap and with the transverse straps being connected together at cross over positions.
Another embodiment of the present invention may include a harness being adapted to fit a mattress or bedding component with the straps extending in pocket channels on an inner surface of a mattress cover. In this àrrangement, the cover may have access openings at sides and ends thereof for access to the attachment means and the straps.
In this invention, the cover may include access openings at sides and ends thereof with the access openings comprising openable and closable slits in the mattress cover.
Further, the cover may include the transverse straps with at least one of the longitudinal straps being attached to the same.
A still further embodiment of the present invention may include the harness being attached to an inner surface of the ; 30 mattress cover, and having an opening at an end remote from the one end, and means for closing the opening. The opening may be rectangular and include means for closing the opening comprising a plurality of flaps, one on each side of the opening, and means .~, ~. ^
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~285914 for releasably holding the flaps in an overlapping closed position.
Another aspect of the above may include the cover having means for releasably holding the flaps comprising hook and loop material. Further, the cover may include a case at one end with the further longitudinal straps and the fastening means being stored in the case.
lo Another feature of the present invention may include the cover having a case at one end, with the at least one longitudinal strap, the transverse straps and the fastening means being stored in the case. Still a further feature may include the cover having a mattress or bedding component in the mattress cover.
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an emergency evacuation harness suitable for overlying a mattress or bedding component and for moving an immobile person, the harness comprising a plurality of tra,nsverse straps adapted to transversely overlie the mattress or bedding component. ~ further embodiment may include the harness having at least one longitudinal strap adapted to longitudinally overlie the mattress or bedding component, the longitudinal strap and the transverse straps being adapted to form a grid-like structure with attachment means associated with the transverse straps. The harness may also include further longitudinal straps extending from one end of the harness, and connected to at least one longitudinal strap at one end, and adapted to overlie a 30 ~ patient on the mattress or bedding component.
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Further, the harness may include fastening means associated with the further longitudinal straps, the fastening means being positioned to align with and connect to the ~28~ 4 attachment means and the further longitudinal straps associating with the transverse straps from one end to the other end; whereby at least one longitudinal strap and the transverse straps are adapted to hold the mattress or the bedding component in the harness. The further longitudinal straps, the attachment means and the fastening means, may be adapted to hold a patient on the mattress or the bedding component.
-Another preferred embodiment of the above may include the harness having two longitudinal straps adapted to form twolongitudinally extending loops, a further longitudinal strap extending from and connected to one end of each longitudinally extending loop. The harness may also have transverse straps extending laterally between the fastening means.
Another aspect of this invention is where the harness has attachment means connected to the transverse loops by short straps, and the straps may include releasable tightening means.
In this form, there may also be included an additional strap at one end with the additional strap forming a handle. Still further, the harness may include a strap extending from the other end of the harness and being attached to a transverse strap, and a loop at a free end thereof for pulling the harness and the mattress or the bedding component.
Another embodiment of the above described invention is where the harness may have at least one longitudinal strap and where the transverse straps are connected together at cross over positions. Another version is where the straps extend in pocket channels on an inner surface of a m~ttress cover. The mattress cover may also include access openings at sides and ends of the ~ mattress cover for access to the attachment means and the further : :
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lX859~ 4 longitudinal straps. The access may comprise openings which are openable and closable slits in the mattress cover.
In one form of the invention where the harness includes a mattress cover, the transverse straps and at least one longitudinal strap may be attached to the mattress cover.
Alternately, the harness may be attached to an inner surface of ~ the mattress cover, and may have an opening at an end remote from one end, together with means for closing the opening. The opening may be rectangular, and include means for closing the opening which may be a plurality of flaps, one on each side of the opening, together with means for releasably holding the flaps in an overlapping closed position. Such means may releasably hold the flaps and may be hook and loop material.
In a still further form of the invention, the harness may include a case at one end, with further longitudinal straps, at least one longitudinal strap and the fastening means being stored in the case.
The invention will be readily understood with the following description of certain embodiments, by way of example, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
25Figure 1 is a perspective view of one form of harness in accordance with the invention:
Figure 2 is a large section on the line 2-2 of Figure l ;
Figure 3 is an enlarged section on the line 3-3 of 30Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of another form of harness in accordance with the invention; and ~` Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-section on the line 5-5 of Figure 3.
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- , ~X~5914 In Figure 1, a mattress is illustrated in dotted outline at 10. A harness, in accordance with the present invention, comprises, in the example illustrated, two transverse straps 11 and 12 in the form of transversely extending loops.
Also, in the example illustrated, two longitudinal straps 14 and 15 form two longitudinally extending loops. Where the transverse loops and the longitudinal loops cross each other, indicated at ~ 16, they can be connected together, as by stitching or other means.
At each side, extending from each transverse loop, is a short strap 17, having a buckle or some other form of fastener, such as snap-hook fastener 18 at the other end. The short strap 17 can be separate sections of straps or can be formed by folding the transverse straps 11 and 12 back on themselves.
At one end of the mattress, extend two further, longitudinally extending straps 20. These straps 20 extend for a short distance parallel to each other, being joined at the ends of the parallel sections by a first lateral loop belt 21 having a ring 22 at each end and a buckle 23 intermediate the ends. The straps 20 then cross over, and are then connected ~y a further lateral looped belt 24 having a ring 25 at each end and a buckle 26 intermediate the ends. The straps 20 then continue, being joined at the outer ends to form a loop 27 which will serve as a handle. The lateral belts 21 and 24 are positioned such that when the straps 20 are brought up and over to overlie the mattress, and a patient on the mattress, the loops 22 align with fasteners 18 on transverse strap 11, and loops 25 align with fasteners 18 on transverse strap 12, and are attached to the fasteners. The belts 21 and ~4 can be tightened by means of the buckles 23 and 26. A further looped strap 30 can be provided at ; this end to act as a handle. At the other end a strap 31 and loop~32 extend and can be used to assist with pulling the ..~. } i ~:
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128591.~
mattress, and patient, in cooperation with a handle 27, the straps 31 extending to and being connected to the transverse strap 12.
A cross section through the buckle 26 is illustrated in Figure 2. The loop 25 is shown attached to belt 24. Belt 24 extends in three layers, the end 24a being in the center, and extending through the buckle 26, back over as an outer section 24b, through loop 25 and back, as section 24c, across to the other side, where it passes through the other loop 25. The end then returns, passes through and back out of the buckle, the free end being shown at 24d. Pulling on the free end 24d will tighten the belt. A similar structure occurs for belt 21, loops 22, and buckle 24. One of the straps 20 is also shown in Figure 2, the strap 20 and belts 21 and 24 being connected together where they cross, as by stitching.
The harness can be made of a unit which is fitted over a mattress, a mattress cover then being pulled over the mattress and harness. Openings will be required in the mattress cover, sides and ends, for the straps 20, straps 17 and fastener 18, and straps 21, and loops 32, as indicated in dotted outline at 34.
In an alternative arrangement, the harness can be part of the mattress cover, the straps 11, 12, 14, 15 and 31 extending through channels formed on the mattress cover, for example. This is illustrated in Figure 3, where transverse strap 11 is shown in a channel 35 formed by attaching a strip of material 36 to the mattress cover 37. Again, access as by the openings 34, is required for the straps 20, straps 17 and loops 18, and straps 31 and loop 32. A convenient manner of providing such access is by zip fasteners or by some other form of slit which can be readily opened and closed. The straps, and loops, can then be stored inside the mattress cover until required. The straps 20, belts W
:. . ~ - , . . : : . : , . . .
~28S9~.4 `-21, a~d 24, the loops and buckles, and straps 27 can be stored in a case, shown at 38, which can be attached to the end of the mattress cover.
The number of transverse straps can vary, more than two being provided. The form of the further longitudinally extending strap 20 and transverse belts 21 and 24 can also be varied. Only one longitudinal belt might be provided, with a single point of attachment of both ends of straps 20. The objective of the belts 20 and straps 21 and 24 is to safely retain the patient on the mattress while being moved. A single person can pull on the mattress by using the handle 27, in combination with loop 32. If the strap 30 is provided, this provides for a further person to assist in controlling movement, as down stairs, for example, and also provides for an alternative direction of pulling.
A strip of VelcroTM material can be attached to the straps 20 where they cross over, the strip extending generally laterally. This strip can be wrapped around the wrists of a patient to immobilise the hands, if the arms of the patient are outside the bed clothes.
The harness can be applied in various ways. Thus, it can be applied over-a mattress, which may be of a synthetic foam or other material safe to use. The harness can be positioned over the mattress and then a removable mattress cover positioned over harness and mattress. In a modification as mentioned above, the harness can be attached to and be part of the removable mattress cover. Existing mattress covers often will not be ~30 adapted, or readily adaptable, to the use of the harness, for example, by the provision of slits through which the various straps can extend. In such an arrangement, the harness is positioned over a mattress with a manual cover used and a further cover applied, with slits or similar openings for the straps.
::~
-~ `~
. .
128S9~4 Instead of a case 38, the straps 20, belts 21 and 24, wrap buckles and strap 27 can be stored inside the end of the mattress cover. Alternatively, the case 38 can be stored inside the mattress cover, holding the belts, etc.
With reference to Figures 4 and 5, the system of the present invention is illustrated in an "in-use" situation with a ~ person enclosed within the safety system and evacuation harness on a mattress. As will be seen, the position of the patientls head relative to the mattress and harness does not influence the effectiveness of the harness assembly.
The harness is enclosed, and during normal use, the mattress is completely covered, causing no inconvenience and is kept clean. No problem is met when the harness is needed as the straps 17 and loops 18 are inside the bed and will not create any problem by having to be threaded back through a bed frame before being fastened.
The straps of the harness can be of various materials, such as webbing of cotton or synthetic material, rubber, including synthetic, rubber, leather, or other. Use of the mattress having the harness fitted in a sensitive area, such as operating rooms, will require selection of specific materials for the harness because of the possibility of static electricity.
: . .
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. -~ - .- ~ .
Claims (43)
1. An emergency evacuation harness suitable for overlying a mattress or bedding component and for moving an immobile person, said harness comprising:
a plurality of transverse straps adapted to transversely overlie the mattress or bedding component;
at least one longitudinal strap adapted to longitudinally overlie the mattress or bedding component, said longitudinal strap and said transverse straps being adapted to form a grid-like structure over the mattress or bedding component;
attachment means associated with said transverse straps; and fastening means associated with said longitudinal strap, said fastening means being positioned to align with and connect said longitudinal strap in association with said transverse straps.
a plurality of transverse straps adapted to transversely overlie the mattress or bedding component;
at least one longitudinal strap adapted to longitudinally overlie the mattress or bedding component, said longitudinal strap and said transverse straps being adapted to form a grid-like structure over the mattress or bedding component;
attachment means associated with said transverse straps; and fastening means associated with said longitudinal strap, said fastening means being positioned to align with and connect said longitudinal strap in association with said transverse straps.
2. A harness according to Claim 1, wherein said harness further includes:
a plurality of transverse straps, each forming a transversely extending component;
at least one longitudinal strap forming a longitudinally extending component, said longitudinal strap and said transverse strap forming a grid-like structure;
attachment means on each of said transverse straps and at each side thereof;
securing means for securing said transverse straps of said transversely extending component to said longitudinal strap of said longitudinally extending component so that said securing means aligns with and connects said attachment means when said longitudinal strap extends over said transversely extending component.
a plurality of transverse straps, each forming a transversely extending component;
at least one longitudinal strap forming a longitudinally extending component, said longitudinal strap and said transverse strap forming a grid-like structure;
attachment means on each of said transverse straps and at each side thereof;
securing means for securing said transverse straps of said transversely extending component to said longitudinal strap of said longitudinally extending component so that said securing means aligns with and connects said attachment means when said longitudinal strap extends over said transversely extending component.
3. A harness as claimed in Claims 1 or 2, wherein said harness includes gripping means for engaging a mattress or a mattress cover about which said harness is associated.
4. A harness as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein said harness includes at least one further longitudinal strap extending from and connected to one end of said at least one longitudinal strap.
5. A harness as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, including a strap forming a gripping means for engaging a mattress or bedding component or mattress cover, said strap being attached to said at least one longitudinal strap, and said strap having a loop at a free end thereof.
6. A harness as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein said transverse straps extend laterally between said at least one longitudinal strap.
7. A harness as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, said attachment means being connected to said transverse straps by short straps.
8. A harness as claimed in Claim 2, said transverse straps including releasable tightening means.
9. A harness as claimed in Claim 2, including a strap extending from the other end of said harness and attached to a transverse strap, and a loop at a free end thereof for pulling said harness and said mattress or said bedding component.
10. A harness as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, said at least one longitudinal strap and said transverse straps being connected together at cross over positions.
11. A harness as claimed in Claim 2, said harness being adapted to fit a mattress or bedding component.
12. A harness as claimed in Claim 1 or 11, the straps extending in pocket channels on an inner surface of a mattress cover.
13. A harness as claimed in Claim 2 or 11, including access openings at sides and ends of a mattress cover for access to said attachment means and said straps.
14. A harness as claimed in Claim 1, including access openings at sides and ends of a mattress cover, said access openings comprising openable and closable slits in said mattress cover.
15. A harness as claimed in Claim 1, including a mattress cover, said transverse straps and said at least one longitudinal strap being attached to the mattress cover.
16. A harness as claimed in Claim 15, said harness being attached to an inner surface of said mattress cover, and having an opening at an end remote from said one end, and means for closing said opening.
17. A harness as claimed in Claim 16, said opening being rectangular, and means for closing said opening comprising a plurality of flaps, one on each side of said opening, and means for releasably holding said flaps in an overlapping closed position.
18. A harness as claimed in Claim 17, said means for releasably holding said flaps comprising hook and loop material.
19. A harness as claimed in Claim 1, including a case at said one end, said further longitudinal straps and said fastening means being stored in said case.
20. A harness as claimed in Claim 1, including a case at said one end, said at least one longitudinal strap, said transverse straps and said fastening means being stored in said case.
21. A harness as claimed in Claim 15, including a mattress or bedding component in said mattress cover.
22. The harness of Claim 1, 2 or 11, incorporated into a mattress cover adapted to be mounted on a mattress or bedding component.
23. An emergency evacuation harness suitable for overlying a mattress or bedding component and for moving an immobile person, said harness comprising:
a plurality of transverse straps adapted to transversely overlie the mattress or bedding component;
at least one longitudinal strap adapted to longitudinally overlie the mattress or bedding component, said longitudinal strap and said transverse straps being adapted to form a grid-like structure;
attachment means associated with said transverse straps;
further longitudinal straps extending from one end of said harness, and connected to said at least one longitudinal strap at said one end, and adapted to overlie a patient on said mattress or bedding component;
fastening means associated with said further longitudinal straps, said fastening means being positioned to align with and connect to said attachment means, said further longitudinal straps associating with said transverse straps from said one end to the other end; whereby said at least one longitudinal strap and said transverse straps are adapted to hold said mattress or said bedding component in said harness, and said further longitudinal straps, said attachment means and said fastening means, being adapted to hold a patient on said mattress or said bedding component.
a plurality of transverse straps adapted to transversely overlie the mattress or bedding component;
at least one longitudinal strap adapted to longitudinally overlie the mattress or bedding component, said longitudinal strap and said transverse straps being adapted to form a grid-like structure;
attachment means associated with said transverse straps;
further longitudinal straps extending from one end of said harness, and connected to said at least one longitudinal strap at said one end, and adapted to overlie a patient on said mattress or bedding component;
fastening means associated with said further longitudinal straps, said fastening means being positioned to align with and connect to said attachment means, said further longitudinal straps associating with said transverse straps from said one end to the other end; whereby said at least one longitudinal strap and said transverse straps are adapted to hold said mattress or said bedding component in said harness, and said further longitudinal straps, said attachment means and said fastening means, being adapted to hold a patient on said mattress or said bedding component.
24. A harness as claimed in Claim 23, including two longitudinal straps adapted to form two longitudinally extending loops, a further longitudinal strap extending from and connected to one end of each longitudinally extending loop.
25. A harness as claimed in Claim 23, said further longitudinal straps extending to form a loop.
26. A harness as claimed in Claim 23, wherein said transverse straps extend laterally between said fastening means.
27. A harness as claimed in Claim 23, said attachment means being connected to said transverse loops by short straps.
28. A harness as claimed in Claim 23, said transverse straps including releasable tightening means.
29. A harness as claimed in Claim 23, including an additional strap at said one end, the additional strap forming a handle.
30. A harness as claimed in Claim 23, including a strap extending from said other end of said harness and being attached to a transverse strap, and a loop at a free end thereof for pulling said harness and said mattress or said bedding component.
31. A harness as claimed in Claim 23, said at least one longitudinal strap and said transverse straps being connected together at cross over positions.
32. A harness as claimed in Claim 23, said harness being adapted to fit a mattress or bedding component.
33. A harness as claimed in Claim 32, the straps extending in pocket channels on an inner surface of a mattress cover.
34. A harness as claimed in Claim 32, including access openings at sides and ends of said mattress cover for access to said attachment means and said further longitudinal straps.
35. A harness as claimed in Claim 34, said access openings comprising openable and closable slits in said mattress cover.
36. A harness as claimed in Claim 23, including a mattress cover, said transverse straps and said at least one longitudinal strap being attached to the mattress cover.
37. A harness as claimed in Claim 36, said harness being attached to an inner surface of said mattress cover, and having an opening at an end remote from said one end, and means for closing said opening.
38. A harness as claimed in Claim 37, said opening being rectangular, and means for closing said opening comprising a plurality of flaps, one on each side of said opening, and means for releasably holding said flaps in an overlapping closed position.
39. A harness as claimed in Claim 38, said means for releasably holding said flaps comprising hook and loop material.
40. A harness as claimed in Claim 23, including a case at said one end, said further longitudinal straps, said at least one longitudinal strap and said fastening means being stored in said case.
41. A harness as claimed in Claim 23, including a case at said one end, said further longitudinal straps, said at least one longitudinal strap, said transverse straps and said fastening means being stored in said case.
42. A harness as claimed in Claim 32, including a mattress or bedding component in said mattress cover.
43. The harness of Claim 23, incorporated into a mattress cover adapted to be mounted on a mattress or bedding component.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000581763A CA1285914C (en) | 1988-10-31 | 1988-10-31 | Safety harness for mattresses |
| EP89202693A EP0371525A1 (en) | 1988-10-31 | 1989-10-25 | Emergency evacuation harness |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000581763A CA1285914C (en) | 1988-10-31 | 1988-10-31 | Safety harness for mattresses |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1285914C true CA1285914C (en) | 1991-07-09 |
Family
ID=4139005
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000581763A Expired - Lifetime CA1285914C (en) | 1988-10-31 | 1988-10-31 | Safety harness for mattresses |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0371525A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1285914C (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA2024126A1 (en) * | 1990-08-28 | 1992-03-01 | Jorg Walter Graf | Evacuation or rescue device for a non-ambulatory person |
| WO1992003115A1 (en) * | 1990-08-28 | 1992-03-05 | Graf Joerg Walter | Evacuation or rescue device for a non-ambulatory person |
| US7774877B2 (en) * | 2008-06-06 | 2010-08-17 | Christopher Kenalty | Evacuation mattress |
| US8365326B2 (en) | 2010-02-04 | 2013-02-05 | Christopher Kenalty | Evacuation sled for non-ambulatory patients |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1434832A (en) * | 1973-05-04 | 1976-05-05 | Grenn W S | Rescue apparatus |
| GB1503144A (en) * | 1973-11-09 | 1978-03-08 | Nat Res Dev | Mattresses |
| GB1584102A (en) * | 1977-05-09 | 1981-02-04 | Gabriel F | Restraint enabling rescue of beridden patients |
| GB2030047B (en) * | 1978-09-14 | 1982-12-08 | Anglia Safety Devices Ltd | Rescue apparatus |
-
1988
- 1988-10-31 CA CA000581763A patent/CA1285914C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1989
- 1989-10-25 EP EP89202693A patent/EP0371525A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0371525A1 (en) | 1990-06-06 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20000710 |