PRIORITY AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This international application claims priority to co-pending PCT international application number PCT/SG2009/000375, filed on 13 ^th October 2009 by OEI Su Kai, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

This international application also claims priority to co-pending PCT international application number PCT/SG2009/000486, filed on 21 ^st December 2009 by OEI Su Kai, and claiming a priority date of 13 ^th October 2009 through priority document PCT/SG2009/000375.

The contents of co-pending PCT international application number PCT/SG2009/000486 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

CONTINUATION-IN-PART

The applicant, OEI Su Kai, wishes that this PCT international application be treated, in the United States of America, as an application for a continuation-in-part of an earlier pending parent international application PCT/SG2009/000486 filed on 21 ^st December 2009 by applicant OEI Su Kai through the Singapore Receiving Office. The parent application PCT/SG2009/000486 is turn a continuation-in-part of an earlier grandparent international application PCT/SG2009/000375, filed on 13 ^th October 2009 by applicant OEI Su Kai through the Singapore Receiving Office.

All applications have OEI Su Kai as the sole applicant and sole inventor. TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to the field of casualty bags, body bags, corpse bags, cadaver bags and post-mortem bags.

BACKGROUND The present invention relates to a novel casualty bag. The closest prior art relates to body bags. While an array of traditional body bags exist, these traditional body bags have remained essentially unchanged and were limited to containing corpses.

Different types of body bags and methods for making them are known. Generally, one piece of rectangular material is cut to size is and folded over, or two or more rectangular members of material are cut, and then sealed or sewn together along one long side edge and two ends, or two side edges and two ends to form the bag. In one configuration, a zipper closure is then added to the top surface of the body bag to enable a corpse to be inserted in and removed from the bag. Another configuration employs an envelope style zipper opening. Yet another configuration uses a centre opening straight zipper configuration. Still yet another configuration is the curved "c" zipper bag. The C-style zipper curves along the top of the bag, rather than on the sides, for more secure containment of body fluids. Typical materials of construction include polyethylene sheeting, polyethylene laminates to woven or nonwoven support fabrics, or varying weights of supported and unsupported polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and/or polyurethane. Predominately rectangular in shape, seaming is accomplished via traditional needle and thread sewing, impulse welding, radio frequency welding, or other similar thermal seaming techniques. Salam (U.S. Pat, No. 6,004,034) teaches the use of a single piece of material that is cut from a roll of material, folded along fold lines and secured together along abutting short ends and mating members to form an envelope-like body bag. Knight (U.S. Pat. No. 4,790,051) teaches the use of an envelope-like pouch for transporting dead human bodies comprising an outer envelope that encases and is sealed at the outer edges to a transparent inner liner within which is placed the body or bodies to be moved. Mc Williams (U.S. Pat. No. 5,659,933) describes a tubular shaped pouch open on both ends, and constructed of a flexible multi-layered laminate including at least two polymeric sheets sandwiched around a metal foil-layer for containing bodily remains. Human remains are inserted into one end of the bag, and the ends are sealed using common heat sealing techniques or through the use of adhesives.

These traditional body bags were limited to containing corpses. National governments need to purchase tens of thousands of body bags or corpse bags to outfit various disaster aid agencies. Preparedness for disasters, accidents and catastrophes with many casualties requires not only immediate access to body bags at a great number of places, but also require that body bags be stockpiled for rapid distribution to catastrophe locations world-wide. Thus, it is desirable to have a novel casualty bag that may be useful to living casualties and rescue workers, and yet also function as a body bag to contain a corpse.

One object of the present invention is to provide a novel casualty bag. As used herein, the word "corpse" is taken to mean a body or a part of a body remain or a body remain of a dead person or a dead animal, or a forensic sample. As used herein, "comprising" is normally synonymous with "including," and does not exclude the presence of unrecited structure, steps, or elements. As used herein, "hull" means the outer covering or the shell or pod or the outer casing. The word "coupled" could be defined as attached movably or fixedly by one or more intermediate components. As used herein, "pouch" means a flexible bag-like container with an opening. As used herein, "cylindrical" means roller-shaped or shaped liked a cylinder or having parallel sides and a circular or oval section. As used herein, "elongated" means that something is longer, especially so in relation to its width. As used herein, the word "casualty" is taken to mean a human body or patient. In addition, the word "casualty" means a person harmed, injured, killed as a result of a disaster, a catastrophe, an accident, or other event or action. Furthermore, "casualty" unless specified may refer to both a living casualty and a dead casualty. The word "disaster" means a catastrophe, a mass casualty event, an accident, or a war. The word "accommodating" means to provide lodging or a resting place or sufficient place for or to allow room for. The word "longitudinal" means running lengthwise rather than across.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "one embodiment," "an embodiment," and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. If the specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic "may", "might", or "could" be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to "a" or "an" element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to "an additional" element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element. SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a novel casualty bag. An inflatable casualty bag is also disclosed. A biodegradable casualty bag is also disclosed. The present disclosure also discloses a stretcher device that may be used with the casualty bag. A method of using the casualty bag is also disclosed. The present disclosure also relates to a method for using an inflatable casualty bag.

In a preferred embodiment, the casualty bag comprises a flexible hull, and a closure connected to the hull. The hull has an outer surface, an inner surface and peripheral side edges. The hull comprises an elongated central member and a pair of foldable wing members. The elongated central member has two lengths and two widths, with a wing member connected to each length of the central member. The hull is symmetrical in shape about an imaginary longitudinal midline axis, with a left half and a right half. The closure is connected to the peripheral side edges of the hull. The ' closure is operable to connect the peripheral edges of the two halves together to form the casualty bag enclosure. In use, the hull may be laid opened and a casualty loaded to rest upon the inner surface of the central member. If the casualty is dead, the pair of wing members may be flapped to form a pouch to contain the corpse, and the closure operated to connect the peripheral edges of the two halves of the hull together to secure the corpse.

In more preferred embodiment, the casualty bag further comprises a padding coupled to the inner surface of the central member.

In another more preferred embodiment, the casualty bag further comprises a plurality of inner lifting members attached to the inner surface of the hull.

The present disclosure also relates to an inflatable casualty bag. In yet another more preferred embodiment, the central member is an inflatable central member. The inflatable central member comprises an elongated case forming a chamber, a gas inflatable bladder encapsulated within the chamber, and a valve secured on the inflatable bladder and in communication with the interior of the bladder. The case is constructed of a soft, flexible, sheet material. Preferably, the central member further comprises an inflation means connected to valve, the inflation means for inflating the bladder.

The present disclosure also relates to a biodegradable casualty bag. The biodegradable casualty bag comprises a flexible fabric hull, and a closure connected to the hull. The hull has an outer surface, an inner surface and peripheral side edges. The hull comprises an elongated central member and a pair of wing members, with the central member having two lengths and two widths, and with a wing member connected to each length of the central member. The hull is symmetrical in shape about an imaginary longitudinal midline axis, with a left half and a right half. The closure is connected to the peripheral side edges of the hull. The closure is operable to connect the peripheral side edges of the two halves together to close the bag. The hull is constructed from a sheet material that substantially consists of a biodegradable polymer, and the closure is made substantially of a biodegradable polymer. In use, the hull when spread open can accommodated a casualty to rest upon the inner surface of the central member, and upon the death of the casualty, the pair of wing members can be flapped towards the midline to form a pouch to enclose the casualty, and the closure operated to connect the peripheral side edges of the two halves of the hull together to close the pouch opening to secure the corpse. Preferably, the biodegradable polymer is selected from the group comprising cellulose, starch, polyhydroxoalkanoates, polyurethanes derived from aliphatic polyesters, polylactic acids, polycaprolacton or mixtures thereof, alternatively with addition of one or more softeners. The present disclosure also discloses a stretcher device that may be used with the casualty bag. The stretcher device comprises a pair of stretcher poles, and at least two rigid curved stretcher bars removably connected to the stretcher poles. The stretcher bar is a curved rod having two ends. In use, the stretcher poles may be positioned in parallel to sling a load between the stretcher poles. The curved stretcher bars are connected at each end to one stretcher pole such that the bar curves superiorly to traverse over the slung load to lock the pair of stretcher poles in a generally parallel spaced apart position so as to prevent slacking of the sling.

The present disclosure also relates to a method for using a casualty bag. The method comprising the step of opening the casualty bag, the step of accommodating a living casualty on to the inner surface of the casualty bag; the step of stretchering the casualty bag with casualty lying thereon to a treatment location; upon the death of the casualty, the step of enclosing the corpse within the casualty bag; and the step of transporting the corpse in the casualty bag to a final destination. The word 'stretchering' is used herein to mean the act of attaching a pair of stretcher poles to convert the casualty bag into a casualty stretcher.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for using an inflatable casualty bag. The method comprises the step of opening the casualty bag; the step of inflating the inflatable central member of the casualty bag; the step of securing a living casualty onto the inflated central member of the casualty bag; the step of partially zipping up the casualty bag; and the step of transporting the loaded casualty bag across a water obstacle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention. In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows the top view of a preferred embodiment of the inner surface of a fully laid opened casualty bag;

FIG. 2 shows the top view of another preferred embodiment of the inner surface of a fully opened casualty bag;

FIG. 3 shows the perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the casualty bag in partially closed position;

FIG. 4 shows the perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the casualty bag in a fully closed position;

FIG. 5 shows a transverse cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the casualty body bag in a closed position;

FIG. 6 shows a top view of a more preferred embodiment of the casualty bag;

FIG. 7 shows a top view of another more preferred embodiment of the casualty bag; FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the casualty bag with stretcher poles connected;

FIG. 9 shows top view of an even more preferred embodiment of the casualty bag; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a still even more preferred embodiment of the casualty bag;

FIG. 11 is a top view of a still even more preferred embodiment of the casualty body bag;

FIG. 12 is a top view of a yet still even more preferred embodiment of the casualty bag;

FIG. 13 shows personnel carrying a casualty loaded on to a yet still even more preferred embodiment of the casualty bag;

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a yet still even more preferred embodiment of the casualty bag with a casualty resting thereon;

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the casualty bag with a casualty resting thereon;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a most preferred embodiment of the casualty bag; FIG. 17 is a another perspective view of a most preferred embodiment of the casualty bag;

FIG. 18 is yet another perspective view of a most preferred embodiment of the casualty bag;

FIG. 19 is still yet another perspective view of a most preferred embodiment of the casualty bag showing a human resting inside a partially closed casualty bag;

FIG. 20 is a transverse cross-sectional view of an inflated casualty bag;

FIG. 21 is a another transverse cross-sectional view of an inflated casualty bag; and

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the casualty bag with the stretcher device deployed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure relates to a novel casualty bag. An inflatable casualty bag is also disclosed. A biodegradable casualty bag is also disclosed. The present disclosure also discloses a stretcher device that may be used with the casualty bag. A method of using the casualty bag is also disclosed. The present disclosure also relates to a method for using an inflatable casualty bag.

Referring to FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the casualty bag comprises a flexible hull, and a closure 32 connected to the hull. The hull has an outer surface 26, an inner surface 28 and peripheral side edges. The hull comprises an elongated central member 34 and a pair of foldable wing members 36. The elongated central member 34 has two lengths and two widths, with a wing member 36 connected to each length of the central member 34. The hull is symmetrical in shape about an imaginary longitudinal midline axis, with a left half and a right half. A closure 32 is connected to the peripheral side edges of the hull. The closure 32 is operable to connect the peripheral side edges of the two halves of the hull together to form the casualty bag enclosure. In use, the hull may be laid opened and a casualty loaded to rest upon the inner surface 28 of the central member 34. If the casualty dies, the pair of wing members 36 may be flapped to form a pouch to contain the corpse, and the closure 32 operated to connect the peripheral side edges of the two halves of the hull together to secure the corpse (FIG. 4 and FIG. 5).

Referring to FIG. 6, in more preferred embodiment, the casualty bag further comprises a padding 41 coupled to the inner surface 28 of the elongated central member 34.

Referring to FIG. 7, in another more preferred embodiment, the casualty bag further comprises a plurality of inner lifting members 38 attached to the inner surface 28 of the hull. The present disclosure also relates to an inflatable casualty bag. Referring to FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, in yet another more preferred embodiment, the central member 34 is an inflatable central member 34. The inflatable central member 34 comprises an elongated case 68 forming a chamber, a gas inflatable bladder 70 encapsulated within the chamber, and a valve secured on the inflatable bladder 70 and in communication with the interior of the bladder 70. The case 68 is constructed of a soft, flexible, sheet material. Preferably, the central member 34 further comprises an inflation means connected to valve. The inflation means for inflating the bladder 70. In one embodiment, the inflation means comprises an oral inflation tube connected to the valve so as to permit the user to blow air into the inflatable bladder 70. In an alternative embodiment, the inflation means comprises a gas bottle connected to the valve of the inflatable bladder 70. Preferably, the closure 32 is a zipper operable from both the exterior and the interior of the casualty bag. Preferably, the flexible hull when fully spread open on a supporting surface has a butterfly-like configuration.

Referring to FIG. 9, in an even more preferred embodiment, the casualty bag comprises a flexible hull, the hull having an outer surface 26, an inner surface 28 and peripheral side edges, the hull comprising an elongated central member 34 and a pair of foldable wing members 36; a closure 32 connected to the peripheral side edges of the hull; a padding 41 coupled to the inner surface 28 of the central member 34; and a plurality of inner lifting members 38 attached to the inner surface 28 of the hull. The elongated central member 34 has two lengths and two widths, with a wing member 36 connected to each length of the central member 34. The hull is symmetrical in shape about an imaginary longitudinal midline axis, with a left half and a right half. A closure 32 is connected to the peripheral side edges of the hull. The closure 32 is operable to connect the peripheral side edges of the two halves together to form the casualty bag enclosure. Referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, in a still even more preferred embodiment, the casualty bag further comprises a plurality of wing fasteners 42. Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, in a yet still even more preferred embodiment, the casualty bag further comprises a body securing strap 40 connected to the inner surface 28 of the hull. In most preferred embodiment, the casualty bag further comprises a plurality of outer lifting members 46 connected to the outer surface 26 of the hull.

Padding

Referring to FIG. 6, in more preferred embodiment, the casualty bag further comprises a padding 41 coupled to the inner surface 28 of the central member 34 of the casualty bag. The word "coupled" could be defined as being attached movably or fixedly by one or more intermediate components. In one exemplary embodiment, the padding 41 is an absorbent pad 44. In another exemplary embodiment, the padding 41 is a cushion 43. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the cushion 43 is preferably an inflatable air cushion. Preferably, in one embodiment, the cushion provides both head and back support. Preferably, the cushion is attached to the inner surface 28 of the central member 34 by a fastener such as a Velcro™ fastener. The padding 41 may be coupled to central member 34 by a fastener material, where the fastener material includes, but is not limited to, glue, tape, two-sided tape, thread, and/or an hook-and- loop interlocking device such as VELCRO ^® (Velcro Industries B.V. LLC Netherlands, Curacao, Netherlands Antilles). Alternatively, the padding 41 may also be coupled by strips, snaps, buttons, hooks, and any other means of coupling commonly known.

Inner lifting members

Referring to FIG. 7, in another more preferred embodiment, the casualty bag further comprises a plurality of inner lifting members 38 attached to the inner surface 28 of the hull. These inner lifting members 38 allow personnel to lift the casualty bag with a living casualty lying thereon. In one construction, the inner lifting members 38 are arranged to facilitate hand gripping or hand carrying. The inner lifting members 38 can be griping straps or handles or loop handles. In another construction, the inner lifting members 38 are arranged in two rows, along the two perimeter lengths of the elongated central member 34, and a stretcher pole 60 can be removably connected to each row of inner lifting members 38 to convert the casualty bag into a casualty stretcher (FIG. 1). The stretcher poles 60 can be telescoping rigid poles. Stockpiling the novel casualty bag is more cost effective than stockpiling separate corpse bags and casualty stretchers. In yet another construction, the inner lifting members 38 are disposed in an arrangement to facilitate air-lifting. This allows living casualties to be air-lifted from the disaster site. In still yet another construction, the inner lifting member 38 is a hand loop handle which may be seized by two or more persons who would then hand-carry a casualty resting upon the casualty bag from the disaster area to the ambulance or other vehicle for transport to the medical centre for further medical attention.

Wing fastener

In a still even more preferred embodiment, the casualty bag further comprises a plurality of wing fasteners 42. The wing fasteners 42 may be used to maintain the two wing members 36 in storage position. In use, the wing fasteners 42 keep the two wing members 36 in rolled up or packed positions. The wing fastener 42 can have various constructions. Preferably, the wing fastener 42 is selected from the group consisting of: hooks, snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO ^® ), and any combinations thereof. In one construction, the wing fastener 42 is a Velcro™ hook- and-loop strap fastener in which one surface of each strap is provided with a hook portion of a VELCRO™ hook-and-loop fastener; and complementary strips of the loop portion of a VELCRO™ fastener are stitched to a surface of the wing member 36. In another construction, the wing fastener 42 comprises a Velcro™ strap attached thereto and positioned to engage the respective Velcro™ strap on the perimeter of the central member 34. In yet another construction, the wing fastener 42 is a strap and buckle fastener.

Body securing strap

In a yet still even more preferred embodiment, the casualty bag further comprises a body securing strap 40 connected to the inner surface 28 of the hull. The body securing strap 40 may be used for releasably securing the casualty onto the inner surface 28 of the casualty bag. In one embodiment, a plurality of body securing straps 40, each having a tension-adjusting device such as a buckle, is provided to reduce movement of a casualty loaded on to the central member 34. There may be one or more, preferably from two to five, body securing straps 40. Body securing straps 40 can be made of cloth, canvas, nylon, nylon-based material, or synthetic materials. Preferably, each body securing strap 40 is an adjustable strap. Preferably, the body securing strap 40 is attached to the central member 34 along one perimeter length thereof for folding over the casualty. Preferably, the body securing strap 40 is a hook- and-loop fastener (e.g., VELCRO ^® ), and the like. In one exemplary construction, each body securing strap 40 consists of a first strap attached to the perimeter of one length of the central member 34 and a second strap attached to the perimeter of the other length of the central member 34. When a casualty is on the central member 34, the first strap is connected to the second strap by buckles, thereby securing the casualty. Preferably, the buckles may be side release buckles, which allow easy use with heavy gloves. Outer lifting member

Referring to FIGS. 16 to 18, in most preferred embodiment, the casualty bag further comprises a plurality of outer lifting members 46 attached to the outer surface 26 of the hull. The casualty bag, with the corpse enclosed therein, may be lifted and/or carried by one or more bearers who manually grip and lift the casualty bag by the outer lifting members 46, or by inserting rigid stretcher poles 60 through the outer lifting members 46. The bearers then transport casualty bag with the corpse therein, for a desired distance. Alternatively, the outer lifting members 46 may also be used to secure a loaded casualty bag to a transport vehicle, such as an ambulance or helicopter during transport. In one embodiment, the outer lifting members 46 may be straps or handles such that the casualty bag can be lifted by hand. In another embodiment, the outer lifting members 46 are disposed in an arrangement to facilitate air-lifting. For example, for recovering corpses after a ski accident, removing corpses out of smoke stacks, or transporting corpses from remote areas. In still another embodiment, the outer lifting members 46 are disposed to facilitate the insertion or attachment of a pair of stretcher poles 60. Preferably, each outer lifting member 46 is a handle with a reinforced tubular stretcher piece for insertion of the stretcher pole 60. In yet still another embodiment, the outer lifting member 46 is a distal loop handle which allows the casualty bag to be pulled like a sledge or to be dragged through the terrain. This mode of transportation is particularly appropriate in winter conditions when the ground is snow-covered.

Outer lifting members 46 that are handles or loop handles or straps can be constructed from a separate piece of material with high-tensile properties, including, but not limited to, polyvinyl chloride, two-sided urethane-coated materials, polyesters, polypropylene, or any combinations thereof. Closure

The closure 32 is connected to the peripheral side edges of the hull. As illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 18, the closure 32 is operable to connect or to seal the peripheral side edges of the two halves together to form the casualty bag enclosure. Closures 32 include, but are not limited to, zippers, hooks, hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO ^® ), and the like. In one embodiment, the closure 32 is a re-closable closure. In an unfastened condition, one part of the closure 32 is along the peripheral side edge of one half of the casualty bag, and the other part of the closure 32 is along the peripheral side edge of the other half of the casualty bag.

In another embodiment, the closure 32 is a fluid-tight re-closeable closure. In one construction, the fluid-tight closure may be water-resistant, or sealed with a water- resistant sealer, to reduce leakage of blood or other body fluids from the corpse in casualty bag. In another construction, the fluid-tight closure can have a water-resistant sealer material along its entire length. A suitable fluid-tight re-closeable closure is a zip fastener or zipper. In an unfastened condition, one part of the zipper is along the peripheral side edge of one half of the casualty bag and the other part of the zipper is along the peripheral side edge of the other half of the casualty bag.

Zipper

In use, when the zipper is zipped the casualty bag is closed, and when unzipped, the wing members may be flapped apart to fully open the casualty bag. The zipper may be made from a material selected from the group comprising of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene and neoprene. Various types of zipper construction can be used. In one construction, the zipper is an adhesive tape backed reinforced zipper to minimize possible zipper-tear-out during handling and transport. In another construction, the zipper has dual zipper pulls to facilitate opening and closing of the device. In yet another construction, the zipper is preferably a rust resistant heavy-duty nylon zipper. Another suitable zipper is a serialized tamper resistant zipper pull seal. Yet another suitable zipper is a two-way plastic #10 waterproof zipper with metal tabs. Yet another suitable zipper is 89" heavy duty plastic with 323(lbs. / sq. in.) Another suitable zipper is a dual No. 8 padlock style zipper pull. Yet another embodiment provides a heavy duty gas tight zipper with a large ring on slider to allow for ease of zipping and unzipping when wearing gloves. The zippers are preferably waterproof, self-repairing and non-locking. In addition, tamper tabs can be provided at zip closure for lock attachments. Another suitable zipper is a nylon zipper. Advantageously, a nylon zipper does not interfere with x-ray imaging. Alternatively, commercially available gas-tight or air-tight zippers may be used. In another embodiment, the closure 32 is a zipper that has a sealing material along its length to provide water-resistance to closure 32.

Construction

The flexible hull is preferably made of a fluid impermeable sheet material. Preferably, the sheet material comprises at least one layer of a fluid impermeable material. Preferably, the sheet material is completely impermeable to fluids such as water, blood, body fluids, or chemicals associated with embalming or preserving a corpse, and serves as a fluid barrier to prevent fluids exuded by the corpse from leaking out of the casualty bag. Fluid impermeability of the casualty bag also reduces effects of outside water (from the ground or from rain and snow) from seeping into the casualty bag.

The flexible hull may be constructed from pieces or panels of flexible fluid impermeable sheet material connected or sealed together. The seams are sealed for superior resistance to leakage during transport. One method is to completely heat sealed with no sewn seams. In an alternate method, all seams can be 100% radio- frequency heat sealed to eliminate any possible leakage. Alternatively, seams can be dielectrically sealed to prevent leakage. If required, all seams are hermetically heat sealed to facilitate optimum usability and gas tight integrity. Alternatively, the flexible hull may be formed from pieces of sheet material connected, by an adhesive material, by forming a thermal weld between each wing member and central member, or by sewing so long as the construction provides the casualty bag complete integrity, and provides a finished appearance. Thermal bonding can be used to form a thermal seal that joins the pair of wing members to the central member to form a hull that is water-resistant/fluid-resistant. A preferred technique for thermal bonding is Radio Frequency (RF) welding technology. Alternatively, ultrasonic bonding or heat bonding techniques can be used to create the thermal seal.

Referring to FIG. 2, in yet another alternative construction, the hull may be constructed from a unitary piece of flexible sheet material; and in this construction, the central member is represented by the central portion of the unitary piece, and the wing members are represented by the wing portions of the unitary piece.

The casualty bags can be constructed in adult, pediatric and infant sizes. The casualty bags can be constructed in various colors such as black, yellow, orange, blue and grey to indicate the required burial customs. It is expected that there could be numerous variations of the design of the casualty bag. Finally, it is envisioned that the components of the casualty bag may be constructed of a variety of materials.

Materials

A casualty bag for use in a pandemic or natural disaster should be suitable for burial or cremation. A suitable material for the flexible sheet material is a material having a minimum burst point of 280 PSI, minimum tensile grab strength of warp 300, weft 300, is tolerant of cold temperatures, and is safe disposal compliant. In addition, the flexible sheet material preferably has a cracking point of 25-32 Fahrenheit (F) degrees below zero. Furthermore, the materials for the flexible sheet material preferably contain neither chlorides nor carbons, permitting their use in crematories. Suitable materials for the layer of fluid impermeable material include pliable films which are tough, strong, have a thickness ranging from 8 to 30 mils and are fluid impermeable. A suitable material is a strong, flexible, semi-bio-degradable heavy duty P.V.C (poly- vinyl-chloride) capable of providing fluid barrier protection and blood penetration resistance. Another suitable material is a heavy duty abrasion resistant vinyl having a thickness of 18 mils to 26 mils. Another suitable material is 10 oz. vinyl. In those countries where the use of vinyl may not be compliant with the disposal regulations, alternative materials can be used. One alternative material is a polyethylene woven fabric. Another suitable material is a chlorine-free non-vinyl material that complies with environmental protection burn restrictions involving the release of chlorine gas thereby eliminating the disposal problems associated with vinyl materials. The chlorine-free material should be flexible to -70 degrees F. (-57 degrees Celsius (C)) so that it can be used in winter environments or morgue coolers without fear of the material cracking. Chlorine-free material is preferably 100% chlorine free and environmentally compliant. No PVC (poly-vinyl-chloride) material is used. One advantage of using non- vinyl materials is that it is safe to cremate or bury. In another embodiment, the casualty bag ^' is made of two layers of 3 -mil polyethylene film laminated to 1000 denier scrim reinforcement material. This construction has a strength equivalent to 12 mil vinyl. If no vinyl material is used, it is environmentally compliant. It is possible to use the two layer construction but without the scrim support material. In yet another construction, the casualty bag is constructed of a high density polyethylene woven fabric. In another alternative construction, the flexible sheet material can be made of non-vinyl polyethylene material for longer shelf life and to remain flexible to -70 degrees F. The lifting capacity of the casualty bag should preferably be a weight capacity of 200 to 600 pounds. Yet another construction uses 20-gauge Vinyl and has a 600 lb. lifting capacity. Still yet another construction uses 10-gauge Polyethylene Vinyl Acetate (PEVA). This material contains no PVCs and is burnable. PEVA materials retain their strength, flexibility and soft feel in cold temperatures. Non-toxic PEVA bags comply with environmental chlorine burn requirements.

Another construction uses flexible sheet material that may have a layer of material impregnated with anti-septic chemicals. This may serve to kill susceptible microorganisms. In yet another construction, the flexible sheet material can have a layer of material impregnated with an agent selected from the group consisting of an anti- viral agent, a fungicidal agent and an anti-bacteria agent. In yet another construction, the casualty bag can be made of other flexible sheet materials such as biodegradable plastics.

Absorbent pad

An absorbent pad 44 is coupled to the inner surface 28 of the central member 34. The absorbent pad 44 is typically sized less than the central member 34 so that a portion of the central member 34 forms a perimeter edge about the absorbent pad 44. Although the casualty bag preferably has one absorbent pad 44, other embodiments of casualty bag may have two or more absorbent pads 44. The absorbent pad 44 serves to absorb and retain bodily fluids leaked from the patient and medical fluids inadvertently discharged from containers. The absorbent pad 44 may be based on absorbent and super adsorbent polymer technology as is common in the art of fluid adsorption. Examples of absorbent and superabsorbent materials that can be used for absorbent pad 44 include, but are not limited to, cellulose, cellulose fiber, an airlaid, an airlaid non-woven, an airlaid composite, fluff pulp, bonding fiber, superabsorbent polymer (SAP), SAP composite, compressed composite containing a percentage of short or microfiber material, thermoplastic polymer fiber, thermoplastic polymer granule, cellulose powder, cellulose gel, an airlaid with SAP, a fibrous or foam structure that has been coated or impregnated with a SAP, an absorbent structure having one or more starch or cellulose based absorbent or containing superabsorbent material formed and/or crosslinked, or any combinations thereof. Superabsorbent material used in the present disclosure can be used in various forms that include, but are not limited to, granular, fiber, liquid, superabsorbent hot melts, or any combinations thereof.

In a preferred construction, the absorbent pad 44 comprises a superabsorbent material having one or more layers. The one or more layers of absorbent material can be a top layer, a bottom layer, and/or a middle layer. Each layer of the one or more layers of absorbent pad 44 can be positioned adjacent to another layer without being adhered to the next layer, or some (or all) of layers in the absorbent body can be bonded together. The one or more layers of absorbent pad 44 can be bonded with an adhesive material, or by using static attraction. In more preferred construction, the absorbent pad 44 further comprises one or more active agent selected from the group consisting of: bactericide, fungicide, virucide, disinfectant, sanitizer, sterilizer, mildewstat, surfactant, deodorizer, and any combinations thereof. In an even more preferred construction, the one or more active agent is separated from a different active agent by placing the one or more active agent and the different active agent in different layers of the absorbent pad 44. Alternatively, the active agent is in an inactive form until activated by water or a fluid exuded by a body resting on the absorbent pad 44.

Construction of the lifting members

The inner lifting members 38 and the outer lifting members 46 can have various constructions. In one construction, the inner lifting members 38 and the outer lifting members 46 are carry handles suitable for handling by two to six persons. These handles may be padded and radio-frequency welded directly into the flexible sheet material for comfortable handling during transport. Alternatively, the handles may be sewn or riveted webbing style. Alternatively, the handles may be riveted and stitched with nylon thread.

Inflatable casualty bag

The present disclosure also relates to an inflatable casualty bag. Referring to FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, in another more preferred embodiment, the central member 34 is an inflatable central member 34. The inflatable central member 34 comprises an elongated case 68 forming a chamber, a gas inflatable bladder 70 encapsulated within the chamber, and a valve secured on the inflatable bladder 70 and in communication with the interior of the bladder 70. The case 68 is constructed of a soft, flexible, sheet material. Preferably, the inflatable central member 34 further comprises an inflation means connected to valve. The inflation means for inflating the bladder 70. The inflation means may comprise an oral inflation tube connected to the valve. The tube permits the user to blow air into the inflatable bladder 70. Alternatively, the inflation means may comprise a gas bottle connected to the valve of the inflatable bladder 70. Preferably, the closure 32 is a zipper operable from both the exterior and the interior of the casualty bag. Preferably, the flexible hull when fully spread open on a supporting surface has a butterfly-like configuration. In use, the inflated casualty bag can be utilised by disaster aid personnel or disaster survivors as an air cushioned sleeping bag (FIG. 3 and FIG. 19).

The inflatable casualty bag may further comprise inner lifting members 38. In use, medical personnel any attach stretcher poles to the inner lifting members 38 to convert the inflated casualty bag into an air cushioned stretcher to transport casualty. The inflatable casualty bag may further comprise outer lifting members 46.

In use, the inflated gas bladder 70 enables the casualty bag to float in water and may provide sufficient buoyancy and floatation support for a human body, living or dead, loaded on to the interior of the casualty bag. With sufficient buoyancy support, it may be deployed in military field conditions to help evacuate a casualty across a water obstacle such as a river. The inflated central member 34 may allow the casualty bag to be converted into a floating stretcher bag to be used for the transport of wounded persons and dead bodies across a water obstacle. In battlefield use, military personnel may utilise an inflated casualty bag as a floating stretcher to help transport a casualty across a water obstacle such as a river. Alternatively, it may be suitable for use as a basic floating means when one traverses bodies of water, in which connection it is possible at the same time to transport in the bag clothing, arms and other pieces of equipment.

Biodegradable casualty bag A biodegradable casualty bag is also disclosed. The biodegradable casualty bag comprises a flexible fabric hull, and a closure 32 connected to the hull. The hull has an outer surface 26, an inner surface 28 and peripheral side edges. The hull comprises an elongated central member 34 and a pair of wing members 36, the central member 34 having two lengths and two widths, with a wing member 36 connected to each length of the central member 34. The hull is symmetrical in shape about an imaginary longitudinal midline axis, with a left half and a right half. The closure 32 is connected to the peripheral side edges of the hull, and is operable to connect the peripheral side edges of the two halves of the hull together so as to close the bag. The flexible fabric hull is constructed from a sheet material consisting substantially of a biodegradable polymer, and the closure 32 is made substantially of a biodegradable polymer. Preferably, the biodegradable polymer is selected from the group comprising cellulose, starch, polyhydroxoalkanoates, polyurethanes derived from aliphatic polyesters, polylactic acids, polycaprolacton or mixtures thereof, alternatively with addition of one or more softeners. In use, a casualty may be loaded to rest upon the inner surface 28 of the central member 34, and upon the death of the casualty, the pair of wing members 36 can be flapped towards the midline to form a pouch to enclose the casualty, and the closure 32 operated to connect the peripheral side edges of the two halves of the hull together so as to close the pouch opening to secure the corpse.

When a corpse is loaded into the biodegradable casualty bag, which is subsequently sealed, the contents of the bag will be sealed air-tight during the time the bag is present in an environment which is not suitable for biodegradation, for example a chilled room. During transport, for example via a hearse or in aeroplanes, which are generally environments which are not suitable for biodegradation, either, the contents of such a biodegradable casualty bag will remain sealed air-tight, in particular odour- tight. When the biodegradable casualty bag is placed in an environment which is suitable for biodegradation of the biodegradable material, for example when it is placed in the ground or covered with a layer of earth, for example, a biodegradation process will take place, as a result of which the biodegradable casualty bag will at least partially open, so that its contents, in particular the gases it contains, are brought into contact with the environment, as a result of which micro-organisms can effect further biodegradation. In a suitable environment, such biodegradation will take place very quickly, for example within a few weeks.

A stretcher device The present disclosure also discloses a stretcher device that may be used with the casualty bag. The stretcher device comprises a pair of stretcher poles 60, and at least two rigid curved stretcher bars 64 removably connected to the stretcher poles 60. Each rigid curved stretcher bar 64 has two ends, and is connected at each end to a different stretcher pole 60. In use, the pair of stretcher poles 60 is generally positioned in parallel arrangement so as to sling a load between the stretcher poles 60. The curved stretcher bars 64 are connected to the stretcher poles 60 such that they curve superiorly to traverse over the slung load, and lock the stretcher poles 60 in generally parallel, spaced apart position to prevent slacking of the sling. The stretcher device can be deployable with casualty carriers that may be slung between a pair of stretcher poles 60. The casualty carriers may be any elongated piece of canvas or fabric slung between a pair of stretcher poles 60. A preferred example of the casualty carrier is the casualty bag. Referring to FIG. 22, the stretcher device may be used to stretcher the loaded casualty bag.

Referring to FIG. 8, when used with the casualty bag, each stretcher pole 60 is removably attached, through the inner lifting members 38, along one length of the central member 34 of the casualty bag, to convert the casualty bag into a casualty stretcher for transporting a living casualty. The wing members 36 are folded and packed in a storage position abutting the length of the central member 34. Thus, the casualty bag has been converted into a casualty stretcher. Next, referring to FIG. 22, the two curved stretcher bars 64 are removably connected to the stretcher poles 60 such that the rigid curved stretcher bars 64 curves ventrally and superiorly over a supine casualty resting on central member 34 of the casualty bag. The pair of stretcher poles 60 is locked in generally parallel, spaced apart position by the curved stretcher bars 64 thus preventing slacking of the loaded central member 34.

A method for using the casualty bag

One aspect of the invention relates to a method for using the casualty bag. The method comprises the step of opening the casualty bag; the step of loading a living casualty on to the inner surface 28 of the casualty bag; the step of stretchering the casualty bag with casualty lying thereon to a treatment location; upon the death of the casualty, the step of enclosing the corpse within the casualty bag; and the step of transporting the corpse in the casualty bag to a final destination. The word 'stretchering' is used herein to mean the act of using a pair of stretcher poles 60 to convert the casualty bag into a casualty stretcher.

A method for using an inflatable casualty bag

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for using an inflatable casualty bag. The method comprises the step of opening the casualty bag; the step of inflating the inflatable central member 34 of the casualty bag; the step of securing a living casualty onto the inflated central member 34 of the casualty bag; the step of partially zipping up the casualty bag; and the step of transporting the loaded casualty bag across a water obstacle.

Possible uses of the various embodiments

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

The versatile casualty bag is particularly useful in disasters, in field conditions, in military situations and in mass casualty events because specialized equipment suitable for each situation is rarely available. In its various embodiments, it may be usable as a corpse bag, a ground sheet, a casualty stretcher, an inflated casualty stretcher, a biodegradable casualty bag, and a personal sleeping bag. The casualty bag may be used at burials in field conditions as a body bag or a corpse bag or as a substitute coffin. In military use under conditions of war, the casualty bag may belong to a soldier's personal equipment. The casualty bag is easily folded and stored in compact form, yet it is able to stretcher a casualty and also able to encase a corpse. Where a disaster occurs in a remote location with limited access and rugged terrain, it is advantageous to be able to deploy a casualty bag that be used as both a casualty stretcher to aid in the evacuation of casualties, and also as a container for corpses.

Following a disaster, large groups of surviving people may have to be mobilized and relocated to a temporary camp or location for a number of days, weeks or even months. The logistical duties include providing each survivor with a place to sleep. In one exemplary embodiment, the casualty bag may be constructed from a sheet of fluid impermeable sheet material that makes it water-tight. Advantageously, the casualty bag when folly opened and spread out is usable as a ground sheet by survivors and rescue workers. Another exemplary embodiment provides a casualty bag with a cushion. Advantageously, the cushioned casualty bag can also be used as a sleeping bag by survivors, fire fighters, disaster relief crews, military personnel and the like. The cushion provides some padding between the ground and the sleeper, making the casualty bag more comfortable and the impermeable material of the casualty bag protects the sleeper from ground moisture. When partially zipped up, it can be used as a sleeping bed (FIG. 3 and FIG. 19). The zipper can be operable from both the inside and the outside of the casualty bag.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the inner lifting members 38 and the outer lifting members 46 may be tubular carrying handles that allow both hand-grip lifting and the insertion of stretcher poles 60. It is also possible to pass through the inner lifting members, stretcher poles 60 or shafts or the like, to convert the casualty bag into a casualty stretcher. Referring to FIG. 8, when a pair of stretcher poles 60 is inserted through or attached to certain inner lifting members 38, the casualty bag is converted into a casualty stretcher. The casualty stretcher can be carried easily by two or more persons acting as carriers or bearers. The stretcher pole 60 is rigid and can be any solid or hollow pole. The stretcher pole 60 is preferably made of metal, polymer, or wood. A suitable metal may be titanium, steel, copper, aluminium, and alloys of these metals. The stretcher pole 60 can be solid or hollow structures, depending on the need for strength and reduced weight. The cross-section of a stretcher pole 60 may be any shape, such as a round cross-section. Further, a stretcher pole 60 can be "telescoping" to further enhance portability when not in use, where "telescoping" means that certain sections of the stretcher pole 60 are sized to pass inside another section, in the manner of a telescope. A complete stretcher function can be achieved by connecting two curved stretcher bars 64 to the pair of stretcher poles 60. In use, once the pair of stretcher poles 60 is in place along the length of the elongated central member 34 of the casualty bag, they may be locked in position by curved stretcher bars 64 that are positioned to traverse ventrally over the supine casualty. These two curved stretcher bars 64 serve to lock the stretcher poles 60 in generally parallel, spaced apart position to prevent slacking of the slung casualty bag. In addition, the curved stretcher bars 64 help prevent the casualty from rolling off. As used herein, "ventrally" means relating to the abdominal. As the casualty is most likely placed supine on to the inner surface 28 the central member 34 of the casualty bag, the curved stretcher bars 64 are positioned to curve ventrally and superiorly to traverse over the supine casualty. This stretcher device is novel. Outer lifting members 46 may be used as carrying handles when transporting the casualty bag; and may also serve as a handhold at the crossing of water bodies, when the inflated central member 34 serves as a floating aid.

At a disaster site, the casualty bag can be spread or laid open to receive a living casualty to rest upon the inner surface 28 of the elongated central member 34. Upon the death of the casualty, the wing members 36 may be flapped towards the imaginary longitudinal midline axis to form a pouch to enclose the body. Personnel may then operate the closure to connect the peripheral edges of the two halves of the hull together to close the pouch opening to secure the corpse.

In a medical center, during preparations for receiving a casualty, the casualty bag opened and the wing members 36 are flapped apart and the outer surface 26 of the central member 34 of the casualty bag positioned to cover a casualty supporting structure such as a hospital bed or a patient trolley. The wing members 36 can be folded or rolled and packed so as to abut the sides of the bed. Alternatively, the wing members 36 can be folded and tucked underneath the mattress so as to embrace the mattress and protect the mattress from the patient's bodily fluids. The covered bed is now ready for the arrival of the casualty. A casualty can lie upon the inner surface 28 of the casualty bag with minimal or little contamination of the bed. In the event that the patient dies, the personnel need not lift the corpse nor touch the remains; the personnel simply unpacks and unfolds the wing members 36, and flapped the wing members 36 centrally towards the imaginary longitudinal midline to enclose the corpse, and operate the closure 32 to close the casualty bag to contain the corpse. If a post-mortem is desired, at the post-mortem room, the casualty bag can be unzipped and the two wing members 36 flapped apart and, if desired, folded underneath or rolled up so as to abut the sides of the post-mortem table. Personnel can then examine the corpse without lifting the corpse away from the central member 34 of the casualty bag. Thus, an autopsy can be performed without the need to unload the corpse from the casualty bag.

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary embodiment of the casualty bag with a casualty loaded thereon.

In another exemplary use, at the site of a disaster, if a corpse is loaded on to the central member 34, the wing members 36 are unfolded and flapped centrally towards the imaginary longitudinal midline axis of the central member 34 to enclose the corpse, and the closure 32 operated to close the casualty bag to contain the corpse. In another alternative use, if a living casualty is placed upon the casualty bag, the casualty bag may be used to transport the casualty to the medical centre by hand lifting or by stretchering or by air-lifting. A pair of stretcher poles 60 also may be used to convert the casualty bag into a casualty stretcher to transport the living casualty to the medical centre. Upon arrival at the hospital or medical centre, the casualty can remain reclined upon the inner surface 28 of the central member 34 for the entirety of the initial medical examination and treatment performed by medical personnel. If immediate tests are required, the casualty can be transported while still reclining upon the casualty bag to the appropriate x-ray room or treatment rooms wherever their location within the medical centre. Alternatively, should the casualty lying on the central member 34 of the casualty bag fail to respond to emergency medical treatment or be pronounced as dead upon arrival, the corpse would remain lying upon the casualty bag which can then be closed to secure the corpse. Further, the casualty bag can be used to transport the corpse into the morgue, autopsy room, or other designated place. If an autopsy is required, the casualty bag can be flapped opened and the autopsy performed while the corpse remains positioned upon the same casualty bag which originally transported the corpse to the medical centre. Upon completion of the autopsy, the casualty bag can be closed to enclose the corpse and the casualty bag used to transport the corpse to the funeral parlour or other final resting place for disposition. In short, the casualty bag can carry and follow the casualty from the site of disaster, through initial transport to the medical centre, and even through autopsy and final transport to the funeral directors for final disposition of the corpse. Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth herein.

It is understood that the above-described preferred embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claim rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims. Those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that many other variations from the foregoing description and drawings may be made within the scope of the present invention. Indeed, the invention is not limited to the details described above. Rather, it is the following claims including any amendments thereto that define the scope of the invention.