FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a casualty carrier apparatus for carrying an injured or incapacitated person, either by an individual in a hands-free manner, or by two or more individuals according to need and circumstance.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In places where people are wounded or incapacitated, such as conflict zones, natural disasters or building fires, casualties may need to be carried to safety. It is desirable that an individual carrying the casualty can do so with hands free to allow evasive or other important actions to be carried out.

For casualties who need to be laid out, typically a stretcher is provided, with handles to enable it to be carried with the casualty on top, by two or four people.

It is desirable to minimise the amount of kit carried by military or emergency crew for such purposes.

It is desirable to provide a casualty carrier apparatus which permits ergonomic transportation of a casualty by a single person in hands-free mode, or by two or more people, which is simple and compact, and without separate parts which may become detached or lost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention provides a casualty carrier apparatus for transportation of a casualty by an individual in a hands-free manner, the casualty carrier apparatus comprising: a flexible body panel having opposite first and second end edges and opposite first and second side edges; a pair of shoulder straps having a fixed length, the shoulder straps being secured to the body panel proximate the first end edge; a pair of first securing straps, each of the first securing straps extending from a respective side edge of the body panel, and the first securing straps being secured to the body panel further from the first end edge than the shoulder straps; a pair of second securing straps extending from the second end edge of the body panel, each of the second securing straps being releasably connectable to one of the first securing straps.

The body panel preferably has a length, between the first and second end edges, of between 1 m and 1 .5 m. The body panel preferably has a width, between the first and second side edges, of between 0.1 m and 0.5 m. In preferred embodiments the width of the body panel varies along the length of the body panel. Preferably the width of the body panel is smallest at the first and second end edges and the width of the body panel is greatest substantially midway between the first and second end edges.

Each of the shoulder straps is preferably in the form of a loop. Each of the shoulder strap may comprise an elongate band of material attached to the body panel so as to form a loop.

Each of the first securing straps preferably includes a fastener. Each of the second securing straps preferably includes a fastener. The fasteners of the first securing straps are preferably releasably connectable to the fasteners of the second securing straps.

In some embodiments a first one of the first securing straps and a first one of the second securing straps are part of a first continuous band of webbing, and a second one of the first securing straps and a second one of the second securing straps are part of a second continuous band of webbing. ln other embodiments one of the shoulder straps and one of the second securing straps are part of a first continuous band of webbing, and the other one of the shoulder straps and the other one of the second securing straps are part of a second continuous band of webbing.

Each of the first and second bands of webbing are preferably secured to the body panel. Each of the bands of webbing may be sewn to the body panel. Preferably a part of the first band of webbing extends along the first side edge of the body panel and a part of the second band of webbing extends along the second side edge of the body panel.

The first and second bands of webbing preferably cross over each other in a region between the first side edge and the second side edge of the body panel. In preferred embodiments the bands of webbing cross over each other in a region proximate the second end edge of the body panel. The bands of webbing may cross over each other in a region proximate the first end edge of the body panel.

The casualty carrier apparatus preferably further comprises a pair of carry handles adjacent the second end edge of the body panel. A first carry handle is preferably disposed adjacent the first side edge of the body panel and a second carry handle is preferably disposed adjacent the second side edge of the body panel.

In preferred embodiments the carry handles are provided on a first surface of the body panel, and the shoulder straps and first and second securing straps are secured to a second opposite surface of the body panel.

The casualty carrier apparatus preferably further comprises two chest strap members. Each chest strap member is preferably secured to one of the shoulder straps. Each chest strap member may additionally be secured to one of the first securing straps.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a method of carrying a casualty using a casualty carrier apparatus for transportation of a casualty by an individual in a hands-free manner, the method comprising: inserting said individual’s arms through shoulder straps of the casualty carrier apparatus; supporting said casualty in a flexible body panel of the casualty carrier apparatus such that the body panel extends between legs of the casualty, a first end edge of the body panel being disposed between the casualty and the individual and a second end edge of the body panel being disposed adjacent a back of the casualty; extending a pair of first securing straps connected to the body panel around sides of the individual; passing a pair of second securing straps connected to the second end edge of the body panel over shoulders of the casualty and over the shoulders of the individual; and securing each one of the first securing straps to one of the second securing straps.

Preferably, said casualty is supported in the flexible body panel of the casualty carrier apparatus such that the body panel is in a substantially U-shaped configuration.

Preferably said individual’s arms are inserted through loops of the shoulder straps, the loops being of a fixed length.

Preferably the shoulder straps are secured to the body panel proximate the first end edge of the body panel and, after the individual’s arms have been inserted through the shoulder straps, an upper region of the body panel adjacent the first end edge lies against the individual’s back. After the casualty has been supported in the flexible body panel the upper region of the body panel is disposed between the casualty and the individual. A lower region of the body panel adjacent the second end edge is preferably disposed adjacent a back of the casualty. The pair of second securing straps may be crossed over each other in a chest region of the individual.

The method may further comprise securing a pair of chest straps of the casualty carrier apparatus together. Each of the chest straps is preferably connected to one of the shoulder straps.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a method of carrying a casualty using a casualty carrier apparatus in a stretcher configuration, the method comprising: lying said casualty on a front surface of a body panel of the casualty carrier apparatus such that a head of the casualty is adjacent a first end edge of the body panel and legs of the casualty are adjacent a second end edge of the body panel; placing a pair of first securing straps over shoulders of the casualty; inserting each one of a pair of second securing straps through a retaining loop on a rear surface of the body panel such that the second securing straps cross over each other on the rear surface of the body panel; releasably securing each of the second securing straps to one of the first securing straps; lifting the body panel by grasping each one of a pair of shoulder straps secured to the body panel adjacent the first end edge and each one of a pair of carry handles secured to the body panel adjacent the second end edge, each of the shoulder straps and each of the carry handles having a fixed length.

Preferably the retaining loop comprises a retaining strap secured to the body panel in a central region of the body panel.

The step of inserting each one of a pair of second securing straps through a retaining loop on a rear surface of the body panel such that the second securing straps cross over each other on the rear surface of the body panel preferably comprises: inserting a first one of the second securing straps through the retaining loop, the first one of the second securing straps being secured to the body panel at the second end edge and adjacent a first side edge of the body panel; inserting a second one of the second securing straps through the retaining loop, the second one of the second securing straps being secured to the body panel at the second end edge and adjacent a second side edge of the body panel; and crossing the second securing straps over each other so that the first one of the second securing straps extends from the second side edge of the body panel and the second one of the second securing straps extends from the first side edge of the body panel.

Preferably the carry handles are secured to the rear surface of the body panel. In preferred embodiments a first one of the pair of carry handles is disposed adjacent the first side edge of the body panel and a second one of the pair of carry handles is disposed adjacent the second side edge of the body panel.

Embodiments of the casualty carrier apparatus comprise a foldable elongate body panel having a first end, a second end, a first side edge and a second side edge; a pair of shoulder straps at or adjacent the first end; a pair of carry handles at or adjacent the second end; a pair of upper securing straps towards the first end; and a pair of lower securing straps towards the second end, each upper securing strap being releasably connectable to a corresponding lower securing strap.

Preferably the securing straps comprise a first upper securing strap connected to the body panel at or adjacent the first side edge; a second upper securing strap connected to the body panel at or adjacent the second side edge; a first lower securing strap connected to the body panel at or adjacent the second side edge; and a second lower securing strap connected to the body panel at or adjacent the first side edge, wherein the first upper securing strap and the first lower securing strap each has a securing member for releasably securing the straps together, and the second upper securing strap and the second lower securing strap each has a securing member for releasably securing the straps together.

Preferably the first upper securing strap and the first lower securing strap are part of a continuous first web of material; the second upper securing strap and the second lower securing strap are part of a continuous second web of material; and the first web and the second web cross over in a region between the first side edge and the second side edge of the body panel.

The apparatus preferably further comprises two chest strap members, each being secured to a different upper securing strap, and each chest strap member being provided with a securing member for releasably securing the chest strap members together. One chest strap member is preferably secured to one of the shoulder straps and the other chest strap member is preferably secured to the other shoulder strap.

The body panel preferably has its greatest width in a region between the shoulder straps and the second end.

The apparatus preferably further comprises a loop of material secured to a central region of the body panel, the loop being sized to permit the lower securing straps and their securing members to pass through.

Preferably the body panel has opposed major surfaces and the shoulder loops are secured to one of the major surfaces and the carry handles are secured to the other one of the major surfaces.

Preferably the body panel is formed from a nylon polymer. Preferably the nylon polymer is coated with polyurethane.

Preferred and/or optional features of each aspect and embodiment described above may also be used, alone or in appropriate combination, in the other aspects and embodiments also. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a casualty carrier apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows exemplary dimensions of a body panel of the casualty carrier apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a plan view from the rear of a casualty carrier apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a plan view from the front of the casualty carrier apparatus of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the casualty carrier apparatus of Figure 3 in a backpack configuration;

Figure 6 is a further perspective view of the casualty carrier apparatus of Figure 5 in the backpack configuration;

Figure 7 is a plan view from the rear of the casualty carrier apparatus of Figure 5 in the backpack configuration;

Figure 8 is a plan view from the front of the casualty carrier apparatus of Figure 5 in the backpack configuration;

Figure 9 shows the casualty carrier apparatus of Figure 3 in a storage configuration;

Figure 10 shows the casualty carrier apparatus of Figure 3 being used by an individual in the backpack configuration to carry a casualty hands-free; Figure 11 is a further view of the casualty carrier apparatus of Figure 3 being used by an individual in the backpack configuration to carry a casualty hands-free;

Figure 12 is a further view of the casualty carrier apparatus of Figure 3 being used by an individual in the backpack configuration to carry a casualty hands-free;

Figure 13 shows a casualty in a lying or supine position lying on the casualty carrier apparatus of Figure 3;

Figure 14 shows a casualty in a lying or supine position lying on the casualty carrier apparatus of Figure 3 with securing straps of the casualty carrier apparatus fastened around the casualty;

Figure 15 shows the casualty carrier apparatus of Figure 3 being used by two people in a stretcher configuration to carry a casualty; and

Figure 16 shows the casualty carrier apparatus of Figure 3 being used by four people in a stretcher configuration to carry a casualty.

Any dimensions given in the drawings are by way of illustration and do not limit the invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A casualty carrier apparatus 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 1 and 2. The casualty carrier apparatus 2 comprises a flexible elongate body panel 4 having a first end edge 6, a second end edge 8, a first side edge 10 and a second side edge 12. The body panel 4 is preferably formed from a suitable flexible structural material that is able to support the weight of a person in use. The structural material may be a suitable woven fabric or canvas fabric. The fabric may include a suitable coating. The coating may provide water resistance and/or UV light resistance. In this example the flexible structural material is 500 denier textured nylon coated with polyurethane. This material provides good strength and abrasion resistance, and water resistance.

A length of the body panel 4, i.e. a distance between first and second end edges 6, 8, is preferably between 1 m and 1.5 m. More preferably the length is between 1 .2 m and 1.3 m. Most preferably the length is about 1 .25 m. A width of the body panel 4, i.e. a distance between the first and second side edges 10, 12, is preferably between 0.1 m and 0.5 m. More preferably the width is between 0.2 m and 0.4 m. In some embodiments the body panel 4 is substantially rectangular. In preferred embodiments the width of the body panel 4 varies along the length of the body panel 4. Preferably the width of the body panel 4 is smallest at the first and second end edges 6, 8 and the width of the body panel 4 is greatest substantially midway between the first and second end edges 6, 8. In a particularly preferred embodiment the width of the body panel 4 at the first end edge 6 is about 0.22 m, the width of the body panel 4 at the second end edge 8 is about 0.20 m, and the maximum width of the body panel 4 midway between the first and second end edges 6, 8 is about 0.37 m. In this embodiment the first and second side edges 10, 12 each comprise two straight sections. In other embodiments the first and second side edges 10, 12 may each comprise more than two straight sections.

A pair of shoulder straps 14 is provided at or adjacent the first end edge 6 of the body panel 4. Each of the shoulder straps 14 comprises an elongate strip or band of material 16 attached to the body panel 4 so as to form a loop 18. A first end of each of the shoulder straps 14 is preferably secured to the body panel 4 at or adjacent the first end edge 6 of the body panel 4. A second end of each shoulder strap 14 is preferably secured to the body panel 4 at a distance from the first end edge 6 along a respective one of the side edges 10, 12 of the body panel 4. In particular, a first shoulder strap 14a extends from a region of the first end edge 6 proximate the first side edge 10 to a region of the first side edge 10 at a distance from the first end edge 6. Similarly, a second shoulder strap 14b extends from a region of the first end edge 6 proximate the second side edge 12 to a region of the second side edge 12 at a distance from the first end edge 6.

In this embodiment each of the shoulder straps 14 is formed by an elongate band of webbing. A first end of a first band of webbing (forming the first shoulder strap 14a) is secured to the body panel 4 adjacent the first side edge 10 and a second end of the first band of webbing is secured to the body panel 4 adjacent the second side edge 12. Similarly, a first end of a second band of webbing (forming the second shoulder strap 14b) is secured to the body panel 4 adjacent the second side edge 12 and a second end of the second band of webbing is secured to the body panel 4 adjacent the first side edge 10. In this embodiment the first end of the first band of webbing is secured to the body panel 4 in the same location as the second end of the second band of webbing, and the second end of the first band of webbing is secured to the body panel 4 in the same location as the first end of the second band of webbing The bands of webbing therefore preferably cross over each other in a region between the first side edge 10 and the second side edge 12 of the body panel 4. In this embodiment the bands of webbing cross over each other in a region proximate the first end edge 6 of the body panel 4. Each band of webbing is preferably formed from a suitable tensile material, such as 50 mm nylon webbing.

Towards the first end edge 6 of the body panel 4, a pair of upper securing straps 20, 22 is provided, and towards the second end edge 8 of the body panel 4 a pair of lower securing straps 30, 32 is provided. Each upper securing strap 20, 22 is releasably connectable to a corresponding lower securing strap 30, 32 to enable a casualty to be supported in various ways.

In this embodiment, a pair of upper securing straps 20, 22 extend from the body panel 4 proximate or adjacent the shoulder straps 14. A first upper securing strap 20 is connected to the body panel 4 at or adjacent the first side edge 10, and a second upper securing strap 22 is connected to the body panel 4 at or adjacent the second side edge 12. Each of the upper securing straps 20, 22 is connected to and extends from the body panel 4 adjacent a respective one of the second ends of the shoulder straps 14. Each of the upper securing straps 20, 22 is elongate. A proximal section 24 of each of the upper securing straps 20, 22 extends substantially parallel to a section of the respective shoulder strap 14 adjacent the second end of the shoulder strap 14.

Each of the upper securing straps 20, 22 includes a fastener or securing member 26. The fastener 26 is disposed at a distance from the body panel 4 and may be provided at a distal end of the upper securing strap 20, 22.

A pair of lower securing straps 30, 32 extend from the second end edge 8 of the body panel 4. A first lower securing strap 30 extends from the second end edge 8 proximate the second side edge 12. A second lower securing strap 32 extends from the second end edge 8 proximate the first side edge 10. Each of the lower securing straps 30, 32 is elongate. Each of the lower securing straps 30, 32 includes a fastener or securing member 36. The fastener 36 is disposed at a distance from the body panel 4 and may be provided at a distal end of the lower securing strap 30, 32.

In use, the fasteners 26 of the upper securing straps 20, 22 may be releasably secured or connected to the fasteners 36 of the lower securing straps 30, 32 so as to releasably secure the upper and lower securing straps 20, 22, 30, 32 together to secure a casualty to the casualty carrier apparatus 2, as described further below.

In this embodiment, the first upper securing strap 20 and the first lower securing strap 30 are part of a first continuous length or band of webbing 40, and the second upper securing strap 22 and the second lower securing strap 32 are part of a second continuous length or band of webbing 42. Each of the bands of webbing 40, 42 is secured to the body panel 4. In this embodiment each of the bands of webbing 40, 42 is sewn to the body panel 4. In particular, each of the bands of webbing 40, 42 is preferably sewn to the body panel 4 using bonded nylon thread of suitable tensile strength (for example SomaBond™ bonded nylon thread from Soma Threads Ltd.). In other embodiments the bands of webbing 40, 42, may be secured to the body panel 4 by any suitable means, for example mechanical fasteners (e.g. rivets) or adhesive. Furthermore, any other materials or components of the casualty carrier apparatus secured to the body panel 4 or to each other may be secured by any suitable means.

The bands of webbing 40, 42 preferably cross over each other in a region between the first side edge 10 and the second side edge 12 of the body panel 4. In this embodiment the bands of webbing 40, 42 cross over each other in a region proximate the second end edge 8 of the body panel 4. Each band of webbing 40, 42 is preferably formed from a suitable tensile material, such as 50 mm nylon webbing. It has been found that crossing the bands of webbing 40, 42 provides good strength and support for a patient or casualty carried using the casualty carrier apparatus 2.

A pair of carry handles 44 (shown in Figure 2) is provided adjacent the second end edge 8 of the body panel 4. In this example the carry handles 44 are provided on a rear surface 46 of the body panel 4, opposite to a front surface 48 of the body panel 4 to which the shoulder straps 14 and upper and lower securing straps 20, 22, 30, 32 are secured.

A first carry handle 44a is disposed adjacent the first side edge 10 of the body panel 4 and a second carry handle 44b is disposed adjacent the second side edge 12 of the body panel 4. As illustrated in Figure 2, a first end of the first carry handle 44a is disposed at the second end edge 8 and the first carry handle 44a extends substantially parallel to the first side edge 10. Similarly, a first end of the second carry handle 44b is disposed at the second end edge 8 and the second carry handle 44b extends substantially parallel to the second side edge 12.

The casualty carrier apparatus 2 preferably comprises two chest strap members 50. Each chest strap member 50 is secured to one of the upper securing straps 20, 22. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a first chest strap member 50a secured to the first upper securing strap 20 is also secured to the first shoulder strap 14a, and a second chest strap member 50b secured to the second upper securing strap 22 is also secured to the second shoulder strap 14b. Securing the chest strap members 50 to both the upper securing straps 20, 22 and the shoulder straps 14 helps support a casualty when carried by a single user, as will be described below

Each chest strap member 50 is provided with a securing member 52 for releasably securing the chest strap members 50 together. Any suitable strap material and releasable securing members may be used. In this embodiment the chest strap members 50 are made from 25 mm nylon webbing and the securing members 52 are male and female ITW Nexus™ side-release plastic buckles.

It will be appreciated that any and all straps and strap members of the casualty carrier apparatus 2 may be length-adjustable in a manner well known in the art, to allow for different body shapes and sizes.

A casualty carrier apparatus 102 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 3 to 9. This embodiment of the casualty carrier apparatus is similar to the first embodiment and like features have been indicated with reference numerals incremented by 100.

The casualty carrier apparatus 102 comprises a flexible elongate body panel 104 having a first end edge 106, a second end edge 108, a first side edge 110 and a second side edge 112. A width of the body panel 4, i.e. a distance between the first and second side edges 110, 112, varies along the length of the body panel 104. The width of the body panel 104 is smallest at the first and second end edges 106, 108 and the width of the body panel 104 is greatest substantially midway between the first and second end edges 106, 108. In this embodiment the first and second side edges 110, 112 are curved.

A pair of shoulder straps 114 is provided at or adjacent the first end edge 106 of the body panel 104. Each of the shoulder straps 114 comprises an elongate strip or band of material 116 attached to the body panel 104 so as to form a loop 118. The loop 118 is preferably of a fixed length or size. A first end of each of the shoulder straps 114 is preferably secured to the body panel 104 at or adjacent the first end edge 106 of the body panel 104. A second end of each shoulder strap 114 is preferably secured to the body panel 104 at a distance from the first end edge 106 along a respective one of the side edges 110, 112 of the body panel 104. In particular, a first shoulder strap 114a extends from a region of the first end edge 106 proximate the first side edge 110 to a region of the first side edge 110 at a distance from the first end edge 106. Similarly, a second shoulder strap 114b extends from a region of the first end edge 106 proximate the second side edge 112 to a region of the second side edge 112 at a distance from the first end edge 106.

The casualty carrier apparatus 102 further comprise a pair of upper securing straps 120, 122 and a pair of lower securing straps 130, 132. Each upper securing strap 20, 22 is releasably connectable to a corresponding lower securing strap 30, 32 to enable a casualty to be secured to the body panel 104 and supported in various ways.

In this embodiment, a pair of upper securing straps 120, 122 extend from the body panel 104 proximate or adjacent the shoulder straps 114. A first upper securing strap 120 is connected to the body panel 104 at or adjacent the first side edge 110, and a second upper securing strap 122 is connected to the body panel 104 at or adjacent the second side edge 112. Each of the upper securing straps 120, 122 is connected to and extends from the body panel 104 adjacent a respective one of the second ends of the shoulder straps 114. As such, the upper securing straps 120, 122 are further from the first end edge 106 than the shoulder straps 114. Each of the upper securing straps 120, 122 is elongate.

An upper region 105 of the body panel 104 is defined between the first end edge 106 and the upper securing straps 120, 122.

Each of the upper securing straps 120, 122 includes a fastener or securing member 126. Each fastener 126 is disposed at a distance from the body panel 104, and may be moveable along the length of the upper securing strap 120, 122. A pair of lower securing straps 130, 132 extend from the second end edge 108 of the body panel 104. A first lower securing strap 130 extends from the second end edge 108 proximate the second side edge 112. A second lower securing strap 132 extends from the second end edge 108 proximate the first side edge 110. Each of the lower securing straps 130, 132 is elongate. Each of the lower securing straps 130, 132 includes a fastener or securing member 136. Each fastener 136 is disposed at a distance from the body panel 4 and may be provided at a distal end of the lower securing strap 130, 132.

The lower securing straps 130, 132 are preferably longer than the upper securing straps 120, 122.

In use, the fasteners 126 of the upper securing straps 120, 122 may be releasably secured or connected to the fasteners 136 of the lower securing straps 130, 132 so as to releasably secure the upper and lower securing straps 120, 122, 130, 132 together to secure a casualty to the casualty carrier apparatus 102, as described further below. The fasteners 126, 136 may therefore be male and female parts of a buckle, such as a side release buckle or front release buckle.

A pair of carry handles 144 (shown most clearly in Figure 3) is provided adjacent the second end edge 108 of the body panel 104. The carry handles 144 are provided on a first, rear surface 146 of the body panel 104.

A first carry handle 144a is disposed adjacent the first side edge 110 of the body panel 104 and a second carry handle 144b is disposed adjacent the second side edge 112 of the body panel 104. As illustrated in Figure 3, a first end of the first carry handle 144a is disposed at the second end edge 108 and the first carry handle 144a extends substantially parallel to the first side edge 110. Similarly, a first end of the second carry handle 144b is disposed at the second end edge 108 and the second carry handle 144b extends substantially parallel to the second side edge 112. A lower region 107 of the body panel 104 is defined between the second end edge 108 and second ends of the carry handles 144.

In this embodiment, the first lower securing strap 130 and the second shoulder strap 114b are part of a first continuous length or band of webbing 140, and the second lower securing strap 132 and the first shoulder strap 114a are part of a second continuous length or band of webbing 142. Each of the bands of webbing 140, 142 is secured to a second, front surface 148 of the body panel 104. The bands of webbing 140, 142 preferably cross over each other both in the upper region 105 of the body panel 104 and in the lower region 107 of the body panel 104. This helps to provide additional strength to the body panel 104 in the upper and lower regions 105, 107.

Preferably each of the upper securing straps 120, 122 is secured to the body panel 104 such that an end of each of the upper securing straps 120, 122 is disposed between the body panel 104 and a part of the respective band of webbing 140, 142. In particular, the end of the first upper securing strap 120 is disposed between the body panel 104 and the first band of webbing 140, and the end of the second upper securing strap 122 is disposed between the body panel 104 and the second band of webbing 142.

The casualty carrier apparatus 102 preferably comprises two chest strap members 150. Each chest strap member 150 is secured to one of the shoulder straps 114. Each chest strap member 150 is provided with a securing member 152 for releasably securing the chest strap members 150 together.

The materials from which the casualty carrier apparatus 102 is made; the methods of securing components of the casualty carrier apparatus 102 together; and the dimensions of the body panel 104 of the casualty carrier apparatus 102 are substantially the same as the materials, methods and dimensions of the first embodiment of the casualty carrier apparatus 2 unless otherwise indicated. The dimensions of the casualty carrier apparatus 2, 102 are preferably such that it may be rolled up or folded up and carried by an individual in a storage configuration. The casualty carrier apparatus 2, 102 in its storage configuration may, for example, be carried within a rucksack or kit bag, or strapped to an external surface of a rucksack or kit bag. Figure 9 illustrates the casualty carrier apparatus 102 of the second embodiment in a storage configuration in which at least some of the securing straps 120, 122, 130, 132 and the chest strap 150 are used to retain the casualty carrier apparatus 102 in the storage configuration.

The casualty carrier apparatus 2, 102 of the present invention may be used by an individual to carry a casualty in a hands free manner. To carry a casualty in this way, the casualty carrier apparatus is used in a backpack configuration with the arms of the individual user inserted through the shoulder straps 14, 114 of the casualty carrier apparatus 2, 102 and the body panel 4, 104 forming a substantially U-shaped support in which the casualty is seated.

Referring firstly to the embodiment of the casualty carrier apparatus 2 illustrated in Figure 1 , to carry a casualty, a user or rescuer dons the casualty carrier apparatus 2 by inserting his or her arms through the shoulder straps 14 so that the body panel 4 is disposed down the rescuer’s back. A casualty mounts the rescuer’s back in piggyback style (possibly with the aid of one or more helpers) and the rescuer or a helper then raises the lower securing straps 30, 32 over the casualty’s back and passes them over the rescuer’s shoulders. The rescuer releasably secures each upper securing strap 20, 22 to its corresponding lower securing strap 30, 32. Any suitable releasable securing members 26, 36 may be used for this, preferably with identical securing members 26, 36 on each upper securing strap 20, 22 and on each lower securing strap 30, 32 so that either upper securing strap 20, 22 may be connected to either lower securing strap 30, 32. For example the securing members 26, 36 may comprise Cobra™ metal buckles with male ends 26 on the upper securing straps 20, 22 and female ends 36 on the lower securing straps 30, 32.

The casualty is now supported in the folded body panel 4 with their legs either side of the body panel 4. Advantageously, the body panel 4 is formed with greatest width in a region between the shoulder straps 14 and the second end edge 8, the greatest width corresponding to the location of the casualty’s buttocks when being carried in the described manner. Without limiting the invention in any way, in a preferred embodiment the total length of the body panel 4 is about 125 cm, having a width at the first end edge 6 of about 22 cm and a width at the second end edge 8 of about 20 cm, and the widest part of the body panel 4 being about 37 cm wide at a vertical or longitudinal distance of about 66 cm from the second end edge 8.

The rescuer is now able to walk or run with the casualty securely supported on the rescuer’s back and with the rescuer’s hands free for any required tasks. To provide better support, the chest strap members 50 may also secured together across the rescuer’s chest.

Referring now to the second embodiment of the casualty carrier apparatus 102, the casualty carrier apparatus 102 may be used to support and carry a casualty on the back and shoulders of an individual user in the backpack configuration, shown in particular in Figures 5 to 8 and Figures 10 to 12.

In this embodiment, in the backpack configuration, the user’s arms are inserted or are insertable through the loops 118 of the shoulder straps 114. The upper region 105 of the body panel 104 lies against the user’s back and is, preferably, disposed against the user’s back in the region of their shoulder blades. The body panel 104 is formed into a U-shape with a part of the body panel 104 extending between the legs of the casualty being carried. The body panel 104 is folded such that the rear surface 146 of the body panel 104 is in contact with the user and the front surface 148 of the body panel 104 is in contact with the casualty.

The upper region 105 of the body panel 104 is therefore disposed adjacent a front of the casualty, and is disposed between the casualty and the individual user or carrier of the casualty. The upper region 105 of the body panel 104 may be disposed adjacent a chest region or an abdominal region of the casualty depending on the size of the casualty and the user, and the position of the casualty relative to the body panel 104. The lower region 107 of the body panel 104 is disposed adjacent a back of the casualty. The lower region 107 of the body panel 104 may be disposed adjacent a lower back region of the casualty, or higher or lower depending on the size of the casualty and the user, and the position of the casualty relative to the body panel 104.

The lower securing straps 130, 132 extend from the second end edge 108 of the body panel 104 up over the shoulders of the casualty. The lower securing straps 130, 132 then extend forward over the shoulders of the user. The first lower securing strap 130 preferably extends over the same shoulder of the user as the second shoulder strap 114b and the second lower securing strap 132 preferably extends over the same shoulder of the user as the first shoulder strap 114a, as shown most clearly in Figures 10 and 11.

The lower securing straps 130, 132 are then preferably crossed over in each in a chest region of the user. The fastener 136 of the first lower securing strap 130 is then engageable or engaged with the fastener 126 of the first upper securing strap 120, and the fastener 136 of the second lower securing strap 132 is then engageable or engaged with the fastener 126 of the second upper securing strap 122. The casualty is then securely supported by the casualty carrier apparatus 102 on the user’s back in a piggyback arrangement.

It will be appreciated that the lower securing straps 130, 132 may be securable to the upper securing straps 120, 122 in front of the individual user because the lower securing straps 130, 132 are longer than the upper securing straps 120, 122.

The user may then additionally secure the two chest straps 150 together across his or her chest. The chest straps 150 preferably cross the lower securing straps 130, 132.

It will be appreciated that this allows the individual user to carry the casualty in a hands free manner.

The casualty carrier apparatus 2, 102 of the present invention may additionally be used by two or more people to carry a casualty in lying (prone or supine) position. To carry a casualty in this way, the casualty carrier apparatus 2, 102 is used in a stretcher configuration with the casualty secured to the body panel 104 in a lying position, and the shoulder straps 14, 114 and carry handles 44, 144 providing handles of the casualty carrier apparatus 2, 102 to be gripped and held by the users.

Referring firstly to the embodiment of the casualty carrier apparatus 2 illustrated in Figure 1 , to transport or carry a casualty lying down, for example in a prone or supine position, the apparatus is arranged on the ground as shown in Figure 1. In the preferred embodiment, a loop of material or retaining strap 60 is secured to a central region of the body panel 4, and the free end of each of the lower securing straps 30, 32 is passed through the loop 60 so that each free end is disposed upwards and away from the side edges of the body panel 4. The free end of the first lower securing strap 30 is disposed through the loop 60 and lies to the left (with reference to Figure 1 ) of the first side edge 10. Correspondingly, the free end of the second lower securing strap 32 is disposed through the loop 60 and lies to the right (with reference to Figure 1 ) of the second side edge 12. The casualty is then lain on the body panel 4 and each free end of a lower securing strap 30, 32 is releasably secured to a free end of an upper securing strap 20, 22 so that the straps cross over the top of the casualty and secure them on the body panel 4. In this preferred embodiment, the first upper securing strap 20 is secured to the second lower securing strap 32, and the second upper securing strap 22 is secured to the first lower securing strap 30. This arrangement is preferred because it provides a more secure support for the casualty on the body panel 4. Flowever It would also be possible to secure the casualty by directly connecting the first upper and first lower securing straps 20, 30 together, and the second upper and second lower securing straps 22, 32 together, over the casualty.

To transport the casualty, the two shoulder straps 14 function as handles for lifting, as do the two carry handles 60. Two rescuers can each use two hands to lift the apparatus 2 with the casualty and transport the casualty to a place of safety and/or treatment. Alternatively, four rescuers can each use one hand for the same purpose.

Referring now to the second embodiment of the casualty carrier apparatus 102, the casualty carrier apparatus 102 may be used to support and carry a casualty in a lying (preferably supine) position in the stretcher configuration, shown in particular in Figures 13 to 16.

In this embodiment, the body panel 104 is placed on the ground (or another suitable surface) with the rear surface 146 of the body panel 104 facing upwardly. A casualty may then be laid on the body panel 104 with his or her head, neck and shoulders in the upper region 105 of the body panel 104 and his or her buttocks or upper legs in the lower region 107 of the body panel 104.

In a first arrangement the first lower securing strap 130 may be crossed over the top of the casualty and secured to the first upper securing strap 120, and the second lower securing strap 132 may be crossed over the top of the casualty and secured to the second upper securing strap 122.

In an alternative, second arrangement, the lower securing straps 130, 132 are inserted under a retaining strap 160 secured to the first, rear surface 146 of the body panel 104. Referring now to Figure 3, the retaining strap 160 is secured to a central region of the body panel 104. The retaining strap 160 is elongate and extends in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body panel 104. First and second ends of the retaining strap 160 are secured to the body panel 104. A central region of the retaining strap 160 is not directly secured to body panel 104 and may be lifted in a direction away from the rear surface 146 of the body panel 104. In this way a securing strap 130, 132 may be inserted under the central region of the retaining strap 160, between the retaining strap 160 and the body panel 104. The retaining strap 160 therefore provides a retaining loop. Returning to Figures 13 and 14, in the second arrangement, the first lower securing strap 130 is inserted under the retaining strap 160 and pulled through such that the first lower securing strap 130 then extends from the first side edge 110 of the body panel 104. Similarly, the second lower securing strap 132 is inserted under the retaining strap 160 and pulled through such that the second lower securing strap 132 then extends from the second side edge 112 of the body panel 104. The first lower securing strap 130 may then be crossed over the top of the casualty and secured to the second upper securing strap 122, and the second lower securing strap 132 may be crossed over the top of the casualty and secured to the first upper securing strap 120. In this arrangement the securing straps 120, 122, 130, 132 cross over in a chest region of the casualty, as shown in Figure 14.

It will be appreciated that if the casualty is to be secured to the body panel 104 in this second arrangement, the lower securing straps 130, 132 may be inserted through or under the retaining strap 160 before the casualty is laid on the body panel 104.

The casualty may then be carried with the casualty carrier apparatus 102 in the stretcher configuration by two or four people, as shown in Figures 15 and 16. When carried by two people (Figure 15), each person stands on a respective side of the body panel 104 and grasps a shoulder strap 114 in one hand and a carry handle 144 in the other hand. When being carried by four people (Figure 16), two people will stand on a first side of the body panel 104 and two people will stand on a second side of the body panel 104. A first person on each side will grasp a shoulder strap 114, and a second person on each side will grasp a carry handle 144.

It will be noted that the shoulder straps 14, 114 of the casualty carrier apparatus 2, 102 are of a fixed length and cannot be adjusted. This is beneficial when the casualty carrier apparatus 2, 102 is being used in the stretcher configuration as there is no chance that the shoulder straps 14, 114 will increase in length under the weight of the casualty being carried.

The invention therefore provides a casualty carrier apparatus which permits ergonomic transportation of a casualty by a single person in hands-free mode, or by two or more people. The apparatus is simple and compact, and without separate parts which may become detached or lost. Other modifications and variations not explicitly disclosed above may also be contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.