BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
The present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the views, wherein:
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a patient on a backboard being transported with unrestrained arms.
FIG. 2 is an illustration of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an illustration of the embodiment of the present invention in use on a patient. More specifically, this is a depiction of the first step wherein the apparatus is slipped over the arms of a patient secured to a backboard.
FIG. 4 is an illustration of the embodiment of the present invention in use on a patient. More specifically, this is a depiction of the second step wherein the apparatus is positioned on the arms immediately above the elbows.
FIG. 5 is an illustration of the embodiment of the present invention in use on a patient. More specifically, this is a depiction of the third step wherein the center tensioning strap is adjusted to remove slack in the loops of the apparatus.
FIG. 6 is an illustration of the embodiment of the present invention in use on a patient. More specifically, this is a depiction of the fourth step wherein the center tensioning strap is further adjusted to pull the patient's arms in securely to the patient's sides.
FIG. 7 is an illustration of the embodiment of the present invention in use on a patient. More specifically, this is a depiction of the apparatus in use on a patient after it has been properly adjusted.
FIG. 8 is an illustration of the embodiment of the present invention in use on a patient. More specifically, this is a depiction of the patient on a backboard being transported with the arms restrained using an embodiment of the present invention.
Where used in the various figures of the drawing, the same reference numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms “top,” “bottom,” “first,” “second,” “upper,” “lower,” “height,” “width,” “length,” “end,” “side,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” and similar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawing and are utilized only to facilitate describing the invention.
All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic teachings of the present invention only; the extensions of the figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiment will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, and similar requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood.
REFERENCE NUMERALS
200 arm restraint
202 tensioning strap
204 buckle
206 center
208 loop
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the provided drawings, wherein similar reference numbers represent the equivalent component throughout the several views, FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention configured as an arm restraint 200 device.
In this embodiment, the arm restraint 200 is made from a single length of nylon strap. However, a person having ordinary skill in the art of strap making would understand that multiple sections may also be combined to create the desired length. Other materials such as polypropylene, polyester, leather or canvas strap may also be used for the device. The length chosen for the arm restraint 200 strap should be sufficient to allow for the formation of two loops 208, one for each arm. The length should allow for enough adjustability of the arm restraint 200 to allow it to slip easily over both arms of any sized patient. In this embodiment the strap length is approximately 64 inches. This affords enough adjustment to allow utilization of the arm restraint 200 on adult and pediatric patients alike. Deviation from this length is acceptable because once properly adjusted, the size of the tensioning strap 202 portion will compensate for any excess length.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the current embodiment features four D-rings configured as adjustable buckles 204. Each loop 208 utilizes two D-rings in a double D-ring configuration that allows the tensioning strap 202 to move freely in one direction so as to increase tension in the outer loops 208 while at the same time maintaining the increased tension. To release the tension on the outer loops 208, the buckles 204 can be lifted away from the loop 208 strap, allowing the tensioning strap 202 to retract and the loop 208 to increase in diameter. While the current embodiment features a double D-ring configuration, the same effect can be achieved through the use of cam buckles, rectangular rings, circular rings, sliders, glides, or ladderloc buckles. In addition, the buckles 204 can be either metal or plastic due to the relatively low tension experienced through the proper use of the arm restraint 200.
With reference to FIG. 2, the current embodiment is constructed by initially threading the single piece of strap through each D-ring. The D-rings are combined in pairs, with each pair placed approximately two inches from the center of the strap on opposite sides of the strap center. The loose, outer length of each side of the strap is then folded over the respective D-ring pair and fastened upon itself so as to trap the buckle 204 in place. The strap in this embodiment is sewn together. However, any means of webbing attachment known to the art of strap making can be utilized. The two free strap ends are then once again woven through their respective buckles 204 in such a manner that two loops 208 are created. When properly woven, the free end of the strap can be pulled easily through the respective buckle 204 causing the respective loop 208 to contract. When the free end is released, the tension remains on the loop 208 and can only be released by pulling upward on the buckle 204. Once properly woven through the buckles 204, the two previously free ends are then attached together, creating the tensioning strap 202.
The strap material between the adjustable buckles 204 is the tensioning strap 202. When the tensioning strap 202 is completely released the loops 208 are at their largest. By grasping and pulling upward on the tensioning strap 202 (away from the center 206), the loops 208 are thus made smaller. While tension remains on the loops 208, lifting the top edge of the buckle 204 causes the tension to release, the loops 208 to expand, and the tensioning strap 202 to contract.
FIG. 3 through FIG. 8 illustrates the arm restraint 200 in the present embodiment in use on an unconscious patient. FIG. 3 shows the arm restraint 200 with the tensioning strap 202 completely released such that the loops 208 are fully extended. The arm restraint 200 is slipped over the arms of the patient, one loop 208 per arm. FIG. 4 shows proper placement of the loops 208 on the patient's arms, immediately above the elbows.
Once in position, the arm restraint can be adjusted. FIG. 5 illustrates the proper procedure for adjustment of the arm restraint 200. While holding the center 206, the tensioning strap 202 is pulled upward and away from the center 206. With reference to FIG. 6, as the tensioning strap 202 is pulled further upward the loops 208 retract and the patient's arms are pulled inward towards the abdomen. Because the loop 208 straps are pulled inward on the top side of the patient's arms, a rolling motion is created that turns the patient's palms inward. As shown in FIG. 7, once proper tension is established, the patient's arms will rest firmly and comfortably against the abdomen. The buckles 204 serve to retain the proper tension on the patient's arms when the grip on the tensioning strap 202 is released.
When transporting an unconscious patient with the arm restraint 200 device properly installed as shown in FIG. 8, the patient's arms are positively restrained in a comfortable position against the patient's abdomen. Because the arm restraint 200 works independently from the backboard straps used to immobilize the patient, the arm restraint can be adjusted or even removed without concern that the patient could suddenly shift or even fall from the backboard. This allows an EMS worker easy access to the patient's arms for medical monitoring or treatment (such as the administration of an IV). In addition, because the arm restraint 200 device is simple and efficient to use, a patient can be quickly and safely transported with the device installed.
This detailed description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Other modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
Patent Application
20080000486
