PATENT OF THE WEEK – STRETCHER

The Stretcher was invented by John G.Braford on the 20th November 1990, bearing patent number US4970739A.

This invention relates to stretchers for conveying patients, particularly under adverse conditions in which adequate restraint and protection of a patient must be combined. The stretcher has a body support, elongated flaps which carry several parallel strips of hooked pile fabric extending perpendicularly. Longitudinal restraint is provided to shoulder and foot straps, free ends of which are secured by being laid between the flaps.

An auxiliary pelvic harness may be used, and a head restraint is provided. An object of the present invention is to provide a stretcher having patient immobilization means which can be applied and removed very easily and rapidly, yet provide a high degree of patient security.