Maritime casualty evacuation platform

Abstract

A modular, maritime recovery device is disclosed comprising a material enclosure equipped with a number of portals or openings defined by annular seal members suited to receive a cooperating seal member to add modular functionality to the recovery platform as needed in the field or as battlefield conditions, weather, and terrain dictate. The portals of the device can accommodate: a neck dam for the passage of a patient head out of the interior of the device, transit portals to allow respiratory support into the device, lateral portals attached to glove sleeves for medical intervention, inlet valves for the addition of air, exhaust valves for the removal of air or adjustment of buoyancy and trim, and transit spirals to allow waterproof transit of small diameter interventions across the material enclosure of the recovery platform. The device can be utilized to encapsulate and transport a casualty or patient in isolation from chemical, biological, radiation, or nuclear threats. The lightweight device can provide litter transport as well as maritime surface or subsurface transport to recover a person of need of care or rescue.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

[0001] The present general inventive concept is directed to an apparatus for stabilizing and transporting a casualty, the device being suitable for use in military, emergency response, or rescue settings.Description of the Related Art

[0002] The problem set of a casualty isolation system for field use in maritime environments has been a universal need of the USA, and NATO forces since World War Two with limited to no progress in addressing the issue of isolating a severe casualty from cold, wet, and contaminated environments associated with high mortality rates. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Marine Corps System Command, and civilian entities have attempted to close this medical necessity with no success. Armed forces often use waterways or bodies of water for transportation during operations. In the same situations, casualties need to be evacuated or recovered via the water. If swimming or diving are used for transport, the recovery platform must have adjustable buoyancy to allow the platform to float or submerge. In situations that cannot be predicted, casualty recovery can also be conducted by vehicle, or casualties can be hand carried by other personnel for a distance. In freezing or arctic temperatures, casualties must be insulated from the cold. It is impossible to predict what situations or measures will be needed to stabilize and transport a casualty out of danger. In some situations, a casualty may be carried, transported on vehicle, and transported in a waterway all in sequence. The casualty may need to be provided with oxygen, or buoyancy, or other interventions. To date, no recovery platform has provided the flexibility to provide casualty recovery or evacuation over any range of cold weather or maritime environment. There is no commercially available, nor government supplied, hasty measure field portable casualty isolation system to support maritime, arctic, surface, CBRN, and subsurface evacuation of a casualty or person under field conditions. Field conditions, locations, and casualty severity are highly variable. Since the 1990s and after the experience of the Gulf War, the Department of Defense has noted needs for better isolation in multi-domain operations including surface and subsurface locations. The Department of Defense has issued a 2023 Emergency Response Standard proposal to incorporate protections against chemical, biological, radiation, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, but the proposal prioritizes the protection of responders over protection for the casualty or patient. Devices in the prior art tend to address one of the many specific needs or situations encountered in a combat recovery and are not adaptable to changing or unpredicted needs. Prior art products fail to combine lightweight, portable devices with environmental isolation, intervention during use, ventilation support, and durability.

[0003] CASEVAC is a standard procedure in the United States Military. Casualty Evacuation is abbreviated to CasEvac, or CASEVAC. This procedure involves carrying a wounded individual and ideally is conducted with two or four persons carrying the casualty on a litter. This method was pervasive in the Vietnam Conflict, and is still the prevalent method of casualty recovery. This is a basic effective method suited for carrying a person over land. It is not suitable for use in maritime environments where floating or submerging are required. GOLDEVAC is a pending project by DARPA that is evaluating the success of an intravascular cannula coupled with a gas exchange device to provide oxygen to extend the ‘golden hour’ and allow a patient to survive a longer evacuation. This project notes that no suitable alternative to CASEVAC exists for maritime environments and instead is directed to extended stabilization of a patient rather than expedited rescue or removal.

[0004] Secuvac System from Bernhardt Apparatebau GmbH, DBA Secumar, is a waterproof casualty transport bag designed to protect immobilized injured persons on stretchers from water contact through a waterproof cover. The device provides a fabric bag attached to a stretcher; the stretcher provided with buoyancy to prevent drowning in the event the recovery stretcher falls into the water. Protection from the cold is provided by a blanket inside the fabric bag. The stretcher can be airlifted to a helicopter or towed by a personal watercraft (such as a Jet Ski). The device must be sealed around the patient entirely, and therefore air must be provided if the patient is to be contained in the device for a period of time. There is no mechanism to maintain buoyancy and have the patient's head exposed. To maintain waterproof status, the patient must be entirely sealed or encapsulated in the device. No access or intervention is possible without opening the device and sacrificing the waterproof status. Further, the device does not provide for buoyancy adjustment to allow for submersion in situations where exfiltration underwater is required. The device is preferably towed on a sled or surface as it is not streamlined or suited for traveling through water. This product can be characterized as a surface-only recovery device.

[0005] Another recovery device is the Hyperlite 1 System from SOS Group GBR Ltd of London, UK. This device provides a portable hyperbaric chamber for diver evacuation on a surface boat or aircraft. It provides a stretcher and oxygen supply, but weighs over 100 pounds making it unsuitable for carrying by the typical soldier or medical personnel. It does not provide medical access to a casualty once the device is sealed. Further, it does not provide protection against extreme cold or CBRN threats.

[0006] Existing systems, such as the Secuvac surface-only waterproof casualty bags, hyperbaric stretchers, immersion suits, and general isolation pods for CBRN or arctic conditions, fall short in multiple critical respects. They are either too bulky and heavy for an individual to carry without a vehicle because they weigh too much. They are unable to be rapidly applied to a tactical casualty with injuries under duress because they are too complicated to operate or require assembly. They are limited to use on the surface of water and unable to operate in waves or surf, and are unable to be submerged or pass through water smoothly while submerged. They do not provide environmental isolation from water, contaminants, and extreme temperatures while permitting patient respiration and care during tactical and rescue submersion. No prior device or combination of devices has successfully addressed the persistent capability gap documented in U.S. Department of Defense and NATO needs for decades: a single, man-portable field casualty isolation system in support of hasty extraction that can be deployed in contaminated, arctic, or underwater tactical scenarios without compromising the rescuer's mobility or the patient's survivability. Prior efforts have failed to produce a functioning CASEVAC capable of swimming, diving, small craft, surface, subsurface, artic isolation, in a field portable system able to isolate a tactical casualty during immersion. To date, no recovery platform has been devised that can be used on dry land, on surface water rescue, and also for underwater rescue or recovery. Prior attempts to provide a recovery platform have all been suited to one particular situation and have not been adaptable or suited to field-modification. No prior art device has provided for maritime recovery while providing access to the patient within the recovery platform for medical intervention.

[0007] What is needed is a modular platform for casualty recovery that can be augmented and modified to suit a particular scenario or situation. In many instances, the general climate can be anticipated such as summer or winter. In other instances, the presence of a large body of water will be apparent. The presence of chemical or biological warfare agents can be estimated. With this information, a recovery platform can be equipped and supplied to personnel including soldiers or medical teams with the appropriate functionality. However, the recovery platform must provide the option for field modification to fit the expected tactical situation. Modular additions and modifications must be suited for rapid addition and removal, after the device has been manufactured, and the modular platform must be adaptable to be used in different situations.

[0008] What is needed is modular maritime casualty recovery platform that can be provided in a basic lightweight, field portable or man packable configuration to enable rapid tactical extraction of an injured or incapacitated individual far from medical facilities, the recovery platform being suited for use in littoral, maritime, CBRN, and artic environments and suited for transport through surface water or land transit, subsurface diving, and combat swimming through high-energy surf zones. What is needed is a casualty recovery and evacuation platform that is fully submersible to operational diving depths, towable by a diver, swimmer, or subsurface powered device, packable into a standard rucksack or similar loadout that is lightweight, and capable of providing adjustable buoyancy control, modular and integrated respiratory support to allow the recovered patient to breathe while enclosed and submerged, and portal access to the patient allowing care without comprising isolation.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an improved casualty evacuation and recovery device that enables rapid, tactical extraction and transport of an injured or incapacitated individual in challenging multi-domain environments, including surface movement, subsurface diving operations, and combat swimming through surf zones, while maintaining full environmental isolation from water, contaminants, extreme temperatures, and other hazards.

[0010] The above aspects can be obtained by a modular recovery device comprising a material enclosure configured to receive and retain a human body, said material enclosure comprising a first material section configured to releasably seal with a second material section, a foot section, and a bottom section; said first material section comprises a head portal defined by a head fixed seal member, a valve portal defined by a valve fixed seal member, a first access portal defined by a first tunnel fixed seal member, and a first chest portal defined by a first chest fixed seal member.

[0011] The objects of the invention can be attained by an alternate embodiment, a maritime casualty recovery device comprising: a waterproof material enclosure comprising closure means to releasably seal said waterproof material enclosure; a head portal defined by a head fixed seal member; a valve portal defined by a valve fixed seal member; a first chest portal defined by a first chest fixed seal member, a second chest portal defined by a second chest fixed seal member, a first foot portal defined by a first foot fixed seal member, a second foot portal defined by a second foot fixed seal member; and a linear sequence of fabric attachment loops attached exterior to said waterproof material enclosure.

[0012] The aspects of the invention can be attained by an alternate embodiment, a recovery platform for transporting a human comprising: a material enclosure comprising a first material section, a second material section, and a bottom section; said first material section and said second material section comprise closure means to releasably seal said material enclosure; said first material section comprises a first head seal member disposed on the interior of said first material section and configured to engage a second head seal member disposed on the interior of said bottom section and create a head section sealed against the ingress of air; said bottom section comprises a head pocket positioned at said head section and a cervical support disposed in said head pocket; said first material section further comprises a head portal defined by a head fixed seal member releasably attached to a neck grommet, said neck grommet fixedly attached to a neck dam; said first material section further comprises at least one chest portal defined by a chest fixed seal member configured to receive an exhaust valve and create a watertight seal; said material enclosure comprises a torso portal defined by a torso fixed seal member, said torso fixed seal member is releasably connected to a torso grommet fixedly attached to a torso window; and said material enclosure comprises a first access portal defined by a first tunnel fixed seal member and a second access portal defined by a second tunnel fixed seal member.

[0013] These together with other aspects and advantages which will be subsequently apparent, reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a top view of a recovery device in an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a top view of a recovery device in an embodiment of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a top view of a recovery device in an alternate embodiment of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 4A is a sectional view of a recovery device in an alternate embodiment of then invention showing a patient.

[0019] FIG. 4B is a closeup view of a head section seal in an embodiment of the invention.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of portals and gloves in an embodiment of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a neck portal in an embodiment of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a transit casing and transit spiral in an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cervical support in an embodiment of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a side view of a cervical support in an embodiment of the invention.DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0026] The present inventive concept relates to an amphibious modular casualty recovery platform. The present invention satisfies this long-felt but unmet need by providing a unified platform that achieves full environmental sealing, submersion capability, and operational flexibility in a compact, deployable form factor. The device of the present invention is suited to receive a human patient or casualty, and a person may be referred to as a casualty or patient interchangeably.

[0027] FIG. 1 presents a top view of the device of the invention in an open head configuration. The recovery platform 100 comprises a number of features for isolating a patient from the environment while also providing access to the patient for oxygen, respiration, and medical care. The recovery platform 100 provides isolation of the casualty or patient in a protective, watertight material enclosure configured to receive and retain a human body. However, numerous adaptions are needed to provide for access to the patient during recovery, adjustment to buoyancy to allow for movement of the platform through the water, provision of respiratory air to the patient to enable submersion or protect from environmental threats, and structural grasping, lift, or tow points to move the platform. The device of the invention must be lightweight and easy to carry as well as quick to deploy. Waterproof encapsulation can be provided by a material enclosure having a cylindrical bag shape made of waterproof material such as Cordura nylon where first material section 10 and second material section 20 are joined by closure means to releasably seal such as zipper 12. Cordura nylon treated with a polyurethane coating is waterproof and CBRN compliant. DuraChem 500 material from Kappler, Inc. at www. kappler. com is also CBRN compliant. A rounded section of material can be sewn, glued, or welded to create foot section 22 and sealed in a cylindrical shape to encapsulate a patient. Foot section 22 is located at the aft section of the device opposite the fore section of the device. The waterproof material protects the interior of the recovery platform 100 against the ingress of water while also allowing access to a patient by way of a number of sealable portals that can be fitted with modular attachments or additions. Each sealable portal can be fitted with a particular structure or device that provides functionality, or fitted with a gasket that seals the portal against water ingress and environmental contamination.

[0028] The recovery platform 100 is shown in a particular embodiment in FIG. 1 comprising several sealable portals. The portals are shown open in FIG. 1, and each sealable portal is defined by a fixed seal member that is fixedly attached to the material of the device. In the embodiments shown, each fixed seal is generally circular and comprises an annular seal member suitable for connection with a cooperating annular seal member, not shown in FIG. 1. The fixed seal members are attached to the material of the device and are not removable in the ordinary course of use. In a basic utilization of recovery platform 100, each of the sealable portals can be sealed by attaching a gasket that merely covers the portal and provides environmental isolation and a watertight seal. Each sealable portal can be fitted with modular attachments to allow for patient interventions as shown in the Figures. The embodiment in FIG. 1 comprises sealable portal, namely head portal 160, an opening in first material section 10 defined by head fixed seal member 161 that surrounds head portal 160 and is fixedly attached to first material section 10. Head portal 160 is sized to allow the passage of a human head where encapsulation of the head of a patient inside the device is not desired or suitable. Torso portal 150 is shown in the middle of the device and is surrounded and defined by torso fixed seal member 151.

[0029] First lateral portal 132 is shown at the side of the device and is defined by surrounding first lateral fixed seal member 32. Second lateral portal 134 is shown at the side of the device and is defined by second lateral fixed seal member 34. The lateral portals can be sized to allow manual access by an operator or medical personnel and sized and positioned for the passage of a pair of hands or gloves as shown in FIG. 5, for example five inches in diameter in a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0030] Valve portal 42 can be positioned near head portal 160 and is defined by valve fixed seal member 43. Valve portal 42 can be utilized to supply air into the recovery platform 100 near a patient's head.

[0031] Left chest portal 44 is shown disposed in first material section 10 within medial extension 110, as shown in FIG. 4, and is defined by first chest fixed seal member 45. Right chest portal 48 can also be disposed within medial extension 110, as shown in FIG. 4, and is defined in circumference by second chest fixed seal member 49.

[0032] Left foot portal 84 is shown disposed in first material section 10 within aft extension 120, as shown in FIG. 4, and is defined in circumference by first foot fixed seal member 85. Right foot portal 88 is defined by second foot fixed seal member 89 and can be disposed in second material section 20 and within aft extension 120, as shown in FIG. 4. Both foot portals comprise an annular seal member suited for connection with cooperating seal members. The chest portals and foot portals can be connected to buoyancy valves through cooperating annular seal members. Or, in an alternate embodiment of the device, buoyancy valves can be fixedly attached to first material section 10 and second material section 20 so that they don't have to be added, ad hoc, for a particular use or mission.

[0033] In an embodiment, recovery platform 100 can also comprise access portals for small diameter patient interventions. First access portal 104 is defined by first tunnel fixed seal member 105. Second access portal 108 is defined by second tunnel fixed seal member 109. First access portal 104 is smaller in size and suited to receive tubes and wires that transit first material section 10 to provide access to a patient for medical interventions such as an IV tube or monitoring with electrical leads or wires. In an embodiment, first access portal 104 is three inches in diameter. As shown in FIG. 2, head portal 160 can be attached to a window 9. Window 9 can be made of a clear plastic or polymer film surrounded by neck grommet 61 comprising a second annular seal member configured for cooperation with the first annular seal member of sealable head portal 160. In an embodiment, head fixed seal member 161 comprises hooks 162, and neck grommet 61 comprises cooperating hook members 62 and to provide cooperating seal members as shown in FIG. 6. Window 9 provides viewing of a patient while encapsulated. Alternately neck grommet 61 can be fixedly attached to a neck dam 60 to provide for sealing against a patient's neck. In this way, head fixed seal member 161 can be attached to a cooperating seal member, neck grommet 61, to provide varying functionality based on the needs of the patient and the environment. In FIG. 3, neck grommet 61 is attached to neck dam 60. In FIG. 2, neck grommet 61 is attached to window 9. The embodiment in FIG. 2 comprises a torso grommet 158 is shown connected to torso window 159.

[0034] Head fixed seal member 161 is generally circular and can be attached to first material section 10 by gluing, sewing, and / or radio frequency (RF) welding to ensure a durable, waterproof connection. Head fixed seal member 161 provides a watertight releasable seal with at least a pair of circular interlocking grooves configured to receive a cooperating set of interlocking grooves in second seal member, for example neck grommet 61. One such watertight releasable seal is disclosed and shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,062,786, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Products such as ZipSeals sold by Diving Unlimited International of San Diego, California are one such suitable releasable seal.

[0035] Recovery platform 100 provides a dry bag-like enclosure in support of field casualty evacuation needs that is an alternative to conventional CASEVAC. Tow points can be provided at the fore section and aft section to allow for towing. First aft tow point 72 and second aft tow point 74 are attached to foot section 22 and provide for movement by pulling at the aft end of the device, suited for the feet of the patient. First fore tow point 76 comprises a loop for grasping or connection of a device for towing. Similarly, second fore tow point 78 comprises a loop for grasping or connection. The pairs of tow points should be evenly spaced from a center of the device for even distribution of force when towed through the water or over land. Tow points allow secure attachment and propulsion by a rescuer diver, swimmer, or drive device.

[0036] Carry straps can be provided at the lateral sides of the device to facilitate carrying. Three pairs of carry straps can be provided on the sides of the device. In an embodiment, first carry strap 15, second carry strap 16, and third carry strap 17 are attached to a first lateral section of first material section 10 by sewing, glue, welding, sealant, or other methods known in the art. In an embodiment, third carry strap 25, fourth carry strap 26, and fifth carry strap 27 are attached to a second lateral section of second side section 20 by sewing. The pairs of carry straps can be positioned at the fore, middle, and aft of the device. The carry straps and tow points can comprise a hard patch on the inside of the material as well as glue or sewing to reinforce the attachment and ensure that the material does not rip or yield during use.

[0037] Zipper 12 is waterproof and operable from outside as well as inside the device. Zipper 12 can be operable from the fore end and the aft end to provide access to a patient. Zipper 12 should comprise a length of more than 72 inches to provide access to the interior of the device. In an embodiment, zipper 12 comprises a length of 78 inches to accommodate the loading of a patient who may be tall and wearing boots, a helmet, and any medical dressings or interventions that may be bulky.

[0038] In an embodiment, recovery platform 100 is rounded in profile at the fore portion to ease the passage of the device through water as shown in FIG. 1. Medial extension 110 is provided by a larger amount of fabric or a surplus circumference of material near the torso of the patient as shown in FIG. 4. Aft extension 120 is provided by a surplus circumference of material adjacent said foot section. Aft extension 120 is preferably located near the feet of the patient. The relative restriction between the two extensions provides a restriction near the pelvic area of the patient, pelvic restriction 115. Where the device is inflated, the pelvic restriction reduces the movement of buoyancy air captured between the medial extension 110 and the aft extension 120. After buoyancy is established and balanced, pelvic restriction 115 reduces the movement of air within the platform 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the profile of the device between the medial extension 110 and aft extension 120 can be configured to be parabolic in shape to reduce resistance to flow and maximize surface and subsurface linear transit in a supine or prone position limiting sag or buoyancy air migration under the influence of waves and maneuvering surface strains in littoral environments, surf zone passage, and powered tow of the recovery platform in water.

[0039] Buoyancy control can be provided by a number of exhaust valves positioned generally at the medial extension 110 and aft extension 120 of the device on the ventral side as shown in FIGS. 1-4. In an embodiment, four exhaust valves are connected to cooperating seal members of the chest portals 44, 48 and foot portals 84, 88 shown in FIG. 1. Exhaust valves can be positioned at strategic hydrodynamic collection points on the ventral side of the device shown facing up in FIG. 4. Left chest valve 144 and right chest valve 148 are shown positioned within medial extension 110. Left foot valve 184, and right foot valve 188 are positioned within aft extension 120. Aft extension 120 is provided by a circumferential excess of material shown in cross section in FIG. 4. Aft extension 120 provides accommodation of a patient's feet and also provides additional area for the collection of enclosed air when the platform is sealed. Left foot valve 184 and right foot valve 188 allow for venting of air from within the device.

[0040] Suitable exhaust valves are low-profile, corrosion-resistant marine-grade construction made of brass or high-impact polymer composite, with a spring-loaded diaphragm and one-way umbrella flapper. Left chest valve 144 is shown positioned at the ventral collection point of medial extension 110. The use of multiple exhaust valves at the collection points of the device allows venting from the uppermost valve regardless of the recovery platform's 100 attitude. The exhaust valves can be seated in a cooperating annular seal member so that they sit flush with the exterior of the device to minimize drag. The exhaust valves alternately can be sewn into the material of the devices to avoid the weight and complexity of cooperating seal members.

[0041] Exhaust valves such as left chest valve 144 can provide three different methods of exhaust. A first exhaust valve such as left chest valve 144 can comprises a manual pull cord (not shown) for rapid gas release by an operator. Left chest valve 144 can comprise an automatic over-pressure relief via spring-loaded plug with centering guide that prevents lateral or angular misalignment. Left chest valve 144 can be coupled with a conventional powered pneumatic low-flow actuation interfaceable with a conventional rebreather or self contained air-bottle systems. In an embodiment, the other exhaust valves 148, 184, 188, comprise the same optional connection to a manual pull cord, relief valve, or rebreather system.

[0042] Inlet valve 142 is shown connected to valve portal 42 disposed in first material section 10 within medial extension 110 and provides for the addition of air into recovery platform 100. Inlet valve 142 can be connected to a universal module power inflator to provide inflation via a compressed gas cylinder containing air or carbon dioxide. Inlet valve 142 can also be connected to an optional manual inflation device such as air tube 46 shown in FIG. 3. Mouth regulator 49 provides for manual inflation of the device as well as manual deflation. Air tube 46 can be replaced with a second stage regulator connected to a compressed air bottle to provide air supply to a patient. In an embodiment, mouth regulator 49 comprises a second stage regulator for air supply to a patient.

[0043] The adjustment of the buoyancy of the device allows an operator to maintain controlled depth of the recovery platform 100 in water. Medial extension 110, when inflated, achieves and maintains the patient in a head up and face up orientation on water surface to maintain airway safety for a patient and maintain breathing. Ballast can be added to the device at the attachment points 92a-92j as shown in FIG. 2 to maintain balance for the patient's pelvis, head, and feet to keep the patient stable and horizontal during tow. In use, recovery platform 100 can be used with modular weight pockets positioned symmetrically to provide ballast and adjust the buoyancy or trim of the device. For example, ballast can be added at a left side of the upper lateral torso, at a right side of the upper lateral torso, at the posterior of the thorax section, the posterior of aft foot section, or any combination thereof. Weight pockets can be used to add ballast to achieve stable horizontal trim for a passive, unconscious casualty. Exhaust valves can be utilized in addition to ballast added to weight pockets to adjust the trim and balance of the device while floating or submerged.

[0044] Left chest valve 144 can comprise a passive valve set to open to outlet pressure such as positive pressure above 5 mm Hg. Different valves and different settings can be utilized in an embodiment of the invention. Left chest valve 144 is positioned in first material section 10 and can comprise a buoyancy control off-gassing valve for maintaining a desired interior air pressure. Right chest valve 148 can also be positioned in first material section 10 on an opposite side of head portal 160 and can comprise a passive valve set to release pressure. The valves on the left side and right side can be used to adjust trim or the orientation of the device in water. Left foot valve 184 can be positioned in an aft portion of first material section 10 and can comprise a passive valve set to release pressure. Right foot valve 188 can be positioned in an aft portion of second material section 20 and can comprise a passive valve set to release pressure.

[0045] Air tube 46 can be used to manually add air to the interior of recovery platform 100 to increase buoyancy. Inlet valve 142 is shown disposed in first material section 10 near the chest of a patient in FIG. 2. Inlet valve 142 can comprise a first stage or second stage regulator and can be integrated with an auto inflating CO2 cartridge used in flotation devices. Inlet valve 142 can be attached to a cooperating annular seal member, not shown, for watertight attachment to valve fixed seal member 43 of valve portal 42. Inlet valve 142, and the exhaust valves discussed herein, can all comprise cooperating annular seal members similar to neck grommet 61 for attachment to the fixed seal members that define the portals in the material enclosure.

[0046] The device of the invention can be used to carry and recover a patient or casualty with the head exposed to breathable air, and can also be adapted to encapsulate or isolate a patient and recover the patient over water or under water and provide a rebreather or CBRN rated respirator. The device of the invention can be used to protect a patient from the environment while inflated with the head exposed and viewing through torso window 159 for medical interventions. The device can protect against conditions as common as rain, snow, or cold. The device can also be adapted with military diving equipment including a rebreather to transit a casualty underwater to a submarine. The device of the invention comprises a number of sealable portals designed to accept modular, optional attachments to assist in observation and intervention with a patient during recovery.

[0047] First access portal 104 and second access portal 108 are openings, suited for resealable watertight attachment with rebreathers, respirators, military rebreathers, SCUBA, and CBRN respirator system, to provide environmental isolation so that the patient does not have to breath ambient air that may not be clean but may also contain toxic materials. One suitable rebreather is the Dräger LAR 8000 by Dragerwerk AG & CO. KGaA. First access portal 104 second access portal 108 are configured to support the pass-through of inhalation and exhalation arms and hoses of military or commercial respiratory systems. In an embodiment first access portal 104 defined by first tunnel fixed seal member 105 is connected to casing annular seal 305 comprising transit a spiral 354. A breathing tube can be passed through transit spiral 354 and the compressive properties of the transit spiral compress against the breathing tube to create a watertight seal. When transit spiral 354 is stretched by the insertion of an object, the material of the transit spiral 354 provides a return compressive force. As needed in a particular situation, a second breathing tube can be passed through second access portal 108 comprising a transit spiral 354 in the same, modular fashion. A transit spiral 354 comprising a conical base 352 can be directly and fixedly attached to an annular seal such as casing annular seal 305. In FIG. 2, first transit casing 304 is shown installed in the device with transit spiral 354 shown as dotted line, and second transit casing 308 is shown with a transit spiral shown in dotted line. In various embodiments, a transit spiral can be provided with an annular seal configured to attach to any of the portals of the device, for example in three inch, five inch, or twelve inch diameters. Head portal 60 and torso portal 150 can comprise a twelve inch diameter. The lateral portals 132, 134 can comprise a five inch diameter, and the valve portals can be three inches in diameter. In this way, a compressive waterproof transit spiral can allow materials, tubes, and devices to transit the material enclosure of the device in a modular, swappable manner while providing a compressive watertight seal at moderate water depths.

[0048] The inhalation and exhalation hoses of one such suitable military diving rebreather system is the Dräger LAR 8000 closed or semi-closed circuit rebreather with a medium-pressure flex or rubber hoses and P-Con click quick-connect fittings. The rebreather features two hoses that can pass through first access portal 104 and second access portal 108, both connected to a transit spiral 354, maintaining watertight isolation. The rebreather allows the patient to breathe via the system's adjustable lung demand valve in either closed-circuit or semi-closed-circuit mode. First access portal 104 and second access portal 108 can also interface with other compatible CBRN respirator systems. Another suitable system is a hybrid full-face mask system, the Dräger DHS 7000 CBRNe-rated respirator. This device utilizes integrated high-flow CBRN lung demand valve hoses and quick-release couplings that pass through first access portal 104 and second access portal 108 providing positive-pressure CBRN protected air supply while the patient inside recovery platform 100 remains fully isolated from external agents. The optional, modular nature of the portals of the device allow rapid field attachment of any compatible hybrid respirator or rebreather without compromising encapsulation.

[0049] The modular design provides compatibility with current consumer SCUBA, rebreather, rescue ascent, and CBRN respirator systems in a single platform, a capability not available in any casualty evacuation device. In the embodiment of recovery platform 200 shown in FIG. 3 with the patient head exposed, a rebreather, SCUBA, or Respirator can be connected to external attachment loops, for example attachment loops 92j or attachment loops 92d. A closed end neck dam 60 can cover the patient's head while breathing air is provided, providing total encapsulation from the environment. A closed end neck dam 60 can be cut or trimmed to allow an opening at the patient's mouth just large enough to apply respiratory support to a patient through an opening in the closed end neck dam. In an alternate embodiment, a rebreather system can transit the material of the device through left chest portal 44 and right chest portal 48 openings to provide respiration support to a patient. In an embodiment, left chest portal 44 can be connected to a transit spiral fixedly connected to an annular seal member, and right chest portal 48 can be connected to a transit spiral fixedly connected to an annular seal member. In this way, respiratory hoses can transit the material enclosure of the device while the transit spirals maintain a watertight seal. The device of the invention is modular and adaptable such that buoyancy valves, exhaust valves, and regulator valves equipped with an annular seal member can be interchangeably connected to the portals of the device shown in FIG. 1 to adapt the device to a particular situation. In situations where more buoyancy control is needed, exhaust valves can be connected, and in situations where more medical intervention is needed to recover a combat casualty, more glove sleeves, transit spirals, and windows can be connected.

[0050] A section of the device, for example first material section 10 can comprise first lateral portal 132 second lateral portal 134 in an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 presents a recovery platform 100 in an embodiment of the invention with the patient head enclosed with the device. Additional functionality can be provided with the additional attachments to the exterior surface of the device. Elements 92a through 92i comprise attachment loops such as conventional reinforced Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS) sections, in the form of a linear sequence of fabric attachment loops, affixed to the recovery platform 100 to provide for additional attachments or connections. Torso portal 150 is shown central to the device and connected to torso window 159. In other uses, torso portal 150 can be connected to a gasket or other modular intervention. Patient head 410 is shown visible through window 9. First transit casing 304 is shown installed to first access portal 104. Second transit casing 308 is shown installed to second access portal 108.

[0051] FIG. 3 presents an alternate embodiment of the invention, recovery platform 200. The device of the present invention can be utilized in two main configurations, head exposed, and head encapsulated. When head portal 160 is attached to window 9, a patient can be placed into the device and closed with waterproof zipper 12 to provide containment as shown in FIG. 2. In an alternate configuration, head portal 160 is connected to neck grommet 61 comprising neck dam 60 so that the head of a patient can be passed through head portal 160 to achieve a head exposed configuration as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Both configurations can be achieved or switched in the field by any operator. In enclosed head configuration, the material of head section 90 is positioned under the patient head 410. Head section 90 can be connected to bottom section 30 with a linear pair of seal members, for example first head seal member 181 can be disposed on the interior of head section 90 and second head seal member 182 can be disposed on the interior of bottom section 30 so that the cooperating seal members can be closed to prevent the ingress of air or water into the region of the device by the patient's head, or under head section 90. First head seal member 181 and second head seal member 182 can comprise a pair of cooperating resilient hook members in a linear arrangement, or a friction fit seal as is utilized in consumer resealable bags. Preventing the inflow of air into the material envelope under head section 90 prevents unwanted buoyancy under the patient's head, and maintains head section 90 in a flat configuration against bottom section 30 as shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B. In use as a maritime evacuation platform, it is important to avoid the accumulation of air under the patient's head that can result in inverting the platform where the head section 90 is above the patient's head and the patient is face down in the water, risking drowning.

[0052] In the head exposed configuration, head portal 160 is oriented somewhat vertically to allow passage of patient head 410 horizontally. Head section 90 is shown at the fore of the device and suited for supporting a patient's head as shown in FIG. 4. Attached to bottom section 30 is a modular head pocket 91 accessed by head pocket opening 93. Head pocket 91 is designed to house the cervical support 95 and can be attached by sewing, welding, or gluing onto bottom section 30. Head pocket 91 can be made of durable puncture and wear resistant material. Head pocket opening 93 can comprise a closure of hook and loop fasteners or cooperating resilient hook members in a linear arrangement. Sealing head pocket 92 prevents air or water capture in transit. This embodiment of the invention allows a patient's head to be exposed and therefore air and oxygen supply to the patient are not required unless the patient is submerged. In situations where the patient is recovered on land, air supply is not required, and standard CBRN respirator optionally may be utilized to protect from environmental hazards. In situations where recovery involves travel over or in water or in a CBRN environment, the recovery platform 200 can be inflated to provide positive buoyancy or modular air supply can be provided.

[0053] In FIG. 5, first lateral portal 132 comprises a first lateral fixed seal member 32 that is fixedly attached to first material section 10. First lateral fixed seal member 32 is configured to accept a gasket, not shown, to close first lateral portal 132 against the ingress of water into the device. Second lateral portal 134 is also configured to receive a gasket, not shown, to close second lateral portal 124 against the ingress of water. The lateral portals can also be connected to glove sleeves to enable an operator to have manual access to the patient while maintaining encapsulation of the patient from water, the environment, or any wartime hazards present at the place of recovery. First glove sleeve 33 and second glove sleeve 35 are shown in FIG. 5. Second glove sleeve 35 is shown being inserted into second lateral portal 134. Second glove annular seal 234 is configured to cooperate with second lateral fixed seal member 34. In this way, a modular attachment fitted with an annular seal member can be interchangeably attached to the recovery platform 100 at one of several suitable resealable portals shown in FIG. 1. First glove sleeve 33 comprises first glove annular seal 232 configured to cooperate with first lateral fixed seal member 32. One suitable first lateral fixed seal member 32 is a ZipRing sold by Diving Unlimited International at www.divedui.com. A waterproof first glove sleeve 33 equipped with a first glove annular seal 232, for example a ZipSeal, can be attached to a fixed seal member such as a ZipRing from Diving Unlimited International to make a waterproof seal. Another suitable annular seal system is sold by SiTech AB at www.sitech.se. Other cooperating seal members can be utilized in the spirit of the invention. The attachment of glove sleeves to the device allows an operator to reach inside through the material surface of the device, traversing first material section 10, or alternately second side section 20, to access a patient without compromising the waterproof encapsulation or environmental isolation of the device.

[0054] Second glove sleeve 35 is connected to second glove annular seal 234 prior to attachment to second lateral fixed seal member 34. In the spirit of the invention, the first lateral portal 132 can be manufactured in different positions so that the first glove sleeve 32 can transit first material section 10, or alternately second side section 20, or one glove sleeve can transit a different section of the device such that one glove enters from each side of the device, or as needed for various medical interventions. In typical medical procedure, a doctor or medic is positioned at the patient's right side and first lateral portal 132 and second lateral portal 134 can be formed in second material section 20 as is customary. In an embodiment of the invention, zipper 12 is disposed on the left side of the device. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, valve portal 42 is positioned at the left side of the chest of the patient as inflation means are typically positioned at the left in diving or rescue vests.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 1, sealable head portal 160 is disposed near the fore of first material section 10. In one particular configuration of the device, head portal 160 is defined by head fixed seal member 161. Neck grommet 61 comprises a cooperating annular seal member for attachment to head fixed seal member 161. Neck dam 60 can be fixedly attached to neck grommet 61 so that modular neck dam 60 can be installed at head portal 160 to create a water-tight seal around the neck of a patient. When the head of a patient or casualty is passed through neck dam 60, the smaller diameter of central restriction 67 resiliently seals against the neck of a patient that is generally of a smaller diameter than the jaw or face. In this way, the patient head 410 can be exposed while the interior of the device remains sealed from the ingress of water or any environmental hazards. Where full encapsulation is desired, head portal 160 can be equipped with a gasket or window 9 to seal head portal 160. Neck dam 60 can be a resilient tubular member with dam opening 68 allowing the passage of a human head. Sizing lines, not shown, can be imprinted on neck dam 60 to facilitate trimming of neck dam 60 to a suitable size as needed to expose or compress portions of the patient as needed in a particular recovery scenario. Neck dam 60 can be scored with one centimeter intervals, or other indicia, to facilitate the modification of the neck dam 60, in the field. Where neck dam 60 comprises a closed end, it can be field modified to provide an opening for respiratory support, or larger openings to allow for medical interventions, or even head passage. In an embodiment, the annular seal members comprise a pair of interlocking hook shaped members. In another embodiment, the annular seal members each comprise three interlocking hook shaped members that coordinately seal with a corresponding set of three interlocking hook shaped members shown in FIG. 6.

[0056] Head fixed seal member 161 is preferably formed of plastic to be light weight. The neck dam can encapsulate the entire head and face area allowing for field trim to fit face, head, or neck as needed based on conditions. Neck dam 60 can terminate in dam opening 68 that facilitates the passage of a person's head through the neck dam and allows for access to the face for respiration and vision. Neck dam 60 is modular and can be replaced in the field with a replacement neck dam 60 comprising a neck grommet 61 for attachment, or head portal 160 can be sealed with a gasket, not shown. Neck dam 60 can be formed of silicon, latex, rubber, plastic, or polymer elastomers. In an embodiment, neck dam 60 is approximately 24 inches in length and 12 inches in diameter at rest. In an embodiment, neck dam 60 comprises an elasticity and stretch to failure of at least 600%. In an alternate embodiment neck dam 60 is closed at the distal end, like a sock, and can encapsulate the head of the patient entirely, even when the patient head is passed through the head portal 160, and the patient can be supplied with a rebreather or regulator positioned inside the enclosed neck dam 60 to provide full encapsulation and protection from the environment. A neck dam 60 comprising a closed distal end can also be field trimmed, cut, or adjusted to comprise an open distal end like dam opening 68 as shown in FIG. 6.

[0057] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6, head fixed seal member 161 comprises hooks 162 whereas neck grommet 61 comprises cooperating hook members 62. Alternate configurations of annular seal members can be utilized in the spirit of the invention. In one particular embodiment, head fixed seal member 161 comprises a thickness of 5 mm and interlocking hook shaped members 162 having a depth of 2 mm. Neck grommet 61 can comprise cooperating hook members 62 as shown in FIG. 6.

[0058] One of the modular attachments configured for use with the device of the invention is the transit spiral 354. First transit casing 304 is shown attached to first access portal 104 in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 presents a perspective view of transit spiral 354 within body casing 312. First transit casing 304 comprised a lid casing 322 and a body casing 312 containing transit spiral 354. Transit spiral 354 terminates in spiral distal end 356 and narrows from conical base 352. Conical base 352 is attached to body casing 312 by connection means including sewing, RF welding, and or glue.

[0059] Lid casing 322 comprises lid lock 328 and lid tunnel 324. Lid O-ring 326 is seated in lid casing 322. Body casing 304 comprises casing annular seal 305 configured for cooperation with other annular seal members. The modular nature of the device of the invention allows similarly sized cooperating seal members to be installed to the various portals of the device. A connected item can be replaced if damaged or can be replaced with a different item to provide a different function or seal against the environment. Body tunnel 314 is positioned opposite lid tunnel 324 and provides a tunnel opening, not numbered, for wires or tubes to pass out of first transit casing 304. Body lock 318 is hook shaped and configured to engage lid lock 328 to retain closure of lid casing 322 and body casing 312. Hinge 380 allows first transit casing 304 to open and close. In an alternate embodiment, additional hook shaped locks (not shown) can be utilized on both sides of the lid casing and body casing to seal the first transit casing closed. A lanyard can be utilized (not shown) to retain lid casing 322 and body casing 312 together in active environments or surf.

[0060] Transit spiral 354 provides access across the material of the device to allow an operator to monitor a patient or provide fluids or other interventions by providing for passage of monitoring cables, power-source wires, and small-diameter medical lines to the patient while the patient is encapsulated and protected from the environment. Conical base 352 narrows to transit spiral 354 and terminates in closed spiral distal end 356. In this way, tubes and wires can be fed into conical base 352 and contained by transit spiral 354 made of resilient material. Transit spiral 354 is not rigid and is held in place by casing body 312. Lid O-ring 326 is disposed in lid casing 322 and body O-ring is disposed in body casing 312. When the lid casing 322 and body casing 312 are joined, the O-rings form a concentric watertight seal. Lid casing 322 comprises lid tunnel 324 and body casing 312 comprises body tunnel 314 such that when the transit casing is closed, space for interventions is provided and pinching or severing of tubes or wires is avoided.

[0061] Transit spiral 354 can be formed of waterproof silicone, latex, or rubber. In an embodiment, transit spiral 354 can comprise a 2 mm internal diameter at rest and can be stretched to a maximum of 12 mm diameter. Transit spiral 354 is compressive and squeezes against any items inserted to create a watertight seal. Spiral distal end 356 can be provided with a sealed terminal end that can be cut or punctured as required during use. When lid tunnel 324 and body tunnel 314 are juxtaposed, a lateral tunnel, not numbered, is formed. Lid lock 328 and body lock 318 can comprise cooperating resilient hook structures that deflect upon closing to durably seal lid casing 322 to body casing 312. The compressive nature and spiral shape of transit spiral 354 resists the movement of water through transit spiral 354 to provide a water-tight seal against water pressure up to two atmospheres. In various embodiments, lid tunnel 324 and body tunnel 314 can be configured to create a lateral tunnel of different dimensions. In one embodiment, lateral tunnel has a width of 1 centimeter and a heigh of 1 centimeter. A standard IV line is 4 millimeter inner diameter, with rigid plastic sheath up to 1 centimeter outer diameter. Other sizes are contemplated in the spirit of the invention.

[0062] The device of the invention can be paired with neck dam 60, glove sleeves 33, 35, torso window 159, and access portals transit casings 304, 308 to provide varied access to the patient as well as environmental and hazard isolation during recovery. First transit casing 304 can be attached to first access portal 104 by cooperating seal members where casing annular seal 305 is connected to first tunnel fixed seal member 105. In an embodiment, a second transit casing 308 can be installed to second access portal 108 in the same manner to provide additional or separate intervention access to a patient. In an embodiment, lid O-ring 326 is 3 millimeters thick silicon and transit spiral 354 comprises a length of five inches.

[0063] Torso portal 150 is defined by torso fixed seal member 151 fixedly attached to first material section 10. Torso fixed seal member 151 can comprise an annular seal member, torso fixed seal member 151, for connection with a cooperating annular seal member such as a torso grommet 158 connected to a torso gasket (not shown) or connected to a torso window 159 made of clear plastic or polymer as shown in FIG. 2. Torso portal 150 is situated in first material section 10 and centrally located around the location of a patient's torso.

[0064] Recovery platform 100 can be provided in a basic configuration for land carry. In various embodiments, more or less sealable portals can be provided to transit the material of the device. Additionally, portals can be sealed with simple gaskets to maintain encapsulation where medical interventions are not necessary. The device of the invention can be provided with additional modular attachments prior to troop deployment, or rescue operations, and the modular attachments can be added to the device of the invention after deployment to adapt to changing conditions. The device of the invention can optionally be equipped with modular attachments including gloves, regulators, and air supply for transport across or under water, windows for visual assessment or assistance with manual interventions. The modular inserts can be field exchangeable and once installed, can be utilized without losing patient isolation.

[0065] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of cervical support 95 in an embodiment of the invention. Cervical support 95 is configured to be retained in head pocket 91 after insertion through head pocket opening 93 as shown in FIG. 4. Cervical support 95 is rigid and can be fabricated from a neutral polymer plastic and in an embodiment, is formed in a triangular honeycomb lattice geometric design that maximizes strength-to-weight ratio while sufficient to support the weight of a casualty head plus a helmet. Perforated body 97 provides reduced weight. Cervical support 95 is flat when at rest and can be inserted flat through head pocket opening 93 into the external head pocket 91 opening at mid-torso and extending underneath the head section 90. Cervical support 95 can comprise an elongated octagonal shape as shown in FIG. 8. Support bottom surface 96 comprises microteeth 98 that provide a roughened texture and increased friction to limit movement of cervical support 95 within head pocket 91 during transit. Cervical support 95 is sufficiently flexible to bend or flex as shown in FIG. 9 when the recovery platform 100 is lifted from, for example first carry strap 15 located at a first lateral position and fourth carry strap 25 located at a second lateral position relative to cervical support 95. The weight of the casualty and the upward lift force during transport causes cervical support 95 to curve into a 30-degree bend. Geometric stiffening increases the structural rigidity of cervical support 95 when curved and also cradles and protects the cervical area of the patient from injury. When the device is towed in surf or waves, cervical support 95 is rigid and protects against sudden impact or movement of the head and neck and prevents the material head pocket 91 from deforming. Neck support is especially important when a patient is unconscious or unaware or sudden movements. In an embodiment of the invention, cervical support 95 is formed in a lattice structure that allows cervical support 95 to be rolled for compact storage and transport. Cervical support 95 can surround the material portions of the device during storage, providing additional protection against wear or abrasion prior to use.

[0066] The device of the invention can be constructed using similar materials, techniques, and manufacturing as a standard dry-suit. Modern layered polymer materials allow for light weight, pliable, chemical agent rated, and waterproof at depth, with sewing, material welding, and advanced glue designs allowing for reinforced support able to support the high loads and shock of a combat recovery mission. The present invention provides the option to construct the recovery platform 100 from a single monolithic piece of material throughout the main body. This reduces the number of seams and leaks and improves encapsulation. A preferred material is X-Pac VX42™ technical laminate fabric. VX42 consists of a 420-denier Cordura® nylon face fabric with C6 Durable Water Repellent treatment, laminated to a polyester X-Ply ripstop grid oriented waterproof polyester film barrier, and a 50-denier polyester taffeta backing. This single product material construction yields an overall fabric weight of approximately 8.8 oz / yd2 (297 g / m2) while delivering exceptional tear strength, abrasion resistance, and hydrostatic pressure resistance, achieving the critical balance of ultra-low packed weight and structural integrity required for tactical maritime casualty evacuation.

[0067] Material seams should limit sewing and maximize radio-frequency (RF) or hot-air welding to create a monolithic, needle-hole-free bond with superior shear and peel strength. Welding, combined with the inherent film layer of the laminated material, e.g. VX42, limits thread degradation, stitch-hole leaks, and the added mass and volume of double-wall constructions.

[0068] To withstand the extreme dynamic shear and impact forces of surf-zone passage and powered towing, the tow points 72,74,76, and 78 can comprise a multi-layer load-spreading system integrated into the material. In an embodiment, each connection comprises an internal high-strength composite or ballistic nylon patch that is RF-welded directly to the fabric. The patch can be overlaid with tubular ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene like material, for example Dyneema® brand, webbing straps. Attachment can be completed by heavy bartack stitching through the reinforcement layers, continuous waterproof adhesive bonding, and circumferential RF-welded D-ring patches using marine-grade hardware.

[0069] The parabolic contour of the recovery platform 100 and recovery platform 200 embodiments between the medial extension 110, pelvic restriction 115, and aft extension 120 can be achieved through welded panel assembly. The hydrodynamic collection points reduce drag and eliminate stress concentrations at the tow points. Reducing the amount of drag of the device in the water reduces the amount of force needed on the tow points to propel the device.

[0070] The device of the invention provides an economical, rough combat handling, hasty packing, and potential field cut-away while still meeting or exceeding MIL-SPEC dynamic load and hydrostatic requirements for maritime rescue equipment. The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0025]Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0026]The present inventive concept relates to an amphibious modular casualty recovery platform. The present invention satisfies this long-felt but unmet need by providing a unified platform that achieves full environmental sealing, submersion capability, and operational flexibility in a compact, deployable form factor. The device of the present invention is suited to receive a human patient or casualty, and a person may be referred to as a casualty or patient interchangeably.

[0027]FIG. 1 presents a top view of the device of the invention in an open head configuration. The recovery platform 100 comprises a number of features for isolating a patient from the environment while also providing access to the patient for oxygen, respiration, and medical care. The...

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

[0001] The present general inventive concept is directed to an apparatus for stabilizing and transporting a casualty, the device being suitable for use in military, emergency response, or rescue settings.Description of the Related Art

[0002] The problem set of a casualty isolation system for field use in maritime environments has been a universal need of the USA, and NATO forces since World War Two with limited to no progress in addressing the issue of isolating a severe casualty from cold, wet, and contaminated environments associated with high mortality rates. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Marine Corps System Command, and civilian entities have attempted to close this medical necessity with no success. Armed forces often use waterways or bodies of water for transportation during operations. In the same situations, casualties need to be evacuated or recovered via the water. If swimming or diving are used for transport, the recovery platform must have adjustable buoyancy to allow the platform to float or submerge. In situations that cannot be predicted, casualty recovery can also be conducted by vehicle, or casualties can be hand carried by other personnel for a distance. In freezing or arctic temperatures, casualties must be insulated from the cold. It is impossible to predict what situations or measures will be needed to stabilize and transport a casualty out of danger. In some situations, a casualty may be carried, transported on vehicle, and transported in a waterway all in sequence. The casualty may need to be provided with oxygen, or buoyancy, or other interventions. To date, no recovery platform has provided the flexibility to provide casualty recovery or evacuation over any range of cold weather or maritime environment. There is no commercially available, nor government supplied, hasty measure field portable casualty isolation system to support maritime, arctic, surface, CBRN, and subsurface evacuation of a casualty or person under field conditions. Field conditions, locations, and casualty severity are highly variable. Since the 1990s and after the experience of the Gulf War, the Department of Defense has noted needs for better isolation in multi-domain operations including surface and subsurface locations. The Department of Defense has issued a 2023 Emergency Response Standard proposal to incorporate protections against chemical, biological, radiation, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, but the proposal prioritizes the protection of responders over protection for the casualty or patient. Devices in the prior art tend to address one of the many specific needs or situations encountered in a combat recovery and are not adaptable to changing or unpredicted needs. Prior art products fail to combine lightweight, portable devices with environmental isolation, intervention during use, ventilation support, and durability.

[0003] CASEVAC is a standard procedure in the United States Military. Casualty Evacuation is abbreviated to CasEvac, or CASEVAC. This procedure involves carrying a wounded individual and ideally is conducted with two or four persons carrying the casualty on a litter. This method was pervasive in the Vietnam Conflict, and is still the prevalent method of casualty recovery. This is a basic effective method suited for carrying a person over land. It is not suitable for use in maritime environments where floating or submerging are required. GOLDEVAC is a pending project by DARPA that is evaluating the success of an intravascular cannula coupled with a gas exchange device to provide oxygen to extend the ‘golden hour’ and allow a patient to survive a longer evacuation. This project notes that no suitable alternative to CASEVAC exists for maritime environments and instead is directed to extended stabilization of a patient rather than expedited rescue or removal.

[0004] Secuvac System from Bernhardt Apparatebau GmbH, DBA Secumar, is a waterproof casualty transport bag designed to protect immobilized injured persons on stretchers from water contact through a waterproof cover. The device provides a fabric bag attached to a stretcher; the stretcher provided with buoyancy to prevent drowning in the event the recovery stretcher falls into the water. Protection from the cold is provided by a blanket inside the fabric bag. The stretcher can be airlifted to a helicopter or towed by a personal watercraft (such as a Jet Ski). The device must be sealed around the patient entirely, and therefore air must be provided if the patient is to be contained in the device for a period of time. There is no mechanism to maintain buoyancy and have the patient's head exposed. To maintain waterproof status, the patient must be entirely sealed or encapsulated in the device. No access or intervention is possible without opening the device and sacrificing the waterproof status. Further, the device does not provide for buoyancy adjustment to allow for submersion in situations where exfiltration underwater is required. The device is preferably towed on a sled or surface as it is not streamlined or suited for traveling through water. This product can be characterized as a surface-only recovery device.

[0005] Another recovery device is the Hyperlite 1 System from SOS Group GBR Ltd of London, UK. This device provides a portable hyperbaric chamber for diver evacuation on a surface boat or aircraft. It provides a stretcher and oxygen supply, but weighs over 100 pounds making it unsuitable for carrying by the typical soldier or medical personnel. It does not provide medical access to a casualty once the device is sealed. Further, it does not provide protection against extreme cold or CBRN threats.

[0006] Existing systems, such as the Secuvac surface-only waterproof casualty bags, hyperbaric stretchers, immersion suits, and general isolation pods for CBRN or arctic conditions, fall short in multiple critical respects. They are either too bulky and heavy for an individual to carry without a vehicle because they weigh too much. They are unable to be rapidly applied to a tactical casualty with injuries under duress because they are too complicated to operate or require assembly. They are limited to use on the surface of water and unable to operate in waves or surf, and are unable to be submerged or pass through water smoothly while submerged. They do not provide environmental isolation from water, contaminants, and extreme temperatures while permitting patient respiration and care during tactical and rescue submersion. No prior device or combination of devices has successfully addressed the persistent capability gap documented in U.S. Department of Defense and NATO needs for decades: a single, man-portable field casualty isolation system in support of hasty extraction that can be deployed in contaminated, arctic, or underwater tactical scenarios without compromising the rescuer's mobility or the patient's survivability. Prior efforts have failed to produce a functioning CASEVAC capable of swimming, diving, small craft, surface, subsurface, artic isolation, in a field portable system able to isolate a tactical casualty during immersion. To date, no recovery platform has been devised that can be used on dry land, on surface water rescue, and also for underwater rescue or recovery. Prior attempts to provide a recovery platform have all been suited to one particular situation and have not been adaptable or suited to field-modification. No prior art device has provided for maritime recovery while providing access to the patient within the recovery platform for medical intervention.

[0007] What is needed is a modular platform for casualty recovery that can be augmented and modified to suit a particular scenario or situation. In many instances, the general climate can be anticipated such as summer or winter. In other instances, the presence of a large body of water will be apparent. The presence of chemical or biological warfare agents can be estimated. With this information, a recovery platform can be equipped and supplied to personnel including soldiers or medical teams with the appropriate functionality. However, the recovery platform must provide the option for field modification to fit the expected tactical situation. Modular additions and modifications must be suited for rapid addition and removal, after the device has been manufactured, and the modular platform must be adaptable to be used in different situations.

[0008] What is needed is modular maritime casualty recovery platform that can be provided in a basic lightweight, field portable or man packable configuration to enable rapid tactical extraction of an injured or incapacitated individual far from medical facilities, the recovery platform being suited for use in littoral, maritime, CBRN, and artic environments and suited for transport through surface water or land transit, subsurface diving, and combat swimming through high-energy surf zones. What is needed is a casualty recovery and evacuation platform that is fully submersible to operational diving depths, towable by a diver, swimmer, or subsurface powered device, packable into a standard rucksack or similar loadout that is lightweight, and capable of providing adjustable buoyancy control, modular and integrated respiratory support to allow the recovered patient to breathe while enclosed and submerged, and portal access to the patient allowing care without comprising isolation.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an improved casualty evacuation and recovery device that enables rapid, tactical extraction and transport of an injured or incapacitated individual in challenging multi-domain environments, including surface movement, subsurface diving operations, and combat swimming through surf zones, while maintaining full environmental isolation from water, contaminants, extreme temperatures, and other hazards.

[0010] The above aspects can be obtained by a modular recovery device comprising a material enclosure configured to receive and retain a human body, said material enclosure comprising a first material section configured to releasably seal with a second material section, a foot section, and a bottom section; said first material section comprises a head portal defined by a head fixed seal member, a valve portal defined by a valve fixed seal member, a first access portal defined by a first tunnel fixed seal member, and a first chest portal defined by a first chest fixed seal member.

[0011] The objects of the invention can be attained by an alternate embodiment, a maritime casualty recovery device comprising: a waterproof material enclosure comprising closure means to releasably seal said waterproof material enclosure; a head portal defined by a head fixed seal member; a valve portal defined by a valve fixed seal member; a first chest portal defined by a first chest fixed seal member, a second chest portal defined by a second chest fixed seal member, a first foot portal defined by a first foot fixed seal member, a second foot portal defined by a second foot fixed seal member; and a linear sequence of fabric attachment loops attached exterior to said waterproof material enclosure.

[0012] The aspects of the invention can be attained by an alternate embodiment, a recovery platform for transporting a human comprising: a material enclosure comprising a first material section, a second material section, and a bottom section; said first material section and said second material section comprise closure means to releasably seal said material enclosure; said first material section comprises a first head seal member disposed on the interior of said first material section and configured to engage a second head seal member disposed on the interior of said bottom section and create a head section sealed against the ingress of air; said bottom section comprises a head pocket positioned at said head section and a cervical support disposed in said head pocket; said first material section further comprises a head portal defined by a head fixed seal member releasably attached to a neck grommet, said neck grommet fixedly attached to a neck dam; said first material section further comprises at least one chest portal defined by a chest fixed seal member configured to receive an exhaust valve and create a watertight seal; said material enclosure comprises a torso portal defined by a torso fixed seal member, said torso fixed seal member is releasably connected to a torso grommet fixedly attached to a torso window; and said material enclosure comprises a first access portal defined by a first tunnel fixed seal member and a second access portal defined by a second tunnel fixed seal member.

[0013] These together with other aspects and advantages which will be subsequently apparent, reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a top view of a recovery device in an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a top view of a recovery device in an embodiment of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a top view of a recovery device in an alternate embodiment of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 4A is a sectional view of a recovery device in an alternate embodiment of then invention showing a patient.

[0019] FIG. 4B is a closeup view of a head section seal in an embodiment of the invention.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of portals and gloves in an embodiment of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a neck portal in an embodiment of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a transit casing and transit spiral in an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cervical support in an embodiment of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a side view of a cervical support in an embodiment of the invention.DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0026] The present inventive concept relates to an amphibious modular casualty recovery platform. The present invention satisfies this long-felt but unmet need by providing a unified platform that achieves full environmental sealing, submersion capability, and operational flexibility in a compact, deployable form factor. The device of the present invention is suited to receive a human patient or casualty, and a person may be referred to as a casualty or patient interchangeably.

[0027] FIG. 1 presents a top view of the device of the invention in an open head configuration. The recovery platform 100 comprises a number of features for isolating a patient from the environment while also providing access to the patient for oxygen, respiration, and medical care. The recovery platform 100 provides isolation of the casualty or patient in a protective, watertight material enclosure configured to receive and retain a human body. However, numerous adaptions are needed to provide for access to the patient during recovery, adjustment to buoyancy to allow for movement of the platform through the water, provision of respiratory air to the patient to enable submersion or protect from environmental threats, and structural grasping, lift, or tow points to move the platform. The device of the invention must be lightweight and easy to carry as well as quick to deploy. Waterproof encapsulation can be provided by a material enclosure having a cylindrical bag shape made of waterproof material such as Cordura nylon where first material section 10 and second material section 20 are joined by closure means to releasably seal such as zipper 12. Cordura nylon treated with a polyurethane coating is waterproof and CBRN compliant. DuraChem 500 material from Kappler, Inc. at www. kappler. com is also CBRN compliant. A rounded section of material can be sewn, glued, or welded to create foot section 22 and sealed in a cylindrical shape to encapsulate a patient. Foot section 22 is located at the aft section of the device opposite the fore section of the device. The waterproof material protects the interior of the recovery platform 100 against the ingress of water while also allowing access to a patient by way of a number of sealable portals that can be fitted with modular attachments or additions. Each sealable portal can be fitted with a particular structure or device that provides functionality, or fitted with a gasket that seals the portal against water ingress and environmental contamination.

[0028] The recovery platform 100 is shown in a particular embodiment in FIG. 1 comprising several sealable portals. The portals are shown open in FIG. 1, and each sealable portal is defined by a fixed seal member that is fixedly attached to the material of the device. In the embodiments shown, each fixed seal is generally circular and comprises an annular seal member suitable for connection with a cooperating annular seal member, not shown in FIG. 1. The fixed seal members are attached to the material of the device and are not removable in the ordinary course of use. In a basic utilization of recovery platform 100, each of the sealable portals can be sealed by attaching a gasket that merely covers the portal and provides environmental isolation and a watertight seal. Each sealable portal can be fitted with modular attachments to allow for patient interventions as shown in the Figures. The embodiment in FIG. 1 comprises sealable portal, namely head portal 160, an opening in first material section 10 defined by head fixed seal member 161 that surrounds head portal 160 and is fixedly attached to first material section 10. Head portal 160 is sized to allow the passage of a human head where encapsulation of the head of a patient inside the device is not desired or suitable. Torso portal 150 is shown in the middle of the device and is surrounded and defined by torso fixed seal member 151.

[0029] First lateral portal 132 is shown at the side of the device and is defined by surrounding first lateral fixed seal member 32. Second lateral portal 134 is shown at the side of the device and is defined by second lateral fixed seal member 34. The lateral portals can be sized to allow manual access by an operator or medical personnel and sized and positioned for the passage of a pair of hands or gloves as shown in FIG. 5, for example five inches in diameter in a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0030] Valve portal 42 can be positioned near head portal 160 and is defined by valve fixed seal member 43. Valve portal 42 can be utilized to supply air into the recovery platform 100 near a patient's head.

[0031] Left chest portal 44 is shown disposed in first material section 10 within medial extension 110, as shown in FIG. 4, and is defined by first chest fixed seal member 45. Right chest portal 48 can also be disposed within medial extension 110, as shown in FIG. 4, and is defined in circumference by second chest fixed seal member 49.

[0032] Left foot portal 84 is shown disposed in first material section 10 within aft extension 120, as shown in FIG. 4, and is defined in circumference by first foot fixed seal member 85. Right foot portal 88 is defined by second foot fixed seal member 89 and can be disposed in second material section 20 and within aft extension 120, as shown in FIG. 4. Both foot portals comprise an annular seal member suited for connection with cooperating seal members. The chest portals and foot portals can be connected to buoyancy valves through cooperating annular seal members. Or, in an alternate embodiment of the device, buoyancy valves can be fixedly attached to first material section 10 and second material section 20 so that they don't have to be added, ad hoc, for a particular use or mission.

[0033] In an embodiment, recovery platform 100 can also comprise access portals for small diameter patient interventions. First access portal 104 is defined by first tunnel fixed seal member 105. Second access portal 108 is defined by second tunnel fixed seal member 109. First access portal 104 is smaller in size and suited to receive tubes and wires that transit first material section 10 to provide access to a patient for medical interventions such as an IV tube or monitoring with electrical leads or wires. In an embodiment, first access portal 104 is three inches in diameter. As shown in FIG. 2, head portal 160 can be attached to a window 9. Window 9 can be made of a clear plastic or polymer film surrounded by neck grommet 61 comprising a second annular seal member configured for cooperation with the first annular seal member of sealable head portal 160. In an embodiment, head fixed seal member 161 comprises hooks 162, and neck grommet 61 comprises cooperating hook members 62 and to provide cooperating seal members as shown in FIG. 6. Window 9 provides viewing of a patient while encapsulated. Alternately neck grommet 61 can be fixedly attached to a neck dam 60 to provide for sealing against a patient's neck. In this way, head fixed seal member 161 can be attached to a cooperating seal member, neck grommet 61, to provide varying functionality based on the needs of the patient and the environment. In FIG. 3, neck grommet 61 is attached to neck dam 60. In FIG. 2, neck grommet 61 is attached to window 9. The embodiment in FIG. 2 comprises a torso grommet 158 is shown connected to torso window 159.

[0034] Head fixed seal member 161 is generally circular and can be attached to first material section 10 by gluing, sewing, and / or radio frequency (RF) welding to ensure a durable, waterproof connection. Head fixed seal member 161 provides a watertight releasable seal with at least a pair of circular interlocking grooves configured to receive a cooperating set of interlocking grooves in second seal member, for example neck grommet 61. One such watertight releasable seal is disclosed and shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,062,786, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Products such as ZipSeals sold by Diving Unlimited International of San Diego, California are one such suitable releasable seal.

[0035] Recovery platform 100 provides a dry bag-like enclosure in support of field casualty evacuation needs that is an alternative to conventional CASEVAC. Tow points can be provided at the fore section and aft section to allow for towing. First aft tow point 72 and second aft tow point 74 are attached to foot section 22 and provide for movement by pulling at the aft end of the device, suited for the feet of the patient. First fore tow point 76 comprises a loop for grasping or connection of a device for towing. Similarly, second fore tow point 78 comprises a loop for grasping or connection. The pairs of tow points should be evenly spaced from a center of the device for even distribution of force when towed through the water or over land. Tow points allow secure attachment and propulsion by a rescuer diver, swimmer, or drive device.

[0036] Carry straps can be provided at the lateral sides of the device to facilitate carrying. Three pairs of carry straps can be provided on the sides of the device. In an embodiment, first carry strap 15, second carry strap 16, and third carry strap 17 are attached to a first lateral section of first material section 10 by sewing, glue, welding, sealant, or other methods known in the art. In an embodiment, third carry strap 25, fourth carry strap 26, and fifth carry strap 27 are attached to a second lateral section of second side section 20 by sewing. The pairs of carry straps can be positioned at the fore, middle, and aft of the device. The carry straps and tow points can comprise a hard patch on the inside of the material as well as glue or sewing to reinforce the attachment and ensure that the material does not rip or yield during use.

[0037] Zipper 12 is waterproof and operable from outside as well as inside the device. Zipper 12 can be operable from the fore end and the aft end to provide access to a patient. Zipper 12 should comprise a length of more than 72 inches to provide access to the interior of the device. In an embodiment, zipper 12 comprises a length of 78 inches to accommodate the loading of a patient who may be tall and wearing boots, a helmet, and any medical dressings or interventions that may be bulky.

[0038] In an embodiment, recovery platform 100 is rounded in profile at the fore portion to ease the passage of the device through water as shown in FIG. 1. Medial extension 110 is provided by a larger amount of fabric or a surplus circumference of material near the torso of the patient as shown in FIG. 4. Aft extension 120 is provided by a surplus circumference of material adjacent said foot section. Aft extension 120 is preferably located near the feet of the patient. The relative restriction between the two extensions provides a restriction near the pelvic area of the patient, pelvic restriction 115. Where the device is inflated, the pelvic restriction reduces the movement of buoyancy air captured between the medial extension 110 and the aft extension 120. After buoyancy is established and balanced, pelvic restriction 115 reduces the movement of air within the platform 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the profile of the device between the medial extension 110 and aft extension 120 can be configured to be parabolic in shape to reduce resistance to flow and maximize surface and subsurface linear transit in a supine or prone position limiting sag or buoyancy air migration under the influence of waves and maneuvering surface strains in littoral environments, surf zone passage, and powered tow of the recovery platform in water.

[0039] Buoyancy control can be provided by a number of exhaust valves positioned generally at the medial extension 110 and aft extension 120 of the device on the ventral side as shown in FIGS. 1-4. In an embodiment, four exhaust valves are connected to cooperating seal members of the chest portals 44, 48 and foot portals 84, 88 shown in FIG. 1. Exhaust valves can be positioned at strategic hydrodynamic collection points on the ventral side of the device shown facing up in FIG. 4. Left chest valve 144 and right chest valve 148 are shown positioned within medial extension 110. Left foot valve 184, and right foot valve 188 are positioned within aft extension 120. Aft extension 120 is provided by a circumferential excess of material shown in cross section in FIG. 4. Aft extension 120 provides accommodation of a patient's feet and also provides additional area for the collection of enclosed air when the platform is sealed. Left foot valve 184 and right foot valve 188 allow for venting of air from within the device.

[0040] Suitable exhaust valves are low-profile, corrosion-resistant marine-grade construction made of brass or high-impact polymer composite, with a spring-loaded diaphragm and one-way umbrella flapper. Left chest valve 144 is shown positioned at the ventral collection point of medial extension 110. The use of multiple exhaust valves at the collection points of the device allows venting from the uppermost valve regardless of the recovery platform's 100 attitude. The exhaust valves can be seated in a cooperating annular seal member so that they sit flush with the exterior of the device to minimize drag. The exhaust valves alternately can be sewn into the material of the devices to avoid the weight and complexity of cooperating seal members.

[0041] Exhaust valves such as left chest valve 144 can provide three different methods of exhaust. A first exhaust valve such as left chest valve 144 can comprises a manual pull cord (not shown) for rapid gas release by an operator. Left chest valve 144 can comprise an automatic over-pressure relief via spring-loaded plug with centering guide that prevents lateral or angular misalignment. Left chest valve 144 can be coupled with a conventional powered pneumatic low-flow actuation interfaceable with a conventional rebreather or self contained air-bottle systems. In an embodiment, the other exhaust valves 148, 184, 188, comprise the same optional connection to a manual pull cord, relief valve, or rebreather system.

[0042] Inlet valve 142 is shown connected to valve portal 42 disposed in first material section 10 within medial extension 110 and provides for the addition of air into recovery platform 100. Inlet valve 142 can be connected to a universal module power inflator to provide inflation via a compressed gas cylinder containing air or carbon dioxide. Inlet valve 142 can also be connected to an optional manual inflation device such as air tube 46 shown in FIG. 3. Mouth regulator 49 provides for manual inflation of the device as well as manual deflation. Air tube 46 can be replaced with a second stage regulator connected to a compressed air bottle to provide air supply to a patient. In an embodiment, mouth regulator 49 comprises a second stage regulator for air supply to a patient.

[0043] The adjustment of the buoyancy of the device allows an operator to maintain controlled depth of the recovery platform 100 in water. Medial extension 110, when inflated, achieves and maintains the patient in a head up and face up orientation on water surface to maintain airway safety for a patient and maintain breathing. Ballast can be added to the device at the attachment points 92a-92j as shown in FIG. 2 to maintain balance for the patient's pelvis, head, and feet to keep the patient stable and horizontal during tow. In use, recovery platform 100 can be used with modular weight pockets positioned symmetrically to provide ballast and adjust the buoyancy or trim of the device. For example, ballast can be added at a left side of the upper lateral torso, at a right side of the upper lateral torso, at the posterior of the thorax section, the posterior of aft foot section, or any combination thereof. Weight pockets can be used to add ballast to achieve stable horizontal trim for a passive, unconscious casualty. Exhaust valves can be utilized in addition to ballast added to weight pockets to adjust the trim and balance of the device while floating or submerged.

[0044] Left chest valve 144 can comprise a passive valve set to open to outlet pressure such as positive pressure above 5 mm Hg. Different valves and different settings can be utilized in an embodiment of the invention. Left chest valve 144 is positioned in first material section 10 and can comprise a buoyancy control off-gassing valve for maintaining a desired interior air pressure. Right chest valve 148 can also be positioned in first material section 10 on an opposite side of head portal 160 and can comprise a passive valve set to release pressure. The valves on the left side and right side can be used to adjust trim or the orientation of the device in water. Left foot valve 184 can be positioned in an aft portion of first material section 10 and can comprise a passive valve set to release pressure. Right foot valve 188 can be positioned in an aft portion of second material section 20 and can comprise a passive valve set to release pressure.

[0045] Air tube 46 can be used to manually add air to the interior of recovery platform 100 to increase buoyancy. Inlet valve 142 is shown disposed in first material section 10 near the chest of a patient in FIG. 2. Inlet valve 142 can comprise a first stage or second stage regulator and can be integrated with an auto inflating CO2 cartridge used in flotation devices. Inlet valve 142 can be attached to a cooperating annular seal member, not shown, for watertight attachment to valve fixed seal member 43 of valve portal 42. Inlet valve 142, and the exhaust valves discussed herein, can all comprise cooperating annular seal members similar to neck grommet 61 for attachment to the fixed seal members that define the portals in the material enclosure.

[0046] The device of the invention can be used to carry and recover a patient or casualty with the head exposed to breathable air, and can also be adapted to encapsulate or isolate a patient and recover the patient over water or under water and provide a rebreather or CBRN rated respirator. The device of the invention can be used to protect a patient from the environment while inflated with the head exposed and viewing through torso window 159 for medical interventions. The device can protect against conditions as common as rain, snow, or cold. The device can also be adapted with military diving equipment including a rebreather to transit a casualty underwater to a submarine. The device of the invention comprises a number of sealable portals designed to accept modular, optional attachments to assist in observation and intervention with a patient during recovery.

[0047] First access portal 104 and second access portal 108 are openings, suited for resealable watertight attachment with rebreathers, respirators, military rebreathers, SCUBA, and CBRN respirator system, to provide environmental isolation so that the patient does not have to breath ambient air that may not be clean but may also contain toxic materials. One suitable rebreather is the Dräger LAR 8000 by Dragerwerk AG & CO. KGaA. First access portal 104 second access portal 108 are configured to support the pass-through of inhalation and exhalation arms and hoses of military or commercial respiratory systems. In an embodiment first access portal 104 defined by first tunnel fixed seal member 105 is connected to casing annular seal 305 comprising transit a spiral 354. A breathing tube can be passed through transit spiral 354 and the compressive properties of the transit spiral compress against the breathing tube to create a watertight seal. When transit spiral 354 is stretched by the insertion of an object, the material of the transit spiral 354 provides a return compressive force. As needed in a particular situation, a second breathing tube can be passed through second access portal 108 comprising a transit spiral 354 in the same, modular fashion. A transit spiral 354 comprising a conical base 352 can be directly and fixedly attached to an annular seal such as casing annular seal 305. In FIG. 2, first transit casing 304 is shown installed in the device with transit spiral 354 shown as dotted line, and second transit casing 308 is shown with a transit spiral shown in dotted line. In various embodiments, a transit spiral can be provided with an annular seal configured to attach to any of the portals of the device, for example in three inch, five inch, or twelve inch diameters. Head portal 60 and torso portal 150 can comprise a twelve inch diameter. The lateral portals 132, 134 can comprise a five inch diameter, and the valve portals can be three inches in diameter. In this way, a compressive waterproof transit spiral can allow materials, tubes, and devices to transit the material enclosure of the device in a modular, swappable manner while providing a compressive watertight seal at moderate water depths.

[0048] The inhalation and exhalation hoses of one such suitable military diving rebreather system is the Dräger LAR 8000 closed or semi-closed circuit rebreather with a medium-pressure flex or rubber hoses and P-Con click quick-connect fittings. The rebreather features two hoses that can pass through first access portal 104 and second access portal 108, both connected to a transit spiral 354, maintaining watertight isolation. The rebreather allows the patient to breathe via the system's adjustable lung demand valve in either closed-circuit or semi-closed-circuit mode. First access portal 104 and second access portal 108 can also interface with other compatible CBRN respirator systems. Another suitable system is a hybrid full-face mask system, the Dräger DHS 7000 CBRNe-rated respirator. This device utilizes integrated high-flow CBRN lung demand valve hoses and quick-release couplings that pass through first access portal 104 and second access portal 108 providing positive-pressure CBRN protected air supply while the patient inside recovery platform 100 remains fully isolated from external agents. The optional, modular nature of the portals of the device allow rapid field attachment of any compatible hybrid respirator or rebreather without compromising encapsulation.

[0049] The modular design provides compatibility with current consumer SCUBA, rebreather, rescue ascent, and CBRN respirator systems in a single platform, a capability not available in any casualty evacuation device. In the embodiment of recovery platform 200 shown in FIG. 3 with the patient head exposed, a rebreather, SCUBA, or Respirator can be connected to external attachment loops, for example attachment loops 92j or attachment loops 92d. A closed end neck dam 60 can cover the patient's head while breathing air is provided, providing total encapsulation from the environment. A closed end neck dam 60 can be cut or trimmed to allow an opening at the patient's mouth just large enough to apply respiratory support to a patient through an opening in the closed end neck dam. In an alternate embodiment, a rebreather system can transit the material of the device through left chest portal 44 and right chest portal 48 openings to provide respiration support to a patient. In an embodiment, left chest portal 44 can be connected to a transit spiral fixedly connected to an annular seal member, and right chest portal 48 can be connected to a transit spiral fixedly connected to an annular seal member. In this way, respiratory hoses can transit the material enclosure of the device while the transit spirals maintain a watertight seal. The device of the invention is modular and adaptable such that buoyancy valves, exhaust valves, and regulator valves equipped with an annular seal member can be interchangeably connected to the portals of the device shown in FIG. 1 to adapt the device to a particular situation. In situations where more buoyancy control is needed, exhaust valves can be connected, and in situations where more medical intervention is needed to recover a combat casualty, more glove sleeves, transit spirals, and windows can be connected.

[0050] A section of the device, for example first material section 10 can comprise first lateral portal 132 second lateral portal 134 in an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 presents a recovery platform 100 in an embodiment of the invention with the patient head enclosed with the device. Additional functionality can be provided with the additional attachments to the exterior surface of the device. Elements 92a through 92i comprise attachment loops such as conventional reinforced Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS) sections, in the form of a linear sequence of fabric attachment loops, affixed to the recovery platform 100 to provide for additional attachments or connections. Torso portal 150 is shown central to the device and connected to torso window 159. In other uses, torso portal 150 can be connected to a gasket or other modular intervention. Patient head 410 is shown visible through window 9. First transit casing 304 is shown installed to first access portal 104. Second transit casing 308 is shown installed to second access portal 108.

[0051] FIG. 3 presents an alternate embodiment of the invention, recovery platform 200. The device of the present invention can be utilized in two main configurations, head exposed, and head encapsulated. When head portal 160 is attached to window 9, a patient can be placed into the device and closed with waterproof zipper 12 to provide containment as shown in FIG. 2. In an alternate configuration, head portal 160 is connected to neck grommet 61 comprising neck dam 60 so that the head of a patient can be passed through head portal 160 to achieve a head exposed configuration as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Both configurations can be achieved or switched in the field by any operator. In enclosed head configuration, the material of head section 90 is positioned under the patient head 410. Head section 90 can be connected to bottom section 30 with a linear pair of seal members, for example first head seal member 181 can be disposed on the interior of head section 90 and second head seal member 182 can be disposed on the interior of bottom section 30 so that the cooperating seal members can be closed to prevent the ingress of air or water into the region of the device by the patient's head, or under head section 90. First head seal member 181 and second head seal member 182 can comprise a pair of cooperating resilient hook members in a linear arrangement, or a friction fit seal as is utilized in consumer resealable bags. Preventing the inflow of air into the material envelope under head section 90 prevents unwanted buoyancy under the patient's head, and maintains head section 90 in a flat configuration against bottom section 30 as shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B. In use as a maritime evacuation platform, it is important to avoid the accumulation of air under the patient's head that can result in inverting the platform where the head section 90 is above the patient's head and the patient is face down in the water, risking drowning.

[0052] In the head exposed configuration, head portal 160 is oriented somewhat vertically to allow passage of patient head 410 horizontally. Head section 90 is shown at the fore of the device and suited for supporting a patient's head as shown in FIG. 4. Attached to bottom section 30 is a modular head pocket 91 accessed by head pocket opening 93. Head pocket 91 is designed to house the cervical support 95 and can be attached by sewing, welding, or gluing onto bottom section 30. Head pocket 91 can be made of durable puncture and wear resistant material. Head pocket opening 93 can comprise a closure of hook and loop fasteners or cooperating resilient hook members in a linear arrangement. Sealing head pocket 92 prevents air or water capture in transit. This embodiment of the invention allows a patient's head to be exposed and therefore air and oxygen supply to the patient are not required unless the patient is submerged. In situations where the patient is recovered on land, air supply is not required, and standard CBRN respirator optionally may be utilized to protect from environmental hazards. In situations where recovery involves travel over or in water or in a CBRN environment, the recovery platform 200 can be inflated to provide positive buoyancy or modular air supply can be provided.

[0053] In FIG. 5, first lateral portal 132 comprises a first lateral fixed seal member 32 that is fixedly attached to first material section 10. First lateral fixed seal member 32 is configured to accept a gasket, not shown, to close first lateral portal 132 against the ingress of water into the device. Second lateral portal 134 is also configured to receive a gasket, not shown, to close second lateral portal 124 against the ingress of water. The lateral portals can also be connected to glove sleeves to enable an operator to have manual access to the patient while maintaining encapsulation of the patient from water, the environment, or any wartime hazards present at the place of recovery. First glove sleeve 33 and second glove sleeve 35 are shown in FIG. 5. Second glove sleeve 35 is shown being inserted into second lateral portal 134. Second glove annular seal 234 is configured to cooperate with second lateral fixed seal member 34. In this way, a modular attachment fitted with an annular seal member can be interchangeably attached to the recovery platform 100 at one of several suitable resealable portals shown in FIG. 1. First glove sleeve 33 comprises first glove annular seal 232 configured to cooperate with first lateral fixed seal member 32. One suitable first lateral fixed seal member 32 is a ZipRing sold by Diving Unlimited International at www.divedui.com. A waterproof first glove sleeve 33 equipped with a first glove annular seal 232, for example a ZipSeal, can be attached to a fixed seal member such as a ZipRing from Diving Unlimited International to make a waterproof seal. Another suitable annular seal system is sold by SiTech AB at www.sitech.se. Other cooperating seal members can be utilized in the spirit of the invention. The attachment of glove sleeves to the device allows an operator to reach inside through the material surface of the device, traversing first material section 10, or alternately second side section 20, to access a patient without compromising the waterproof encapsulation or environmental isolation of the device.

[0054] Second glove sleeve 35 is connected to second glove annular seal 234 prior to attachment to second lateral fixed seal member 34. In the spirit of the invention, the first lateral portal 132 can be manufactured in different positions so that the first glove sleeve 32 can transit first material section 10, or alternately second side section 20, or one glove sleeve can transit a different section of the device such that one glove enters from each side of the device, or as needed for various medical interventions. In typical medical procedure, a doctor or medic is positioned at the patient's right side and first lateral portal 132 and second lateral portal 134 can be formed in second material section 20 as is customary. In an embodiment of the invention, zipper 12 is disposed on the left side of the device. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, valve portal 42 is positioned at the left side of the chest of the patient as inflation means are typically positioned at the left in diving or rescue vests.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 1, sealable head portal 160 is disposed near the fore of first material section 10. In one particular configuration of the device, head portal 160 is defined by head fixed seal member 161. Neck grommet 61 comprises a cooperating annular seal member for attachment to head fixed seal member 161. Neck dam 60 can be fixedly attached to neck grommet 61 so that modular neck dam 60 can be installed at head portal 160 to create a water-tight seal around the neck of a patient. When the head of a patient or casualty is passed through neck dam 60, the smaller diameter of central restriction 67 resiliently seals against the neck of a patient that is generally of a smaller diameter than the jaw or face. In this way, the patient head 410 can be exposed while the interior of the device remains sealed from the ingress of water or any environmental hazards. Where full encapsulation is desired, head portal 160 can be equipped with a gasket or window 9 to seal head portal 160. Neck dam 60 can be a resilient tubular member with dam opening 68 allowing the passage of a human head. Sizing lines, not shown, can be imprinted on neck dam 60 to facilitate trimming of neck dam 60 to a suitable size as needed to expose or compress portions of the patient as needed in a particular recovery scenario. Neck dam 60 can be scored with one centimeter intervals, or other indicia, to facilitate the modification of the neck dam 60, in the field. Where neck dam 60 comprises a closed end, it can be field modified to provide an opening for respiratory support, or larger openings to allow for medical interventions, or even head passage. In an embodiment, the annular seal members comprise a pair of interlocking hook shaped members. In another embodiment, the annular seal members each comprise three interlocking hook shaped members that coordinately seal with a corresponding set of three interlocking hook shaped members shown in FIG. 6.

[0056] Head fixed seal member 161 is preferably formed of plastic to be light weight. The neck dam can encapsulate the entire head and face area allowing for field trim to fit face, head, or neck as needed based on conditions. Neck dam 60 can terminate in dam opening 68 that facilitates the passage of a person's head through the neck dam and allows for access to the face for respiration and vision. Neck dam 60 is modular and can be replaced in the field with a replacement neck dam 60 comprising a neck grommet 61 for attachment, or head portal 160 can be sealed with a gasket, not shown. Neck dam 60 can be formed of silicon, latex, rubber, plastic, or polymer elastomers. In an embodiment, neck dam 60 is approximately 24 inches in length and 12 inches in diameter at rest. In an embodiment, neck dam 60 comprises an elasticity and stretch to failure of at least 600%. In an alternate embodiment neck dam 60 is closed at the distal end, like a sock, and can encapsulate the head of the patient entirely, even when the patient head is passed through the head portal 160, and the patient can be supplied with a rebreather or regulator positioned inside the enclosed neck dam 60 to provide full encapsulation and protection from the environment. A neck dam 60 comprising a closed distal end can also be field trimmed, cut, or adjusted to comprise an open distal end like dam opening 68 as shown in FIG. 6.

[0057] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6, head fixed seal member 161 comprises hooks 162 whereas neck grommet 61 comprises cooperating hook members 62. Alternate configurations of annular seal members can be utilized in the spirit of the invention. In one particular embodiment, head fixed seal member 161 comprises a thickness of 5 mm and interlocking hook shaped members 162 having a depth of 2 mm. Neck grommet 61 can comprise cooperating hook members 62 as shown in FIG. 6.

[0058] One of the modular attachments configured for use with the device of the invention is the transit spiral 354. First transit casing 304 is shown attached to first access portal 104 in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 presents a perspective view of transit spiral 354 within body casing 312. First transit casing 304 comprised a lid casing 322 and a body casing 312 containing transit spiral 354. Transit spiral 354 terminates in spiral distal end 356 and narrows from conical base 352. Conical base 352 is attached to body casing 312 by connection means including sewing, RF welding, and or glue.

[0059] Lid casing 322 comprises lid lock 328 and lid tunnel 324. Lid O-ring 326 is seated in lid casing 322. Body casing 304 comprises casing annular seal 305 configured for cooperation with other annular seal members. The modular nature of the device of the invention allows similarly sized cooperating seal members to be installed to the various portals of the device. A connected item can be replaced if damaged or can be replaced with a different item to provide a different function or seal against the environment. Body tunnel 314 is positioned opposite lid tunnel 324 and provides a tunnel opening, not numbered, for wires or tubes to pass out of first transit casing 304. Body lock 318 is hook shaped and configured to engage lid lock 328 to retain closure of lid casing 322 and body casing 312. Hinge 380 allows first transit casing 304 to open and close. In an alternate embodiment, additional hook shaped locks (not shown) can be utilized on both sides of the lid casing and body casing to seal the first transit casing closed. A lanyard can be utilized (not shown) to retain lid casing 322 and body casing 312 together in active environments or surf.

[0060] Transit spiral 354 provides access across the material of the device to allow an operator to monitor a patient or provide fluids or other interventions by providing for passage of monitoring cables, power-source wires, and small-diameter medical lines to the patient while the patient is encapsulated and protected from the environment. Conical base 352 narrows to transit spiral 354 and terminates in closed spiral distal end 356. In this way, tubes and wires can be fed into conical base 352 and contained by transit spiral 354 made of resilient material. Transit spiral 354 is not rigid and is held in place by casing body 312. Lid O-ring 326 is disposed in lid casing 322 and body O-ring is disposed in body casing 312. When the lid casing 322 and body casing 312 are joined, the O-rings form a concentric watertight seal. Lid casing 322 comprises lid tunnel 324 and body casing 312 comprises body tunnel 314 such that when the transit casing is closed, space for interventions is provided and pinching or severing of tubes or wires is avoided.

[0061] Transit spiral 354 can be formed of waterproof silicone, latex, or rubber. In an embodiment, transit spiral 354 can comprise a 2 mm internal diameter at rest and can be stretched to a maximum of 12 mm diameter. Transit spiral 354 is compressive and squeezes against any items inserted to create a watertight seal. Spiral distal end 356 can be provided with a sealed terminal end that can be cut or punctured as required during use. When lid tunnel 324 and body tunnel 314 are juxtaposed, a lateral tunnel, not numbered, is formed. Lid lock 328 and body lock 318 can comprise cooperating resilient hook structures that deflect upon closing to durably seal lid casing 322 to body casing 312. The compressive nature and spiral shape of transit spiral 354 resists the movement of water through transit spiral 354 to provide a water-tight seal against water pressure up to two atmospheres. In various embodiments, lid tunnel 324 and body tunnel 314 can be configured to create a lateral tunnel of different dimensions. In one embodiment, lateral tunnel has a width of 1 centimeter and a heigh of 1 centimeter. A standard IV line is 4 millimeter inner diameter, with rigid plastic sheath up to 1 centimeter outer diameter. Other sizes are contemplated in the spirit of the invention.

[0062] The device of the invention can be paired with neck dam 60, glove sleeves 33, 35, torso window 159, and access portals transit casings 304, 308 to provide varied access to the patient as well as environmental and hazard isolation during recovery. First transit casing 304 can be attached to first access portal 104 by cooperating seal members where casing annular seal 305 is connected to first tunnel fixed seal member 105. In an embodiment, a second transit casing 308 can be installed to second access portal 108 in the same manner to provide additional or separate intervention access to a patient. In an embodiment, lid O-ring 326 is 3 millimeters thick silicon and transit spiral 354 comprises a length of five inches.

[0063] Torso portal 150 is defined by torso fixed seal member 151 fixedly attached to first material section 10. Torso fixed seal member 151 can comprise an annular seal member, torso fixed seal member 151, for connection with a cooperating annular seal member such as a torso grommet 158 connected to a torso gasket (not shown) or connected to a torso window 159 made of clear plastic or polymer as shown in FIG. 2. Torso portal 150 is situated in first material section 10 and centrally located around the location of a patient's torso.

[0064] Recovery platform 100 can be provided in a basic configuration for land carry. In various embodiments, more or less sealable portals can be provided to transit the material of the device. Additionally, portals can be sealed with simple gaskets to maintain encapsulation where medical interventions are not necessary. The device of the invention can be provided with additional modular attachments prior to troop deployment, or rescue operations, and the modular attachments can be added to the device of the invention after deployment to adapt to changing conditions. The device of the invention can optionally be equipped with modular attachments including gloves, regulators, and air supply for transport across or under water, windows for visual assessment or assistance with manual interventions. The modular inserts can be field exchangeable and once installed, can be utilized without losing patient isolation.

[0065] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of cervical support 95 in an embodiment of the invention. Cervical support 95 is configured to be retained in head pocket 91 after insertion through head pocket opening 93 as shown in FIG. 4. Cervical support 95 is rigid and can be fabricated from a neutral polymer plastic and in an embodiment, is formed in a triangular honeycomb lattice geometric design that maximizes strength-to-weight ratio while sufficient to support the weight of a casualty head plus a helmet. Perforated body 97 provides reduced weight. Cervical support 95 is flat when at rest and can be inserted flat through head pocket opening 93 into the external head pocket 91 opening at mid-torso and extending underneath the head section 90. Cervical support 95 can comprise an elongated octagonal shape as shown in FIG. 8. Support bottom surface 96 comprises microteeth 98 that provide a roughened texture and increased friction to limit movement of cervical support 95 within head pocket 91 during transit. Cervical support 95 is sufficiently flexible to bend or flex as shown in FIG. 9 when the recovery platform 100 is lifted from, for example first carry strap 15 located at a first lateral position and fourth carry strap 25 located at a second lateral position relative to cervical support 95. The weight of the casualty and the upward lift force during transport causes cervical support 95 to curve into a 30-degree bend. Geometric stiffening increases the structural rigidity of cervical support 95 when curved and also cradles and protects the cervical area of the patient from injury. When the device is towed in surf or waves, cervical support 95 is rigid and protects against sudden impact or movement of the head and neck and prevents the material head pocket 91 from deforming. Neck support is especially important when a patient is unconscious or unaware or sudden movements. In an embodiment of the invention, cervical support 95 is formed in a lattice structure that allows cervical support 95 to be rolled for compact storage and transport. Cervical support 95 can surround the material portions of the device during storage, providing additional protection against wear or abrasion prior to use.

[0066] The device of the invention can be constructed using similar materials, techniques, and manufacturing as a standard dry-suit. Modern layered polymer materials allow for light weight, pliable, chemical agent rated, and waterproof at depth, with sewing, material welding, and advanced glue designs allowing for reinforced support able to support the high loads and shock of a combat recovery mission. The present invention provides the option to construct the recovery platform 100 from a single monolithic piece of material throughout the main body. This reduces the number of seams and leaks and improves encapsulation. A preferred material is X-Pac VX42™ technical laminate fabric. VX42 consists of a 420-denier Cordura® nylon face fabric with C6 Durable Water Repellent treatment, laminated to a polyester X-Ply ripstop grid oriented waterproof polyester film barrier, and a 50-denier polyester taffeta backing. This single product material construction yields an overall fabric weight of approximately 8.8 oz / yd2 (297 g / m2) while delivering exceptional tear strength, abrasion resistance, and hydrostatic pressure resistance, achieving the critical balance of ultra-low packed weight and structural integrity required for tactical maritime casualty evacuation.

[0067] Material seams should limit sewing and maximize radio-frequency (RF) or hot-air welding to create a monolithic, needle-hole-free bond with superior shear and peel strength. Welding, combined with the inherent film layer of the laminated material, e.g. VX42, limits thread degradation, stitch-hole leaks, and the added mass and volume of double-wall constructions.

[0068] To withstand the extreme dynamic shear and impact forces of surf-zone passage and powered towing, the tow points 72,74,76, and 78 can comprise a multi-layer load-spreading system integrated into the material. In an embodiment, each connection comprises an internal high-strength composite or ballistic nylon patch that is RF-welded directly to the fabric. The patch can be overlaid with tubular ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene like material, for example Dyneema® brand, webbing straps. Attachment can be completed by heavy bartack stitching through the reinforcement layers, continuous waterproof adhesive bonding, and circumferential RF-welded D-ring patches using marine-grade hardware.

[0069] The parabolic contour of the recovery platform 100 and recovery platform 200 embodiments between the medial extension 110, pelvic restriction 115, and aft extension 120 can be achieved through welded panel assembly. The hydrodynamic collection points reduce drag and eliminate stress concentrations at the tow points. Reducing the amount of drag of the device in the water reduces the amount of force needed on the tow points to propel the device.

[0070] The device of the invention provides an economical, rough combat handling, hasty packing, and potential field cut-away while still meeting or exceeding MIL-SPEC dynamic load and hydrostatic requirements for maritime rescue equipment. The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0025]Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0026]The present inventive concept relates to an amphibious modular casualty recovery platform. The present invention satisfies this long-felt but unmet need by providing a unified platform that achieves full environmental sealing, submersion capability, and operational flexibility in a compact, deployable form factor. The device of the present invention is suited to receive a human patient or casualty, and a person may be referred to as a casualty or patient interchangeably.

[0027]FIG. 1 presents a top view of the device of the invention in an open head configuration. The recovery platform 100 comprises a number of features for isolating a patient from the environment while also providing access to the patient for oxygen, respiration, and medical care. The...

Claims

1. A modular recovery device comprising:a material enclosure configured to receive and retain a human body, said material enclosure comprising a first material section configured to releasably seal with a second material section, a foot section, and a bottom section;said first material section comprises a head portal defined by a head fixed seal member, a valve portal defined by a valve fixed seal member, a first access portal defined by a first tunnel fixed seal member, and a first chest portal defined by a first chest fixed seal member.

2. The modular recovery device of claim 1 further comprising a neck dam fixedly attached to a neck grommet; andsaid neck grommet is releasably connected to said head fixed seal member to create a watertight seal.

3. The modular recovery device of claim 2 further comprising an inlet valve configured to add air to said material enclosure; andsaid inlet valve comprising a cooperating annular seal member connected to said valve fixed seal member to create a watertight seal.

4. The modular recovery device of claim 3 further comprising a transit casing fixedly attached to a casing annular seal; andsaid casing annular seal releasably connected to said first tunnel fixed seal member to create a watertight seal.

5. The modular recovery device of claim 4 further comprising a first exhaust valve releasably connected to said first chest fixed seal member to create a watertight seal.

6. The modular recovery device of claim 5 wherein said first material section further comprises a first lateral portal defined by a first lateral fixed seal member, and a second lateral portal defined by a second lateral fixed seal member.

7. The modular recovery device of claim 6 further comprising a first glove sleeve fixedly attached to a first glove annular seal and a second glove sleeve fixedly attached to a second glove annular seal, wherein said first glove annular seal is releasably connected to said first lateral fixed seal member to create a watertight seal and second glove annular seal is releasably connected to said second lateral fixed seal member.

8. The modular recovery device of claim 5 wherein said material first section comprises a surplus circumference of material to provide a medial extension configured to collect entrapped air when said material enclosure is submerged, and said first exhaust valve is disposed in said medial extension.

9. The modular recovery device of claim 8 further comprising a second exhaust valve disposed in said medial extension opposite said head portal from said first exhaust valve.

10. The modular recovery device of claim 9 wherein said material enclosure comprises a surplus circumference of material adjacent said foot section to provide an aft extension configured to collect entrapped air when said foot section is submerged, and said aft extension comprises a third exhaust valve and a fourth exhaust valve, wherein said fourth exhaust valve is positioned opposite said third exhaust valve to vent said material enclosure.

11. The modular recovery device of claim 2 wherein said neck dam comprises a closed distal end configured to encapsulate the head of a patient.

12. The modular recovery device of claim 2 wherein said neck dam comprises an open distal end to allow the passage of a patient head, and said neck dam further comprises a central restriction configured to create a watertight seal with a patient neck.

13. The modular recovery device of claim 1 further comprising a second access portal defined by a second tunnel fixed seal member, wherein a first transit spiral is fixedly attached to a first casing annular seal and said first casing annular seal is releasably connected to said first tunnel fixed seal member; anda second transit spiral is fixedly attached to a second casing annular seal and said second casing annular seal is releasably connected to said second tunnel fixed seal member.

14. The modular recovery device of claim 13 wherein said first transit spiral is compressive and configured to receive a first tube of a rebreather and create a watertight seal, and said second transit spiral is compressive and configured to receive a second tube of a rebreather and create a watertight seal, to provide respiratory support to a patient encapsulated in said material enclosure.

15. The modular recovery device of claim 4 wherein said transit casing comprises a lid casing comprising a lid tunnel, a body casing comprising a body tunnel, and a transit spiral fixedly attached to said body casing;said transit spiral narrows from a conical base and terminates in a compressive distal end; andwherein said lid casing is configured to open to allow access to said transit spiral and said lid casing is configured to close with said body casing to create a watertight seal.

16. The modular recovery device of claim 2 further comprising a cervical support disposed in a material head pocket attached to said bottom section;said cervical support is rigid and prevents said material head pocket from deforming; andsaid cervical support is configured to curve around a patient head when the material enclosure is lifted from the lateral position.

17. The modular recovery device of claim 16 further comprising a material head section comprising a first head seal member oriented linearly and wherein said bottom section comprises a second head seal member configured to seal said material head section against air inflow when submerged.

18. The modular recovery device of claim 14 wherein said first material section seals with said second material section comprising a waterproof zipper.

19. The modular recovery device of claim 14 wherein said material enclosure is waterproof.

20. A maritime casualty recovery device comprising:a waterproof material enclosure comprising closure means to releasably seal said waterproof material enclosure;a head portal defined by a head fixed seal member;a valve portal defined by a valve fixed seal member;a first chest portal defined by a first chest fixed seal member, a second chest portal defined by a second chest fixed seal member, a first foot portal defined by a first foot fixed seal member, a second foot portal defined by a second foot fixed seal member; anda linear sequence of fabric attachment loops attached exterior to said waterproof material enclosure.

21. The maritime casualty recovery device of claim 20 further comprising:a first lateral portal defined by a first lateral fixed seal member and disposed in a lateral section of said waterproof material enclosure;a second lateral portal defined by a second lateral fixed seal member and disposed in said lateral section of said waterproof material enclosure;a torso portal defined by a torso fixed seal member;a first access portal defined by a first tunnel fixed seal member;a second access portal defined by a second tunnel fixed seal member; andwherein said linear sequence of fabric attachment loops is affixed to said lateral section of said waterproof material enclosure and a second linear sequence of fabric attachment loops is affixed to a second lateral section of said waterproof material enclosure.

22. A recovery platform for transporting a human comprising:a material enclosure comprising a first material section, a second material section, and a bottom section;said first material section and said second material section comprise closure means to releasably seal said material enclosure;said first material section comprises a first head seal member disposed on the interior of said first material section and configured to engage a second head seal member disposed on the interior of said bottom section and create a head section sealed against the ingress of air;said bottom section comprises a head pocket positioned at said head section and a cervical support disposed in said head pocket;said first material section further comprises a head portal defined by a head fixed seal member releasably attached to a neck grommet, said neck grommet fixedly attached to a neck dam;said first material section further comprises at least one chest portal defined by a chest fixed seal member configured to receive an exhaust valve and create a watertight seal;said material enclosure comprises a torso portal defined by a torso fixed seal member, said torso fixed seal member is releasably connected to a torso grommet fixedly attached to a torso window; andsaid material enclosure comprises a first access portal defined by a first tunnel fixed seal member and a second access portal defined by a second tunnel fixed seal member.

23. The recovery platform of claim 22 wherein:said first tunnel fixed seal member is releasably connected to a casing annular seal fixedly connected to a first transit casing;said casing annular seal is fixedly attached to a body casing comprising a body tunnel and a transit spiral;said body casing comprises a body lock configured to engage a lid lock disposed on a lid casing comprising a lid tunnel wherein connection of said body tunnel opposite said lid tunnel creates a tunnel opening;said transit spiral comprises a conical base and a spiral distal end; andsaid casing annular seal is configured to create a watertight seal with said first tunnel fixed seal member.

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