Lightweight collapsible structures and methods of load-bearing and immobilization with same

Abstract

A collapsible structure includes a body and at least one plate arranged along a longitudinal axis of the body. The structure is convertible between a rolled up position and a flat position, in which the at least one plate is flat relative to the body, and a layered position, in which at least a portion of the plate is folded into two or more parallel layers which extend from the body, thereby strengthening the body and preventing folding of the body along the longitudinal axis. Each plate may be arranged within a pocket that includes sealing means configured to retain the plate in the layered position following folding of the plate. The plate may be made of metal. When in the layered position, the structure may serve a load-bearing or stabilizing function.

Description

[0001] LIGHTWEIGHT COLLAPSIBLE STRUCTURES AND METHODS OF LOADBEARING AND IMMOBILIZATION WITH SAME RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This Application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 745,882, filed January 16, 2025, entitled “Lightweight Collapsible Structure,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present disclosure relates to collapsible structures, and more specifically to a lightweight, collapsible structure that is capable of being converted from a rolled-up position to a flat position and from the flat position to a layered position suitable for load-bearing or stabilizing.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Stretchers are emergency evacuation devices used to carry incapacitated people from one place to another. Stretchers are typically designed to be lightweight, strong, durable, and foldable. These qualities are especially desirable when the stretcher is used to perform rescues in challenging terrain, such as a hiking trail, in which the rescuers approach the injured person by foot.

[0007] Many collapsible stretchers are made of a frame comprised of short, rigid poles and a fabric body. The poles have hinges or joints connecting between them, which enable the frame to be converted from a folded position to an extended position. When the frame is in the extended position, the fabric is stretched tautly within the frame, thereby providing sufficient support for the patient. Examples of such collapsible stretchers are disclosed, inter alia, in U.S. Patent Publication 2015 / 0202099 and International Patent Publication W02012 / 042074. Due to the weight and bulk of the frame members, stretchers such as those described above are not necessarily the lightest weight or the easiest to carry on uneven terrain.

[0008] Israeli Patent Publication IL304279, which has the same inventors as the present disclosure, discloses a foldable inflatable load bearing structure with a metal support. The structure has a fabric chamber including an internal flexible metal member. When folded, the structure may be packed and carried under human power into the field. When the structure is unfolded, the flexible metal member snaps into a predetermined shape, and may be further subsequently manipulated into a desired shape or position within the chamber. The chamber isthen inflated by a gas, or by a curable resin foam that fills and inflates the chamber. As the chamber inflates, the resin hardens in a few minutes, forming a rigid mass. The flexible metal member stiffens the structure, allowing it to bear the weight of the patient.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present disclosure depicts a novel configuration for a foldable, portable, and compact structure which may be used as a support unit, as a load-bearing structure or as a generic structural unit for use in a variety of recreational, medical, infrastructural or other applications. In some exemplary applications, the structure is used as a frame structure, a splint, a mattress, a stretcher, a telescopic element, a rail, a drainpipe and others.

[0011] The collapsible structure includes one or more flexible members arranged longitudinally along one side of a fabric body. The flexible members may be metallic and may be in the form of rectangular plates, which may be rolled up or folded in half. When the structure is in a rolled up position, the flexible members are maintained flat, enabling easy rolling and unrolling. In order to convert the structure to a carrying position, the structure is unrolled. The members are folded in half, to become parallel layers which extend longitudinally along the body. A sealing means, such as a zipper, interlocking hooks and eyelets, a bracket, or a ratchet, is used to hold the flexible members in the layered position. Due to the layering of the flexible members, the members are endowed with increased strength in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the body is able to bear the weight of a patient and provide stabilizing support as a splint or other frame element.

[0012] The disclosed collapsible structure has various advantages compared to known structures. The structure lacks an external rigid frame, and thus is extremely lightweight. In addition, unlike the structure with inflatable curable resin, which cannot be restored back to a folded state once the resin is cured, the collapsible structure may be folded and unfolded at will. In addition, the flexible metal members need not be folded completely; rather the flexible metal members may be folded or unfolded along portions of the longitudinal extent of the structure, thereby enabling different configurations of the collapsible structure. These include a flat position for transporting a prone patient, a chair-like position for transporting a patient that is sitting, a zig-zag shape, a track on which to hang items, a portion of a frame, or a base of a tent. Thus, the structure may serve as a multipurpose tool for hikers, park rangers, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel.

[0013] According to a first aspect, a collapsible structure includes a body; and at least one plate arranged along a longitudinal axis of the body. The structure is convertible between a rolled upposition and a flat position, in which the at least one plate is flat relative to the body, and a layered position, in which at least a portion of the plate is folded into two or more parallel layers which extend from the body, thereby strengthening the body and preventing folding of the body along the longitudinal axis.

[0014] In another implementation according to the first aspect, two or more plates are arranged in parallel rows along the longitudinal axis. Embodiments with one plate may be used for stabilization, while embodiments with two or more plates may be used for load-bearing. Optionally, each plate extends beyond the body along a front and rear direction of the longitudinal axis. This configuration enables complete stabilization and support of even peripheral portions of the surface of the body.

[0015] In some embodiments, there are sealing means configured to retain the plate in the layered position following folding of the plate into the two or more parallel layers. The sealing means may be one or more of a zipper, a ratchet, a bracket, or interlocking hooks and eyelets.

[0016] Optionally, each plate is divided into two or plates arranged on the same longitudinal extent of the body. In such embodiments, each plate along the same longitudinal extent may configured within a separate pocket having its own sealing means. This structure enables separate opening and closing of different pockets, and correspondingly different orientations of each of the plates contained therein, whether flat or layered.

[0017] In some embodiments, the sealing means is configured to secure portions of the plate while leaving other portions of the plate unsealed, thereby generating different regions along the body, in which part of the at least one plate is in the flat position and part of the at least one plate is in the layered position. In such embodiments, the structure may be convertible between a rolled up position, in which the at least one plate is entirely in the flat position and is rolled up; a horizontal load-bearing or stabilizing position, in which the at least one plate is entirely in the layered position; and a chair-like carrying position, in which peripheral sections of the at least one metallic plate are in the layered position and an interior section of the at least one plate is in the flat position.

[0018] In some embodiments, the sealing means are formed integral to the at least one plate or are affixed to the at least one plate. For example, the sealing means may include one or more of interlocking teeth and cavities on opposite sides of the at least one plate, adhesives on opposite sides of the at least one plate, and magnets on opposite sides of the at least one plate. Such sealing means may function regardless of whether the plates are contained within pockets.

[0019] The at least one plate may be made of metal. Exemplary metals which have the required characteristics of strength and flexibility are stainless steel, spring steel, and aluminum.Altematively, the at least one plate may be made of another suitable material such as polycarbonate.

[0020] The at least one plate may be comprised of multiple layers of plates. For example, the multiple layers may comprise a plastic layer arranged closer to the body and a metallic layer arranged above the plastic layer further from the body. In some such embodiments, the plastic layer is made of polycarbonate and the metallic layer is made of stainless steel. The two layers may also include layers of different plastics, such as a polycarbonate layer arranged closer to the body and an acetal homopolymer (POM-H) layer arranged further from the body.

[0021] The structure may include one or more loops arranged on a perimeter of the body, and one or more adjustable straps arranged between different loops. The one or more adjustable straps comprise two straps that are attached to loops at opposite longitudinal ends of the body, such that the structure is configured to function as a traction splint.

[0022] The structure may include a portion of the body that is flexible even when the at least one plate is in the layered position and is configured to wrap around a portion of a patient’s body. The plate provides structural support to the portion of the patient’s body around which the flexible portion is wrapped. The portion of the body may include one or more pockets. The pockets may be used to house cooling blocks, for example.

[0023] According to a second aspect, a method of opening a collapsible structure is disclosed. The structure comprises a body and at least one plate arranged along a longitudinal axis of the body. The method includes: converting the at least one plate from a flat position, in which the at least one plate is flat against the body, to a layered position, in which the at least one plate is folded into parallel layers which extend from the body, thereby strengthening the at least one plate and preventing folding of the body along the longitudinal axis.

[0024] The method may further comprise, prior to the converting step, unrolling the structure from a rolled-up position to the flat position.

[0025] Optionally, the structure may include sealing means, and the method further comprises sealing the sealing means, to thereby secure the plate in the layered position. The sealing means may include one or more of a zipper, a ratchet, a bracket, or interlocking hooks and eyelets. Alternatively, the sealing means may be formed integral to or adhered to the at least one plate. For example, the sealing means may include one or more of interlocking teeth and cavities on opposite sides of the at least one plate, adhesives on opposite sides of the at least one plate, or magnets on opposite sides of the at least one plate.

[0026] In some embodiments, the at least one plate is arranged within a pocket, and the sealing step comprises sealing the at least one plate within the pocket.Optionally, the converting step comprises folding an entire longitudinal extent of the at least one plate, thereby converting the structure to a horizontal load-bearing or stabilizing position. Alternatively, the converting step comprises folding peripheral portions of the at least one plate while leaving an interior portion of the at least one plate flat, thereby converting the structure to a chair-like carrying position. Optionally, the method includes affixing straps between the peripheral portions. The straps may provide structural support for the chair-like configuration and also may serve as handholds.

[0027] Optionally, the method includes affixing the structure to a patient’s body when in the layered position, to thereby form a splint. The affixing may be performed through the use of straps or a flexible extension of the body of the structure, depending on the type of splint that is desired (e.g., a traction splint or a conventional immobilizing splint).

[0028] Optionally, the method further comprises collapsing the structure by converting the at least one plate back to the flat position and rolling up the structure. Advantageously, the structure is capable of being stowed and reused as desired.

[0029] According to another aspect, a foldable support member, comprising at least one plate, is disclosed. The at least one plate is convertible between a flat position, in which the plate is flat, thereby enabling rolling up of the plate, and a layered position, in which the plate is folded into parallel layers, thereby strengthening the metallic plate and preventing rolling up of the plate, wherein the plate is arranged within a pocket, and wherein the pocket includes a sealing means configured to releasably close the pocket to thereby secure the support member in the layered position. The sealing means may be a zipper, a ratchet, a bracket, or interlocking hooks and eyelets, and the at least one plate may be comprised of polycarbonate, stainless steel, spring steel, or aluminum. A structure may include a body and one or more of the foldable support members configured in the layered position and supporting the body. The foldable support members may be permanently affixed to the body, or they may be removable from and attachable to the body, in a manner which enables flexibility in the formation and configuration of the structure.

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate a process of opening a collapsible structure from a rolled-up position to a flat position, when a user is standing;

[0031] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate the process of opening the collapsible structure from a rolled-up position to a flat position,

[0032] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate different configurations of the collapsible structure;FIG. 4 illustrates the collapsible structure with carrying straps;

[0033] FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate the collapsible structure with two metallic strips, with the strips in flat and layered positions;

[0034] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate the collapsible structure with three metallic strips, with the strips in flat and layered positions;

[0035] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate the collapsible structure with two metallic strips, in which the flexible metal members are partially folded, and straps are arranged between the front and back of the collapsible structure, so that the structure assumes a chair-like position;

[0036] FIGS. 8 A and 8B illustrate the collapsible structure with a single flexible metal member and attached to straps at the top and bottom thereof to form a traction splint;

[0037] FIG. 8C illustrates an embodiment of the traction splint described in FIGS. 8 A and 8B fitted over a patient’s leg;

[0038] FIG. 8D illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 8C used as a pelvic support brace;

[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates the collapsible structure with as a splint, with internal pockets for receiving therein cooling pods; and

[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates the splint of FIG. 9 wrapped around a patient’s leg.

[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] The present disclosure relates to collapsible structures, and more specifically to a lightweight, collapsible structure that is capable of being converted from a rolled-up position to a flat position and from the flat position to a layered position suitable for load-bearing or stabilizing.

[0043] FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate the process of converting the collapsible structure from the rolled-up position to a load-bearing or stabilizing position. Referring to FIGS. 1A-1B, a collapsible structure 10 is depicted in a rolled-up position. Collapsible structure 10 includes a body 12. The body may be made of any suitable material, such as canvas or another synthetic material.

[0044] A cord 18 may be wrapped around the structure 10 and serves to keep the structure 10 rolled up. As seen in FIG. IB, the structure 10 is shown in a partially unrolled position. Visible along a longitudinal axis of the body 12 is a flexible plate 20. Plate 20 is made of a material that may be folded into a rolled-up, snail-like configuration in the position of FIG. 1A; and may be unfolded into a flat configuration, in the configuration of FIG. IB; and may be further folded along a central axis thereof into a load-bearing position, in the position of FIG. IE. Inthe load-bearing position, the flexible plate 20 may be bent into a position akin to a letter “C” or “U ”

[0045] The plate may be made of any suitable material. In some examples, the plate is made of a metal such as stainless steel, spring steel, or aluminum. In some embodiments, the plate is formed of a metal alloy comprising or being alloys of copper; zinc and aluminum (Cu-Zn-Al alloys); copper, aluminum and, nickel alloys (Cu-Al-Ni alloys); iron, manganese, silicon alloys (Fe-Mn-Si alloys); stainless steel, brass metal, and others. In some configurations, the plate may be replaced by or used in combination with a member of a different materials such as reinforcing fiberglass, polycarbonate, plastics and polymers and others.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, each plate is a single layer. In alternative embodiments, there may be multiple layers of plates. The use of multiple layers may provide resistance to breaking on more than one axis.

[0047] The multiple layers may be made of different materials. For example, a first layer may be made of polycarbonate and a second layer may be made of stainless steel. In some such embodiments, the polycarbonate layer may be closer to the body 12, and the stainless steel may be nestled within the polycarbonate layer. The use of different materials may be useful for taking advantage of the properties of each of them. For example, stainless steel is stronger than polycarbonate but may crack when subjected to certain stresses. Thus, the polycarbonate beneath the stainless steel limits the ability of the stainless steel to bend to the point of breaking. In other embodiments, the first layer closer to the body 12 is polycarbonate, and the second layer that is nestled within the polycarbonate layer is acetal homopolymer (POM-H). In addition to metals or plastics, the layers may be composite materials, such as materials incorporating carbon fiber.

[0048] One advantage of the use of polycarbonate, whether on its own or in conjunction with another layer, is that the polycarbonate does not exhibit shape memory upon being bent. As a result, even after being bent, upon relaxation the polycarbonate resumes its flat shape. Many other plastics, by contrast, retain a curvature after being bent, and thus cannot be used to maintain a flat position.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the plate 20 is housed within a pocket 22. The pocket 22 has a sealing means such as zipper 24, or another suitable ratcheting device. In still other embodiments, instead of or in addition to a zipper, one or more clips may be applied to both ends of the plates 20 to help secure them in the folded configuration. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the plates are not enclosed in a pocket at all. The plates may be held in place in the folded configuration by two layers of fabric which are joined by zippers (or other clips) atthe extremities thereof, such that closure of the zippers is in the same direction as folding of the plates 20. Various modifications may be made to this basic concept without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0050] In still other embodiments, the plates may be constructed in a manner that enables selflocking. For example, the plates may be built with matching interlocking teeth and cavities, such that when the plates are folded, the teeth align with the cavities and are held in place. The plates may also include magnetic or adhesive components which further enable independent locking.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, there is one plate extending along the length of the structure. In other embodiments depicted herein, there may be two or three metal plates extending along the length of the structure. The number of plates may vary, according to considerations such as the size of the structure and the material of the plates.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, each plate extends along an entire longitudinal axis of the body 12. In some embodiments depicted herein, the plate extends to the end of the body 12, and even beyond the body, in both the front and rear thereof. The protruding parts of the plates provide additional structural supports and also may be used as handholds for rescue personnel. In alternative embodiments, the plates may be divided into separate plates along the longitudinal extent of the body. In such embodiments, each separate plate may be configured within its own pocket having its own sealing means. This may be useful when desired to divide the body into different portions having different orientations, for example to build a frame. Alternatively, all of the plates within a row may be within the same pocket, and the sealing means may be controllable to permit partial sealing of the pocket, as will be described further herein.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1C, ID, and IE, the plate 20 may be folded from the flat position (FIG. 1C) to a layered position (FIG. IE). Whereas in the flat position, the plate 20 is oriented along the surface of the body 12, in the layered position, the plate 20 extends perpendicular from the body 12. The plate 20 may be secured in the layered position through closing of the zipper 24. When secured in the layered position, the layering of the plate provides strength to the structure along the longitudinal direction. This is sufficient to ensure that, when a patient is arranged on the stretcher in the longitudinal direction, the stretcher will support the patient’s weight. Throughout the present disclosure, the layered position is also referred to herein as a “load-bearing” or “stabilizing” position, depending on the function of the structure into which it is incorporated. As discussed, in the layered position, the plate is bent or curved along itsmajor axis, optionally in a “C” or “U”-like position, so that at least some portion of the plate is opposite another portion thereof.

[0054] FIGS. 2A-2C depict a similar process of unfolding and deployment as that shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, on a flat surface. Also visible in the view of FIGS. 2A-2C are loops 16. The loops 16 are directly attached to the body 12, and are fixed in size. Optionally, straps (not shown in FIGS. 2A-2C) may be threaded through different loops 16, and are adjustable in length. The loops and straps, when present, may be used to assist in carrying of the structure 10.

[0055] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate how the structure 10 may be deployed in various positions in order to achieve different objectives. In FIG. 3 A, the structure 10 is in the rolled-up position, as previously described. In FIG. 3B, the plate is in the layered position, and is held in place by closing of the zipper. The structure is thus suitable for load-bearing, or for any other purpose involving an extended member, such as for stabilizing as a splint, as will be described further herein. In FIGS. 3C and 3D, the structure is unrolled but only partially folded, resulting in a bent, chair-like position. The chair-like position is achieved by folding the plate at the peripheral portions of the structure while maintaining the plate in the interior of the structure flat. This causes the peripheral portions to be rendered strong and load-bearing, while the interior remains flexible, resulting in a 90 degree bend. Optionally, straps may be configured between the extremities, which serve to support the bend of the chair in the 90 degree angle and also to serve as handholds for a person seated in the chair. This position may be useful for supporting an individual in a seated position. Alternatively, this position may be useful for building a square frame (e.g., with two such structures 10 arranged opposite each other).

[0056] As discussed, the bent position of FIGS. 3C and 3D may be achieved through having a single plate within the structure but only partially folding it (e.g., with the peripheral sections of the plate in the layered position and the interior section of the plate in the flat position). Alternatively, the bent position may be achieved splitting the length of the plate into two or more different plates, and only folding the plates that are desired to be folded. Theoretically, and depending on the number of plates used and the flexibility of said plates, it is possible to achieve more than one bent portion and more than one flat portion, resulting in a zig-zag configuration.

[0057] FIG. 4 illustrates an application of the structure 10 as a stretcher 30. In this implementation, there are two plates 20 mounted on a flat surface 32. When turned over, the flat surface 32 serves as a support for a patient or other load. The housing 22 may be connected to the flat surface 32 in a permanent fashion (e.g., through stitching) or in a removable fashion(e.g., through a hook-and-eyelet connection, or with clips or fasteners). Also visible in this implementation are straps 34, which connect to the loops 24 and may be used to assist the user in carrying the stretcher.

[0058] FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate views of a similar implementation of a stretcher. FIG. 5A is a schematic illustration of a stretcher in the unrolled and unfolded position. In this implementation, the stretcher has two rows of plates. FIG. 5B is a photograph of such a stretcher in this position. FIG. 5C is a schematic illustration of the stretcher with the plates in the layered position, and FIG. 5D is a photograph of the stretcher in the layered position. As is evident from the foregoing description, the plates may be operated completely independently, such that one plate may be partially or completely in the layered position, while the other plate may be partially or completely in the flat position. This independent operation allows for different shapes and configurations.

[0059] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a second embodiment of a stretcher according to the present disclosure. The stretcher of FIGS. 6A-6D differs from that of the previous Figures in that there are three rows of layered plates instead of two. This stretcher may be used for carrying of wider or heavier loads. In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the stretcher is oriented with the layered plates facing downward, and in FIGS. 6C and 6D, the layered plates are facing upwards.

[0060] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B illustrate the structure in a chair-like configuration. In this configuration, the peripheral portions of each plate 20 are folded and are zippered up, while the interior portions of each plate 20 remain flat. As a result, the interior portions remain flexible, and are bendable so as to allow the structure 10 to assume an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The exterior portions are rigid and load bearing. Straps 14 are arranged tautly between the two peripheral portions, and serve to further stabilize the structure in this position. As a result, the structure may properly support a seated patient. Rescue personnel may stand to the sides of the structure in order to carry the patient.

[0061] Although the principal application described herein is as a stretcher, the structure may be used for other suitable applications. For example, the structure may additionally be formed into a backboard to allow transportation of patients with suspected spinal injuries. In some embodiments, the structure can be used as a portable field surgical table. In some embodiments, the structure may be used alone or in combination with like structures to form a modular structure. The modular structure may be used to provide a lightweight fluid impervious shelter or bivouac configured to be carried in a backpack. Generally speaking, the structure may be used for land, ground, water, or any maritime applications. It may be used as a floating deviceof any configuration and use. When in the flat position, the structure may be wrapped around a person’s body and used to provide support and / or protection from the elements.

[0062] FIGS. 8A and 8B depict an embodiment of the structure in use as a traction splint 40. A traction splint is a splinting device that uses straps attaching over the pelvis or hip as an anchor, a metal rod(s) to mimic normal bone stability and limb length, and a mechanical device to apply traction (used in an attempt to reduce pain, realign the limb, and minimize vascular and neurological complication) to the limb. In the illustrated embodiment, the structure 42 contains a single plate, in a layered position, which imparts structural stability to the leg. Straps 44, 46 are attached to loops on the exterior casing of the structure 10, at opposite longitudinal ends of the body. The straps are fitted over the patient’s ankle and torso, respectively, and are tightened in order to apply the traction. The traction splint 40 has various advantages over known traction splints. Notably, traction splint 40 may be easily folded up to a compact position for transport and storage, as discussed. Furthermore, plate 42 of the traction splint may be easily removed and included in other load-bearing structures as described herein. FIG.

[0063] 8C illustrates an embodiment of the traction splint described in FIGS. 8 A and 8B fitted over a patient’s leg.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 8D, the structure depicted in FIG. 8A and 8B may also be used as a pelvic support brace. In this configuration, the plate released to its flat position, either completely or partially in the manner described above (e.g., through partial opening of the zipper that holds the plate in the layered position). The flat portion of the plate is flexible and can be wrapped around the waist. The structure may be tightened around the waist, similarly to a weightlifting belt, using a built-in strap or buckle. In the illustrated embodiment, a slot is attached to one end of the structure, and a strap is attached to the other end of the structure. The strap may be long and may be secured to the back of the structure with hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., the hooks may be secured to the back of the structure and the loops on the strap, or vice versa). When the structure is wrapped around the waist, the strap is near the slot. The strap is released from the hook-and-loop fastening, passed through the slot, and closed again utilizing the hook-and-loop fasteners, to thereby hold the structure in place around the waist. The straps that would have been wrapped around the leg for use as a traction splint, as shown in FIG. 8C, are permitted to dangle from the structure when used as a pelvic support brace. This provides yet another example of the adaptability of devices containing the features of the present disclosure to be adaptable to various needs in the field.

[0065] FIG. 9 depicts an additional embodiment of the structure 50. In this embodiment, the structure is fitted within a conventional splint that wraps around the leg. On the right side ofsplint 50 are one or more metal plates 52, here shown in their layered position. On the left side are pockets 54. The pockets 54 are within a portion of the structure that is not opposite to the plates, and is flexible even when the at least one plate is in the layered position, so that the pockets may be wrapped around a portion of a patient’s body. The pockets may contain ice blocks or other suitable cooling blocks which may serve, for example, to reduce inflammation in the injured area. FIG. 10 depicts the structure 50 wrapped around a patient’s leg. In alternative embodiments, the pockets may contain various medical supplies. In addition, instead of using cooling blocks, in theory, the splint 50 may contain tubing that is connectable to a field refrigerator, which may supply cooling more reliably for a longer period. Advantageously, structure 50 thus includes a unique combination of elements that, on the one hand, provide structural support and cooling to an injured limb, while, on the other hand, may be easily folded for transport and storage.

[0066] Typically, when the structure is used as a splint, the at least one plate is first converted to the layered position, so that the structure provides stabilizing support. Then the straps are placed around the patient (in the case of the traction splint) or the rest of the structure is wrapped around the patient (in the case of the conventional splint with optional cooling blocks).

[0067] In addition, the support member described herein may be implemented as an independent unit, without being attached to a body. The support member may comprise a metallic plate. The metallic plate is convertible between a flat position, in which the metallic plate is flat, thereby enabling rolling up of the metallic plate, and a layered position, in which the metallic plate is folded into parallel layers, thereby strengthening the metallic plate and preventing rolling up thereof. The metallic plate is arranged within a pocket. The pocket includes a sealing means configured to secure the support member in the layered position. The sealing means may be, for example, a zipper or a ratchet. The foldable support member may be used to support any structure, including a structure that is attached to the pocket as well as a separate, free-standing structure.

[0068] The support member described herein may be implemented in a wide variety of devices and applications. These include, for example: a frame structure, a splint, a mattress, a stretcher, a telescopic element, a rail, a drainpipe, a paddle, a ladle, a support beam, a fishing rod, a work surface, a hose, a walking stick, a conduit for cables, a support rung for a ladder, a frame, a connector, etc.

[0069] In addition, although, in the illustrated examples, the support members are oriented lengthwise within the structure in which they are implemented, the support members may also be oriented along a width or shorter axis of the structure. Furthermore, a single device couldtheoretically have support members extending both lengthwise and widthwise. This configuration may be useful for a stretcher, for example, as a standard stretcher has (at least) two supports along a lengthwise direction and (at least) two supports along the width of the stretcher, the latter serving to maintain tension in the fabric of the stretcher.

[0070] It will be appreciated that the embodiments described above are cited by way of example, and that the present disclosure is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present disclosure includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove, as well as variations and modifications thereof which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not disclosed in the prior art.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A collapsible structure, comprising:a body; andat least one plate arranged along a longitudinal axis of the body;wherein the structure is convertible between a rolled up position and a flat position, in which the at least one plate is flat relative to the body, and a layered position, in which at least a portion of the plate is folded into two or more parallel layers which extend from the body, thereby strengthening the body and preventing folding of the body along the longitudinal axis.

2. The structure of claim 1, comprising two or more plates arranged in parallel rows along the longitudinal axis.

3. The structure of claim 1, wherein each plate extends beyond the body along a front and rear direction of the longitudinal axis.

4. The structure of claim 1, wherein each plate is arranged within a pocket.

5. The structure of claim 1 , further comprising a sealing means configured to retain the plate in the layered position following folding of the plate into the two or more parallel layers.

6. The structure of claim 5, wherein the sealing means is one or more of a zipper, a ratchet, a bracket, or interlocking hooks and eyelets.

7. The structure of claim 5, wherein each plate is divided into two or plates arranged on the same longitudinal extent of the body.

8. The structure of claim 7, wherein each plate along the same longitudinal extent is configured within a separate pocket.

9. The structure of claim 8, wherein each plate has its own sealing means.

10. The structure of claim 5, wherein the sealing means is configured to secure portions of the at least one plate while leaving other portions of the at least one plate unsealed, thereby generating different regions along the body, in which part of the at least one plate is in the flat position and part of the at least one plate is in the layered position.

11. The structure of claim 5, wherein the sealing means is formed integral to the at least one plate or is affixed to the at least one plate.

12. The structure of claim 11, wherein the sealing means comprises one or more of: interlocking teeth and cavities on opposite sides of the at least one plate; adhesives on opposite sides of the at least one plate, and magnets on opposite sides of the at least one plate.

13. The structure of claim 1, wherein the structure is convertible between a rolled up position, in which the at least one plate is entirely in the flat position and is rolled up; ahorizontal load-bearing or stabilizing position, in which the at least one plate is entirely in the layered position; and a chair-like carrying position, in which peripheral sections of the at least one metallic plate are in the layered position and an interior section of the at least one plate is in the flat position.

14. The structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one plate is made of metal.

15. The structure of claim 14, wherein the metal is stainless steel, spring steel, or aluminum.

16. The structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one plate is comprised of multiple layers of plates.

17. The structure of claim 16, wherein the multiple layers comprise a plastic layer arranged closer to the body and a metallic layer arranged above the plastic layer further from the body.

18. The structure of claim 17, wherein the plastic layer is made of polycarbonate and the metallic layer is made of stainless steel.

19. The structure of claim 1, further comprising one or more loops arranged on a perimeter of the body, and one or more adjustable straps arranged between different loops.

20. The structure of claim 19, wherein the one or more adjustable straps comprise two straps that are attached to loops at opposite longitudinal ends of the body, such that the structure is configured to function as a traction splint.

21. The structure of claim 20, further comprising a slot attached at one longitudinal end of the body, a strap attached to a second longitudinal end of the body, and a hook-and-loop fastener arranged on the strap and the body, wherein, when the structure is wrapped around a user’s waist, the strap is configured to pass through the slot and be fastened using the hook-and-loop fastener, to thereby provide pelvic support.

22. The structure of claim 1, further comprising a portion of the body that is flexible even when the at least one plate is in the layered position and is configured to wrap around a portion of a patient’s body, such that the at least one plate provides structural support to said portion of the patient’s body.

23. The structure of claim 22, wherein the portion further comprises one or more pockets.

24. A method of opening a collapsible structure, wherein the structure comprises a body and at least one plate arranged along a longitudinal axis of the body, the method comprising:converting the at least one plate from a flat position, in which the at least one plate is flat against the body, to a layered position, in which the at least one plate is folded into parallellayers which extend from the body, thereby strengthening the at least one plate and preventing folding of the body along the longitudinal axis.

25. The method of claim 21, further comprising, prior to the converting step, unrolling the structure from a rolled-up position to the flat position.

26. The method of claim 21, wherein the collapsible structure comprises sealing means, and the method further comprises sealing the sealing means, to thereby secure the plate in the layered position.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the sealing means comprise one or more of a zipper, a ratchet, a bracket, or interlocking hooks and eyelets.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the sealing means are formed integral or adhered to the at least one plate.

29. The method of claim 26, wherein the sealing means comprise one or more of interlocking teeth and cavities on opposite sides of the at least one plate, adhesives on opposite sides of the at least one plate, and magnets on opposite sides of the at least one plate.

30. The method of claim 26, wherein the at least one plate is arranged within a pocket, and the sealing step comprises sealing the at least one plate within the pocket.

31. The method of claim 24, wherein the converting step comprises folding an entire longitudinal extent of the at least one plate, thereby converting the structure to a horizontal load-bearing or stabilizing position.

32. The method of claim 24, wherein the converting step comprises folding peripheral portions of the at least one plate while leaving an interior portion of the at least one plate flat, thereby converting the structure to a chair-like carrying position.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising affixing straps between the peripheral portions.

34. The method of claim 24, further comprising affixing the structure to a patient’s body when in the layered position, to thereby form a splint.

35. The method of claim 24, further comprising collapsing the structure by converting the at least one plate back to the flat position and rolling up the structure.

36. A foldable support member, comprising at least one plate, wherein the at least one plate is convertible between a flat position, in which the plate is flat, thereby enabling rolling up of the plate, and a layered position, in which the plate is folded into parallel layers, thereby strengthening the plate and preventing rolling up of the plate, wherein the plate is arranged within a pocket, and wherein the pocket includes a sealing means configured to releasably close the pocket to thereby secure the support member in the layered position.

37. The foldable support member of claim 36, wherein the sealing means is a zipper, a ratchet, a bracket, or interlocking hooks and eyelets.

38. The foldable support member of claim 36, wherein the at least one plate is comprised of polycarbonate, stainless steel, spring steel, or aluminum.

39. A structure comprising a body and one or more of the foldable support members of claim 36 configured in the layered position and supporting the body.

Images