Decontamination Device

Abstract

A restraining apparatus for securing a person during decontamination and method for decontamination of the person are described. The restraining apparatus includes a seat for supporting the person, a base, a plurality of support members connecting the base to the seat, and a harness system for securing the person to the seat.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/525,319, filed Aug. 19, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Victims of chemical, biological, radioactive, nuclear, and explosive (“CBRNE”) incidents, such as accidents and a military or terrorist attacks, generally undergo a decontamination process that involves showering with high-volume, low-pressure water. General guidelines for decontaminating victims of CBRNE incidents are provided in the following publication, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference: OSHA Best Practices for Hospital-Based First Receivers of Victims from Mass Casualty Incidents Involving the Release of Hazardous Substances, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (2005).

For conscious, ambulatory victims, decontamination is relatively straightforward. The victims disrobe and walk into a decontamination tent or corridor to shower.

For unconscious, and/or non-ambulatory, victims, the decontamination process is significantly more complicated. Non-ambulatory adult victims are generally strapped to a backboard, which is then advanced along a conveyor mechanism through a decontamination tent. Emergency workers spray the victim with water and in some cases also scrub the victim with soap, to remove contaminants.

Some victims, particularly infants and small children, who are too small to be strapped to a backboard, are placed in a basket resembling a laundry basket. The basket is moved into a decontamination area where emergency workers wash the infant or child victim with water and soap to remove contaminants.

Using a basket for decontamination of people and especially infants and small children is unsatisfactory for the following reasons. The victim's fingers and toes can be caught in conveyor mechanisms often used to move baskets, especially if the victim extends its hands and feet from the basket. The victim may shift position and/or attempt to climb out of the basket, tipping it over and causing injury. The basket can collect contaminated water exposing contaminated and toxic materials to the victim. If the victim slips or lies down on the bottom of the basket water or contaminants may enter their mouth, ears or nose. The victim may become slippery during decontamination, emergency workers may have difficulty grasping and holding onto the victim when they attempt to manipulate and clean a person especially a small child or infant setting in a basket, especially if the emergency worker is wearing thick gloves as they often are.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides a restraining apparatus for containing and securing a person being decontaminated by emergency personnel. The invention also provides a method of securing a person, such as a small child or infant, during decontamination using the apparatus of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention enable emergency workers to lower the risk of injuring the person they are decontaminating.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a restraining apparatus for securing a person during decontamination. The restraining apparatus comprises a seat for supporting the person, a base, a plurality of support members connecting the base to the seat, and a harness system for securing the person to the seat. The seat has a back portion for supporting the person's back and a leg portion for supporting the person's legs. One end (a second end) of the leg portion is adjacent to an end (a third end) of the back portion. The seat has a length, defined as the distance between the first end of the leg portion and the fourth end of the back portion, measured along a longitudinal horizontal axis. The width of the seat is measured along a lateral horizontal axis. A plurality of openings are formed in the seat for allowing a liquid to drain through the seat. The base has a length measured along the longitudinal horizontal axis and a width measured along the lateral horizontal axis and the length of the base can be greater than the length of the seat. Also, the width of the base can be greater than the width of the seat. The base can be fixed or have wheels. Disposing the seat above the base, support members extend upwardly from the base to the seat. The invention can include a crotch post, which may be positioned to one side of the apparatus or it may be positioned between the legs of the victim, to help secure the victim to the device. The invention can include a harness system that may include one or more strap members for securing the person's torso to the back portion of the seat and/or to the crotch post to prevent the person from sliding off of the seat or otherwise assist an emergency worker in cleaning a victim. The crotch post can be positioned so that it extends upwardly from the leg portion of the seat or it can be mounted off to the side to allow a victim to be easily placed on the seat. In one embodiment the seat is supported by side rails that may be raised or lowered. In one embodiment the seat is surrounded by side bars, rails or rungs and the victim is lowered into seat for decontamination.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for securing a person during decontamination. The method includes the steps of placing the person on the restraining apparatus, positioning the person on the seat of the restraining apparatus with the person's back toward or resting on the back portion and the person's legs resting on the leg portion and either straddling or sliding around the crotch post, strapping the person to the restraining apparatus with the one or more strap members; and decontaminating the person.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a restraining method and apparatus for containing and securing an animal, a human, a person and especially a child, especially a small child or infant where the apparatus comprises, a seat for supporting a person, especially a small child, the seat having a back portion for supporting the person's back and a leg portion for supporting the person's legs, the seat having a seat length and a seat width, the seat having a plurality of openings configured to allow a liquid to drain through the seat, the seat above the base as described above; and a harness system for securing the person to the seat, the harness system has at least one of the following: a) one or more strap members; b) one or more strap members secured to the back portion of the seat; c) a crotch post; d) a crotch post extending upwardly from the leg portion of the seat; e) one or more strap members secured to either the back portion of the seat or the crotch post; f) a strap member used to secure the person's torso to the seat or crotch post; g) a strap member used to secure the person's torso to the seat; h) a strap member used to secure the person's torso to the crotch post; wherein said harness system secures the victim to the seat and i) an upper restraining member.

The device has a back portion comprised of a plurality of back rungs extending between a back right side member and a back left side member, wherein the back rungs define at least some of the plurality of openings. The device has a leg portion comprises a plurality of leg rungs extending between a leg right side member and a leg left side member, wherein the leg rungs define at least some of the plurality of openings. The device has a back right side member is unitarily formed with the leg right side member, and the back left side member is unitarily formed with the leg left side member. The back rungs and leg rungs can be substantially round in cross section. The base member can extend around the perimeter of the base portion to define an enclosed area; a harness can comprise straps comprising a series of rounded beads and a crotch support post. There may be brackets on both the crotch post and back portion capable of supporting the straps, and in some embodiments the device has a rounded crotch post with a indent or opening in the upper portion of the crotch post that extends from 25 to 95 percent of the length of the upper portion of the crotch post. The device can have a hollow tubular construction defining a cavity inside the base member, the cavity configured to store a weighting material therein. The base member can be ellipsoidal in shape and the seat disposed from about 1 to 3 feet (e.g. 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 feet) above the base. The base, the plurality of support members, and the crotch post are unitarily formed and the base width can be at least twice as great as the seat width. The crotch post can be adjustable and moved in various positions, mounted to the apparatus in various places and includes a lower portion having a rounded surface configured to support the person's crotch and an upper portion having a substantially flat surface configured to support the person's head and torso when the person is leaned forward in the seat. The top of the crotch post can extend 30 inches above the leg portion of the seat. The lower portion of the crotch post can extend between about 6 and 12 inches above the leg portion of the seat. The upper portion of the crotch post can have a central groove or opening configured to accommodate the person's nose when the person's head and torso are supported by the upper portion. The seat and or crotch post may comprise right and left, upper and lower strap attachments. The strap member comprises a right shoulder-left hip strap member and a left shoulder-right hip strap member, the right shoulder-left hip strap member extending from the right shoulder attachment to the left hip attachment, the left shoulder-right hip strap member extending from the left shoulder attachment to the right hip attachment. The devices described herein can be used for decontaminating an animal, especially a dog, a cat, a family pet, a zoo mammal, a human, a person, a child, a small child, where the method comprises placing the animal on the restraining apparatus and decontaminating the animal with liquids. The method and devices disclosed may also be used to decontaminate small children by placing them in the restraining apparatus, positioning said child on the seat of the restraining apparatus and securing the harness. The child's torso can be held against the crotch post and the child's back decontaminated. The method and devices disclosed may be constructed from a plurality of tubular members to increase the shedding of water and contaminates. The method and devices disclosed may have their straps constructed from a plurality of a series of rounded beads strung on a string, wire, elastic support or other similar strap.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from consideration of the following description and the appended claims when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a restraining apparatus for securing a person during decontamination in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial front view of a restraining apparatus for securing a person during decontamination generally in accordance with FIG. 1 and illustrating another configuration of strap members for securing the person to the restraining apparatus;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are close-up views of strap members, generally as seen in FIG. 2, comprising a series of round beads;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are close-up views of attachment means, comprising V-shaped brackets, for securing the strap members to the restraining apparatus;

FIGS. 5A-5C are close-up views of an additional embodiment of attachment means that comprise clasps;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting a method of decontaminating a person including securing a person using the restraining apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the restraining apparatus of FIG. 1 supporting a person, such as a child, with the person leaning forward against the crotch post of the restraining apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the restraining apparatus of FIG. 1 supporting a person, with the person leaning against the back portion of the seat of the restraining apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a modified version of the restraining apparatus of FIG. 1 supporting a person, such as a child, with the person leaning forward against a crotch post of the restraining apparatus. Compared to the device of FIG. 1, FIG. 9 shows an enlarged crotch post mounted from the side, adjustable side rails, an adjustable crotch post, and it is mounted on wheels.

FIG. 10A and 10B are perspective views of the restraining apparatus supporting a person, such as a child, wherein the apparatus is an enclosed seat. In FIG. 10A the seat is hung from an overhead support frame on wheels. In FIG. 10B the seat is supported by a weighted base frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides a restraining apparatus for securing a person during decontamination. The invention also provides a method of securing a person during decontamination using the apparatus of the present invention. Utilizing the various embodiments of the present invention, emergency workers are enabled to decontaminate a person including an infant or small child while minimizing risk of further injury to the child.

As used herein, the term “person” means any human or animal that may be in need of decontamination from any contaminate and having a shape suitable for the device, typically a human.

As used herein, the term “small child” means a human having a height that does not exceed four feet.

As used herein, the terms “substantially” parallel, perpendicular, horizontal, or vertical mean not deviating from parallel, perpendicular, horizontal, or vertical by more than ten degrees.

As used herein, the terms “decontamination” and “decontaminating” refer to the process by which emergency responders remove contaminants from victims of CBRNE incidents. The terms do not refer to standard household bathing.

As used herein, “contaminant” means any hazardous chemical, biological, radioactive, nuclear, or explosive agent.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a restraining apparatus 10 for securing a person during decontamination in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The restraining apparatus 10 comprises a seat 12 for supporting the person, a base 28, a plurality of support members 30 connecting the base 28 to the seat 12, and a harness system 32 for securing the person to the seat 12. A crotch post 36 with an upper and a lower portion is shown.

The seat 12 has a back portion 14 for supporting the person's back and a leg portion 16 for supporting the person's legs. The leg portion 16 has opposing ends 18 and 20 (first and second ends). The back portion 14 similarly has opposing ends 22 and end 24 (third and fourth ends) and one end 20 of the leg portion 16 is adjacent to an end 22 of the back portion 14. The seat 12 has a plurality of openings 26 for allowing a liquid to spray or drain through the seat 12.

The seat 12 has a length L₁ and a width W₁. The length L₁ of the seat 12 is defined as the distance, measured along a longitudinal horizontal axis x, between the distal end 18 of the leg portion 16 and the distal end 24 of the back portion 14. The width W₁ of the seat 12 is measured along a lateral horizontal axis z.

In some embodiments, the leg portion 16 of the seat 12 may be substantially horizontal, and the back portion 14 of the seat 12 may be inclined from the horizontal plane defined by the leg portion 16. In these embodiments, the person's head and back are elevated relative to the person's legs when the person is supported by the seat 12. The back portion 14 of the seat 12 may be inclined from the horizontal plane by an angle of between about 0° and 90°, preferably between about 20° and 70°, and more preferably between about 35° and 55°.

The back portion 14 of the seat 12 may include a right side member 38, a left side member 40, and a plurality of back rungs 42 extending from the right side member 38 to the left side member 40. In some embodiments, the right side member 38 may be substantially parallel to the left side member 40, and the back rungs 42 may be substantially perpendicular to the right side member 38 and the left side member 40. A plurality of back portion spaces 56 are defined between the back rungs 42. The back portion spaces 56 constitute some of the plurality of openings 26 in the seat 12.

The right and left side members 38 and 40 of the back portion 14 have ends 44 and 50 disposed at the intermediate end 22 of the back portion 14, and have ends 46 and 52 disposed at the distal end 24 of the back portion 14. The side members 38 and 40 have right and left middle portions 48 and 54 that are disposed respectively between the ends 44 and 46 and the ends 50 and 52. Additionally, the distal ends 46 and 52 of the right and left side members 38 and 40 may be connected at the distal end 24 of the back portion 14.

The leg portion 16 of the seat 12 may include a right side member 60, a left side member 62, and a plurality of leg rungs 64. At least some of the leg rungs 64 extend from the right side member 60 to the left side member 62. Preferably, the right side member 60 is substantially parallel to the left side member 62, and the leg portion rungs 64 are substantially perpendicular to the right and left side members 60 and 62. A plurality of leg portion spaces 66 are defined between the leg rungs 64, and the spaces 66 make up some of the plurality of openings 26 in the seat 12. The width W₁ of the seat 12 is defined as the distance between the right side member 60 and the left side member 62, measured along the lateral horizontal axis z.

In some embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 1, the right side member 60 of the leg portion 16 may be unitarily formed with the right side member 38 of the back portion 14, such that the right side member 60 and the right side member 38 make up a one-piece right side structural member. Similarly, the left side member 62 of the leg portion 16 may be unitarily formed with the left side member 40 of the back portion 14, such that the left side member 62 and the left side member 40 make up a one-piece left side structural member. In these embodiments, the side structural members may, but do not necessarily, have bends at the junctions between the right side members 60 and 38 the left side member 62 and 40, such that the right and left side members 60 and 62 of the leg portion 16 are substantially horizontal, and the right and left side members 38 and 40 of the back portion 14 are inclined from the horizontal plane defined by the right and left side members 60 and 62.

In the illustrated embodiments, the back rungs 42 and the leg rungs 64 are round in cross section, such that they have rounded surfaces. Rounded surfaces are advantageous for at least two reasons. First, the rounded surfaces increase the person's comfort when the person is supported by the seat 12 during decontamination. Second, the rounded surfaces decrease the surface area of contact between the rungs 42 and 64 and the person during decontamination, decreasing the risk that some of the contaminant will be trapped between the person's body and the seat 12.

As shown in FIG. 1, the base 28 has a length L₂ measured along the longitudinal horizontal axis z and a width W₂ measured along the lateral horizontal axis z. The length L₂ of the base 28 is greater than the length L₁ of the seat 12. Similarly, the width W₂ of the base 28 is greater than the width W₂ of the seat 12. Preferably, the width W₂ of the base 28 is at least twice as great as the width W₁ of the seat 12. The greater width of the base 28 relative to the seat 12 lends enhanced stability to the restraining apparatus 10 when a person is supported by the seat 12. The seat and/or base members may be placed on wheels as shown in FIG. 9.

In some embodiments, the base 28 may comprise a base member 68 extending around the perimeter of the base 28 to define an enclosed area 70 or may define an open area (not shown). The base member 68 may define any shape around the enclosed area 70. For example, the base member 68 may define a circle, square, rectangle, ellipse, trapezoid, or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1 the base member 68 may substantially define an ellipse or oval. The ellipse may have a transverse diameter 76 measured along the longitudinal horizontal axis x and a conjugate diameter 78 measured along the lateral horizontal axis z. The transverse diameter 76 may define the length L₂ of the base 28, and the conjugate diameter 78 may define the width W₂ of the base 28. Preferably, the base member 68 has a substantially planar bottom surface so that the base member 68 can rest stably on and rolls along a conveyor mechanism during decontamination.

In some embodiments, the base member 68 may have a tubular construction, providing a cavity 72 inside the base member 68 for storing a weighting material. The cavity 72 may be filled with the weighting material, or it may simply be suitable to be filled with the weighting material. Suitable weighting materials include water, sand, metal, or any other material having a density greater than one gram per cubic centimeter. The addition of a weighting material to the cavity 72 of the base member 68 increases the stability of the restraining apparatus 10 during its use.

Even if the base member 68 does not provide a cavity for storing a weighting material, the apparatus 10 is preferably balanced to provide a high level of stability to mitigate the risk that the apparatus 10 will tip over. For example, the apparatus 10 may be constructed to have a low center of gravity.

In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, the apparatus is similar to the device shown in FIGS. 1 and 8. The embodiment in FIG. 9 is a wheeled device 200 with wheel brackets 252 and wheels 254. The wheeled device 200 has side guards or side rails attached to the side of the device that can be raised or lowered to allow a person to easily sit or be placed in the device. A left side guard rail 242 and a right side guard rail 237 are shown. The guard rails are adjustable; they can be raised or lowered. The wheeled device 200 crotch post 236 is shown mounted in a bracket 235 on the side of the wheeled device 200. The crotch post 236 is shown as a broad rounded shape that can be used to brace a person's chest, chin, head or face and it has an indentation or opening 288 for chin or nose. The wheeled device 200 crotch post 236 is shown with four brackets for mounting straps, an upper right side bracket 290, a lower right side bracket 292, an upper left side bracket 294 and a lower left side bracket 296. The crotch post 236 is attached to the seating area from a bracket 235 that is on the left side of the device rather than being attached in the center position, as it is in FIG. 1. The crotch post 236 could also be mounted on the right side of the device. In some situations, a center-mounted crotch post would be very useful to keep a victim safe and in place, in other situations and with larger victims a side mounted crotch post might be preferred. The wheeled device 200 crotch post 236 can be adjustable as to where and how it is mounted to the device, adjusted or moved up and down or positioned at various angles, and it could even be swung off to the side and out of the way entirely if desired.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 9 can include a harness that is similar to the harness 32 of FIG. 1, which can include straps, brackets or attachment means to secure the victim to the apparatus. In addition to the straps 32 shown in FIG. 1, the wheeled device 200, allows for straps to be placed in or held from attachment means or brackets 290, 292, 294 and 296 in order to support and hold the victim in a forward leaning position that would allow an emergency worker to have convenient access to the victim's back so it can be properly cleaned and decontaminated. The dimensions and sizes of the various parts of the device described here can be changed or adjusted to accommodate, adults, children of various sizes, and infants. The device and techniques described here are particularly effective and needed when the victim is a small child or infant.

Another embodiment is shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. FIG. 10A shows a rolling swinging bucket style apparatus 300. The rolling swinging bucket apparatus 300 includes straps 321, a multiplicity of leg portion members 364, an upper retaining member 346 connected and supported by one or more back rung members 314, one or more right side rung members 337, one or more left side rung members 350, and a front side member that is shown as a single front crotch post 336.

Another embodiment of the apparatus is shown in FIG. 10B. In FIG. 10B a standing bucket apparatus 400 similar to that shown in FIG. 10A is shown. The standing bucket apparatus 400 further includes a standing bucket upper retaining member 446, having a perimeter P1, and includes right side supports 437, back side supports 414, left side supports 442 and front side support 436; and, in the case of FIG. 10B, the front side support 436 is also a standing bucket crotch post 436. The standing bucket apparatus 400 further includes a standing bucket base 428 with vertical support members 430 and horizontal base supports 468. The standing bucket base 428 has a perimeter P2, which is greater than perimeter P1 of upper retaining member 446. The standing bucket horizontal base supports 468 can be weighted so as to provide a stable device that can easily shed large volumes of water without having contaminates remain in contact with the victim. The standing bucket 400 can be placed on a low table, on the ground, on a conveyer belt; it could be mounted from a mount or a support or it could be placed in other orientations or systems and used for decontamination.

A person or human, especially a child or infant, can be lowered into the device with their legs made to extend out of the front of the device, with a leg on either side of the front crotch post 436 with the crotch post 436 vertically positioned between the person's legs keeping the infant or small child from sliding out of the apparatus. The person can either lean back or forward with the person's torso resting on the standing bucket upper retaining member 446.

As noted above, and as shown in FIG. 1, the FIG. 1 support members 30 extend upwardly from the base 28 to the seat 12, supporting the seat 12 above the base 28. Preferably, the support members 30 extend from the base member 68 to the right side members 38 and 60 and the left side members 40 and 62. Because the length L₂ and the width W₂ of the base 28 are greater than the length L₁ and the width W₁ of the seat 12, the support members 30 may extend diagonally upward and converge inward from the base member 68 to the seat 12, such that the seat is supported above the enclosed area 70 of the base 28.

As shown in FIG. 1, during decontamination, the base 28 of the restraining apparatus 10 may rest on and roll along a conveyor mechanism. In some embodiments, the support members 30 may support the seat 12 such that the seat 12 is disposed a distance, such as one to three feet, preferably about 1.5, 2.0 or 2.5 feet, above the base 28. By elevating the seat 12 above the base 12, the risk of a person's hands, arms, and legs being accidentally caught in the conveyor mechanism is minimized and there is room provided for washing, including spraying and removal of water, soap, cleaning agents, rinse water and other liquids.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the restraining apparatus 10 also includes a harness system 32 for securing the person to the seat 12. The harness system 32 includes one or more strap members 34 for securing the person's torso to the back portion 14 of the seat 12 or to the crotch post 36. In FIG. 9 the harness system may also be applied and used with the wheeled device 200 crotch post 236 by attaching straps to the brackets 290, 292, 294 and 296, preferably in a cross over pattern that will support and hold the victim in a forward leaning position.

In FIG. 1 preferably, at least one end of the strap member 34 is detachably connected to the back portion 14 of the seat 12, and/or one end of a strap member is detachably connected to the lower brackets of the crotch post 36. The harness system may also include a crotch post 36, in FIG. 9 a wheeled version has crotch post 236, in FIG. 10A the bucket crotch post 336 and in FIG. 10B the standing bucket crotch post 436 are all designed to prevent a person, especially a small child or infant, from sliding off or out of the device. More specifically, in FIG. 1, the crotch post 36 may extend upwardly from the leg portion 18 so as to be located between the person's legs, thereby preventing the person from sliding toward the end 18 of the leg portion 16, and similarly in the FIG. 9 wheeled crotch post 236, the FIG. 10A bucket crotch post 336 and the FIG. 10B standing bucket crotch post 436. It should be noted that in some situations the emergency worker will want the crotch post positioned so that it is between the victims legs and in other situations the crotch post may not be between the victims legs but rather it is mounted on the left or right side and then made to touch, rest upon or press against the victim in some manner, such as against their legs, crotch, abdomen, stomach or chest just enough to help secure and stabilize the victim without undue discomfort.

Referring to FIG. 9, the harness system can also be attached to a crotch post 236 having brackets for attachment means mounted on the crotch post as shown in the wheeled device 200 crotch post 236 in FIG. 9 which has a broad rounded shape with an opening or indentation 288 for chin or nose.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9, the strap members may provide a criss-crossing harness for securing the person's torso to the back portion 14 of the seat 12, and or to the crotch post as suggested in FIG. 9 by the strap brackets 290, 292, 294 and 296.

In FIG. 1 the seat 12 or crotch member 36 may further comprise a right shoulder or right side upper bracket or attachment means 90, a right hip or right side lower bracket or attachment means 92, a left shoulder or left side upper bracket or attachment means 94, and a left hip or left side lower bracket or attachment means 96. The attachment means 90, 92, 94, and 96 and 290, 292, 294 and 296 permit the strap members to be attached to either the seating area or crotch posts to secure the person's torso to the device.

In FIG. 1 the right shoulder attachment means 90, may also be referred to here as the right side upper attachment means 90 and it may be disposed on the right side member 38, preferably in the right middle portion 48 of the right side member 38, or it may be disposed on the right side of the upper portion of the crotch post 36. Similarly, the left shoulder attachment means 94 may be referred to here as the left side upper attachment means 94, disposed on the left side member 40, preferably in the left middle portion 54 of the left side member 40, or it may be disposed on the left side of the upper portion of the crotch post 36.

In FIG. 1 the right hip attachment means 92, may also be referred to here as the right side lower bracket or lower attachment means 92 may be disposed adjacent to the intermediate end 44 of the right side member 38, or it may be disposed on the right side of the lower portion of the crotch post 36. Thus, the right hip attachment means 92, also referred to as the lower right side attachment 92, may be disposed on the right side member 38 of the back portion 14 or right side member 60 of the leg portion 16 adjacent to the intermediate end 44 or it may be disposed on the lower right side of the crotch post 36. In those embodiments where the right side member 60 of the leg portion 16 is integrally formed with the right side member 38 of the back portion 14, the right hip attachment means 92 may be disposed at the junction between the right side members 60 and 38. Preferably, the right hip attachment means is disposed on the right side member 38 of the back portion 14.

The left hip attachment means 96, may also be referred to here as the left side lower bracket or lower attachment means 96, is disposed similarly to the right hip attachment means 92, except it is located on the left side of the seat 12 or crotch post 36, and therefore adjacent to the intermediate end 50 of the left side member 40 of the seat 12.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the strap members 34 may include a right shoulder-left hip strap member 98 and a left shoulder-right hip strap member 100 that cross over one another. As such, the right shoulder-left hip strap member 98 is configured to extend from the right shoulder attachment means 90 to the left hip attachment means 96. As noted above, the right shoulder-left hip strap member 98 may be detachably connected to one or both of the right shoulder attachment means 90 and the left hip attachment means 96. This crossing pattern of the straps may also apply to the crotch post. For example, the right shoulder-left hip strap member 98 may be detachably connected to the right shoulder attachment means 90 and fixedly connected to the left hip attachment means 96, vice versa, or detachably connected to both.

Similarly in FIG. 1, the left shoulder-right hip strap member 100 is configured to extend from the left shoulder attachment means 94 to the right hip attachment means 92. It may be detachably connected to one or both of the left shoulder attachment means 94 and the right hip attachment means 92. The straps may also be connected to the crotch post 36 and especially to the upper portion of the crotch post.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the strap members 34 may be integrally connected at a central attachment member 102 and include a right shoulder strap member 104, a left shoulder strap member 106, a right hip strap member 108, and a left hip strap member 110, each of which respectively connects to the shoulder attachment means 90 or 94 or hip attachment means 92 or 96. As with the prior embodiment, the strap members 104, 106, 108, 110 may be detachably or fixedly connected to a respective one of the attachment means 90, 94, 92, or 96. Preferably, at least the shoulder strap members 104, 106 are detachably connected to the shoulder attachment means 90, 94. More preferably, the hip strap members 108, 110 are also detachably connected to the hip attachment means 92, 96.

The strap members 34 may be constructed from any non-porous strap material known in the art. For example, the strap members may be constructed from a non-porous webbing, a non-porous chain link material, a non-porous rubber or plastic band, or any other suitable non-porous material.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the strap members 34 may be constructed from a series of round beads 112. In FIG. 3A, the beads 112 are illustrated as being rotatably disposed in series on an elongate member 114, with the elongate member 114 passing through a bead lumen 116 formed through the center of each bead 112. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3B, the beads 112 may be connected in series by a series of connecting members 115. In this embodiment, the lengths and diameters of the connecting members 115 are preferably significantly smaller than the diameters of the beads 112.

Strap members 34 constructed from a series of round beads 112 have several advantages over other types of straps known in the art. First, the round shape of the beads 112 decreases the surface area of contact between the strap members 34 and the person during decontamination, thereby decreasing the risk that some of the contaminant will be trapped between the person's body and the strap members 34. Second, the round shape of the beads 112 permits emergency workers to roll the strap members 34 from side to side during decontamination so that the areas of the person that were previously covered by the strap members 34 may be decontaminated effectively. Third, the round beads 12 are easily manipulated by emergency workers wearing hazardous materials suits and gloves during the decontamination process.

The attachment means 90, 92, 94, and 96 are shown schematically in FIGS. 1-2 and attachment means 290, 292, 294 and 296 in FIG. 9 and may include any means known in the art for attaching the strap members to the seat or crotch post. For example, the attachment means may include clasps, buckles, snaps, ratchets, hook and loop fasters, or any other suitable means known in the art. As one having skill in the art will readily understand, the choice of appropriate attachment means will depend on the specific design of the strap members.

Preferably, the chosen attachment means will enable emergency workers to adjust the strap members 34 to accommodate any size of person. More preferably, the chosen attachment means will enable emergency workers to adjust both the functional length of the strap members 34 (i.e., the length of that portion of the strap member 34 that provides tension across the person's torso, as distinct from any extra portion of the strap member 34 and the position of attachment of the strap members 34 to the seat. In particular, the right and left shoulder attachment means 90, 94 may permit the strap members 34 to be attached closer to or further away from the distal end 24 of the back portion 14, in order to accommodate people of different heights.

In some embodiments, and particularly in those embodiments where the strap members 34 are constructed from a series of round beads 112, the shoulder attachment means 90, 94 may include a series of V-shaped brackets or hooks 118 extending from the lateral faces of the right and left side member 38, 40 of the back portion 14. FIG. 4A shows a series of V-shaped brackets or hooks 118 extending from the lateral face of the left side member 40. To provide height adjustability, the right and left shoulder attachment means 90, 94 may include any suitable number of L-shaped brackets 118.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, a strap member is shown detachably connected to the back portion 14 of the seat 12 using the attachment means shown in FIG. 4A. To attach the strap member, the strap member is lowered into the V-shaped bracket 118 such that the V-shaped bracket 118 fits between any two beads 112. The downward tension in the strap member will then be held in place with the V-shaped bracket 118 wedged between the two beads 112.

The attachment means described above with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B enable emergency workers to control both the functional length and the point of attachment of a strap member. More specifically, the point of attachment may controlled by selecting the appropriate V-shaped bracket 118 among the series of V-shaped brackets 118 disposed along the right or left side member 38 or 40. The functional length of the strap member 34 may be controlled by pulling the strap member 34 to the desired tension across the torso of the person and then lowering the strap member 34 into the V-shaped bracket, such that the V-shaped bracket fits between two beads 112.

In another embodiment where the strap members 34 are constructed from a series of round beads 112, the attachment means may include one or more clasps 126 as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C. The clasps 126 may include a C-shaped portion 128 and a spring biased latch portion 130, and may extend from an attachment point 124 on a lateral face of a side member via a bracket portion 132.

The latch portion 130 extends from a hinge at one end of the C-shaped portion 128 and has an appropriate length to reach the other end of the C-shaped portion 128. The hinged attachment between the C-shaped portion 128 and the latch portion 130 allows the latch portion to assume a closed configuration (FIG. 5A) and an open configuration (FIG. 5B). In use, as shown in FIG. 5C, the clasp 126 may attach to a strap member 34 between any two beads 112. The functional length of the strap member 34 may be controlled by pulling the strap member 34 to the desired tension across the torso of the person and then sliding the strap member into the clasp 126 between any two beads 112.

In FIGS. 5A-5C, the clasp 126 is shown to be attached to the left side member 40 of the back portion 14. However, as one having skill in the art will readily understand, the clasp 126 may also be attached to the right side members 38 or 60 or to the left side member 62. In addition, clasps 126 may be employed as right and left shoulder attachment means 90 and 94 and/or as right and left hip attachment means 92 and 96. Further, it will be understood that a series of clasps 126 may be used as the attachment means so that emergency workers may select the appropriate clasp 126 based on the height of the person.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), two clasps 126 may be attached to an elastic band that extends under the leg portion 16 of the seat 12. In this embodiment, the two clasps 126 correspond to the right and left hip attachment means 92 and 96.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the crotch post 36 extends upwardly from the leg portion 16 of the seat 12 between the right and left side members 60, 62. Preferably, the crotch post 36 extends at least thirty inches above the leg portion 16 of the seat 12.

The crotch post 36 may include a lower portion 80 and an upper portion 82. The lower portion 80 supports the person's crotch and may have a rounded surface in order to provide greater comfort to the person. Preferably, the lower portion 80 extends between about six and ten inches above the leg portion 16 of the seat 12.

The upper portion 82 of the crotch post 36 may have a substantially flat surface 86 for supporting the person's head and torso if the person is leaned forward in the seat 12. In order to effectively support the person's torso, the substantially flat surface 86 of the upper portion 82 is preferably wider than the rounded surface of the lower portion 80. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper portion 82 of the crotch post 36 may be angled away from the back portion 14 of the seat 12 so that the person may be more comfortably leaned against the upper portion 82 of the crotch post 36.

If desired, the substantially flat surface of the upper portion of the crotch posts 36 and 236 may include a central groove 88 to accommodate a person's nose when the person's head and torso are supported by the upper portion 82 of the crotch post 36. Preferably, the central groove 88 extends for at least seventy percent of the length of the upper portion 82 of the crotch post 36 in order to accommodate a person of any height. The central groove or opening may begin at the top and extend across 5% to 100%, for example 25, 50, or 75%, of the length of the crotch post.

The seat 12, base 28, support members 30, and crotch post 36 may be constructed in any manner known to those having skill in the art without falling beyond the scope or spirit of the present invention. Preferably, the seat 12, base 28, support members 30, and crotch post 36 are unitarily formed. More preferably, all portions of the seat 12, base 28, support members 30, and crotch post 36 have a smooth surface substantially free of cracks, crevices, indentations, or pockets that could retain contaminants during decontamination. The seat 12, base 28, support members 30, and crotch post 36 may be constructed from any non-porous material known in the art, including metal, non-porous plastic, non-porous fiberglass, KEVLAR (para-aramid), or any other suitable non-porous material.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 further comprises one or more handles. Preferably, the handles are sufficiently sturdy that the entire restraining apparatus 10, along with a person secured to the restraining apparatus 10, can be lifted using the handles. The handles may be attached to any location on the apparatus 10. For example, the handles may be attached to the longitudinal ends 18, 24 of the leg and back portions 16, 14, or the right and left side members 38, 60, 40, 62, or the base 28, or any other suitable location.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the present invention also provides a method 500 for the decontamination of a person. As indicated in box 502, the method 500 comprises placing the person on a restraining apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention, as described above.

As indicated in box 503a, 503b, and 504, and as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the method 500 further comprises positioning the person C on the seat 12 of the restraining apparatus 10. Initially, as indicated in box 503a, the person C may be positioned with their legs L resting on the leg portion 16 of the seat 12 and straddling the crotch post 36, and with their torso T leaning against the crotch post 36. As indicated in box 503b, the method 500 may further comprise decontaminating the person's back, with the person C in the position shown in FIG. 7. As indicated in box 504, and as shown in FIG. 8, the person C is then positioned such that their back B is resting on the back portion 14 of the seat 12 and their legs L are resting on the leg portion 16 and straddling the crotch post 36.

As indicated in box 506, the method 500 further comprises strapping the person to the restraining apparatus 10 using one or more strap members 34.

Next, in box 508, with the person secured to the restraining apparatus 10, the person is decontaminated.

While the present invention has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, as those having skill in the art may make various modifications without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A restraining apparatus for securing a human during decontamination, the apparatus comprising:

a seat for supporting the person, the seat having a back portion for supporting the person's back and a leg portion for supporting the person's legs, the seat having a seat length and a seat width, the seat having a plurality of openings configured to allow a liquid to drain through the seat;

a base having a base length and a base width, the base length being greater than the seat length and the base width being greater than the seat width;

a plurality of support members connecting the base to the seat, the support members extending upwardly from the base to the seat and locating the seat above the base; and

a harness system for securing the person to the seat, the harness system has at least one of the following:

a) one or more strap members;

b) one or more strap members secured to the back portion of the seat;

c) a crotch post;

d) a crotch post extending upwardly from the leg portion of the seat;

e) one or more strap members used to secure the person's torso to the seat or crotch post and secured to either or both of the back portion of the seat or the crotch post; and

f) an upper restraining member.

2. The restraining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the human is a small child.

3. The restraining apparatus of claim 2, wherein the back portion comprises a plurality of back rungs extending between a back right side member and a back left side member, wherein the back rungs define at least some of the plurality of openings.

4. The restraining apparatus of claim 3, wherein the leg portion comprises a plurality of leg rungs extending between a leg right side member and a leg left side member, wherein the leg rungs define at least some of the plurality of openings.

5. The restraining apparatus of claim 4, wherein the back right side member is unitarily formed with the leg right side member, and the back left side member is unitarily formed with the leg left side member.

6. The restraining apparatus of claim 5, wherein the back rungs and the leg rungs are round in cross section.

7. The restraining apparatus of claim 1, comprising:

a) a base member extending around a perimeter of the base portion to define an enclosed area;

b) a harness comprising straps comprising a series of rounded beads and;

c) a crotch support post.

8. The restraining apparatus of claim 7, comprising:

a) brackets on both the crotch post and back portion capable of supporting the straps, and

b) a rounded crotch post with a indent or opening in the upper portion of the crotch post that extends from 25 to 95 percent of the length of the upper portion of the crotch post.

9. The restraining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises:

a) an upper retaining member;

b) back rungs;

c) right side rung members;

d) left side rung members

e) a front side with a crotch post and

f) a base member extending around a perimeter of the base portion to define an enclosed area.

10. The restraining apparatus of claim 2, wherein the base member has a hollow tubular construction defining a cavity inside the base member, the cavity configured to store a weighting material therein.

11. The restraining apparatus of claim 10, wherein the base member is ellipsoidal in shape and the seat is disposed from about 1.5 to about 2 feet above the base.

12. The restraining apparatus of claim 11, wherein the seat, the base, the plurality of support members, and the crotch post are unitarily formed and the base width is at least twice as great as the seat width.

13. The restraining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the crotch post is adjustable and includes a lower portion having a rounded surface configured to support the person's crotch and an upper portion having a substantially flat surface configured to support the person's head and torso when the person is leaned forward in the seat, the substantially flat surface being wider than the rounded surface.

14. The restraining apparatus of claim 13, wherein the top of the crotch post extends at least 30 inches above the leg portion of the seat, the lower portion of the crotch post extending between about 6 and 10 inches above the leg portion of the seat.

15. The restraining apparatus of claim 14, wherein the upper portion of the crotch post has a central groove or opening configured to accommodate the person's nose when the person's head and torso are supported by the upper portion and wherein the seat and or crotch post further comprises right and left, upper and lower strap attachments.

16. The restraining apparatus of claim 15, wherein the strap members comprise a right shoulder-left hip strap member and a left shoulder-right hip strap member, the right shoulder-left hip strap member extending from the right shoulder attachment to the left hip attachment, the left shoulder-right hip strap member extending from the left shoulder attachment to the right hip attachment.

17. The restraining apparatus of claim 15, wherein the harness system further comprises a strap-to-strap attachment and wherein the strap members include a right shoulder strap member, a left shoulder strap member, a right hip strap member, and a left hip strap member all connected to and respectively extending from the strap-to-strap attachment to the right shoulder attachment, the left shoulder attachment, the right hip attachment, and the left hip attachment.

18. The restraining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the strap members further comprise a series of connected round beads.

19. A method of decontaminating a human, the method comprising: placing the human on the restraining apparatus of claim 1 and decontaminating the human with liquids.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein said human is a small child or infant and after said child is placed on or in the restraining apparatus, positioning said child on the seat of the restraining apparatus and securing the harness.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein said small child or infant is positioned on the seat of the restraining apparatus with said child's legs resting on the leg portion and straddling the crotch post with the child's torso being held against the crotch post; and

decontaminating the child's back.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein said seat of said restraining apparatus is constructed of a plurality of tubular members.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the harness of the apparatus of claim 1 consists of a series of rounded beads.