WO2013118145A2

WO2013118145A2 - A portable, collapsible apparatus for hands-free transport of multiple payloads including humans, that is stow -able on the person of the rescuer, the system and methods thereof.

Info

Publication number: WO2013118145A2
Application number: PCT/IN2013/000055
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aslam Sharief MUHAMMED
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-02-06
Filing date: 2013-01-28
Publication date: 2013-08-15
Anticipated expiration: 2014-08-06
Also published as: WO2013118145A3

Description

A portable, collapsible apparatus for hands-free transport of multiple payloads including humans, that is stow-able on the person of the rescuer, the system and methods thereof. Field of the invention

This invention relates to the field of transporting and transferring payloads in a quick and efficient manner; more particularly to manual transport and transfer of humans especially in emergencies entailing constraints of time, safety, additional manpower and specialised equipment, among others.

Background of the invention

While sophisticated equipment have evolved over time for the transport of human paraphernalia as well as humans itself, challenges posed by emergency situations with constraints as to time, safety, additional manpower and specialized equipment, etc., continue to daunt man to this day. The need for additional emergency-help (additional manpower) and supporting equipment to transport an injured person from an accident spot, or battle field, or even from an ambulance into the hospital ward or operation theatre, when time is short, are cases in point. Statistics indicate that the lack of additional help/manpower and/or the lack of transport equipment during crucial moments have proven fatal to the critically injured. The commonly used transport/transfer systems and apparatus employed in non-combat environments include at least two or more hands (manpower), a stretcher or such other device that more often than not, occupies considerable space besides being unwieldy, to secure, transport and transfer the injured/sick. Professional rescuers such as fire-fighters, military personnel etc., undergo specialised and intensive training and discipline to handle emergency rescue operations with ad hoc kits and accoutrements to bundle- and-drag/package-and-move or lift the injured or deceased from one place to another. Unfortunately such quality training and discipline is lacking in staff of civilian hospitals, due to economic, operational, among other reasons. Moreover, the bundle- and-drag/package-and-move methods used by fire- fighters or military personnel serve mainly the purpose of moving/transporting the injured/deceased over a very short distance only, since it is neither feasible nor safe to drag a human over long distances especially over uneven, wet or untrodden terrain, in which case the only alternative is to physically carry the injured/deceased to the destination - which is a tiresome and tedious proposition and which entails the total engagement of at least one arm of the rescuer, besides engaging his focus to keep his balance and pace etc., which compromise the rescuers safety as well, in the incendiary/combat arena. During a rescue operation, an average human adult can at best carry one injured/deceased adult at a time and run/walk, which would at least double his time to cover the same distance, as without the load. Besides, the structure, shape, size and weight of an adult human renders him all the more unwieldy especially when his body is limp due to injury/death. This could mean each injured person requires one ad hoc, robust and willing rescuer, in an emergency - which (ratio of 1 : 1) is highly improbable in most emergency circumstances where damage to life and limb is rapid and severe. However, with the fast pace and complexities of civilised life, it is not uncommon to meet situations of emergency, both in military and civil life, wherein an acute shortage of time, equipment and additional hands (manpower), tell on the quality of the operation to rescue the critically injured. Emergency medical transport equipment available today ranges from simple, collapsible quadrangle with 4-wheels or at least 2-wheels, to the sophisticated, 'all found' contraptions that provide for other life saving medical equipment snugly fitted together. However, even the simplest of medical emergency transport equipment available today, such as portable and collapsible stretchers, chairs etc., occupy considerable space and mass and therefore cannot be stowed on the person of a rescuer all the time and therefore need to be first transported to the spot of need, in order to carryout the transport of the injured/deceased, which entails severe time delays and logistical and operational lapses/risks. Another drawback in todays rescue methods including the bundle-and- drag/package-and-move methods is, the time and effort it takes in strapping or otherwise securing the subject (human) before being transported/moved.

Another drawback in most of today's emergency medical transport equipment (however much collapsible they may be) is their shape, size, weight, dimension and complexity that render them unwieldy for a single man to handle, and which gets further compounded when the injured are to be air-lifted, since ground equipment are incompatible with airlifting gear. In US20120007340 wherein an attempt to stow a collapsible wheeled stretcher on the person of the rescuer has been made with some success, the said invention cannot be engaged hands-free while transporting an injured person. Still further, the aspect of being a four-wheeled stretcher greatly reduces its manoeuvrability and navigability as also the comfort accorded to the injured during transport on uneven terrain due to the rigid chassis that bears the payload. Besides, the relatively long time it would take to secure the injured with straps on to the stretcher is another disadvantage especially in view of the shortage of time and hands (manpower) during emergencies such as in the battle field or fire accidents. A further drawback is its relative infeasibility when the payload is to be airlifted. In US8087112 too, wherein an attempt to stow a collapsible stretcher on the person of the rescuer has been made with some success, and the rescuer is able to transport the payload hands- free, (a) the time it would take to assemble and bring the collapsed stretcher into operation especially due to the relatively complex and elaborate assembly process/procedure, and still further (b) the time it would take to strap-up the injured on to the stretcher are disadvantageous especially in combat/incendiary/disaster prone arena, that entail acute shortage of time. Other significant disadvantages of the said invention would include, (c) the considerable space it would occupy even when collapsed owing to its design and structure, besides being that much (d) cumbersome and heavier on the rescuer to carry as dead weight and would therefore be (e) undesirable as an item to form part of the regular outfit for a soldier. Besides, the assembly and disassembly/collapse of the said invention as described, (f) cannot be easily automated owing to the complexity of its structure/design, and would therefore (g) call for ad hoc training in advance for the rescuer before he can employ the said invention which render it cost prohibitive for large scale implementation.

There is therefore an urgent as well as long felt need for an cost-effective, portable, collapsible apparatus, system and method/s for simple and quick, single-handed, hands-free, manual simultaneous transport and transfer of multiple payloads including humans, with minimal effort, that is light and stow-able on the person of the rescuer. Objects of the invention

It is therefore the main object of this invention to apply the 'quarter wheel concept', propounded by this inventor, to smoothly, seamlessly and almost effortlessly shift/transfer the load from a flat/punctured wheel of a vehicle, on to another wheel (of the same or marginally different radius) by interposing 'the quarter of a small wheel' which is melded to the hooping of and contiguous with the latter'.

Another main object of this invention is to design, construct and develop a cost It is therefore the main object of this invention to provide for an efficient, cost-effective, portable, collapsible apparatus, system and method/s for simple and quick, single- handed, hands-free, manual simultaneous transport and transfer of multiple payloads including humans, with minimal effort, that is light and stow-able on the person of the rescuer.

It is another main object of this invention to provide for a transport and transfer apparatus and system so designed and structured that it is unobtrusive and can form part of the rescuers' standard kit or PLCE (Personal Load Carrying Equipment) wherein the payload can be carried and transported with minimal effort and stress to the rescuer and the rescued.

It is another main object of this invention to provide for an economical, lightweight and highly collapsible single-handedly operable alternative to the present day unwieldy quadrangular stretcher (with 4-wheels or at least 2-wheels), which demands two or more persons to engage in a typical emergency rescue operation.

It is another main object of this invention to provide for a device that is suitable for medical transport on the ground, as well as compatible for instantly airlifting the injured/deceased (subject), without the need to strap or otherwise additionally secure the subject before airlifting.

It is another main object of this invention to provide for an emergency medical transportation apparatus whereby a rescuer can singlehandedly load the injured on to it and transport him with minimal physical effort and in a very short time, even over relatively uneven terrain, especially as an alternative to the 'Bundle-and- Drag'/'Package and Move' method which involves strapping and dragging carrying the subject which is relatively time consuming and cumbersome.

It is another main object of this invention to provide for a handy, triangular hauling apparatus in the form of a stretcher that preferably runs/rolls on one wheel, characterized by superior manoeuvrability, collapsibility, stowability, automated stretch-out and collapse operations, that transports a human in a reclining posture, and that forms part of a rescuers standard outfit/gear.

It is a further object of this invention to provide for an emergency medical transportation apparatus to manually transport a human/s by either pulling or pushing the payload, at the rescuer's option especially in terrains such as but not limited to foresty or rugged terrains or while traversing or fording water bodies or to effortlessly mount the payload on the rescuer's person and transport it in a recumbent position. It is a further object of this invention to provide for an an emergency medical transportation apparatus, system and methods to traverse water bodies that are too deep to wade/ford, whereby the unit fitted with buoying means can be made to float on the surface of the water whereby the rescuer can drag the said laden unit along, while swimming across the water.

It is a further object of this invention to provide for an emergency medical transportation apparatus, system and methods whereby a single rescuer can simultaneously transport more than one units of payload (e.g., injured humans) with considerable ease and efficiency.

It is a further object of this invention to provide for further adaptations of the emergency medical transportation apparatus, to suit other needs of the soldier/rescuer such as but not limited to climbing/scaling, rappelling, mounting and positioning surveillance devices such as cameras/scanners, or other communication systems etc., Statement and summary of the invention

According to this invention, there is therefore provided an efficient, cost-effective, portable, collapsible apparatus and system for simple and quick, single-handed, hands-free, manual, simultaneous transport and transfer of multiple payloads including humans, comprising;

(a) A plurality of Units, each unit of the system comprising;

(i)(a) A relatively rigid component, being a highly collapsible system of at least two arms that supports a relatively flexible component; each arm comprising a plurality of elements that can be stretched out, or collapsed to occupy minimal space; each said element is provided with means to be fastened to the said relatively flexible component; the said arms converge toward their distal ends where they meet and get attached to means to reduce friction by such joint that allows for the necessary play/movement along the X and Y axes for the said two arms to be spliced/jointed at their proximal ends and to be separated, to facilitate transfer, loading and unloading of the payload.;

(i)(b) A relatively flexile component, being means to bear, support and cushion the payload, wherein the said flexible component is attached/secured to the said elements such that it does not hinder, hamper or tangle when the said elements rotate, collapse or stretch out, but stretches out and collapses in conjunction with the said elements; and further such that when the proximal ends of the said arms of the said rigid component are joined together or spliced and suspended vertically, the payload if any contained therein is not only snugly cocooned and secured from falling out, but is also not squeezed or crushed, while its overall posture/shape is preserved intact;

And wherein, the said relatively flexile component is optionally further provided with a Substructure to support the payload in order to prevent it from buckling, wherein, the said substructure comprises a plurality of members which are collapsibly fastned one to another such that the maximum swing/pivotal/rotation about a given joint is about 180 degrees and suspended from the said arms by either flexible or rigid means whereby, when stretched out under the weight of the payload, the said members of the substructure form a plain surface; and wherein the said flexile component is attached/secured to the said members such that they do not hinder, hamper or tangle when the said elements rotate, collapse or stretch out, but stretch out and collapses in conjunction with the said elements;

(i)(c) Anchoring means provided at one (proximal) end of the said relatively rigid component, that aid in anchorage of the said unit (in)to a Fastening means of a Fastening-apparatus, comprising; (i)(c)(a) a vertical arm - being a cylinder or polyhedron that fits into the said fastening means; (i)(c)(b) a flexible or resilient means that connects the upper end of the said vertical arm to the said first/proximal element of a given arm and allows for vertical, horizontal play/movement of the said arm, and being made up of such flexible resilient material that can withstand and absorb the shock caused due to the walking/running/movement of the rescuer while the payload is pulled/pushed; the said flexible or resilient means makes an acute angle with the said vertical arm of the Anchoring means so as to form a hook-like structure to facilitate simple engagement of airlifting or other gear; the said anchoring means is further provided with suitable mechanism to be locked to and unlocked from the said fastening means; and wherein the upper end of one or both of the said vertical arms of the said Anchoring means is provided with a clamping or clipping means such that the two arms of the said rigid component can be spliced and clamped together;

(i)(d) Means to minimise friction while in motion over terrain, provided at another (distal) end of the said relatively rigid component; (ii) A Fastening-apparatus for stowing, carrying and anchoring/cantilevering of the said (collapsed as well as stretched) components (i)(a), (i)(b), (i)(c),

(i) (d), above, on the outfit/gear/person of a rescuer comprising;

(ii) (a) Means that form part of the outfit/gear of a rescuer characterized by such structure, shape and design that firmly and snugly fit on his person so as to allow for free movement of especially his arms and legs, and which also bear the Fastening means, and with means to absorb the shock and stress when the payload is pulled/pushed, that can be firmly fastened, strapped or buckled around the waist, shoulder, chest or other part of the rescuer's body;

(ii)(b) Fastening means, to which the said Anchoring means get fastened, characterised by such structure shape and design as to allow for engagement and disengagement of the said Anchoring means,

wherein the said Apparatus when stretched out, with the proximal end fastened/clung to the body of the rescuer through the Fastening means, transports a human or other payload in a reclining, recumbent or vertical posture/position, being light, highly collapsible, so as to be stowed on the person of a rescuer, by forming part of his personal gear/outfit and wherein a system of more than one such units can be effectively engaged by a single rescuer simultaneously.

Brief description of the Drawings:

FIGURE 1 : describes the apparatus and system comprising four units, collapsed and stowed on the person of a rescuer as part of his outfit/gear.

FIGURE 2: describes one stretched out unit, fastened to the Fastening apparatus on the shoulder of a rescuer who is transporting the human payload, hands-free.

FIGURE 3: describes four personnel engaging one stretched-out unit each, viz., (i) front-shoulder; (ii) front-waist; (iii) rear-shoulder; and (iv) rear-waist.

FIGURE 4: describes a single individual engaging four different stretched-out units viz., (i) front-shoulder; (ii) front-waist; (iii) rear-shoulder; and (iv) rear-waist.

FIGURE 5: describes a close-up of the proximal end of a single element of an arm, being a hollow cylindrical tube with a transverse constriction around which is the Ring bearing a loop (being the means for fastening the netting to the rigid arm) FIGURE 6: describes a longitudinal view of an arm showing a plurality of elements, each bearing a Ring and a Loop. FIGURE 7: describes the Anchoring means comprising the vertical arm and the resilient means making an acute angle; connected to the l^st/proximal element of the rigid component (or arm).

FIGURE 8: describes the close-up of the resilient means of the Anchoring means, bearing the swivelling means, connected to the rotary means being (i) a motor and (ii) a spindle with two draw-strings.

FIGURE 9: describes two rescuers, facing opposite directions, engaging a single unit each to transport human payloads, down the stairs.

FIGURE 10: describes a rescuer engaging a single unit to transport a human payload up the stairs, by turning the unit up-side down such that the caster/wheel is not in contact with the terrain.

FIGURE 1 1 : describes a long shot of a human payload being airlifted vertically with the rigid arms of the unit spliced together.

FIGURE 12: describes a close-up of the airlifting gear (rope) from an aircraft, fastened to the hook-like structure formed by the acute angle made by the resilient means with the vertical arm of the Anchoring means of a unit.

FIGURE 13: describes a plurality of disassembled 'members' or Slats that form the 'Substructure' which is an optional accessory to the Unit.

FIGURE 14: describes the assembled Substructure comprising a plurality of 'members' or Slats that are hinged together to form a flat surface when stretched out. FIGURE 15: describes the collapsed Substructure wherein the elastic/resilience means tend to collapse the Slats.

FIGURE 16: describes the apparatus and system comprising four units, bearing the optional Substructure, collapsed and stowed on the person of a rescuer as part of his outfit/gear.

FIGURE 17: describes a stretched out unit, showing the Substructure, along with optional Unloading gear, being Broad Strap(s) with tapering ends velcroed to a given member/Slat of the Substructure

FIGURE 18: describes the Spliced arms of a unit, carrying a human payload, anchored into the fastening means of the Fastening apparatus which forms part of the rescuer's outfit.

FIGURE 19: describes Step I to lift the Unit (with spliced arms) bearing a human payload, so as to carry it in a horizontal position, wherein, the region of the substructure corresponding to the midsection of the human payload is placed on the shoulder by rolling the distal end of the unit closer to the rescuers body while lifting its proximal end.

FIGURE 20: describes a Human payload being carried in horizontal position, (Step II), being the suitable method of transfer and transport especially while wading water or across such other forest or rugged terrain.

Index of items described in the drawings:

1. Single Arm (stretched or collapsed)

2. One Element of an Arm

3. First (proximal) element

4. Last (distal) element

5. Transverse constriction

6. Ring

7. Loop

8. Anchoring means

9. Vertical arm of Anchoring means

10. Flexible/resilient means of the Anchoring means

1 1. Hook-like structure

12. Swiveling means/joint

13. Aircraft

14. Netting

15. Motor

16. Motor shaft

17. Spindle

18. Hollow cylindrical tube connecting the spindle to the swiveling means 19. Draw-string

20. Fastening-Apparatus

21. Fastening means

22. Swivel-able caster/wheel

23. Human payload

24. Air-lifting gear (Rope)

25. A Slat, being one of the members of the Substructure

26. Collapsed Substructure

27. Stretched-out Substructure

28. Hinge knuckle with Pins, at Male-end of Slat 29. Hinge knuckles at Female-end of Slat

30. Fastening means/Ring(s) on the dorsal side of one member of a pair of Slats

31. Fastening means/Ring(s) on the ventral side of the other member of a pair of Slats

32. Abutment & Stop structure to restrict pivoting angle to 180 degrees

33. Elastic/resilience means that tend to collapse the Substructure

34. Unloading gear, being - Broad Straps with tapering ends

35. Human payload being carried in horizontal position Detailed description of the invention:

It is pertinent to mention that the description herein is meant to merely explain the design, construction and method/s by which the invention can be worked, more particularly and especially in a manner that applies (without limitation to) the apparatus propounded by the inventor herein, and without limitation as to obvious alterations, modifications and adaptations of the parts, construction and method/s described, and that the diagrams/drawings herein are not drawn to scale but only serve to schematically explain the construction, broad working concept of the invention and represent the broad dimensions, shapes, spatial arrangement and inter- relationships of the parts, without limitation to their interchangeable or other obvious modifications and/or adaptations. It is also pertinent to mention that the computer generated diagrams herein are merely a means of schematic explanation. This invention anticipates material/s (including metals such as steel, aluminium, and various other metals and metallic alloys and other combinations, reinforced plastic, fiber-plastic, leather, rubber, PVC, their various forms, adaptations and versions and other materials) commonly used in the art for manufacture of medical or other transport equipment, and its parts, including fastening means etc., Also anticipated are materials used in the art for the manufacture of durable, heavy duty strings Or cords that can bear heavy loads and that are resilient to the required or suitable degree, while possessing anti-slip texture/properties. Obvious and rather trivial details that do not warrant specific mention and which are known and obvious to a person skilled in the art are not mentioned and/or explained and/or drawn, while they are very much a part of this invention. The description herein therefore shall not be construed to unduly limit the intended scope and extent of the invention. Meanings of important terms used:

For the purposes of this specification,

'Unit': comprises 1(a), 1(b), 1(c), 1(d), 1(e), 1(f) described herebelow.

'Apparatus': comprises one unit, and the fastening-apparatus, which forms part of the rescuers outfit/gear, and which bears the fastening means.

'System': comprises the plurality of Apparatus that one rescuer can don and engage simultaneously or otherwise, with or without a payload.

'Rescuer': means preferably a human, but includes a machine, robot and an animal engaged in a rescue operation.

Detailed description of parts of the apparatus and system:

I EMBODIMENT - 1

According to this (preferred) embodiment, there is provided an efficient, cost- effective, portable, collapsible apparatus, system and method/s for simple and quick, single-handed, hands-free, manual, simultaneous transport and transfer of multiple payloads including humans [23], with minimal effort, comprising;

1. A plurality of Units, each unit of the system comprising;

(a) A relatively rigid component, being a highly collapsible system of at least two arms [1] that supports a relatively flexible component - being the netting [14] described hereinbelow; each arm [1] comprises a plurality of (about 10 - 11) elements [2] that can be stretched out, or collapsed to occupy minimal space; Each said element [2] of the arm [1] being a hollow cylindrical pipe about 8 inches in (total) length, and wherein one (distal) end is flanged into a Collar about 0.5 inches in length and with an outer diameter (of about 0.05 inches) greater than the diameter of the rest of the respective element [2]. The arrangement of the said elements [2] is telescoping such that the last element [4] (at the distal end of a given arm) has the smallest diameter and snugly fits into the lumen of the preceding element [2] which has a marginally greater diameter, and the first (or proximal) element [3] of an arm [1] has the largest diameter (without limitation) of about 1.25 inches. The said collar bears a transverse constriction [5] of about 0.25 inches in length and 0.05 inches in depth) on its outer surface to accommodate a Ring [6] that rotates freely around but is restricted within the said transverse constriction [5]. The said Ring [6] bears on its outer edge, a Loop [7] of about 0.2 inch diameter. Each said element [2] or hollow cylindrical pipe bears screw threads (not shown in drawings), both on its outer surface and its inner surface along its length excepting the said collar. The 'lead' of the said threads is preferably wide (about 4 inches, without limitation) so as to enable greater degree of telescopic extension and collapse per rotation. Each said element [2] or hollow cylindrical pipe has a transverse circular ridge (not shown in drawings) around the outer surface at its proximal end and another transverse circular ridge in its inner surface at its distal end just before the flange/collar such that each element [2] (except the 1^st or proximal element [3]) is permanently locked to the preceding element [2] of next higher diameter (by the said transverse circular ridges) thereby restricting its movement from coming free of the preceding element [2] of next higher diameter but allowing for its slide- able/telescopic/rotary movement within.

The proximal ends of the said arms [1] are attached to Anchoring means [8]. The said arms [1] converge toward their distal end where they meet and get attached to the means to reduce friction - being preferably a swivel-able caster or wheel [22], thereby forming a triangular stretcher. The joint where the distal ends of the said arms [1] meet with each other and with the said caster [22], is such that it allows for the necessary play/movement along the X and Y axes for the said two arms to be spliced/jointed at their proximal ends. Such joint is without limitation at least one pivot joint or a hinge joint or ball and socket joint or any combination of thereof, so as to facilitate the transfer, loading and unloading of the payload.

The material that the said elements [2] are made of is, without limitation - metal (steel) or alloys or plastic or P VC, Fibre-plastic or reinforced plastic or combinations of such other material known in the art that is light and capable of withstanding the weight of the payload and makes a smooth surface that offers minimal friction during extension or collapse of the said elements [2]. (b) A relatively flexile component, being means to bear, support and further cushion the payload, which is preferably (without limitation) a netting [14] made of light weight, and preferably all-weather durable material with the desired degree of elasticity such as but not limited to nylon, spliced with rubber or such other suitable material/s or combination/s thereof known in the art, wherein each end of every main/transverse strand of the net [14] is tied/secured to the said loop [7] attached to the said Ring [6] referred above, such that every main transverse strand connects one element [2] of a given arm [1] to the corresponding element [2] of another. Each said main/transverse strand is further connected to adjacent strands by means of longitudinal strands so as to form a net [14] to effectively bear the weight of the payload. The said netting [14] so formed is in the form of a triangular narrowing hammock characterised by a structure that provides for the centre of gravity of the payload to rest rather toward the distal end of the said rigid arms [1], and further such that when the proximal ends of the said arms [1] (of the rigid component described above) are joined together or spliced and suspended (vertically) from the said proximal end, the payload (especially but not limited to human [23]) contained in the said netting [14] is not only snugly cocooned and secured from falling out, but is also not squeezed or crushed, while its overall posture is preserved intact,

(c) The said unit is further provided with a mechanism to automatically stretch out and automatically collapse by actuating the required mechanism wherein, The 1^st (proximal element [3]) of each arm [1] is connected directly or indirectly to a rotary device such as a motor [15] and/or a draw string/s [19] wound on a spindle [17] such that the rotating motion in a given direction of (at least) the second last element [2] causes the said second last element [2] to unscrew or unwind itself from the last (distal) element [4] and once the said second last element [2] unscrews itself from its succeeding/last element [4] and ceases to rotate, the third last element [2] unscrews itself from the said second last element [2] and so on until the first (proximal element [3]) of each arm unscrews itself from its succeeding element [2] thereby causing the collapsed arms [1] of the unit to stretch out. Rotation caused by the said rotary device in the opposite direction will cause the stretched out unit to collapse as each element [2] screws itself into the lumen of its preceding element [2] until all elements [2] enter the lumen of the said first (proximal) element [3]. The said unscrewing and screwing of elements [2] is effectively brought about due to the fact that on the one hand, the 1^st element [2] is freely swivel-able about its longitudinal axis at its proximal end wherein it is connected to the anchoring means [8] by a swivelling joint [12], which in turn is connected to the rotary device, and on the other hand the last or distal element [4] of each arm is nonrotary since it is fixed to the last or distal element [4] of the other arm and also to the head of a swivelling castor or wheel [22], and the stretching out and collapse is further brought about by the screw threads on the inner and outer ' surfaces of each element [2]. As a substitute or alternative to the powered rotary device or motor [15] (to meet situations such as when the power source or battery is spent/flat etc.,) two draw-strings [19] are also wound around a spindle [17] connected to the said swivelling means [12] which in turn is connected to the proximal end of each 1^st proximal element [3] such that when one of the said draw-string [19] is manually pulled, it unwinds to rotate the spindle [17] and in turn rotates the said 1^st proximal element/s [3] in a given direction; and like wise when the other draw-string [19] is pulled it causes rotation of the spindle [17], the said swivelling means [12] and the said 1^st proximal elements [3] in the opposite direction, thereby bringing about the stretching out and collapse of the arms [1] of the unit. The said spindle [17] is coaxially placed just behind the swivelling means [12] and is connected to it through a hollow cylindrical tube [18] which can disengage and engage the said swivelling means [12] when a draw-string [19] is to be pulled. One end of each of the said draw strings [19] (wound in opposite directions) is permanently fixed to the said spindle [17] while the other end of each drawstring [19] is free to be pulled/drawn. The shaft [16] of the motor [15] that connects the swivelling means [12] runs through the said hollow cylindrical tube [18] such that the motor [15] engages the said swivelling means [12], without engaging the said spindle [17].

(d) Anchoring means [8] provided at one (upper/proximal) end of the said relatively rigid component, that aid in anchorage of the said unit (in)to the Fastening means [21] of the Fastening-apparatus [20]; - comprising (a) a vertical arm [9] - being a cylinder or cylindrical polygon or polyhedron made of light and strong material - that fits into a fastening means [21] or hole or mortise; (b) a flexible or resilient means [10] that connects the upper end of the said vertical arm [9] to the said first/proximal element [3] of a given arm [1] (rigid component) and allows for vertical, horizontal play/movement of the said arm [1] - being made up of either a cylindrical piece of (without limitation) rubber or such other flexible resilient material optionally reinforced/supported with metal wire, or a metal spring or such other material or structure that can withstand the stress caused when the payload is pulled/pushed and that can absorb the shock caused due to the walking/running/movement of the rescuer while the payload is pulled/pushed. The said flexible or resilient means [10] makes an preferably acute (< 90 degrees) angle with the said Vertical arm [9] of the Anchoring means [8] so as to form a hook-like structure [1 1] to facilitate simple engagement of airlifting gear [24] or other gear or rope or knot, when the unit along with its payload is to be transported/transferred. The said anchoring means [8] is further provided with suitable mechanism known in the art to be locked to and unlocked from the said fastening means [21] such as by (without limitation) a press lock, (or push lock or a carter pin). The other end of the said flexible or resilient means [10] is further provided with a swivelling means [12] which in turn is permanently fixed to the upper end of the said first/proximal element [3] of each arm [1] such that when the said swivelling means [12] rotates, the said first/proximal element [3] also rotates. The said vertical arm [9] is further provided with a power source such as a battery which can be seated preferably within its hollow space and which is connected to the said motor [15]. One or both of the said vertical arms [9] of the said anchoring means [8] is further provided with simple clamping or clipping means at the upper end such that the two arms [1] of the said rigid component can be spliced and clamped together by pushing one member of the said clipping/clamping means located on one of the said vertical arm [9] into/against another, wherein the said clipping/clamping means is without limitation a pipe clip or spring clamp, (e) A rotary means being, preferably but not limited to, (i) an electric motor [15] (preferably one for each arm) which is embedded in the said flexible or resilient means [10] and is connected to the said swivelling means [12], and (ii) Two draw-strings [19] wound (in opposite directions) around a spindle [17] which is coaxially connected to the said swivelling means [12], such that when one of the said draw-string [19] is pulled, the spindle [17] (and so the swivelling means [12]) rotates in a given direction to cause the elements [2] of the respective arm [1] to unwind and stretch out, and when the other drawstring [19] is pulled, the spindle [17] (and so the swivelling means [12]) rotates in the opposite direction to cause the elements [2] of the respective arm [1] to wind and collapse. Both rotary means (i) and (ii) are embedded within the flexible/resilient means [10] as shown in the drawings. The means to actuate the motor [15], being a switch (not shown in the drawings) is also located on the said flexible/resilient means [10].

(f) Means to minimise friction while in use/motion, provided at another (lower/distal) end of the said relatively rigid component - being preferably a single swivelling caster or wheel [22], at the junction where the said two arms [1] meet.

2. Fastening-apparatus [20] for stowing, carrying and anchoring/cantilevering of the said (collapsed as well as stretched) components 1(a), 1(b), 1(c), 1(d), 1(e) and 1(f) above, on the outfit/gear/person of a rescuer comprising; *

(a) Means that form part of the outfit/gear of a rescuer characterized by such structure, shape and design that firmly and snugly fit on his person so as to allow for free movement of especially his arms and legs, and which also bear the Fastening means [21], - being, a belt, or a system of belts or straps, with the necessary padding to absorb the shock and stress when the payload is pulled/pushed, that can be firmly fastened, strapped or buckled around (but not limited to) the waist and/or shoulder and/or upper chest or other part of the person of the rescuer;

(b) Fastening means [21], to which the said Anchoring means [8] get fastened, characterised by a structure shape and design so as to allow for engagement and disengagement of the said Anchoring means [8] by actuating a mechanism for the purpose - being a set of holes or mortises into which the vertical arm [9] of the said Anchoring means [8] are inserted and locked by a locking means such as (without limitation) a press lock or push lock and which can be unlocked and removed from the said hole/mortise of the Fastening-apparatus [20] by the rescuer.

Wherein the said Apparatus is triangular when stretched out, with the proximal end fastened/clung to the body of the rescuer through the Fastening means [21], transports a human [23] in a reclining posture/position while for instance being transported on ground, and can transfer the human [23] in a vertical position while for instance being air-lifted, being light, highly collapsible (when not in use), so as to be stowed on the person of a rescuer, by forming part of his personal gear/outfit and wherein more than one such units can be effectively engaged by a single rescuer simultaneously. METHOD/S OF OPERATING THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT:

In the interest of brevity, sample situations and terrains have been indicated herein without limitation to the scope and extent of this invention.

1. RESCUE AND TRANSPORT ON EVEN GROUND

In order to transport injured (human/s [23] on animal/s) a single rescuer donning the said (collapsed) System and Apparatus arrives at the spot and;

(a) Turns on/actuates the rotary mechanism to stretch-out at least 1, 2, 3 or 4 units as required. The rotary mechanism may be either a battery powered motor [15] or the manual draw-strings [19] wound around the spindle [17], embedded in the Flexible/resilient means [10] of the Anchoring means [8].

(b) Once the units are stretched out, they are disengaged from the Fastening- means [21] of the Fastening apparatus [20] by unlocking the Anchoring means [8] from the Fastening means [21] and lays the stretched units on the ground. Each injured human [23]/animal is laid on the said Unit with his head towards the Anchoring means/proximal end of the Unit.

(c) In case there are additional hands (manpower) available, the injured can be laid on the Unit/s without disengaging them from the Fastening-Apparatus [20], thereby bypassing step (b) above.

(d) When the injured are laid on the respective Units, the said Units are held by the Anchoring means [8] at the proximal ends and fastened to the fastening means [21] in the Fastening- Apparatus [20] on the person of the Rescuer.

(e) The Rescuer is now ready to comfortably transport at least (without limitation) up to 4 payloads (e.g., humans [23]) on (without limitation) at least 4 units on his person.

2. RESCUE AND TRANSPORT ON UNEVEN TERRAIN

In order to transport the injured (e.g., human [23] or animal) a single rescuer donning the said (collapsed) System and Apparatus arrives at the spot and executes steps (a), (b), (c) and (d) above wherein he chooses to either push the payload by engaging the Unit/s in the from (ahead of him) or pull the payload by engaging the Unit/s behind him; In case of unfamiliar terrain he may choose to pull the payload by engaging the Unit/s behind him.

3. RESCUE AND TRANSPORT OVER A FLIGHT OF STAIRS An example of transporting a human [23] on uneven terrain such as a staircase is (without limitation to the scope and extent of this invention) shown in the drawings wherein;

(a) WHILE ASCENDING A FLIGHT OF STAIRS, the rescuer executes the steps (a), (b), (c) and (d) above with the exception that the Unit is turned up-side down such that the caster [22] is not in touch with the ground and the distal elements [2] of the said Arms [1] are in contact with the ground/floor/stairs. This is to preclude a tangle of the caster [22] with the perpendicular phase of the stairs. The rescuer may choose to preferably pull the Unit with the payload up the flight of stairs either fastened to the Fastening-Apparatus [20] or by holding the proximal ends of the Unit and climbing up as shown in the drawing.

(b) WHILE DESCENDING A FLIGHT OF STAIRS, the rescuer executes the steps (a), (b), (c) and (d) above, and may choose to preferably pull the Unit with the payload down the stairs either fastened to the Fastening- Apparatus [20] as shown in the drawings, or by holding the proximal ends of the Unit and climbing down.

The rescuer may adjust the length of the Arms [1] by actuating the rotary means to make the desired angle of the Unit with the ground, such that the payload does not touch the terrain while being transported.

RESCUE AND TRANSFER BY AIR-LIFTING:

After steps (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) above, once the payload (e.g., human [23]) is brought to the spot from where it is to be air lifted,

(f) The rescuer disengages the Anchoring means [8] from the Fastening means [21] of the Fastening- Apparatus [20],

(g) The rescuer joins/splices the proximal ends of both arms [1] of the Unit by engaging the pipe clip or spring clamp such that the payload is secured and encapsulated by the netting [14] that enshrouds and cocoons it snugly and also by the said arms [1] that are joined together that provide rigidity and support to the capsule to keep the payload from buckling/deforming. This obviates the need to additionally secure the payload with straps or other such securing gear, since the said netting [14] snugly grips the payload and the said Arms [1] act as the mainstay to lend support and preserve the posture/shape of the payload. (h) The rescuer then fastens the airlifting gear [24] such as a rope to the spliced Anchoring means [8] that form a hook-like structure [11] by making an acute angle with the arms [1], by means of a slipknot or other such knot. The payload along with the unit is now suspended vertically and can be drawn up/down from the aircraft [13].

UNLOADING THE PAYLOAD:

A simple method to unload a given payload would include without limitation, while the unit is not vertical in position, moving the proximal end of one of the said arms [1] of the said rigid component away from the other along the vertical axis/plane, such that the payload gently rolls over, out of the said unit. This is made possible by either a double hinge joint/pivot joint (one perpendicular to the other) or a ball and socket joint or any combination thereof. In case of an injured (e.g., human [23]/animal) payload, the said unit is placed on the surface on to which it is to be transferred, and then the netting [14] is gently pulled from underneath the payload along with the said rigid arms [1] along the direction of the longitudinal strands of the netting [14] toward the distal end, while gently lifting the corresponding sections of the payload.

FURTHER ADAPTATION FOR OTHER USES:

This invention anticipates further adaptations of the said system and apparatus to suit specific and varied needs of the soldier/rescuer such as but not limited to be used (a) as climbing/scaling/rappelling gear, (b) as towing gear, (c) for mounting and positing surveillance devices such as cameras/scanners or other communication systems etc.,

II EMBODIMENT - 2

This embodiment is a stripped/bare cost-effective version similar to

Embodiment-I described above except the following distinguishing aspects;

(a) The elements [2] of the Arms [1] do not carry screw threads either inside (inner lining/lumen) or outside (outer surface).

(b) The Anchoring means [8] does not contain any automatic mechanism for stretching out or collapsing the said elements [2].

(c) The process of stretching out and collapsing is therefore manual whereby the rescuer physically pulls/extends out each element [2] to stretch out the arms [1] and physically pushes/collapses each element [2] to collapse the arms [1].

Ill EMBODIMENT - 3

This embodiment is similar to Embodiment-I hereabove, except the following distinguishing aspects wherein, the said relatively flexile component referred to in 1(b) of Embodiment I is further provided with;

(i) a 'Substructure' [26, 27] to support the payload in order to prevent it from buckling, wherein, the said substructure comprises a plurality of members [25] which are collapsibly fastned one to another such that the maximum swing/pivotal/rotation about a given joint is (about) 180 degrees and suspended from the said arms [1] either by means of the transverse strands of the said netting or by means of rods (of hard plastic, metal or PVC or other suitable material known in the art) or by a combination of the two, whereby, when stretched out under the weight of the payload [23, 35], the said members [25] of the substructure [26, 27] form a plain supporting surface; and wherein the said flexile component [14] is attached/secured to the said members [25] such that they do not hinder, hamper or tangle when the said elements [2] rotate, collapse or stretch out, but stretch out and collapses in conjunction with the said elements [2];

(ii) And wherein, the said members are 'Slats' [25] or such other flat and preferably rectangular structures made of light weight material such as (but not limited to) Plastic, PVC, Aluminium or other metals or alloys or such combination of materials known in the art such as but not limited to leather Slats provided with metallic hinges, which provide the necessary rigidity and strength to bear a given class/weight/size of payload. Each slat [25] has a rather flat rectangular surface wherein, one (anterior) side of which (called the Male-end) is provided with a hinge-knuckle, bearing Pins [28] on either side of the said knuckle, and the other (posterior) side of which (called the Female-end) is provided with knuckles bearing holes [29] to accommodate the said pins of the Male-end of another slat. The thichness/hight of the slat [25] which equals the diameter of the said knuckles is (without limitation) about 2.5 - 5 mm. Each slat [25] is further provided with an 'Abutment cum Stop structure' [32] which restricts the rotational/pivoting/swing angle of one slat with respect to the other, to a maximum of 180 degrees such that when the said slats [25] of the substructure [27] are hinged together and stretched out, they form a flat surface which does not buckle under the weight of the payload, wherein the said Abutment cum Stop structure [32] is an extension of the dorsal surface of the slat [25], in the form a strong plate or strip which extends (without limitation to) about 5mm - 15mm, beyond the said Knuckles [29] at its Female-end, so as to restrict and arrest the swing/rotation/pivotal of the Male-end of another slat which is hinged to it, to a maximum of 180 degrees. Each slat is fastned/hinged to another, such that the Male-end of one slat [25] is fastened/hinged to the Female-end of another [25] and further such that the dorsal side of one slat is in phase with the ventral side of the other slat to which it is fastned/hinged. Each slat is further provided with fastening means [31] so as(a) to be fastened to the said relatively flexible component (or the said netting [14]) or (b) to be directly suspended from the said arms [1] by means of rigid rods extending from the Loops [7] or Rings [6] therein, wherein, the said fastening means is a system of rings [31] through which the preferably transverse strands of the said net [14] or the said rods pass such that when the said arms [1] of a unit (and consequently the said netting [14]) stretch out, the said slats [25] are also forced to stretch out to form a flat substrutre [27]. The said Rings [31] are attached to the slats [25] such that one slat bearing the said rings on its dorsal side is fastned/hinged to another slat which bears the said rings on its ventral side whereby all the said rings[31] in a given substructure are on its ventral side.

There are preferably (without limitation) about 6 - 8 slats [25] in a unit, forming the said substructure that corresponds to preferably the 3^rd through 8 elements [2] of the arms [1] wherein, each slat [25] is preferably (but not limited to) about 5 - 8 inches in width and either square or rectangular. Each slat is further linked to its adjescent slat by a suitably mild resilience or elastic means [33] which tend to corrugate and collapse the said slats especially when no payload is laid on the said substructure whereby, when the unladen unit collapses, the said members/slats [25] of the substructure [26] also collapse, wherein ^"the said resilience/elastic means [33] are (without limitation) elastic bands [33] or springs fastned preferably at one end to the anterio-lateral side of one slat [25] and at the other end to the posterior-lateral side of the other slat [25] to which it is fastned/hinged. Optionally, the last slat at the distal end is 'L' shaped (not shown in the drawings) in order to prevent the payload [23, 35] from slipping/sliding downward especially when the payload is transported in a reclining / recumbent or vertical position.

(iii) Optionally, the said substructure [26, 27] is further provided with Detachable

Unloading gear [34] wherein, at least one broad strap with tapering ends [34], made of light weight flexible and durable material such as but not limited to Nylon, Polyester, leather, PVC or such other suitable material or fabric known in the art to be suitable to bear the weight of a given class/mass/size of payload, is velcroed to a slat/s of the said substructure [26, 27], wherin the central broad part of the said strap is preferably but not limited to about 6 inches in width and about 20 - 25 inches in length and the narrow/tapering part is about 2 inches in width and about 15 inches long on either side, provided with suitable fasteners such as but not limited to buckles or tucktite fasteners (not shown in the drawings), which facilitate quick and efficient unloading or offloading the payload from the unit whereby, at the time of unloading the two narrow ends of the said unloading gear [34] are fastned/buckled together and lifted to remove the payload out of the unit. Since the ventral side of the said Unloading gear [34] is velcroed to the slat over a small area of 1 to 2 square inches, it is simple and easy to detatch/disengage the Velcro from the slat as well as to fix it back onto the slat before loading the unit again.

(iv) Optionally, pneumatic or other buoying means may be incorporated with or fastened to the arms and/or netting so as to keep the payload afloat while traversing or fording water

METHOD OF TRANSPORT OF HUMAN OR OTHER PAYLOAD ACROSS

WATER, FORESTY OR RUGGED TERRAIN USING EMBODIMENT 3:

In order to transport injured (human/s [23, 35] on animal/s) a single rescuer donning the said (collapsed) System and Apparatus referred to in Embodiment #

3, arrives at the spot and;

(b) once a Unit is stretched out, it is disengaged from the Fastening-means

[21] of the Fastening apparatus [20] by unlocking the Anchoring means [8] from the Fastening means [21]. The rescuer lays the stretched unit on the ground or water (afloat due to the pneumatic or buoying means). The injured human [23]/animal is laid on the said Unit with his head towards the Anchoring means/proximal end of the Unit.

(d) When the human or such other payload is laid on the unit comprising the stretched out substructure [27], its arms [1] are spliced/joined so as to cocoon the payload within the netting [14] and between the arms [1] and the substructure [27], and the proximal end of the unit is lifted upwards drawing the distal end of the unit bearing the swivel-able caster/wheel [22] in contact with the ground, closer to the rescuer's body whereby the angle made by the arms if the unit with the floor is increased to about 30 -45 degrees, such that the region of the substructure [27] corresponding to the midsection of the payload [35] rests on the shoulder, (or such part of the body on which to balance the laden unit), of the rescuer.

(e) Once the midsection of the payload [35] rests on the shoulder (or such part of the body on which to balance the laden unit) of the rescuer, which plays the role of a fulcrum, the proximal end [3] of the unit is pulled downward about the said fulcrum, thereby lifting the distal end [4] of the unit upward such that the payload supported by the substructure [27] is horizontally positioned and balanced on the rescuer's shoulder (or such part of the body on which to balance the laden unit), and is now ready to be transported across water, foresty, rugged or such other terrain which is not conducive for the unit to be rolled on its wheel.

(f) A rescuer may carry the payload [35] on the said unit either on his shoulder or head or back or in his arms (or such part of the body on which to balance the laden unit) as convenient and may carry more than one units at a time for transportation on foot. (g) In case the water body being traversed is too deep to wade/ford, the unit optionally fitted with the Buoying means can be made to float on the surface of the water whereby the rescuer can drag the said laden unit along, while swimming across the water.

METHOD OF UNLOADING PAYLOAD USING UNLOADING GEAR

(OPTIONALLY) PROVIDED IN EMBODIMENT 3 :

Where the Substructure [27] in a unit, is optionally provided with 'Unloading gear' [34], being Broad Strap(s) with tapering ends [34], such that a small area of about 1 to 2 square inches of the ventral side of each said broad strap/s is velcroed to a said member/Slat;

When the payload (especially injured human) contained in the said unit described in embodiment 3, is to be unloaded with minimal effort and stress to the rescuer and the rescued, the said tapering ends of each unloading gear [34] are fastened together, encircling the payload' s girth, by fastening means such as but not limited to buckles or tucktite fasteners (not shown in the drawings), and gently lifted out of the unit. Since the velcroed area is small (about 1 - 2 sq. Inches), the said unloading gear easily comes off the substructure [27]. In case of human payloads, without limitation, two to three numbers of the said unloading gear [34] may be provided per unit.

In case of a human payload, handled by a single rescuer, preferably first the lower end (the legs) of the payload is lifted slightly upward and moved out of the unit and finally the head along with shoulder/chest of the payload is transferred out.

Claims

CLAIMS:

I claim;

1. A portable, collapsible apparatus and system for single-handed, hands-free, simultaneous transport and transfer of multiple payloads including humans, comprising;

(i) A plurality of Units, each unit of the system comprising;

(i)(a) A relatively rigid component, being a highly collapsible system of at least two arms that supports a relatively flexible component; each arm comprising a plurality of elements that can be stretched out, or collapsed to occupy minimal space; each said element is provided with means to be fastened to the said relatively flexible component; the said arms converge toward their distal ends where they meet and get attached to means to reduce friction at such joint that allows for the necessary play/movement along the X and Y axes for the said two arms to be spliced/jointed at their proximal ends and to be separated, to facilitate transfer, loading and unloading of the payload.;

(i) (d) Means to minimise friction while in motion over terrain, provided at another (distal) end of the said relatively rigid component;

(ii) Fastening-apparatus for stowing, carrying and anchoring/cantilevering of the said (collapsed as well as stretched) components (i)(a), (i)(b), (i)(c), (i)(d), above, on the outfit/gear/person of a rescuer comprising;

(ii)(b) Fastening means, to which the said Anchoring means get fastened, characterised by such structure shape and design as to allow for engagement and disengagement of the said Anchoring means;

Wherein, the said Apparatus when stretched out, with the proximal end fastened/clung to the body of the rescuer through the Fastening means, transports a human or other payload in a reclining or vertical posture/position, being light, highly collapsible, so as to be stowed on the rescuer's person, by forming part of his personal gear/outfit and wherein a system of more than one such units can be effectively engaged by a single rescuer simultaneously.

2. An apparatus and system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, each said element of the said arm is a hollow cylindrical pipe wherein one (distal) end is flanged into a Collar with an outer diameter greater than the diameter of the rest of the respective element; the arrangement of the said elements is telescoping such that the last element (at the distal end of a given arm) has the smallest diameter and snugly fits into the lumen of the preceding element which has a marginally greater diameter, and the first (or proximal) element of an arm has the largest diameter; the said collar bears a transverse constriction on its outer surface to accommodate a Ring that rotates freely around but is restricted within the said transverse constriction; the said Ring bears on its outer edge, a loop - being the means to which the said relatively flexible element is fastened; and wherein each said element or hollow cylindrical pipe is further provided with means that can be actuated to stretch out and collapse; each said element is further provided with a transverse circular ridge around the outer surface at its proximal end and another transverse circular ridge in its inner surface at its distal end just before the flange/collar such that each element (except the 1^st or proximal element) is permanently locked to the preceding element of next higher diameter (by the said transverse circular ridges) thereby restricting its movement from coming free of the preceding element of next higher diameter but allowing for its slideable/telescopic/rotary movement within; and wherein the said joint that joins the said two arms of the rigid component at their distal end to facilitate transfer, loading and unloading of the payload is at least one pivot joint, hinge joint or ball and socket joint or any combination thereof.

(i)(b) Wherein the relatively flexile component, being means to bear, support and further cushion the payload, is a netting made of light weight, durable material with the desired degree of elasticity; and wherein each end of every transverse strand of the net is tied/secured to the said loop attached to the said Ring, such that every transverse strand connects one element of a given arm to the corresponding element of another; each said transverse strand is further connected to adjacent strands by means of longitudinal strands so as to form a net to effectively bear the weight of the payload; the said netting so formed is in the form of a triangular narrowing hammock characterised by a structure that provides for the centre of gravity of the payload to rest toward the distal end of the said rigid arms; And further wherein, the said relatively flexible component is further provided with either or both of the following;

(i) a 'Substructure 'to support the payload in order to prevent it from buckling, wherein, the said substructure comprises a plurality of members which are collapsibly fastned one to another such that the maximum swing/pivotal/rotation about a given joint is 180 degrees and suspended from the said arms by either flexible or rigid means whereby, when stretched out under the weight of the payload, the said members of the substructure form a plain supporting surface; and wherein the said flexile component is attached/secured to the said members such that they do not hinder, hamper or tangle when the said elements rotate, collapse or stretch out, but stretch out and collapses in conjunction with the said elements; (ii) Detachable Unloading gear, that can be attached to, and detatch/disengage from either the said flexible component or the said substructure or other part of the unit.

(i)(c) And wherein the other end of the said flexible or resilient means of the said Anchoring means is further provided with a swivelling means which in turn is permanently fixed to the proximal end of the said first/proximal element of each arm such that when the said swivelling means rotates, the said first/proximal element also rotates; and wherein the said Anchoring means is further provided with a power source seated within its hollow space and which is connected to a rotary means, and wherein the said clamping/clipping means to splice or clamp the said two arms of a unit are a pipe clip or spring clamp

(i) (d) and wherein Means to minimise friction while in motion over terrain, provided at the distal end of the said relatively rigid component is a single swivelling caster or wheel, at the junction where the said two arms meet.

(iii) And wherein the said Fastening-apparatus comprises;

(ii) (a) Means that form part of the outfit/gear of a rescuer characterized by such structure, shape and design that firmly and snugly fit on his person so as to allow for free movement of especially his arms and legs, and which also bear the Fastening means, - is a belt, or a system of belts or straps, with suitable padding and cushion.

(ii)(b) Fastening means, to which the said Anchoring means get fastened, is a set of holes or mortises into which the vertical arm of the said Anchoring means are inserted and locked by a locking means such as a press lock or push lock and which can be unlocked and removed from the said hole/mortise of the Fastening-apparatus by the rescuer.

3. An apparatus and system as claimed in claim 2 wherein, the said means embodied by each said element or hollow cylindrical pipe that can be actuated to stretch out and collapse is a system of screw threads, both on its outer surface and its inner surface along its length excepting the said collar; and wherein the said rotary means is either (i) an electric motor (and switch) embedded in the said flexible or resilient means, powered by a power source or battery placed in the Anchoring means (preferably in the vertical arm) and connected to the said swivelling means, or (ii) Two draw-strings wound (in opposite directions) around a spindle which is coaxially connected to the said swivelling means, such that when one of the said draw-strings is pulled, the spindle (and so the swivelling means) rotates in a given direction to cause the elements of the respective arm to unwind and stretch out, and when the other draw-string is pulled, the spindle (and so the swivelling means) rotates in the opposite direction to cause the elements of the respective arm to wind and collapse; or (iii) both said rotary means (i) and (ii) are embedded within the flexible/resilient means; and wherein the said spindle is coaxially positioned just behind the swivelling means and is connected to it through a hollow cylindrical tube which can disengage and engage the said swivelling means when a draw-string is to be pulled; one end of each of the said draw strings is permanently fixed to the said spindle while the other end of each draw-string is free to be pulled/drawn; the shaft of the motor that connects the swivelling means runs through the said hollow cylindrical tube such that the motor engages the said swivelling means, without engaging the said spindle; And further wherein, (i) the said members are 'Slats' or such other flat and preferably rectangular structures made of light weight material which provide the necessary rigidity and strength to bear a given class/weight/size of payload. Each slat has a flat rectangular surface wherein, one (anterior) side of which (called the Male-end) is provided with a hinge-knuckle, bearing Pins on either side of the said knuckle, and the other (posterior) side of which (called the Female-end) is provided with knuckles bearing holes to accommodate the said pins of the Male-end of another slat. Each slat is further provided with an 'Abutment cum Stop structure' which restricts the rotational/pivoting/swing angle of one slat with respect to the other, to a maximum of 180 degrees such that when the said slats of the substructure are hinged together and stretched out, they form a flat surface which does not buckle under the weight of the payload, wherein the said Abutment cum Stop structure is an extension of the dorsal surface of the slat, in the form a strong plate or strip which extends beyond the said Knuckles at its Female-end, so as to restrict and arrest the swing/rotation/pivotal of the Male-end of another slat which is hinged to it, to a maximum of 180 degrees. Each slat is fastned to another, such that the Male- end of one slat is fastned/hinged to the Famale-end of another and further such that the dorsal side of one slat is in phase with the ventral side of the other slat to which it is fastned/hinged. Each slat is further provided with fastening means so as (a) to be fastened to the said relatively flexible component or (b) to be directly suspended from the said arms wherein, the said fastening means is a system of rings through which the preferably transverse strands of the said flexible component pass such that when the said arms of a unit (and consequently the said flexible component) stretch out, the said slats are also forced to stretch out to form a flat substrutre. The said Rings are attached to the slats such that one slat bearing the said rings on its dorsal side is fastned/hinged to another slat which bears the said rings on its ventral side whereby all the said rings in a given substructure are on its ventral side Each slat is further linked to its adjescent slat by a suitably mild resilience or elastic means which tend to corrugate and collapse the said slats especially when no payload is laid on the said substructure whereby, when the unladen unit collapses, the said members/slats of the substructure also collapse, wherein the said resilience/elastic means are elastic bands or springs fastned preferably at one end to the anterio-lateral side of one slat and at the other end to the posterior-lateral side of the other slat to which it is fastned; and further wherein optionally, pneumatic or other buoying means are incorporated with or fastened to the arms or netting so as to keep the payload afloat while traversing or fording water;

(ii) the said Detachable Unloading gear is at least one broad strap with tapering ends, made of light weight flexible and durable material suitable to bear the weight of a given class/mass/size of payload, velcroed to a slat/s of the said substructure over a limited area, wherein the tapering ends on either side are provided with fasteners whereby, at the time of unloading, the two tapering ends of the said unloading gear can be fastned together and lifted to remove the payload out of the unit.

4. The method of operating the invention as claimed in claim 3 by one or more of the following ways or any combination thereof, wherein;

(a) the collapsed arms of the said unit are stretched out either manually or by actuating the rotary mechanism for the purpose either while the apparatus is stowed on the rescuers person, or after disengaging the unit from the rescuers outfit/gear and laying it in a manner suitable to load the payload on to it;

(b) once the payload is loaded on to the said disengaged unit, it is either fastened to the said fastening apparatus on the rescuer's person or otherwise held by the rescuer and pulled or pushed depending on the nature of the terrain and at the rescuer's option, whereby a single rescuer can employ and engage a plurality of such units to transport multiple payloads simultaneously;

(c) while ascending a flight of stairs or other uneven terrain, steps (a) and (b) hereabove are executed with the exception that the said unit is turned up-side down such that the caster or wheel is not in touch with the ground and the distal elements of the said Arms are in contact with the ground/floor/stairs, and wherein the payload is pulled by the rescuer;

(d) while engaging in an airlifting phase of a rescue operation; once the payload is brought on the said unit to the spot from where it is to be air lifted,

(i) the Anchoring means is disengaged from the Fastening means of the Fastening-Apparatus (where applicable),

(ii) the proximal ends of both arms of the said unit are jointed/spliced together by engaging the clamping/clipping means such that the payload is secured and encapsulated by the flexile component that enshrouds and cocoons it snugly and also by the said arms that are joined together that provide rigidity and support to the capsule to keep the payload from buckling/deforming, thereby obviating the need to additionally secure the payload with straps or other such securing gear, since the said netting snugly grips the payload and the said Arms act as the mainstay to lend support and preserve the payload's posture/shape.

(iii) The airlifting gear such as a rope is then fastened to the spliced Anchoring means at the hook- like structure they make with the arms, and the payload along with the unit is now suspended vertically and drawn up/down from the aircraft. (e) As further adaptations to suit specific and varied needs of the soldier/rescuer wherein the said apparatus and system or any of its parts are used (a) as climbing/scaling/rappelling gear, (b) as towing gear, (c) for mounting and positing surveillance devices such as cameras/scanners or other communication systems.

The method of operating the invention as claimed in claim 3 fitted with the

'Substrate' (being a system of slats) wherein;

(i) In order to transport injured (human/s on animal/s) a single rescuer donning the said (collapsed) System and Apparatus arrives at the spot and;

(a) Stretches-out at least l,or more units as required,

(b) Once a unit is stretched out, it is disengaged from the Fastening-means of the Fastening apparatus by unlocking the Anchoring means from the Fastening means, and lays the stretched unit on the ground. The payload is laid on the said Unit with its head towards the Anchoring means/proximal end of the Unit.

(c) In case there are additional hands (manpower) available, the injured can be laid on the Unit/s without disengaging them from the Fastening-Apparatus, thereby bypassing step (b) above.

(d) When the human or other payload is laid on the unit comprising the stretched out substructure, its arms are spliced/joined so as to cocoon the payload within the flexible component and between the arms and the substructure, and the proximal end of the unit is lifted upwards drawing the distal end of the unit bearing the means to reduce friction in contact with the ground, closer to the rescuer's body such that the region of the substructure corresponding to the midsection of the payload rests preferably on the shoulder, or such part of the body on which to balance the laden unit, of the rescuer.

(e) Once the midsection of the payload rests preferably on the shoulder, or such part of the body on which to balance the laden unit, of the rescuer, which plays the role of a fulcrum, the proximal end of the unit is pulled downward about the said fulcrum, thereby lifting the distal end of the unit upward such that the payload supported by the substructure is horizontally positioned and balanced on preferably the rescuer's shoulder, or such part of the body on which to balance the laden unit, and is now ready to be transported across water, foresty, rugged or such other terrain which is not conducive for the unit to be rolled on its wheel.

(f A rescuer may carry the payload on the said unit either on his shoulder or head or back or in his arms or such part of the body on which to balance the laden unit, as convenient and may carry more than one units at a time for transportation on foot.

(g) In case the water body being traversed is too deep to wade or ford, the said unit optionally fitted with the buoying means can be made to float on the surface of the water whereby the rescuer can drag the said laden unit along, while swimming across the water.

(ii) Where the Substructure in a unit, is provided with 'Unloading gear';

(a) the payload contained in the said unit is unloaded with minimal effort and stress to the rescuer and the rescued, by encircling the payload by the said Unloading gear and fastening the ends of the said unloading gear already attached to the said substructure, by fastening means, and

(b) gently lifting the payload out of the unit by one or more numbers of said Unloading gear, either simultaneously, or in tandem.

6. The apparatus and system for simple and quick, single-handed, hands-free, manual, simultaneous transport and transfer of multiple payloads including humans, being light, highly collapsible, and stow-able on the rescuer's person, by forming part of his personal gear/outfit and wherein a system of more than one such units can be effectively engaged by a single rescuer simultaneously, substantially as hereindescribed.

7. The methods of operation and use of the apparatus and system for simple and quick, single-handed, hands-free, manual, simultaneous transport and transfer of multiple payloads including humans, and wherein a system of more than one such units can be effectively engaged by a single rescuer simultaneously, substantially as hereindescribed.