Rescue transfer device

Abstract

A device for transferring a person or object across fluid or unstable surfaces such as mud, snow, ice, water or sand, has a base member for supporting the person or object and at least one inflatable structure which forms a wall around only part of the periphery of the base member.

1 . A device for transferring a person or object across fluid or unstable surfaces such as mud, snow, ice, water or sand, said device comprising a base member for supporting the person or object, and at least one inflatable structure forming a wall around only part of the periphery of the base member.  
   
   
       2 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the base member comprises an inflatable member.  
   
   
       3 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the base member is of a generally oblong form having a front end, a rear end and opposing side edges.  
   
   
       4 . A device as claimed  claim 1  wherein a portion of the base member projects beyond the at least one wall structure.  
   
   
       5 . A device as claimed in  claim 4  wherein said portion of the base member is not provided with said at least one wall structure.  
   
   
       6 . A device as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the side edges of the base member are tapered towards the front of the device such that the front end its narrower than the rear end.  
   
   
       7 . A device as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the portion of the base member is located at the rear of the device.  
   
   
       8 . A device as claimed in any of  claim 3  wherein the wall structure is located along the front end and part way along the opposing side edges of the base member.  
   
   
       9 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein an inflatable bolster is attached to the base member.  
   
   
       10 . A device as claimed  claim 4  wherein an inflatable bolster is attached to the portion of the base member.  
   
   
       11 . A device as claimed in  claim 10  wherein the inflatable bolster has substantially the same dimensions as the portion of the base member.  
   
   
       12 . A device as claimed in  claim 9  wherein the bolster can be stowed on top of the base member.  
   
   
       13 . A device as claimed in  claim 9  wherein the inflatable bolster is moveable relative to the base member.  
   
   
       14 . A device as claimed in  claim 9  wherein the bolster is releaseably attached to the base member.  
   
   
       15 . A device as claimed in  claim 9  wherein the bolster is provided with means of attaching a throw out line.