WO2009091833A1

WO2009091833A1 - Absorbent head cover

Info

Publication number: WO2009091833A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/031007
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ronald Jensen; Richard Beu; Sayandro Versteylen
Original assignee: Paper-Pak Industries
Priority date: 2008-01-14
Filing date: 2009-01-14
Publication date: 2009-07-23

Abstract

An absorbent head cover that can be connected to a transporter or used separately to place around the head of an injured person or soldier. The head cover is lightweight, portable, and disposable, and is able to absorb large amounts of blood and other fluids from the head and neck. The head cover can have insulating layers of material to reduce the loss of body heat through the head to prevent hypothermia.

Description

ABSORBENT HEAD COVER

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

[0001] The present disclosure provides a lightweight, disposable head cover to protect the head of an injured person.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0002] Transporters, litters, and stretchers, which will be generally referenced as "transporters" in this application, are frequently used to transport injured soldiers and ill persons. In most instances, the head of the person being carried rests directly upon the transporter or on a pillow that is placed thereon. In either situation, the person's head is otherwise uncovered and exposed to the outside environment.

[0003] When the person being transported on a transporter has a head or neck injury, there can be large amounts of blood or other body fluids coming from the head or neck that soak the transporter material itself. The fluid creates a wet, slippery surface near the head of the injured person that can increase undesirable head movement and slippage while the person is being carried, and adds to the individual's discomfort. The fluids can also weaken the integrity of the transporter material.

[0004] In addition, transporting an injured or ill person with an uncovered head on a conventional transporter can lead to loss of body heat through the uncovered head and/or neck of the person, increasing the risk of hypothermia. Hypothermia can cause significant morbidity, and even mortality, of an injured person. In addition, if a person being carried on a transporter has suffered serious bodily injury, blood flow to the head may already be compromised as a result of the body's natural response to injury, causing the head to cool (i.e., lose body heat) even faster. The problem is further exacerbated where there is bleeding (or other body fluids) from an injury that soaks the transporter material near the head of the person being transported, as exposure of wet transporter materials to external cold weather and wind near the person's head accelerates the loss of body heat (by evaporation), and greatly adds to the person's discomfort and perception of cold.

[0005] Conventional transporters generally provide little or no anatomic support for the head of the injured person while they are being carried. Such transporters generally have no cushioned surface on which to rest the head of the person being carried, to support and elevate the head, assist breathing, and enhance the person's comfort and perception of general well-being.

[0006] Conventional transporters do not have an absorbent body near the head of the person being carried that is capable of absorbing large amounts of blood or other body fluids coming from an injury to the head or neck of the person being carried.

[0007] Thus, there is a need for a head cover that can be used in conjunction with a transporter that addresses these disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present disclosure provides an absorbent, lightweight head cover that is placed around the head of an injured person, such as a soldier. The absorbent head cover is used in conjunction with a transporter for carrying the injured person. The head cover is lightweight, portable and disposable.

[0009] The head cover has an absorbent body that absorbs large amounts of blood and other body fluids exuded from the head or neck of an injured person carried on a transporter. Thus, the head cover keeps the person's head dry and comfortable, reduces the risk of contamination to the injured person or stretcher-bearers, and provides a less-messy than normal way to dispose of the head cover after use. The absorbent body can optionally contain active agents that minimize growth of microbes and/or eliminate odors caused by body fluids.

[0010] The head cover can be removably connected to a transporter on which the person is carried, or may be used separately from the transporter.

[0011] The head cover is lightweight, portable, and disposable. The head cover, besides absorbing large amounts of blood or other body fluids, protects the head and neck of the person carried on a transporter, and also reduces the loss of body heat through the head and neck, thereby reducing the risk of hypothermia.

[0012] The head cover can be stored and carried separately from the transporter, and is easily foldable to a compact size to permit the head cover to be easily carried and stored before use.

[0013] The head cover can include additional cushioning, particularly along the center portion of the head cover, so that the injured person's head rests comfortably on a small cushion to improve his or her level of comfort, assist breathing, and provide general anatomic support to prevent unwanted movement of the head during transport.

[0014] A method of using the head cover of the present disclosure is provided.

[0015] Also provided is a head cover kit that includes a head cover of the present disclosure and a separate water-resistant case to enclose the head cover, for storage and portability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of an absorbent head cover of the present disclosure in an open position.

[0017] Figure 2 illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of the head cover of Figure 1.

[0018] Figure 3 illustrates a right side view of an embodiment of the head cover of Figure 1.

[0019] Figure 4 illustrates a left side view of an embodiment of the head cover of Figure 1.

[0020] Figure 5 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the head cover of Figure 1 , showing the head cover connected to a transporter.

[0021] Figure 6 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of the head cover of Figure 5 in an open position and connected to a transporter.

[0022] Figure 7 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of the head cover of Figure 6, showing the head cover in a closed position placed around the head of a person being transported on the transporter.

[0023] Figure 8 illustrates layer-by-layer sections of an embodiment of the head cover of Figure 5.

[0024] Figure 9 illustrates layer-by-layer sections of an exemplary embodiment of the head cover of Figure 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Referring now to the drawings, and in particular, Figure 1 , there is provided a head cover of the present disclosure generally represented by reference numeral 10. As used herein, head cover 10 is generally disclosed as a "head cover," but may also be called "head covering," "hood," "head guard," and similar names, and each is understood to be interchangeable for purposes of this application.

[0026] Head cover 10 is positioned on the head of an injured person, such as a soldier, preferably one who is being transported on a transporter. Examples of transporters are stretchers, litters, gurneys, and similar devices. Head cover 10 protects the head, absorbs blood and other body fluids from head injuries, reduces loss of body heat through the head and neck, and to increases comfort. As used herein, "transporter" refers to a litter or stretcher that is used to carry ill, wounded or dead person from one location to another.

[0027] Head cover 10 has a backing substrate 12 that forms part of all of the back side of head cover 10. In this embodiment, head cover 10 includes a cushion area 14 that has extra cushioning material to serve as a soft area or "pillow" for the comfort of the person being carried. Head cover 10 can have an extension flap 16 that covers the forehead and a portion of the top of the head of the person. Extension flap 16 can be an extension of backing substrate 12 or can be a separate component. Head cover 10 also has a neck flap 18 to protect the neck and a top portion of the back of the person, as well as providing a smooth surface covering a connecting device used to connect head cover 10 to the transporter. Head cover 10 has absorbent body 20 in an interior portion of head cover 10. Head cover 10 has one or more closures 22, 26 that are positioned on straps on opposite sides of the head cover, and an extension closure flap 24 that can be joined together to close head cover 10 around the neck and chin area of the injured person. Stitching 19 is provided around the periphery of the individual components of head cover 10, to segregate individual segments and to provide strength and integrity to head cover 10.

[0028] Backing substrate 12 has a first side and a second side. The first side faces the top side of head cover 10, and the second side is a bottom side of said backing substrate 12. In addition to forming part or all of back side of head cover 10, backing substrate 12 can also form part, or all, of the back sides of: cushion area 14, extension flap 16, and/or neck flap 18. Backing substrate 12 is connected to cushion area 14, extension flap 16 and neck flap 18 by thread, adhesive, or interlocking materials such as VELCRO^®. Backing substrate 12 is preferably connected to the top of head cover 10 by sewing across the width of the head cover, but other methods of attachment or connection may be used, such as gluing and/or heat sealing. Backing substrate 12 can be folded over to the front side of head cover 10. Backing substrate 12 provides support, ruggedness, and strength to head cover 10.

[0029] Backing substrate 12 can be partially or completely impermeable to fluids including, but not limited to, water, blood, and body fluids, and serves as a fluid barrier to prevent fluids from the person (especially from the head and neck area) from contaminating the area beneath and around head cover 10. Fluid impermeability of backing substrate 12 also reduces effects of outside water (from the ground or from rain or snow) from seeping into head cover 10 and contacting the person. Backing substrate 12 can be a material that is naturally fluid-impermeable or a material that has been chemically treated to reduce liquid permeability (e.g., treated nylon or treated cloth), or a material that is coated to reduce permeability, such as by urethane or a polyester. Backing substrate 12 serves as a windbreaker and barrier layer to keep cold, wind, and wetness away from the person, and to reflect heat back in the head cover 10, and so helps prevent loss of body heat through the head and neck of the person, contributing to the anti-hypothermia properties of head cover 10. [0030] Backing substrate 12 is also preferably made of a material that resists tears and punctures to provide ruggedness to head cover 10. Backing substrate 12 can also have a low-slip or non-slip surface, so that head cover 10 stays in position when the transporter is placed on a surface.

[0031] Backing substrate 12 can be made of a material that includes, but is not limited to, nylon, cloth, canvas, hemp, flax, cotton fiber materials, polyethylene, polypropylene, polymer films, composite material, or any combinations thereof. A preferred embodiment of backing substrate 12 is a material that includes polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, cotton, or any combinations thereof.

[0032] Absorbent body 20 is connected to a first (top) side of backing substrate 12. Absorbent body 20 is typically sized less than backing substrate 12, as shown in Figure 5, so that a portion of the backing substrate forms an edge about a portion of absorbent body 20. Absorbent body 20 can be permanently connected to backing substrate 12, or can be removably connected (as a separate piece) to backing substrate 12. Although head cover 10 preferably has one absorbent body 20, other embodiments have two or more absorbent bodies 20 in head cover 10. A preferred embodiment of head cover 10 has absorbent body 20 in the interior of head cover 10, and positioned on a first side of backing substrate 12.

[0033] An exemplary embodiment of head cover 10 has absorbent body 20 that is removably connected to backing substrate 12, so that absorbent body 20 can be replaced with a new absorbent body on the same backing substrate. Absorbent body 20 can be removably connected to backing substrate 12 by an adhesive material, either on the absorbent body or on the backing substrate, where the adhesive material includes, but is not limited to, glue, two-sided tape, thread, and/or a hook-and-loop interlocking device such as VELCRO^® (Velcro Industries B.V. LLC Netherlands, Curacao, Netherlands Antilles). [0034] Absorbent body 20 can have a structure that is one or more layers of absorbent or superabsorbent material. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more layers of absorbent material are a top layer, a bottom layer, and a middle layer. Each layer absorbent body 20 can be positioned adjacent to another layer without being adhered to the next layer, or some (or all) of layers in the absorbent body can be bonded together. The layers can be tissue layers, laminates that include superabsorbent material, and combinations thereof. Adjacent layers of absorbent body 20 can be bonded with an adhesive material, or by using static attraction and/or corona discharge techniques.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the top layer of absorbent body 20 can be made of a low-slip or non-slip material, or be treated with a non-slip agent, to reduce movement or slipping of the head (of a person being carried) within head cover 10.

[0036] Absorbent body 20 can have one or more strengthening layers to improve the strength and/or resistance to tearing of absorbent body 20. The one or more strengthening layers can be located on top of, below, or in between any layer of absorbent body 20. A strengthening layer can be made of standard non-woven material, or meltblown or spunlace composites. A preferred embodiment of a strengthening layer is a polypropylene non-woven or a polypropylene/meltblown non-woven material.

[0037] Absorbent body 20 of head cover 10 can absorb a large quantity of blood and other body fluids. Absorbent body 20 used in head cover 10 typically can absorb about 1.70 to 1.75 grams of liquids per square inch of absorbent material. Total absorbency of fluids by absorbent body 20 is a function of the overall size of the absorbent body, as well as its structure (e.g., numbers of layers and types of absorbent material used in each layer). However, absorbency can be adjusted to a higher or lower level simply by changing to a higher- or lower-performance absorbent material or structure. As an example, the amount of fluid that can be absorbed by absorbent body 20 having outer dimensions of about four (4) inches (101.6 mm) in width by about twelve (12) inches (304.8 mm) in length (a typical size for use in head cover 10) is between about 75 grams to about 85 grams of fluid absorbed. Absorbent body 20 is preferably structured with a top layer adjacent to the head of the person that remains substantially dry next to the person's head even after the absorption of large amounts of blood and other body fluids. The word "about," as used herein for dimensions or measures of absorbency, means a range that is ±10% of the stated value, more preferably ± 5% of the stated value, and most preferably ±1% of the stated value, including all subranges therebetween.

[0038] Referring to Figure 2, head cover 10 has connecting device 30

(shown in Figure 2 as a zipper) that is used to connect head cover 10 to the transporter (shown in Figure 5).

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, when in an open position (i.e., when the one or more closures 22, 26 are not joined together), head cover 10 typically has overall dimensions of about thirty (30) inches (762 mm) to about thirty-one (31) inches (787.4 mm) in length and about seventeen (17) inches (431.8 mm) to about eighteen (18) inches (457.2 mm) in width. However, the overall lengths and widths of head cover 10 may be longer or shorter to accommodate different head sizes for children and small adults, and to adjust for individual comfort.

[0040] One or more closures 22, 26 can be opened to permit a person's head to be placed in head cover 10, and closed by joining the one or more closures together around the neck or chin area of the person being carried. In a closed or partially-closed position, head cover 10 covers the back of the head, the crown, sides and top of the head, but leaves a portion of the face exposed for breathing, and for comfort. This provides a secure support for the person's head, and also secures the head relative to a transporter to carry the person. This provides greater security and comfort for the person. In addition, when head cover 10 is drawn into a partially closed position, the materials in the sides of the head cover help keep the person's neck, mouth, and cheeks warm and dry, reinforcing the person's sense of comfort and well-being.

[0041] Closures 22, 26 may be VELCRO^®, hook-and-eye, buttons, zippers, and drawstrings, and any combinations thereof. One or both straps having closures 22, 26 may have an extension strap 24. One or more extension straps 24 provide greater flexibility to close head cover 10 at a comfortable tightness for the person being carried without compromising the snug fit to protect the head and neck of the person being carried.

[0042] The snugness of head cover 10 around the person's head can also be adjusted by attaching closures 22, 26 tighter or looser across the chin or neck of the person, as shown in Figure 7. The size of head cover 10 can also be adjusted by a drawstring (not shown) around the perimeter of head cover 10.

[0043] Referring to Figure 3, closures 22, 26 are shown partially closed in order to more clearly illustrate that head cover 10 can adapt to the contour and shape about the head of the person, analogous to a hood. Head cover 10 has extension flap 16 that covers the forehead and a portion of the top of the head of the person.

[0044] Extension flap 16 provides coverage of the top of the head and forehead when the head cover 10 is closed or partially closed. Extension flap 16 provides support and warmth for the top of the head and the forehead. For the embodiments of head cover 10 shown in Figures 3 and 4, extension flap 16 extends about four (4) inches (114.3 mm) to about five and a half (5.5) inches (139.7 mm) beyond a front edge of backing substrate 12.

[0045] Figure 4 illustrates connecting device 30 that can connect head cover 10 to transporter 34 (shown in Figure 5). Neck flap 18 protects and supports the person's neck and upper part of his back. Neck flap 18 protects the neck whether the head cover is in an open or closed position. Neck flap 18 also serves to cover connecting device 30 that connects head cover 10 to a transporter. When neck flap 18 is in a closed or partially closed configuration, neck flap 18 provides warmth as well as anatomic support for the neck of the person being carried.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 , 2 and 4, neck flap 18 preferably has a width of about five (5) inches (127.0 mm) to about six (6) inches (152.4 mm) at its widest in the back, and rises along its periphery in a curved form to a width of about 5/8^th of one inch near the front of head cover 10, and a length of about 25.5 inches to about 27 inches. As shown in Figure 3, when head cover 10 has extension flap 16 and neck flap 18 in their fully-extended (open) positions, overall outer dimensions of head cover 10 are about twenty (20) inches (508.0 mm) to about twenty-one (21) inches (533.4 mm) in width and about thirty (30) inches (762.0 mm) to about thirty-one (31 ) inches (787.4 mm) in length.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, head cover 10 can have a cushion area 14 made of cushioning material placed in near the center portion of head cover 10, to cushion the center of the head of a person placed therein, much like a built-in pillow. The cushioning material can be made of one or more extra layers of absorbent material, such a tissue layers, but may be any soft material, such as fleece, cotton, polyester fill, or combinations thereof. Cushion area 14 provides a soft surface on which the person's head may rest, which is important for the person's sense of well-being. Cushion area 14 also provides anatomic support for the head of the injured person, and prevents the head from rolling around or moving side-to-side, which is important for safety. The cushioning material also elevates the person's head slightly within the head cover, which can improve breathing and orientation as compared with laying the person completely flat, as often done with conventional transporters. The cushioning material also serves as an extra source of absorbency and warmth, increasing comfort. [0048] Stitches 19, shown in Figures 1 through 4, provide shape and integrity to head cover 10. Stitches 19 generally run along the periphery of each individual component section of head cover 10, although stitching may also serve an aesthetic purpose. Stitches 19 also reinforce the connections of various sections of the head cover, such as the neck flap 18 and extension flap 18.

[0049] Bindings (not shown) may be used to ensure that head cover 10 sits securely in position around the person's head, and also provide a secure base by which to connect head cover 10 to a transporter.

[0050] Head cover 10 is portable and disposable. Head cover 10 is lightweight, having a weight per area that is less than about 150 grams/meter². When not in use, head cover 10 can be folded to a compact size to be easily stored or carried where needed. After use, head cover 10 may be disposed of.

[0051] Head cover 10 can, optionally, have access slits or openings (not shown in the Figures) to facilitate access by medical personnel and to allow points of passage for tubes needed to treat the person. Each access slit or opening can have one or more closures, such as VELCRO^®, to permit a tight seal around any tubes or devices passing through the access slits, thereby preserving body heat while offering medical access to the person being transported.

[0052] Referring to Figure 5, transporter 34 that carries the injured person is shown. Closures 22 and 26, and closure extension flap 24 of head cover 10 are shown in an open position. Also, neck flap 18, in addition to covering the neck and upper back of the person being carried, can lay over connecting device 30 that connects head cover 10 to transporter 34, so that the person does not lay on connecting device 30. [0053] An example of transporter 34 that can be used with head cover 10 of the present disclosure is a transporter disclosed in PCT/US2008/076293 ("Absorbent Portable Lightweight Anti-Hypothermia Transporter"), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. For orientation purposes transporter 34 has top covers 40, which are placed on top of the person, and that can be closed by zipper 56. Top covers 40 are shown in Figure 5 with their upper sections opened and turned out, revealing their inner surface. Gripping devices 54 are shown along opposite edges of transporter 34. Access slits 50 pass through top covers 40 to permit access (and to insert medical tubes) to the person while keeping top covers 40 in position. Pocket(s) 60 can be on any surface of transporter 34 to hold medical paperwork, identification information, medications, clothing and personal items.

[0054] Referring to Figure 6, head cover 10 is shown in an open position and connected to transporter 34. Absorbent body 20, extension flap 16, backing substrate 12 and closure 26 in an open position illustrates that head cover 10 is contoured or shaped to fit the head of the person being carried on transporter 34. Neck flap 18 is positioned beneath top covers 40 that are closed by zipper 56.

[0055] In Figure 7, head cover 10 is shown in a closed position around the head of person 70 being carried on transporter 34. A portion of the face of person 70 is not covered by head cover 10. To close head cover 10 around the neck or chin of person 70, closure 22 and closure 26 are connected together, as shown. Extension flap 16 covers the forehead and a portion of the top of the head of person 70.

[0056] As shown in Figures 5 through 7, head cover 10 can be connected to a transporter 34 via connecting device 30 to provide protection and insulation for the head and neck of a person being transported, as well as to absorb blood and any other body fluids exuded near the person's head (see also Figure 4). Connecting device 30 can be any type of closure, including, but not limited to, zippers, buttons, hook-and-eye, and VELCRO^®. Head cover 10 can be connected to a transporter, or used separately. In a preferred embodiment, head cover 10 is removably connected to transporter 34, as in Figure 5. Alternatively, head cover 10 can be sewn (or otherwise permanently connected) to a transporter. In Figure 2, for example, connecting device 30 is a zipper positioned on backing substrate 12 on a back side of head cover 10. The one or more connecting devices 30 can be self-contained on head cover 10, or, alternatively, one part of connecting device 30 can be on head cover 10 and the adjoining part located on transporter 34, which can then be joined together, such as with a zipper.

[0057] Figure 8 illustrates the contiguous layer-by-layer sections of an exemplary embodiment of head cover 10. An outermost layer 78 serves as a backing substrate, and can be made of polyethylene. The next inner layer 80 is a bottom absorbent layer. The next inner layer 82 is a strengthening layer. The top layer 84, which contacts the head of the person, is an absorbent layer.

[0058] Figure 9 illustrates a layer-by-layer section of an embodiment of head cover 10 providing insulating segments in the portions not containing an absorbent body. Outermost layer 86 is designed to protect the head of the person being carried from external weather and/or wetness. Various materials can be used for outermost layer 86, including GORE-TEX, 60/40 cloth, cordura, windstopper (PTFE laminate) and nylon. Middle layer 88 is primarily for insulation, and can be made of a material including fleece, pile, wool, or even thicker polyester blends of material. Middle layer 88 can be a multiple insulating layer or a single material layer. As shown in Figure 9, middle layer 88 is a single layer of lightweight fleece material. Inner layer 91 , that contacts the head of the person, is typically a polyester, polypropylene, or similar material that is highly vapor permeable, so that moisture is transferred or "wicked' away from the head and neck of the person to the next layers of structured component. Inner layer 91 is a polypropylene-based non-woven that facilitates the quick wicking of moisture away from the head of the person. Material segments may be made of any warm material, including, but not limited to, nylon, fleece, PTFE (including GORE-TEX^®), polyesters (such as THERMO-LITE^® and COOLMAX^®), and nylons (such as CAMBRELLE^®).

[0059] Absorbent body 20 is made of an absorbent or superabsorbent material, and can absorb a large quantity of liquid, such as blood or other body fluids. Examples of absorbent and superabsorbent materials that can be used for absorbent body 20 include, but are not limited to, cellulose, cellulose fiber, an airlaid, an airlaid non-woven, an airlaid composite, fluff pulp, bonding fiber, superabsorbent polymer (SAP), SAP composite, compressed composite containing a percentage of short or microfiber material, thermoplastic polymer fiber, thermoplastic polymer granule, cellulose powder, cellulose gel, an airlaid with SAP, a fibrous or foam structure that has been coated or impregnated with a SAP, an absorbent structure having one or more starch or cellulose based absorbent or containing superabsorbent material formed and/or crosslinked, or any combinations thereof. Superabsorbent material used in the present disclosure can be used in various forms that include, but are not limited to, granular, fiber, liquid, superabsorbent hot melts, or any combinations thereof. A preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has a top surface or top layer of absorbent body 20 that is made of polyethylene and/or polypropylene. Another preferred embodiment has a top surface of absorbent body 20 that is made of non-woven material. Because head cover 10 is disposable, another preferred embodiment is a biodegradable absorbent or superabsorbent material. An exemplary embodiment of a biodegradable absorbent material is a starch-based absorbent material.

[0060] Absorbent body 20 can also contain, or be treated with, a surfactant. The surfactant enhances absorption of fluids by absorbent body 20. Examples of surfactants that can be used in the present disclosure include anionic, cationic, zwitterionic, and non-ionic surfactants, or any combinations thereof. [0061] Absorbent body 20 can also contain one or more active agent, to reduce contamination by microbial pathogens, reduce odors, and/or reduce the speed of decomposition of the decedent's body. The one or more active agent can be positioned on and/or in any structure of head cover 10, preferably within absorbent body 20, on the surface of absorbent body 20, and combinations thereof. The one or more active agent may be separated from another active agent by positioning among different layers in absorbent body 20, or by secreting an active agent in one or more islands within absorbent body 20. s

[0062] The active agent can be one or more bactericide, fungicide, virucide, disinfectant, sanitizer, sterilizer, mildewstat, surfactant, deodorizer, or any combinations thereof. The one or more active agent can include, but is not limited to: a metal, metal compound, surface active agent, quaternary ammonium compound, organic acid, inorganic acid, salt, sulfite, biopolymer, synthetic polymer, chitin, chitosan, nisin, enzyme, arginate, diacetate, antioxidant, or any combinations thereof.

[0063] The one or more active agent can be in an active form, or, alternatively, in an inactive form that becomes activated upon contact with other active agents, moisture, water, blood, and/or other body fluids.

[0064] Head covers 10 of the present disclosure are portable and lightweight, making it feasible to store a large number at locations where there are gatherings of large groups of people (and thus the possibility of mass casualty or mass rescue operations), such as office buildings in large urban areas, hospitals, nursing centers, sports stadiums, and recreation areas. Head covers of the present disclosure are particularly well-suited for first-response units, such as ambulance teams, firemen, police, Hazmat units, forestry units, and National Guard units, for use following natural disasters, such as hurricanes, fires, epidemics, blizzards, and/or flooding, as well as man-made disasters, such as airline crashes, train accidents, terror attacks, and/or large automobile accidents. [0065] Head covers 10 of the present disclosure are also particularly well- suited for use in battlefield situations by medics and front-line troops required to rapidly rescue and transport injured soldiers and civilians, who may have substantial head and neck injuries and are situated in hostile environments or in rough terrain. In such instances, head covers can readily be taken with the transporter to the site of injury, connected to the transporter and placed around the head of the injured person. The benefits are even more pronounced in battlefield situations where there is significant risk of hypothermia when the medical treatment area is far from the site of injury.

[0066] The light weight and portability of the head cover make it suitable for use by recreational users, such as hikers, bikers, climbers, and boaters, who may suffer head injuries at locations that are far from medical treatment centers.

[0067] Head cover 10 may be stitched to provide for easy folding to reduce size for carrying and/or storage (when not in use). As illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, head cover 10 is stitched to provide a contoured fit to accommodate the head of a person being carried on a transporter.

[0068] Head cover 10 may be enclosed within a container or case as a kit for easy storage and portability prior to use. The container for the kit can be waterproof or water-resistant and typically completely encloses head cover 10, so that the container may be closed and sealed. Once sealed, the case may have some or all of the air evacuated by vacuum or negative pressure, to reduce the size of the kit, enhance portability, and reduce the likelihood of contamination or absorption of moisture by absorbent body 20 prior to use.

[0069] The present disclosure also provides a method of using a head cover of the present disclosure including the following steps. If the head cover is part of a kit, the head cover is removed from the container, and unfolded (where head cover 10 is not part of a kit, the head cover is simply unfolded). Head cover 10 can then be connected to a transporter by connecting devices 30, such as a zipper or VELCRO^®, but connecting to the transporter is not necessary. The injured person is positioned on top of the transporter, and the head cover of the present invention is positioned around the back, top and sides of his head, so that his head is positioned on the absorbent body and/or cushioning material in the head cover. Any tubes or instruments needed for the person's medical care (such as drains or clamps to stop bleeding in the head) are passed through access slits, and the slits are closed around the tubes so there are no openings to the outside, to reduce loss of body heat. The closures on the head cover are then joined together in a closed condition at the level of the person's neck and chin, so that the head cover surrounds the back, top, and both sides of the head, leaving a portion of the face uncovered for breathing. The person is then transported for medical treatment.

[0070] It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the present disclosure. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variances that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A head cover for enclosing a portion of the head of a person being carried on a transporter, comprising:

a backing substrate having a first side;

an absorbent body connected to said first side of said backing substrate, and being sized less than said backing substrate so that a portion of said backing substrate forms an edge about a portion of said absorbent body;

an extension flap formed from an upper portion of said edge of said backing substrate, wherein said extension flap covers a portion of the head of the person when the head cover is placed about the head of the person;

a connecting device to connect the head cover to the transporter;

a neck flap to cover said connecting device when the head cover is attached to the transporter; and

one or more closures, wherein said one or more closures are on a recloseable flap that can be opened and closed to permit the head cover to be contoured about the head of the person carried on the transporter.

2. The head cover according to claim 1 , further comprising a cushioning material positioned centrally in the head cover, wherein the head of the person rests upon said cushioning material, and wherein said cushioning material elevates the head of the person in relation to the rest of the body of the person.

3. The head cover according to claim 1 , wherein said one or more closures are selected from the group consisting of: zipper, hooks, snaps, adhesive tape, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, rib-and-groove seals, and any combinations thereof.

4. The head cover according to claim 3, wherein said one or more closures are fastened across the chin or neck of the person carried on the transporter, and wherein said one or more closures can be opened and closed to permit ingress and egress of the head of the person.

5. The head cover according to claim 1 , wherein said backing substrate is a material selected from the group consisting of: nylon, cloth, canvas, hemp, flax, cotton fiber, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polymer film, and any combinations thereof.

6. The head cover according to claim 1 , wherein said backing substrate is partially or completely impermeable to water, blood, and other body fluids.

7. The head cover according to claim 1 , wherein said absorbent body is removably connected to said backing substrate.

8. The head cover according to claim 1 , wherein said absorbent body further comprises one or more layers, wherein said one or more layers are made of absorbent or superabsorbent materials.

9. The head cover according to claim 8, wherein said one or more layers are absorbent tissue layers.

10. The head cover according to claim 8, wherein said one or more layers comprises a superabsorbent laminate material.

11. The head cover according to claim 1 , wherein said absorbent body has absorbent materials and wherein said absorbent body can absorb at least 1.70 grams of fluid per square inch of absorbent material.

12. The head cover according to claim 1 , wherein said absorbent body can absorb at least 75 grams of blood or other body fluid without said blood or body fluid leaking though said backing substrate.

13. The head cover according to claim 10, wherein said absorbent body has a top layer adjacent to the person being carried, wherein said top layer remains substantially dry after absorption of said blood or other body fluids.

14. The head cover according to claim 1 , wherein said absorbent body further comprises one or more active agent selected from the group consisting of: bactericide, fungicide, virucide, disinfectant, sanitizer, sterilizer, mildewstat, surfactant, deodorizer, and any combinations thereof.

15. The head cover according to claim 14, wherein said absorbent body comprises two or more layers, and wherein said one or more active agent is separated from a different active agent by placing said one or more active agent and said different active agent in said two or more layers of said absorbent body.

16. The head cover according to claim 14, wherein said one or more active agent is in an inactive form until activated by contact with water, blood or other body fluid from a person carried on the transporter.

17. The head cover according to claim 1 , wherein said head cover weighs less than about 150 grams per square meter (g/m²).

18. The head cover according to claim 1 , wherein head cover has outer dimensions of about eighteen (18) inches (457.2 mm) in width by about thirty- one (31 ) inches (787.4 mm) in length.

19. A method for using a head cover to enclose a portion of the head of a person carried on a transporter, comprising:

opening the head cover, wherein the head cover comprises: a backing substrate; an absorbent body connected to said backing substrate; an extension flap formed from an upper surface of said backing substrate, wherein said extension flap covers a portion of the head when closed around the head of the person carried on the transporter; a connecting device to connect the head cover to the transporter; a neck flap to cover said connecting device when the head cover is attached to the transporter; and one or more closures on a recloseable flap, wherein said one or more closures can be opened and closed to permit the head cover to be placed about the head of the person;

opening said one or more closures and said recloseable flap to provide access to an interior of the head cover;

placing the head of the person transported in the head cover;

closing said recloseable flap and said one or more closures around a chin and/or neck portion of the head so that the head cover encloses the head placed therein; and

transporting the person on the transporter.

20. A kit comprising:

a head cover comprising: a backing substrate; an absorbent body connected to said backing substrate; an extension flap formed from an upper surface of said backing substrate, wherein said extension flap covers a portion of the head when closed about the head of a person carried on a transporter; a connecting device to connect the head cover to said transporter; a neck flap to cover said connecting device when the head cover is attached to said transporter; and one or more closures positioned on a recloseable flap, wherein said one or more closures can be opened and closed to permit the head cover to be placed about the head of the person; and

a water-resistant container that completely envelops said head cover when not in use.