Lightweight integrated field transport system
The present invention comprises a field transport system that converts readily from a litter or stretcher to a gear bag for carrying loose items. The invention includes a base layer strengthened and supported by a frame that permits the use of litter poles. The invention also includes a novel zipper arrangement whereby the litter can be quickly folded and zipped into a bag having a drawstring closure at a top end thereof.
1. A field transport system comprising:
a flexible material base layer, generally rectangular in shape, said base layer having first and second short sides and first and second long sides;
a zipper secured to said base layer around said first short side and around a portion of said first long side, said zipper traversing said base layer from said first long side to said second long side;
a frame comprising a flexible material secured around the perimeter of said base layer having a plurality of handles secured thereto, and a plurality of flexible material ribs secured to said base layer from said first long side to said first short side;
a handle secured to said frame at the intersection of said base layer first and second short side and said first and second long side, thereby providing a plurality of handles at the corners of said base layer, and a pole pocket secured to each of said plurality of handles located at said corners;
at least one combat pole engaging and being captured by said plurality of pole pockets for supporting said base layer; and
whereby said base layer may be folded and zipped together to form a bag.
2. A field transport system as claimed in claim 1 comprising:
a drawstring secured along a portion of said second long side of said base layer for closing said bag.
3. A field transport system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said zipper comprises a separable zipper thereby permitting complete unfolding of said backbone.
4. A field transport system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said base layer comprises a ripstop nylon material.
5. A field transport system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said frame comprises ripstop nylon material.
6. A field transport system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said plurality of handles comprises flash spun high density polyethylene material.
7. A field transport system as claimed in claim 1 comprising:
a plurality of hook and loop closures secured to a portion of said second long side perimeter for securing said second long side to itself when said base layer is folded.