Capstan tourniquet

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a tourniquet having a base including at least first and second portions and having a cap attached to one of the first and second portions. A compression band is attached to the base and extends across the base, with a portion of the compression band sandwiched between the base and the cap. A capstan handle is provided, including a band hole through which the compression band is passed and sewn to itself via a stitching pattern to form a band loop. A locking band extends across the cap and is attached to the cap. A handle stop engages the locking band such that the handle stop is free to slide along the handle band. A band connector assembly is provided, including a buckle frame and a self-tightening sliding arm extending laterally from a first side of the buckle frame to a second, opposite side of the buckle frame, the sliding arm being configured to slide along the buckle frame. The compression band passes through the buckle frame, and a buckle connector is attached to the compression band to engage the buckle frame.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 845,051, filed May 8, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of tourniquets. Background Art

[0003] Uncontrolled bleeding from trauma remains a leading cause of death, both on the battlefield and in civilian settings. Untreated massive bleeding (e.g., arterial bleeding) can cause hypovolemic shock within minutes.

[0004] Tourniquets are well-known devices used to stem bleeding from traumatic injuries. When used properly, they can provide life-saving support in emergency situations when an injured victim is alone or unable to obtain immediate medical attention. A standard tourniquet is a bandage that is tied or wrapped around an injured limb to increase pressure around the limb and over the injured area and stem severe or uncontrolled bleeding. Rapid application of the tourniquet over the injured area is crucial for effective bleeding control, as is rapid, incremental release of the tourniquet once medical assistance is available to provide further trauma management.

[0005] Many known tourniquets are of the "capstan" style. These tourniquets typically consist of a bandage threaded through a capstan handle and attached to a tourniquet base. To tighten the tourniquet around a limb, the bandage is threaded through a buckle and the capstan handle is twisted, forming a knot between the capstan and the base and causing the bandage to circumferentially contract around the limb. Before removing the tourniquet, it is important to apply and maintain sufficient pressure on the limb to block blood flow.

[0006] A disadvantage of some of these known tourniquets is that sometimes, as the tourniquet handle is twisted, the knot formed in the compression band becomes too large and the capstan tends to fall to one side, limiting the ability to turn further and generate additional pressure. If the knot becomes too large, it may be difficult for the user to apply sufficient torque.

[0007] Even when the user is able to apply sufficient pressure, most capstan tourniquets experience up to 25% pressure loss, or creep, within the first five minutes after the tourniquet is applied.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a capstan tourniquet that facilitates the application of circumferential pressure and compensates for the natural pressure creep that occurs within minutes of tourniquet application. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tourniquet is provided that has a base including at least first and second portions and a cap attached to one of the first and second portions. A compression band is attached to the base and extends across the base, wherein a portion of the compression band is sandwiched between the base and the cap. A capstan handle is provided and includes a band hole through which the compression band passes and is sewn to itself via a stitching pattern to form a band loop. A locking band extends across the cap and is attached to the cap. A handle stop engages the locking band such that the handle stop is free to slide along the locking band. A band connector assembly is provided that includes a buckle frame and a self-tightening sliding arm extending laterally from a first side of the buckle frame to a second, opposite side of the buckle frame, the sliding arm being configured to slide along the buckle frame. The compression band passes through the buckle frame, and a buckle connector is attached to the compression band to engage the buckle frame.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a tourniquet is provided, comprising a base including at least first and second portions and a cap attached to one of the first and second portions. A compression band is attached to and extends across the base, with a portion of the compression band sandwiched between the base and the cap. A capstan handle is provided, comprising a band hole through which the compression band passes and is sewn to itself via a stitching pattern to form a band loop. The stitching pattern is centered along the width of the compression band and has a transverse dimension between 1 / 4 and 1 / 2 the width of the compression band. A band connector assembly is provided, comprising a buckle frame and a self-tightening sliding arm extending transversely from a first side of the buckle frame to a second, opposite side of the buckle frame, the sliding arm being configured to slide along the buckle frame. The compression band passes through the buckle frame, and a buckle connector is attached to the compression band and configured to engage the buckle frame.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tourniquet is provided that has a base including at least first and second portions and a cap attached to one of the first and second portions. A compression band is attached to the base and extends across the base, with a portion of the compression band sandwiched between the base and the cap. A capstan handle is provided that includes a band hole through which the compression band passes and is sewn to itself via a stitching pattern to form a band loop. A locking band extends across and attached to the cap and passes through a handle stop that allows the handle stop to slide along the locking band. A band connector assembly is provided that includes a buckle frame and a self-tightening sliding arm extending laterally from a first side of the buckle frame to a second, opposite side of the buckle frame, the sliding arm being configured to slide along the buckle frame. The compression band passes through the buckle frame, and a buckle connector is attached to the compression band and configured to engage the buckle frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Certain embodiments of the present invention are shown as examples in the accompanying drawings and are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made based on currently known structural and / or functional equivalents without departing from the scope of the present invention. The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent when read in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 Depicted is a top view of a tourniquet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a tourniquet according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a suturing pattern.

[0015] Figure 3 A tourniquet according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown applied to a limb in a first position.

[0016] Figure 4 Depicts the application of a greater circumferential force Figure 3 tourniquet.

[0017] Figure 5 A handle stop for use with the tourniquet of the present invention is shown.

[0018] Figure 6A A buckle frame according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0019] Figure 6B A belt connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0020] Figure 6C A self-tightening sliding member according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0021] Figure 7 A belt connection assembly and belt combination according to embodiments of the present invention are depicted.

[0022] Figure 8 A tourniquet according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0023] Figure 9 A tourniquet according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Now, refer to Figure 1The tourniquet 101 according to the present invention includes a constriction or compression band 110 attached to / engaged with a base 115. The compression band 110 preferably has a width between about 1 inch and about 3 inches, and more preferably has a width between about 1 inch and about 2 inches. In one embodiment, the compression band 110 has a width of about 1.5 inches. The length of the compression band 110 is at least sufficient to allow the band to be wrapped around the limb of an average-sized adult male.

[0025] The base 115 is preferably wider than the compression band 110. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the base 115 has a width of at least 2 inches.

[0026] The first end of the compression strap 110 is fixedly attached (e.g., sewn) to the base 115 at an attachment point near the first end of the base 115. The compression strap 110 extends across and parallel to the base 115 a distance sufficient to at least allow the compression strap 110 to be wrapped around the limb of an average-sized adult male.

[0027] A tourniquet handle 125 is provided for tightening the tourniquet 101. In some embodiments, the tourniquet handle 125 is a capstan. In the illustrated embodiment, the tourniquet handle 125 is generally cylindrical and may include a locking groove 127 disposed proximate the first and second handle ends. In other embodiments, the tourniquet handle 125 may lack a locking groove.

[0028] The tourniquet handle 125 also includes a hole through which the compression band 110 passes. Figure 2 As shown, the compression band 110 is stitched to itself with a stitching pattern 130 to form a loop that engages the tourniquet handle 125. As the tourniquet handle 125 is tightened, the compression band 110 gathers and forms a kink or knot 135 ( Figure 3 ). However, when the kink 135 is too large, the tourniquet handle 125 has a tendency to fall to one side, thereby limiting the ability to continue to rotate and generate further circumferential pressure.

[0029] The inventors have determined that the stitch pattern 130 affects the size of the kink 135. According to the present invention, the stitch pattern 130 can be triangular, wherein the triangle is generally centered along the width of the compression band 110 and the base of the triangle extends transversely along the width of the compression band 110, generally parallel to the tourniquet handle 125, as shown. Figure 2As shown. According to one aspect of the present invention, the stitching pattern 130 has a maximum transverse dimension between 1 / 4 and 1 / 2 of the width of the compression band 110. In some embodiments, the stitching pattern 130 can include various stitching patterns that are generally centered along the width of the compression band 110, including diamond, T-shaped, I-shaped, and V-shaped patterns. It is believed that these patterns will produce kinks of varying sizes, but it is believed that each significantly reduces the tendency of the tourniquet handle 125 to fall to one side when tightened, making it easier to turn the handle and apply additional circumferential pressure.

[0030] Cap 140 covers a portion of compression strap 110 and is fixedly attached to base 115 such that compression strap 110 is sandwiched between cap 140 and base 115. Handle stop 145 and handle lock 150 are attached to cap 140 by locking strap 155, which is fixedly attached at first and second ends to cap 140. Handle lock 150 is optional and may be omitted from all embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, the stopper 145 and the handle lock 150 are configured to slide freely along the locking strip 155 between the first end and the second end. That is, when the lock 150 and the stopper 145 slide along the locking strip 155, they are only affected by the minimal friction force exerted by the locking strip 155. Neither the lock 150 nor the stopper 145 is provided with any attachment mechanism to clamp the locking strip 155. Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, handle stop 145 is a generally C-shaped member having an aperture 160. Locking strap 155 passes through aperture 160. Aperture 160 is wide enough so that at any given time, at most only one of the upper and lower boundaries of aperture 160 contacts locking strap 155, thereby allowing handle stop 145 to slide freely. Lock 150 may include a ring, such as a triangular ring or a D-ring. Locking strap 155 passes through the ring opening, thereby allowing lock 150 to slide freely.

[0032] In use, the tourniquet handle 125 is twisted to produce a desired amount of torque and inserted into the handle stop 145 to maintain the desired torque. The handle lock 150 can engage one of the grooves formed near the end of the tourniquet handle 125 to lock the tourniquet handle 125 in place. However, within about 5 minutes after applying the tourniquet, a loss of circumferential pressure of up to about 25% may occur due to braid stretching and settling. The advantage provided by the present invention is that by sliding the stop 145 and / or the stop 150 upward and away from the kink 135, the user can increase the pressure by up to about 25% without removing the tourniquet handle. To illustrate this principle, Figure 3 Tourniquet 101 is depicted secured in a first position with stop 145 proximate knot 135, and Figure 4The tourniquet 101 is shown secured in a second position, wherein the stop 145 has been slid away from the knot 135 .

[0033] In some embodiments, the base 115 is substantially rigid and thus maintains its integrity when the tourniquet handle 125 is twisted. Substantially rigid means that the base 115 is rigid enough to avoid being bound or crushed when the tourniquet handle 125 is twisted, while being flexible enough to be used on a limb and to facilitate the carrying and storage of the tourniquet. In certain embodiments, the base 115 is made of 2" x 8" 1 / 2″ cross-section central webbing member, 2″×8 fixed to the underside of the central webbing member 1 1 / 2" ring end and a 2" x 3" strip of an upper webbing member secured to the upper side of the central webbing member. The central webbing member portion may be made of 16-point weight polypropylene material or its equivalent. The upper webbing members may be made of nylon submersible webbing or its equivalent, but each may be made of any other suitable material. For example, the upper webbing members may be made of a plastic material. Non-slip or anti-skid fabric or any other suitable material may be used in place of the looped ends.

[0034] The separate parts can be connected or combined by sewing, gluing or using any suitable means. Sections are sewn together with the central webbing member. Positioned so that the bottommost layer of the loop contacts the limb when the tourniquet 101 is in use. In this embodiment, a looped end is used. To increase friction between the tourniquet 101 and the limb and provide cushioning between the central webbing member and the limb tissue. It also helps protect skin and soft tissue from pinching and abrasions that may be associated with use of the tourniquet 101. Looped End It also aids the user in applying the tourniquet article 10 by holding the tourniquet in place and allowing the user to use the tourniquet article 10 with one hand.

[0035] The upper webbing member can be attached to the upward-facing side of the central webbing member, approximately 2" from the end of the upper webbing member, and positioned below the handle 125. In some embodiments, nylon submersible webbing can be used for the upper webbing member to increase the rigidity of the base 115 and minimize binding or pinching of the base 115 when the handle 125 is twisted or turned. In other embodiments, multiple sections of submersible webbing can be combined to form the upper webbing member, and this can further facilitate the need for rigidity while still being flexible enough for use with a limb in addition to making the tourniquet 101 easier to store and carry. The looped end The base 115 members, the central webbing member, and the upper webbing member can all be constructed of submersible webbing, and each member of the base 115 can be lengthened, shortened, narrowed, or widened. Additional padding can also be added to the base 115, or individually to the looped ends. One or more adhesive strips may also be used to bond one or more components comprising the base 115.

[0036] In some embodiments, the tourniquet 101 may include a strap connection assembly 200 for releasably connecting the compression band 110 to itself. The strap connection assembly 200 may include: a sliding buckle having a frame 210, the sliding buckle having a self-tightening sliding member 225 that engages with the frame 210; and a buckle connector 220 attached to the base 115 and configured to releasably engage the frame 210. As shown in Figure 6, the frame 210 includes a first aperture 230 configured to engage with the buckle connector 220, and a second aperture 235. The second aperture 235 is defined by first and second longitudinal sides 236 and 237 and first and second axial sides 238. According to one aspect of the present invention, the self-tightening sliding member 225 includes a hoop or rod that extends through the second aperture 235 and is externally mounted to the first and second axial sides 238. The second aperture 235 is sized to minimize slippage and provide smooth strap removal. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second aperture 235 has dimensions of, for example, 3 / 4" x 1 1 / 2″.

[0037] While specific embodiments of the base 115 are described above, the base 115 may comprise other structures and materials and need not be substantially rigid in accordance with the present invention.

[0038] The self-tightening slide member 225 includes a longitudinal center portion 240 and first and second C-shaped end members 242. The first and second axial sides 238 fit snugly within the crescents of the C-shaped end members, allowing the self-tightening slide bar to slide axially along the opening. In accordance with the present invention, the self-tightening slide member 225 includes gripping blades 244 extending longitudinally from the self-tightening member 225 and projecting radially along the self-tightening member 225.

[0039] like Figure 7 As shown, the compression band 110 is looped around the self-tightening slide member 225, including on the band gripping blade 244, so that by simply pulling the compression band 110, the self-tightening slide member 225 slides along the frame 210 until the compression band 110 is clamped between the self-tightening slide member 225 and one of the longitudinal sides 236 and 237. While not intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that by altering the travel path of the compression band 110, the band gripping blade 244 reduces band slippage under tension at angles of 45 degrees or less.

[0040] According to one aspect of the present invention, the buckle frame 210 and the sliding member 225 preferably comprise a material that is significantly smoother than metal but strong enough to withstand the forces typically encountered when using a tourniquet. In some embodiments, the buckle frame 210 and the sliding member 225 comprise a glass fiber reinforced polyamide capable of withstanding tensile tests up to 300 lbs.

[0041] like Figure 8 As shown, the belt connector 220 includes a hook member 222 and a belt channel base member 224. The hook member 222 includes a hoop having an inner surface. The hook member 222 extends from the belt channel base member 224, which defines a belt channel base member. Figure 8 The belt channel base member 224 may have an edge and include a substantially vertical first side from which the hook member 222 extends and a slightly curved second side.

[0042] According to the present invention, Figure 9 As shown, the compression band 110 passes through the buckle connector 220 and is fixedly connected to the base 125. This allows the buckle connector 220 to slide freely along the compression band 110 between the point where the compression band 110 is attached to the base 115 and the stitching pattern 130. It is believed that allowing the buckle connector 220 to slide freely creates a mechanical advantage of up to 2:1, which reduces torque and makes the tourniquet easier to use, especially for users with weak grip strength.

[0043] In further embodiments of any of the above embodiments, the belt connection assembly 220 can replace the belt connection assembly described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20110307004A1 or 2018175953A1 or any similar such assembly. In addition, any winch handle with a central hole can replace the winch handle 125.

[0044] Although specific materials have been identified for specific components and structural elements, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other materials may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. In at least one embodiment, the slider, sliding member, and buckle connector may comprise metal or plastic.

[0045] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when used in this specification, the root terms "comprising" and / or "having" specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0046] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means-plus-function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure or material for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0047] As used above, "substantially," "approximately," and other words of degree are relative modifiers intended to indicate permissible variations from the characteristic so modified. It is not intended to be limited to the absolute value or property it modifies, but rather to possess more of the physical or functional property than the opposite thereof, and preferably, to be close to or approximately such physical or functional property.

[0048] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations of the above embodiments may be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced in ways other than those specifically described herein.

Claims

1. A tourniquet, characterized in that: include: a base comprising at least a first portion and a second portion and having a cap attached to one of the first portion and the second portion; a compression strap attached to and extending across the base, a portion of the compression strap being sandwiched between the base and the cap; a capstan handle having a hole through which the compression strap is passed and stitched to itself with a stitching pattern to form a strap loop, wherein the stitching pattern forms a triangle generally centered along the width of the compression strap, wherein the base of the triangle extends transversely along the width of the compression strap, generally parallel to the capstan handle; a locking strap extending across the cap and attached to the cap; a handle stop including a band hole through which the locking strip passes, the band hole being wide enough so that at most one of an upper boundary and a lower boundary of the band hole contacts the locking strip, thereby allowing the handle stop to slide freely along the locking strip; and A belt connector assembly includes a buckle frame and a self-tightening sliding arm extending laterally from a first side of the buckle frame to a second, opposite side of the buckle frame, the sliding arm being configured to slide along the buckle frame through which the compression strap passes; and a buckle connector attached to the compression strap and configured to engage the buckle frame.

2. The tourniquet according to claim 1, characterized in that Wherein the compression band has a first width and the stitching pattern is centered about a center of the first width.

3. The tourniquet according to claim 2, characterized in that wherein the stitching pattern has a maximum transverse dimension between 1 / 2 and 1 / 4 of the first width of the compression band.

4. The tourniquet according to claim 1, characterized in that wherein the buckle connector is attached to the compression strap such that when the capstan handle is rotated, the buckle connector can slide along the compression strap between the point where the compression strap is attached to the base and the stitching pattern.

5. The tourniquet according to claim 1, characterized in that: Further included is a handle lock slidably engaged with the locking strap.

6. The tourniquet according to claim 1, characterized in that Wherein the handle stop is a generally C-shaped member.

7. A tourniquet, characterized in that: include: a base comprising at least a first portion and a second portion and having a cap attached to one of the first portion and the second portion; a compression strap attached to and extending across the base, a portion of the compression strap being sandwiched between the base and the cap; a capstan handle having a band hole through which the compression band is passed and sewn to itself with a stitching pattern to form a band loop, wherein the stitching pattern forms a triangle generally centered along the width of the compression band, wherein the base of the triangle extends transversely along the width of the compression band, generally parallel to the capstan handle, the stitching pattern having a transverse dimension between 1 / 4 and 1 / 2 of the width of the compression band; and A belt connector assembly includes a buckle frame and a self-tightening sliding arm extending laterally from a first side of the buckle frame to a second, opposite side of the buckle frame, the sliding arm being configured to slide along the buckle frame through which the compression strap passes; and a buckle connector attached to the compression strap and configured to engage the buckle frame.

8. The tourniquet according to claim 7, characterized in that The stitching pattern includes one of a diamond shape, an I shape, a T shape and a V shape.

9. A tourniquet, characterized in that: include: a base comprising at least a first portion and a second portion and having a cap attached to one of the first portion and the second portion; a compression strap attached to and extending across the base, a portion of the compression strap being sandwiched between the base and the cap; a capstan handle having a hole through which the compression strap is passed and stitched to itself with a stitching pattern to form a strap loop, wherein the stitching pattern forms a triangle generally centered along the width of the compression strap, wherein the base of the triangle extends transversely along the width of the compression strap, generally parallel to the capstan handle; a locking strap extending across the cap and attached to the cap; a handle lock engaged with the locking strap and configured for locking engagement with the winch handle; a handle stopper, the handle stopper including a belt hole, the locking belt passing through the belt hole to allow the handle stopper to slide along the locking belt; as well as A belt connector assembly includes a buckle frame and a self-tightening sliding arm extending laterally from a first side of the buckle frame to a second, opposite side of the buckle frame, the sliding arm being configured to slide along the buckle frame through which the compression strap passes; and a buckle connector attached to the compression strap and configured to engage the buckle frame.

10. The tourniquet according to claim 9, characterized in that Further included is a handle lock slidably engaged with the locking strap.

11. The tourniquet according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: wherein the buckle connector is slidably engaged with the compression strap.

12. The tourniquet according to claim 9, characterized in that The band aperture includes an upper boundary and a lower boundary, and wherein the band aperture is sufficiently wide that at any given time, at most only one of the upper boundary and the lower boundary contacts the locking band.

Images