Arterial tourniquet with actuatable tensioners and methods of using the same

Abstract

An arterial tourniquet with actuatable tensioners is described; a respective method of applying an arterial tourniquet with actuatable tensioners is further described; the arterial tourniquet comprises: a segmented elongated member, a buckle assembly, a tightener, at least one tensioner; the method comprises: providing an arterial tourniquet, assuming a contracted configuration and assuming an extended configuration.

Description

ARTERIAL TOURNIQUET WITH ACTUATABLE TENSIONERSAND METHODS OF USING THE SAMETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] In general, the present invention pertains to the art of medical devices. In particular, the invention relates to an arterial tourniquet with actuatable tensioners and methods of using the same.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] It is believed that the current state of the art is represented by the following patent literature: US10363046, US11090060, US1 1234708, US8926651 , US9427238, US2016345981 , US2016302799, US2017354422, EP1862131.

[0003] US2016345981 that is believed to represent the closest prior art discloses a compression device, useful for applying circumferential compression to an object, for example, as a tourniquet to occlude blood flow in a hemorrhaging extremity. The device in US2016345981 includes a buckle assembly, first and second guidance slides, a connecting member between the first and second guidance slides, and a strap. Each end of the strap is anchored to a guidance slide in US2016345981 . From each of the anchored ends in US2016345981 , the strap passes through the buckle assembly, forming outer segments. The strap in US2016345981 then returns along respective insides of the outer segments and through the guidance slides, forming inner segments. The buckle assembly, innersegments and connecting member form a loop for placing about an object, an inner circumference of the loop being adjustable in US2016345981 by pulling on a portion of the strap located along the outside of the connecting member and between the two guidance slides to tighten the loop around the object.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The following summary of the invention is provided to exhibit the basic understanding of some principles, underlying various aspects and features of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention and as such it is not necessarily intended to particularly identify all key or critical elements of the invention and is not to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the following more detailed.

[0005] The invention was made in view of the deficiencies of the prior art and provides systems, methods and processes for overcoming these deficiencies. According to some embodiments and aspects of the present invention, there is provided an arterial tourniquet with actuatable tensioners including: a segmented elongated member including a plurality of segments, forming the elongated member; a buckle assembly including a male and female moiety, configured for being interconnected; a tightener configured for unidirectionally affixing the elongated member threaded therein, by exerting a manual pulling force onto a terminal portion of the elongated member; at least one tensioner, including: a frame, including: flanking members; at least one stopper operationally connected to a distalportion of the flanking members; a connector disposed in a proximal portion of the flanking members, configured for operationally connecting the frame to at least one first segment of the elongated member; a spring, operationally connected to a proximal portion of the flanking members of the frame and configured to spontaneously driving distal portions of the flanking members apart; a biasing means, including: at least one biasing element configured to accumulate mechanical energy, by changing the configuration thereof, upon a force exerted onto the at least one biasing element; a connector disposed in a distal portion of the biasing means, configured for operationally connecting the biasing means to at least one second segment of the elongated member; in which the frame of the at least one tensioner is configured to assume: a restricting configuration, in which the flanking members of the frame are disposed adjacently to the biasing means; a nonrestricting configuration, in which the flanking members of the frame are spaced apart from the biasing means; in which the biasing means of the at least one tensioner is configured to assume: a contracted configuration, in which the biasing means is essentially contracted toward the spring; an extended configuration, in which the at least one stopper member of the frame stabilizes the biasing means; in which the at least one tensioner is configured to assume: an activated state, in which the biasing means essentially assumes the contracted configuration, whereas the frame essentially assumes the non-restricting configuration; a loaded state, in which the biasing means essentially assumes the extended configuration, whereas the frame essentially assumes the restricting configuration.

[0006] In some embodiments the at least one tensioner includes an automatic release mechanism.

[0007] In some embodiments the automatic release mechanism is configured to be activated upon exceeding a predetermined threshold in a tensile force of the elongated member.

[0008] In some embodiments the at least one tensioner includes a manual release mechanism.

[0009] In some embodiments the manual release mechanism includes a restrictor.

[0010] In some embodiments the biasing element includes at least one helical spring.

[0011] In some embodiments the at least one tensioner includes at least one spiral spring.

[0012] In accordance with some aspects and embodiments of the present invention a method of applying an arterial tourniquet with actuatable tensioners is provided including: providing an arterial tourniquet, including: a segmented elongated member including a plurality of segments, forming the elongated member; a buckle assembly including a male and female moiety, configured for being interconnected; a tightener configured for unidirectionally affixing the elongated member threaded therein, by exerting a manual pulling force onto a terminal portion of the elongated member; at least one tensioner, including: a frame, including: flanking members; at least one stopper operationally connected to a distal portion of the flanking members; a connector disposed in a proximal portion of the flanking members, configured for operationally connecting the frame to at least one first segment of the elongated member; a spring, operationally connected to aproximal portion of the flanking members of the frame and configured to spontaneously driving distal portions of the flanking members apart; a biasing means, including: at least one biasing element configured to accumulate mechanical energy, by changing the configuration thereof, upon a force exerted onto the at least one biasing element; a connector disposed in a distal portion of the biasing means, configured for operationally connecting the biasing means to at least one second segment of the elongated member; assuming by the frame of the at least one tensioner: a restricting configuration, in which the flanking members of the frame are disposed adjacently to the biasing means; a non-restricting configuration, in which the flanking members of the frame are spaced apart from the biasing means; assuming by the biasing means of the at least one tensioner: a contracted configuration, in which the biasing means is essentially contracted toward the spring; an extended configuration, in which the at least one stopper member of the frame stabilizes the biasing means; assuming by the at least one tensioner: an activated state, in which the biasing means essentially assumes the contracted configuration, whereas the frame essentially assumes the non-restricting configuration; a loaded state, in which the biasing means essentially assumes the extended configuration, whereas the frame essentially assumes the restricting configuration.

[0013] In accordance with some aspects and embodiments of the present invention an arterial tourniquet with actuatable tensioners is provided including: a segmented elongated member including a plurality of segments; a buckle assembly; a tightener configured for unidirectionally affixing the elongated member threaded therein; at least one tensioner, including: at least one stopper; a connectorconfigured for operationally connecting the tensioner to a segment of the elongated member; a biasing means configured to accumulate mechanical energy; a connector configured for operationally connecting the biasing means to another segment of the elongated member; in which the biasing means of the at least one tensioner is configured to assume: a contracted configuration, in which the biasing means is essentially contracted; an extended configuration, in which the biasing means having the mechanical energy accumulated therein; in which the stopper of the at least one tensioner is configured to assume: a restricting configuration, in which the stopper stabilizes the biasing means essentially in the extended configuration; a non-restricting configuration, in which the stopper facilitating spontaneous transition of the biasing means into the contracted configuration; in which the at least one tensioner is configured to assume: an activated state, in which the biasing means essentially assumes the contracted configuration, whereas the frame essentially assumes the non-restricting configuration; a loaded state, in which the biasing means essentially assumes the extended configuration, whereas the frame essentially assumes the restricting configuration.

[0014] In accordance with some aspects and embodiments of the present invention a method of applying an arterial tourniquet with actuatable tensioners is provided including: a segmented elongated member including a plurality of segments; a buckle assembly, configured for being interconnected; a tightener configured for unidirectionally affixing the elongated member threaded therein; at least one tensioner, including: at least one stopper; a connector configured for operationally connecting the frame to at least one first segment of the elongated member; a biasing means, configured to accumulate mechanical energy; aconnector configured for operationally connecting the biasing means to a segment of the elongated member; assuming by the frame of the at least one tensioner: a restricting configuration, in which the stopper stabilizes the biasing means essentially in the extended configuration; a non-restricting configuration, in which the stopper facilitating spontaneous transition of the biasing means into the contracted configuration; assuming by the biasing means of the at least one tensioner: a contracted configuration, in which the biasing means is essentially contracted; an extended configuration, in which the biasing means having the mechanical energy accumulated therein; assuming by the at least one tensioner: an activated state, in which the biasing means essentially assumes the contracted configuration, whereas the frame essentially assumes the non-restricting configuration; a loaded state, in which the biasing means essentially assumes the extended configuration, whereas the frame essentially assumes the restricting configuration.DEFINITIONS

[0015] The term matching or a term similar thereto, as referred to herein, is to be construed as having a cross-sectional area and / or shape of a component equal or essentially similar to a cross-sectional area and / or shape of another component. It should be acknowledged that the components may only to be similar in the cross-sectional areas and / or shapes, to satisfy the term matching or similar, so long as the cross-sectional areas of the components can be mated and / or inserted into each other and / or the combination thereof essentially fits togetherand / or occupy essentially the same space.

[0016] The term structured, as referred to herein, is to be construed as including any geometrical shape, exceeding in complexity a plain linear shape or a shape embodying a simple and / or standardized circular, elliptical or polygonal contour or profile. Any more complex shape than a plain linear shape or a shape embodying a simple and / or standardized circular, elliptical or polygonal contour or profile, constitutes an example of structured geometry.

[0017] The term modular, as referred to herein, should be construed as a including a stand-alone and / or autonomically functioning of structured unit. The term modular inter alia means a standardized unit that may be conveniently installed or deployed without significant impact to the environment. The term modular, however, doesn’t necessarily mean providing for ease of interchange or replacement. The term modular is optionally satisfied solely by providing for ease of onetime deployment or installation.

[0018] The term readily connectable, as referred to herein, should be construed as including any structure and / or member that is configured to be conveniently connected to other structure and / or member and / or components of a larger system or assembly. The term readily connectable, however, doesn’t necessarily mean readily disconnectable or removable. The term readily connectable is optionally satisfied by providing for ease of onetime connection or coupling.

[0019] The term biasing means or alike, as referred to herein, should be construed as including any material, structure or mechanism, configured toaccumulate mechanical energy, by changing the configuration thereof, upon a force exerted thereon, such as a compressive, tensile, shear or torsional force, as well as for releasing the energy accumulated therein, by returning to the normal or default configuration thereof and thereby performing a mechanical work, typically by linear or radial displacement. Examples of biasing means in a non-limiting manner include, springs, elastomers, leaf-springs, coil-springs, tension / extension spring, compression spring torsion spring, constant spring, variable spring, variable stiffness spring, flat spring, machined spring, serpentine spring, garter spring, cantilever spring, helical spring, hollow tubing springs, volute spring, V-spring, belleville washer or belleville spring, constant-force spring, gas spring, mainspring, negator spring, progressive rate coil springs, rubber band, spring washer and wave spring.

[0020] By operationally connected and operably coupled or similar terms used herein is meant connected in a specific way (e.g., in a manner allowing fluid to move and / or electric power or signal to be transmitted) that allows the disclosed system and its various components to operate effectively in the manner described herein.

[0021] The term environmentally sustainable, as referred to herein, is to be construed as including any material that is biodegradable or comprising a naturally occurring and / or excavated and / or mined material, whether in original, natural or processed form. The term environmentally sustainable, as referred to herein, is to be equally construed as including in a non-limiting manner any method or technique facilitating a reduction in: (1 ) energy consumption including energy consumption, whether required for manufacture, storage and / or transportation, (2) the volume ormass of disposed materials, waste or emissions, as well as (3) toxicity or nonbiodegradability of disposed materials, waste or emissions.

[0022] The terms firm rigid, or stiff, as referred to herein, are to be construed as having rigidity modulus value, otherwise referred to as the shear modulus, of 4800 MPa or more. Materials are considered to be firm rigid, or stiff but not tensile, when such materials are incapable of being efficiently elastically flexed or bent. Stiff materials, such as steel, are defined as having rigidity modulus value well exceeding 4800 MPa.

[0023] The terms pliable or pliant, as referred to herein, are to be construed as having high tensile strength and capable of being efficiently elastically flexed or bent but not being resilient and incapable of being efficiently stretched or expanded. The term tensile or tensile strength, as referred to herein, is to be construed inter alia as a shortcut of the known term ultimate tensile strength, frequently represented acronym as UTS, meaning an intensive property of a material or structure to withstand loads tending to elongate, namely to resist tension, defined as the maximum stress that a material can withstand while been stretched or pulled before sustaining breaking, substantial deformation and / or necking before fracture, such as nylon, relating to essentially non-ductile materials, having UTS value ranging between about 600 and 1000 MPa or more, but not including rigid, firm or stiff materials.

[0024] The terms elastic or resilient, as referred to herein, are to be construed as having tensile strength lower than aforesaid tensile strength of pliable or pliant material and optionally being capable of efficiently stretching or expanding, relating inter alia to essentially ductile materials, having UTS value lesser than about 600MPa.

[0025] The terms method and process as used herein are to be construed as including any sequence of steps or constituent actions, regardless a specific timeline for the performance thereof. The particular steps or constituent actions of any given method or process are not necessarily in the order they are presented in the claims, description or flowcharts in the drawings, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any particular step or constituent action included in a given method or process may precede or follow any other particular step or constituent action in such method or process, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any particular step or constituent action and / or a combination thereof in any method or process may be performed iteratively, before or after any other particular step or action in such method or process, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Moreover, some steps or constituent actions and / or a combination thereof may be combined, performed together, performed concomitantly and / or simultaneously and / or in parallel, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Moreover, some steps or constituent actions and / or a combination thereof in any given method or process may be skipped, omitted, spared and / or opted out, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0026] In the specification or claims herein, any term signifying an action or operation, such as: a verb, whether in base form or any tense, gerund or present / past participle, is not to be construed as necessarily to be actually performed but rather in a constructive manner, namely as to be performed merely optionally or potentially.

[0027] The term substantially as used herein is a broad term, and is to begiven its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art (and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning), and refers without limitation to being largely but not necessarily entirely of that quantity or quality which is specified.

[0028] The term essentially means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, stages and or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, the stages and / or the parts do not materially alter the basic and new characteristics of the composition, method or structure claimed.

[0029] As used herein, the term essentially changes a specific meaning, meaning an interval of plus or minus ten percent (± 10%). For any embodiments disclosed herein, any disclosure of a particular value, in some alternative embodiments, is to be understood as disclosing an interval approximately or about equal to that particular value (i.e., ± 10%).

[0030] As used herein, the terms about or approximately modify a particular value, by referring to a range equal to the particular value, plus or minus twenty percent (+ / -20%). For any of the embodiments, disclosed herein, any disclosure of a particular value, can, in various alternate embodiments, also be understood as a disclosure of a range equal to about that particular value (i.e. + / -20%).

[0031] As used herein, the term or is an inclusive or operator, equivalent to the term and / or, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise; whereas the term and as used herein is also the alternative operator equivalent to the term and / or, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0032] It should be understood, however, that neither the briefly synopsizedsummary nor particular definitions hereinabove are not to limit interpretation of the invention to the specific forms and examples but rather on the contrary are to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The present invention will be understood and appreciated more comprehensively from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

[0034] FIG 1 A is a perspective view of an arterial tourniquet with actuatable tensioners, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0035] FIG 1 B is an enlarged view of a buckle assembly of the arterial tourniquet, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0036] FIG 1C is an enlarged view of a tensioner of the arterial tourniquet, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0037] FIG 2A is a perspective view of an arterial tourniquet with actuatable tensioners in an activated state, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0038] FIG 2B is an enlarged view of the tensioner in an activated state, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0039] FIG 3A is a perspective view of a tensioner with a biasing element comprising at least one spiral spring, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention;

[0040] FIG 3B is a perspective view of a tensioner with a biasing element comprising at least one helical spring, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0041] FIG 4 is a flowchart of a method of applying an arterial tourniquet with actuatable tensioners, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0042] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown merely by way of example in the drawings. The drawings are not necessarily complete and components are not essentially to scale; emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles underlying the present invention.DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF EMBODIMENTS

[0043] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of actual implementation are described in this specification. It should be appreciated that various features or elements described in the context of some embodiment may be interchangeable with features or elements of any other embodiment described in the specification. Moreover, it will be appreciated that for the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with technology- or business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another, and the effort of such a development might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routineundertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0044] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to FIG 1A to 3B, showing arterial tourniquet 10 with actuatable tensioners. In some embodiments, arterial tourniquet 10 comprises elongated member 12. In some examples, elongated member 12 comprises a strap, belt, thong, cord, band, leash. Elongated member 12 is typically made of a pliant or liable material, having a sufficient tensile strength, to apply a sufficient compressive force onto a hemorrhaging limb or extremity, so as to occlude arterial flow therethrough.

[0045] In some embodiments, elongated member 12 comprises a plurality of segments 14. In some embodiments, arterial tourniquet 10 further comprises at least one tensioner 16. At least one tensioner 16 is operationally connected inbetween segments 14 of elongated member 12. At least one tensioner 16 is configured for generating an additional tensioning force to elongated member 12 of arterial tourniquet 10 by exerting a tensile force to assembly of segments 14 of elongated member 12.

[0046] In some embodiments, at least one tensioner 16 comprises frame 18. In some embodiments, frame 18 comprises flanking members 20. In some embodiments, frame 18 comprises at least one stopper 22. In some embodiments, at least one stopper 22 forms a continuum with distal portion 24 of flanking members 20.

[0047] In some embodiments, frame 18 of tensioner 16 further comprises connector 26. Connector 26 operationally connects frame 18 of tensioner 16 toproximal portion 28 of flanking members 20. Connector 26 is configured for connecting frame 18 of tensioner 16 to first segment 14A of segments 14 of elongated member 12.

[0048] In some embodiments, at least one tensioner 16 further comprises biasing means 30. Biasing means 30 comprises connector 32. Connector 32 is operationally connected to distal portion 34 of biasing means 30. Connector 32 is configured for connecting biasing means 30 to second segment 14B of segments 14 of elongated member 12.

[0049] In some examples, biasing means 30 in a non-limiting manner includes springs, elastomers, leaf-springs, coil-springs, tension / extension spring, compression spring, torsion spring, constant spring, variable spring, variable stiffness spring, flat spring, machined spring, serpentine spring (as shown in FIG 3B), garter spring, cantilever spring, helical spring (as shown in FIG 3A), hollow tubing springs, volute spring, V-spring, constant-force spring, gas spring, mainspring, negator spring, progressive rate coil springs, rubber band, spring washer and wave spring.

[0050] In some embodiments, frame 18 further comprises leaf spring 36. In some embodiments, leaf spring 36 is operationally connected to proximal portions of flanking members 20 of frame 18. In some embodiments, leaf spring 36 is connected to biasing means 30 by pressure screw 37. Leaf spring 36 is configured for driving the distal portions flanking members 20 of frame 18 and stoppers 22 apart and away from frame 18.

[0051] In some embodiments, arterial tourniquet 10 further comprises buckleassembly 38. In some embodiments, buckle assembly comprises male moiety 40A and female moiety 40B. In some embodiments, male moiety 40A and female moiety 40B of buckle assembly 38 are interlockable, preferably in a quick and convenient manner, as well as quickly and conveniently releasable. In some embodiments, male moiety 40A and moiety buckle 40B are interchangeable. In some embodiments, female moiety 40B is operationally connected to tensioner 16 by connector 27.

[0052] Buckle assembly 38 typically comprises tightener 42. Tightener 42 is configured for unidirectionally affixing elongated member 12 therein. One of segments 14 of elongated member 12 is typically threaded through tightener 42. Tightener 42 by unidirectionally affixing elongated member 12 therein is configured for facilitating the tightening of elongated member 12.

[0053] In some embodiments, arterial tourniquet 10 further comprises terminal portion 44. Terminal portion 44 forms a continuum with segments 14 of elongated member 12, which is threaded through tightener 42. Terminal portion 44 is configured for exerting manual pulling force onto arterial tourniquet 10, thereby tightening elongated member 12 by pulling terminal portion 44.

[0054] In some embodiments, frame 18 of at least one tensioner 16 is configured to assume a restricting configuration, shown in FIG 1C, in which flanking members 20 of frame 18 are disposed adjacently to biasing means 30. In some embodiments, frame 18 of at least one tensioner 16 is held in the restricting configuration, shown in FIG 1C, by at least one stopper 22.

[0055] In some embodiments, frame 18 of at least one tensioner 16 isconfigured to assume a non-restricting configuration, shown in FIG 2B, in which flanking members 20 of frame 18 are spaced apart from biasing means 30, for instance by leaf spring 36. In some embodiments, the release mechanism of at least one stopper 22 is configured for being activated automatically, upon arterial tourniquet 10 reaching tensioning exceeding a predetermined threshold value.

[0056] In some embodiments, biasing means 30 of at least one tensioner 16 is configured to assume a contracted configuration, shown in FIG 1C. In the contracted configuration, shown in FIG 2B, which corresponds to the non-restricting configuration of frame 18, biasing means 30 of at least one tensioner 16 is essentially contracted towards proximal portion 28.

[0057] In some embodiments, biasing means 30 of at least one tensioner 16 is configured to assume an extended configuration, shown in FIG 1C, in which at least one stopper 22 of frame 18 in the restricting configuration, stabilizes biasing 30 means in the extended configuration.

[0058] In some embodiments, at least one tensioner 16 of arterial tourniquet 10 is configured to assume an activated state, shown in FIG 2B, in which biasing means 30 of at least one tensioner 16 is the extended configuration, whereas frame 18 of at least one tensioner 16 is the non-restricting configuration. In some embodiments, at least one tensioner 16 of arterial tourniquet 10 is configured to assume a loaded state, shown in FIG 1 A, in which biasing means 30 of at least one tensioner 16 is in the contracted configuration, whereas frame 18 of at least one tensioner 16 is in the non-restricting configuration.

[0059] In some embodiments, the release mechanism of at least onetensioner 16 is configured to be activated in an automated manner, whereas in other embodiments, the release mechanism of at least one tensioner 16 is configured to be activated manually. In such embodiments, where at least one tensioner 16 is activated manually configuration, the release mechanism of at least one tensioner 16 includes manually removed restrictor 50, shown in FIG 3A.

[0060] In some embodiments, where the release mechanism of at least one tensioner 16 is configured to be activated in an automated manner. In such embodiments, where the release mechanism of at least one tensioner 16 is configured to be activated in an automated manner, at least one stopper 22 of flanking members 20 is configured for spontaneous transition of frame 18 of at least one tensioner 16 to the non-restricting configuration, automatically, upon reaching a predetermined threshold the tension of elongated member 12.

[0061] In some embodiments, the restricting configuration is held when a sufficient frictional force is formed between distal portion 34, shown in FIG 2B, of at least one stopper member 22, and terminal coil 31 of distal portion 48 of biasing means 30. In some embodiments, when the tension of biasing means 30 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the frictional force becomes smaller than the force holding flanking members 20 of frame 18 in the restricting configuration.

[0062] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to FIG 4, showing a flowchart of method 100 of applying an arterial tourniquet with actuatable tensioners. Method 100 of the embodiment of FIG 4 illustrates various features that may be interchangeable with elements and / or features of any other embodiment described in the specification.

[0063] In some embodiments, method 100 commences at step 102 of providing an elongated member, comprising an assembly of segments. In some embodiments, method 100 further comprises step 104 of providing at least one tensioner configured for forming a compressive force upon applying the tensile force to the assembly of segments of the elongated member. In some embodiments, at least one tensioner comprises a frame, comprising flanking members. In some embodiments, the frame comprises at least one stopper operationally connected to a distal portion of the flanking members. In some embodiments, the frame comprises a connector operationally connected to a proximal portion of the flanking members and configured for connecting the frame to a first segment of the elongated member. In some embodiments, at least one tensioner further comprises a biasing means comprising a connector operationally connected to a distal portion of the biasing means and configured for connecting the biasing means to a second segment of the assembly of segments of the elongated member.

[0064] In some embodiments, method 100 further comprises step 106 of providing a buckle assembly. In some embodiments, buckle assembly comprises a male moiety and a female moiety. In some embodiments, method 100 further includes step 108 of unidirectionally affixing the elongated member, by the buckle.

[0065] In some embodiments, method 100 further includes step 110 of providing a tightener. The tightener forms a continuous with the elongated member through a sliding buckle. In some embodiments, method 100 further comprises step 112 of tightening the elongated member of the arterial tourniquet by pulling the terminal portion of the elongated member.

[0066] In some embodiments, method 100 further comprises step 114 oftransitioning the tensioner into an activated state, by releasing the biasing means of at least one tensioner from an extended configuration into a contracted configuration, by transitioning the frame of at least one tensioner from a restricting configuration to a non-restricting configuration.

[0067] In some embodiments, method 100 further comprises step 116 of transitioning the tensioner into a loaded state, by transitioning the biasing means of at least one tensioner from the contracted configuration into the extended configuration, and retaining the biasing means in the extended configuration by transitioning the frame of at least one tensioner from the non-restricting configuration into the restricting configuration.

[0068] In some embodiments, method 100 further comprises step 118 of automatically releasing at least one stopper member of the flanking members, allowing the frame of at least one tensioner to transition spontaneously into the nonrestricting configuration, upon reaching a predetermined tension threshold of the elongated member, thereby facilitating an automatic actuation of at least one tensioner of the arterial tourniquet.

[0069] In some embodiments, step 118 further comprises applying a frictional force between a distal portion of at least one stopper and a distal portion of the biasing means. In some embodiments, step 118 further comprises a step of exceeding the predetermined threshold, so that the frictional force precedes the force driving the flanking members of the frame in the restricting configuration.

[0070] In some embodiments, method 100 further includes step 120 of manually releasing at least one tensioner of the arterial tourniquet by manuallyremoving a restrictor.

[0071] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art of the invention that various features and / or elements elaborated in the context of a specific embodiment described hereinabove and / or referenced herein and / or illustrated by a particular example in a certain drawing enclosed hereto, whether method, system, device or product, is / are interchangeable with features and / or elements of any other embodiment described in the specification and / or shown in the drawings. Moreover, skilled persons would appreciate that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims which follow:

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An arterial tourniquet with actuatable tensioners comprises:(a) a segmented elongated member comprising a plurality of segments, forming said elongated member;(b) a buckle assembly comprising a male and female moiety, configured for being interconnected;(c) a tightener configured for unidirectionally affixing said elongated member threaded therein, by exerting a manual pulling force onto a terminal portion of said elongated member;(d) at least one tensioner, comprising:(I) a frame, comprising:(i) flanking members;(ii) at least one stopper operationally connected to a distal portion of said flanking members;(iii) a connector disposed in a proximal portion of said flanking members, configured for operationally connecting said frame to at least one first segment of said elongated member;(iv) a spring, operationally connected to a proximal portion of said flanking members of said frame and configured to spontaneously driving distal portions of said flanking members apart;(II) a biasing means, comprising:(i) at least one biasing element configured to accumulate mechanical energy, by changing the configuration thereof, upon a force exerted onto said at least one biasing element;(ii) a connector disposed in a distal portion of said biasing means, configured for operationally connecting said biasing means to at least one second segment of said elongated member; wherein said frame of said at least one tensioner is configured to assume:(e) a restricting configuration, wherein said flanking members of said frame are disposed adjacently to said biasing means;(f) a non-restricting configuration, wherein said flanking members of said frame are spaced apart from said biasing means; wherein said biasing means of said at least one tensioner is configured to assume:(g) a contracted configuration, wherein said biasing means is essentially contracted toward said spring;(h) an extended configuration, wherein said at least one stopper member of said frame stabilizes said biasing means; wherein said at least one tensioner is configured to assume:(i) an activated state, wherein said biasing means essentially assumes said contracted configuration, whereas said frame essentially assumes said non-restricting configuration;(j) a loaded state, wherein said biasing means essentially assumes said extended configuration, whereas said frame essentially assumes said restricting configuration.

2. The arterial tourniquet as in claim 1 , wherein said at least one tensioner comprises an automatic release mechanism.

3. The arterial tourniquet as in claim 2, wherein said automatic release mechanism is configured to be activated upon exceeding a predetermined threshold in a tensile force of said elongated member.

4. The arterial tourniquet as in any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein said at least one tensioner comprises a manual release mechanism.

5. The arterial tourniquet as claim 4, wherein said manual release mechanism comprises a restrictor.

6. The arterial tourniquet as in any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein said biasing element comprises at least one helical spring.

7. The arterial tourniquet as in any one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein said at least one tensioner comprises at least one spiral spring.

8. A method of applying an arterial tourniquet with actuatable tensioners comprises:(a) providing an arterial tourniquet, comprising:(I) a segmented elongated member comprising a plurality of segments, forming said elongated member;(II) a buckle assembly comprising a male and female moiety, configured for being interconnected;(III) a tightener configured for unidirectionally affixing said elongated member threaded therein, by exerting a manual pulling force onto a terminal portion of said elongated member;(IV) at least one tensioner, comprising:(i) a frame, comprising: flanking members; at least one stopper operationally connected to a distal portion of said flanking members; a connector disposed in a proximal portion of said flanking members, configured for operationally connecting said frame to at least one first segment of said elongated member; a spring, operationally connected to a proximal portion of said flanking members of said frame and configured to spontaneously driving distal portions of said flanking members apart;(ii) a biasing means, comprising: at least one biasing element configured to accumulate mechanical energy, by changing the configuration thereof, upon a force exerted onto said at least one biasing element; a connector disposed in a distal portion of said biasing means, configured for operationally connecting said biasing means to at least one second segment of said elongated member;(b) assuming by said frame of said at least one tensioner:(I) a restricting configuration, wherein said flanking members of said frame are disposed adjacently to said biasing means;(II) a non-restricting configuration, wherein said flanking members of said frame are spaced apart from said biasing means;(c) assuming by said biasing means of said at least one tensioner:(I) a contracted configuration, wherein said biasing means is essentially contracted toward said spring;(II) an extended configuration, wherein said at least one stopper member of said frame stabilizes said biasing means; assuming by said at least one tensioner:(d) an activated state, wherein said biasing means essentially assumes said contracted configuration, whereas said frame essentially assumes said non-restricting configuration;(e) a loaded state, wherein said biasing means essentially assumes said extended configuration, whereas said frame essentially assumes said restricting configuration.

9. The method as in claim 8, wherein said at least one tensioner comprises an automatic release mechanism.

10. The method as in claim 9, further comprises automatically activating said release mechanism, upon exceeding a predetermined threshold in a tensile force of said elongated member.1 1. The method as in any one of the claims 8 to 10, wherein said at least one tensioner comprises a manual release mechanism.

12. The method as claim 1 1 , wherein activating said manual release mechanism comprises removing a restrictor.

13. The method as in any one of the claims 8 to 12, wherein said biasing element comprises at least one helical spring.

14. The method as in any one of the claims 8 to 13, wherein said at least one tensioner comprises at least one spiral spring.

15. An arterial tourniquet with actuatable tensioners comprises:(a) a segmented elongated member comprising a plurality of segments;(b) a buckle assembly;(c) a tightener configured for unidirectionally affixing said elongated member threaded therein;(d) at least one tensioner, comprising:(I) at least one stopper;(II) a connector configured for operationally connecting said tensioner to a segment of said elongated member;(III) a biasing means configured to accumulate mechanical energy;(IV) a connector configured for operationally connecting said biasing means to another segment of said elongated member; wherein said biasing means of said at least one tensioner is configured to assume:(e) a contracted configuration, wherein said biasing means is essentially contracted;(f) an extended configuration, wherein said biasing means having said mechanical energy accumulated therein; wherein said stopper of said at least one tensioner is configured to assume:(g) a restricting configuration, wherein said stopper stabilizes said biasing means essentially in said extended configuration;(h) a non-restricting configuration, wherein said stopper facilitating spontaneous transition of said biasing means into said contracted configuration; wherein said at least one tensioner is configured to assume:(i) an activated state, wherein said biasing means essentially assumes said contracted configuration, whereas said frame essentially assumes said non-restricting configuration;(j) a loaded state, wherein said biasing means essentially assumes said extended configuration, whereas said frame essentially assumes said restricting configuration.

16. The arterial tourniquet as in claim 15, wherein said at least one tensioner comprises an automatic release mechanism.

17. The arterial tourniquet as in claim 16, wherein said automatic release mechanism is configured to be activated upon exceeding a predetermined threshold in a tensile force of said elongated member.

18. The arterial tourniquet as in any one of the claims 15 to 17, wherein said at least one tensioner comprises a manual release mechanism.

19. The arterial tourniquet as claim 18, wherein said manual release mechanism comprises a restrictor.

20. The arterial tourniquet as in any one of the claims 15 to 19, wherein said biasing element comprises at least one helical spring.

21. The arterial tourniquet as in any one of the claims 15 to 20, wherein said at least one tensioner comprises at least one spiral spring.

22. A method of applying an arterial tourniquet with actuatable tensioners comprises:(a) providing an arterial tourniquet, comprising:(I) a segmented elongated member comprising a plurality of segments;(II) a buckle assembly, configured for being interconnected;(III) a tightener configured for unidirectionally affixing said elongated member threaded therein;(IV) at least one tensioner, comprising: at least one stopper; a connector configured for operationally connecting said frame to at least one first segment of said elongated member;a biasing means, configured to accumulate mechanical energy; a connector configured for operationally connecting said biasing means to a segment of said elongated member;(b) assuming by said frame of said at least one tensioner:(I) a restricting configuration, wherein said stopper stabilizes said biasing means essentially in said extended configuration;(II) a non-restricting configuration, wherein said stopper facilitating spontaneous transition of said biasing means into said contracted configuration;(c) assuming by said biasing means of said at least one tensioner:(I) a contracted configuration, wherein said biasing means is essentially contracted;(II) an extended configuration, wherein said biasing means having said mechanical energy accumulated therein;(d) assuming by said at least one tensioner:(I) an activated state, wherein said biasing means essentially assumes said contracted configuration, whereas said frame essentially assumes said non-restricting configuration;(II) a loaded state, wherein said biasing means essentially assumes said extended configuration, whereas said frame essentially assumes said restricting configuration.

23. The method as in claim 22, wherein said at least one tensioner comprises an automatic release mechanism.

24. The method as in claim 23, further comprises automatically activating said release mechanism, upon exceeding a predetermined threshold in a tensile force of said elongated member.

25. The method as in any one of the claims 22 to 24, wherein said at least one tensioner comprises a manual release mechanism.

26. The method as claim 25, wherein activating said manual release mechanism comprises removing a restrictor.

27. The method as in any one of the claims 22 to 26, wherein said biasing element comprises at least one helical spring.

28. The method as in any one of the claims 22 to 27, wherein said at least one tensioner comprises at least one spiral spring.

Images