tourniquet

Abstract

A tourniquet provided. The objective is achieved with a house and buckle where a strap is attached proximal to an inner end of the buckle, so that when the buckle is inserted into the housing, the first end of the strap is positioned proximal to the lower slot, thus permitting application on a narrow girth limb.

Description

[0001] TITLE: TOURNIQUET

[0002] Background of the Invention

[0003] Field of the Invention

[0004] The invention relates to a tourniquet in general and more specifically a system and a method for stopping or occluding blood flow for limbs of different girths.

[0005] Background Art

[0006] State of the art is reflected in tourniquets such as straps tied tightly around limbs such as arms, in order to stop blood loss through major damages. This is in contrast to tourniquets for use when administrating medicine.

[0007] From prior art one should refer to WO2018052313 by the present applicant, which according to the abstract, discloses a tourniquet, where tightening of the tourniquet is performed by linear motion by pulling a pull-cord. This mechanism allows for sufficient tightening and is fitted in a housing that connects the two ends of a strap.

[0008] Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] Therefore, a main objective of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for stopping blood flow for limbs of different limb girths.

[0011] Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] The objective is achieved according to the invention by tourniquet for stopping blood flow as defined in the preamble of claim 1 , having the features of the characterising portion of claim 1.

[0013] A number of non-exhaustive embodiments, variants or alternatives of the invention are defined by the dependent claims. The present invention attains the above-described objective in that the strap is attached proximal to an inner end of the buckle, so that when the buckle is inserted into the housing, the first end of the strap is positioned proximal to the lower slot, thus permitting application on a narrow girth limb.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] The present invention comprises a technological advantage over known systems and methods by use of a housing and matching buckle that together ensures that the two ends of the strap are brought close together, thus making it possible to occlude blood flow also when applied to limbs with smaller girths.

[0016] The present invention provides several further advantageous effects: it makes it possible to reduce the contact are between the housing and the limb and instead maximise the length of the strap that effectively encircles the limb, it makes it possible to put on the tourniquet quickly and efficiently, even during adverse conditions, and it ensures that the pressure around the limb is substantially uniform.

[0017] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] The above and further features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims and together with advantages thereof will become clearer from consideration of the following detailed description of an [exemplary] embodiment of the invention given with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] The invention will be further described below in connection with exemplary embodiments which are schematically shown in the drawings, wherein:

[0020] Fig. 1A shows a first embodiment of the tourniquet,

[0021] Fig. 1B shows the embodiment of Fig. 1A where the buckle is inserted into the housing,

[0022] Fig. 2A shows a second embodiment of the tourniquet,

[0023] Fig. 2B shows the embodiment of Fig. 2A where the buckle is inserted into the housing,

[0024] Fig. 3 shows details of an embodiment of the tourniquet, Figs. 4A, 4B and 4C show a buckle inserted into the housing, Fig. 5A shows an embodiment of the tourniquet seen from below, and Fig. 5B shows the embodiment of Fig. 5A where the buckle is inserted into the housing. Description of the Reference Signs

[0025] The following reference numbers and signs refer to the drawings: Detailed Description of the Invention

[0026] Various aspects of the disclosure are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings herein one skilled in the art should appreciate that the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of or combined with any other aspect of the disclosure. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover such an apparatus or method which is practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein may be embodied by one or more elements of a claim.

[0027] The invention will be further described in connection with exemplary embodiments which are schematically shown in the drawings.

[0028] Principles forming the basis of the Invention

[0029] The inventors have recognised that tourniquets for occlusion of blood flow using a housing are a limiting factor in how small girth of limbs such tourniquets can be applied to. Typically, a tourniquet for occlusion of blood flow uses a housing with a tensioning and locking mechanism to tighten a strap encircling a limb. In use, a bottom face of the housing is placed around the limb, attached at either side by the strap. This means the bottom face of the housing is part of what presses against the limb. While this is a robust construction, it also means that a limb with a cross section comparable to the separation of the strap attachments to the housing will not provide a strong occluding force along a substantial part of the strap.

[0030] Recognising this problem, the inventors have found that this problem can be overcome by reducing the strap separation distance, and that this can be achieved using a specially designed buckle and receptacle.

[0031] Fig. 1A shows a first embodiment of the tourniquet 100, where a buckle 300 is not yet inserted into the housing 200. The buckle 300 comprises a buckle insert 310 for insertion into a corresponding part of the housing, and the buckle insert 310 further comprises an inner end 314 that on insertion is located inside the housing, and an outer end 316 that on insertion typically extends outside of the housing. The buckle insert further comprises buckle attachment parts 312 that mates with a corresponding part of the housing when the buckle is inserted into the housing.

[0032] A strap 400 is attached at a first end 402 of the strap to or near the inner end 314 of the buckle, thus ensuring the separation distance is kept short. Fig. 1 B shows the embodiment of Fig. 1 A where the buckle is inserted into the housing. Protrusions on the buckle are buckle attachment means 312 that in the inserted position engages locking holes on the housing that act as receptacle attachment means for buckle 212.

[0033] Fig. 2A shows a second embodiment of the tourniquet, and Fig. 2B shows the embodiment of Fig. 2A where the buckle is inserted into the housing.

[0034] Fig. 3 shows details of an embodiment of the tourniquet 100, comprising a strap 400 and a buckle 300 and a housing 200. The housing 200 further comprises an upper slot 202 for the strap and a receptacle 210 for a buckle, wherein the receptacle further comprises attachment means 212 for the buckle, typically locking holes. The buckle 300 comprises a buckle insert 310 for insertion into the receptacle with buckle attachment means 312 for engaging with the receptacle attachment means 212. The buckle has an inner end 314 where the strap is attached to, or close to. The buckle has an outer end 316 for gripping when guiding the buckle into the receptacle. In embodiments, the outer end can be squeezed together so that the engagement means 212 and 312 can be locked in or unlocked. The strap 400 has a first end 402 attached at or near the inner end 314 of the buckle and extends to a hoop for encircling a limb, before the strap passes through lower slot of the housing, via a locking and / or tightening mechanism inside the housing, and out via the upper slot 202 for the strap.

[0035] Figs. 4A, 4B and 4C show a buckle inserted into the housing.

[0036] Fig. 5A shows an embodiment of the tourniquet seen from below, showing the first end 402 of the strap 400 attached at or near the inner end 314 of the buckle and extends to a hoop for encircling a limb, before the strap passes through lower slot 322 of the housing. Also shown is a bridge 324 that separates the two ends of the strap, at the slot 322 and at or near the inner end 314 of the buckle. The bridge should be as narrow as possible and provides mechanical strength for the housing as it engages with a tensioned strap.

[0037] Fig. 5B shows the embodiment of Fig. 5A where the buckle is inserted into the housing. Best Modes of Carrying Out the Invention

[0038] The embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention shown in Fig. 3 and 5 is at present considered the preferred embodiment.

[0039] Alternative Embodiments

[0040] A number of variations on the above can be envisaged. For instance, one may in one embodiment dispose with the bridge 324 provided the rest of the tourniquet has the mechanical strength to handle the forces from a tensioned strap.

[0041] Industrial Applicability

[0042] The invention according to the application finds use in stopping blood loss for a wide range of girths of the limbs.

[0043] Claims

[0044] 1. A tourniquet (100) comprising: a strap (400) having a first (402) and a second (404) end, a buckle (300) for attachment to the first end (402) of the strap (400), a housing (200) comprising: a passage for the strap distal to the first end (402), wherein the passage comprises and upper slot (202) and a lower slot (222) for the strap, a locking mechanism to lock the strap to the housing (200) and prevent the strap from being released, means (210, 212, 310, 312) for locking the buckle to the housing (200), characterised in that the strap (400) is attached proximal to an inner end (314) of the buckle (300), so that when the buckle is inserted into the housing, the first end (402) of the strap (400) is positioned proximal to the lower slot, thus permitting application on a narrow girth limb.

[0045] 2. The tourniquet (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the means (210, 212, 310, 312) for locking the buckle to the housing (200), comprises a buckle insert (310) part of the buckle (300) and a receptacle (210) for receiving the buckle insert (310).

[0046] 3. The tourniquet (100) according to claim 2, wherein the means (210, 212, 310, 312) for locking the buckle to the housing (200) is located on an underside (220) of the housing.

[0047] 4. The tourniquet (100) according to one of the above claims, wherein the lower slot (222) for the strap and the inner end (314) of the buckle (300) when inserted into housing are separated by a bridge (224)

[0048] 5. The tourniquet (100) according to one of the above claims, wherein the housing (200) is provided with a funnel like structure that during insertion guides the buckle (300) into the housing (200).

Claims

7Claims1. A tourniquet (100) comprising: a strap (400) having a first (402) and a second (404) end, a buckle (300) for attachment to the first end (402) of the strap (400), a housing (200) comprising: a passage for the strap distal to the first end (402), wherein the passage comprises and upper slot (202) and a lower slot (222) for the strap, a locking mechanism to lock the strap to the housing (200) and prevent the strap from being released, means (210, 212, 310, 312) for locking the buckle to the housing (200), characterised in that the strap (400) is attached proximal to an inner end (314) of the buckle (300), so that when the buckle is inserted into the housing, the first end (402) of the strap (400) is positioned proximal to the lower slot, thus permitting application on a narrow girth limb.

2. The tourniquet (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the means (210, 212, 310, 312) for locking the buckle to the housing (200), comprises a buckle insert (310) part of the buckle (300) and a receptacle (210) for receiving the buckle insert (310).

3. The tourniquet (100) according to claim 2, wherein the means (210, 212, 310, 312) for locking the buckle to the housing (200) is located on an underside (220) of the housing.

4. The tourniquet (100) according to one of the above claims, wherein the lower slot (222) for the strap and the inner end (314) of the buckle (300) when inserted into housing are separated by a bridge (224)5. The tourniquet (100) according to one of the above claims, wherein the housing (200) is provided with a funnel like structure that during insertion guides the buckle (300) into the housing (200).

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