Limb restraint with locking buckle

Abstract

Limb restraints, locking buckles for use in limb restraints, and methods of using such limb restraints and locking buckles are provided. The limb restraints include a cuff, a strap and a locking buckle. The locking buckles include a buckle housing having a first strap receiving slot and a second strap receiving slot, a locking lever assembly having a first locking lever and a second locking lever, and a depressible release button having an up position and a depressed position, wherein the depressible button releases the locking levers when in the depressed position. The first locking lever is rotationally secured to the buckle housing, and the second locking lever is rotationally secured to the first locking lever. Each locking lever has a locked position, which prevents the strap from slipping through the strap receiving slots.

Description

LIMB RESTRAINT WITH LOCKING BUCKLECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 651,177, filed May 23, 2024, and titled: LIMB RESTRAINT WITH LOCKING BUCKLE.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present technology relates to limb restraints, and more particularly to limb restraints having a locking buckle.BACKGROUND

[0003] Limb restraints are often used in the medical field, such as in hospitals, to limit movement of a patient’s limbs. This may be needed if a patient is partially sedated, confused, delirious, or otherwise incapacitated, in a manner that they may not be in full and rational control of their behavior. In this state a patient may engage in actions which are harmful to themselves or others, including pulling out lines and tubes, disrupting wound dressings, or erratic movement of limbs. For example, a patient could pull out their breathing tube, creating a critical risk to their life and recovery, and necessitating an emergency reintubation procedure. In other situations, a patient may exhibit violent behavior, due to substance abuse, psychological conditions, or other behavioral health issues. In these circumstances, a patient could intentionally or unintentionally strike a caregiver or inflict harm on themselves. For clinical needs such as these, limb restraints are frequently used to control and limit the movement of a patient’s arms, legs, or both.

[0004] Limb restraints generally include a cuff portion that encircles the patient’s wrist or ankle. Limb restraints also generally include a strap portion which has one end attached to the cuff, and the other intended to be attached to a structural frame, such as the frame of a hospital bed. Hospital beds typically have special openings in the frame intended as attachment points for such restraints. The strap is attached to the bed, and extends between the hospital bed and the cuff, which prevents the patient from moving their limb any further.

[0005] During the course of use, caregivers attach cuffs to a patient’s wrists or ankles and the bed straps to the hospital bed, in either order. The cuffs and bed straps may be detached and reattached multiple times either individually or together, for example when the patient needsto be repositioned in the bed, temporarily transported to another location, or undergo a procedure or therapy session. In addition, the tightness of the cuffs and the length of the bed straps may be adjusted multiple times in response to physiological, behavioral, or other changes in condition.

[0006] Existing limb restraints often have issues related to ease of use, security, and / or compatibility, especially due to the means of securing, adjusting, and releasing the cuff around the patient’s limb, and securing, adjusting, and releasing the bed strap to the hospital bed attachment point.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Specific examples have been chosen for purposes of illustration and description, and are shown in the accompanying drawings, forming a part of the specification.

[0008] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of one example of a limb restraint of the present technology, with a perspective cross-sectional view of a locking buckle of the present technology.

[0009] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the limb restraint and cross-sectional view of the locking buckle of Figure 1.

[0010] Figure 3 illustrates one example of an end of a strap of the limb restraint of Figure 1.

[0011] Figure 4 illustrates one example of a cuff of the present technology.

[0012] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the cuff of Figure 4 used in a limb restraint of Figure 1, with the cuff in a flattened position.

[0013] Figure 6 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the locking buckle of Figure 1, in isolation.

[0014] Figure 7 illustrates one embodiment of an enlarged exploded view of the locking buckle of Figure 6.

[0015] Figure 8 illustrates a second embodiment of an enlarged exploded view of the locking buckle of Figure 6.

[0016] Figure 9 illustrates a greatly enlarged side cross-sectional view of the locking buckle of Figure 6.

[0017] Figure 10 illustrates an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the locking buckle of Figure 6, with the locking levers removed and the release button in the fully up position.

[0018] Figure 11 illustrates an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the locking buckle of Figure 6, with the locking levers removed and the release button in the fully down position.

[0019] Figure 12 illustrates an enlarged top perspective view of the locking levers of the buckle of Figure 6, in isolation.

[0020] Figure 13 illustrates an enlarged bottom perspective view of the first locking lever of Figure 9.

[0021] Figure 14 illustrates one example of a method of using a limb restraint of the present technology.

[0022] While various embodiments discussed herein are amenable to modifications and alternative forms, aspects thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments described, and instead is meant to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure. In addition, the terms “example” and “embodiment” as used throughout this application is only by way of illustration, and not limitation. The terms “about” and “approximately” with respect to a measurement as used herein means the stated measurement plus or minus a 10% margin of error. The term “configured to” as used herein with respect to a component being “configured to” have certain structural characteristics in specified circumstances or to perform a function means that the component is structurally formed such that the component meets the structural characteristics in the specified circumstances or performs the function without further modification. The Figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items unless otherwise noted.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate one example of a limb restraint 100 of the present technology. The limb restraint 100 can be used for any suitable purpose, including as a medical restraint. When used as a medical restraint, the limb restraint 100 can be secured to a structural frame 200, such as the frame of a hospital bed.

[0024] The limb restraint 100 includes a cuff 102, a strap 104, and a locking buckle 106. The cuff 102 is configured to be secured around a limb of a patient, such as around patient’s wrist or ankle. The strap 104 has a strap loose end 108 and a cuff end 110 that is secured to the cuff 102. The strap loose end 108 and at least portions of the strap 104 are configured to be threaded through the locking buckle 106 and around or through the structural frame 200. The term “about” with respect to a measurement as used herein means the stated measurement plus or minus a 10% margin of error. The term “configured to” as used herein with respect to a component being “configured to” have certain structural characteristics in specified circumstances or to perform a function means that the component is structurally formed such that the component meets the structural characteristics in the specified circumstances or performs the function without further modification.

[0025] Figure 3 illustrates one example of a portion of a strap 300 of the present technology, which may be used as the strap 104 in a limb restraint 100 of the present technology. The portion of the strap 300 as shown includes a strap loose end 302. In an example where strap 300 is used as the strap 104 in a limb restraint 100, the strap loose end 302 of the strap 300 would correspond to the strap loose end 108 of the strap 104 of the limb restraint 100. The strap 300 may be made of a woven material 304. The woven material 304 may be a thick, stiff webbing that resists twisting or folding. The woven material 304 may also have a high degree of texture on the surface. The texture may enhance the grip of the locking buckle 106 (see Figures 1-2). The texture may provide audible and / or tactile feedback as the strap is pulled through the buckle. The strap loose end 302 of the strap 300 may include a tip 306 that is tapered, such as being generally wedge shaped, rounded, or triangular, which may facilitate threading the strap loose end 302 through portions of the locking buckle 106 (see Figures 1-2). The tip 306 may also be hardened, such as by melting the edges, to limit flexing or fraying and therefore make it easier to insert through the buckle.

[0026] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate one example of a cuff 400 of the present technology, which (as shown in Figure 5) can be used as a cuff 102 in a limb restraint 100 of the present technology. The cuff 400 has a cuff body 402 that is configured to wrap around the limb of a patient, such as the patient’s wrist or ankle. The cuff body 402 includes a padded material, which may reduce or prevent chaffing and irritation of the patient’s skin. The cuff 400 also includes a cuff strap 414 that has a connector 404. The connector 404 may be any suitable type of connector, and in the illustrated example is a side release buckle.

[0027] Referring to Figure 4, the connector 404 as shown includes a first connector half 406 that includes a first body 408, located at a first end of the cuff strap 414 and a mating second connector half 410 that includes a second body 412, located at a second end of the cuff strap 414 opposite the first end. At least a portion of the first body 408 and / or the second body 412 may be angled to curve around a portion of a patient’s limb when the patient’s limb is restrained within the cuff 400. As shown in Figure 4, at least a portion of both the first body 408 and the second body 412 is angled to curve around a portion of a patient’s limb when the patient’s limb is restrained within the cuff 400. More particularly, as shown, the first body 408 is angled such that it forms a first angle a that is less than 180°, and the second body 412 is angled such that it forms a second angle 0 that is less than 180°. The first angle a and the second angle 9 may be equal or different. These angles a and 9, and even more so when complimentary to each other, may help enable better fit and / or comfort of cuff 400 around the patient’s limb, as well as better restraint in combination with the strap 414.

[0028] Referring to Figure 5, the strap 104 of the limb restraint is attached at its cuff end 110 to the cuff strap 414. In the illustrated example, the cuff end 110 of the strap 104 is looped around a portion of the cuff strap 414 and secured to itself in any suitable manner, such as by being stitched to itself. In the illustrated example, the cuff end 110 of the strap 104 has leeway to slide along a portion of the cuff strap 414. However, in some examples, it may be desirable to limit the amount of leeway that the cuff end 110 of the strap 104 has for sliding along the cuff strap 414. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 5, the cuff strap 414 may be secured to the cuff body 402 on either side of the cuff end 110 of the strap 104 in any suitable manner, such as being stitched. In the example shown in Figure 5, the cuff strap 414 is secured to the cuff body 402 on a first side of the cuff end 110 of the strap 104 by a first box stitch 416, and the cuff strap 414 is secured to the cuff body 402 on a second side of the cuff end 110 of the strap 104 by a second box stitch 418 and a third box stitch 420 that are next to each other. The amount of leeway that the cuff end 110 of the strap 104 has for sliding along the cuff strap 414 may be varied based on placement of the locations at which the cuff strap 414 is secured to the cuff body 402, and in at least one example, preferably has a length of equal to or less than about two inches.

[0029] Figures 6 through 13 illustrate the locking buckle 106 of Figures 1 and 2, but in isolation without the cuff 102 and the strap 104. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the locking buckle 106. Figures 7 and 8 are exploded views of first and second embodiments of the locking buckle 106. Figures 9 through 11 are cross-sectional views of the locking buckle 106that show certain features of the locking buckle 106, but omit others. Figure 12 shows the locking levers of the locking buckle 106, and Figure 13 shows only the first locking lever of the locking buckle 106.

[0030] As best shown in Figures 7 and 8, the locking buckle 106 includes a buckle housing 112, a locking lever assembly 114 that includes a first locking lever 116 and a second locking lever 118, and a depressible release button 120. The locking buckle 106 may also include at least one piece of release button foam 122 and / or at least one piece of locking lever foam 124.

[0031] The components of the locking buckle 106 may be made of any suitable material. For example, any or all of the foam components may be made of a closed cell foam, which may be preferred when the locking buckle 106 is used in a limb restraint 100 in a medical setting, because a closed cell foam may be resistant to undesirable properties such as absorbing liquids and growing bacteria. As another example, the buckle housing 112, first locking lever 116, second locking lever 118, and depressible release button 120 may all be made of any suitable material, such as thermoplastic material, metal, composites, ceramics, or any other suitable material, and may have any suitable additive, including for example glass fiber or other additives. Examples of suitable thermoplastic materials may include , Polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyamide (Nylon), polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polymethyl methacrylate (acrylic).

[0032] As best shown in Figures 1, 2, 6 and 9, the buckle housing 112 includes a first strap receiving slot 126 and a second strap receiving slot 128. The first strap receiving slot is 126 is on a first side 130 of the locking buckle 106, distal to the cuff 102 (and the patient) during use of the limb restraint 100. The second strap receiving slot is 128 is on a second side 132 of the locking buckle 106, opposite from the first side 130, proximal to the cuff 102 (and the patient) during use of the limb restraint 100. During use of the limb restraint 100, the strap 104 is threaded through both the first strap receiving slot 126 and a second strap receiving slot 128, with the strap loose end 108 (Figures 1 and 2) of the strap extending through and past the first strap receiving slot 126 and the cuff end 110 of the strap 104 extending through and past the second strap receiving slot 128. As discussed in further detail below, referring to Figures 1 and 2, when the strap 104 is initially threaded through the locking buckle 106, the strap loose end 108 is threaded through the second strap receiving slot 128 in a first direction A, which is downward when the limb restraint 100 and locking buckle 106 are oriented asillustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The portion of the strap 104 is then pulled through the second strap receiving slot 128. The strap lose end 108 is then threaded through the first strap receiving slot 126 in a second direction B, opposite the first direction, which is upward when the limb restraint 100 and locking buckle 106 are oriented as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Accordingly, during use, the first strap receiving slot 126 of the buckle housing 112 slidably receives a first intermediate portion of the strap, and the second strap receiving slot 128 of the buckle housing 112 slidably receives a second intermediate portion of the strap.

[0033] As best shown in Figures 7-9, and 11, the locking lever assembly 114 includes the first locking lever 116 and the second locking lever 118. The first locking lever 116 has a first lever body 134 that includes a first connection end 136 and a first locking end 138. The first locking lever 116 is rotationally secured to the buckle housing 112 at the first connection end 136. Referring to Figure 9, the first lever body 134 extends from the first connection end 136 towards the first strap receiving slot 126 of the buckle housing 112. The first locking lever 116 is rotatable from a first locked position 116a (Figure 9) to a first unlocked position 116b (Figure 9). As best shown in Figures 7-9, 12, and 13, the second locking lever 118 has a second lever body 140 that includes a second connection end 142 and a second locking end 144. The second locking lever 118 is rotationally secured to the first locking lever 116 at the second connection end 142. The second lever body 118 extends from the second connection end 142 towards the second strap receiving slot 128 of the buckle housing 112. The second locking lever 118 is rotatable from a second locked position 118a (Figure 9) to a second unlocked position 118b (Figure 9).

[0034] Referring to Figures 9 and 12, the first locking lever 116 and the second locking lever 118 may be connected in a manner that they have a rotational degree of freedom with respect to each other. More specifically, the first locking lever and the second locking lever may be independently rotatable with respect to each other over an angle a (Figure 8). In the illustrated example, the first connection end 136 of the first locking lever 116 includes a connection bar 146, a top lever stopper 148 and a bottom lever stopper 150. Referring to Figures 9 and 13, the second connection end 142 of the second locking lever 118 includes a connection bar receiver 152 that has a top lever interface 154 and a bottom lever interface 156. The connection bar receiver 152 rotatably connects to the connection bar 146. The top lever stopper 148 and the bottom lever stopper 150 form a first angle, and the top lever interface 154 and the bottom lever interface 156 form a second angle that is greater than the first angle, such that a difference between the first angle and the second angle is the angle cp(Figure 9), which provides the angle over which there is a rotational degree of freedom between the first locking lever 116 and the second locking lever 118. The first locking lever 116 and the second locking lever 118 are independently rotatable with respect to each other over, and within, the angle cp. The angle a of the rotational degree of freedom may be from about 4 degrees to about 12 degrees, or from about 8 degrees to about 10 degrees, such as about 9 degrees.

[0035] In at least some examples, the locking end of at least one of the locking levers includes a plurality of teeth. In the illustrated example, as shown best in Figures 8 and 11, the first locking end 138 of the first lever body 134 includes a first plurality of teeth 162 and the second locking end 144 of the second lever body 140 includes a second plurality of teeth 164.

[0036] The buckle housing 112 may include at least one tooth, such as a plurality of teeth that form an interlocking pattern with the plurality of teeth on the first locking lever and / or the second locking lever. Having such corresponding teeth on the buckle housing may provide a firmer grip on the strap, and a more secure locking of the strap in place. In the example shown in Figure 9, the first strap receiving slot 126 of the buckle housing 112 includes a third plurality of teeth 166 that form an interlocking pattern with the first plurality of teeth 162 on the first locking end 138 of the first locking lever 116 when the first locking lever 116 is in the first locked position. Similarly, the second strap receiving slot 128 of the buckle housing 112 includes a fourth plurality of teeth 168 that form an interlocking pattern with the second plurality of teeth 164 on the second locking end 144 of the second locking lever 114 when the second locking lever 114 is in the second locked position.

[0037] Referring to Figure 9, in order to prevent the locking levers from rotating past their respective locked positions, the buckle housing 112 may include limiting ribs. As shown, the first strap receiving slot 126 of the buckle housing 112 includes a first limiting rib 158 that prevents the first locking lever 116 from rotating downwardly beyond the first locked position. Similarly, the second strap receiving slot 128 of the buckle housing 112 includes a second limiting rib 160 that prevents the second locking lever 118 from rotating upwardly beyond the second locked position.

[0038] During use, the first locking lever 116 automatically rotates upwardly to the first unlocked position when the strap, or a relevant portion thereof, such as a first intermediate portion, slides through the first strap receiving slot of the buckle housing in an upwarddirection. The first locking lever 116 automatically rotates downwardly to the first locked position when the strap, or the relevant portion thereof, is at rest. Similarly, the second locking lever 118 automatically rotates downwardly to the second unlocked position when the strap, or a relevant portion thereof, such as a second intermediate portion, slides through the second strap receiving slot of the buckle housing in an downward direction. The second locking lever 118 automatically rotates upwardly to the second locked position when the strap, or the relevant portion thereof, is at rest.

[0039] Referring to Figures 7 through 11, the depressible release button of the locking buckle 106 has an up position (Figures 9 and 10) and a depressed position (Figure 10). The depressible release button 120 in the depressed position engages the first locking lever 116 and the second locking lever 118, and rotates the first locking lever 116 from the first locked position to the first unlocked position and the second locking lever 118 from the second locked position to the second unlocked position. Referring to Figures 9 and 12, in order to facilitate engagement of the first locking lever 116 by the depressible release button 120, the first connection end 136 of the first locking lever 116 may include at least one guide arm 170 that extends along a side of the second locking lever 118 towards the second strap receiving slot 128 of the buckle housing 112. As shown in Figure 12, the first connection end 136 of the first locking lever 116 may include two guide arms 170 that each extend along opposite sides of the second locking lever 118.

[0040] As best shown in Figures 6 and 9, the depressible release button 120 includes a button top surface 172 that has a first strap receiving slot end 174 and a second strap receiving slot end 176. The depressible release button 120 may also include a lever releasing leg 178 that extends downwardly from the second strap receiving slot end 176 of the button top surface 172. When the depressible release button 120 is in the depressed position, the lever releasing leg 178 engages the first locking lever 116 and the second locking lever 118, and rotates the first locking lever 116 from the first locked position to the first unlocked position and the second locking lever 118 from the second locked position to the second unlocked position.

[0041] The depressible release button 120 may be configured to provide an audible and / or tactile feedback to the user when depressed and released. In at least one example, as best shown in Figures 7-10, the depressible release button 120 may include at least one guide leg 180 that extends downwardly from the button top surface along an inner sidewall 182 of the buckle housing. As shown, the at least one guide leg 180 includes a bottom end 184 having a first bump 186, and the inner sidewall of the buckle housing 182 includes a second bump188. The first bump 186 travels over the second bump 188 and produces an audible click when the depressible release button is moved into either the fully depressed position or the fully up position, or both.

[0042] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the locking buckle 106 may include at least one piece of release button foam 122, which may be located underneath the button top surface 172 of the depressible release button 120 and also above the locking lever assembly 114. The button top surface 172 may depresses the at least one piece of release button foam 122 when the depressible release button 120 is depressed and moved to the depression position. The at least one piece of release button foam 122 may exert pressure on the button top surface 172 that causes the depressible release button 120 to return toward the up position when the depressible release button 120 is no longer being depressed. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate two examples of possible shapes for the at least one piece of release button foam 122. The shape of the at least one piece of release button foam 122 may be varied as appropriate to accommodate various factors, such as ease of manufacturing, or retaining the foam in place within the buckle housing 112. In Figure 7, the release button foam 122 includes release button foam channels 192 on opposite sides of the release button foam 122. In Figure 8, the release button foam 122 is generally T-shaped, and includes comer cut-outs 194 on opposite sides of the release button foam 122.

[0043] As best shown in Figures 7-9, the locking buckle 106 may include at least one piece of locking lever foam 124, which may be located within the buckle housing 112 underneath at least the second locking lever 118. As shown in Figures 8 and 12, the second locking lever 118 includes a foam interface surface 190, which contacts the at least one piece of locking lever foam 124. The foam interface surface 190 of the second locking lever 118 may depress the at least one piece of locking lever foam 124 when the second locking lever 118 is in the second unlocked position. In such an example, the at least one piece of locking lever foam 124 may exert pressure on the foam interface surface 190 of the second locking lever 118 to return the second locking lever toward the second locked position. Figures 6 and 7 illustrate two examples of possible shapes for the at least one piece of locking lever foam 124. The shape of the at least one piece of locking lever foam 124 may be varied as appropriate to accommodate various factors, such as ease of manufacturing, or retaining the foam in place within the buckle housing 112. In Figure 7, each piece of locking lever foam 124 is generally rectangular. In Figure 8, each piece of locking lever foam 124 includes locking lever foam channels 196 on opposite sides of the release button foam 122. The buckle housing 112 mayinclude corresponding bosses that interlock with each of the locking lever foam channels 196 to maintain the locking lever foam 124 in place.

[0044] As shown in Figure 8, the locking lever assembly 114 may include a poka-yoke feature. The poka-yoke feature as shown is an arm 198 formed on one of the levers, specifically on the first locking lever 116 in the illustrated example. As further shown in Figure 8, one or more internal channels 199 of the buckle housing 112 may extend to the top of the buckle housing 112, which may aid in manufacturing, such as by making it easier for the production line to slide the locking levers into place during assembly.

[0045] Figure 14 illustrates one example of a method 500 of using a limb restraint of the present technology. The limb restraint of the present technology may be a limb restraint 100, having any or all of the components and features as described above. The method 500 starts at step 502, which includes inserting a strap loose end into a second strap receiving slot of a locking buckle in a first direction, past a second locking lever having a second lever body that includes a second connection end and a second locking end. The method may proceed to step 504, which includes pulling a first portion of the strap through the second strap receiving slot of the locking buckle in the first direction, wherein the second locking lever is rotatable from a second locked position to a second unlocked position as the strap moves in the first direction (direction A of Figure 2). The method may proceed to step 506, which includes threading the strap loose end through a frame 200 to which the strap is intended to be secured. The method may proceed to step 508, which includes inserting the strap loose end into a first strap receiving slot of the locking buckle in a second direction opposite the first direction (Direction B in Figure 2), past a first locking lever having a first lever body that includes a first connection end and a first locking end. The method may proceed to step 510, which includes pulling the first portion of the strap through the second strap receiving slot of the locking buckle in the second direction to adjust the strap into a desired position, wherein the first locking lever is rotatable from a first locked position to a first unlocked position as the strap moves in the second direction.

[0046] The method may optionally include step 512, which includes pulling a second portion of the strap located between the locking buckle and the frame in the first direction to lock the first locking lever in the first locked position.

[0047] The method may also optionally also include step 514, which includes depressing a depressible release button having an up position and a depressed position to the depressedposition, wherein the depressible release button in the depressed position causes the first locking lever to move from the first locked position to the first unlocked position and the second locking lever to move from the second locked position to the second unlocked position.

[0048] In accordance with the discussion above, the present technology provides limb restraints, locking buckles, and methods of using limb restraints at least as follows.

[0049] In a first aspect, a limb restraint securable to a frame is provided, the limb restraint comprising: a cuff configured to be secured around a limb of a patient; a strap having a loose end and a cuff end that is secured to the cuff; and a locking buckle, the locking buckle including: a buckle housing having a first strap receiving slot and a second strap receiving slot; a locking lever assembly, wherein the locking lever assembly includes: a first locking lever having a first lever body that includes a first connection end and a first locking end, wherein the first locking lever is rotationally secured to the buckle housing at the first connection end, the first lever body extends from the first connection end towards the first strap receiving slot of the buckle housing, and the first locking lever is rotatable from a first locked position to a first unlocked position; a second locking lever having a second lever body that includes a second connection end and a second locking end, wherein the second locking lever is rotationally secured to the first locking lever at the second connection end, the second lever body extends from the second connection end towards the second strap receiving slot of the buckle housing, and the second locking lever is rotatable from a second locked position to a second unlocked position; and a depressible release button having an up position and a depressed position, wherein the depressible release button in the depressed position engages the first locking lever and the second locking lever, and rotates the first locking lever from the first locked position to the first unlocked position and the second locking lever from the second locked position to the second unlocked position.

[0050] In examples of the limb restraint of the first aspect, the first strap receiving slot of the buckle housing slidably receives a first intermediate portion of the strap; wherein the first locking lever automatically rotates upwardly to the first unlocked position when the first intermediate portion of the strap slides through the first strap receiving slot of the buckle housing in an upward direction; and wherein the first locking lever automatically rotates downwardly to the first locked position when the first intermediate portion of the strap is at rest.

[0051] In examples of the limb restraint of the first aspect, the first strap receiving slot of the buckle housing includes a first limiting rib that prevents the first locking lever from rotating downwardly beyond the first locked position.

[0052] In examples of the limb restraint of the first aspect, the second strap receiving slot of the buckle housing slidably receives a second intermediate portion of the strap; wherein the second locking lever automatically rotates downwardly to the second unlocked position when the second intermediate portion of the strap slides through the second strap receiving slot of the buckle housing in an downward direction; and wherein the second locking lever automatically rotates upwardly to the second locked position when the second intermediate portion of the strap is at rest.

[0053] In examples of the limb restraint of the first aspect, the second strap receiving slot of the buckle housing includes a second limiting rib that prevents the second locking lever from rotating upwardly beyond the second locked position.

[0054] In examples of the limb restraint of the first aspect, the first locking lever and the second locking lever have a rotational degree of freedom within which the first locking lever and the second locking lever are independently rotatable with respect to each other.

[0055] In examples of the limb restraint of the first aspect, the first connection end of the first locking lever includes a connection bar, a top lever stopper and a bottom lever stopper.

[0056] In examples of the limb restraint of the first aspect, the second connection end of the second locking lever includes a connection bar receiver that rotatably connects to the connection bar, the connection bar receiver having a top lever interface and a bottom lever interface. In at least one such example, the top lever stopper and the bottom lever stopper form a first angle, and the top lever interface and the bottom lever interface form a second angle that is greater than the first angle, such that a difference between the first angle and the second angle provides a rotational degree of freedom within which the first locking lever and the second locking lever are independently rotatable with respect to each other, the rotational degree of freedom may be from about 4 degrees to about 12 degrees.

[0057] In examples of the limb restraint of the first aspect, the first connection end of the first locking lever further includes at least one guide arm that extends along a side of the second locking lever towards the second strap receiving slot of the buckle housing.

[0058] In examples of the limb restraint of the first aspect, the depressible release button comprises: a button top surface having a first strap receiving slot end and a second strap receiving slot end; and a lever releasing leg that extends downwardly from the second strap receiving slot end of the button top surface, wherein the lever releasing leg, when the depressible release button is in the depressed position, engages the first locking lever and the second locking lever, and rotates the first locking lever from the first locked position to the first unlocked position and the second locking lever from the second locked position to the second unlocked position. The limb restraint may further compromise: at least one guide leg that extends downwardly from the button top surface along an inner sidewall of the buckle housing; wherein the at least one guide leg includes a bottom end having a first bump, the inner sidewall of the buckle housing includes a second bump, and the first bump travels over the second bump and produces an audible click when the depressible release button is moved into a fully depressed position or a fully up position. The limb restraint may also further comprise: at least one guide leg that extends downwardly from the button top surface along an inner sidewall of the buckle housing; wherein the at least one guide leg includes a bottom end having a first bump, the inner sidewall of the buckle housing includes a second bump, and the first bump travels over the second bump and produces an audible click when the depressible release button is moved into the depressed position and the up position. The limb restraint may further comprise: at least one piece of release button foam located underneath the button top surface and above the locking lever assembly. In at least one such example, the button top surface depresses the at least one piece of release button foam when the depressible release button is depressed and moved to the depression position, and the at least one piece of release button foam exerts pressure on the button top surface that causes the depressible release button to return toward the up position when the depressible release button is no longer being depressed.

[0059] In examples of the limb restraint of the first aspect, at least one of (i) the first locking end of the first lever body includes a first plurality of teeth and (ii) the second locking end of the second lever body includes a second plurality of teeth.

[0060] In examples of the limb restraint of the first aspect, the first locking end of the first lever body includes a first plurality of teeth and the second locking end of the second lever body includes a second plurality of teeth. In at least one such an example, the first strap receiving slot of the buckle housing includes a plurality of teeth that form an interlocking pattern with the plurality of teeth on the first locking end of the first locking lever when thefirst locking lever is in the first locked position. In at least one such an example, the second strap receiving slot of the buckle housing includes a plurality of teeth that form an interlocking pattern with the second plurality of teeth on the second locking end of the second locking lever when the second locking lever is in the second locked position.

[0061] In examples of the limb restraint of the first aspect, the limb restraint may further comprise: at least one piece of locking lever foam located within the buckle housing underneath the second locking lever; wherein the second locking lever includes a foam interface surface that contacts the at least one piece of locking lever foam. In at least one such example, the foam interface surface of the second locking lever depresses the at least one piece of locking lever foam when the second locking lever is in the second unlocked position, and the at least one piece of locking lever foam exerts pressure on the foam interface surface of the second locking lever to return the second locking lever toward the second locked position.

[0062] In examples of the limb restraint of the first aspect, the cuff includes a connector having a first connector half that includes a first body and a mating second connector half that includes a second body, and at least a portion of the first body or the second body is angled to curve around a portion of a limb when the limb is restrained within the cuff. In at least some such examples, at least a portion of the first body and the second body is angled to curve around a portion of a limb when the limb is restrained within the cuff.

[0063] In a second aspect, a locking buckle for use with a strap is provided, the locking buckle including: a buckle housing having a first strap receiving side and a second strap receiving side; a locking lever assembly, wherein the locking lever assembly includes: a first locking lever having a first lever body that includes a first connection end and a first locking end, wherein the first locking lever is rotationally secured to the buckle housing at the first connection end, the first lever body extends from the first connection end towards the first strap receiving side of the buckle housing, the first locking end includes a first plurality of teeth, and the first locking lever is rotatable from a first locked position to a first unlocked position; a second locking lever having a second lever body that includes a second connection end and a second locking end, wherein the second locking lever is rotationally secured to the first locking lever at the second connection end, the second lever body extends from the second connection end towards the second strap receiving side of the buckle housing, the second locking end includes a second plurality of teeth, and the second locking lever is rotatable from a second locked position to a second unlocked position; and a depressiblerelease button having an up position and a depressed position, wherein the depressible release button in the depressed position engages the first locking lever and the second locking lever, and rotates the first locking lever from the first locked position to the first unlocked position and the second locking lever from the second locked position to the second unlocked position.

[0064] In a third aspect, a method of using a limb restraint having a locking buckle and a strap, the method comprising: inserting a strap loose end into a second strap receiving slot of a locking buckle in a first direction, past a second locking lever having a second lever body that includes a second connection end and a second locking end; pulling a first portion of the strap through the second strap receiving slot of the locking buckle in the first direction, wherein the second locking lever is rotatable from a second locked position to a second unlocked position as the strap moves in the first direction; threading the strap loose end through a frame to which the strap is intended to be secured; inserting the strap loose end into a first strap receiving slot of the locking buckle in a second direction opposite the first direction, past a first locking lever having a first lever body that includes a first connection end and a first locking end; pulling the first portion of the strap through the second strap receiving slot of the locking buckle in the second direction to adjust the strap into a desired position, wherein the first locking lever is rotatable from a first locked position to a first unlocked position as the strap moves in the second direction.

[0065] The method may also include: pulling a second portion of the strap located between the locking buckle and the frame in the first direction to lock the first locking lever in the first locked position.

[0066] The method may also include: depressing a depressible release button having an up position and a depressed position to the depressed position, wherein the depressible release button in the depressed position causes the first locking lever to move from the first locked position to the first unlocked position and the second locking lever to move from the second locked position to the second unlocked position.

[0067] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that although specific examples have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. As briefly described above, the reader should assume that features of one disclosed embodiment or example can also be applied to all other disclosed embodiments and examples, unless expressly indicated to the contrary.Unless expressly indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the present application are approximations that can vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without undue experimentation using the teachings disclosed in the present application. It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to particularly point out and distinctly claim the claimed subject matter.

Claims

ClaimsWhat we claim is:

1. A limb restraint securable to a frame, the limb restraint comprising: a cuff configured to be secured around a limb of a patient; a strap having a loose end and a cuff end that is secured to the cuff; and a locking buckle, the locking buckle including: a buckle housing having a first strap receiving slot and a second strap receiving slot; a locking lever assembly, wherein the locking lever assembly includes: a first locking lever having a first lever body that includes a first connection end and a first locking end, wherein the first locking lever is rotationally secured to the buckle housing at the first connection end, the first lever body extends from the first connection end towards the first strap receiving slot of the buckle housing, and the first locking lever is rotatable from a first locked position to a first unlocked position; a second locking lever having a second lever body that includes a second connection end and a second locking end, wherein the second locking lever is rotationally secured to the first locking lever at the second connection end, the second lever body extends from the second connection end towards the second strap receiving slot of the buckle housing, and the second locking lever is rotatable from a second locked position to a second unlocked position; and a depressible release button having an up position and a depressed position, wherein the depressible release button in the depressed position engages the first locking lever and the second locking lever, and rotates the first locking lever from the first locked position to the first unlocked position and the second locking lever from the second locked position to the second unlocked position.

2. The limb restraint of claim 1, wherein the first strap receiving slot of the buckle housing slidably receives a first intermediate portion of the strap; wherein the first locking lever automatically rotates upwardly to the first unlocked position when the first intermediate portion of the strap slides through the first strap receiving slot of the buckle housing in an upward direction; and wherein the first locking lever automatically rotates downwardly to the first locked position when the first intermediate portion of the strap is at rest.

3. The limb restraint of claim 1, wherein the first strap receiving slot of the buckle housing includes a first limiting rib that prevents the first locking lever from rotating downwardly beyond the first locked position.

4. The limb restraint of claim 1, wherein the second strap receiving slot of the buckle housing slidably receives a second intermediate portion of the strap; wherein the second locking lever automatically rotates downwardly to the second unlocked position when the second intermediate portion of the strap slides through the second strap receiving slot of the buckle housing in an downward direction; and wherein the second locking lever automatically rotates upwardly to the second locked position when the second intermediate portion of the strap is at rest.

5. The limb restraint of claim 1, wherein the second strap receiving slot of the buckle housing includes a second limiting rib that prevents the second locking lever from rotating upwardly beyond the second locked position.

6. The limb restraint of claim 1, wherein the first locking lever and the second locking lever have a rotational degree of freedom within which the first locking lever and the second locking lever are independently rotatable with respect to each other.

7. The limb restraint of claim 1, wherein the first connection end of the first locking lever includes a connection bar, a top lever stopper and a bottom lever stopper.

8. The limb restraint of claim 7, wherein the second connection end of the second locking lever includes a connection bar receiver that rotatably connects to the connection bar, the connection bar receiver having a top lever interface and a bottom lever interface.

9. The limb restraint of claim 8, wherein the top lever stopper and the bottom lever stopper form a first angle, and the top lever interface and the bottom lever interface form a second angle that is greater than the first angle, such that a difference between the first angle and the second angle provides a rotational degree of freedom within which the first locking lever and the second locking lever are independently rotatable with respect to each other.

10. The limb restraint of claim 9, wherein the rotational degree of freedom is from about 4 degrees to about 12 degrees.

11. The limb restraint of claim 1, wherein the first connection end of the first locking lever further includes at least one guide arm that extends along a side of the second locking lever towards the second strap receiving slot of the buckle housing.

12. The limb restraint of claim 1, wherein the depressible release button comprises: a button top surface having a first strap receiving slot end and a second strap receiving slot end; and a lever releasing leg that extends downwardly from the second strap receiving slot end of the button top surface, wherein the lever releasing leg, when the depressible release button is in the depressed position, engages the first locking lever and the second locking lever, and rotates the first locking lever from the first locked position to the first unlocked position and the second locking lever from the second locked position to the second unlocked position.

13. The limb restraint of claim 12, further comprising: at least one guide leg that extends downwardly from the button top surface along an inner sidewall of the buckle housing; wherein the at least one guide leg includes a bottom end having a first bump, the inner sidewall of the buckle housing includes a second bump, and the first bump travels over the second bump and produces an audible click when the depressible release button is moved into a fully depressed position or a fully up position.

14. The limb restraint of claim 12, further comprising: at least one guide leg that extends downwardly from the button top surface along an inner sidewall of the buckle housing; wherein the at least one guide leg includes a bottom end having a first bump, the inner sidewall of the buckle housing includes a second bump, and the first bump travels over the second bump and produces an audible click when the depressible release button is moved into the depressed position and the up position.

15. The limb restraint of claim 12, further comprising: at least one piece of release button foam located underneath the button top surface and above the locking lever assembly.

16. The limb restraint of claim 15, wherein the button top surface depresses the at least one piece of release button foam when the depressible release button is depressed and moved to the depression position, and the at least one piece of release button foam exerts pressure on the button top surface that causes the depressible release button to return toward the up position when the depressible release button is no longer being depressed.

17. The limb restraint of claim 1, wherein at least one of (i) the first locking end of the first lever body includes a first plurality of teeth and (ii) the second locking end of the second lever body includes a second plurality of teeth.

18. The limb restraint of claim 1, wherein the first locking end of the first lever body includes a first plurality of teeth and the second locking end of the second lever body includes a second plurality of teeth.

19. The limb restraint of claim 18, wherein the first strap receiving slot of the buckle housing includes a plurality of teeth that form an interlocking pattern with the plurality of teeth on the first locking end of the first locking lever when the first locking lever is in the first locked position.

20. The limb restraint of claim 18, wherein the second strap receiving slot of the buckle housing includes a plurality of teeth that form an interlocking pattern with the second plurality of teeth on the second locking end of the second locking lever when the second locking lever is in the second locked position.

21. The limb restraint of claim 1, further comprising: at least one piece of locking lever foam located within the buckle housing underneath the second locking lever; wherein the second locking lever includes a foam interface surface that contacts the at least one piece of locking lever foam.

22. The limb restraint of claim 21, wherein the foam interface surface of the second locking lever depresses the at least one piece of locking lever foam when the second locking lever is in the second unlocked position, and the at least one piece of locking lever foam exerts pressure on the foam interface surface of the second locking lever to return the second locking lever toward the second locked position.

23. The limb restraint of claim 1, wherein the cuff includes a connector having a first connector half that includes a first body and a mating second connector half that includes a second body, and at least a portion of the first body or the second body is angled to curve around a portion of a limb when the limb is restrained within the cuff.

24. The limb restraint of claim 23, wherein at least a portion of the first body and the second body is angled to curve around a portion of a limb when the limb is restrained within the cuff.

25. A locking buckle for use with a strap, the locking buckle including: a buckle housing having a first strap receiving side and a second strap receiving side; a locking lever assembly, wherein the locking lever assembly includes: a first locking lever having a first lever body that includes a first connection end and a first locking end, wherein the first locking lever is rotationally secured to the buckle housing at the first connection end, the first lever body extends from the first connection end towards the first strap receiving side of the buckle housing, the first locking end includes a first plurality of teeth, and the first locking lever is rotatable from a first locked position to a first unlocked position; a second locking lever having a second lever body that includes a second connection end and a second locking end, wherein the second locking lever is rotationally secured to the first locking lever at the second connection end, the second lever body extends from the second connection end towards the second strap receiving side of the buckle housing, the second locking end includes a second plurality of teeth, and the second locking lever is rotatable from a second locked position to a second unlocked position; and a depressible release button having an up position and a depressed position, wherein the depressible release button in the depressed position engages the first locking lever and thesecond locking lever, and rotates the first locking lever from the first locked position to the first unlocked position and the second locking lever from the second locked position to the second unlocked position.

26. A method of using a limb restraint having a locking buckle and a strap, the method comprising: inserting a strap loose end into a second strap receiving slot of a locking buckle in a first direction, past a second locking lever having a second lever body that includes a second connection end and a second locking end; pulling a first portion of the strap through the second strap receiving slot of the locking buckle in the first direction, wherein the second locking lever is rotatable from a second locked position to a second unlocked position as the strap moves in the first direction; threading the strap loose end through a frame to which the strap is intended to be secured; inserting the strap loose end into a first strap receiving slot of the locking buckle in a second direction opposite the first direction, past a first locking lever having a first lever body that includes a first connection end and a first locking end; pulling the first portion of the strap through the second strap receiving slot of the locking buckle in the second direction to adjust the strap into a desired position, wherein the first locking lever is rotatable from a first locked position to a first unlocked position as the strap moves in the second direction.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising: pulling a second portion of the strap located between the locking buckle and the frame in the first direction to lock the first locking lever in the first locked position.

28. The method of claim 26, further comprising: depressing a depressible release button having an up position and a depressed position to the depressed position, wherein the depressible release button in the depressed position causes the first locking lever to move from the first locked position to the first unlocked position and the second locking lever to move from the second locked position to the second unlocked position.

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