A tourniquet

Abstract

Invention relates to tourniquets. A tourniquet (1) comprises a housing (110), a shaft (120) rotatably mounted into the housing (110). The shaft (120) comprises a through shaft slot (121). The tourniquet (1) comprises a strap (310) formed into a loop by means of a connection unit (320) and the strap (310) passes through the housing (110) and the through shaft slot (121). The tourniquet (1) comprises a torque handle (220) connected to the shaft (120) through a torque coupling (210) providing winds up of the strap (310) around the shaft (120). The tourniquet (1) further comprises a holding ratchet mechanism (7), in result of which the rotation of the shaft (120) is achievable only in one direction winding up the strap (310) around the shaft (120). The holding ratchet mechanism (7) comprises a ratchet release unit (8) configured to disengage the shaft (120) thereby releasing the strap (310).

Description

[0001] A TOURNIQUET

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004]

[0001] Invention relates to a medical device such as a tourniquet.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006]

[0002] A tourniquet is a medical device designed for the temporary cessation of bleeding from large blood vessels. It comprises a strong, relatively narrow, and elongated strip of material, which is applied to compress the vessel against bony prominences, thereby reducing its lumen and effectively stopping or significantly reducing bleeding.

[0007]

[0003] Haemostatic devices such as tourniquets are an integral part of medical assistance in critical situations for stopping severe bleeding from tissue and vessel injuries in the limbs. Tourniquets are widely utilized in extreme environments among both civilian and military personnel. They can be used by professional medical personnel to save a victim’s life, as well as by the victims themselves to provide first aid.

[0008]

[0004] Conventional tourniquets often require significant user skill and more time to apply. Existing designs with windlasses can be difficult to use quickly and effectively in emergency situations, especially for self-application.

[0009]

[0005] Tourniquets of other type use ratchet mechanism for strap tensioning. Known ratchet mechanisms have a complex design and, as a rule, have insufficient reliability, since the interaction of the ratchet pawl and the star occurs on one tooth, which requires to use strong, heavy materials and larger diameter ratchet stars.

[0010]

[0006] The US patent application publications No. US20100049241 discloses a tourniquet comprising a belt connected to a ratchet device with a cylindrical spool and a lever. The belt is affixed to the spool, and when the lever is operated, the spool rotates in a spooling direction to tighten the belt. This mechanism includes ratchet teeth on the spool and a spring-pressed holding pawl to prevent reverse rotation. The lever operates by reciprocally rotating around the ratchet axis. An elongated arm extends from the ratchet mechanism, ending in a coupling pin. The disadvantage of the device is that the torque load is provided by holding pawl and other pawl to prevent reverse rotation. The pawls interact only to one tooth of the spool star, which may not be reliable. Also, the ratchet itself is positioned so it could damage tissues.

[0011]

[0007] The US patent publication No. US7947061 discloses a tourniquet comprising a single belt strap with a rigid insertion end and a ratcheting assembly at the opposite end. The ratcheting assembly has an insertion and exit opening. An elongated tongue with a toothed surface extends from a quick adjustment mechanism, which also has an insertion and exit opening. To form a closed loop, the rigid insertion end of the belt strap is inserted into the quick adjustment mechanism, and the protruding end of the tongue is inserted into the ratcheting assembly. This loop is placed around a limb, and the strap is pulled through the quick adjustment mechanism until snug. The ratchet assembly is then used to tighten the loop further. The ratcheting assembly includes a frame, a lever with teeth that pivots on the frame, and a locking block that prevents the tongue from slipping back when engaged. The quick adjustment mechanism features a cam lock anchor and a cam lock lever, which secures or releases the strap as needed. The disadvantage of this device that the length of the strap pulling insertion is limited. Another problem the handle is small in size relative to the entire structure, which can cause difficulty in operation. Another disadvantage is the tension load is distributed on small surface of several teeth, which may not be reliable.

[0012]

[0008] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a tourniquet that overcomes the abovementioned problems.

[0013] Summary of the invention

[0014]

[0009] The present invention is an innovative tourniquet designed for efficient and secure application in emergency situations. The tourniquet comprises a robust housing that encases a rotatable shaft. This shaft features a through shaft slot that runs along its longitudinal axis, allowing for the passage of a strap formed into a loop via a connection unit. The connection unit enables the strap’s ends to be securely fastened together.

[0015]

[0010] A torque handle is attached to one end of the shaft through a torque coupling. Rotating the torque handle effectively turns the shaft, winding the strap around it. The tourniquet is equipped with a holding ratchet mechanism, which includes a holding ratchet slider fixed to the housing and a holding ratchet star fixed to the opposite end of the shaft. This mechanism allows the shaft to rotate in only one direction during winding, ensuring secure application of the strap. [Oi l] Additionally, the tourniquet features a torque ratchet mechanism that includes a torque ratchet star and a torque ratchet slider, enabling effective engagement with the torque handle. This mechanism allows the handle to be rotated in one direction to wind the strap while preventing the torque ratchet star from rotating in the opposite direction.

[0016]

[0012] The design may incorporate various configurations for the positioning of teeth on the holding ratchet star and slider, as well as the torque ratchet star and slider, enhancing grip and functionality. The tourniquet can also utilize a double loop strap, providing additional support, and the connection unit can consist of various fastening methods, such as buckles or Velcro®.

[0013] Furthermore, the holding ratchet mechanism and the torque ratchet mechanism are designed with springs that ensure consistent pressure against their respective sliders, promoting reliable operation. A ratchet release unit facilitates disengagement of the holding ratchet slider from the holding ratchet star, allowing for easy release of the strap when necessary.

[0017]

[0014] This inventive tourniquet design combines reliability, ease of use, and effective strap management, making it a significant advancement in emergency medical equipment. Moreover, unlike traditional tourniquets with a windlass, this tourniquet design is more compact in length, provides faster strap tightening, and requires less training for the user.

[0018]

[0015] The present invention has multiple advantages which are described below. The tightening strap creates pressure across the entire width of the strap, which distributes the load over a larger area and causes less tissue trauma, unlike classic windlass tourniquets, where only a thin band inside another band is tightened. Allowability of long strap tightening stroke allows to tighten even large diameter entities, which is important for patients with excess fat and muscle tissue or in dense, for example, winter, clothing. Tightening is done symmetrically to the tourniquet housing, which prevents the tourniquet housing migration during use of the tourniquet. Gradual portioned tightening with the ability to safely tighten the strap additionally at any time. Tightening is performed with convenient progressive movements of the handle with the least effort. Quick tightening is achieved and double protection against unwinding of the strap is provided. There is a ratchet release unit to unlock the shaft of the tomiquet and loosen the strap tension and return to the original position. It can be used repeatedly for training purposes without loss of quality.

[0019] Brief description of the drawings

[0020]

[0016] The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments of the invention.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a front view of human body with one tourniquet (1) on a hand and another tourniquet (1) on a leg as an example of use.

[0021]

[0018] Fig. 2A is a perspective view of a tourniquet (1).

[0022]

[0019] Fig. 2B is a perspective view of a tourniquet (1) as seen in Fig. 1 showing movements of a handle (220).

[0023]

[0020] Fig. 2C is a side cut view of the tourniquet (1) as seen in Fig. 1 and 2 in a starting position, when a strap (310) is not yet rolled up around a shaft (120) of the tourniquet (1).

[0024]

[0021] Fig. 2D is a side cut view of the tourniquet (1) as seen in Fig. 2C in a finish position with rolled strap (310).

[0025]

[0022] Fig. 2E is a perspective view of a part of the tourniquet (1) showing handle (220) in a folding position.

[0026]

[0023] Fig. 3 A is a explode view of the tourniquet (1) as seen in Figs. 2A to 2E.

[0027]

[0024] Fig. 3B is a front cut view of the tourniquet (1) as seen in Fig. 3 A with a holding ratchet mechanism (7) in an engaged state.

[0028]

[0025] Fig. 3C is a front cut view of the tourniquet (1) with a holding ratchet mechanism (7) in a disengaged state.

[0029]

[0026] Fig. 4A is a side cut view of another embodiment of a tourniquet (1) showing movements of a handle (220).

[0030]

[0027] Fig. 4B is a explode view of the tourniquet (1) as seen in Fig. 4A.

[0031]

[0028] Fig. 4C is a front cut view of the tourniquet (1) as seen if Fig. 4A and 4B with two ratchet mechanisms (7; 9) in an engaged state.

[0032]

[0029] Fig. 4D is a front cut view of the tourniquet (1) as seen in Figs. 4A to 4C with two ratchet mechanisms (7; 9) in a disengaged state.

[0033]

[0030] Fig. 5 is a front cut view of another embodiment of a tourniquet (1) comprising housing ratchet teeth (118) integral into a housing (110) of the tourniquet (1).

[0034]

[0031] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tourniquet (1) comprising attachment points (702).

[0035]

[0032] Fig. 7 is a side cut view of a tourniquet (1) as another embodiment of the invention, where the tourniquet (1) comprises a double loop strap (310).

[0036]

[0033] Fig. 8 is a front cut view of the tourniquet (1) as another embodiment of the invention with torque limiter (10).

[0037]

[0034] Fig. 9 is a front view of human body where two tourniquets (1) are integrated in a fixation system (600) as an example of another use. Detailed description of the embodiments

[0038]

[0035] The preferred embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the figures to illustrate objectives, advantages, and efficiency of the present invention.

[0039]

[0036] Fig. l is a front view of human body with one tourniquet (1) on a hand (510) and another tourniquet (1) on a leg (520) as an example of use of the tourniquets (1).

[0040]

[0037] Figs. 2A to 3C illustrate one embodiment of the invention. Figs. 4A to 4D illustrate another embodiment of the invention, while Fig. 5 illustrates yet another embodiment of the invention.

[0041]

[0038] A tourniquet (1) as seen in Figs. 2A to 3C comprises a housing (110), a shaft (120) rotatably mounted into the housing (110). The shaft (120) comprises a through shaft slot (121) extending along the longitudinal axis (6) of the shaft (120). The tourniquet (1) comprises a strap (310) that is formed into a loop by means of a connection unit (320) releasably connection one end (311) of the strap (310) to a second end (312) of the strap (310). The strap (310) passes through the housing (110) and through the through shaft slot (121). The tourniquet (1) comprises a handle (220) connected to one end of the shaft (120) through a torque coupling (210) so that rotation of the torque handle (220) rotates the torque coupling (210), which rotates the shaft (120), which in turn winds up the strap (310) around the same shaft (120). The handle (220) is connected to the shaft (120) through a folding coupling (400) and a first hinge (401) and a second hinge (402). The tourniquet (1) comprises a holding ratchet mechanism (7). The holding ratchet mechanism (7) comprises a holding ratchet slider (140) connected to the housing (110) and a holding ratchet star (130) fixed to a second end of the shaft (120) so that rotation of the torque handle (220) and the shaft (120) rotates a holding ratchet star (130), in result of which the rotation of the shaft (120) is achievable only in one direction winding up the strap (310) around the shaft (120), wherein the holding ratchet mechanism (7) comprises a ratchet release unit (8) in the for of a release loop (150) configured to disengage the holding ratchet slider (140) from the holding ratchet star (130), in result off which the torque handle (220) and the shaft (120) are rotatable into opposite direction thereby releasing the strap (310).

[0042]

[0039] The housing (110) comprises shaft holes (114), a strap chamber (111), the ratchet chamber (112), and housing ledges (113) configured to prevent the holding ratchet slider (140) from rotating (Figs. 2A to 3C). The strap chamber (111) is restricted from the ratchet chamber (112) by a dividing wall (103) of the housing (110).

[0040] Fig. 2B is a perspective view of a tourniquet (1) as seen in Fig. 1 showing movements of a handle (220). Fig. 2C is a side cut view of the tourniquet (1) as seen in Fig. 1 and 2 in a starting position, when a strap (310) is not yet rolled up around a shaft (120) of the tourniquet (1). Fig. 2D is a side cut view of the tourniquet (1) as seen in Fig. 2C in a finish position with rolled strap (310). Fig. 2E is a perspective view of a part of the tourniquet (1) showing handle (220) in a folding position engaged with a handle groove (115) which is integral part of the housing (110).

[0043]

[0041] Fig. 3A is a explode view of the tourniquet (1) as seen in Figs. 2A to 2E. It clearly illustrates the holding ratchet mechanism (7) comprising the holding ratchet slider (140) slidably connected to the housing (110) by means of slidable engagement of holding slider ledges (142) of the holding ratchet slider (140) with the housing ledges (113) of the housing (110). The holding ratchet slider (140) comprises holding slider teeth (141). The holding ratchet mechanism (7) comprises the holding ratchet star (130) fixed to the second end of the shaft (120) so that rotation of the torque handle (220) and the shaft (120) rotates a holding ratchet star (130). The holding ratchet star (130) also comprises holding star teeth (131). The holding star teeth (131) of the holding ratchet star (130) are in ratchet engagement with the holding slider teeth (141) of the holding ratchet slider (140), in result of which the rotation of the shaft (120) is achievable only in one direction winding up the strap (310) around the shaft (120). The holding ratchet mechanism (7) further comprises the ratchet release unit (8) configured to disengage the holding ratchet slider (140) from the holding ratchet star (130), in result off which the torque handle (220) and the shaft (120) are rotatable into opposite direction thereby releasing the strap (310). The ratchet release unit (8) comprises a release loop (150) attached to the holding ratchet slider (140), and a holding ratchet spring (160) arranged between the holding ratchet slider (140) and the housing (110), in result of which when the release loop (150) is pulled away from the housing (110), the holding ratchet slider (140) disengages from the holding ratchet star (130), and when the release loop (150) is not pulled anymore, it returns to initial or engaged position due to holding ratchet spring (160) acting onto the holding ratchet slider (140).

[0044]

[0042] Fig. 3B is a front cut view of the tourniquet (1) as seen in Fig. 3 A with a holding ratchet mechanism (7) in an engaged state. Fig. 3C is a front cut view of the tourniquet (1) with a holding ratchet mechanism (7) in a disengaged state, wherein the release loop (150) is moved away from the housing (110) thus disengaging the holding ratchet slider (140) from the holding ratchet star (130).

[0043] Figs. 4A to 4D illustrate another embodiment of the torniquet (1) that differs from the tourniquet (1) in Fig 2A to 3C in that it further comprises a comprises a torque ratchet mechanism (9). Fig. 4A is a side cut view of the tourniquet (1) showing movements of the handle (220). Fig. 4B is a explode view of the tourniquet (1) as seen in Fig. 4A. Fig. 4C is a front cut view of the tourniquet (1) as seen if Fig. 4A and 4B with two ratchet mechanisms (7; 9) in an engaged state. Fig. 4D is a front cut view of the tourniquet (1) as seen in Figs. 4A to 4C with two ratchet mechanisms (7; 9) in a disengaged state. The torque ratchet mechanism (9) comprises a torque ratchet star (230) fixed to the one end of the shaft (120) and a torque ratchet slider (240) slidably connected to the torque coupling (210) by means of torque coupling ledges (211) of the torque coupling (210) and torque slider ledges (242) of the torque ratchet slider (240). The torque ratchet star (230) comprises torque star teeth (231) and the torque ratchet slider (240) comprises torque slider teeth (241). The torque star teeth (231) of the torque ratchet star (230) are in ratchet engagement with the torque slider teeth (241) of the torque ratchet slider (240), in result of which the rotation of the handle (220) is achievable only in one direction winding up the strap (310) around the shaft (120). Moreover, the torque ratchet star (230) engages the torque ratchet slider (240) so that rotation of the torque handle (220) in one direction rotates the shaft (120) in the same one direction winding up the strap (310) around the shaft (120) and so that the rotation of the torque handle (220) in opposite direction rotates the torque handle (220) with torque ratchet slider (240), but does not rotate the torque ratchet star (230) with the shaft (120). Between the torque ratchet slider (240) and the torque coupling (210) a torque ratchet spring (250) is arranged. The torque ratchet spring (250) presses the torque ratchet slider (240) against the torque ratchet star (230). When the torque coupling (210) together with the torque ratchet slider (240) rotates in one direction, the teeth (231) of the torque ratchet star (230) and the teeth (241) of the torque ratchet slider (240) slip past each other, and when the torque coupling (210) together with the torque ratchet slider (240) rotates in the opposite direction, the teeth (231 and 241) engage, and the torque ratchet star (230) rotates together with the shaft (120) in the same direction.

[0045]

[0044] Fig. 5 is a front cut view of another embodiment of a tourniquet (1) comprising housing ratchet teeth (118) integral into a housing (110) of the tourniquet (1) and the ratchet release unit (8) is in a form of a slider button (190).

[0046]

[0045] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tourniquet (1), wherein the housing (110) comprises attachment points (702) and a recess (701) for auxiliary strap. The attachment points (702) are configured to connect the housing (110) to other devices or instruments.

[0046] Fig. 7 is a side cut view of a tourniquet (1) as another embodiment of the invention, where the tourniquet (1) comprises a double loop strap (310). The strap (310) has a double loop, with the first end (311) of the strap (310) attached to the first part (321) of the connecting unit (320) which is a buckle, going through the housing (110) and through shaft slot (121) of the shaft (120), forming a loop on the outer side of the circumference (5), passing through the second part (322) of the buckle (320), and forming a loop in the opposite direction on the inner side of the circumference (4), passing through the housing pad (170) and with the second end (312) of the strap (310) threaded through the first part (321) of the buckle (320).

[0047]

[0047] Fig. 8 is a front cut view of the tourniquet (1) as another embodiment of the invention which differs from the embodiment in the Figs. 4A to 4D in that the torque ratchet mechanism (9) is in the form of a torque limiter (10). The asymmetrical teeth of the torque ratchet star (230) and the torque ratchet slider (240) have a bevelled angle teeth (231; 241), in result of which the torque ratchet mechanism (9) functions as the torque limiter (10). Thus, the spring (250) presses the torque ratchet slider (240) and the torque slider teeth (241) against the teeth of the torque star teeth (231) and engage under the influence of friction. When the torque resistance increases above the friction resistance, the torque slider teeth (241) begin to slide relative to the torque star teeth (231) and subsequently disengage.

[0048]

[0048] Fig. 9 is a front view of human body where two tourniquets (1) are integrated in a fixation system (600) as an example of another use of the tourniquets (1). One tourniquet (1) is arranged on the upper part of the hand (510) of the human body (500) and another tourniquet (1) is arranged on the lower part of the hand (510). Both tourniquets (1) are fixed to each other through fixations bars (620) that are fixed to the tourniquets (1) by means of fixators (610).

[0049]

[0049] While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments of which have been shown by way of example in the figures and have been described in detail herein, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A tourniquet (1) comprising: a housing (110); a shaft (120) rotatably mounted into the housing (110), wherein the shaft (120) comprises a through shaft slot (121) extending along the longitudinal axis (6) of the shaft (120); a strap (310) that is formed into a loop by means of a connection unit (320) releasably connection one end of the strap (310) to a second end of the strap (310), wherein the strap (310) passes through the housing (110) and through the through shaft slot (121); a torque handle (220) connected to one end of the shaft (120) through a torque coupling (210) so that rotation of the torque handle (220) rotates the torque coupling (210), which rotates the shaft (120), which in turn winds up the strap (310) around the same shaft (120); a holding ratchet mechanism (7) comprising a holding ratchet slider (140) slidably connected to the housing (110) and a holding ratchet star (130) fixed to a second end of the shaft (120) so that rotation of the torque handle (220) and the shaft (120) rotates a holding ratchet star (130), in result of which the rotation of the shaft (120) is achievable only in one direction winding up the strap (310) around the shaft (120), wherein the holding ratchet mechanism (7) comprises a ratchet release unit (8) configured to disengage the holding ratchet slider (140) from the holding ratchet star (130), in result off which the torque handle (220) and the shaft (120) are rotatable into opposite direction thereby releasing the strap (310).

2. The tourniquet (1) according to claim 1, wherein the tourniquet (1) comprises a torque ratchet mechanism (9) comprising a torque ratchet star (230) fixed to the one end of the shaft (120) and a torque ratchet slider (240) slidably connected to the torque coupling (210), wherein the torque ratchet star (230) engages the torque ratchet slider (240) so that rotation of the torque handle (220) in one direction rotates the shaft (120) in the same one direction winding up the strap (310) around the shaft (120) and so that the rotation of the torque handle (220) in opposite direction rotates the torque handle (220) with torque ratchet slider (240), but does not rotate the torque ratchet star (230) with the shaft (120).

3. The tourniquet (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein teeth (131) of the holding ratchet star (130) are positioned on a face surface of the holding ratchet star (130), and teeth (141) of the holding ratchet slider (140) are positioned on a face surface of the holding ratchet slider (140).

4. The tourniquet (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein teeth (131) of the holding ratchet star (130) are positioned on a peripheral surface of the holding ratchet star (130), and teeth (141) of the holding ratchet slider (140) are positioned on a peripheral surface of the holding ratchet slider (140), and wherein the tourniquet (1) comprises at least one holding ratchet pawl engaged with the teeth (131) of the holding ratchet star (130) and another holding ratchet pawl engaged with the teeth (141) of the holding ratchet slider (140).

5. The tourniquet (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein teeth (231) of the torque ratchet star (230) are positioned on a face surface of the torque ratchet star (130), and teeth (141) of the torque ratchet slider (140) are positioned on a face surface of the torque ratchet slider (140).

6. The tourniquet (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tourniquet (1) comprises a housing pad (170) attached to the housing (110), and wherein the tourniquet (1) comprises a double loop strap (310), wherein a first loop of the strap (310) passes through the housing (110) and through the through shaft slot (121) and a second loop of the strap (310) passes through the housing pad (170) of the housing (110).

7. The tourniquet (1) according to any of preceding claims, wherein the connection unit (320) is selected from the group of a buckle, a Velcro® fastener, a button with a buttonhole, and a snap popper.

8. The tourniquet (1) according to any of preceding claims, wherein the holding ratchet mechanism (7) comprises a holding ratchet spring (160) configured to press the holding ratchet slider (140) against the holding ratchet star (130).

9. The tourniquet (1) according to any of claims 2 to 8, wherein the torque ratchet mechanism (9) comprises a torque ratchet spring (250) configured to press the torque ratchet slider (240) against the torque ratchet star (230).

10. The tourniquet (1) according to any of preceding claims, wherein a ratchet release unit (8) is a release loop (150) connected to the holding ratchet slider (140) or a button (190) fixed to the holding ratchet slider (140).

11. The tourniquet (1) according to any of preceding claims, wherein the torque ratchet mechanism (9) is a torque limiter (10), wherein the torque ratchet star (230) has bevelled angle teeth (231) and the torque ratchet slider (240) has bevelled angle teeth (241), wherein a spring (250) presses the teeth (241) of the torque ratchet slider (240) against the teeth (231) of the torque ratchet star (230) so that the teeth (231; 241) are engaged under the influence of spring force and friction and when the torque force of the engagement increases above the spring force and friction resistance, the teeth (241) of the torque ratchet slider (240) slide relative to and over the teeth (231) of the torque ratchet star (230).

Images