Mechanical tourniquet apparatus and method of use
Inventors
Kosiorek, Christopher B. • Williams, Ryan • Abir, Esra • Mee, Brenda • Drayton, Dexter C. • Damar, Neslihan • Polat, Nilufer • Avci, Yavuz
Assignees
Alphapointe • United States Department of the Army
Publication Number
US-11504135-B2
Publication Date
2022-11-22
Expiration Date
2034-09-29
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Abstract
A pre-fabricated tourniquet that is easy to apply, that ensures consistent and even circumferential pressure, that is lightweight, that provides standard life saving operation, and that can be utilized in any setting or situation, and related methods are provided. Mechanically constricting tourniquet apparatus and related methods are provided that are comprised of a tourniquet body, a carriage, a torsion bar, a receiver, and a slider. The tourniquet is long enough to encircle a human limb, for example, an arm or leg. The tourniquet apparatus includes several features for preventing or otherwise limiting harm to users and/or damage to the tourniquet apparatus itself.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a mechanically constricting tourniquet apparatus designed for emergency use to restrict blood flow in human limbs such as arms or legs. It comprises a tourniquet body long enough to encircle a limb, a carriage acting as an attachment point and base for mechanical action, a torsion bar connected to the body for twisting a tightening strap, a receiver to accept a slider on the tourniquet body, and a slider functioning as a friction buckle adjustable along the tourniquet body.
The carriage includes a torsion bar retainer assembly that can move between open and closed configurations to selectively engage the torsion bar, thereby retaining the tourniquet under circumferential pressure once tightened. The tightening strap passes through a slot in the torsion bar; twisting the torsion bar shortens the tourniquet body and applies uniform radial compression around the limb. The tourniquet body has an interior side facing the limb and an exterior side facing outward, with hook and loop fasteners to secure the apparatus when applied.
The problem being solved addresses the need for a pre-fabricated tourniquet that is easy to apply, ensures consistent and even circumferential pressure, is lightweight, and usable in any setting or situation. Traditional tourniquets lacked consistency and could cause neurovascular damage due to excessive pressure. Additionally, the device is designed for operability under extreme duress, without requiring fine motor skills, and to conform to various limb sizes while providing effective, lifesaving restriction of blood flow.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent claim that covers multiple inventive features related to the structure and function of a mechanically constricting tourniquet apparatus.
Tourniquet body and constriction assembly
A tourniquet body with a length sufficient to encircle a limb and a constriction assembly configured to bias one location of the body toward another to move the apparatus from engaged to constricted configuration, thus restricting blood flow.
Mechanical advantage via torsion bar
A constriction assembly comprising a torsion bar that provides mechanical advantage by rotating relative to the tourniquet body to transition between constricted and unconstructed configurations.
Torsion bar retainer assembly
A carriage including a retainer assembly configured to selectively engage the torsion bar when constricted, inhibiting rotation and retaining compression. The retainer assembly is moveable between open and closed configurations to allow engagement and disengagement.
Retainer assembly structural components and stop
The retainer assembly includes a base member, a support member, and a clip member. The clip moves to open or close, introducing bending stress to the support member. A stop member limits rotation beyond the open configuration to prevent damage from excessive bending stress.
Release mechanism for torsion bar engagement
A release member extending from the clip facilitates selective engagement and disengagement of the torsion bar from the retainer assembly.
Tightening strap engaged with torsion bar
A tightening strap with opposite ends attached to the tourniquet body, engaged with the torsion bar such that rotating the torsion bar twists the strap, biasing the tourniquet body locations toward each other and creating tension.
The inventive features define a mechanically advantageous tourniquet apparatus with a tourniquet body, torsion bar constriction mechanism, retainer assembly with mechanical stops and release, and a tightening strap engaged through the torsion bar to provide stable, uniform radial compression around a limb.
Stated Advantages
Ensures consistent and even circumferential pressure during application.
Provides easy and rapid application operable under extreme stress without requiring fine motor skills.
Lightweight and ruggedized design suitable for transportation and use in various settings.
Capable of effectively restricting blood flow while reducing the amount of circumferential pressure required.
Documented Applications
Emergency use for restricting blood flow during extreme hemorrhage or exsanguination in battlefield and civilian trauma care.
Pre-hospital and tactical combat casualty care phases including Care Under Fire (CUF) situations.
Use in remote or recreational settings such as camping, rock climbing, hiking, and boating.
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