Systems and methods for a harness attachment hook
Inventors
Stephens, Andrew James • Ihenacho, Chibueze Joseph
Assignees
Armr Systems Inc • Armr Sytems LLC
Publication Number
US-11622774-B2
Publication Date
2023-04-11
Expiration Date
2040-03-03
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Abstract
Described embodiments provide systems and methods for an attachment mechanism for attaching a strap around a body extremity. The attachment mechanism includes a hook, a first channel, and a second channel. The hook includes a first longitudinal axis and coupled to the strap at a first region of the hook. The first channel allowing the attachment mechanism to receive the strap. The second channel extending from the first channel and having an opening allowing the attachment mechanism to secure the strap, the opening extending along a second longitudinal axis, the second longitudinal axis forming an angle of less than ninety degrees with the first longitudinal axis. The strap is coupled to a harness. The strap includes a first portion, an attachment portion attached to the first portion, a main portion attached to the attachment portion; and an elastic portion attached to the main portion.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a harness attachment hook system designed to secure a strap around a body extremity to assist in the deployment of a junctional tourniquet. This system comprises a hook coupled to the strap, a first channel to receive the strap, and a second channel that extends from the first channel with an opening to secure the strap. The second longitudinal axis of the opening forms an angle of less than ninety degrees with the longitudinal axis of the hook. The strap itself includes portions such as an attachment portion, a main portion, and an elastic portion, which are arranged and coupled in specific manners to assist with applying direct pressure on arteries at junctional areas of the extremities.
The problem being addressed is the difficulty in obtaining and deploying tourniquets during traumatic injuries, where rapid and reliable hemorrhage control is critical. Conventional tourniquets may be hard to deploy in high-stress situations. This harness attachment hook system aims to provide a method that integrates with vests and body armor, allowing the strap and hook to be retracted until needed and then quickly deployed to wrap around a junction point and secure the strap effectively, facilitating timely control of blood flow and limiting blood loss.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent claim and one independent method claim, detailing the inventive features of the attachment mechanism system and the method of using it.
Attachment mechanism with angular channels and integrated mount
The system includes a hook with a first longitudinal axis coupled to the strap at a first region, a first channel to receive the strap, and a second channel extending from the first channel. The second channel has an opening extending along a second longitudinal axis forming an angle of less than ninety degrees with the first longitudinal axis. The system further includes a cord attached at a third region of the hook, a fastener attached to the cord, and a Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment (MOLLE) T mount engaged to the fastener.
Strap with multiple portions and hook-fastener compatibility
The strap comprises a first portion, an attachment portion attached to the first portion, a main portion attached to the attachment portion, and an elastic portion attached to the main portion. The strap includes a hook-fastener disposed between the attachment portion and the main portion, and the first channel is capable of receiving the hook-fastener of the strap. The main portion may include a rivet for receiving a pressure ratchet, with defined elasticities for the attachment and elastic portions.
Method of attaching the strap around a body extremity with mount disconnection
The method involves providing an apparatus with the hook, first and second channels forming an angle of less than ninety degrees, a cord attached to the hook, a fastener attached to the cord, and a mount engaged to the fastener. The strap is wrapped around a junction, the second channel receives and secures the strap around the junction, the fastener disconnects from the mount upon wrapping, and the cord extends responsive to wrapping the strap.
These features collectively define the inventive structure and functionality of the attachment mechanism and method, enabling secure and efficient deployment of a strap for hemorrhage control on body extremities.
Stated Advantages
Enables fast and reliable hemorrhage control in the extremities by targeting key arteries.
Integrates with vests and body armor allowing the system to be retracted until needed, ensuring readiness and rapid deployment.
Simple operation suitable for use in high-stress environments with low motor skills.
Lightweight construction using materials suitable for military specifications enhances wearability and mobility.
Documented Applications
Use as a part of a junctional tourniquet device to control arterial hemorrhage through direct pressure at junctional areas of the extremities.
Integration with vests and body armor to be worn prior to injury for immediate deployment in traumatic situations.
Application of compression devices over the harness system to provide compressive force to arterial locations and control blood flow.
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