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Publication Number
US-11826053-B2
Publication Date
2023-11-28
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention relates generally to first aid articles and more specifically tourniquets suitable for one handed application. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a tourniquet having a base defining first and second ends. A constricting band is attached to and extends from the first end of the base. A windlass handle is engaged with the constricting band. The constricting band is threaded through a self cinching stepped buckle. A buckle connector includes a hook member that engages the stepped buckle and is partly held in place through urging against a loop of the constriction band.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a tourniquet buckle assembly for use with a one-handed tourniquet system. It provides a stepped buckle frame that includes a frame member and a step member, with a raised step edge, side supports, and flared base portions, where the geometry enables the step member to be guided into an adjustably secured position.
A self-cinching sliding arm extends transversely across the stepped buckle frame. The sliding arm is configured to slide along the buckle frame bounded by the step member, including tongue-and-groove engagement, to pinch and move a constricting band toward a tightened state.
The buckle connector includes a hook member and a strap channel base member defining a central aperture. The hook member includes a trough, a leg extending from the trough, and an end portion extending from the leg and offset by an angle of up to about 15 degrees. The stepped buckle frame and hook member interaction reduces unintended detachment while enabling limited transverse rotation and rapid intended release.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims covered are clm-00001 and clm-00010. Across these, the core claim set includes a stepped buckle frame with a step member, a self-cinching sliding arm that slides along the frame bounded by the step member, and a buckle connector with a hook member that engages the step member to guide it into an adjustably secured position, with additional structural limitations defining hook geometry and stepped-frame geometry.
Stepped buckle frame with step member and raised step edge supporting engagement
A stepped buckle frame, including a frame member and a step member.
Self-cinching sliding arm sliding along buckle frame bounded by step member
a self-cinching sliding arm transversely extending from a first side of said stepped buckle frame to a second opposing side of said stepped buckle frame, said sliding arm being configured to slide along the buckle frame bounded by the step member;
Buckle connector with hook member and strap channel base member defining central aperture
a buckle connector, including a hook member and a strap channel base member, said strap channel bar base member defining a central aperture;
Hook member engaging and guiding step member into adjustably secured position with offset end portion
the hook member being configured to engage said step member of said buckle frame and guide the step member into an adjustably secured position, said hook member including a trough, a leg extending from the trough and an end portion extending from the leg and offset from the leg by an angle of up to about 15 degrees.
Stepped buckle frame geometry with base and perpendicular side supports and flared base portions
a stepped buckle frame, including a frame member and a step member the frame member including a base and first and second frame sides, the step member including a raised step edge disposed generally parallel to the base, first and second side supports integrally formed with and disposed generally perpendicular to the raised step edge, and first and second flared base portions extending outwardly from the first and second side supports and integrally formed with the first and second frame sides at substantially right angles;
Guiding hook member without specified hook offset in claim 10
the hook member being configured to engage said step member of said buckle frame and guide the step member into an adjustably secured position.
Overall claim coverage centers on a tourniquet buckle assembly that uses a stepped buckle frame with a step member and a self-cinching sliding arm that slides along the frame bounded by the step member. The buckle connector’s hook member engages the step member to guide it into an adjustably secured position, with claim 1 further specifying hook geometry including a trough, a leg, and an end portion offset by up to about 15 degrees, and claim 10 further specifying stepped buckle frame geometry including raised step edge, perpendicular side supports, and flared base portions.
Stated Advantages
Easier engagement under stress and in low light.
Reduces unintended detachment while enabling limited transverse rotation and rapid intended release.
Documented Applications
Use in a one-handed tourniquet system.
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