Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-11937829-B2
Publication Date
2024-03-26
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 for a one-handed application that includes a base having first and second ends, a constricting band attached to and extending from the first end of the base, and a windlass handle engaged with the constricting band. The tourniquet further includes a tourniquet buckle assembly configured to facilitate engaging and adjusting while the tourniquet is in use and under stress or low light conditions, and to support a rapid disengagement after use.
The tourniquet buckle assembly includes a substantially rectangular stepped buckle frame including a frame member and a step member. A self-cinching sliding arm transversely extends from a first side of the substantially rectangular stepped buckle frame to a second opposing side, and is configured to slide along the buckle frame, including being maintained in an engaged position by contacting at least one of a loop and an inner surface of a hook member.
The tourniquet also includes a buckle connector having a hook member configured to engage the stepped buckle frame and a strap channel base member integrally formed with the hook member and including a central aperture. A loop is threaded through the central aperture and disposed in a trough of the hook member, with the step member adjustably secured in the trough and maintained by contacting at least one of the loop and an inner surface of the hook member, enabling targeted rotation of the buckle while engaged and reducing unintended detachment through loop barrier and pivot geometry.
Claims Coverage
The document contains one independent claim. The inventive features concentrate on the specific stepped buckle frame geometry with a self-cinching sliding arm, and a buckle connector that uses a hook member with an integrally formed strap channel base member having a central aperture, together with a loop disposed in a trough to secure an adjustably engaged step member while maintaining engagement.
Self-cinching stepped buckle frame for a tourniquet buckle assembly
A tourniquet buckle assembly comprising a substantially rectangular stepped buckle frame including a frame member and a step member.
Self-cinching sliding arm slidably extending across the stepped buckle frame
A self-cinching sliding arm transversely extending from a first side of said substantially rectangular stepped buckle frame to a second opposing side of said substantially rectangular stepped buckle frame, said sliding arm being configured to slide along the buckle frame.
Hook and strap channel base member with central aperture as a buckle connector
A buckle connector, including a hook member configured to engage said stepped buckle frame and a strap channel base member, said strap channel base member integrally formed with said hook member and said strap channel base member including a central aperture.
Loop through central aperture disposed in hook trough to maintain engaged step member
A loop threaded through the central aperture of said strap channel base member and disposed in a trough of said hook member wherein said step member is adjustably secured in the trough of said hook member and maintained in its engaged position by contacting at least one of said loop and an inner surface of said hook member.
Overall, the claim coverage is centered on the combination of a substantially rectangular stepped buckle frame with a self-cinching sliding arm, and a buckle connector where a loop threaded through a central aperture and disposed in a trough of a hook member maintains an adjustably secured step member in its engaged position.
Stated Advantages
Improves ease of connecting and adjusting while under stress or low light conditions.
Reduces unintended detachment via loop barrier and pivot geometry.
Enables rapid disengagement after use.
Permits targeted rotation of the buckle while engaged.
Documented Applications
One-handed application use of the tourniquet.
Use under stress or low light conditions.
Rapid disengagement after use.
Interested in licensing this patent?