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Publication Number
US-12042154-B2
Publication Date
2024-07-23
Expiration Date
Abstract
Present invention is directed to a tourniquet having a base including at least first and second sections and having a cap attached to one of the sections. A compression strap is attached to the base and extends across the base. A windlass handle is provided and includes a strap aperture through which the compression strap is threaded through and stitched to itself. A locking strap extends across and is attached to the cap. A handle stop engages the locking strap such that the handle stop freely slides along the handle strap. A strap connector assembly is provided and includes a buckle frame and a self-cinching sliding arm transversely extending from a first side of the buckle frame to a second opposing side of the buckle frame, a sliding arm configured to slide along the buckle frame. A buckle connector is attached to the compression strap to engage the buckle frame.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a tourniquet that includes a base with a cap and a compression strap extending across the base, where a portion of the compression strap is sandwiched between the base and the cap. The tourniquet includes a windlass handle having a strap aperture, through which the compression strap is threaded and stitched to itself by a stitch pattern to form a strap loop.
To address tightening behavior and pressure retention, the tourniquet includes a locking strap extending across and attached to the cap, and a handle stop that engages the locking strap such that the handle stop freely slides along the locking strap. In some embodiments, the locking strap is threaded through an aperture of the handle stop to allow the handle stop to slide along the locking strap, and a handle lock is slidably engaged with the locking strap.
The tourniquet also includes a strap connector assembly with a buckle frame and a self-cinching sliding arm transversely extending from a first side of the buckle frame to a second opposing side, with the sliding arm configured to slide along the buckle frame. The compression strap is threaded through the buckle frame, and a buckle connector attached to the compression strap is configured to engage the buckle frame and slide along the compression strap between the point where the compression strap is attached to the base and the stitch pattern when the windlass handle is turned.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims provide coverage for a tourniquet architecture that combines a windlass-handle strap aperture with a stitched strap loop, a cap-mounted locking strap with sliding handle stop/handle lock behavior, and a strap connector assembly with a buckle frame and a self-cinching sliding arm in which a buckle connector engages and slides along the compression strap. Across the independent claims, the inventive features are further narrowed by centering the stitch pattern on the strap width, constraining the stitch pattern widthwise dimension, and allowing alternative stitch pattern shapes.
Windlass-handle stitched strap loop
A windlass handle having a strap aperture, the compression strap being threaded through the strap aperture and stitched to itself by a stitch pattern so as to form a strap loop.
Cap-mounted compression strap with sandwiched portion
A base including at least first and second sections and having a cap attached to one of the first and second sections; a compression strap attached to said base and extending across said base, a portion of said compression strap being sandwiched between said base and the cap.
Locking strap with sliding handle stop
A locking strap extending across and attached to said cap; a handle stop engaging said locking strap such that said handle stop freely slides along said locking strap.
Buckle frame and self-cinching sliding arm strap connector assembly
A strap connector assembly including a buckle frame and a self-cinching sliding arm transversely extending from a first side of the buckle frame to a second opposing side of the buckle frame, the sliding arm being configured to slide along the buckle frame, said compression strap being threaded through said buckle frame, and a buckle connector attached to said compression strap configured to engage said buckle frame.
Stitch pattern centered and width-constrained relative to strap width
The compression strap has a first width and said stitch pattern is centered about a center of the first width, with the stitch pattern having a widthwise dimension within the claimed range.
Stitch pattern shape options
The stitch pattern is centered along a width of said compression strap and has a widthwise dimension within the claimed range, where the stitch pattern includes one of a triangle, diamond, I, T, or V pattern.
Buckle connector slides along compression strap during windlass turning
The buckle connector attached to said compression strap is capable of sliding along said compression strap between the point where said compression strap is attached to said base and said stitch pattern when said windlass handle is turned.
Overall, the independent claims focus on a tourniquet combining a stitched strap loop formed via a windlass handle strap aperture, a cap-attached compression strap with a sandwiched portion, a locking strap that supports sliding handle stop behavior, and a buckle-frame-based strap connector with a self-cinching sliding arm. Additional claim coverage narrows the stitch pattern by centering it on the strap width, constraining its widthwise dimension, and allowing specific stitch pattern shapes.
Stated Advantages
Mitigate pressure loss/creep.
Re-increase circumferential pressure without removing the handle.
Mechanical advantage from allowing the buckle connector to slide along the compression strap to reduce torque.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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