WO2005122908A2

WO2005122908A2 - Tourniquet and method of use

Info

Publication number: WO2005122908A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/020111
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Esposito
Original assignee: Phil Durango, Llc
Priority date: 2004-06-08
Filing date: 2005-06-06
Publication date: 2005-12-29
Also published as: DE05757785T1; DK1753344T3; IL179769A0; EP1753344A4; US20160302799A1; ATE538725T1; US7842067B2; DK2425786T3; EP2425786B1; US8888807B2; US20050273134A1; CA2742183A1; IL179769A; US20110087264A1; EP2425786A1; EP1753344A2; HK1163479A1; PL1753344T3; CA2569550C; CA2569550A1

Abstract

A tourniquet for restricting a flow of blood in a body part is presented. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the tourniquet comprises a first elongated member, and a second elongated member in slidable engagement with the first elongated member. In addition, the tourniquet includes a tensioning mechanism connected to the second elongated member, wherein a compressive force is applied to the body part upon applying a tensile force to the second elongated member using the tensioning mechanism. The tourniquet is suited for emergency use, and may be applied by using only one hand. Thus, the tourniquet may be applied, manipulated and tightened by the wearer, even if the wearer is limited to the use of a single hand.

Description

TOURNIQUET AND METHOD OF USE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a novel flow restriction device, and more

particularly, to a novel tourniquet device for restricting the flow of blood. BACKGROUND

Loss of blood is a major cause of death in emergency situations in which the

injured person is alone or medical assistance is not immediately available. The use of a tourniquet to stop blood loss from an injured arm or leg is a well-known technique

for preventing death in these situations. In general, for emergency use where the

victim is alone, the victim must be able to apply the tourniquet to his or her own arm

or leg and occlude blood flow using only one hand. Tourniquets ofthe prior art generate inward radial compression on the limb by

being put into high levels of circumferential tension when wrapped around the limb.

As the pressure on the limb increases, the friction between the strap and the limb also

increases, causing the underlying soft tissue to move with the strap as it is drawn tight.

This tends to draw soft tissues underlying the strap into the ratchet or buckle device, pinching the soft tissue and creating a region of very high localized pressure which

will cause unnecessary injury. This effect may also create high shearing stresses in

the underlying soft tissues, increasing the probability of nerve and tissue injury.

Friction between the strap and the limb may also create regions of low pressure by

preventing tension from being distributed evenly in the strap around the entire limb

circumference, and as a result, arterial blood may still flow through these low pressure

regions although overall strap tension is very high. In general, the application of

uneven or non-uniform application of pressure around the limb leads to the need for

unnecessarily high overall tourniquet pressures to reliably and predictably stop arterial blood flow, and this need for unnecessarily high pressure increases the probability of a

range of unnecessary injuries to nerves, muscles and the limb.

The use of a tourniquet in many emergency situations, including many

recreational activities, such as hiking, rock climbing and camping, imposes a weight

restriction on the tourniquet. Simply stated, if a tourniquet is too bulky or has an excessive weight, the potential user, such as a hiker, will not pack and carry the

tourniquet with them. Therefore, there is a need of a relatively small and light-weight

tourniquet that can be easily packed and carried, and subsequently used at remote

locations, if necessary. Accordingly, there is a need for an emergency, light-weight tourniquet that

provides improved radial pressure to the wounded limb, thereby restricting blood flow

to the limb. Furthermore, there is a need for such a tourniquet that can be applied by

the victim using one hand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other needs are addressed by the various embodiments and

configurations ofthe present invention. The present invention comprises a tourniquet

for restricting the flow of blood in a body part, such as a person's arm or leg. Thus, in

accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, a tourniquet for restricting a

flow of blood in a body part is provided, the tourniquet comprising a first elongated

member including a buckle, and a second elongated member slidably connected to the

first elongated member. In addition, the tourniquet comprises a tensioning

mechanism connected to the second elongated member, wherein a compressive force

is applied to the body part upon applying a tensile force to the second elongated member using the tensioning mechanism, and wherein the compressive force restricts

the flow of blood in the body part.

In accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, the tensioning mechanism may comprise a windlass or a ratchet. In addition, for tourniquets

utilizing a windlass as the tensioning mechanism, the tourniquet may also comprise a

securing mechanism interconnected to the first elongated member, wherein the

securing mechanism is adapted for securing the windlass after application of a tensile force to the second elongated member. In accordance with embodiments ofthe

present invention, the securing mechanism comprises at least one hooked catch, or a

securing strap, or at least one hooked catch and a securing strap. When used, the

securing strap is preferably interconnected to the outer sleeve and is preferably

oriented transversely to a longitudinal axis ofthe outer sleeve, wherein the securing

strap is adapted to secure the windlass.

In accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, the second

elongated member forms a loop running from a first end of the first elongated member

to the buckle and back to the first end ofthe first elongated member. Alternatively, in

accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, the second elongated member

comprises at least a first portion extending from a first end ofthe first elongated member to the tensioning mechanism, wherein the first portion does not extend back

to the first end ofthe first elongated member. In addition, in accordance with

embodiments ofthe present invention, the second elongated member may comprise a

second portion extending from the tensioning mechanism to the buckle. Finally, at

least in some embodiments, the second portion ofthe second elongated member forms

a loop between the buckle and the tensioning mechanism. The present invention includes a variety of possible configurations. Thus, in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, a tourniquet for restricting a flow of blood in a body part is provided, the tourniquet comprising a means for circumferentially surrounding the body part, a means for compressing the body part, wherein the means for compressing slidably engages the means for circumferentially surrounding. In addition, the tourniquet comprises a means for tensioning the means for compressing, wherein applying a tensile force to the means for compressing using the means for tensioning applies a compressive force to the body part to restrict the flow of blood in the body part. In addition, the tourniquet preferably includes a means for securing the means for tensioning. In addition, the means for circumferentially surrounding preferably comprises a means for looping the means for circumferentially surrounding around the body part, as for example, a buckle or a ring. In addition, in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, the means for circumferentially surrounding comprises a means for fastening a portion of a first surface ofthe means for circumferentially surrounding to a second portion ofthe first surface ofthe means for circumferentially surrounding. In accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, the tourniquet uses in outer sleeve that is connected to an inner strap. Thus, in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, a tourniquet for restricting a flow of blood in a body part is provided, the tourniquet comprising an outer sleeve, an inner strap slidably connected to the outer sleeve, and a windlass connected to the inner strap, wherein a compressive force is applied to the body part upon applying a tensile force to the inner strap using the windlass, wherein the compressive force restricts the flow of blood in the body part. In accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, the outer sleeve

comprises an upper panel connected to a lower panel, wherein at least a portion ofthe

upper panel comprises hook and loop fasteners. In at least one embodiment, the hook

and loop fasteners comprise OMNI-TAPE ® (Velcro Industries B.V., Amsterdam,

Netherlands). In accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, a tourniquet for

restricting a flow of blood in a body part is provided, the tourniquet comprising a first elongated member comprising: (a) a surface comprising both hook and loop structures; (b) a first end for looping through a second end comprising a buckle; and (c) a pocket.

h addition, the tourniquet comprises a second elongated member positioned in the

pocket, wherein a portion ofthe second elongated member is connected to the first

end ofthe first elongated member. In addition, the tourniquet comprises a windlass engaging the second elongated member, wherein the windlass is rotated to provide a

tensile force in the second elongated member, wherein a compressive force is applied

to the body part restricting the flow of blood in the body part. In addition, the

tourniquet comprises at least one hooked catch or a securing strap interconnected to

the first elongated member for engaging a portion ofthe windlass and preventing a

return rotation ofthe windlass after applying the tensile force.

The present invention also includes a method of restricting a flow of blood in a

body part. Thus, in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, a method

of restricting a flow of blood to a body part is provided, the method comprising wrapping a first elongated member around the body part and looping a first portion of

the first elongated member through a buckle. In addition, the method includes

detachably attaching the first portion ofthe elongated member to a second portion of the elongated member. In addition, the method includes operating a tensioning

mechanism connected to a second elongated member slidably positioned within the

first elongated member, wherein the tensioning mechanism develops a tensile force in

the second elongated member, and wherein a compressive force is applied to the body part restricting the flow of blood in the body part. The method also preferably

includes securing the tensioning mechanism using a hooked catch or a securing strap.

In accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, a method of

restricting a flow of blood to a body part is provided, the method comprising placing a

first elongated member for contacting the body part around the body part, and positioning at least a portion of the first elongated member through a restraining

mechanism connected to the first elongated member. The method further comprises

operating a tensioning mechanism operatively connected to a second elongated

member, the second elongated member not contacting the body part, the second

elongated member slidably engaging the first elongated member, wherein the tensioning mechanism develops a tensile force in at least a portion ofthe second

elongated member, and wherein a compressive force is applied to the body part

restricting the flow of blood in the body part.

Various embodiments ofthe present invention are set forth in the attached

figures and in the detailed description ofthe invention as provided herein and as

embodied by the claims. It should be understood, however, that this Summary of the

Invention may not contain all ofthe aspects and embodiments ofthe present

invention, is not meant to be limiting or restrictive in any manner, and that the

invention as disclosed herein is and will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to encompass obvious improvements and modifications thereto. Additional advantages ofthe present invention will become readily apparent from the following discussion, particularly when taken together with the

accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment ofthe present invention applied to a person's right leg (as shown in dashed lines);

Fig. 2 is a plan view ofthe device shown in Fig. 1, where the device is

stretched out along its longitudinal axis;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation view ofthe device shown in Fig. 1, where the device

is shown prior to tightening the device using the windlass; Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view ofthe device shown in Fig. 2 with the windlass

in an unwound position;

Fig. 5 is the same cross section view ofthe device as shown in Fig. 4, but with

the outer sleeve looped through the buckle and the windlass partially rotated; Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the device with the windlass in a wound position;

Fig. 7 is a plan view ofthe buckle end ofthe device with the outer sleeve

looped through the buckle and the windlass in an unwound position;

Fig. 8 is a plan view ofthe buckle end ofthe device with the outer sleeve looped through the buckle and the windlass in a wound position;

Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view of another tourniquet in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention with the windlass in an unwound position;

Fig. 10 is a cross sectional view ofthe tourniquet of Fig. 9 with the windlass in

a partially wound position; Fig. 11 is a perspective view ofthe tourniquet shown in Fig. 9 with the outer sleeve looped through the buckle and the windlass not rotated;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view ofthe tourniquet of Fig. 11 applied to a person's leg (as shown in dashed lines); Fig. 13 is a cross sectional view of another tourniquet in accordance with

embodiments ofthe present invention with the windlass in an unwound position; and Fig. 14 is a perspective view of another tourniquet in accordance with

embodiments ofthe present invention, wherein the tourniquet comprises a ratchet type of tensioning mechanism. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and may, in part, include exaggerated dimensions for clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises a tourniquet that can be manipulated and

tightened by the user, including the victim, using one hand, if necessary. In addition,

the tourniquet provides improved circulation stoppage by way of an inner tightening

strap positioned within a sleeve.

Referring now to Fig. 1, a tourniquet 10 in accordance with embodiments of

the present invention is shown. The tourniquet 10 comprises a first elongated member

or an outer sleeve 14, a second elongated member, inner tightening member or inner

strap 18, a tightening mechanism 22 and a securing mechanism 26. As shown in Fig.

1, the tourniquet 10 can be applied to an appendage, as for example, leg L, and then

tightened to restrict the flow of blood to the leg L.

Referring now to Fig. 2, the tourniquet 10 is shown prior to use, or in a stretched-out orientation. The outer sleeve 14 comprises a longitudinally extensive material having a first end 30 and a second end 34. In accordance with embodiments

ofthe present invention, the second end 34 includes a restraining mechanism, such as

a ring or buckle 38. When the tourniquet 10 is applied to a limb, such as leg L shown in Fig. 1, the first end 30 is looped through the buckle 38 and pulled tight around the appendage, thus providing a means for circumferentially surrounding or encircling the

limb. Fig. 3 depicts the tourniquet 10 after the first end 30 has been looped through

the buckle 38.

Referring now to Fig. 4, in accordance with embodiments ofthe present

invention, the outer sleeve 14 maybe formed of two panels comprising an upper or

first panel 42 and a lower or second panel 46. The edges ofthe panels 42 and 46 are

connected, as for example, by sewing, glueing, stapling, clamping, or heat/ultra-sound

(sonic) welding, or combinations thereof. Outer sleeve 14 includes a pocket, interior

area or inner space 44 between the panels 42 and 46. The first panel 42 comprises an outer surface 50 that preferably includes hook and loop structures. More preferably,

the outer surface 50 comprises both hook structures and loop structures along

substantially the entire length ofthe outer sleeve 14 between the first end 30 and an

opening 54 where the inner strap 18 is exposed between the first panel 42 and second

panel 46 ofthe outer sleeve 14. Thus, when the first end 30 ofthe outer sleeve 14 is

looped through the buckle 38, the outer surface 50 may be applied to itself, thereby

securing the position of the outer sleeve 14. By way of example and not limitation,

the first panel 42 may comprise a length of OMNI-TAPE® (Velcro Industries B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands), wherein the fastening surface comprises both hook and

loop structures on the outer surface 50 as depicted in Fig. 4. The use of a combination of both hook and loop structures on the outer surface 50 ofthe outer sleeve 14 provides the advantage ofthe tourniquet being quickly adjustable when in use to accommodate a variety of size appendages, as for example, from a person's thigh to a

person's forearm.

In use, to size the tourniquet to the appendage, the user simply wraps the tourniquet around the subject appendage, loops the first end 30 ofthe outer sleeve 14

through the buckle 38, pulls the tourniquet reasonably tight, and then presses the outer

surface 50 together detachably interlocking first and second portions ofthe outer surface 50 together to interlock the hook and loop structures ofthe outer surface 50 within the region where the outer surface 50 overlaps beyond the buckle 38. As those

skilled in the art will appreciate, although not preferred, the outer surface 50 ofthe

outer sleeve 14 may be fitted with standard hook fasteners to match-up with

corresponding standard loop fasteners; however, although within the scope ofthe

present invention, the ability of a single tourniquet so modified to accommodate

various size appendages would be limited. Nonetheless, such an issue could be

addressed by manufacturing tourniquets of different sizes and/or providing tourniquets

having different portions ofthe outer surface fitted with various lengths of hook

material to match-up with corresponding portions of loop material. Alternatively, other means of fastening the overlapping portion ofthe outer sleeve maybe provided,

such as buttons, snaps, transverse straps etc., and such variations and modifications

are within the scope ofthe present invention.

It is further noted that although the outer sleeve 14 is preferably formed of an

upper or first panel 42 and a lower or second panel 46, the outer sleeve 14 may be formed ofa single piece of material, as by way of example and not limitation, a piece of material that is folded over and seamed, thereby forming a pocket or inner space

44. Referring still to Fig. 4, the inner strap 18 is shown between the first panel 42

and the second panel 46 ofthe outer sleeve 14. In accordance with at least one

embodiment ofthe present invention, the inner strap 18 comprises a length of nylon

binding strap (also known as nylon binding tape) that extends from first end 30 ofthe

outer sleeve 14 to the buckle 38 and returns to the first end 30 such that the inner strap

18 comprises a loop. Although a substantially non-elastic nylon binding strap type of

material is preferred for use as the inner strap 18, other elongated types of materials may be used, such as a section of rope, belt, tubing, hose, band, or combinations

thereof, where such structures thereby form a means for compressing a body part. The ends ofthe inner strap 18 are preferably anchored only at the tip 58 ofthe first end 30

of outer sleeve 14, as for example, by sewing, glueing, stapling, clamping, or

heat/ultra-sound (sonic) welding, or combinations thereof. Thus, the inner strap 18

can slide within the interior space 44 ofthe outer sleeve 14. Accordingly, the inner

strap 18 comprises a material that has frictional characteristics allowing it to slide

within the interior space 44 ofthe outer sleeve 14 when a tensile force is applied to

the inner strap 18. Although not required, depending upon the types of materials used

to form the outer sleeve 14 and the inner strap 18, the interior space 44 ofthe outer

sleeve 14 may optionally include a substance, such as a powder or other lubricant, to

assist with the frictional characteristics between the surfaces ofthe inner strap 18 and

the interior space 44 ofthe outer sleeve 14. In accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, the tourniquet may

comprise an inner strap 18 that extends through and end or a slit (not shown) at the first end 30, such as a slit in the upper or first panel 42 ofthe outer sleeve 14. The

inner strap 18 may then be anchored at or proximate to the distal end ofthe lower or

second panel 46. Alternatively, the slit (not shown) may be in the second panel 46

and the inner strap 18 anchored at or proximate to the distal end ofthe first panel 42. In accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, the tourniquet may

be configured such that a single layer (i.e., not a loop) of material is used to form the inner strap 18. Here, a first end ofthe inner strap 18 is anchored at or near the tip 58

ofthe first end 30 ofthe outer sleeve 14, and a second end ofthe inner strap 18 is

anchored at or near the buckle 38, with the middle portion not anchored to the outer

sleeve 14, and thereby able to slide within the outer sleeve 14. The tensioning mechanism 22 can be used to tighten the inner strap 18, such as by winding the

windlass 74 to develop a tension force in the inner strap 18.

Referring still to Fig. 4, in accordance with embodiments ofthe present

invention, the tourniquet 10 preferably includes a base member 62. As by way of

example and not limitation, the base member 62 may be formed of a KYDEX®

(Kleerdex Company, LLC, Mount Laurel, New Jersey) thermoplastic or moldable (as

for example, injection molded) plastic type of material. A first end 66 of base

member 62 preferably includes a securing mechanism 26, as will be discussed below.

The second panel 46 ofthe outer sleeve 14 extends over at least a portion ofthe base

member 62, passes through a means for looping, such as buckle 38, and folds back to

a second end 70 ofthe base member 62. The edges ofthe second panel 46 between

the buckle 38 and the second end 70 ofthe base member 62 are preferably connected, as for example, by sewing, glueing, stapling, clamping, or heat/ultra-sound (sonic)

welding, thereby securing the second end 34 ofthe outer sleeve 14 to the buckle 38. Referring still to Fig. 4, in accordance with embodiments ofthe present

invention, the inner strap 18 emerges from the outer sleeve 14 at opening 54 where it

is connected to the tightening mechanism 22. For the embodiment shown in Fig. 4,

the tightening mechanism 22 comprises a windlass 74 that is shown in an unwound

position. The windlass 74 preferably is comprised of a plastic material; however other

types of materials are within the scope ofthe invention. In accordance with

embodiments ofthe present invention, the inner strap 18 passes through a slot or

aperture 78 in the windlass 74, and as described above, the inner strap 18 extends to

and around the buckle 38. Referring to Fig. 7, a plan view ofthe second end 34 ofthe outer sleeve 14 is

shown. Here, the outer sleeve 14 has been looped through buckle 38; however, the

tension mechanism 22, comprising a windlass 74, as will be described below, has not

been wound to tighten the inner strap 18.

Referring now to Fig. 8, a plan view ofthe second end 34 ofthe outer sleeve is

shown. Here, the outer sleeve 14 has been looped through buckle 38 and the windlass

74 has been partially wound, thereby applying a tensile force to the inner strap 18.

Since the end ofthe inner strap 18 is secured to the tip 58 ofthe outer sleeve 14, when

the windlass 74 is rotated, the inner strap 18 slides within the outer sleeve 14,

essentially scrunching the outer sleeve 14 relative to the inner strap 18 as the inner

strap 18 is increasingly tightened. The tightened inner strap 18 provides a

substantially even radial compressive pressure to the limb to which the tourniquet 10

is being applied.

Referring now to Fig. 5, a cross sectional view ofthe tourniquet 10 is shown,

including the second end 34 of tourniquet 10 with the windlass 74 in a partially wound position. More particularly, in use, after the first end 30 ofthe outer sleeve 14 is passed through the buckle 38 and secured around an appendage or limb, such as leg L shown in Fig. 1, the windlass 74 is rotated, such as in the direction of arrows Al and A2, to apply a tensile force to at least a portion ofthe inner strap 18. Since the inner strap 18 is secured to the tip 58 of first end 30 ofthe outer sleeve 14, the inner strap 18 slides in the direction of arrows A3 and A4 within the outer sleeve 14 as the windlass 74 is rotated, thereby pulling the inner strap and providing a circumferentially applied compression force to the appendage. The tensile force is primarily developed in the portion ofthe inner strap 18 between the buckle 38 and the windlass 74, with typically a lesser amount of tension developed in the overlapping portion ofthe inner strap 18 between the buckle 38 and the tip 58, because when the inner strap 18 bends around the buckle 58 after being applied to an arm or leg, the bend tends to prevent the slippage ofthe inner strap 18 in the overlapped portion. After the windlass 74 is tightened, the tourniquet restricts the blood flow in the appendage. Accordingly, the tourniquet 10 ofthe present invention offers the advantage of an unlimited number of possible twists. More particularly, many tourniquets ofthe prior art are limited to a set number to twists by their windlass, thus limiting the amount of possible compression. As a result, such tourniquets ofthe prior art are venous tourniquets and are not suitable for arterial occlusion. However, the combination ofthe outer sleeve 14, inner strap 18 and tightening mechanism 22 of the present invention overcome this prior art limitation. Referring now to Fig. 6, a cross sectional view ofthe second end 34 of tourniquet 10 is shown with the windlass 74 in a wound position. In accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, after the windlass 74 has been sufficiently tightened to restrict the arterial blood flow in the appendage, the windlass 74 may be secured using securing mechanism 26. The securing mechanism 26 provides a means for securing or preventing the windlass 74 from unwinding. Thus, the securing mechanism 26 maintains the wound position ofthe windlass 74, and thereby maintains the tension in the inner sfrap 18. In accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, and as best seen in Figs. 1, 7, and 8, the securing mechanism 26 preferably comprises a pair of opposing hooked catches 82 set substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis L-L ofthe tourniquet 10. More particularly, the hooked catches 82 are preferably sized to cup or hold the windlass, or a portion thereof, and prevent it from unwinding. Accordingly, the hooked catches 82 are sufficiently stiff to provide adequate resistance against the tensile force within the inner strap 18, as transferred to the hooked catches by the windlass 74. In accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, and by way of example and not limitation, the hooked catches 82 may be formed of a KYDEX® thermoplastic material or molded plastic that may be integrally formed with, or otherwise connected to the base member 62. The preferred use of two opposing catches 82 allows the user to rotate the windlass 74 in either direction, with one ofthe two catches 82 always able to prevent the windlass 74 from unwinding. However, it is to be understood that the use of a single hooked catch 82 may be used and is within the scope ofthe present invention. For a single hooked catch 82, the user must rotate the windlass in the proper direction to allow the tension in the inner strap 18 to be resisted by the single hooked catch 82 once winding ofthe windlass and tensioning of the inner strap 18 is completed. In accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, the securing mechanism 26 may comprise a securing sfrap positioned transversely to a longitudinal axis L-L ofthe outer sleeve 14. As for example, a transversely oriented strap having hook and loop fastening portions, or an elastic band engaging a hook or button may be provided to secure the windlass 74 in its wound position. In yet another possible alternative, a transversely oriented strap 86 may be used in combination with the hooked catches 82. Such a combination of structures allows the user to secure the windlass 74 and move about (or be moved by another person) with less concern ofthe windlass 74 dislodging from the hooked catches 82 and unwinding. In accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, for hooked catches 82 used in combination with a transversely oriented strap 86, the outer surface ofthe hooked catches may comprise a hook or loop material, and a surface of the strap 86 may comprise a complementary hook or loop material to interlock with the material on the hooked catches 82. Referring now to Figs. 9 and 10, a modified embodiment ofthe present invention is shown as tourniquet 10'. Fig. 9 shows the tourniquet 10' without having been tightened, and Fig. 10 shows the tourniquet 10' after it has been tightened. Tourniquet 10' comprises an outer sleeve 14 as described above, however, tourniquet 10' comprises an inner strap 90 that does not loop back and forth from the tip 58 ofthe outer sleeve 14 to the buckle 38 and back to the tip 58, but rather, only extends from the tip 58 to the securing mechanism 22. More particularly, the inner sfrap 90 is secured to, or proximate the tip 58, and extends from the tip 58 ofthe outer sleeve 14 to the tensioning mechanism 22, where the inner strap 90 ends at, or proximate to the tensioning mechanism 22. For the device illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10, the inner strap 90 loops around or is otherwise connected to a windlass 94. As for example, the inner strap 90 loops around the windlass 94 ofthe tourniquet 10' where it is overlapped to and secured to itself, and/or connected to the windlass 94, as for example, by sewing, glueing, stapling, clamping, or heat/ulfra-sound (sonic) welding, or combinations thereof. h accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, the tourniquet 10' preferably includes a second portion of an inner strap 98 that extends from buckle 38 to the windlass 94. The inner strap 98 may extend as an endless loop between the buckle 38 and the windlass 94. Alternatively, the inner sfrap 98 may not extend back and forth between the buckle 38 and windlass 94, but may only partially overlap and be secured to itself. As with tourniquet 10, while a first end ofthe inner strap 90 is secured to the tip 58 ofthe outer sleeve 14, when the tightening mechanism 22 is used, as for example, when the windlass 94 is rotated, the inner sfrap 90,98 slides within the outer sleeve 14, essentially scrunching the outer sleeve 14 relative to the inner strap 90,98 as the inner sfrap 90,98 is continued to be tightened. This provides substantially even radial compressive pressure to the limb to which the tourniquet 10' is being applied. Referring now to Fig. 11, a perspective view of tourniquet 10' is shown after first end 30 is looped through buckle 38. As for example, in use the first end 30 is looped through buckle 38 and pressed together such that outer surface 50 is of outer sleeve 14 is secured to itself for the overlapping portion extending beyond the buckle 38. Referring now to Fig. 12, in use, the windlass 94 is tightened to apply a tensile force to inner sfrap 90, 98, and thereby apply a compressive force and restricting the blood flow to the limb, such as leg L. Referring now to Fig. 13, yet another modified embodiment ofthe present invention is shown as tourniquet 10". Tourniquet 10" comprises a inner sfrap 102 that extends from tip 58 to securing mechanism 22 and back to tip 58, where the inner sfrap 102 is connected to the tip 58, such as by sewing, glueing, stapling, clamping, or heat/ulfra-sound (sonic) welding, or combinations thereof. Thus, there are a variety of possible combinations and configurations for providing an inner strap, whether in one substantially continuous portion or in a plurality of portions, or as a loop or not as a loop, and such variations are all within the scope ofthe present invention. In accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, the tourniquet 10, 10', 10" preferably weighs less than about 160 grams, and more preferably, weighs less than about 100 grams, and more preferably yet, weighs less than about 60 grams. The relatively light-weight characteristics ofthe tourniquet 10, 10', 10" ofthe present invention lends itself to use by hikers and others that are packing and carrying limited supplies. Thus, the weight ofthe tourniquet 10, 10', and 10", in combination with its structure and functionality, is an important aspect ofthe present invention. In use, to apply the tourniquet 10, 10', 10" to a body part and restrict the flow of blood in the body part, the user places or wraps the tourniquet 10, 10', 10" around the body part, loops the first end 30 ofthe outer sleeve 14 through the restraining mechanism or buckle 38, pulls the tourniquet reasonably tight, and then detachably attaches the overlapped outer surface 50 of outer sleeve 14 together by pressing the outer surface 50 together to interlock the hook and loop structures ofthe outer surface 50 within the region where the outer surface 50 overlaps beyond the buckle 38. The user then rotates the windlass 74, 94 and tightens the inner strap 18, 90, 98, 102 sufficiently to restrict the flow in the body part as may be necessary. The user may hold the windlass, in this position to maintain the compressive force on the limb;

however, the user preferably secures the windlass in a tightened positioned by using a

hooked catch and/or a securing sfrap. The tourniquets 10, 10', 10" ofthe present

invention are preferably configured such that the outer sleeve 14 contacts the body

part, and the inner strap 18, 90, 98, 102 does not contact the body part. Referring now to Fig. 14, although preferred embodiments ofthe present

invention utilize a windlass as the tightening mechanism 22, alternative means for tensioning or tightening may be provided. As for example, a ratchet mechanism 106

may be used, such as that shown in Fig. 14. Although potentially bulkier than a

windlass 74, a ratchet mechanism 106 can be connected to an inner strap 102 and used

to apply a tensile force to the inner sfrap 102, thus tightening the tourniquet 110. A

ratchet tightening mechanism is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,243,039, the contents

of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. See also Calkins et al.,

May 2000, "Evaluation of Possible Battlefield Tourniquet Systems for the Far-

Forward Setting," Military Medicine, Vol. 165, 5:379, the contents of which is

incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention, a tension

mechanism may be omitted. As for example, the inner sfrap may comprise an elastic

cord (e.g., rubber hose) that is pulled by hand and locked in its tightened state.

Accordingly, the tourniquet may comprise a securable clip (not shown), such as a

biased cord restraint. The securable clip allows the user to pull the inner strap 18 and

then engage the clip to hold the inner, strap in its tensioned state. The present invention has application for use in emergency medical situations for people. In addition, the invention also has application for use in veterinary medicine to apply a tourniquet to a body part or limb of an animal. The present invention, in various embodiments, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present invention after understanding the present disclosure. The present invention, in various embodiments, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost of implementation. The foregoing discussion ofthe invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features ofthe invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment ofthe invention. Moreover though the description ofthe invention has included description of

one or more embodiments and certain variations and modifications, other variations

and modifications are within the scope ofthe invention, e.g., as may be within the

skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to the extent

permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions,

ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or

equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without

intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. A tourniquet for restricting a flow of blood in a body part, the tourniquet comprising:

(a) a first elongated member including a buckle; (b) a second elongated member slidably connected to the first elongated

member;

(c) a tensioning mechanism connected to the second elongated member; wherein a compressive force is applied to the body part upon applying a tensile

force to the second elongated member using the tensioning mechanism, wherein the

compressive force restricts the flow of blood in the body part.

2. The tourniquet as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the tensioning

mechanism comprises a windlass.

3. The tourniquet as claimed in Claim 2, further comprising a securing

mechanism interconnected to the first elongated member, wherein the securing

mechanism is adapted for securing the tensioning mechanism after application of a

tensile force to the second elongated member.

4. The tourniquet as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the securing mechanism

comprises at least one hooked catch.

5. The tourniquet as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the securing mechanism

comprises a securing sfrap oriented transversely to a longitudinal axis ofthe first

elongated member.

6. The tourniquet as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the tensioning

mechanism comprises a ratchet.

7. The tourniquet as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the second elongated

member forms a loop running from a first end ofthe first elongated member to the

buckle and back to the first end ofthe first elongated member.

8. The tourniquet as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the second elongated

member comprises at least a first portion extending from a first end ofthe first

elongated member to the tensioning mechanism, and wherein the first portion does not extend back to the first end ofthe first elongated member.

9. The tourniquet as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the second elongated

member comprises a second portion extending from the tensioning mechanism to the

buckle.

10. The tourniquet as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the second portion of the second elongated member forms a loop between the buckle and the tensioning

mechanism.

11. A tourniquet for restricting a flow of blood in a body part, the

tourniquet comprising:

(a) means for circumferentially surrounding the body part;

(b) means for compressing the body part, the means for compressing slidably

engaging the means for circumferentially surrounding;

(c) means for tensioning the means for compressing; wherein applying a tensile force to the means for compressing using the means for tensioning applies a compressive force to the body part to restrict the flow of blood

in the body part.

12. The tourniquet as claimed in Claim 11, further comprising means for

securing the means for tensioning.

13. The tourniquet as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the means for

circumferentially surrounding comprises a means for looping the means for

circumferentially surrounding around the body part.

14. The tourniquet as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the means for

circumferentially surrounding comprises a means for fastening a portion of a first

surface ofthe means for circumferentially surrounding to a second portion ofthe first surface ofthe means for circumferentially surrounding.

15. A tourniquet for restricting a flow of blood in a body part, the

tourniquet comprising:

(a) an outer sleeve;

(b) an inner sfrap in slidable engagement with the outer sleeve; and

(c) a windlass connected to the inner sfrap; wherein a compressive force is applied to the body part upon applying a tensile

force to the inner strap using the windlass, wherein the compressive force resfricts the

flow of blood in the body part.

16. The tourniquet as claimed in Claim 15, further comprising at least one

hooked catch interconnected to the outer sleeve, wherein the hooked catch is adapted

to secure the windlass.

17. The tourniquet as claimed in Claim 15, further comprising a securing

sfrap interconnected to the outer sleeve and oriented transversely to a longitudinal

axis ofthe outer sleeve, wherein the securing strap is adapted to secure the windlass.

18. The tourniquet as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the outer sleeve

comprises an upper panel connected to a lower panel, wherein at least a portion ofthe upper panel comprises hook and loop fasteners.

19. The tourniquet as claimed in Claim 18, wherein the hook and loop

fasteners comprises a single component hook and loop fastener having hook and loop

on a common surface.

20. The tourniquet as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the inner strap forms a

loop extending from a first end ofthe outer sleeve to at least the windlass and back to

the first end ofthe outer sleeve.

21. The tourniquet as claimed in Claim 20, wherein the inner strap extends

from a first end ofthe outer sleeve to at least the windlass, but does not form a loop

back to the first end ofthe outer sleeve.

22. A tourniquet for restricting a flow of blood in a body part, the

tourniquet comprising: (a) a first elongated member comprising:

(i) a surface comprising both hook and loop structures;

(ii) a first end for looping through a second end comprising a buckle;

(iii) a pocket; (b) a second elongated member positioned in the pocket, wherein a portion of

the second elongated member is connected to the first end ofthe first elongated

member; (c) a windlass engaging the second elongated member, wherein the windlass is

rotated to provide a tensile force in the second elongated member, wherein a compressive force is applied to the body part resfricting the flow of blood in the body part; and

(d) at least one hooked catch or a securing strap interconnected to the first

elongated member for engaging a portion ofthe windlass and preventing a return

rotation ofthe windlass after applying the tensile force.

23. A method of restricting a flow of blood to a body part, the method comprising: (a) wrapping a first elongated member around the body part and looping a first

portion ofthe first elongated member through a buckle connected to the first

elongated member;

(b) detachably attaching the first portion ofthe elongated member to a second

portion ofthe elongated member;

(c) operating a tensioning mechanism operatively connected to a second

elongated member slidably positioned relative to the first elongated member, wherein

the tensioning mechanism develops a tensile force in the second elongated member, wherein a compressive force is applied to the body part restricting the flow of

blood in the body part.

24. The method as claimed in Claim 23, further comprising securing the

tensioning mechanism using at least one of a hooked catch and a securing strap.

25. A method of restricting a flow of blood to a body part, the method

comprising:

(a) placing a first elongated member for contacting the body part around the

body part, and positioning at least a portion ofthe first elongated member through a

restraining mechanism connected to the first elongated member; and (b) operating a tensioning mechanism operatively connected to a second

elongated member, the second elongated member not contacting the body part, the

second elongated member slidably engaging the first elongated member, wherein the tensioning mechanism develops a tensile force in at least a portion ofthe second

elongated member, wherein a compressive force is applied to the body part resfricting the flow of

blood in the body part.

26. The method as claimed in Claim 25, further comprising securing the

tensioning mechanism using at least one of a hooked catch and a securing sfrap.