Tourniquet Holster

Abstract

The present invention is related to a removably attachable tourniquet holster comprising: wings hingeably attached to a back panel wherein the wings can be folded inward and removably attached to each other to define a slot for receiving a strap attached to an article; side support wings hingeably attached to the back panel; and, a front panel removably attached to the side support wings to define a tourniquet compartment for receiving a tourniquet. The tourniquet allows for a single handed opening of the tourniquet to reveal the tourniquet compartment allowing one handed retrieval of a tourniquet form the tourniquet holster. The tourniquet can be attached in a manner so as to reduce the impact on the existing fasteners of the article for which tourniquet holster is attached.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1) Field of the Invention

The invention is directed to a tourniquet holster that can be removable attached to an article such as, but not by way of limitation, a vest, ballistic vest, load bearing gear, strap, carrier and the like.

2) Description of Related Art

When a victim is injured, blood loss can be a significant case of death. Therefore, the ability to stop the blood loss from an injury is critical to survival for various injuries. Preventable death occurs when the injured party does not receive medical treatment and more specifically, when the blood loss is not stopped in a timely fashion. One of the proven ways to stop blood loss is through the use of a tourniquet such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,892,253. However, there is a need for a secured method of carrying such as tourniquet that can be used in a timely fashion. Further, there is a need for an apparatus to carry a tourniquet that can be operated one-handed in the event that the injury is sustained on one arm. Further, if the emergency occurs and the injured person is alone, the individual must be able to apply the tourniquet to himself and in some cases one-handed.

Additionally, the method of wearing a tourniquet holster is important since the fact that the wearer has existing gear need to be taken into account. For example, law enforcement routinely wears tactical vests or body armor which does not readily lend itself to placement of a tourniquet holster. For example, is using United State Patent Application 2011/0120295 for reference, FIG. 7 illustrates that the load bearing straps cover over the shoulder of the wearer and at attached to a front section by hook and loop fasteners. Typically, the load bearing straps include the hook portion with the front section having loop portions. Lateral stabilizers (e.g. cummerbund) provide support by surrounding the wearer generally at the mid-section or waist. Given the configuration of the tactical vest, placing a tourniquet holster on it can be challenging.

There has been several attempt to provide tourniquet holsters such as United States Patent Application 2010/0200927 and U.S. Design patent D689,281. However, neither of these references provide for a tourniquet holster that is compatible with existing gear. For example, existing tourniquet holsters are not easily placed on the should straps of tactical vests or body armor not are they easily attached to the cummerbund of the vests or armor.

Additionally, the traditional tourniquet holsters have an open end allowing dirt and debris to more easily enter into the holder potentially unnecessarily allowing foreign debris to contact or foul the tourniquet in the tourniquet compartment. Further, the tourniquet needs to be properly secured into the holder so that the tourniquet does not fall out of the holder during physical activity. For example, law enforcement, first responders and military routinely engage in physical activity and

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide for a tourniquet holster removable attachable to articles that include ballistics vests, tactical vests and other load bearing gear for law enforcement, first responders and military.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a tourniquet holster with various configuration for attachment to various articles in various manners and still allow one handed opening of the holder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above objectives are accomplished according to the present invention by providing a removably attachable tourniquet holster comprising: horizontal wings hingeably attached to a back panel wherein the horizontal wings can be folded inward and removably attached to each other to define a vertical strap slot in a first configuration; vertical wings hingeably attached to the back panel where the vertical wings can be folded inward and removably attached to each other to define a cummerbund slot in a second configuration; a lower support strap attached to the back panel to support a tourniquet in a retention arrangement; side support wings hingeably attached to the back panel; a front support panel attached to the lower support strap and removably attached to the side support wings to define a tourniquet compartment for receiving a tourniquet; and, a pull tab attached to the front panel so that when the pull tab is pulled, the front panel is released from the side support wings providing access to the tourniquet contained in the tourniquet compartment.

A top cover can be attached to the back panel and removably attached to the front panel for enclosing the tourniquet in the tourniquet compartment in the retention arrangement. A set of horizontal straps can be attached to a forward side of one of the horizontal wings so that when the horizontal wings are folded inward, the horizontal straps are rearward facing. A vertical support strap can be secured to the set of horizontal straps for securing the tourniquet holster to another article.

The tourniquet holster can include a first portion of a hook and loop fastener attached to a rearward side of the horizontal wings so that when the horizontal wings are extended, the tourniquet holster is removable attached to an article having a second portion of a hook and loop fastener horizontally arranged on the article. The second portion of a hook and loop fastener can be attached to a forward side of the horizontal wings. A hook and loop fastener can be attached to a rearward side of the vertical wings so that when the vertical wings are extended, the tourniquet holster is removable attached to an article having a second portion of a hook and loop fastener vertically arranged. A second portion of a hook and loop fastener can be attached to a forward side of the vertical wings.

The top vertical wing can be removably attached to a shoulder tab of the article and a shoulder strap of the article; and, bottom vertical wing is removable attached to a panel of the article. The article can be a ballistic vest, tactical vest, load bearing best, load bearing gear, gear carried by a user, gear worn by a user, body armor, harness, assault vest, assault panel, plate carrier and the like. A lateral strap of an article can be received in the cummerbund slot in the first configuration.

The lower support strap can have a width less than that of the front panel.

The front panel can be is completely released from the side support wings when the pull tab attached to the front panel is pulled to provide access to the tourniquet contained in the tourniquet compartment. Lower openings can be defined by the front panel, side support wings and lower support strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The construction designed to carry out the invention will hereinafter be described, together with other features thereof. The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein an example of the invention is shown and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the invention in one application;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the invention in one application;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the invention in one application;

FIGS. 8A and 8B show perspective views of the invention at various stages of use;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the invention in one application; and,

FIG. 10 is a rear view of aspects of the invention in one embodiment.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that one or more aspects of this invention can meet certain objectives, while one or more other aspects can meet certain other objectives. Each objective may not apply equally, in all its respects, to every aspect of this invention. As such, the preceding objects can be viewed in the alternative with respect to any one aspect of this invention. These and other objects and features of the invention will become more fully apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying figures and examples. However, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are of a preferred embodiment and not restrictive of the invention or other alternate embodiments of the invention. In particular, while the invention is described herein with reference to a number of specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative of the invention and is not constructed as limiting of the invention. Various modifications and applications may occur to those who are skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention, as described by the appended claims. Likewise, other objects, features, benefits and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from this summary and certain embodiments described below, and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such objects, features, benefits and advantages will be apparent from the above in conjunction with the accompanying examples, data, figures and all reasonable inferences to be drawn therefrom, alone or with consideration of the references incorporated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to the drawings, the invention will now be described in more detail. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter belongs. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are herein described.

Referring to FIG. 1, a tourniquet holster 10 is shown having a first horizontal wing 12a and a second horizontal wing 12b. The horizontal wings can be disposed to the left and right of a back panel 14 (FIG. 5). The horizontal wings can be folded at hinges 16a and 16b (FIG. 5) so that vertical slot strap is formed. This first configuration allows a strap 18 (FIG. 10) to be received into the vertical strap slot. Therefore, the tourniquet holster can be secured to an article such as a carried for a vehicle seat or other article having a vertical strap. The horizontal wings can include releasable or removable fasteners such as a hook and loop fastener in one embodiment. In the embodiment with the hook and loop fastener, a first portion having either hooks or loops can be attached to one side of the horizontal wing and a second portion either a loop or hook, respectfully, can be attached to the other side of the horizontal wing. When the horizontal wings are folded inward and onto each other, the hook and loop fasteners engage and secure the wings in the first configuration to define the vertical strap slot.

A top vertical wing 20a and bottom vertical wing 20b can be hingeably or foldably attached to the back panel. These vertical wings can be folded at hinges 22a and 22b so that they form or define a cummerbund slot 24 (FIG. 6). With the cummerbund slot defined, a cummerbund or lateral strap 26 or an article can be received in the cummerbund strap to secure the article. For example, a tactical vest, ballistic vest or body armor can include lateral straps that wrap around the were and secure the article to the wearer. These straps can be inserted through the cummerbund slot and secure the tourniquet holster to the article allowing the wearer to carry a tourniquet hands free while also allowing easy access to the tourniquet holster.

A top cover 28 can be attached to the back panel so that it covers the top of the tourniquet when the tourniquet is placed in the tourniquet holster. This prevents dirt and other foreign debris from unnecessarily contaminating the tourniquet as well as from unnecessarily entering the tourniquet compartment. In one embodiment, the free end 30 of the top cover can be attached to a front panel 32 securing the top cover in a closed position. The free end can be releasable attached to the front panel in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the free end can be releasable attached to the front panel using hook and loop fasteners.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the front panel 32 is shown in a closed configuration defining the tourniquet compartment for receiving a tourniquet. The top cover 30 is in the closed position. A lower support strap 34 is attached to the back panel and the front cover so that in the closed configuration, the lower support strap supports the tourniquet hindering the ability of the tourniquet from dropping out the bottom of the tourniquet compartment. A pull tab can be attached to the front panel so that when the pull tab is pulled, the front panel is released and moved into an open position providing access to the tourniquet compartment and therefore the tourniquet. The pull tab can be operated one handed allowing the user to access the tourniquet even when one of the arms of the user is injured.

Referring to FIG. 4, a side view of the invention is shown with the horizontal wings removed. Side support wing 38 is attached to back panel 14 and attached to front panel 32. In one embodiment, the side support wing is removably attached to the front panel so that when pull tab 36 is pulled in a direction shown generally as 42, the front panel separates from the side support wing allowing access to the tourniquet compartment shown generally as 44. In one embodiment, the side support wing is removably attached to the front panel through hook and loop fasteners.

In one embodiment, lower opening 46 can be defined by the front panel, side support wing and lower support strap. A second opening and second side support wing can be disposed on the other side (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 5, the tourniquet holster is shown in a first configuration where the vertical wings are folded onto each other and disposed between the back panel and the vertical strap slot. The vertical wings are adjacent to the back panel. Strap 18 or an article can be received in the vertical strap slot defined by the vertical wings. The strap can be disposed between the horizontal sings and the vertical wings.

In the first configuration, the tourniquet holster is attached to the strap is an article that can be used as an organization article for a vehicle. The article is secured to the seat by straps and provides storage for items such as clip boards, papers, writing instruments and the like. Any number of items could be stored in the article. The tourniquet holster in its first configuration can be position above the principal storage compartment of the article making it readily accessible and easily deployed one handed. The pull tab can be pulled forward and downwards exposing the tourniquet compartment while the remainder of the invention is secured to the article. Because the tourniquet is secured to the article, sufficient resistant exists to allow the front panel to separate from the side support wings.

Referring to FIG. 6, the tourniquet holster is shown in a second configuration. The vertical wings are folded onto each other and disposed between the back panel and the cummerbund slot and the vertical wings. The horizontal wings are adjacent to the back panel. When pull tab 36 is pulled in a direction shown generally as 42, the front panel separates from the side support wing allowing access to the tourniquet compartment. Because the tourniquet is secured to the cummerbund, sufficient resistant exists to allow the front panel to separate from the side support wings. The tourniquet can be positioned along the cummerbund strap or lateral straps of the vest, body armor, belt of other horizontal support available to the wearer.

Referring to FIG. 7, article 50 is shown having a shoulder strap shown generally as 52. The shoulder strap is typically present for tactical vests, load bearing vests, safety vests, ballistic vests and body armor. In some versions of the strap, the strap itself include one portion of a fastener 54 that is attached to a shoulder tab 56 and another portion of a fastener attached to a shoulder strap 58. In one embodiment, the shoulder tab can include a first portion of a hook and loop fastener and the shoulder strap can include a second portion of a hook and loop fastener such as a loop or hook portion, respectfully. In this configuration, the vertical wing can include a second portion of a fastener, such as hooks of a hook and loop fastener, attached to its rearward side. The rearward side can then been secured to the shoulder tab of the article. In one embodiment, the rearward side is removably attached to the shoulder tab. In one embodiment, the rearward side is removably attached to the shoulder tab by hook and loop fastener.

The respective second portion of a fastener can be attached to the forward side of the vertical tab. When the shoulder strap is lowered into position, the fastener attached to the underside of the shoulder strap engages the fasteners of the forward side of the top vertical wing and secure the shoulder strap to the vertical wing. In one embodiment, the shoulder strap is removably attached to the top vertical wing. In one embodiment, the shoulder strap is removably attached to the top vertical wing with a hook and loop fastener.

When installed, the top vertical wing is disposed between the shoulder tab and the shoulder strap. In the example that the shoulder tab and the shoulder strap are attached by hook and loop fastener, the top vertical wing has corresponding hooks or loops respectfully to the shoulder tab and shoulder strap so that it can be disposed between the shoulder tab and shoulder strap while also allowing the article to be worn using the shoulder tab and shoulder strap.

In some versions, the article includes cummerbund or lateral strap 26 to help secure the article to the wearer. The article can include a first portion of fasteners 58 and corresponding fasteners on the underside of the cummerbund or lateral strap to secure the article to the wearer. In one embodiment, the first portion fastener is either the hook or loop portion of the hook and loop fastener. The bottom vertical wing can include the corresponding fasteners so that the rearward side of the bottom vertical wing attached to a portion of the fasteners 58 and the forward side of the bottom vertical wing attached to the lateral strap. Therefore, the bottom vertical wing can be disposed between the lateral strap and the article so that the tourniquet is supported by the article and the lateral strap support the article when worn. The tourniquet holster in FIG. 5 is shown in a closed position so that the tourniquet is retained in the tourniquet compartment.

Referring to FIG. 8A, the tourniquet holster is shown being opened. The front panel has been pulled so that it is partially separated from the side support wings 38a and 38b. In one embodiment, the side support sides wings have a first portion of a hook and loop fastener attached to the free ends of the side support wings and a second portion of a hook and loop fastener is attached to the inner side 60 of the front panel. The side support winds can be hingeably attached to the back panel, extend forward, wrap around tourniquet A and be removably attached to the front panel. When the front panel is pulled open, the side support sings can move outwardly providing increased access to the tourniquet in the tourniquet compartment.

Referring to FIG. 8B, the front panel is shown separated from the side support wings 38a and 38b. The side support wings, no longer being attached to the front panel, move laterally away from the tourniquet. The tourniquet can be easily removed and put in operation, even one handed.

Referring to FIG. 9, the tourniquet is shown arranged generally on the front of article 62. In this configuration, the vertical wings are folded onto each other and disposed between the back panel and the article. The horizontal wings are extended laterally from the back panel and include a portion of a fastener attached to the rearward side of the horizontal winds that corresponds to a fastener attached to the article. For example, the article can include the loop portion 58a of a hook and loop fastener and the rearward side of the horizontal wings can include the hook portion of the hook and loop fastener. In one embodiment, the respective portions of the hook and loop fastener can be reversed. In one embodiment, the forward side of the horizontal wing can include a portion of fastener that matches the fastener on the article. In this case, the area of the fastener on the article taken up by the horizontal wings can be reduced. For example, if the article include the loop portion, the forward side of the horizontal wings can include a loop portion. This allows articles to be attached to the horizontal wings as if they were being attached to the article.

Referring to FIG. 10, the rear of the invention is shown. Horizontal straps 64a through 64d can be attached to the forward side of one of the horizontal wings. When the horizontal wing is folded onto the other horizontal wing, the horizontal straps are disposed rearward and allow the tourniquet holster to be attached to another article such as using the MOLLE system. The vertical wings can be folded onto each other and disposed between the back panel and the horizontal wings.

Horizontal straps can be attached to the forward side of one of the vertical wings. When the vertical wing is folded onto the other vertical wing, the horizontal straps are disposed rearward and allow the tourniquet holster to be attached to another article such as using the Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system or Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS), for example. The horizontal wings can be folded onto each other and disposed between the back panel and the vertical wings. The horizontal straps are attached to the top vertical wing in one embodiment.

A vertical securing member 66 n be received on one or more of the horizontal straps and used to attach the tourniquet holster to other articles. The vertical securing member can include a fastener 68 that prevents the vertical securing member form being removed from the one or more horizontal straps while the fastener is secured.

In one embodiment, the vertical wings are present and the horizontal wings are not present. In one embodiment, the horizontal wings are present and the vertical are not present.

Unless specifically stated, terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise.

Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.

While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific exemplary embodiments and methods thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art using the teachings disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A removably attachable tourniquet holster comprising:

horizontal wings hingeably attached to a back panel wherein the horizontal wings can be folded inward and removably attached to each other to define a vertical strap slot in a first configuration;

vertical wings hingeably attached to the back panel where the vertical wings can be folded inward and removably attached to each other to define a cummerbund slot in a second configuration;

a lower support strap attached to the back panel to support a tourniquet in a retention arrangement;

side support wings hingeably attached to the back panel;

a front support panel attached to the lower support strap and removably attached to the side support wings to define a tourniquet compartment for receiving a tourniquet; and,

a pull tab attached to the front panel so that when the pull tab is pulled, the front panel is released from the side support wings providing access to the tourniquet contained in the tourniquet compartment.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 including a top cover attached to the back panel and removably attached to the front panel for enclosing the tourniquet in the tourniquet compartment in the retention arrangement.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 including a set of horizontal straps attached to a forward side of one of the horizontal wings so that when the horizontal wings are folded inward, the horizontal straps are rearward facing.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 including a vertical support strap secured to the set of horizontal straps for securing the tourniquet holster to another article.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 including a first portion of a hook and loop fastener attached to a rearward side of the horizontal wings so that when the horizontal wings are extended, the tourniquet holster is removable attached to an article having a second portion of a hook and loop fastener horizontally arranged on the article.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 including a second portion of a hook and loop fastener attached to a forward side of the horizontal wings.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 including a first portion of a hook and loop fastener attached to a rearward side of the vertical wings so that when the vertical wings are extended, the tourniquet holster is removable attached to an article having a second portion of a hook and loop fastener vertically arranged.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 including a second portion of a hook and loop fastener attached to a forward side of the vertical wings.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein:

a top vertical wing is removably attached to a shoulder tab of the article and a shoulder strap of the article; and,

a bottom vertical wing is removable attached to a panel of the article.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the article is a ballistic vest.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a lateral strap of an article is received in the cummerbund slot in the first configuration.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the width of the lower support strap is less than the width of the front panel.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the front panel is completely released from the side support wings when the pull tab attached to the front panel is pulled to provide access to the tourniquet contained in the tourniquet compartment.

14. A removably attachable tourniquet holster comprising:

wings hingeably attached to a back panel wherein the wings can be folded inward and removably attached to each other to define a slot for receiving a strap attached to an article;

side support wings hingeably attached to the back panel; and,

a front panel removably attached to the side support wings to define a tourniquet compartment for receiving a tourniquet.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 including a pull tab attached to the front panel so that when the pull tab is pulled, the front panel is released from the side support wings providing access to the tourniquet contained in the tourniquet compartment.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 including a lower support strap attached to the back panel to support a tourniquet in a retention arrangement.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 including lower openings defined by the front panel, side support wings and lower support strap.

18. A removably attachable tourniquet holster comprising:

a tourniquet compartment having a back panel, side support wings hingeably attached to the back panel and a front panel removably attached to the side support wings for receiving a tourniquet; and,

wings hingeably attached to a back panel wherein the wings can be folded inward and removably attached to each other to define a slot for receiving a strap attached to an article.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the wings include horizontal wings hingeably attached to a back panel wherein the horizontal wings can be folded inward and removably attached to each other to define a vertical strap slot in a first configuration.

20. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the winds include vertical wings hingeably attached to the back panel where the vertical wings can be folded inward and removably attached to each other to define a cummerbund slot in a second configuration.

21. The apparatus of claim 18 including a pull tab attached to the front panel so that when the pull tab is pulled, the front panel is released from the side support wings providing access to the tourniquet contained in the tourniquet compartment.

22. The apparatus of claim 18 including a lower support strap attached to the back panel to support a tourniquet in a retention arrangement.