US20230124861A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20230124861A1
Application number: US17/882,584
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael McNally
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-10-14
Filing date: 2022-08-07
Publication date: 2023-04-20

Abstract

A pouch for carrying hemostatic gauze packages securely fastens to the equipment on a utility belt such as a tourniquet holder and is easily accessible in an emergency situation. The pouch can hold up to two packages of compressed advanced clotting gauze that are removed from the pouch by a deployment ribbon.

Description

CROSS EFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/255,575 filed on Oct. 14, 2021, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a pouch for carrying hemostatic gauze packages that securely fastens to the equipment on a utility belt, such as a tourniquet holder, making it easily accessible in an emergency situation. More specifically, the pouch can hold up to two packages of compressed advanced clotting gauze that are removably attached to the pouch by a deployment ribbon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many first responders, such as law enforcement officers and security personal, carry life-saving tourniquets on their utility belts in specially made holders. This enables the first responders to easily identify the tourniquet on their utility belt in an emergency situation. In addition, it can also be identified in low light conditions. An accepted practice when encountering a victim who is severely hemorrhaging, is to attempt to stop the bleeding by applying hemostatic gauze and a tourniquet to the affected area. When the affected area is a limb, a trained professional may apply a tourniquet in addition to gauze to help stop the bleeding. The application of hemostatic gauze with a tourniquet has proven effective at staunching hemorrhaging and saving lives. Lastly, hemostatic gauze may be the only recourse if the hemorrhaging is on certain parts of the body such as the neck, axilla, and inguinal area making the use of a tourniquet unfeasible.

Currently, first responders carry hemostatic gauze in emergency kits or bags while the tourniquet is on their utility belt either in a holder or attached to equipment. When both the tourniquet and hemostatic gauze are carried together, first responders can save precious seconds or minutes by not having to dig through their kit for access to the gauze.

Therefore, there exists a need for an easily accessible pouch that can hold hemostatic packages that is readily accessible on a user’s utility belt.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a pouch for carrying hemostatic gauze packages. The pouch comprises a pouch cavity, wherein the pouch cavity comprises an interior back surface, an interior bottom surface, an interior front surface and an exterior back surface; a lid, wherein the lid comprises hook and loop tape for temporary attachment to the pouch cavity; a deployment ribbon, wherein the deployment ribbon comprises a deployment ribbon first end and a deployment ribbon second end, wherein the deployment ribbon second end is permanently affixed to the interior back surface of the pouch cavity by thread; and an elastic loop, wherein the elastic loop is permanently affixed to the exterior back surface of the pouch cavity by thread.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pouch cavity and lid comprise a durable water-resistant material. In an exemplary embodiment, the elastic loop comprises a durable elastic material.

In one embodiment, the pouch is about 3” in length, about 6 ⅞” in height, and about 1” in depth. In an alternate embodiment, the pouch is about 3” in length, about 6 ⅞” in height, and about 2.5” in depth.

In yet another embodiment, the hemostatic gauze pouch comprises a pouch cavity, wherein the pouch cavity comprises an interior back surface, an interior bottom surface, an interior front surface and an exterior back surface; a lid, wherein the lid comprises hook and loop tape for temporary attachment to the pouch cavity; a deployment ribbon, wherein the deployment ribbon comprises a deployment ribbon first end and a deployment ribbon second end, wherein the deployment ribbon second end is permanently affixed to the interior back surface of the pouch cavity by thread; and an elastic loop, wherein the elastic loop is permanently affixed to the exterior back surface of the pouch cavity by thread; and a drain hole.

In an alternate embodiment, the drain hole comprises a metal alloy and is about 9/16” in diameter with a center opening of about 9/32”. The center opening enables unwanted water to be removed from the pouch after the pouch is submerged in water or any other type of liquid. For example, when a user’s utility belt is filled with rain from a storm, the excess water in the pouch will be expelled through the drain hole by gravity.

In one embodiment, the method for using the hemostatic gauze pouch comprises (a) lining the deployment ribbon along the interior bottom surface of the pouch cavity; (b) inserting up to two hemostatic packages into the pouch cavity; (c) ensuring the deployment ribbon first end is tucked in between the lid and the pouch cavity; and (d) closing the lid.

In an alternate embodiment, the method for unloading hemostatic packages comprises (a) opening lid and (b) pulling on the deployment ribbon first end to expel the hemostatic packages.

In yet another embodiment, the method for using the hemostatic gauze pouch comprises (a) placing one hemostatic package into the pouch cavity against the interior back surface; (b) lining the deployment ribbon along the hemostatic package in the pouch cavity and the interior bottom surface of the pouch cavity and up the interior front surface making a “U” shape; (c) inserting another hemostatic package into the pouch cavity in the “U” made by the deployment ribbon; (d) ensuring the deployment ribbon first end is tucked in between the lid and the pouch cavity; and (e) closing the lid.

In an alternate embodiment, the method for unloading a hemostatic package comprises (a) opening lid and (b) pulling on the deployment ribbon first end to expel one hemostatic package while the second hemostatic package remains in the pouch cavity.

Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, along with the accompanying figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG.1 depicts the front view of an exemplary embodiment of a hemostatic gauze pouch.

FIG.2 depicts the rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a hemostatic gauze pouch.

FIG.3 depicts a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a hemostatic gauze pouch.

FIG.4 depicts a side view of the inside of an exemplary embodiment of a hemostatic gauze pouch.

FIG.5 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a hemostatic gauze pouch attached to a tourniquet holder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the present invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. Any publications cited in this description are incorporated by reference herein. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “into” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the term “about” in conjunction with a numeral refers to a range of that numeral starting from 10% below the absolute value of the numeral to 10% above the absolute value of the numeral, inclusive.

As used herein, the terms “hemostatic gauze pouch” and “pouch” are used interchangeably throughout the disclosure.

The present invention is directed to a hemostatic gauze pouch that is attached to a tourniquet holder or equipment on a utility belt for ease of access during an emergency situation involving severe hemorrhaging. The hemostatic gauze pouch is specifically designed to be worn in conjunction with a tourniquet holder or on adjacent equipment such as a weapon holster so that both are readily available to a user wearing the utility belt. One specific advantage of the hemostatic gauze pouch is the deployment ribbon which enables a user, e.g., a first responder to dispense the gauze without any delay and apply the gauze much faster than current practice.

The hemostatic gauze pouch is capable of storing a plurality of hemostatic gauze packages. In one embodiment, the pouch can store one hemostatic gauze package, wherein the pouch is secured on the tourniquet holder by a closed loop of elastic material that slips over the body of the equipment on a utility belt such as a tourniquet holder. In another embodiment, the pouch can store two hemostatic packages depending on the dimensions of the gauze packages. The lid is secured to the body of the hemostatic gauze pouch by hook and loop tape. In addition, a drain hole is on the bottom center of the pouch that is configured for easy draining in case the pouch is submerged in liquid.

Exemplary configurations of the present invention are depicted inFIGS.1-5, in whichhemostatic gauze pouch100 is configured to be worn ontourniquet holder81 or similar equipment on a utility belt (seeFIG.5). In one embodiment,hemostatic gauze pouch100 compriseslid10,pouch cavity30, interior back surface11,interior bottom surface12,interior front surface13, hook andloop tape20,elastic loop50, whereinelastic loop50 is permanently affixed to exterior back surface31 (seeFIG.2), anddeployment ribbon60. In an embodiment,deployment ribbon60 comprises deployment ribbon first end90 and deployment ribbonsecond end91 wherein deployment ribbonsecond end91 is permanently affixed to interior back surface11 by thread (seeFIG.4).

In one embodiment, material of construction forpouch100 comprises resilient durable material such as polyester or nylon, or any combination thereof.

In another embodiment, material of construction forpouch100 comprises resilient durable material capable of repelling water such as polyurethane laminate. Material of construction forelastic loop50 comprises durable material capable of stretching such as rubber, polymer of isoprene, and neoprene, a synthetic polymer of 2-chloro-1,3-butadiene, or any combination thereof. One of ordinary skill in the art can envision other types of material of construction forpouch100 andelastic loop50 that are within the scope of the present invention.

In an exemplary embodiment,pouch100 is about 3” in length, about 6 ⅞” in height, and about ½” in depth enabling a user to store onehemostatic package80 withinpouch cavity30. In yet another embodiment,pouch100 is about 3” in length, about 6 ⅞” in height, and about 1” in depth enabling a user to store at least twohemostatic packages80 within pouch cavity30 (seeFIG.4). In an embodiment, the dimensions ofpouch100 can be configured to contain more than two hemostatic packages.

In one embodiment,hemostatic gauze pouch100 is a single piece construction whereinlid10 is removably attached topouch cavity30 by hook and loop tape20 (seeFIG.1).Elastic loop50 is permanently attached toexterior back surface31 ofpouch100 by sewing half ofelastic loop50 into side seams of exterior back surface31 (seeFIG.3).Pouch100 is removably attached totourniquet holder81 by slidingelastic loop50 over body oftourniquet holder81. In this embodiment,elastic loop50 slides overtourniquet holder81 so as to not interfere with the functionality of tourniquet holder clip82 (seeFIG.5).

In an embodiment,deployment ribbon60 is about 8” in length, ¾” in width, and is permanently attached to interior back surface11 ofhemostatic gauze pouch100 by thread.Deployment ribbon60 lies along interior back surface11,interior bottom surface12, and interiorfront surface13 ofpouch100 underneathhemostatic packages80 with deployment ribbon first end90 tucked underlid10 whenpouch100 is in a closed position (seeFIGS.1 and4). Placement ofdeployment ribbon60 is essential to the proper deployment ofhemostatic packages80 in an emergency situation. To usepouch100, a user openslid10 and pulls deployment ribbon first end90 resulting inhemostatic packages80 propelling out of hemostatic gauze pouch100 (seeFIG.4).

In an alternate embodiment,deployment ribbon60 can be positioned to expel onehemostatic package80 frompouch100 depending on the user’s preference.

To configurepouch100 to expel onehemostatic package80, onehemostatic package80 is placed against interior back surface11 ofpouch cavity30. Next,deployment ribbon60 is placed alonghemostatic package80 down tointerior bottom surface12 and then up along interiorfront surface13 making an empty “U” shape withdeployment ribbon60. Then, anotherhemostatic package80 is placed in the middle of the “U” made bydeployment ribbon60. Finally, deployment ribbon first end90 is tucked underlid10 andlid10 is closed. To expelhemostatic package80,lid10 is opened and deployment ribbon first end90 is pulled. One of ordinary skill in the art can envision other configurations for dispensing at least twopackages80 that are within the scope of the present invention.

In yet another embodiment,hemostatic gauze pouch100 compriseslid10,pouch cavity30, interior back surface11,interior bottom surface12, interiorfront surface13, hook andloop tape20,drain hole40,elastic loop50, whereinelastic loop50 is permanently affixed to exterior back surface31 (seeFIG.2), anddeployment ribbon60.Deployment ribbon60 comprises of deployment ribbon first end90 and deployment ribbonsecond end91 wherein deployment ribbonsecond end91 is permanently affixed to interior back surface11 by thread (seeFIG.4).

In an embodiment, material of construction fordevice100 comprises resilient durable material such as polyester or nylon. In another embodiment, material of construction fordevice100 comprises resilient durable material capable of repelling water such as polyurethane laminate. Material of construction forelastic loop50 comprises durable material capable of stretching such as rubber, isoprene, and neoprene, a 2-chloro-1,3-butadiene, or any combination thereof.

Material of construction fordrain hole40 is any metal, metal alloy, plastic, or thread.Drain hole40 is in the shape of an eyelet, whereindrain hole40 is about 9/16″ in diameter with a center opening of about 9/32″. One of ordinary skill in the art can envision other types of material of construction that are within the scope of the present invention.

In yet another embodiment,hemostatic gauze pouch100 comprises hook tape on the front oflid10 to readily accept a label comprising loop tape. In an alternate embodiment,hemostatic gauze pouch100 comprises loop tape to readily accept a label comprising hook tape (figure not shown).

Thus, specific embodiments ofhemostatic gauze pouch100 have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.

Claims

1. A hemostatic gauze pouch for carrying hemostatic gauze packages, comprising:

(a) a pouch cavity, wherein said pouch cavity comprises an interior back surface, an interior bottom surface, an interior front surface and an exterior back surface;

(b) a lid, wherein said lid comprises hook and loop tape configured to be attached to said pouch cavity;

(b) a deployment ribbon, wherein said deployment ribbon comprises a deployment ribbon first end and a deployment ribbon second end, wherein said deployment ribbon second end is permanently affixed to said interior back surface of said pouch cavity by thread; and

(c) an elastic loop, wherein said elastic loop is permanently affixed to said exterior back surface of said pouch cavity by thread.

2. The hemostatic gauze pouch as recited inclaim 1, wherein said pouch cavity and said lid comprise a water-resistant material such as waxed cotton, nylon polyester, oilcloth, polyester fleece, and plastic or any combination thereof.

3. The hemostatic gauze pouch as recited inclaim 1, wherein said elastic loop comprises an elastic material such as rubber, isoprene, and neoprene, 2-chloro-1,3-butadiene, or any combination thereof.

4. The hemostatic gauze pouch as recited inclaim 1, wherein said hemostatic gauze pouch is about 3″ in length, about 6 ⅞″ in height, and about 1″ in depth.

5. The hemostatic gauze pouch as recited inclaim 1, wherein said hemostatic gauze pouch is about 3” in length, about 6 ⅞” in height, and about 2.5” in depth.

6. The hemostatic gauze pouch as recited inclaim 1, wherein said lid further comprises hook and loop tape configured to accept a label on the exterior surface of said lid.

7. A hemostatic gauze pouch for carrying hemostatic gauze packages, comprising:

(c) a deployment ribbon, wherein said deployment ribbon comprises a deployment ribbon first end and a deployment ribbon second end, wherein said deployment ribbon second end is permanently affixed to said interior back surface of said pouch cavity by thread; and

(d) an elastic loop, wherein said elastic loop is permanently affixed to said exterior back surface of said pouch cavity by thread; and

(e) a drain hole, wherein said drain is configured to release extra liquid from said hemostatic gauze pouch.

8. The hemostatic gauze pouch as recited inclaim 7, wherein said pouch cavity and said lid comprise a water-resistant material such as waxed cotton, nylon polyester, oilcloth, polyester fleece, and plastic or any combination thereof.

9. The hemostatic gauze pouch as recited inclaim 7, wherein said elastic loop comprises an elastic material such as rubber, isoprene, and neoprene, 2-chloro-1,3-butadiene, or any combination thereof.

10. The hemostatic gauze pouch as recited inclaim 7, wherein the material of construction for said drain hole comprises a metal alloy, plastic or thread.

11. The hemostatic gauze pouch as recited inclaim 7, wherein said hemostatic gauze pouch is about 3” in length, about 6 ⅞” in height, and about 1” in depth.

12. The hemostatic gauze pouch as recited inclaim 7, wherein said hemostatic gauze pouch is about 3” in length, about 6 ⅞” in height, and about 2.5” in depth.

13. The hemostatic gauze pouch as recited inclaim 7, wherein said drain hole is about 9/16″ in diameter with a center opening of about 9/32″.

14. The hemostatic gauze pouch as recited inclaim 7, wherein said lid further comprises hook and loop tape configured to accept a label on the exterior surface of said lid.

15. A method of using said hemostatic gauze pouch according toclaim 7, comprising:

(a) lining said deployment ribbon along said interior bottom surface of said pouch cavity;

(b) inserting up to two hemostatic packages into said pouch cavity;

(c) ensuring said deployment ribbon first end is tucked in between said lid and said pouch cavity; and

(d) closing said lid; and

(e) removing said hemostatic packages by following the steps:

i. first opening said lid; and

ii. second pulling on said deployment ribbon first end.

16. A method of using said hemostatic gauze pouch according toclaim 7, comprising:

(a) placing one hemostatic package into said pouch cavity against said interior back surface;

(b) lining said deployment ribbon along hemostatic package in said pouch cavity and along said interior bottom surface of said pouch cavity and up said interior front surface making a “U” shape;

(c) inserting another hemostatic package into said pouch cavity in said “U” shape of said deployment ribbon;

(d) ensuring said deployment ribbon first end is tucked in between said lid and said pouch cavity; and

(e) closing said lid; and

(f) removing said hemostatic package by following the steps:

i. first opening said lid; and

ii. second pulling on said deployment ribbon first end.