Abstract:
A pre-fabricated tourniquet that is easy to apply, that ensures consistent and even circumferential pressure, that is light weight, that provides standard life saving operation, and that can be utilized in any setting or situation, and related methods are provided. Mechanically constricting tourniquet apparatus and related methods are provided that are comprised of a tourniquet body, a carriage, a torsion bar, a receiver and a slider. The tourniquet is long enough to encircle a human limb, for example, an arm or leg.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/883,769, filed Sep. 27, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     GOVERNMENT RIGHTS 
     This invention was made with government support under W81XWH-12-P-0497 awarded by USA MED RESEARCH ACQ ACTIVITY. The government has certain rights in the invention. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a mechanical tourniquet and novel blood flow restriction device. In more detail, embodiments of the present invention are directed to an emergency use, pre-fabricated tourniquet used for restricting flow of blood during extreme hemorrhage or exsanguination. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Exsanguination or major blood loss has been shown to be the major leading cause of death on the battlefield and directly correlates to major trauma in the civilian sector. Throughout history, tourniquets have been shown to save lives. Several large studies have confirmed the lifesaving benefit and low incidence of complications from pre-hospital use of tourniquets in combat casualties. Furthermore, the civilian Emergency Medical Services have adopted this opinion as well. Tourniquets are frequently used early in the care of trauma casualties because of the immediate lifesaving intervention capability and the speed with which they can be applied. Moreover, tourniquets are the standard of care for the temporary control of life-threatening extremity hemorrhage during the Care Under Fire (CUF) phase of the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) in accordance with the Committee for Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC) guidelines. These guidelines are becoming the standard of care for treatment of massive hemorrhage across the spectrum of pre-hospital care worldwide. 
     Due to the nature of traumatic amputation and dismemberment, there is a requirement for application of an emergency tourniquet to be operated by one hand. For a device to be truly operable by only one hand, it must be capable of being placed on an extremity, upper or lower, without having to perform fine motor skill functions. In general, tourniquet operation should not require the use of fine motor skills, regardless of the one-handed operability requirement, because tourniquets are generally only used during periods of extreme duress (i.e., when it is difficult or impossible to expect the use of fine motor skills). 
     Traditionally, tourniquets were nothing more than a general section of cloth material, usually a cravat, and a stick or dowel used as a windless. The general concept was to tighten the cloth material, reducing the circumference (diameter) of the cloth material against the extremity soft tissue, creating circumferential pressure sufficient enough to occlude blood flow. These make-shift tourniquets were often applied with too much pressure and caused neurovascular damage in limbs. Although the patient&#39;s life and limb were saved, the affected limb was permanently damaged. Therefore, a pre-fabricated tourniquet designed for consistent, even circumferential pressure is ideal for emergency use. 
     There are many situations in which a tourniquet can save a life other than in military applications. Some recreational activities can be inherently dangerous and can cause severe injury requiring the use of such an emergency device, especially in a remote setting. Primary examples of this are camping, rock climbing, hiking, boating, etc. Footprint size and weight are always a consideration in such settings since the individual user is required to carry the device in a backpack. Therefore, a ruggedized pre-fabricated tourniquet made of the strong and light material would be best-suited for the end-user. Such a tourniquet would provide for efficient transportation and effective, life-saving utilization. 
     Thus, there is a need for a pre-fabricated tourniquet that is easy to apply, that ensures consistent and even circumferential pressure, that is light weight, that provides standard life saving operation, and that can be utilized in any setting or situation. 
     SUMMARY 
     One object of the general inventive concept is to provide a mechanically constricting tourniquet apparatus made up of a tourniquet body, a carriage, a torsion bar, a receiver and a slider. The tourniquet body is long enough to encircle a human limb, for example, an arm or leg. The tourniquet body has two ends opposite one another. The tourniquet body has an interior side, intended to be positioned facing toward the limb. Opposite the interior side, the tourniquet body has an exterior side, intended to be positioned facing away from the limb. 
     Like the tourniquet body, the carriage also has an interior side and an exterior side, with the interior side intended to be positioned facing toward the limb and the exterior side intended to be positioned facing away from the limb. The carriage is attached to the tourniquet body between the two opposing ends of the tourniquet body. The carriage also includes a torsion bar retainer. 
     A torsion bar is positioned on the exterior side of the tourniquet body and on the exterior side of the carriage. The torsion bar has two opposing ends and a middle portion. The middle portion has a slot sized and shaped such that a tightening strap can slide through the slot. Each of the two opposing ends are sized and shaped such that either can mate with the torsion bar retainer. 
     A tightening strap is positioned on the exterior side of the tourniquet body and on the exterior side of the carriage. The tightening strap has a middle portion and two opposite ends. The tightening strap is attached to the tourniquet body at each of the opposite ends of the tightening strap. The carriage is positioned between the opposite ends of the tightening strap. The middle portion of the tightening strap passes through the slot of the torsion bar. 
     A receiver is attached to one end of the tourniquet body. A slider is attached to the tourniquet body and positioned between the carriage and the end of the tourniquet body opposite the end with the receiver attached. The slider is sized and shaped to slide between various positions between the carriage and the end of the tourniquet body. The slider and receiver are sized and shaped to mate with one another. When the torsion bar is rotated, the tightening strap is tightened and the tourniquet body is pulled tighter. The tourniquet body is pulled equally in two opposite directions, toward the carriage. 
     Another object of the general inventive concept is to provide a method of making a mechanically constricting tourniquet apparatus. The method includes providing a tourniquet body, attaching a carriage, attaching a tightening strap, sliding a tightening strap through a slot in a torsion bar, attaching a receiver to one end of the tourniquet body, and attaching a slider to the tourniquet body. 
     The tourniquet body is long enough to wrap around a human limb, such as an arm or leg. The tourniquet body has two ends opposite each other. The tourniquet body also has an interior side intended to be positioned facing toward the limb. Opposite the interior side, the tourniquet body has an exterior side, intended to be positioned facing away from the limb. 
     Like the tourniquet body, the carriage also has an interior side intended to be facing toward the limb and an exterior side opposite the interior side intended to be facing away from the limb. The carriage also includes a torsion bar retainer. The carriage is attached to the tourniquet body such the carriage remains positioned between the two opposing ends of the tourniquet body. 
     The tightening strap has a middle portion and two opposite ends. The tightening strap is attached to the tourniquet body at each of the opposite ends of the tightening strap and with the carriage positioned between the opposite ends of the tightening strap. The tightening strap is positioned on the exterior side of the tourniquet body and on the exterior side of the carriage. 
     The torsion bar has two opposing ends and a middle portion. The torsion bar is positioned on the exterior side of the tourniquet body and on the exterior side of the carriage. The middle portion of the torsion bar includes a slot sized and shaped such that the tightening strap can slide through the slot. The tightening strap is slid through this slot. Each of the two opposing ends of the torsion bar are sized and shaped to mate with the torsion bar retainer of the carriage. When the torsion bar is rotated, the tightening strap is tightened and the tourniquet body is pulled tighter. The tourniquet body is pulled equally in two opposite directions, toward the carriage. 
     A receiver is attached to one end of the tourniquet body. A slider is attached to the tourniquet body between the carriage and the other end of the tourniquet body. The slider can be slid to a plurality of different positions between the carriage and the end of the tourniquet body opposite the receiver. The slider and receiver are sized and shaped to mate with one another. 
     The foregoing and other objects are intended to be illustrative of the invention and are not meant in a limiting sense. Many possible embodiments of the invention may be made and will be readily evident upon a study of the following specification and accompanying drawings comprising a part thereof. For example, dimensional values included herein are provided for exemplary purposes, and embodiments of the present invention contemplate tourniquets or tourniquet components having a various dimensional values. Furthermore, various features and subcombinations of invention may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of this invention. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the invention are set forth herein and are shown in the following drawings: 
         FIG. 1  shows an exemplary mechanical tourniquet according to an embodiment of the general inventive concept. 
         FIG. 2  shows an exemplary carriage of the tourniquet from  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows an exemplary torsion bar of the tourniquet from  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  shows an exemplary receiver of the tourniquet from  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  shows an exemplary slider of the tourniquet from  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  shows an additional view of the tourniquet from  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  shows still another view of the tourniquet from  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description of the invention references the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
     In this description, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “embodiments” mean that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included. Thus, the present technology can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , embodiments of the present invention include a tourniquet for restricting a flow of blood in a body part, such as an upper or a lower extremity. In certain embodiments, the tourniquet is comprised of: (a) a carriage  101  (See also  FIG. 2 ) at a central point of a tourniquet body  102 , with the carriage  101  acting as an attachment point and as a base plate for mechanical action, and including a torsion bar retainer  103  that holds a torsion bar  104  (See also  FIG. 3 ) in place once tension is created by a twisting action (i.e., twisting or turning the torsion bar), with the torsion bar retainer  103  being releasable upon demand by lifting on a torsion bar retainer release  105 ; (b) the torsion bar  104  connected to the tourniquet body  102  and acting as a fulcrum to twist a tightening strap  108  so as to shorten a length of a diameter of the tourniquet body  102 ; (c) a receiver  106  (See also  FIG. 4 ) for accepting a slider  107  (See also  FIG. 5 ) on the tourniquet body  102  from any position along the tourniquet body  102  on a long free running side short of the carriage  101  itself, with the receiver  106  allowing a user to “snap” the slider  107  into place, and furthermore, the receiver  106  is attached to the short end of tourniquet body  102  that runs through the carriage  101 ; (d) the slider  107  operates as a friction buckle and is positioned along any section of the tourniquet body  102  by being attached to the long free running end of the tourniquet body  102 , and furthermore, the slider  107  includes a round side bar and a square side bar with grippers for allowing free rotation when attached to the receiver  106 ; and (e) the tourniquet body  102  (See also  FIGS. 6-7 ) operating in conjunction with the above-described components (i.e., components a-d). In operation, the tourniquet is operable to create a continuous loop that is placed around an extremity to accomplish circumferential pressure to restrict blood flow. A rotation of the torsion bar  104  through the tightening strap slot shortens the diameter of the continuous loop creating a radial compression force against the extremity. 
     With respect to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the back face of the tourniquet body  102  is shown as  102 ( a ). The back face  102 ( a ) of the tourniquet body  102  is the interior side and is intended to be positioned such that it is facing toward the limb/extremity. In some embodiments, the tourniquet body  102  is comprised of nylon material. The front face of the tourniquet body  102  is shown as  102 ( b ). The front face  102 ( b ) of the tourniquet body  102  is the exterior side and is intended to be positioned such that it is facing away from the limb/extremity. In some embodiments, the front face  102 ( b ) of the tourniquet body  102  includes dual hook and loop fasteners such that the tourniquet body  102  can be attached to itself. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the tightening strap  108  is a strip of material smaller in size than the tourniquet body  102 . The tightening strap  108  is connected to the tourniquet body  102  on both sides of the carriage  101 . The tightening strap  108  is routed through a slot in the torsion bar  104 . The tightening strap  108  provides a constricting action by pulling both sides of the tourniquet body  102  when the torsion bar  104  is twisted. 
     In some embodiments, the tourniquet body  102  further includes a blank label  109 . The blank label  109  may be used to write the time when the tourniquet is applied or various other relevant notes regarding patient care. 
     In some embodiments, the carriage  101  includes a strap holder to hold the tourniquet body  102  stable when operating the tourniquet. 
     In more detail, and with reference to  FIGS. 1, 2, and 6-7 , the carriage  101  will act as the base for the action of twisting the torsion bar  104 . In some embodiments, the carriage  101  has both a niche  201  and a narrow  210  bridge at either end of the carriage base itself, for allowing the tourniquet body  102  strap material to move efficiently through and in line when turning the torsion bar  104 . The carriage  101  is ruggedized for durability but has, in some embodiments, a flex and gradual curve that provides the carriage  101  with the ability to conform to both small and large limbs. As such, the carriage  101  allows for application on both upper and lower extremities regardless of size or composition of the extremities to which the tourniquet is being applied. In some embodiments, the tourniquet will be capable of being applied to adult human beings with extremities that are sized between the 5 th  to 95 th  percentile. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the carriage  101  includes a niche  201  at either end of the carriage  101 . The niche  201  is sized and shaped to allow the tourniquet body  102  to move easily through the niche  201  when the torsion bar  104  is twisted. In some embodiments, a niche  201  is included on both ends of the carriage  101 . The niche  201  allows the tourniquet body  102  to pass through the bridges ( 202  and  210 ) and helps to squeeze the tourniquet. In some embodiments, the carriage includes a wide bridge  202  and a narrow bridge  210 . The narrow bridge  210  allows for easy travel of the tourniquet body  102  through the carriage  101  as the tourniquet is tightened. The wide bridge  202  holds the torsion bar retainer  103  and provides space for a niche  201 . The wide bridge  202  and niche  201  provide a “tunnel” passage for the tourniquet body  102  to pass through as the tourniquet is tightened. A torsion bar retainer supporter  203  connects the torsion bar retainer  103  to the wide bridge  202 . The torsion bar retainer supporter  203  prevents diffraction of the retainer  103  when the torsion bar  104  is released. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , when the torsion bar  104  is twisted and the tourniquet body  102  is drawn in, an end of the torsion bar  104  is placed into the torsion bar retainer  103  and is held secure in a torsion bar space  204 . An end of the torsion bar  104  is placed into the torsion bar space  204  after the torsion bar  104  is twisted. The torsion bar  104  is held in place by the torsion bar retainer  103  so that circumferential pressure remains stable. In some embodiments, the torsion bar retainer  103  includes a spur  207  to better secure the torsion bar  104  in place in the retainer  103 . The torsion bar retainer release  105  provides a mechanism of mechanical movement to release the torsion bar  104  from the retainer  103 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the carriage  101  includes one or more holder slots  208 . The holder slots  208  are spaces for carriage holders to hold the carriage in place. In some embodiments, the carriage  101  includes a base plate for the torsion bar  104  and torsion bar retainer  103 . As the torsion bar  104  is twisted, the base plate provides structure to absorb and disperse forces circumferentially. The base plate assists in application and tightening of the torsion bar  103 . In some embodiments, the base plate has a slight curvature. In some embodiments, the base plate has an approximately 33 degree inclination. In additional embodiments, and with reference to  FIGS. 1-3, and 6-7 , the torsion bar retainer  103  of the carriage  101  is operable for retaining either end of the torsion bar  104  once circumferential pressure is applied (i.e., by turning/twisting the torsion bar  104 ). The torsion bar  104  is held in place by a spur  207  affixed to the tip of the retainer  103 . Furthermore, the torsion bar retainer  103  includes a torsion bar retainer release  105 , which provides better movement and application for releasing the retained torsion bar  104  while under pressure. The torsion bar retainer  103  is integrally formed with the carriage  101  by the torsion bar retainer supporter  203  which prevents breakage and diffraction when retaining or releasing the torsion bar. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the torsion bar  104  of an embodiment is shown. The torsion bar  104  includes an end portion  301  at both ends. The end portion  301  is the part of the torsion bar  104  that is placed into the torsion bar space ( 204  of  FIG. 2 ) to hold the torsion bar  104  in place. The torsion bar  104  also includes a middle portion  302  that is thicker than the end portion  301 . The middle portion  302  supports the tightening strap slot  303 . The middle portion  302  is sized and shaped to reduce the chance of failure of the torsion bar  104  during application and tightening of the tourniquet. The tightening strap slot  303  is a slot in the middle portion  302  of the torsion bar  104  through which the tightening strap ( 108  of  FIG. 1 ) is routed. In some embodiments, the torsion bar  104  is circular in cross section with a preferred diameter of approximately 0.3 inches. In some embodiments, the torsion bar  104  includes torsion bar grips  305 , which are checker-board-style grooves to improve friction, grip, and tactile sensitivity when applying the tourniquet. 
     Furthermore, with reference to  FIGS. 1-2, and 6-7 , the carriage plate of the carriage  101  has holder slots  208  to secure the carriage  101  to the tourniquet body  102  and to hold the carriage  101  in place during use of the tourniquet. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , additional embodiments of the present invention include a tourniquet for restricting a flow of blood in a body part, such as an upper or a lower extremity, with the tourniquet comprising: (a) a short end (See also  FIGS. 6-7 ) of a tourniquet body  102  attached to a carriage  101  (See also  FIG. 2 ); (b) a long running end of the tourniquet body  102  attached to the carriage  101 , furthermore a receiver  106  (See also  FIG. 4 ) and a slider  107  (See also  FIG. 5 ) are capable of being secured together so as to anchor the long running end of the tourniquet body  102  to the short end of the tourniquet body  102  near where the carriage  101  is attached to the tourniquet body  102 , furthermore still, the slider  107  allows for positional adjustment anywhere along the long running end of the tourniquet body  102  short of the carriage attachment point itself; (c) the tourniquet body  102  connects with the carriage  101  at an attachment point of the tourniquet body  102 , with the connection being achieved by two holder slots  208  of the carriage, with such holder slots  208  being integrally formed with the carriage  101  (such as by a continuous mold), and as such, the tourniquet body  102  extends through the carriage  101  in a generally continuous manner, furthermore still, the tourniquet body  102  does not contain any breaks throughout its entire length, thus creating a continuous loop of tourniquet body  102 , and furthermore still, the only attachment point of the continuous, tourniquet body  102  loop is where the tourniquet body  102  is attached to the receiver  106 ; (d) a tightening strap  108  (See also  FIGS. 6-7 ) attached to the short end and long free running end of the tourniquet body  102 , with the tightening strap  108  running through a middle portion  302  of a torsion bar  104  (See also  FIG. 3 ), and with the tightening strap  108  functioning as a shortening action mechanism of the tourniquet body  102 , when twisted by way of the torsion bar  104 ; (e) the mechanical shortening action is performed by pulling together (i.e., a shortening) the short and free running long end of the tourniquet body  102  over the carriage  101 , through the niche  201  and narrow bridge  210 , by way of the tightening strap  108 , so as to create a circumferential pressure of the continuous tourniquet body  102  loop around an extremity. 
     In certain embodiments, the tourniquet includes a torsion bar  104  (See  FIG. 3 ) that is approximately 0.3 inches in diameter and comprised of one middle  302  and two end portions  301 . The diameter of the torsion bar  104  allows for ease and non-restrictive placement and allows for simple release of the torsion bar retainer  103 . A middle portion  302  of the torsion bar  104  includes a tightening strap slot  303  where the tightening strap  108  is secured in place ensuring tourniquet body shortening action when the torsion bar  104  is twisted and pressure is applied. Furthermore, the torsion bar  104  includes torsion bar grips  305  that are grooved into the end portions  301  of the torsion bar  104  to increase tactile sensitivity. The middle portion  302  of the torsion bar  104  also has a textured rough surface to decrease the possibility of slippage when applying pressure during the mechanism of action. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the receiver  106  includes a hook-shaped catch  401  that the round side bar  501  of the slider  107  (See  FIG. 5 ) can be place into or removed from by the user on demand through application of the receiver flange  402 . A lip portion  403  of the receiver  106  is the narrower portion of the receiver  106  and facilitates ease of placement for the round side bar  501  of the slider  107 , and the bar locks the hook slider into place. 
     With respect to  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the hook-shaped catch  401  (or slider niche) is sized and shaped to mate with and receive the slider  107  and lock the slider  107  securely in place. The receiver flange  402  guides and provides an easy placement for the slider  107  which locks the tourniquet body in place. The flange  402  slopes upward to facility placement. The lip  403  is a narrower part of the receiver  106  to provide an easy placement with the receiver flange  402  for the slider  107 . A bar  404  hangs down from the lip  403 . The bar  404  supports locking of the hook slide and prevents unintentional displacement (dislodging) of the slider  107  from the receiver  106 . The bar  404  allows the slider  107  to “snap” or audibly “click” when the slider  107  and receiver  106  are properly mated. A supporter  406  is a thicker portion of the receiver  106  that structurally supports the receiver slot  405 . The receiver slot  405  is a space for a receiver holder to connect the receiver  106  to the tourniquet body  102 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , the slider  107  functions as a friction buckle that is operable to be placed anywhere on the tourniquet long body  102  free running end of the tourniquet, short of the carriage attachment hook. The square side bar  502  of the slider  107  with protruding grippers  505  facilitates friction when the round side bar  501  is placed into the receiver  106  (See  FIG. 4 ), thus stopping slippage, yet allowing excess slack to be removed from the diameter of the circumferential tourniquet body  102  upon demand from the user with an upward pulling motion of the tourniquet long body. Furthermore, the tourniquet long body  102  can be pre-routed through the slider  107 , thus avoiding the necessity to route the long free running end of the tourniquet body  102  through the slider  107  during use. 
     With respect to  FIG. 5 , in some embodiments, the slider  107  includes a round edge  501  (or round side bar). The round side bar  501  is sized and shaped to interface with the receiver  106 . The round side bar  501  is sized and shaped to allow for articulation when mated with the receiver  106 . The slider  107  further includes a frame  502  (or square side bar). The square side bar  502  gives support, structure and shape to the slider  107 . In some embodiments, the slider  107  will be a distinctive color to easily and quickly visually distinguish the slider&#39;s position relative to the tourniquet body  102 . For example, in some embodiments, the slider  107  is coyote brown. In some embodiments, the slider  107  includes a slider friction bar  503 . The slider friction bar  503  provides friction and inhibits the release of tension when the tourniquet is applied. The friction bar  503  is positioned higher than the side bars  501  and  502 . The friction bar  503  is sized and shaped to lock the slider  107  in position when the tourniquet is applied. The slider  107  further includes slider gaps  504 . The tourniquet body  102  is routed through the slider gaps  504  with dual hook and loop fasteners on the tourniquet body  102  side that faces toward the slider friction bar  503 . The square side bar  502  of the slider  107  also includes grippers  505 . The grippers  505  facilitate friction when the round slider bar  501  is placed into the receiver  106 . This stops slippage, yet allows excess slack to be removed from the tourniquet body  102  continuous loop upon demand with an upward pulling motion of the tourniquet body  102  long running end. 
     Together, the slider  107  (See  FIG. 5 ) and the receiver  106  (See  FIG. 4 ) function as a buckle to attach the tourniquet long body free running end and the tourniquet short body end of the tourniquet, so as to create a continuous loop. Adjustments can be made, via the slider  107 , for shortening or lengthening the continuous loop once applied, and/or the slider  107  can be attached or detached from the receiver  106  to facilitate ease of application by the user. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , further embodiments of the present invention include tourniquet designed for restricting a flow of blood in a body part, such as an upper or a lower extremity, with the tourniquet comprising: (a) a tourniquet body  102  (See also  FIGS. 6-7 ) that is approximately 2 inches wide by approximately 39 inches long, after attachment of the receiver  106  (See also  FIG. 4 ) and the carriage  101  (See also  FIG. 2 ), with such a length including a length of the receiver  106  itself; (b) the tourniquet body  102  includes a front face of a material having dual hook and loop, which allows an excess portion of the long free running end to attach back onto itself once applied, furthermore, the dual hook and loop assists in securing the long free running end of the tourniquet body  102  on the free running side of the slider (See also  FIG. 5 ) creating additional friction and a locking mechanism, furthermore still, a slider friction bar  503  of the slider  107  and the dual hook and loop serve as a two piece locking mechanism when applied as described herein; (c) a tightening strap  108  (See also  FIGS. 6-7 ) is routed through a torsion bar slot  303  of a torsion bar  104  (See also  FIG. 3 ) and connects the short end and long free running end of the continuous loop. The tightening strap  108  is the mechanism of action, such that twisting the torsion bar  104  provides constriction by pulling both sides of the tourniquet body  102  during the application of the tourniquet. 
     The width of the tourniquet (See  FIGS. 1 and 6-7 ) increases circumferential compression of the soft tissue on the extremity, thus promoting effective occlusion of vessels and achieving better restriction of blood flow, while reducing the amount of circumferential pressure required within the band of the tourniquet. In some embodiments, the 2 inch width of the tourniquet provides an optimal width for functionality, efficacy, weight and cube. The tourniquet body  102  may, in some embodiments, be made from various types of elastic and/or inelastic flexible material, such as woven fabric, vinyl, leather, neoprene, nylon, etc. Furthermore, other components of the tourniquet (e.g., carriage  101 , receiver  106 , slider  107 , torsion bar  104 ) may be made from rigid or semi-rigid materials, such as various types plastics, metals, or the like. 
     Furthermore, the slider  107  (See  FIG. 5 ) and the receiver  106  (See  FIG. 4 ) combine to function as a buckle device that can be easily attached and detached to facilitate application on upper or lower extremities. When seated in the receiver  106 , the round side bar  501  of the slider  107  pivots, allowing for ease of tightening the free long running end of tourniquet body  102  through the slider  107  and allowing for rapid sizing of the tourniquet on an upper or a lower extremity. 
     While the present general inventive concept has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications thereof may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use. 
     It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween. Hence, the proper scope of the present general inventive concept should be determined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all such modifications as well as all relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification. 
     Finally, it will be appreciated that the purpose of the annexed Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. Accordingly, the Abstract is neither intended to define the invention or the application, which only is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.