Abstract:
A hemostasis device comprises a panel having a top side and a bottom side having an adhesive layer coupled to the panel. A button, having a 3-dimensional shape, is integrally molded to the top side of the panel. One or more apertures extend through the button and the panel. A pad joined to the panel by the adhesive layer. The button is engaged to a wound by a user and adapted to provide a force vector in a substantially axial direction to the wound. A method for imparting hemostasis comprises the steps of selecting an arterial pressure device then positioning the button with the one or more apertures over a wound. Retaining the device over the wound imparts a force vector in a substantially axial direction to the wound and results in more rapid blood coagulation.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 14/287,367 filed on May 27, 2014, entitled “Bandage For Applying Arterial Pressure” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to the field of bandages, more specifically, bandages for applying arterial pressure. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Generally, bandages have been used to protect open wounds from infection and further damage post-trauma. Bandages also help collect blood it has time to coagulate. To promote coagulation and prevent the excess loss of blood, the victim or medical aid will apply pressure to the wound, typically using their hands or a tourniquet. Each of these require the use of the victims hands, or a medical aid which may not be available at the time of trauma. 
         [0006]    Hemostasis is accomplished via three mechanisms. First, vasoconstriction is the blood vessels first response to injury. Vasoconstriction is promoted by the smooth muscle cells, which are in turn controlled by the vascular endothelium. Collagen is exposed at the site of injury promoting platelets to adhere to the injury site. Second, platelets adhere to the damaged endothelium to form a platelet plug. The platelets then adhere to collagen and further produce glycoprotein receptors that interact with other platelets, promoting aggregation and adhesion. Third, clots form upon the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin and its addition to the platelet plug. As the fibrin mesh forms, blood is transformed from a liquid to a gel. 
         [0007]    To aid in the clotting process, pressure should be added to the wound post-trauma. Applying pressure to the wounded area causes the walls of the blood vessels to cave inward toward one another. This slows the turbulent flow of blood and increases the rate of coagulation at the wounded area. In the event of a gunshot wound, pressure must be applied to the wound until care at a hospital is received, or else the victim may die from exsanguination. The invention described herein elegantly addresses the need for constant pressure during trauma while reducing the need for a victim or caregiver to actively apply pressure to the wound. 
         [0008]    The above process takes time while occupying the hands of one or more victims and medical aids. A suitable solution is desired. 
         [0009]    Based on the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a bandage that applies arterial pressure to a wound, thus promoting hemostasis. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    An embodiment of the disclosure meets the needs presented above by generally comprising a panel that may be positioned over a wound. An adhesive layer is coupled to the panel. The adhesive layer engages a users skin. The panel is retained on the wound. A button is couple to the panel. The button is engaged by the user. The button transfers direct pressure to the wound. The button stops bleeding of the wound. 
         [0011]    An object of the invention is to provide a device that is a bandage for applying arterial pressure. 
         [0012]    These together with additional objects, features, and advantages of the bandage for applying arterial pressure will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the bandage for applying arterial pressure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
         [0013]    In this respect, before explaining the current embodiments of the bandage for applying arterial pressure in detail, it is to be understood that the bandage for applying arterial pressure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, method, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the bandage for applying arterial pressure. 
         [0014]    It is therefore important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the bandage for applying arterial pressure. It is also to be understood the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for purposes of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0015]    The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows. 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the bandage assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is an in-use view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is an top plan view of the bandage assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is an top view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is an side elevation view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a side elevation view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the device having a hexagonal button, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view illustrating the flexible qualities of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 15A  is a perspective view of the device to be used on a small appendage, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 15B  is a front elevation view of the device to be used on a small appendage, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 16A  is a front elevation view of the to be used in the event of mass-trauma such as a gunshot wound, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 16B  is a perspective view of the device to be used in the event of mass-trauma such as a gun shot wound, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 17  is a flowchart of a method of use, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 18  is a flowchart of a method of use in a mass-trauma scenario such as a gunshot wound, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0037]    Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to  FIGS. 1-18 , wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. 
         [0038]    As best illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 6 , the bandage assembly  10  generally comprises a panel  12  that has an exterior edge  14  extending between a top side  16  and a bottom side  18  of the panel  12 . The panel  12  may be positioned over a wound  20  on a user  21 . The wound  20  may be an arterial wound or a venous wound. Moreover the exterior edge  14  of the panel  12  has a width that is similar to a length of the exterior edge  14  of the panel  12 . The panel  12  may have a square shape. The panel  12  has a button opening  22  extending through the top  16  and bottom  18  sides of the panel  12 . 
         [0039]    An adhesive layer  24  is coupled to the bottom side  18  of the panel  12 . The adhesive layer  24  completely covers the bottom side  18  of the panel  12 . Additionally, the adhesive layer  24  engages the users skin  26  so the panel  12  is retained on the wound  20 . The adhesive layer  24  may be comprised of a non-residual medical grade adhesive of any conventional design. 
         [0040]    A pad  28  has an outer edge  30  extending between an upper side  32  and a lower side  34  of the pad  28 . The pad  28  is removably coupled to the adhesive layer  24 . Moreover, the pad  28  is peeled away from the adhesive layer  24  when the panel  12  is to be applied to the wound  20 . The pad  28  protects the adhesive layer  24  until the panel  12  is utilized. 
         [0041]    A button  36  is provided. The button  36  has a top surface  38  extending upwardly from an extraneous edge  40  of a lowermost side  42  of the side button  36 . The top surface  38  of the button  36  is curvilinear. Moreover, the button  36  has a hemispherical shape. 
         [0042]    The button  36  is positioned within the button opening  22 . The lowermost side  42  of the button  36  lies on a plane that is planar with the bottom side  18  of the panel  12 . Additionally, the extraneous edge  40  of the lowermost side  42  of the button  36  is coupled to a bounding edge  44  of the button opening  22 . The button  36  is retained on the panel  12 . 
         [0043]    The top surface  38  of the button  36  is positioned over the wound and is depressed by the user  21  after applying force to the panel  12 . The button  36  transfers direct pressure to the wound  20 . Additionally, the button  36  stops the wound  20  from bleeding. 
         [0044]    The button  36  may be comprised of a resiliently compressible material. 
         [0045]    In an alternative embodiment, the outer edge  30  of the panel  12  may define a pair of intersecting arms  48  of the panel  12 . The panel  12  may have a cross shape. Additionally, the outer edge  30  of the panel may have a length that is greater than a width of the outer edge  30  of the panel  12 . The panel  12  may have a rectangular shape. The extraneous edge  40  of the lowermost side  42  of the side button  36  may have a width that is greater than a length of the extraneous edge  40  of lowermost side  42  the button  36 . The button  36  may have a rectangular shape. 
         [0046]    In use, the pad  28  is removed from the adhesive layer  24 . The panel  12  is positioned over the wound  20  so the top surface  38  of the button  36  engages the wound  20 . The user  21  depresses the button  36  so the top surface  38  of the button  36  transfers the direct pressure to the wound  20 . The user  21  continues to depress the button  36  until the bleeding is controlled or until the user  21  is able to seek medical attention. 
         [0047]    With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the various components of the bandage assembly  10 , to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and the manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the bandage assembly  10 . 
         [0048]    In reference to  FIGS. 6 through 9 , the button  36  further comprises one or more apertures  50  positioned through the central axis of the button  36 . The through-hole is configured to receive medication, a needle, or other means of medical intervention without the user removing the bandage assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the aperture  50  receives an absorbent material such as gauze. The plurality of apertures  50  allow for multiple uses such as one or more being used for absorbent material, and another for a needle or insertion of medication among other medical interventions known in the art. In a preferred embodiment and in use, the aperture  50  is positioned directly over the wound such that discharged fluids are collected by absorbent material within the aperture  50 . 
         [0049]    In an embodiment, the pad  28  comprises an elevated perimeter  52 , which is dimensioned to retain the bottom side  18  of the panel  12 . 
         [0050]    In an embodiment, the button  36  is releasably engaged with the pad  28 , allowing for the user to substitute alternate embodiments of the button  36  design, shape, hardness, size and likewise characteristics. The button  36  may be retained within the elevated perimeter of the pad  28  by a friction fit or adhesive. 
         [0051]    In an embodiment, the button  36  is a semi-dome having a flat top  55 . The flat top  55  functions to increase the surface area, wherein the wound is under direct and even pressure when applied. In an embodiment, a beveled portion  51  separates the flat top  55  and the panel  12 . In alternate embodiments, the button  36  may be any 3-dimensional shape as seen in  FIG. 13 . Substituting shapes of button  36  modifies the vector force  60  (shown in  FIG. 10 ) and area over which the force is applied. 
         [0052]    In use, as the user positions the button  36  over the wound, the pressure will compress the air out of the aperture due to the semi-resilient material of the dome. The evacuation of air from the button  36  creates a vacuum, drawing fluid from the wound into the aperture wherein lies absorbent material. Drawing fluid from the wound aids in the clotting process without the use of any chemicals. 
         [0053]    In an embodiment, and in reference to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the user may apply the device onto a wound, imparting a force vector  60  in a substantially axial direction in reference to the wound. The user may then position absorbent material such that the device is between the absorbent material and the wound. Pressure imparted by the button  36  creates a vacuum and draws fluid through the aperture  50 . The fluid is then absorbed by the absorbent material. 
         [0054]    In an embodiment, the pad  28  is a resilient acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, however other polymers known in the art may be used. In an embodiment, the durometer, as measured by Shore hardness, of the ABS plastic can be adjusted to yield a more or less flexible final product. The flexibility of the pad permits the device to be positioned over a wound and conform to the body&#39;s natural curvature. The flexibility of the pad directs force in a substantially axial direction to the wound, maintaining adequate arterial pressure. Varying the dimensions of the pad  28  increases or decreases the ability of the pad  28  to bend about the perimeter of the button. In reference to  FIG. 10 , the flexibility of the device imparts a greater force vector  60  onto the user. 
         [0055]    In an embodiment, the structural rigidity of the device is defined by the infill density percentage of a 3D printer. The infill density ranges from 10% to 90% with 10% yielding a soft and malleably material and 90% yielding a hard and highly resilient material. In an embodiment wherein 3D printing is not used, a Shore hardness test may be used to determine the hardness and resilience of the pad, button, and other polymer materials. 
         [0056]    In an embodiment, Shore Hardness defines the hardness of the material used for device. A range of 10 A to 95 A Shore Hardness may be used. In a preferred embodiment, a shore hardness of 85 A is used to apply the appropriate pressure onto the wound and allow for adequate flexibility of the material and the device in its entirety. 
         [0057]      FIG. 12  illustrates an embodiment wherein the button is modified to a hexagonal 3-dimensional shape. During production, any 3-dimensional shape may be used such that the spirit of the invention remains. Altered 3-dimensional shapes can be used to better impress upon specific wounds. Rigid members  49  may be disposed within the 3-dimensional shape to promote directional flexibility of the panel  12  when applied to the wound. Alternate shapes serve to modify and focus the directional pressure of the button onto the wound. 
         [0058]    In reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the arterial pressure device is positioned within a bandage  65  to aid in emitting additional pressure to a wound. The arterial pressure device may be positioned within two or more layers of the bandage  65  or coupled at an end of the bandage  65 . Additionally, the arterial pressure device may be adhered to the interior side of the bandage. One or more flexible members  68  may be positioned between the top side  16  and bottom side  18 . The flexible members  68  may allow the device to gain more desirable flexible characteristics. For example, the flexible members  68  may place directional focus pressure onto a wound. Flexible members may have a different durometer than the panel  12 . 
         [0059]    Referring now to  FIGS. 15A and 15B , the device is shown having a panel  12  with protrusions  70  at each corner. This embodiment may be applied to a finger or other area of the body where increased flexibility of the device is desired. The protrusions are inherently flexible allowing for the panel  12  to bend around the appendage and ensure it remains in place while maintaining pressure on the wound. The button  36  may be positioned as illustrated, or may conform to the profile of the protrusions  70  providing an increase in pressure over the entire surface area of the panel  12 . 
         [0060]    In reference to  FIGS. 16A and 16B , the device is show in an alternate embodiment to preferentially be used for application with gunshot wounds or similar mass-trauma event. One or more arms  94  extend from a first side  93  of the panel  12 . The arms  94  are comprised of a flexible material such as silicone, textile fabric, leather, or a material with similar malleable characteristic. One or more corresponding receivers  91  are disposed on the receiving side  92  of the panel  12 . The panel  12  may be comprised of a malleable material such as silicone, textile fabric, leather, or similar material to permit increased range of motion of the material. Each receiver  91  retains one of the one or more arms  94  around the body of the user such that adequate pressure is maintained in a substantially axial direction to the wound. 
         [0061]    In reference to  FIG. 18 , a method of hemostasis following a mass-trauma event is illustrated, wherein the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 16A and 16B  is used. In step  200 , a user positions the button of a device over the wounded area. In step  205 , the arms encircle the user&#39;s body and releasably engage the receivers. In step  210 , the user tightens the device to instill direct pressure in a substantially axial direction to the wound. 
         [0062]    In an embodiment, the panel  12  may have an adhesive component coupled to the top side  16 . The adhesive component may be coupled to the entire panel, or specific areas such as the protrusions to ensure consistent and secure contact with the skin of the user. 
         [0063]    Referring now to  FIG. 17 , a method of hemostasis in a human comprises the steps of, first in step  100 , the user selects a bandage with an arterial pressure device disposed within. The user may optionally place adjuvant materials within the aperture, or select to have multiple apertures on the button of the device. The size, hardness, and resilience of the material may also be selected in combination with the disposed material and number of apertures. In step  105 , the user positions a 3-D printed bandage over a wound such that the one or more apertures are positioned directly over the wound. In step  110 , the arterial pressure device is held against the wound with an adhesive, bandage, or by mechanical pressure. 
         [0064]    The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims.