U.S. patent application number 12/546840 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-25 for rolled material applicator.
This patent application is currently assigned to TraumaKwik Solutions L.L.P.. Invention is credited to Michael T. Ritchey, Paul D. Seiter, Steven P. Seiter, Stanley B. Villalobos.
Application Number | 20100044491 12/546840 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41695448 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100044491 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ritchey; Michael T. ; et
al. |
February 25, 2010 |
ROLLED MATERIAL APPLICATOR
Abstract
An applicator for applying a rolled material to a body includes
a spindle configured to hold the rolled material. A length of the
spindle is at least equivalent to the width of the rolled material.
A handle is coupled to the spindle, and a brake mechanism is
integral with the handle for controlling a tension of the rolled
material as it is applied to the body. The rolled material may be
pre-wound on a spool that rotates around the spindle. Actuation of
the braking mechanism increases pressure on the rotating spool in
order to increase tension on the rolled material. Alternatively,
the spindle rotates in conjunction with a shaft within the handle.
The braking mechanism applies pressure against the rotating shaft
to increase tension in the elongated material. Pre-wound cartridges
of rolled material may be successively loaded on to the
applicator's spindle for repeated usage of the applicator.
Inventors: |
Ritchey; Michael T.;
(Chandler, AZ) ; Villalobos; Stanley B.;
(Chandler, AZ) ; Seiter; Steven P.; (Tempe,
AZ) ; Seiter; Paul D.; (San Diego, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MESCHKOW & GRESHAM, P.L.C.
5727 NORTH SEVENTH STREET, SUITE 409
PHOENIX
AZ
85014
US
|
Assignee: |
TraumaKwik Solutions L.L.P.
Salt Lake City
UT
|
Family ID: |
41695448 |
Appl. No.: |
12/546840 |
Filed: |
August 25, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61189873 |
Aug 25, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/422.4 ;
242/416; 242/423 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 15/005
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/422.4 ;
242/416; 242/423 |
International
Class: |
B65H 23/06 20060101
B65H023/06; B65H 16/04 20060101 B65H016/04; B65H 23/08 20060101
B65H023/08 |
Claims
1. An applicator for applying a rolled material to a body, said
rolled material exhibiting a width, and said applicator comprising:
a spindle configured to hold said rolled material, said spindle
having a length that is at least equivalent to said width of said
rolled material; a handle coupled to and longitudinally aligned
with said spindle; and a brake mechanism integral with said handle
for controlling a tension of said rolled material as it is applied
to said body.
2. An applicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said rolled material
is rolled onto a hollow spool, said hollow spool having an inner
diameter, and a diameter of said spindle is less than said inner
diameter of said spool to enable said spool to rotate about said
spindle when said brake mechanism is disengaged.
3. An applicator as claimed in claim 2 wherein said brake mechanism
comprises a lever, said lever including: a first end portion
located in said handle; a second end portion located in said
spindle; and a fulcrum interposed between said first and second end
portions and in fixed relation with said handle and said spindle,
wherein when said first end portion is compressed inwardly into
said handle, said lever rotates about said fulcrum such that said
second end portion extends outwardly to engage said spool.
4. An applicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said spindle, said
handle, and said brake mechanism are concurrently formed as a
single molded component.
5. An applicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said rolled material
is rolled onto a hollow spool, said hollow spool having an inner
diameter, and said applicator further comprises a collar interposed
between said spindle and said handle, said collar exhibiting a
collar diameter that is greater than said inner diameter of said
hollow spool.
6. An applicator as claimed in claim 1 further wherein said rolled
material is rolled onto a hollow spool, said hollow spool having an
inner diameter, and said applicator further comprises a projection
element positioned on an end of said spindle distal from said
handle, said projection element exhibiting a diameter that is
greater than said inner diameter of said hollow spool.
7. An applicator as claimed in claim 6 further comprising
longitudinally arranged slots extending through said projection
element and partially through a portion of spindle, said slots
enabling inward compression of said spindle to accommodate
placement of said spool onto said spindle.
8. An applicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said handle
comprises: a shaft coupled to and extending from said spindle; and
an outer housing aligned with and extending around said shaft, said
shaft being rotatable within said outer housing to cause rotation
of said spindle.
9. An applicator as claimed in claim 8 wherein said brake mechanism
is coupled to said outer housing and is actuated to engage with
said shaft to limit rotation of said spindle.
10. An applicator as claimed in claim 8 wherein said shaft
comprises: a first end exhibiting a first diameter; a second end
coupled to said spindle, said second end exhibiting a second
diameter that is greater than said first diameter; and a tapered
central portion extending between said first and second ends.
11. An applicator as claimed in claim 10 wherein said brake
mechanism comprises: a movable portion slidably engaged with said
outer housing; and an extension coupled with said movable portion
and extending inwardly into said outer housing for selectively
engaging with said central portion of said shaft as said movable
portion is slid toward said spindle to limit rotation of said shaft
and said spindle relative to said outer housing.
12. An applicator as claimed in claim 8 wherein said outer housing
comprises a compressible friction sleeve surrounding said shaft to
produce said brake mechanism, and compression of said outer housing
engages said compressible friction sleeve with said shaft to limit
rotation of said spindle.
13. An applicator as claimed in claim 12 wherein said compressible
friction sleeve comprises a longitudinally arranged slot extending
through said friction sleeve along an entire length of said
friction sleeve.
14. An applicator as claimed in claim 8 wherein said rolled
material is rolled onto a hollow spool having an inner diameter,
and a outer diameter of said spindle is approximately equivalent to
said inner diameter of said spool to prevent rotation of said spool
with said rolled material relative to said spindle.
15. An applicator as claimed in claim 8 wherein said rolled
material is rolled onto a hollow spool having an inner diameter,
and said spindle includes outwardly extending ribs that
substantially prevent rotation of said spool with said rolled
material relative to said spindle.
16. An applicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said spindle
further comprises a longitudinally aligned slot, said slot having a
slot length that is at least equivalent to said width of said
rolled material.
17. A system comprising: a rolled material exhibiting a width; and
an applicator for applying said rolled material to a body, said
applicator including: a spindle for holding said rolled material,
said spindle having a length that is at least equivalent to said
width of said rolled material; a handle coupled to and
longitudinally aligned with said spindle; and a brake mechanism
integral with said handle for controlling a tension of said rolled
material as it is applied to a body.
18. A system as claimed in claim 17 wherein said rolled material
comprises an adhesive material coupled to at least one of opposing
ends of said rolled material for facilitating attachment of said
rolled material to said body, said adhesive material being absent
from a remaining portion of said rolled material.
19. A system as claimed in claim 17 further comprising a hollow
spool loadable onto said spindle, said rolled material being rolled
onto said hollow spool.
20. A system as claimed in claim 19 further comprising a plurality
of cartridges, each of said cartridges including said hollow spool
and said rolled material rolled onto said hollow spool, wherein
said cartridges are successively loadable onto said spindle for
repeated use of said applicator.
21. A system as claimed in claim 19 wherein: said hollow spool
exhibits an inner diameter; said spindle exhibits a diameter that
is less than said inner diameter of said spool to enable said spool
to rotate about said spindle; and said brake mechanism comprises a
lever, said lever including a first end portion located in said
handle, a second end portion located in said spindle, and a fulcrum
interposed between said first and second end portions and in fixed
relation with said handle and said spindle such that when said
first end portion is compressed inwardly into said handle, said
lever rotates about said fulcrum to cause said second end portion
to extend outwardly to limit engage said spool.
22. A system as claimed in claim 17 wherein said handle comprises:
a shaft coupled to and extending from said spindle; and an outer
housing aligned with and extending around said shaft, said shaft
being rotatable within said outer housing to cause rotation of said
spindle, and said brake mechanism is actuated to engage with said
shaft to limit rotation of said spindle.
23. A system as claimed in claim 22 wherein: said shaft comprises a
first end exhibiting a first diameter, a second end coupled to said
spindle, said second end exhibiting a second diameter that is
greater than said first diameter, and a tapered central portion
extending between said first and second ends; and said brake
mechanism comprises a movable portion slidably engaged with said
outer housing, and an extension coupled with said movable portion
and extending inwardly into said outer housing for selectively
engaging with said central portion of said shaft as said movable
portion is slid toward said spindle to limit rotation of said shaft
and said spindle relative to said outer housing.
24. A system as claimed in claim 22 wherein: said system further
comprises a hollow spool, said rolled material being rolled onto
said hollow spool, and said hollow spool exhibiting an inner
diameter; and said spindle exhibits an outer diameter that is
approximately equivalent to said inner diameter of said spool to
prevent rotation of said spool relative to said spindle when said
spool is loaded onto said spindle.
25. A system as claimed in claim 22 wherein said outer housing
comprises a compressible friction sleeve surrounding said shaft to
produce said brake mechanism, and compression of said outer housing
engages said compressible friction sleeve with said shaft to limit
rotation of said spindle.
26. An applicator for applying a rolled material to a body, said
rolled material being rolled onto a hollow spool, said rolled
material exhibiting a width, and said applicator comprising: a
spindle configured to hold said spool of said rolled material, said
spindle having a length that is at least equivalent to said width
of said rolled material, and said spindle exhibiting a diameter
that is less than an inner diameter of said hollow spool; a handle
coupled to and longitudinally aligned with said spindle; and a
brake mechanism integral with said handle for controlling a tension
of said rolled material as it is applied to said body, said spool
being rotatable about said spindle when said brake is disengaged
and rotation of said spool being limited when said brake mechanism
is engaged, wherein said spindle, said handle, and said brake
mechanism are concurrently formed as a single molded component.
27. An applicator as claimed in claim 26 wherein said brake
mechanism comprises a lever, said lever including: a first end
portion located in said handle; a second end portion located in
said spindle; and a fulcrum interposed between said first and
second end portions and in fixed relation with said handle and said
spindle, wherein when said first end portion is compressed inwardly
into said handle, said lever rotates about said fulcrum such that
said second end portion extends outwardly to engage said spool.
28. An applicator as claimed in claim 26 further comprising a
collar interposed between said spindle and said handle, said collar
exhibiting a collar diameter that is greater than said inner
diameter of said hollow spool.
29. An applicator as claimed in claim 26 further comprising: a
projection element positioned on an end of said spindle distal from
said handle, said projection exhibiting a diameter that is greater
than said inner diameter of said hollow spool; and longitudinally
arranged slots extending through said projection element and
partially through a portion of spindle, said slots enabling inward
compression of said spindle to accommodate placement of said spool
onto said spindle.
Description
RELATED INVENTION
[0001] The present invention claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to: "Elongated Material Applicator," U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/189,873, filed 25 Aug. 2008, which
is incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an applicator for
applying a rolled material to a body. More specifically, the
present invention relates to an applicator and a rolled material
applicator system that enables rolled material to be readily
applied at a desired tension.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In many different industries and settings, elongated rolled
material of all types is used for various objectives. Elongated
rolled material includes, for example, tape, gauze, stretch plastic
sheeting, webbing, fiberglass, and the like. Often, speed and ease
of application, as well as specific tension in the applied material
are desirable traits when dispensing and applying these
materials.
[0004] One industry that requires fast and accurate rolled material
application is the health care industry. For example, uncontrolled
bleeding is an emergency situation that can quickly result in loss
of life. Accordingly, any major uncontrolled bleeding must be
reduced or stopped as soon as possible. Typically, the first aid
for major bleeding is to apply gauze bandages to the wounded area,
as pressure is applied by hand. Rolled gauze wrapping is used to
secure the bandage so that the pressure from the wrapping will help
to reduce and stop the bleeding. If the bleeding continues, more
gauze is applied and more rolled gauze wrapping is wound around the
wound site so that together with pressure, the blood will coagulate
and stop.
[0005] Unfortunately, this process can take many minutes to
perform, thus slowing down medical emergency personnel. One of the
largest expenditures of time is applying the rolled gauze wrapping
because the rolled gauze material tends to stick to itself when it
is still rolled up. Thus, it typically takes both hands and an
inordinate amount of time to both unroll the gauze and apply it
around a wound. This is time lost that could otherwise be used to
perform additional lifesaving measures to the patient and/or to
attent to other patients.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] A more complete understanding of the present invention may
be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when
considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference
numbers refer to similar items throughout the Figures, and:
[0007] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a rolled material
applicator system in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a rolled material applicator
implemented in the system of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the applicator
of FIG. 2;
[0010] FIG. 4 shows an illustrative view of the rolled material
applicator system in use;
[0011] FIG. 5 shows an exploded side view of a rolled material
applicator system in accordance with another embodiment
[0012] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a support member of a rolled
material applicator implemented in the system of FIG. 5;
[0013] FIG. 7 shows an exploded side view of an outer housing and a
brake mechanism implemented in the applicator of the system of FIG.
5;
[0014] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a rolled material
applicator in accordance with another embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 9 shows an enlarged sectional perspective view of an
end of the rolled material applicator of FIG. 8;
[0016] FIG. 10 shows a side view of a rolled material applicator in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 11 shows an exploded side view of a rolled material
applicator in accordance with yet another embodiment; and
[0018] FIG. 12 shows a side view of the rolled material applicator
of FIG. 11 in an assembled form.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Embodiments of the invention entail rolled material
applicator systems and applicators that are easy to use,
inexpensive, apply rolled material rapidly, and provide means for
varying tension in the rolled material as it is applied. The
various embodiments may be implemented in an emergency scenario
and/or during triage to rapidly reduce or stop bleeding. During the
triage process, emergency personnel may administer lifesaving first
aid only to those who would die without treatment, saving those
with non-life threatening injuries until after the triage is
completed. This first aid may entail rapidly reducing or stopping
major uncontrolled bleeding. It is imperative that triage is
performed rapidly and efficiently, so that as many victims who can
be saved will be saved. Triage may be especially imperative in a
disaster or accident scene where there are multiple victims and a
shortage of emergency personnel.
[0020] In addition to use in emergency scenarios, the various
embodiments may be implemented in the home as an inexpensive and
disposable rolled material bandage applicator, or they may be
implemented by medical personnel to apply cast materials to
immobilize a limb. It should become apparent, however, that the
invention is not limited to medical use but may alternatively be
adapted to apply rolled film, tape, paper, stretch plastic
sheeting, webbing, fiberglass, cotton, string, rope, and the like
to various surfaces.
[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a
rolled material applicator system 20 in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 shows a side view of a rolled
material applicator 22 implemented in system 20, and FIG. 3 shows
an enlarged view of a portion of applicator 22. Rolled material
applicator system 20 includes applicator 22 and a cartridge 24. In
an embodiment, cartridge 24 includes a hollow spool 26, represented
by dashed lines in FIG. 1. Rolled material 28, for example, rolled
gauze material is pre-wound onto spool 26.
[0022] Applicator 22 includes a spindle 30 (visible in FIGS. 2 and
3) and a handle 32 coupled to and longitudinally aligned with
spindle 30. Applicator 22 further includes a brake mechanism 34
integral with handle 32. A collar 36 is interposed between spindle
30 and handle 32. In addition, applicator 22 includes a projection
element, or flange 38 positioned at an end 40 of spindle 30 distal
from handle 32. In an embodiment, a number of longitudinally
arranged slots 42 extend through flange 38 and through a portion of
spindle 30.
[0023] Spindle 30 is configured to hold cartridge 24 of rolled
material 28. To that end, an outer diameter 44 of spindle 30 is
less than an inner diameter 46 of spool 26. Conversely, a collar
diameter 48 of collar 36 and a flange diameter 50 of flange 38 are
each greater than inner diameter 46. It should be understood,
however, that collar diameter 48 and flange diameter 50 need not be
equal. A length 52 of spindle 30 is at least equivalent to a width
54 of cartridge 24, and consequently, of rolled material 28.
[0024] In order to load cartridge 24 onto applicator 22, spool 26
of rolled material 28 is slid onto spindle 30 at end 40. Slots 42
enable inward compression of spindle 30 to accommodate placement of
spool 26 onto spindle 30. Once spool 26 is loaded onto spindle 30,
collar 36 and flange 38 retain cartridge 24 in place on spindle 30.
However, due to the smaller outer diameter 44 of spindle 30
relative to inner diameter 48 of spool 26, cartridge 24 is able to
rotate about spindle 30. Length 52 of spindle 30 accommodates the
entire width 54 of rolled material 28 to provide structural
integrity for cartridge 24, especially when system 20 is in use
(discussed below).
[0025] Since cartridge 24 can rotate relatively freely on spindle
30, it is desirable that this rotation be controlled so as to
control the tension of rolled material 28 as it is being applied to
a body. Brake mechanism 34 performs that function. In the
illustrated embodiment, applicator 22 is hollow and includes an
opening 56 extending through the hollow structure in which brake
mechanism 34 is located. Brake mechanism 34 comprises a lever
having a first end portion 58 located in handle 32 and a second end
portion 60 located in spindle 30.
[0026] A fulcrum 62 is interposed between first and second end
portions 58 and 60 and is in fixed relation with handle 32 and
spindle 30. For example, fulcrum 62 is fixed to opposing sides of
opening 56 in the region of collar 36. Fulcrum 62 functions as a
support about which first and second end portions 58 and 60 can
pivot. With particular reference to FIG. 3, in an embodiment, force
applied at first end portion 58 in handle 32, as represented by a
downwardly directed arrow 64, causes first end portion 58 to
compress inwardly into handle 32. This inward compression of first
end portion 58 results in the rotation of the lever structure of
brake mechanism 34 at fulcrum 62 so that second end portion 60
extends outwardly from spindle 30, as represented by an upwardly
directed arrow 66.
[0027] Second end portion 60 extends outwardly from spindle 30 to
engage spool 26. When second end portion 60 is engaged with spool
26, the rotation of spool 26 about spindle 30 is inhibited so as to
brake or limit rotation of cartridge 24. Force 64 may be applied by
a user inwardly pressing first end portion 58 of brake mechanism
34. Thus, the resultant braking of cartridge 24 is controlled by
the amount of force 64 applied by the user.
[0028] FIG. 4 shows an illustrative view of the rolled material
applicator system 20 in use. As shown, a patient 68 has a wound
(not visible) on his/her arm. An emergency care provider 70 may
have first applied a gauze pad to the wound. Care provider 70
places an end of rolled gauze material 28 from cartridge 24 over
the gauze pad and begins to wrap rolled gauze material 28 around
the arm of patient 68. By compressing first end portion 58 to
engage second end portion 60 (FIG. 3) with spool 26 (FIG. 3) of
cartridge 24, care provider 70 can apply a desired amount of
tension on rolled gauze material 28 as it is wrapped around patient
68. Furthermore, once wrapping is started, care provider 70 need
only use one hand to wrap rolled gauze material 28 around patient
68 at the desired tension. In this illustrative embodiment, a roll
of tape 72 is slid onto handle 32 of applicator 22. When care
provider 70 finishes wrapping rolled gauze material 28 around the
arm of patient 68, provider 70 can then secure material 28 in place
using tape 72.
[0029] In another embodiment, rolled gauze material 28 may be
manufactured to include a tacky substance or adhesive material 73
on one or both ends of gauze material 28, with an absence of
adhesive strip material 73 on the remaining portion of rolled gauze
material 28. As such, when care provider 70 places an end of rolled
gauze material 28 from cartridge 24 over the desired location,
gauze material 28 will at least temporarily stick to the location
via attachment of adhesive material 73 to patient 68. This
attachment feature can prevent gauze material 28 from slipping
until the second rotation of gauze material 28 overlaps the first
rotation of gauze material 28. If the entire amount of rolled gauze
material 28 is utilized, adhesive material 73 on the opposing end
of rolled gauze material 28 can hold gauze material 28 in place,
thereby reducing or eliminating the need for securing material 28
in place using tape 72. The presence of adhesive material 73 only
at one or more ends facilitates attachment of rolled material 28 to
patient 68. However, the absence of adhesive material 73 on the
remaining portion of gauze material 28 also enables ready removal
of rolled material 28 for further care at a later point in
time.
[0030] By utilizing rolled material applicator system 20, care
provider 70 is quickly and easily able to wrap rolled gauze
material 28 around the wound to reduce and even stop blood flow.
Such treatment is advantageous at disaster or accident scenes when
performing triage and in other similar scenarios, such as in rural
areas, at the scene of an automobile accident, and so forth where
immediate transport to the hospital is unavailable. Once bleeding
is reduced or stopped, emergency care provider 70 can concentrate
on additional lifesaving measures such as lifting the wounded site
above the level of the heart to further reduce bleeding, watching
for signs of shock, maintaining the patient's airway, and so forth.
Furthermore, in a multiple victim disaster or accident scene, once
bleeding is reduced, emergency care provider 70 can attend to other
victims.
[0031] In an embodiment, applicator 22 may be manufactured using a
molding technique so that spindle 30, handle 32, brake mechanism
34, collar 36, and flange 38 are a single component. For example,
applicator 22 may be manufactured from a plastic material using a
blow molding manufacturing process suitable for forming hollow
plastic parts. Exemplary blow molding techniques can include
extrusion molding, injection molding, and stretch blow molding.
Such manufacturing processes produce high yield, low cost parts.
However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the elements
of applicator 22 need not be formed as a single component using a
molding technique, but may instead be formed using other suitable
techniques and materials.
[0032] Particularly advantageous at a disaster scene, rolled
material applicator 22 and a plurality of cartridges 24 may be
included in a first responder medical kit. Accordingly, when rolled
gauze material 28 is completely used from its spool 26, spool 26
can be removed from spindle 30 and another one of cartridges 24 can
be loaded onto spindle 30. Thus, cartridges 24 are successively
loadable onto spindle 30 for repeated use of applicator 22.
[0033] Although, rolled material applicator system 20 is described
in connection with its use by an emergency care provider at a
disaster or accident scene, system 20 may first be sterilized and
utilized in a clean environment such as in an operating room.
Furthermore, system 20 can be used to apply casting material to
immobilize a limb quickly before the casting material dries while
holding the casting material with even tension. System 20 may also
be utilized in a non-emergency scenario such as at home for
wrapping a limb with, for example, a self-adhering elasticized wrap
or bandage, typically referred to as an "Ace wrap," or any other
type of rolled material that is to be wrapped around a body or
structure. Accordingly, in-home use scenario, the user of system 20
can be both the "patient" and the "care provider" applying the
rolled material to himself or herself.
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, FIG. 5 shows an exploded side
view of a rolled material applicator system 74 in accordance with
another embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a side view of a support member 76
of a rolled material applicator 78 implemented in system 74, and
FIG. 7 shows an exploded side view of an outer housing 80 and a
brake mechanism 82 implemented in applicator 78. Rolled material
applicator system 74 generally includes rolled material applicator
78, cartridge 24 of rolled material 28, and tape 72.
[0035] In this embodiment, applicator 78 is formed from multiple
components including support member 76, outer housing 80, and brake
mechanism 82. Support member 76 includes a spindle 84 and a shaft
86 coupled to and extending from spindle 84. A length 87 of spindle
84 is at least equivalent to width 54 (FIG. 1) of cartridge 24, and
consequently, of rolled material 28. Thus, spindle 84 accommodates
the entire width 54 of rolled material 28 to provide structural
integrity for cartridge 24, especially when system 74 is in
use.
[0036] Outer housing 80 is aligned with and extends around shaft
86. Together, outer housing 80 and shaft 86 form a handle 88 of
applicator 78. In an embodiment, outer housing 80 may include
half-housings 90, 92 that snap together or otherwise couple to form
outer housing 80 extending around shaft 86. Various suitable
structures, fasteners, bushings, and the like may be used to enable
the assembly of outer housing 80 with shaft 86 and its retention on
shaft 86.
[0037] Shaft 86 is capable of rotation within outer housing 80, and
spindle 84 rotates in concert with shaft 86 due to their coupling.
Spindle 84 includes outwardly extending ribs 94. An effective outer
diameter 96 of spindle 84 defined by ribs 94 is substantially
equivalent to inner diameter 46 (FIG. 3) so that spool 26 is
largely prevented from rotating relative to spindle 84.
Accordingly, spool 26 of rolled material 28 rotates along with the
rotation of shaft 86.
[0038] As shown, brake mechanism 82 is coupled to outer housing 80.
Brake mechanism 82 includes, for example, a movable portion 98
having rails 100 that slidably engage with opposing side walls 102
of an opening 104 that extends through outer housing 80. Brake
mechanism 82 further includes an externally located actuator 106
and an extension 108 coupled with movable portion 98 and extending
inwardly into outer housing 80 toward said shaft 86. Shaft 86
includes a first end 110 exhibiting a first diameter 112 and a
second end 114 coupled to spindle 84 exhibiting a second diameter
116 that is greater than first diameter 112. A tapered central
portion 118 extends between ends 110 and 114.
[0039] In operation, a user, such as emergency care provider 70
(FIG. 4), grips outer housing 80 so that outer housing 80 is held
immobile in the user's hand but support member 76 can rotate. Brake
mechanism 82 is actuated as desired by sliding movable portion 98
in opening 104 using a thumb or finger in contact with actuator
106. As movable portion 98 slides toward spindle 84, extension 108
engages with shaft 86 at, for example, central portion 118 so that
the rotation of shaft 86 (and commensurately spindle 84 with spool
26 of rolled material 28 fixed thereto) is controlled or reduced
relative to outer housing 80.
[0040] Accordingly, care provider 70 places an end of rolled gauze
material 28 from cartridge 24 over a particular site on patient 68
(FIG. 4) and begins to wrap rolled gauze material 28 around the
site by allowing shaft 86 of support member 76 to rotate inside of
outer housing 80. Spool 26 concurrently rotates so that rolled
material 28 is unwound from spool 26 and applied to the wound site.
Care provider 70 can apply a desired amount of tension on rolled
gauze material 28 as it is wrapped around patient 68 (FIG. 4) by
actuating brake mechanism 82, as described above. Again, once
wrapping is started, care provider 70 need only use one hand to
wrap rolled gauze material 28 around patient 68 at the desired
tension. It should be noted that handle 88 of rolled material
applicator 78 may optionally include outwardly extending ribs 119
to which roll of tape 72 may be mounted. Thus, when care provider
70 finishes wrapping rolled gauze material 28 around a desired
location, provider 70 can then secure material 28 in place using
tape 72.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, FIG. 8 shows a perspective view
of a rolled material applicator 120 in accordance with another
embodiment, and FIG. 9 shows an enlarged sectional perspective view
of an end of rolled material applicator 120. Rolled material
applicator 120 is similar to rolled material applicator 78 (FIG.
5). That is, applicator 120 includes a support member 124, an outer
housing 126, and a brake mechanism 128.
[0042] Like support member 76 (FIG. 6), support member 124 includes
a spindle 130 and a shaft 132 coupled to and extending from spindle
130. A length 133 of spindle 130 is at least equivalent to width 54
(FIG. 1) of cartridge 24 (FIG. 1), and consequently, of rolled
material 28. Thus, spindle 130 accommodates the entire width 54 of
rolled material 28 to provide structural integrity for cartridge
24, especially when rolled material applicator 120 is in use. Outer
housing 126 is aligned with and extends around shaft 132. Together,
outer housing 126 and shaft 132 form a handle 134 of applicator
120.
[0043] In this embodiment, an end 136 of shaft 132 includes clips
138 and an end 140 of outer housing 126 includes a lip portion 142.
Outer housing 126 is slid onto end 136 of shaft 132. Clips 138
loosely engage with lip portion 142 of outer housing 126 in order
to retain outer housing 126 on shaft 132 so that shaft 132 is
rotatable relative to outer housing 126.
[0044] Note that spindle 130 does not include outwardly extending
ribs 94 (FIG. 5). Rather, spindle 130 exhibits an outer diameter
144 that is substantially equivalent to inner diameter 46 (FIG. 3)
of spool 26 so that spool 26 of rolled material 28 is largely
unable to rotate relative to spindle 130 and shaft 132. Operation
of rolled material applicator 120 is thus substantially the same as
the operation of rolled material applicator 78 (FIG. 5) in order to
apply rolled material 28 from spool 26 to a body.
[0045] FIG. 10 shows a side view of a rolled material applicator
146 in accordance with another embodiment. Rolled material
applicator 146 is similar to rolled material applicators 78 (FIG.
5) and 120 (FIG. 8). That is, applicator 146 includes a support
member 148, an outer housing 150, and a brake mechanism 152. Rolled
material applicator 146 functions similarly to applicators 78 and
120. Accordingly, operation thereof will not be repeated herein for
brevity.
[0046] Support member 148 includes a spindle 154 and a shaft 156
coupled to and extending from spindle 154. Outer housing 150
extends around shaft 156. However, spindle 154 does not accommodate
spool 26 (FIG. 1) of rolled material 28 (FIG. 1). Rather, spindle
154 includes a longitudinally aligned slot 158. Slot 158 exhibits a
slot length 160 that is at least equivalent to width 54 (FIG. 1) of
rolled material 28 (FIG. 1). During manufacture, rolled material 28
is engaged in slot 158 and wound about spindle 154.
[0047] Applicator 146 may be implemented in a single use
application in which applicator 146, with rolled material 28 wound
thereon, is provided as a sterile or non-sterile system. Once
rolled material 28 is applied to a body and spindle 154 is empty,
applicator 146 may be discarded. Alternatively, applicator 146 may
be implemented in a multiple use application in which the user may
wind rolled material 28 onto spindle 154 once it is empty. For
example, a user may find it easier to apply and re-apply a reusable
self-adhering elasticized wrap or bandage, such as an "Ace wrap,"
with even and appropriate tension using rolled material applicator
146.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, FIG. 11 shows an exploded side
view of a rolled material applicator 162 in accordance with yet
another embodiment, and FIG. 12 shows a side view of rolled
material applicator 162 in an assembled form. In some instances, it
may be desirable to have an entirely disposable, biodegradable,
inexpensive, single use system. In this embodiment, rolled material
applicator 162 may be manufactured from cardboard or some other
inexpensive and readily degradable product.
[0049] Rolled material applicator 162 includes a support member 164
and an outer housing 166. Support member 164 includes a spindle 168
and a shaft 170 coupled to an extending from spindle 168. Outer
housing 166 may be slid onto either end of support member 164 and
positioned to extend around shaft 170. An O-ring 172 and an end cap
174 may be used on opposing ends of shaft 170 to retain outer
housing 166 on shaft 170. Although, O-ring 172 and end cap 174 are
illustrated herein, any suitable means for retaining outer housing
166 on shaft 170 may alternatively be utilized.
[0050] Spindle 168 includes a longitudinally aligned slot 176. Slot
176 exhibits a slot length 178 that is at least equivalent to width
54 (FIG. 1) of rolled material 28 (FIG. 1). During manufacture,
rolled material 28 is engaged in slot 176 and wound about spindle
168.
[0051] Outer housing 166 fits loosely around shaft 170, so that
shaft 170 along with spindle 168 and rolled material 28 wound
around spindle 168 are allowed to rotate relative to outer housing
166 in order to apply rolled material 28 to a body, as discussed
above. However, in order to apply tensioning to rolled material 28,
outer housing 166 is a compressible friction sleeve used to form
the brake mechanism for rolled material applicator 162. Outer
housing 166 may simply be formed from a material that is more
compressible than the material of shaft 170. Alternatively, outer
housing 166 may have a longitudinally aligned slot 180 extending
through is that increases the compressibility of outer housing 166.
Thus, to engage the brake mechanism of rolled material applicator
162, a user need only to compress outer housing 166 against shaft
170 to limit movement of shaft 170 and spindle 168 in order to
apply tension to rolled material 28.
[0052] In summary, embodiments of the invention entail rolled
material applicator systems and applicators that are easy to use,
inexpensive, apply elongated rolled material rapidly, and provide
means for varying tension in the rolled material as it is applied.
Furthermore, each of the applicators includes a handle that fits in
the user's hand, and a braking mechanism integral to the handle
that is manually actuated by the same hand that is gripping the
applicator so as to apply tension to the rolled material as it is
being wound around a body or structure. The applicator with
integral braking mechanism can take on a number of forms. For
example, the spindle is an extension of the handle that the user
grips and a spool having rolled material pre-wound on it rotates
around the spindle. The braking mechanism increases pressure on the
rotating spool in order to increase tension on the rolled material
as the material is being paid out. In other embodiments, the
spindle rotates within the handle, and the braking mechanism
applies pressure against the rotating spindle in order to increase
tension in the elongated rolled material as it is being paid out.
In addition, a spindle element that is at least as long as the
width of the rolled material suitably supports the rolled material
as it is being applied under tension to the body or structure. The
applicator may be fabricated cost effectively as a single molded
component or out of disposable materials, such as cardboard.
Moreover, the applicator may be utilized with pre-wound cartridges
of rolled material which may be successively loaded on to the
applicator's spindle for repeated usage of the applicator.
[0053] Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have
been illustrated and described in detail, it will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may
be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention
or from the scope of the appended claims. For example, the
invention is not limited to medical use but may alternatively be
adapted to apply rolled film, tape, paper, stretch plastic
sheeting, webbing, fiberglass, cotton, string, rope, and the like
to various surfaces.
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