Compression Device

Abstract

A compression device, useful for applying circumferential compression to an object, includes a simplified cinch mechanism. The device includes a guidance slide, a jamming feature/pull tab, a buckle assembly and a cinch strap, which form a loop for placing about an object. The cinch strap includes both an inner portion, anchored to the jamming feature, and an outer portion, anchored to the guidance slide. The inner portion of the cinch strap passes through the guidance slide to an adjustable, locking side of the buckle assembly, and the outer portion of the cinch strap passes from the adjustable, locking side of the buckle assembly to the guidance slide. The cinch strap can move freely when pulled on by the inner portion and lock when pulled on by the outer portion, such that an inner circumference of the device is adjustable but can maintain a minimum circumferential length after tension is applied.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A compression device, comprising:
 a guidance slide;   a feedthrough; and   a cinch strap with an inner portion and an outer portion, the portions being inner and outer with respect to a center of the compression device,
 the outer portion anchored to the guidance slide, 
 the inner portion moveable through the guidance slide, 
 the cinch strap passing through the feedthrough, the feedthrough configured to permit movement of the cinch strap therethrough upon pulling of the inner portion and to resist movement of the cinch strap therethrough upon pulling of the outer portion, 
 the feedthrough coupled to the guidance slide with a connecting member, 
 the connecting member and inner portion of the cinch strap forming a loop for placing about an object, a circumference of the loop being adjustable by pulling the inner portion of the cinch strap through the guidance slide. 
   
     
     
         3 . The compression device of  claim 2 , wherein the connecting member includes a tightening mechanism. 
     
     
         4 . The compression device of  claim 3 , wherein the tightening mechanism is a self-holding ratcheting buckle system. 
     
     
         5 . The compression device of  claim 2 , wherein the cinch strap includes a jamming feature. 
     
     
         6 . The compression device of  claim 5 , wherein the jamming feature is a D-ring. 
     
     
         7 . The compression device of  claim 2 , wherein the feedthrough and the connecting member are separable from each other. 
     
     
         8 . The compression device of  claim 2 , wherein the guidance slide and the connecting member are separable from each other. 
     
     
         9 . The compression device of  claim 2 , wherein a locking action is produced by friction between the inner and outer cinch strap to maintain an adjusted circumference of the loop. 
     
     
         10 . The compression device of  claim 2 , further comprising a locking action mechanism to maintain an adjusted circumference of the loop, wherein a locking action is produced by interaction of the cinch strap with the locking action mechanism. 
     
     
         11 . The compression device of  claim 2 , wherein the cinch strap is webbing. 
     
     
         12 . A method of compressing an object, comprising:
 providing the compression device of  claim 2 ;   placing the loop of the device about the object; and   tightening the loop around the object by pulling the inner portion of the cinch strap.