Wearable device

Abstract

The invention features methods and devices for controlling bleeding from blood vessels that may be damaged as a result of trauma or impact with an object, such as a bullet or shrapnel. The device may be wearable by a user and include one or more components, such as wound sealant and multiple inflatable balloons/bladders. The device may be integrated into a garment, e.g., a vest, jacket, trousers, or full body suit. Once triggered (automatically or manually), the device may be used to deliver wound sealant to a wound site and/or pressure to the wound site by selective inflation of one or more balloons over exsanguinating blood vessels that may be damaged, thereby stopping or minimizing the bleeding. Alternatively, or in addition, the device may be used to stabilize a wounded wearer for, e.g., transportation purposes, or to provide buoyancy. Devices of the invention may also be used as a blood pressure monitor, as a massaging device, and as a breast pump.Devices and methods of the invention may also be used for repairing or stabilizing machines, such as vehicles (e.g., automobiles and boats).

1 . An impact detection device comprising:
 (a) one or more impact detection sensors capable of detecting an impact;   (b) two or more bladders, each of said bladders comprising an aperture providing communication from the interior of the bladder to the exterior of the bladder and a valve controlling gas flow through the aperture;   (c) an inflation system comprising (i) an air pump or (ii) a cartridge comprising a gas or gas-generating agent, wherein said air pump or cartridge is connected to said two or more bladders by a first tube network which is connected to each said valve; and   (d) a triggering mechanism for activating said inflation system in response to a signal from said one or more impact detection sensors and causing said bladders to inflate.