# US 10,499,928 B2 · Methods and devices to reduce the likelihood of injury from concussive or blast forces > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,499,928 B2 - Document ID: US10499928B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 14/537,781 - Filed: 2014-11-10 - Published: 2015-05-14 - Granted: 2019-12-10 - Earliest claimed: 2013-03-15 - Assignees: Tbi Innovations, LLC - Applicants: TBI Innovations, LLC - Inventors: David W. Smith; Kevin John Vititoe; Jamison Joseph Float; Chad Michael Leeder - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10499928B2 ## CPC - A61B 17/1325: {with means for applying local pressure (pressure pads A61F5/30)} - A61B 5/021: Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels - A61B 5/6804: {Garments; Clothes} - A61B 5/6822: {Neck} - A61B 17/135: inflatable - A61H 99/00: Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass - A63B 71/1291: {for the neck} - A61B 2017/00115: {with audible or visual output} - A61B 2090/0807: {Indication means} - A61B 2560/0242: adapted to measure environmental factors, e.g. temperature, pollution - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) - A61H: PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY (electrotherapy, magnetotherapy, radiation therapy or ultrasound therapy A61N) - A63B: APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H) ## Abstract A method and device for reducing the damaging effects of radiant energy, blast, or concussive events includes applying pressure to at least one jugular vein to reduce the egress of blood from the cranial cavity during or before the incidence of the imparting event. Reducing blood outflow from the cranial cavity increases intracranial volume and/or pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury and injuries to the spinal column. Reducing blood outflow further increases the intracranial pressure and volume, and thereby increases the pressure and volume of the cochlear fluid, the vitreous humor and the cerebrospinal fluid to thereby reduce the risk of injury to the inner ear, internal structure of the eye and of the spinal column. In addition, increasing intracranial pressure and volume reduces the likelihood of brain injury and any associated loss of olfactory function. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A system comprising: (a) a pair of devices, wherein each device has an appropriate size and shape to restrict blood flow egressing from the head of a subject when the devices are placed against the neck of the subject; and (b) a shirt comprising an integral collar, wherein the collar (i) comprises an elastic material, (ii) is adapted to receive the devices, and (iii) in combination with the devices, is adapted to apply a compressive pressure of about 5 mm Hg to about 70 mm Hg to a pair of neck veins when the collar is fitted to the neck of the subject. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the devices each comprise an inflatable bladder. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The system of claim 2, wherein each inflatable bladder further comprises a pressure release valve. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) The system of claim 2, wherein each inflatable bladder further comprises a pump. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the devices each comprise a protuberance. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The system of claim 5, wherein each of the protuberances is defined by the outward bend point of a resilient arcuate band having a general C-, V-, or U-shape. ### Claim 7 (depends on 5) The system of claim 5, wherein each of the protuberances comprises an inflatable bladder. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The system of claim 7, wherein each inflatable bladder further comprises a pressure release valve. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The system of claim 7, wherein each inflatable bladder further comprises a pump. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein each of the devices is a rigid or semi-rigid plastic body. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the pair of neck veins comprise the internal jugular veins or the external jugular veins. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the compressive pressure is about 5 mm Hg to about 25 mm Hg. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein each of said devices further comprises an adhesive. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the devices are integral to the collar. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the devices are removable from the collar. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the devices are attached by a resilient arcuate band sized to encircle a portion of the neck of the subject. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The system of claim 16, wherein the resilient arcuate band is designed to encircle the neck of the subject except for the area substantially defined by the laryngeal prominence. ### Claim 18 (depends on 16) The system of claim 16, wherein the resilient arcuate band comprises a semi-rigid shape-memory material. ### Claim 19 (depends on 16) The system of claim 16, wherein each of the devices define a thickened region of resilient arcuate band. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The system of claim 19, wherein each of the devices is a rigid or semi-rigid plastic body.