U.S. patent application number 10/940313 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-21 for releasable connection assembly for joining tubing sections.
Invention is credited to Wicks, Jeffrey Clark, Williams, Bruce Alan.
Application Number | 20050082828 10/940313 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34526416 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050082828 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wicks, Jeffrey Clark ; et
al. |
April 21, 2005 |
Releasable connection assembly for joining tubing sections
Abstract
A connection assembly for creating a releasable fluid seal
connection between two or more sections of tubing includes a male
fitting and a female fitting. Connection assemblies generally
include the male fitting having a pair of clasps that releasably
interact with corresponding catch structures on the female fitting.
Interactions between the female and male fittings can be rotatable
with respect to the male and/or female fittings. Buckle structures
are also disclosed having connection capabilities for a plurality
of sections of tubing.
Inventors: |
Wicks, Jeffrey Clark; (Fort
Collins, CO) ; Williams, Bruce Alan; (Fort Collins,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORSEY & WHITNEY, LLP
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
370 SEVENTEENTH STREET
SUITE 4700
DENVER
CO
80202-5647
US
|
Family ID: |
34526416 |
Appl. No.: |
10/940313 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60502325 |
Sep 12, 2003 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
285/319 ;
285/320; 285/921 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 37/38 20130101;
Y10S 285/921 20130101; A61M 2039/1027 20130101; A61M 2039/1083
20130101; F16L 37/098 20130101; A61M 2039/1088 20130101; F16L 37/56
20130101; A61M 39/12 20130101; A61M 39/105 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
285/319 ;
285/320; 285/921 |
International
Class: |
F16L 039/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A releasable connection assembly for connecting a first section
of tubing with a second section of tubing, the assembly comprising:
a male fitting comprising: a male shaft defining a lumen
therethrough; a pair of clasps disposed on an outer surface
thereof; and a sealing member; and a female fitting comprising: a
female shaft defining a lumen therethrough, wherein an inner
diameter of the female shaft is slightly larger than the outer
diameter of the male shaft; and a pair of catches disposed on an
outer surface thereof for interfacing with and releasably retaining
the pair of clasps respectively; wherein the sealing member engages
an inner surface of the female shaft to create a fluid-tight seal
between the male fitting and the female fitting.
2. The releasable connection assembly of claim 1, wherein the male
fitting further comprises a first coupling for connecting the male
fitting with a first section of tubing.
3. The releasable connection assembly of claim 1, wherein the
female fitting further comprises a second coupling for connecting
the female fitting with a second section of tubing.
4. The releasable connection assembly of claim 1, wherein said
clasps are rotatable with respect to the male shaft.
5. The releasable connection assembly of claim 1, wherein said
catches are rotatable with respect to the female shaft.
6. The releasable connection assembly of claim 5 wherein said
clasps are rotatable with respect to the male shaft.
7. The releasable connection assembly for connecting a first
section of tubing with a second section of tubing, the assembly
comprising: a male fitting comprising: a male shaft defining a
lumen therethrough; at least one clasp operably associated
therewith; and a female fitting including a female shaft defining a
lumen therethrough, wherein an inner diameter of the female shaft
is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the male shaft; and
at least one catch is disposed on an outer surface thereof for
interfacing with and releasably retaining the clasp.
8. The releasable connection assembly of claim 7, wherein said
clasp is rotatably connected to said male shaft.
9. The releasable connection assembly of claim 7, wherein said
catch is rotatably connected to said female shaft.
10. The releasable connection assembly of claim 7, wherein said
female shaft and said male shaft fit together to form a sealed
engagement.
11. The releasable connection assembly of claim 10, wherein said
female shaft includes a tapered cannula and said male shaft
includes a tapered internal diameter, said cannula and said
internal diameter engaging to form a seal.
12. The releasable connection assembly of claim 7, wherein said
male shaft has a seal formed over said lumen; said female shaft
includes a sharp; and wherein when said connection assembly is
assembled, said sharp pierces said seal.
13. The releasable connection assembly of claim 7, wherein said
female shaft has a seal formed over said lumen; said male shaft
includes a sharp; and wherein when said connection assembly is
assembled, said sharp pierces said seal.
14. The releasable connection assembly of claim 7, wherein said
catch has an at least partial circumferentially extending
engagement surface with said clasp formed therein to allow said
clasp to rotate along said surface.
15. The releasable connection assembly of claim 14, wherein said
catch is a shroud, and said engagement surface is a slot.
16. The releasable connection assembly for connecting a plurality
of first sections of tubing with a plurality of second sections of
tubing, the assembly comprising: a first plate containing at least
two male fittings, each male fitting further comprising: a male
shaft defining a lumen therethrough; at least one clasp operably
associated with said first plate; and a second plate containing at
least two female fittings, each female fitting including a female
shaft defining a lumen therethrough, wherein an inner diameter of
the female shaft is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the
male shaft; and at least one catch is operably associated with the
second plate for interfacing with and releasably retaining the
clasp on the first plate.
17. The releasable connection assembly of claim 15, wherein the
first plate contains 6 male fittings and the second plate contains
6 female fittings.
18. The releasable connection assembly of claim 15, wherein the
first plate contains 10 male fittings and the second plate contains
10 female fittings.
19. The releasable connection assembly of claim 15, wherein said at
least one clasp defines a tang for a retainment in said catch.
20. The releasable connection assembly for connecting a first
section of tubing with a second section of tubing, the assembly
comprising: a male fitting comprising: a male shaft defining a
lumen therethrough; a first shut-off valve housed within the lumen
for preventing fluid flow through the lumen when in a closed
position; a female fitting comprising: a female shaft defining a
lumen therethrough; a second shut-off valve housed within the lumen
for preventing fluid flow through the lumen when in a closed
position; and wherein the first and second shut-off valves are in
an open position when the male and female fittings are operatively
associated and in the closed position when the male and female
fittings are not operatively associated.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/502,325 titled "Releasable Connection Assembly
for Joining Tubing Sections," filed Sep. 12, 2003, which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] a. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to the field of medical
devices used for the transport of both gaseous and liquid fluids
and more specifically to a connection assembly for creating a
releasable fluid seal connection between two or more sections of
tubing.
[0004] b. Background Art
[0005] Tubing sections, for example, medical tubing, must often be
joined together to provide for fluid flow from one medical device
to another. It is often desirable, therefore, to connect and
disconnect tubing sections from one another. For example, when a
patient is provided intravenous fluids, it is often required that
an empty fluid bag be replaced with a full fluid bag. It is
preferred to merely detach a tubing section connected with the
fluid bag to a second tubing section connected with the needle or
stent placed intravenously in the patient. In order to switch
between the first fluid bag and the second fluid bag, the tubing
section connected with the first fluid bag can be disconnected from
the second tubing section. The second tubing section can then be
easily connected with a tubing section connected with the new fluid
bag. This is much simpler than removing the intravenous stent from
the patient and replacing it with a new stent directly connected
with a new the fluid bag.
[0006] Against this backdrop the present disclosure is
provided.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is fundamentally a releasable
connection system for connecting two sections of tubing together.
In one embodiment, the releasable connection assembly for
connecting a first section of tubing with a second section of
tubing includes a male fitting further comprising a male shaft
defining a lumen therethrough, at least one clasp operably
associated therewith; and a female fitting including a female shaft
defining a lumen therethrough, wherein an inner diameter of the
female shaft is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the male
shaft; and at least one catch is disposed on an outer surface
thereof for interfacing with and releasably retaining the
clasp.
[0008] Further, in an alternative embodiment, the clasp may be
rotatably connected to the male shaft, or the catch may be
rotatably connected to the female shaft. In this manner the female
fitting and male fitting can be rotatably engaged.
[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, a releasable
connection assembly for connecting a first section of tubing with a
second section of tubing includes a male fitting further comprising
a male shaft defining a lumen therethrough; a pair of clasps
disposed on an outer surface thereof; a sealing member; and a
female fitting further comprising a female shaft defining a lumen
therethrough, wherein an inner diameter of the female shaft is
slightly larger than the outer diameter of the male shaft; and a
pair of catches disposed on an outer surface thereof for
interfacing with and releasably retaining the pair of clasps on the
male fitting respectively; wherein the sealing member engages an
inner surface of the female shaft to create a fluid-tight seal
between the male fitting and the female fitting.
[0010] In a further embodiment, a releasable connection assembly
for connecting a plurality of first sections of tubing with a
plurality of second sections of tubing includes a first plate
containing at least two male fittings, each male fitting further
comprising a male shaft defining a lumen therethrough; at least one
clasp operably associated with said first plate; and a second plate
containing at least two female fittings, each female fitting
including a female shaft defining a lumen therethrough, wherein an
inner diameter of the female shaft is slightly larger than the
outer diameter of the male shaft; and at least one catch is
operably associated with the second plate for interfacing with and
releasably retaining the clasp on the first plate.
[0011] Other features, utilities, and advantages of various
embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following
more particular description of embodiments of the invention as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings and defined in the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a releasable connection
assembly joining two sections of tubing according to an embodiment
of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a an exploded isometric view of the connection
assembly and tubing of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the connection assembly and
tubing as indicated in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the connection assembly of
FIG. 1 with the male fitting and female fitting separated and
indicating the direction of force to be applied to the biased tabs
for connection.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a representative cross-section of the connection
assembly of the type depicted in FIG. 1 with the male fitting
partially engaged with the female fitting.
[0017] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the male fitting of the type
depicted in FIG. 1..
[0018] FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the male fitting as
indicated in FIG. 6.
[0019] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the female fitting of the
type depicted in FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of the female fitting as
indicated in FIG. 8.
[0021] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a releasable connection
assembly joining two sections of tubing according to another
embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of the connection assembly
as indicated in FIG. 10.
[0023] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the male fitting of the
connection assembly of FIG. 10.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a cross-section view of the male fitting as
indicated in FIG. 12.
[0025] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the female fitting of the
connection assembly of FIG. 10.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a cross-section view of the female fitting as
indicated in FIG. 14.
[0027] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a releasable connection
assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 17 is a cross-section view of the connection assembly
as indicated in FIG. 16.
[0029] FIG. 18 is an exploded isometric view of the male fitting of
the connection assembly of FIG. 16.
[0030] FIG. 19 is in an end plan view of the distal end of the male
fitting of the connection assembly of FIG. 18.
[0031] FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a releasable connection
assembly joining two pairs of two sections of tubing according to
another embodiment of the invention.
[0032] FIG. 21 is a cross-section view of the connection assembly
as indicated in FIG. 20.
[0033] FIG. 22 is a cross-section view of the connection assembly
as indicated in FIG. 20.
[0034] FIG. 23 is a cross-section view of the connection assembly
as indicated in FIG. 20.
[0035] FIG. 24 is an isometric view of a releasable connection
assembly including stop-flow valves according to another embodiment
of the invention.
[0036] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a releasable connection
assembly as indicated in FIG. 24
[0037] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the shut-off valve when
the connection assembly is disconnected.
[0038] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a connector having a face
seal structure.
[0039] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the face seal member as
indicated in FIG. 27.
[0040] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a connector having a
rotating collar for receiving a male fitting.
[0041] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating collar
embodiment as indicated in FIG. 29.
[0042] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a connector assembly having
a fixed receiving collar to allow at least some rotation of the
male connector portion within the female connector portion.
[0043] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the fixed receiving
collar embodiment as indicated in FIG. 31.
[0044] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a multi-port assembly
connected together using the buckle type structure of the present
invention.
[0045] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the buckle type
structure embodiment as indicated in FIG. 33.
[0046] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a multi-port assembly
connected together using another buckle type structure of the
present invention.
[0047] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the buckle type
structure embodiment as indicated in FIG. 35.
[0048] FIG. 37 shows a piercing structure embodiment formed inside
the connecting structure of the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 38 is a representative embodiment of a disconnected
male and female member showing the sharp member of the invention
used for piercing a lumen seal.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0050] A first exemplary releasable connection assembly 1 according
to the present invention is depicted, either in whole or in part,
in FIGS. 1-9. The connection assembly includes two structures, a
male fitting 2 and a female fitting 4. The male fitting 2 is shown
in greater detail in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, and 7. The female fitting 4 is
shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2, 4, 8, and 9.
[0051] The male fitting 2 connects with the female fitting 4 as
best shown in cross-section in FIG. 3. A first tubing section 18
connects with a first tubing coupling 44 (see also FIG. 2) on the
distal end of the female fitting 4, and a second tubing section 20
connects with a second tubing coupling 54 on the proximal end of
the male fitting 2. The orientations "proximal" and "distal" as
used herein have been arbitrarily chosen, but will follow the
convention just described with reference to the ends of the female
fitting 4 and male fitting 2 with the first and second tubing
coupling 44, 54, respectively.
[0052] The primary component of the female fitting 4 is a female
shaft 6 defining a first cylindrical lumen 7. The first tubing
coupling 44 extends from the distal end of the female shaft 6. The
first tubing coupling 44 includes a cannula portion 46 shaped as a
frustum tapering toward the distal end. The proximal end of the
cannula portion 46, i.e., at the larger diameter of the frustum,
connects with a coupling shaft 50 of a narrower outer diameter than
that of the proximal end of the cannula portion 46. The difference
in outer diameters results in an annular shelf that functions as a
coupling barb 48. As the coupling shaft 50 extends proximally
toward the female shaft 6, the outer diameter gradually widens into
a coupling flange 52 that ultimately interfaces with the distal end
of the female shaft 6.
[0053] An oblong grip flange 14 may be provided at the distal end
of the female shaft 6. The narrower diameter of the oblong grip
flange 14 may be equal to the outer diameter of the female shaft 6.
The wider diameter of the oblong grip flange 14 is then wider than
the diameter of the female shaft 6 to provide flange extensions on
opposite sides of the female shaft 6 to provide easy gripping
surfaces. Note that flange shapes are not critical as long as the
flange provides an enhance gripping surface for the user.
[0054] A pair of catches 8 may be formed on opposite sides of the
outer surface of the female shaft 6 at the proximal end. The
catches 8 may further be oriented in positions 90.degree. (or any
other functional angles) about the female shaft 6 apart from the
positions of the wide diameter portions of the oblong grip flange
14. Each of the catches 8 may include two trapezoidal side walls
68, spaced apart from and parallel to each other, and extending
generally normally from the outer surface of the female shaft 6. An
end wall 64 connects the ends of the side walls 68 opposite the
surface of the female shaft 6 to form a slot 10. A retention
surface 66 may be provided by the distal face of the end wall 64
for aiding the retention of the male fitting 2 as described later
herein.
[0055] The primary component of the male fitting 2 is a male shaft
22, which in this first embodiment may be a cylindrical wall
defining a second cylindrical male shaft lumen 23. A first annular
recess 24 may be formed in the outer surface of the male shaft 22
adjacent to, but spaced apart from the distal end 26 of the male
shaft 22. An O-ring 28 may be seated within the first annular
recess 24 for creating a fluid-tight seal with the female fitting 4
as will be further described herein.
[0056] The second tubing coupling 54 extends from the proximal end
of the male shaft 22. The second tubing coupling 54 includes a
cannula portion 56 shaped as a frustum tapering toward the proximal
end. The distal end of the cannula portion 56, i.e., at the larger
diameter of the frustum, connects with a coupling shaft 60 of a
narrower outer diameter than that of the distal end of the cannula
portion 56. The difference in outer diameters results in an annular
shelf that functions as a coupling barb 58. As the coupling shaft
60 extends distally toward the male shaft 22, the outer diameter
gradually widens into a coupling flange 62 that ultimately
interfaces with the proximal end of the male shaft 22.
[0057] One or more annular grip ribs 16 may also be formed about
the outer surface of the proximal end of the male shaft 22. The
diameter of each of the annular grip ribs 16 is larger than the
outer diameter of the male shaft 22, thereby providing a good
grasping surface for a user. A pair of clasps 12 may each be formed
primarily of a tang 30 extending spaced apart from the male shaft
22 and parallel to the axis of male shaft 22. The proximal ends of
the tangs 30 may form an elbow 31 and connect with the proximal end
of the male shaft 22 at the location of the annular grip ribs 16.
The annular grip ribs 16 may provide reinforcement to the connect
of the tangs 30 with the male shaft 22. The tangs 30 may extend
almost the entire length of the male shaft 22. The distal ends of
the tangs 30 may each be formed with a clasp tab 32 protruding in a
direction normal to the outer surface of the male shaft 22 adjacent
the respective clasp 12. The tang 20 distal to the clasp tab 32 may
have an outer taper 36 and an inner taper 38.
[0058] As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the male fitting 2 and the female
fitting 4 connect with each other to form the connection assembly 1
by the insertion of the male shaft 22 into the lumen 7 of the
female shaft 6. The connection assembly 1 is further held together
by the insertion of the tangs 30 of the clasps 12 into the slots 10
of the catches 8 and the interface between the clasps 12 and the
catches 8. Each of the tangs 30 of the clasps 12 is attached to the
male shaft 22 at the proximal end via an elbow section 31 extending
normally from the outer surface 72 of the male shaft 22, but is
otherwise separated from the outer surface 72 of the male shaft 22
by a slip gap 42. The slip gap 42 provides a space to allow the
female shaft 6 to slide between the tangs 30 of the clasps 12 and
the male shaft 22 until it abuts the mating surface 40 of the male
shaft 22. The diameter of the inner surface 70 of the female shaft
6 defining the first lumen 7 is slightly larger than the diameter
of the outer surface 72 of the male shaft 22, allowing for a close
fit. The O-ring 28 on the proximal end 26 of the male shaft 22 is
of a larger diameter than the outer surface 72 of the male shaft 22
and interfaces with the inner surface 70 of the female shaft 6 to
create a fluid-tight seal between the male fitting 2 and the female
fitting 4.
[0059] The tangs 30 of the clasps 12 are biased in a direction
normal to the outer surface 72 of the male shaft 22 (note, however,
that the tangs and clasps of the invention may also be non-normal
to the outer surface as long as the interaction is functional). As
shown in FIG. 4, the tangs 30 must be forced radially inward toward
the male shaft 22 in order for the tangs 30 to fit through the
slots 10 in the catches 8. This inward force may be supplied by the
user squeezing the clasps 12 toward each other when inserting the
male shaft 22 into the female shaft 6. Alternately, the inward
force may be provided by the interaction between the clasps 12 and
the catches 8 when a user pushes the male fitting 2 and the female
fitting 4 axially together. In this case, the outer tapers 36 of
the tangs 30 engage the leading surfaces 65 of the catches 8. As
the axial force is applied to the male fitting 2 and female fitting
4, the outer tapers 36 slide against the leading surfaces 65 and
force the tangs 30 to bend radially inward at flex points provided
by the elbows 31.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 5, the inner tapers 38 decrease the
required height of the catch slot 10 to allow passage of the tangs
30 therethrough, and therefore, also decrease the amount of flex
required of the clasps 12 at the elbows 31, thereby reducing strain
and providing greater resiliency of the clasps 12. The clasp tabs
32 are pronounced, raised sections of the clasps 12 toward the
proximal ends of the tangs 30 that create a retention shelf 34 on
each of the clasps 12. Once the length of the clasp tabs 32 pass
through the catch slots 10, the inward radial force on the clasps
12 releases and the bias of the clasps 12 forces the clasps 12
radially outward to their original position substantially parallel
to the male shaft 22. Upon return of the clasps 12 to their
original position, the retention shelves 34 engage the retention
surface 66 of the catches 8, thereby preventing the male fitting 2
from being pulled apart from the female fitting 4. In order to
release the male fitting 2 from the female fitting 4, the user must
push the clasps 12 radially inward to disengage the retention
shelves 34 from the retention surfaces 66 of the catches 8. The
user can then apply an axial pulling force to the male fitting 2
and female fitting 4 to separate the two portions of the connection
assembly 1.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 1 and 3-5, the female fitting 4 is
connected with the first tubing section 18 via the first tubing
coupling 44. The user may push one end of the first tubing section
18, which is generally a pliable, elastomeric material, over the
cannula 46 of the first tubing coupling 44. The gradually
increasing taper of the cannula 46 expands the diameter of the
first tubing section 18. The first tubing section 18 then passes
over a narrower coupling shaft 50 of the first tubing coupling 44,
which allows the diameter of the first tubing section 18 to
constrict toward its original diameter size. The first tubing
coupling 44 then expands in diameter again to form a coupling shaft
flange 52 against which the inner surface of the first tubing 18
section snugly fits. The interface between the cannula 46 and the
coupling shaft 50 forms a coupling barb 48 that acts to resist the
disengagement of the first tubing section 18 from the first tubing
coupling 44. The coupling shaft flange 52 aids in this resistance
by pinching the first tubing section 18 against the coupling shaft
50 and the coupling barb 48.
[0062] Similarly, the male fitting 2 is connected with the second
tubing section 20 via the second tubing coupling 54. The user may
push one end of the second tubing section 20, which is generally a
pliable, elastomeric material, over the cannula 56 of the second
tubing coupling 54. The gradually increasing taper of the cannula
56 expands the diameter of the second tubing section 20. The second
tubing section 20 then passes over a narrower coupling shaft 60
section of the second tubing coupling 54, which allows the diameter
of the second tubing section 20 to constrict toward its original
diameter size. The second tubing coupling 54 then expands in
diameter again to form a coupling shaft flange 62 against which the
inner surface of the second tubing section 20 snugly fits. The
interface between the cannula 56 and the coupling shaft 60 forms a
coupling barb 58 that acts to resist the disengagement of the
second tubing section 20 from the second tubing coupling 54. The
coupling shaft flange 62 aids in this resistance by pinching the
second tubing section 20 against the coupling shaft 60 and the
coupling barb 58. Note that other attachment means between the
tubing and male fitting are also envisioned to be within the scope
of the present invention.
[0063] Preferably, the inner diameters of the first tubing section
18, the second tubing section 20, the first tubing coupling 44, the
second tubing coupling 54, and the male shaft 22 are all of
generally the same diameter to provide for generally constant fluid
flow rate, pressure, and volume throughout the connection assembly
1. However, if a change in pressure, flow rate, or flow volume were
desired, the diameters of each of these sections could be designed
to achieve a desired result.
[0064] FIGS. 6 and 7 provide a detailed view of the male member 2
uncoupled or disconnected from the female member 4. Note the
position of the O-ring 28 within a groove 24 defined around the
male shaft 22. FIGS. 8 and 9 provide a detailed view of the female
member 4 uncoupled or disconnected from the male member 2.
[0065] In another embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS.
10-15, an alternative fluid seal design may be used. Instead of an
O-ring 28 on the exterior surface of the male shaft 22 as, for
example, depicted in FIGS. 3-4, and 7 the male fitting 2 is formed
with a thick walled male shaft 22 with a tapered inner surface 74
defining the male shaft lumen 23 on the distal end of the male
shaft 22. Correspondingly, a tapered cannula 76 is formed within
the female shaft lumen 7 of the female fitting 4 toward the distal
end. The tapered cannula 76 is designed to interface with the
tapered inner surface 74 of the male shaft 22 to create a
fluid-tight seal or face seal when the male fitting 2 and the
female fitting 4 are connected with each other. See FIG. 11.
[0066] FIG. 13 provides a cross-sectional view along line 13-13 of
FIG. 12 illustrating the tapered inner surface 74 of the male shaft
22. FIG. 15 provides a cross-sectional view along line 15-15 of
FIG. 14 illustrating the tapered cannula 76 formed within the
female shaft lumen 7. The frictional engagement between tapered
inner surface 74 and the tapered cannula 76 provides a fluid-tight
seal (see FIG. 11).
[0067] In another embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS.
16-19, the clasps 12 are not integrally formed with the male
fitting 2, but are instead integral with a collar 78 that may
itself be rotationally attached to the male shaft 22. The collar 78
joins the elbows 31 of the clasps 12. The diameter of the collar 78
is smaller than the separation of the tangs 30 of the clasps 12.
The interior surface of the collar 78 defines a collar lumen 84
into which four detents 82 may radially extend (see FIG. 19). The
collar lumen 84 is slightly larger in diameter than the outer
diameter of the male shaft 22, while the projection of the detents
82 extend a distance such that the diameter between opposing
detents 82 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the male
shaft 22. A second annular recess 80 may be formed in the exterior
surface of the male shaft 22 adjacent to and distal to the annular
grip ribs 16. The detents 82 are snapped into the second annular
recess 80 when the collar 78 is pushed axially along the male shaft
22 and into place.
[0068] The proximal end of the female shaft 6 may interface with a
collar mating surface 41 rather than the proximal mating surface 40
of the first embodiment as shown in at least FIGS. 2 and 3. The
detents 82 are flexible enough to bend when forced against the
outer surface of the male shaft 2, but are biased to return to
their original radial positions when engaged in the second annular
recess 80, thereby retaining the collar 78 and clasps 12 on the
male shaft 22. Because the clasps 12 are not integrally formed with
the male shaft 22 in this embodiment, the collar 78 and the
connected clasps 12 are free to rotate about the male shaft 22.
This configuration allows the male fitting 2 and the female fitting
4 to rotate axially with respect to each other to provide increased
flexibility of the connection assembly 1.
[0069] Another embodiment of a connection assembly 100 is shown in
FIGS. 20-23 for connecting two sets of two tubing sections 118a,
118b, 120a, and 120b. In this embodiment, a male fitting 102
includes a first male shaft 122a and a second male shaft 122b
connected with each other at the proximal end by a pair of grip
ribs 116, but otherwise spaced apart from each other by interior
gap 141 (see FIG. 21). The grip ribs 116 are annular flanges about
the outer surfaces of each of the first male shaft 122a and the
second male shaft 122b that are integrally connected with each
other to form a figure-8 span holding the first male shaft 122a and
the second male shaft 122b together. A female fitting 104 includes
a first female shaft 106a and a second female shaft 106b that are
joined together along the length of their exterior surfaces. A grip
flange 114 is also formed as a contiguous figure-8 about the
exterior surface of the distal ends of the first female shaft 106a
and the second female shaft 106b. The catches 108 are attached to
the exterior surfaces of both the first female shaft 106a and the
second female shaft 106b. A first side wall 168a of each of the
catches 108 is attached to the first female shaft 106a and a second
side wall 168b of each of the catches 108 is attached to the second
female shaft 106b (see FIG. 23).
[0070] Still referring to FIGS. 20-23, the first male shaft 122a
and the second male shaft 122b slide within the first female shaft
106a and the second female shaft 106b, respectively, just as in the
first embodiment described herein with respect to FIGS. 1-9. As
depicted in FIG. 21, the first male shaft 122a and the second male
shaft 122b may create a fluid-tight seal with the first female
shaft 106a and the second female shaft 106b, respectively, by
seating a first O-ring 128a between the inner surface of the first
female shaft 106a and the outer surface of the first male shaft
122a and similarly by seating a second O-ring 128b between the
inner surface of the second female shaft 106b and the outer surface
of the second male shaft 122b. Alternatively, a fluid-tight seal
could be provided using cannulas and tapered lumen interfaces as
described herein with respect to FIGS. 10-15. As in the first
embodiment of FIGS. 1-9, the clasps 112 engage with and are
retained by the catches 108 to actively hold the male fitting 102
and female fitting 104 together. The male fitting 102 may be
released from retention by the female fitting 104 by forcing the
clasps 112 radially inward to disengage the clasp tabs 132 from the
retention surfaces 166 and pulling the male fitting 102 and the
female fitting 104 apart.
[0071] It should be apparent that additional male and female
fittings could be integrated together to form connection assemblies
for connecting three, four, or more sets of tubing sections. The
male and female fittings could be integrated together side by side
to lie in a single plane, or stacked upon each other to form
triangular, square, pentagonal, or other formations and
arrangements. In addition, embodiments of the present invention may
include one, three, seven or any number of clasps or catches. Note
also that there could be a greater number of clasps of catches
within any one embodiment to allow for adjustable rotatable
orientation of connections.
[0072] Another embodiment of a releasable connection assembly 201
is shown in FIGS. 24-26. In this embodiment, the male fitting 202
and the female fitting 204 are each provided with shut-off valves
284, 286 respectively, to halt fluid flow from the sections of
tubing 205 and 207 when the male fitting 202 and the female fitting
204 are disengaged from each other. The male fitting 202 has a
first shut-off valve 284 arranged within the lumen 223 of the male
shaft 222. Similarly, the female fitting 204 has a second shut-off
valve 286 arranged within the lumen 207 of the female shaft
206.
[0073] The male fitting shut-off valve 284 is constructed primarily
of a first valve body 285 and a first spring 288. The first valve
body 285 is positioned toward the distal end of the male shaft 222.
The distal end of the first spring 288 is connected with the
proximal end of the first valve body 285 while the proximal end of
the first spring 288 is connected with a first cap 302 that fixedly
interfaces with the proximal end of the male shaft 222 to provide a
stationary anchor for the first spring 288. The first cap 302 also
tapers proximally to form a first fluid port 304 extending into a
lumen defined by the second tubing coupling 254. Rather than being
integrally formed with the male fitting 202, in this embodiment the
first cap 302 may be directly attached to the male shaft 222 or it
may be sandwiched between the second tubing coupling 254 and the
male shaft 222. In the latter case, the first cap 302 may be
fastened to the proximal end of the male shaft 222 by means of, but
not limited to, welding, adhesive, snap-fit or over-molding, to
allow for the prior insertion of the first shut-off valve 284
during assembly of the male fitting 202.
[0074] The distal end of the lumen 223 in the male shaft 222 tapers
slightly to reduce the diameter of the lumen 223 at the distal end
of the male shaft 222. The diameter of the first valve body 285 is
slightly smaller than the diameter of the lumen 223 distal from the
male tapered portion 296. The proximal end of the first valve body
285 is also encompassed by a first valve O-ring 290, which is
slightly smaller in diameter than the lumen 223 proximal to the
male tapered portion 296. The distal end of the first valve body
285 defines first valve flues 294 separated by first valve collar
supports 292, which support a first valve collar 298. A first valve
peak 300 is also defined by the distal end of the first valve body
285 and is centered between the first valve collar supports 292.
The peak 300 is a flow diverter. The first valve flues 294 allow
fluid to flow therethrough and are provided to allow fluid to flow
between the proximal end of the first valve body 285 and a lumen in
the first valve collar 298.
[0075] Similarly, the female fitting shut-off valve 286 is
constructed primarily of a second valve body 287 and a second
spring 289. The second valve body 287 is positioned toward the
proximal end of the female shaft 206. The proximal end of the
second spring 289 is connected with the distal end of the second
valve body 287 while the distal end of the second spring 289 is
connected with a second cap 303 that fixedly interfaces with the
distal end of the female shaft 206 to provide a stationary anchor
for the second spring 289. The second cap 303 also tapers distally
to form a second fluid port 305 extending into a lumen defined by
the first tubing coupling 244. Rather than being integrally formed
with the female fitting 204, in this embodiment the second cap 303
may be directly attached to the female shaft 206 or it may be
sandwiched between the first tubing coupling 244 and the female
shaft 206. In the latter case, the second cap 303 may be either
snap-fitted or over-molded about the distal end of the female shaft
206, to allow for the prior insertion of the second shut-off valve
286 during assembly of the female fitting 204.
[0076] The proximal end of the female fitting lumen 207 in the
female shaft 206 tapers slightly to reduce the diameter of the
lumen 207 at the proximal end of the female shaft 206. The diameter
of the second valve body 287 is slightly smaller than the diameter
of the lumen 207 proximal from the female tapered portion 297. The
distal end of the second valve body 287 is also encompassed by a
second valve O-ring 291, which is slightly smaller in diameter than
the lumen 207 distal to the female tapered portion 297. The
proximal end of the second valve body 287 defines second valve
flues 295 separated by second valve collar supports 293, which
support a second valve collar 299. A second valve peak 301 is also
defined by the proximal end of the second valve body 287 and is
centered between the second valve collar supports 293. The peak 301
is a flow diverter. The second valve flues 295 allow fluid to flow
therethrough and are provided to allow fluid to flow between the
distal end of the second valve body 287 and a lumen in the second
valve collar 299. (See arrow 307 for path of fluid through
assembly).
[0077] Referring to FIG. 26, when the male fitting 202 is
disengaged from the female fitting 204, the first spring 288 forces
the first valve body 285 to move distally within the lumen 223 of
the male shaft 222. The distal end of the first valve body 285,
primarily the first valve collar 298, extends distally out of the
lumen 223 past the distal end of the male shaft 222. The distal
movement of the first valve body 285 is halted by the engagement of
the first valve O-ring 290 with the male tapered portion 296. This
engagement creates a fluid-tight seal between the first shut-off
valve 284 and the male shaft 222 preventing fluid leakage from a
tubing section connected with the second tubing coupling 254 on the
male fitting 202.
[0078] Similarly, when the female fitting 204 is disengaged from
the male fitting 202, the second spring 289 forces the second valve
body 287 to move proximally within the lumen 207 of the female
shaft 206. The proximal end of the second valve body 285, primarily
the second valve collar 299, extends proximally out of the lumen
207 past the proximal end of the female shaft 206. The proximal
movement of the second valve body 287 is halted by the engagement
of the second valve O-ring 291 with the female tapered portion 297.
This engagement creates a fluid-tight seal between the second
shut-off valve 286 and the female shaft 206 preventing fluid
leakage from a tubing section connected with the first tubing
coupling 244 on the female fitting 204.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 25, when the male fitting 202 and the
female fitting 204 are connected with each other, the first valve
collar 298 and the second valve collar 299 interface. The first
valve body 285 is thereby forced proximally within the male shaft
222 and the first valve O-ring 290 disengages from the male tapered
portion 296 allowing fluid to flow past the first valve body 285,
through the first valve flues 294, between the first valve collar
supports 292, and out the lumen defined by the first valve collar
298. Likewise, the second valve body 287 is thereby forced distally
within the female shaft 206 and the second valve O-ring 290
disengages from the female tapered portion 297 allowing fluid to
flow past the second valve body 287, through the second valve flues
295, between the second valve collar supports 293, and out the
lumen defined by the second valve collar 299. In this manner, the
male fitting 202 can be connected with the female fitting 204 and
automatically instantiate fluid flow through the connection
assembly 201. Note that interaction between the clasps 12 and
catches 8 are substantially the same as described above.
[0080] FIGS. 27 and 28 show another embodiment of the present
invention where a connector structure having a face seal, instead
of a circumferential O-ring seal, between the male and female
portions is used. A seal member 300, preferably an 0-shape such as
an O-ring or an O-ring having a square or rectangular cross
section, is pinched or compressed between the terminal end 302 of
the male fitting 304 and the internal base region 306 of the female
fitting 308 when the male 304 and female fittings 308 are connected
together. The retention shelf 310 on the tang 312 and the retention
surface 314 on the catch 316 are designed to engage so that the
space between the terminal end 302 of the male fitting 304 and the
internal base region 306 of the female fitting 308 is less than the
thickness of the face seal member 300. This dimensional conflict
causes the terminal end 302 of the male fitting 304 to compress the
face seal against the internal base region 306 of the female
fitting 308, thereby creating a face seal, instead of a
circumferential seal as is formed with an o-ring. The face seal
member 300 may have an outer dimension sufficient to retain the
face seal member within the female fitting when not held in place
by the terminal end 302 of the male fitting. Both a circumferential
seal and a face seal may be combined if desired. Note that
structures not discussed as shown in previous embodiments and are
left off to maximize detail of the present embodiment.
[0081] FIGS. 29 and 30 show a connection structure 320 of the
present invention where the male (not shown) and female 321
portions can rotate relative to one another when in the engaged
position. A catch structure 324 in this embodiment is formed with a
collar 328, which fits over and is rotatably connected to the
female connector portion 324. The female portion 324 of the
connector 320 defines an annular groove 330 near the oblong grip
flange 332. The collar 328 defines at least one protrusion 334
extending radially inwardly at the end of the collar 328 that
overlaps the annular groove 330 when the collar is positioned on
the female portion 324. The protrusion 334 extends into the annular
groove 330 to keep the collar axially positioned on the female
portion while allowing it to rotate therearound. The at least one
protrusion can extend for a length at least partially
circumferentially around the inside of the collar; there may be
more than one such protrusion. Each protrusion may have a ramp, or
sloped, shape to facilitate pushing the collar over the female
portion more easily, but still sufficiently retaining the collar on
the female portion.
[0082] When the male portion (not shown) is connected to the female
portion 324, the tangs fit into and engage the catch 338 to hold
the two pieces together. The two pieces may then rotate with
respect to one another while maintaining engagement. When rotated,
the tangs 336 cause the collar 328 to rotate around the female
portion 324.
[0083] FIGS. 31 and 32 show a structure 338 that allows rotation of
the male 340 and female 342 portions of the connection structure
338 relative to one another. In this embodiment, a catch 344 is
formed as a circumferential collar 346 spaced around the female
portion 346 by at least one rib 348. More than one rib 348 may be
used, but the amount of rotation allowed would be reduced. The male
portion 340 and the tangs 350 can rotate while engaged with the
collar 346 to the point of contacting one of the support ribs 348
that supports and spaces the collar 346 around the female portion
342. The collar 346 may also be formed as a shroud attached at the
end away from the male portion, with a slot formed
circumferentially therein to allow the tangs and the male portion
to rotate relative to the female portion (not shown). In this
embodiment, the rotation would be limited by the ends of the groove
formed in the collar.
[0084] FIGS. 33 and 34 show another embodiment of the present
invention, where a gang of tube connectors 352 are held in
engagement by a buckle structure 354. In FIG. 33, 6 female
connector portions 356 are formed in a plate 358, three on each
side of the catch structure 360. The catch structure 360 includes
two clasp slots 362, each for receiving the clasp tab 364 and
retention shelf 366 formed on each tang 368. The lower plate 370
forms six corresponding male connector portions 372 for receipt in
respective female portions 356. As the male portions 372 are
received in the respective female portions 356, the tangs 368 enter
the catch structure 360 and insert through the clasp slots 362,
respectively, to engage the catch structure 360 and retain the male
portions 372 in connection with the female portions 356. In this
embodiment, the tangs 368 extend from the plate 370 with the male
portions 372, and the catch structure 360 is on the plate 374 with
the female portions 356. This could be reversed if desired.
[0085] Any number of connection structure portions 356, 372 could
be held in engagement by this embodiment, and more than one buckle
structure 354 could be used to sufficiently hold the plates 370,
374 together, and thus the respective connector portions together.
The male and female connector portions 356, 372 may be arranged to
allow only one orientation of engagement between the gang of female
connector portions and male connector portions. The catch 360 and
tangs 368 are shown designed to engage near the periphery of the
upper plate 374, which allows more convenient grasping by the user.
The catch 360 and tangs 368 may also be designed to engage at a
location away from the periphery if so desired.
[0086] FIGS. 35 and 36 show a gang of 10 female connector portions
356 on the upper plate 374 and 10 male connector portions 372 on
the lower plate 370. The connection structure is similar to that
shown in FIGS. 33 and 34. Note also that other numbers of female
and male portions may be included in the gang, dependent on the
plate size and needs or the user.
[0087] In another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the
connection structure 376 of the present invention allows piercing,
when the two portions are connected, of a seal 382 formed either on
the male 378 or female 380 connector portion. A tape seal or the
like seal is formed over the female portion to preclude flow of a
liquid therethrough, and the tape seal is punctured by a sharp 383
when the male portion 378 is inserted in to the female portion
380.
[0088] As shown in FIG. 37, the female portion 380 has a sharp 383
formed therein that extends into and through the lumen 384 of the
male shaft 386. The extension of the sharp 383 into the lumen 384
pierces any type of seal 382 formed over the lumen 384, whether it
be a tape seal, a plastic seal, or other type of diaphragm
structure sealing the end of the lumen.
[0089] FIG. 38 shows the sharp 383 as a pointed structure formed
within the channel inside the female connector portion 380. The
sharp 383 may be fixed within the female portion, and used to
puncture the seal 382 over the lumen of the male shaft upon
connection of the male and female connector portions. The female
portion would then be open at all times.
[0090] The sharp 383 can also be movably positioned in the channel
385 of the female portion 380. This allows the base 388 of the
sharp member 383 to seal the channel of the female portion when not
connected to a male portion. The sharp member 383 is biased into
the sealed position by a spring 390. When connected with the male
connector portion 378 and the male shaft 386 is inserted, the end
of the sharp member 383 punctures the seal 382 on the lumen 384 of
the male shaft 386, and the terminal end of the male shaft pushes
on a collar or flange 392 formed near the sharp end 394 of the
sharp member 383 to push the sharp out of a sealed engagement in
the female end, opening up flow.
[0091] FIG. 37 further shows the sharp member 383 piercing the seal
382, and prior to the terminal end of the male shaft pushing the
sharp member rearwardly. The fluid flows around or through
particular portions of the sharp member 383. As contemplated
herein, the sharp member 383 can be needle-like, or have a
pyramidal shape with a pointed top, or can be simply sufficiently
shaped to puncture the seal layer over the lumen. While shown here
with the piercing sharp positioned in the female connector portion,
with some structural modification the piercing sharp could also be
in the male portion, having the same function described above.
[0092] As used herein, lumen refers not only to its definition, but
also refers to an opening, aperture, or other passageway. The fluid
referred to herein can be gaseous, liquid, or other state of
material that is flowable through a tube (i.e. granular). The
connector structures described above can be used with one clasp and
one catch, or multiple clasps and catches. While generally
described above as sealed when connected together, the connector
structures may be sealed or unsealed.
[0093] The connection between the male and female connector
portions and their respective tube sections can be by means other
than a barbed fitting, such as, but not limited to threaded,
press-fit without a barb, John Guest fitting, ferrule, and panel
mount.
[0094] Although various embodiments of this invention have been
described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with
reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in
the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed
embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this
invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above
description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative only of particular embodiments and not
limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without
departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in
the following claims.
* * * * *