Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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FLUID CONDUIT CONNECTOR APPARATUS
l~ACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of fluid conduit
connectors for
application to multiple fluid line systems and more particularly to fluid line
connectors
having a valued port.
2. Description of the Related Art
Medical conditions that form clots in the blood, such as deep vein thrombosis
(DVT)
and peripheral edema, are a major concern to immobile medical patients. Such
patients
include those undergoing surgery, anesthesia, extended periods of bed rest,
etc. These
blood clotting conditions generally occur in the deep veins of the lower
extremities and/or
pelvis. These veins, such as the iliac, femoral, popiteal and tibial return
deoxygenated
blood to the heart. When blood circulation in these veins is retarded due to
illness, injury or
inactivity, there is a tendency for blood to accumulate or pool. A static pool
of blood
provides an ideal environment for dangerous clot formations. A major risk
associated with
this condition is interference with cardiovascular circulation. Most
seriously, a fragment of
the blood clot can break loose and migrate. A pulmonary emboli can form a
potentially life-
threatening blockage in a main pulmonary artery.
The conditions and resulting risks associated with patient immobility can be
controlled or alleviated by applying intermittent pressure to a patient's limb
to assist in
blood circulation. Known devices such as one piece pads and compression boots
have been
employed to assist in blood circulation. See, for example, U.S. Patent Nos.
6,290,662 and
6,494,552.
Sequential compression devices have been used, which consist of an air pump
connected to a disposable wraparound pad by a series of fluid conduits such as
air tubes, for
example. The wraparound pad is placed around the patient's leg. Air is then
forced into
different parts of the wraparound pad in sequence, creating pressure around
the calves and
improving venous return. These known devices suffer from various drawbacks due
to their
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bulk and cumbersome nature of use. These drawbacks cause patient discomfort,
reduce
compliance and can prevent mobility of the patient as recovery progresses
after surgery. It
would be desirable to overcome the disadvantages of such known devices with a
compression apparatus that employs a fluid connector apparatus in accordance
with the
principles of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/784,607, filed on February 23, 2004 and
entitled Compression Apparatus, the contents of which being hereby
incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety, discloses an exemplary sequential
compression apparatus
that overcomes the disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art by reducing
bulk and
improving comfort and compliance to a patient. This sequential compression
apparatus
includes a removable portion of a compression sleeve (wraparound pad) and a
'valve
connector that facilitates coupling of the removable portion from a
pressurized fluid source.
In the sequential compression ap~aaratus, a predetermined fluid pressure is
supplied
to each of a plurality of tubes to the apparatus according to a predetermined
timing
sequence. Fluid pressure feedback information is acquired to ensure proper
operation of the
apparatus. Closure of a valve in the valve connector prevents fluid leakage
when the
removable portion and corresponding tube is disconnected and removed. Valve
connectors
heretofore known either completely open or completely close a fluid conduit.
The open or
closed fluid conduit has pneumatic characteristics different from those of the
previously
connected system components.
In an illustrative apparatus, a controller recognizes a pressure change
indicating
closure of the valve connector when the removable portion is removed. The
controller then
begins executing a second predetermined pressure timing sequence to supply
pressurized
fluid to the remaining portions of the apparatus. If the valve connector is
not present or
malfunctions when the removable portion is removed, the controller recognizes
a pressure
change indicating an open fluid line and can execute an error or alarm program
sequence
(see, for example, the controller described in U.S. Patent Application Serial
No. 10/784,323,
filed on February 23, 2004 and entitled Compression Treatment System, the
entire contents
of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein).
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Use of such valve connectors thus disadvantageously requires a more
complicated
control element in the fluid supply apparatus which must be capable of
executing a plurality
of pressure/timing sequences in response to acquired pressure measurements. In
the
illustrative apparatus, switching between multiple control sequences
disadvantageously
requires interruption of the system and can require manual input to initiate
the second
pressure/timing sequence.
It would be desirable to overcome the drawbacks of heretofore known fluid line
connectors by providing a coupling valve that allows a controller to continue
uninterrupted
operation of a single pressure timing sequence when a removable portion is
discom~ected
from a controlled pressure system. It would 'be further desirable to
accommodate such
uninterrupted operation of a single control sequence by providing a coupling
valve that
approximates the pneumatic characteristics of a removable portion of
controlled pressure
system. It would be desirable to provide such a connector that is inexpensive
to
manufacture and configured for use in a prophylaxis sequential compression
apparatus.
Accordingly, a fluid conduit connector apparatus is provided that facilitates
uninterrupted execution of a single pressure timing sequence when a fluid
conduit is
removed from a pneumatic system. The fluid conduit connector apparatus
overcomes the
disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art when incorporated in a
prophylaxis sequential
compression apparatus by reducing control system complexity, providing ease of
use and
minimizing interruption to patients. Desirably, the fluid conduit connector
apparatus
includes a port portion including a valve to achieve the advantages of the
present disclosure.
Most desirably, the fluid conduit connector apparatus has a valve that
approximates the
pneumatic characteristics of a removed pneumatic system component. The fluid
conduit
connector apparatus is easily and efficiently fabricated.
The fluid conduit connector apparatus, in accordance with the principles of
the
present disclosure, is adapted for use with a compression apparatus. The fluid
connector
apparatus includes a connector having a plurality of fluid ports formed
therewith that
facilitates fluid communication between a plurality of fluid conduits of the
compression
apparatus and a pressurized fluid source. Each of the plurality of fluid ports
defines a fluid
orifice configured for fluid flow. A valve is disposed with one of the fluid
ports. The valve
is operable to engage the fluid port such that disconnect of a fluid conduit
of the
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compression apparatus corresponding to the fluid port from the connector
reduces a
dimension of the fluid orifice of the fluid port.
The fluid connector apparatus can include a first connector having a first
plurality of
fluid ports formed therewith that fluidly communicates with a first plurality
of fluid
conduits. In an illustrative embodiment, the first plurality of fluid conduits
is a set of three
air tubes. A valve is supported with the first connector and is movable such
that upon
disconnection of one of the first plurality of fluid. conduits from the first
connector, the
valve engages a corresponding fluid port in a configuration that creates a
reduced fluid
orifice therein. The valve is adapted to approximate pneumatic characteristics
of a
connected apparatus when the connected apparatus is disconnected from the
first connector.
In another embodiment, one of the fluid ports includes a coupling port and one
of
the first plurality fluid conduits includes a quick-disconnect fitting adapted
for removable
mating with the coupling port. The valve is disposed in the coupling port and
can, for
example, include a spring loaded plunger. An illustrative coupling fitting
includes an
engagement portion extending therefrom. The spring loaded plunger is displaced
by the
engagement portion when the coupling fitting is mated to the coupling port.
In one embodiment, the coupling port includes a cap portion disposed therein.
The
spring loaded plunger engages the cap portion to create an orifice that
provides a pneumatic
behavior approximating one of the first plurality of fluid conduits when the
coupling fitting
is disconnected from the coupling port.
In an illustrative embodiment, the fluid' connector apparatus according the
present
disclosure also includes a second connector in fluid communication with a
second plurality
of fluid conduits. In an exemplary embodiment, the second plurality of fluid
conduits is a
set of three air tubes. A plurality of couplings is in fluid communication
with the air tubes.
The first connector includes a sleeve defining a cavity adapted for mating
with the plurality
of couplings. The cavity defines a female mating receptacle. The plurality of
couplings
defines a male mating plug adapted for mating with the female mating
receptacle.
In ceutain embodiments, the first and/or second connectors include improved
streamlining of their outer surfaces to prevent snagging of the connectors on
patient
garments and bedding. In one embodiment, the first connector includes an
interference key
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in the cavity to prevent the first connector from mating with legacy connector
components.
The second connector includes a clearance space for the interference key.
In yet another embodiment, the first plurality of fluid conduits is a set of
webbed
tubing having increased webbing volume between at least one pair of adjacent
conduits. At
least one interference rib is formed between at least one pair of adjacent
fluid ports in the
first plurality of fluid ports. The increased webbing Volume is aligned with
the interference
rib if the plurality of fluid conduits is improperly oriented with said first
connector. The
interference rib thereby prevents attachment of improperly oriented fluid
conduits to the '
first connector. Similarly, the second plurality of fluid conduits can include
an increased
webbing volume configured to interfere with an interference rib between
adjacent ports in
the second connector to prevent attachment of improperly oriented fluid
conduits to the
second connector.
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluid conduit connector
apparatus
further includes a gasket disposed in the cavity. The gasket is adapted to
provide fluid
sealing between the first and second connectors when the first and second
connectors are
mated together.
In at least one embodiment, the sleeve includes a window extending at least
partially
therethrough. The second connector includes a locking ann extending therefrom.
The
locking arm is adapted to engage the window to releasably retain the first
connector with the
second connector. The sleeve can include a slot extending to the window which
partially
bifurcates the sleeve to define opposing snap arms for engaging the locking
arm. One of the
first or second connectors can include an alignment slot and the other of the
first or second
connectors can include an alignment rib configured for engaging the alignment
slot.
In a particular illustrative embodiment, the locking arm includes a leading
surface
inclined at a first angle to provide a predetermined engagement force between
the locking
arm and snap arms, and a trailing surface inclined at a second angle to
provide a
predetermined disengagement force between the locking arm and snap arms. , The
predetermined engagement force can be designed, for example, to be less than
the
predetermined disengagement force.
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In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a fluid connector apparatus
includes a first connector having tubular walls defining a plurality of fluid
ports adapted to
connect to a first plurality of fluid conduits. At least one of the fluid
ports comprises a
coupling port. At least one of the first plurality of fluid conduits includes
a coupling fitting
adapted for removable mating with the coupling port. A valve is disposed
within the
coupling port. The valve engages the coupling port to create an orifice
approximating
pneumatic behavior of one of the first plurality of conduits when the coupling
fitting is
disconnected from said coupling port. A second connector is adapted to connect
to a second
plurality of fluid conduits and mate with the first connector.
In an exemplary embodiment, the valve includes a spring loaded plunger
disposed in
the coupling port. In one embodiment, the coupling fitting includes an
engagement portion
extending therefrom. The spring loaded plunger is displaced by the engagement
portion
when the coupling fitting is mated to said coupling port. The coupling port
includes a cap
portion disposed therein. The spring loaded plunger engages the cap portion to
create an
orifice that provides a pneumatic behavior approximating said one of the first
plurality of
fluid conduits when the coupling fitting is disconnected from the coupling
port.
In another embodiment of the fluid connector apparatus, the second connector
comprises a plurality of couplings in fluid communication with the second
plurality of fluid
conduits. The first connector includes a sleeve formed therewith defining a
cavity adapted
for mating with the plurality of couplings. The sleeve includes a window
extending at least
partially therethrough. The second connector includes a locking arm extending
therefrom
which is adapted to engage the window to releasably retain the first connector
with the
second connector. The sleeve includes a slot extending to the window and
partially
bifurcating the sleeve to define opposing snap arms for engaging the locking
arm.
A particular embodiment of the present disclosure a fluid connector apparatus
includes a sleeve connector having tubular walls defining a plurality of fluid
ports adapted
to connect to a first tubing set including an ankle tube, a calf tube and a
thigh tube. ~ne of
the ports includes a coupling port. The thigh tube has a coupling fitting
adapted for
removable mating with the coupling port.
In the particular embodiment, a valve is disposed within the coupling port.
The
valve includes a spring loaded plunger which engages the coupling port to
create an orifice
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approximating pneumatic behavior of the thigh tube when the fitting is
disconnected from
the coupling port. The coupling fitting includes an engagement portion
extending
therefrom. The spring loaded plunger is displaced by the engagement portion
when the
coupling fitting is mated to the coupling port. The coupling port includes a
cap portion
disposed therein. The spring loaded plunger engages the cap portion to create
an orifice that
provides pneumatic behavior approximating the thigh tube when the coupling
fitting is
disconnected from the coupling port.
A tubing set connector can be adapted to connect to a second tubing set and
mate
with the sleeve connector. The tubing set connector includes a plurality of
couplings in
fluid communication with the second tubing set. The sleeve connector includes
a sleeve
formed therewith defining a cavity adapted for mating with the plurality of
couplings, and
having a gasket disposed in the cavity. The gasket is adapted to provide fluid
sealing
between the sleeve connector and the tubing set connector. In at least one
embodiment, the
gasket includes a retention portion extending therefrom. The sleeve includes a
gasket
retention groove adapted to accept the retention portion and thereby retain
the gasket to the
sleeve.
In a particular embodiment, the sleeve includes a window extending at least
partially
therethrough. The tubing set connector includes a locking arm extending
therefrom. The
locking arm is adapted to engage the window to releasably retain the sleeve
connector with
the tubing set connector. The sleeve includes a slot extending to the window
and partially
bifurcating the sleeve to define opposing snap arms for engaging the locking
arm. One of
the sleeve connector or the tubing set connector includes an alignment slot
and the other of
the sleeve connector or the tubing set connector includes an alignment rib
configured for
engaging the alignment slot.
In another embodiment, the present application discloses a coupling apparatus
including a coupling fitting permanently mounted to a first end of a fluid
conduit. A second
end of the fluid conduit is connected to an inflatable device. A coupling port
is adapted for
mating with the coupling fitting and includes a valve supported with the
coupling port. The
valve approximates pneumatic characteristics of the inflatable device and
fluid conduit
when the coupling fitting is disconnected from the coupling port.
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In another particular embodiment, the coupling fitting can include a proximal
cylinder and a distal cylinder extending therefrom. A central longitudinal
axis extends
through the proximal cylinder and distal cylinder. The proximal cylinder has
an inside
diameter approximately equal to the outside diameter of said fluid conduit to
facilitate an
interference fit therebetween. The distal cylinder has an inside diameter
approximately
equal to the outside diameter of said coupling port to facilitate a slip fit
therebetween and
includes a locking tab extending radially from the outer surface of the distal
cylinder.
The coupling port includes a fluid communication channel and is incorporated
with
a sleeve having a detent for engaging the locking tab to removably secure the
coupling
fitting to the coupling port. Alternatively, the sleeve or interior surface of
the first
connector can include a detent cavity extending at least partially into the
interior surface and
adapted for accepting the locking tab. An exemplary detent cavity includes a
longitudinal
track portion adapted for guiding the locking tab during engagement and
disengagement and
an annular portion adapted for retaining the locking tab when the coupling
fitting is rotated
about its longitudinal axis. Along its length, the detent cavity can have
varying depth or
width into the interior surface. The varying depth of the detent cavity
provides a
predetermined engagement/disengagement force/displacement profile between the
locking
tab and the detent cavity. In one embodiment, the locking tab has an outer
portion with an
enlarged manual engagement surface to assist manipulation of the locking tab.
In an illustrative embodiment, the valve includes a spring loaded plunger. The
spring is compressed by engagement between the coupling fitting and the
plunger to open
the coupling port for fluid communication when the coupling fitting is
connected to the
coupling port. The spring is extended to force the plunger into the channel.
The plunger is
perforated to provide a predetermined fluid resistance through the channel
when the
coupling fitting is disconnected from the coupling port.
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a fluid connector
apparatus
including a first connector having a first plurality of fluid ports formed
therewith which
fluidly communicate with a first plurality of fluid conduits. A second
connector is in fluid
communication with a second plurality of fluid conduits and includes a
plurality of
couplings in fluid communication therewith. Restrictor means within the first
connector are
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provided for approximating pneumatic characteristics of one of the fluid
conduits when it is
disconnected from the first connector.
In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of
coupling a
pressure source to a pneumatic device. According to the method of the present
disclosure, a
first plurality of fluid conduits from the pneumatic device is connected to a
second plurality
of conduits from the pressure source using a multi-port tube connector_ One of
the first
plurality of conduits is disconnected from the mufti-port tube connector. A
valve is thereby
released in the connector which approximates the pneumatic characteristics of
one of the
first plurality of conduits.
Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides a fluid
conduit
coupling. The fluid conduit coupling has a coupling fitting with a proximal
cylinder .and a
distal cylinder monolithically formed with the proximal cylinder along a
central longitudinal
axis. The proximal cylinder has an inside diameter adapted for receiving a
fluid conduit.
The fluid conduit coupling also includes a fluid port having a male
cylindrical portion
extending proximally therefrom and a fluid channel extending through the port
from the
male cylindrical portion to a distal opening. The distal cylinder of the
coupling fitting "
includes a female orifice adapted for mating with the male cylindrical portion
of the
coupling port. A valve disposed in the port is operatively configured to
approximate
pneumatic characteristics of a disconnected device when the coupling fitting
is detached
from the coupling p ort.
The coupling fitting of the fluid conduit coupling according rto the
illustrative
embodiment has an engagement portion adapted to displace the valve in the
coupling port.
The valve includes plunger biased proximally by a spring force. The engagement
portion is
aligned to displace the plunger distally against said spring force when the
fitting is attached
to the port. The plunger providing an increased fluid passage when displaced
distally and a
reduced fluid passage when biased proximally.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The objects and features of the present disclosure, which are believed to be
novel,
are set forth with the particularity in the appended claims. The present
disclosure, both as to
its organization and manner of operation, together with further objectives and
advantages,
may be best understood by reference to the following description, taken in
connection with
the accompanying drawings, which are described below.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a fluid conduit
connector apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first and second connector according to an
illustrative embodiment of the fluid conduit connector apparatus of the
present disclosure;
FIG. 3 is a side partial cross-sectional view of the illustrative fluid
conduit connector
apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a top cross sectional view of the illustrative fluid conduit
connector
apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is front cross sectional view of the coupling port in an illustrative
fluid
conduit connector apparatus according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 6 is a side cross sectional perspective view of the fluid conduit
connector
apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6A is a cutaway perspective view of the fluid conduit connector apparatus
shown in FIG. 6;
FIG. 6B is a cutaway perspective view of the fluid conduit connector apparatus
shown in FIG. 6;
FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the various components of an illustrative fluid
conduit
connector apparatus according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the various components of an illustrative first
connector in a fluid conduit connector apparatus according to the present
disclosure;
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FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the first
connector
shown in FIG. 8;
FIG. 8B is a perspective vi ew of the first connector shown in FIG. 8A and an
alternate embodiment of the second connector shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional plan view of the first connector and the second
connector shown in FIG. 8B;
FIG. 9 is a side view of an illustrative coupling fitting according to the
present
disclosure;
FIG. 10 is a top view of a first or second connector including a detent cavity
according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 11 is a front view of a first or second connector including an
interference rib
according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 12 is a front view of webbed tubing having an increased webbing volume
according to an illustrative embodiment of the present;
FIG. 13 is an end view of a first or second connector including an
interference key
according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 14 is a schematic view of two embodiments of a first connector and two
embodiments of a second connector.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
The exemplary embodiments of the fluid conduit connector apparatus and methods
of operation disclosed are discussed in terms of prophylaxis compression
apparatus and
vascular therapy including a prophylaxis compression apparatus for application
to a limb of
a body and more particularly in terms of a compression apparatus having
removable
portions. It is envisioned that the present disclosure, however, fords
application with a wide
variety of pneumatic systems having removable fluid conduits, such as, for
exarnple,
medical and industrial applications requiring timed sequences of compressed
air in a
plurality of air tubes.
In the discussion that follows, the term "proximal" refers to a portion of a
structure
that is closer to a torso of a subject and the term "distal" refers to a
portion that is further
from the torso. As used herein the term "subject" refers to a patient
undergoing vascular
therapy using the prophylaxis sequential compression apparatus. According to
the present
disclosure, the term "practitioner" refers to an individual administering the
prophylaxis
sequential compression apparatus and may include support personnel.
The following discussion includes a description of the fluid conduit connector
apparatus, followed by a description of an exemplary method of operating the
fluid conduit
connector apparatus in accordance with the principals of the present
disclosure. Reference
will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments and disclosure, which
are
illustrated with the accompanying figures.
Turning now to the figures wherein like components are designated by like
reference numerals throughout the several views. Referring initially to FIGS.
1 and 2, there
is illustrated a fluid conduit connector apparatus 10, constructed in
accordance with the
principals of the present disclosure. The fluid conduit connector apparatus 10
includes a
connector having a first connector 12 and second connector 14. First connector
12 is
configured for removable engagement with a second connector 14.
The first connector 12 includes a first plurality of fluid ports 16 extending
proximally therefrom and adapted for receiving a first plurality of fluid
conduits 18. Fluid
conduits 18 are connected to a compression apparatus, including for example, a
compression sleeve (not shown) adapted for disposal and treatment about a limb
of a subject
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(not shown). The second connector 14 includes a second plurality of fluid
ports 20
extending distally therefrom and adapted for receiving a second plurality of
fluid conduits
22. Fluid conduits 22 fluidly communicate with a pressurized fluid source (not
shown) that
is adapted to inflate the compression sleeve via the advantageous
configuration of fluid
conduit connector apparatus 10, as described in accordance with the principles
of the
present disclosure. It is envisioned that conduits 18, 22 may include various
tubing such as,
for example, non-webbed tubing, etc.
The fluid ports 16, 20 of connectors 12, 14 respectively, each define an inner
fluid
orifice or passageway that facilitate fluid communication between connectors
12, 14. In
turn, connectors 12, 14 facilitate fluid communication between the pressurized
fluid source
and the compression sleeve. Although the fluid conduit connector apparatus 10
is
illustrated as having a set of three fluid ports in each connector for
connecting sets of three
fluid conduits, it is contemplated that each connector can have any number of
fluid ports
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
The first connector 12 includes a sleeve 24 defining a cavity 26 having a
distal
opening. The cavity 26 houses distal portions of the first plurality of fluid
ports 16 which
extend distally within the cavity 26. The second connector 14 includes a
plurality of fluid
couplings 28 extending proximally therefrom. The plurality of fluid couplings
28 is formed
by proximal portions of the second plurality of fluid ports 20 for alignment
with the distal
portions of the first plurality of fluid ports 16. A locking arm 30 extends
proximally from
the body portion 32 of the second connector 14. A slot 34 in the sleeve 24 of
first
connector 12 includes a window 36 adapted for removably accepting the locking
arm 30 to
retain the first connector 12 to the second connector 14.
At least one of the first plurality of ports is a coupling port 38 adapted for
receiving
a coupling fitting 40. The coupling fitting 40 is permanently attached to the
distal end of a
corresponding one of the first plurality of fluid conduits 18. A locking tab
extending
radially from the coupling fitting 40 is configured for engaging a detent
cavity 44 in the first
connector 12, for example in the sleeve 24 as shown in FIG. 1. A streamlined
outer surface
25 prevents the connectors from snagging on patient clothing or bedding.
Referring now to FIGS. 3 - 7, the various components of the fluid conduit
connector
apparatus will be described in further detail.
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A gasket 46 conforms to the space between the plurality of couplings 28 and
the
distal portion of the first plurality of fluid ports 16 within the cavity 26
when the first 12 is
engaged with the second connector 14. The gasket 46 provides sealing for
pressurized fluid
communication between corresponding fluid conduits by providing a sealed fluid
channel
including the first plurality of fluid ports and second plurality of fluid
ports. It is
envisioned that the gasket 46 can be efficiently and inexpensively
manufactured using a
variety of common materials or fabrication methods, for example by injection
molding an
elastomeric material or dye cutting a cork or paper based gasket material. It
is envisioned
that the gasket 46 can be configured for retention to one or the other of the
first connector
12 and second connector 14. In the illustrative embodiment, the gasket
includes a proximal
lip 48 configured to engage the distal portion of each of the first plurality
of fluid ports to
provide fluid sealing between the first connector 12 and the second connector
14. The
gasket includes a retention portion extending therefrom. The sleeve 24
includes a gasket
retention groove adapted to accept the retention portion and thereby retain
the gasket to the
sleeve 24 when the second connector 14 is removed therefrom.
The slot 34 at least partially bifurcates the sleeve 24 to allow spreading of
the sleeve
24 under stress when the locking arm 30 is pressed into the slot 34 at its
distal end as the
first connector 12 is mated to the second connector 14. When an engagement
portion 48 of
the locking arm 30 reaches the window portion 36 of the slot 34 the sleeve
returns to its
relaxed shape to releasably retain the second connector 14 by its locking arms
30. The
locking arm 48 is formed with a leading surface 39 inclined a-t an angle
(i.e., first angle) and
a trailing surface 41 inclined at a second angle. In the illustrative
embodiment, the leading
surface 39 is inclined at a shallower angle than the trailing 41 surface so
that the force to
connect the first connector 12 to the second connector 14 is lighter than the
force to
disconnect the first connector 12 from the second connector 14. Predetermined
connection/disconnection forces can thereby be achieved by proper selection of
the first and
second angle when designing a particular locking arm 48.
Although the illustrative embodiment described herein refers to a particular
locking
arm and slot configuration, it is envisioned that virtually any type of
removable retention
method may be used to removably retain the first connector to the second
connector without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, an
interference fit may be
provided between the first connector 12 and second connector 14 or may be
provided by a
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properly configured deformable gasket 46. Alternatively, a snap or detent
arrangement
known in the art may be used to retain the first connector 12 to the second
connector 14.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C, first connector 12 includes a
locking arm
234 that is configured for mating engagement with corresponding slot 230
formed in second
connector 14, similar to the arm and slot structure described.
An alignment rib 59 (FIG. 1) extends radially from at least one of the
plurality of
couplings 28 along its longitudinal axis. A corresponding alignment slot (not
shown) is
provided in the inner surface of the sleeve 24 extending to the distal end
thereof for
accepting the alignment rib 59. It is contemplated that virtually any type of
alignment
rib/slot configuration commonly used in the art of for alignment of mating
connectors can
be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
The coupling fitting 40 includes a proximal cylinder 52 and a distal cylinder
54
aligned along a longitudinal axis 56. The proximal cylinder 52 includes a
proximal opening
58 and an inside diameter 60 defining an inner surface 62 configured for a
press fit
corresponding to the outside diameter of one of the first plurality of fluid
conduits 18. In
the illustrative embodiment, the corresponding fluid conduit is an air tube
which is press fit
into the proximal cylinder 52 through its proximal opening 58. In an
illustrative
embodiment, the fluid conduit is substantially permanently attached to the
proximal
cylinder 52 by friction. In alternative embodiments a variety of suitable
adhesives may be
applied to the inner surface 62 of the proximal cylinder 52 to permanently
attach the fluid
conduit and provide a fluid tight seal therebetween. For example, it is
envisioned that a
silicon adhesive, rubber cement, a material specific adhesive compound, an o-
ring, a gasket
or the like can be used according to methods well known in the art to attach
the fluid
conduit to the coupling fitting.
The distal cylinder 54 comprises an inner surface defined by an inside contour
64
revolved about the longitudinal axis 56 and an outer surface 66 defined by an
outside
diameter. In the illustrative embodiment, the inside contour 64 includes a
sealing portion
68, a flexing portion 70 and an annular lip portion 72. The sealing portion 68
has an inside
diameter adapted for a tight fit against the outside surface of the coupling
port 38 to provide
at least partial fluid sealing therebetween. The annular lip portion 72
defines an annular
ring that compresses against the outside surface of coupling port 38 and
provides fluid
CA 02552354 2006-06-29
WO 2005/083313 PCT/US2005/005599
sealing therebetween. The flexing portion 70 is defined by a reduced wall
thickness which
allows the distal cylinder 54 to deflect inwardly to facilitate engagement of
the locking tab
42 to the detent cavity 44.
Although the illustrative embodiment is described with respect to a particular
retention and sealing configuration between the coupling fitting 40 and
coupling port 38, it
is envisioned that virtually any type of coupling fitting retention and
sealing method known
in the art can be used between the coupling fitting 40 and the external
surface of the
coupling port 3 8 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
For example, it
is envisioned that a threaded collar, a cantilever snap arm or the like can be
used for
attachment of the coupling fitting 40 to the coupling port 38 or to the first
connector 12.
In another example referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the sleeve 24 or interior
surface of
the first connector 12 can include a detent cavity 44 extending at least
partially into the
interior surface and adapted for accepting the locking tab 42 of the coupling
fitting 40. A
detent 57 of tab 42 is inserted into sleeve 24 to become disposed in cavity
44. T~etent 57 is
rotated through cavity 44, via manipulation of fitting 40 and retained in
position by bump
formed in the wall of cavity 44. In an alternate embodiment, the detent cavity
shown in
FIG. 10 includes a longitudinal track portion 55 (shown in phantom) adapted
for guiding the
locking tab 42 (FIG. 9) during engagement and disengagement and an annular
portion 57
adapted for retaining the locking tab 42 (FIG. 9) when the coupling fitting 40
is rotated
about its longitudinal axis 56. Along its length, the detent cavity 44 can
have varying.depth
or width into the interior surface. The varying depth of the decent cavity 44
provides a
predetermined engagement/disengagement force/displacement profile between the
locking
tab 42 and the detent cavity. In one embodiment, the locking tab has an outer
portion with
an enlarged manual engagement surface 43 to assist manipulation of the locking
tab 42.
In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the coupling fitting includes
an
engagement portion 74 adapted for opening a valve 76 disposed within the
coupling port 38.
The engagement portion 74 extends distally from a transverse wall 78 within
the coupling
fitting 40 to displace a plunger 80 in the valve 76. In the illustrative
embodiment, the
transverse wall 78 is disposed within the coupling fitting 40 about between
the proximal
cylinder 52 and the distal cylinder 54 and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis
56. At least
one fluid passageway extends through the transverse wall.
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Although the illustrative embodiment is described in terms of a distally
extending
engagement portion, it is envisioned that virtually any type of valve
engagement structure
can be used to displace a valve plunger 80 within the scope of the present
disclosure. For
example, a flat surface of the transverse wall 78 or a rib extending from the
inner surface of
the distal cylinder 54, can be aligned with a complementary structure within a
valve 76 to
displace a valve plunger 80 when the coupling fitting 40 is engaged with the
coupling port
38.
The illustrative embodiment includes a valve 76 is disposed v~ithin the
coupling port
38. The valve 76 includes a plunger 80 movable along the longitudinal axis of
the coupling
port 38 and biased proximally by a spring 82. The spring 82 is supported by
the gasket 46
which is held in place in cavity 26 by protrusion 51 on the gasket 46.
Adhesive may
alternatively be used to maintain gasket 46 in position. The gasket 46
includes a spring seat
formed along the longitudinal axis of any gasket passageway to be aligned with
a coupling
port. (FIGS. 4 -5) The spring seat in the illustrative embodiment includes a
central stub 84
supported by radial spars 86 within the gasket opening.
The valve can be easily assembled by installing the spring 82 over the distal
end of
the plunger 80 to form a plunger and spring sub-assembly. The plunger 80
includes a step
88 to engage the proximal end of the spring 82. The plunger and spring sub-
assembly can
then be installed into the coupling port 38 from its proximal end. The gasket
46 can then be
installed into the cavity 26. Alternatively, the plunger and spring sub-
assembly can be
installed to the gasket 46 by fitting the spring 82 to the spring seat before
installing the
gasket 46 spring 82 and plunger 80 together to the first connector 12. FIGS. 7
and 8
provide two illustrative embodiments of a plunger 80 according to the: present
disclosure.
Although the present disclosure illustrates the use of a coil spring 82 to
bias the
plunger 80, it is contemplated that virtually any type of plunger and spring
arrangement
known in the art can be used to provide biasing of the plunger 80 within the
scope of the
present disclosure. For example, it is envisioned that spring force could be
applied to the
plunger 80 by forming a plastic cantilever spring arm that could be formed
within the first
connector 12. Alternatively a structure similar to the spring sea* could be
formed of
elastomeric material as part of the gasket 46 to provide a biasing force to
the plunger 80
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
17
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When the coupling fitting 40 is engaged with the couplirLg port 38, the
engagement
portion 74 of the coupling fitting forces the plunger 80 to move distally
against the force of
the spring 82 which is thereby compressed. An open fluid conriection is
thereby provided
from the fluid conduit connected to the coupling fitting 40, through the
coupling port 38 to
the corresponding one of the second plurality of fluid conduits 22, i.e., the
corresponding air
tube.
For example, a portion of the compression sleeve that fluidly communicates
with the
pressurized fluid source via coupling port 38 may be removed from the
remainder of the
compression sleeve. The remaining portion of the compression sleeve continues
to provide
treatment to the limb of the subject. Upon removal of the selected portion,
the coupling
fitting 40 is disconnected and not engaged to the coupling port 38. Spring 82
forces the
plunger 80 to its proximal limit of travel where the plunger 80 engages a
proximal stop such
that valve 76 is in a closed position.
The plunger 80 is configured to cooperate with an internal structure in the
coupling
port 38 to define a reduced fluid orifice when the plunger 80 is displaced to
its proximal
limit. The reduced fluid orifice is designed to provide pneumatic
characteristics
approximating the pneumatic characteristics of a detached device_
In an illustrative embodiment, (FIGS. 6 - 7), a cap 90 having a fluid
passageway 92
therethrough is disposed in the proximal opening of the coupling port 38. The
cap 90
provides a stop defining a proximal limit of plunger travel and is configured
to cooperate
with the plunger 80 of valve 76, such that valve 76 reduces the dimension of
the fluid
orifice of coupling port 38.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, coupling fitting 40 is connected to
the
coupling port 38 to force plunger 80 distally and open the fluid connection
(FIG., 6A),
described above, for inflating a removable portion of an inflatable
compression sleeve (not
shown). To provide such an open connection, a valve seat 282 of-plunger 80 is
disposed via
spring 82 (not shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B for clarity), out of engagement with a
conical seat
284 of cap 90. This configuration allows air to flow around the conical seat
284 and
through conduit 22 (not shown), and out to the inflatable removable portion of
the
compression sleeve, as shown by arrows A.
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For removal of the removable portion of the compression sleeve, coupling
fitting 40
is removed from coupling port 38. Spring 82 forces valve seat 282 into
engagement with a
counter bore edge of conical seat 284. Thus, this configuration advantageously
reduces the
dimension of the fluid orifice of coupling port 38 such that air only flows
through cavities
defined by semi-circular slots 286 of valve seat 282 and the bore edge of
conical seat 284.
Slots 286 are formed on the sides of valve seat 282. The cavities defined by
slots 286 and
conical seat 284 facilitate fluid flow that approximates the pneumatic
behavior of the
removable portion of the compression sleeve when coupling fitting 40 is
connected to
coupling port 38 during an open fluid connection. The cavities defined by
slots 286 and
conical seat 284 may have various configurations and dimensions including
geometries such
as, for example, elliptical, polygonal, etc.
This configuration advantageously approximates the pneumatic characteristics
of a
detached device. It is contemplated that the fluid orifice of coupling port 38
may be
variously configured such that corresponding engagement with plunger 80
reduces the
orifice dimension to approximate fluid flow through coupling port 38 that
would otherwise
occur with valve 76 in the open position. It is further contemplated that
plunger 80 may
includes openings to approximate fluid flow. It is envisioned that valve 76 is
operable to
reduce the dimension of the fluid orifice of .coupling port 38 over a range of
closed
positions, including partial fluid flow, leakage, etc. to approximate fluid in
the port or
alternatively, the orifice may completely close to prevent fluid flow through
the
corresponding port. In a completely closed configuration, pump speed or other
settings may
be adjusted.
In a particular embodiment, the present disclosure provides an air tubing
connector
for use with a compression apparatus having removable portions, see, for
example, the
compression sleeve described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/784,607,
filed on
February 23, 2004 and entitled Compression Apparatus. Three separate air tube
are
connected to an ankle portion, a calf portion and a knee portion of the
apparatus. Each
portion is supplied with a timed sequence of compressed air through its
respective air tube.
The proximal end of each of the three air tubes is connected to the first
plurality of fluid
ports 16 in a first connector 12 according to the present disclosure. A mating
set of three air
tubes extends from a timed pressure source and is connected to the second
plurality of fluid
ports 18 in a second connector 14 according to the present disclosure.
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In the illustrative embodiment, the distal end of the thigh tube is connected
to the
first connector 12 via a coupling fitting 40 and port 38 as described
hereinbefore. When a
patient no longer requires the thigh portion of the prophylaxis compression
apparatus, the
thigh portion can be removed and the tubing attached thereto can be
disconnected from the
first connector at the coupling port 38. Operation of the valve 76 in the
coupling port 38
provides a reduced fluid orifice that restricts airflow therethrough to
approximate the
pneumatic characteristics of the thigh portion and its corresponding air tube.
Thus, sensors
in the timed pressure source will not detect a change in fluid pressure or
flow rate when the
thigh portion is removed. This allows the timed pressure source to continue
supplying
uninterrupted timed air pressure to the ankle and calf portions of the
prophylaxis
compression apparatus.
Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, certain embodiments are provided wherein the
first
plurality of fluid conduits 18 is a set of webbed tubing 98 having increased
webbing volume
100 between at least one pair of adjacent conduits. At least one interference
rib 94 is
formed between at least one pair of adjacent fluid ports in the first
plurality of fluid ports.
The increased webbing volume 100 is aligned with the interference rib 94 if
the set of
webbed tubing 98 is improperly oriented with the first connector 12. The
interference rib
94 thereby prevents attachment of improperly oriented fluid conduits to the
first connector
12. Similarly, the second plurality of fluid conduits 22 can include an
increased webbing
volume configured to interfere with an interference rib between adjacent ports
in the second
connector 14 to prevent attachment of improperly oriented fluid conduits to
the second
connector 14.
Referring to FIG. 13, one embodiment includes a first connector 12 having an
interference key 96 in the cavity 26 to prevent the first connector 12 from
mating with
legacy connector components. The second connector 14 includes a clearance
space for the
interference key 96. FIG. 14 schematically depicts the function of an
interference key 96 to
prevent connection of certain embodiments of a first connector 12 to certain
embodiments
of a second connector 13. For example, key slot 98 in second connector 13B
provides
clearance for interference key 96 in first connector 12B to facilitate mating
one to the other.
Second connector 13B can also be mated to certain first connectors such as 12A
which do
not include an interference key. Second connector 13A does not include a key
slot and
therefore can not be mated with first connector 12B. In at least one
embodiment, second
20 .
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WO 2005/083313 PCT/US2005/005599
connector 13A is a legacy connector. In the illustrative embodiment, the
interference key
96 in a non-compatible connector such as first connector 12B is used to
prevent connection
of the non-compatible connector to the legacy connector.
It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the
embodiments
disclosed herein. For example, the connector of the present disclosure may be
used with
various single and plural bladder compression sleeve devices including, for
example, the
compression sleeve described in LT.S. Patent Application Serial No.
10/784,604, filed on
February 23, 2004 and entitled Compression Apparatus, the entire contents of
which is
hereby incorporated by reference herein. Therefore, the above description
should not be
construed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of the various
embodiments. Those
skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and
spirit of the claims
appended hereto.
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