Outlet coupling

Abstract

A catheter coupler has a first segment and a second segment, which are attached end to end to surround a central space. The segments define a first container and a second container for receiving catheter elements. A port is positioned in one of the segments. The port provides access to the central space. A threaded joint on the segment extends from the central space and defines a bore aligned with the port. A collar on the segment extends toward the central space. The collar has an outer surface that forms a recessed portion with the inner surface of the segment. A seal is positioned in a channel defined by a bow key surrounding the container. The seal has a body that defines a first aperture aligned with the container and a second aperture aligned with the bore of the threaded joint.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 908,010, filed on September 30, 2019, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a mechanical catheter coupler for joining catheter elements. Background Art

[0004] The mechanical coupling for connecting the conduit elements end to end comprises a circumferentially located interconnectable segment around the end portion of the conduit element coaxially aligned. The term "conduit element" is used in this article to describe any conduit-like article or member with a conduit-like form. Conduit elements include conduit blanks, conduit fittings such as elbows, caps and T-shaped steel pipes, and fluid control members such as valves, reducers, filters, flow restrictors, pressure regulators, etc.

[0005] The segments define an annular channel that receives a seal, typically an elastomeric ring, that engages the end of each conduit element and cooperates with the segments and conduit elements to provide a fluid-tight seal. The segments have a connecting member, typically in the form of a lug that projects outwardly from the housing. The lug is adapted to receive a fastener, such as a nut and bolt, that can be adjustably tightened to draw the segments toward each other.

[0006] The mechanical coupling for grooved conduit elements according to the prior art has a continuous arcuate projection on the segment, which engages the outer surface of the conduit elements that they are connected end to end. These arcuate projections are the parts of the "key" of the segment structure that are generally referred to as couplings. The key can engage the outer surface of the conduit element with various configurations that include, for example, conduit elements with circumferential grooves. The engagement between the key and the conduit element provides a mechanical constraint to the joint, and ensures that the conduit element also keeps coupling even under high internal pressure and external force.

[0007] When using the mechanical coupling according to the prior art, the method for fixing the conduit element with the end-to-end relationship includes a sequential installation process. Typically, the coupling is received by a technician, wherein the segment is bolted together, and the annular washer is locked in the passage of the segment. The technician first disassembles the coupling by loosening the bolts of the coupling, removes the annular washer, lubricates the annular washer (if not pre-lubricated), and places the annular washer around the end of the conduit element to be coupled. The installation of the annular washer usually requires lubrication and stretching of the annular washer to adapt to the conduit element. In the case where the annular washer is located on two conduit elements, then place a segment at a time, thereby spanning the end of the conduit element and the annular washer is against them for locking. During placement, the segment engages the washer, the projection is aligned with the groove, the bolt is inserted by the lug, and the nut is threadedly connected to the bolt and tightened, thereby the coupling segment is dragged toward each other, the washer is compressed and the projection in the engaging groove is engaged.

[0008] In some cases, it is desirable to utilize a coupler to not only achieve a connection between two substantially coaxial conduits, but also to create an outlet oriented at an angle to the first two tubes that can be used to add other conduit elements. Such couplers (which are generally considered outlet couplers) are more complicated and time consuming to assemble due to the need to ensure alignment of the components that seal the outlet.

[0009] As is apparent from the foregoing description, installation of mechanical conduit couplers according to the prior art requires a technician to typically handle at least seven individual parts (and, when the coupler has more than two segments, more individual parts), and must completely disassemble and reassemble the coupler. If a technician could install a mechanical conduit coupler without first completely disassembling the mechanical conduit coupler (particularly the outlet coupler) and then reassembling it piece by piece, a great deal of time, effort, and expense would be saved. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention relates to a coupling for coupling conduit elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling comprises a first segment and a second segment, which are positioned end to end, thereby surrounding a central space and defining a first and a second relatively disposed container for receiving conduit elements. A port is positioned between its first end and the second end in the first segment. The port provides access to the central space. A threaded joint extends away from the central space from the first segment. The threaded joint defines a bore aligned with the port. A circumferential groove may be positioned on the outer surface of the threaded joint. A collar extends from the first segment toward the central space. The collar surrounds the port and comprises an outer surface, which faces the inner surface of the first segment to define a recess therebetween. A first adjustable attachment assembly couples the first end of the first segment to the first end of the second segment. The first adjustable attachment assembly is suitable for dragging the first segment and the second segment toward each other.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first segment and the second segment includes a first bow key and a second bow key positioned on opposite sides of the segment. The first bow key surrounds the first container, and the second bow key surrounds the second container. The first key has a first inner surface, and the second key has a second inner surface. The first inner surface and the second inner surface face each other and define a channel therebetween.

[0012] By way of example, the seal can be positioned within the passage. In an exemplary embodiment, the seal includes a body that defines a first aperture aligned with the first container and the second container and a second aperture aligned with the bore of the threaded joint. The tube surrounds the second aperture. The tube has an open end that engages the recess and forms a seal between an outer surface of the collar and an inner surface of the first segment.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the lip surrounds the open end of the tube. The lip engages the outer surface of the collar and forms a sealing gland. In an exemplary embodiment, the lip has a hook cross-sectional shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the seal further includes a first salient surrounding the first aperture and positioned proximate to the first container. The first sealing surface is positioned on the first salient. The first sealing surface is adapted to engage one of the conduit elements when it is inserted into the first container. The second salient surrounds the second aperture and is positioned proximate to the second container. The second sealing surface is positioned on the second salient. The second sealing surface is adapted to engage one of the conduit elements when it is inserted into the second container.

[0014] By way of example, the seal may further include a plurality of ribs protruding from the body into the first aperture. The ribs extend between the first container and the second container. In an exemplary embodiment, each rib has a first end facing the first container and a second end facing the second container. When the conduit element is inserted into the central space, each of the first end and the second end of the rib may engage with a corresponding one of the conduit elements. Moreover, by way of example, the seal may include a first tongue and a second tongue protruding outward from the body. The first tongue is locked between the first end of the first segment and the first end of the second segment, and the second tongue is locked between the second end of the first segment and the second end of the second segment. In a specific exemplary embodiment, the first tongue and the second tongue include a first dovetail tenon and a second dovetail tenon, respectively, and the first segment and the second segment define a first dovetail mortise and a second dovetail mortise located at the first end and the second end thereof, respectively, wherein the first tenon cooperates with each other in the first mortise, and the second tenon cooperates with each other in the second mortise.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the first angular portion extends from the first end of the second segment toward the first segment. The first angular portion is received in a first recessed portion in the first end of the first segment. The second angular portion extends from the second end of the second segment toward the first segment. The second angular portion is received in a second recessed portion in the second end of the first segment. The first angular portion has a first surface facing the central space. The first surface can be oriented at an angle relative to the axis of the bore. The second angular portion has a second surface facing the central space. The second surface can be oriented at an angle relative to the axis of the bore. Moreover, by way of example, the first recessed portion has a first contact surface, the first contact surface is oriented at an angle so as to contact the first surface of the first angular portion, and the second recessed portion has a second contact surface, the second contact surface is oriented at an angle so as to contact the second surface of the second angular portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the first recess is positioned at the first end of the first segment. The first angular portion is received in the first recess. The second recess is positioned at the second end of the first segment. The second angular portion is received in the second recess. By way of example, the first notch and the second notch may be V-shaped, and the first angled portion and the second angled portion may be wedge-shaped.

[0016] Moreover, by way of example, the first adjustable attachment assembly includes a first lug attached to the first end of the first segment. The second lug is attached to the first end of the second segment and is positioned to be in a facing relationship with the first lug. Each lug defines a corresponding hole. The first fastener extends between the first lug and the second lug. The first fastener is received in the corresponding hole. The first fastener is adjustable so as to drag the first segment and the second segment toward each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the second adjustable attachment assembly couples the second end of the first segment to the second end of the second segment. The second adjustable attachment assembly is suitable for dragging the first segment and the second segment toward each other. By way of example, the second adjustable attachment assembly includes a third lug attached to the second end of the first segment. The fourth lug is attached to the second end of the second segment and is positioned to be in a facing relationship with the third lug. Each lug defines a corresponding opening. The second fastener extends between the third lug and the fourth lug. The second fastener is received in the corresponding opening. The second fastener is adjustable so as to drag the first segment and the second segment toward each other.

[0017] Exemplary embodiments may further include a spring assembly that couples the second end of the first segment to the second end of the second segment. The spring assembly biases the first segment and the second segment away from each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring assembly includes a first boss protruding from the second end of the first segment. The second boss protrudes from the second end of the second segment and is positioned adjacent to the first boss. The first fulcrum is positioned on the first boss and contacts the second boss. The segment pivots around the first fulcrum. The link extends between the first boss and the second boss and locks the first boss and the second boss. Exemplary embodiments may include a second fulcrum positioned on the second boss. The second fulcrum contacts the first fulcrum. Exemplary embodiments may further include a first platform positioned adjacent to the first fulcrum on the first boss. The second platform is positioned adjacent to the second fulcrum on the second boss. The first platform and the second platform are angularly oriented relative to a plane defining an interface between the first segment and the second segment. In addition, by way of example, the connector according to the present invention may further include a first head protruding from the first boss and a second head protruding from the second boss. The link engages the first head and the second head to retain the link to the boss. In an exemplary embodiment, the link includes a ring surrounding the first boss and the second boss. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary coupling according to the present invention depicted in a pre-assembled state;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of the conduit connector in an assembled state;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional isometric view of a conduit coupling shown in;

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An axial cross-sectional view of a conduit coupling in a pre-assembled state;

[0022] Figure 4A yes Figure 1 A side view of the conduit connector in a pre-assembled state;

[0023] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An axial cross-sectional view of the conduit coupling in an assembled state;

[0024] Figure 6 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a coupling according to the present invention; and

[0025] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An axial view of the coupling shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of a coupling 10 according to the present invention for coupling a conduit element 12 and a conduit element 14 is shown. The exemplary coupling 10 includes respective first and second segments 16, 18 positioned end-to-end to surround a central space 20. The first and second segments 16, 18 define respective first and second containers 22, 24. The first and second containers 22, 24 are disposed opposite to each other and receive the conduit element 12 and the conduit element 14, such as Figure 2 As shown in . Figure 1 The port 26 is shown, which is located in the first segment 16 between the first end 28 of the segment and the second end 30 thereof (see also Figure 2 ). Port 26 provides access to central space 20. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , a nipple 32 extends from the first segment 16 away from the central space 20. The nipple 32 defines a bore 34 that is aligned with the port 26. A circumferential groove 36 may be positioned on an outer surface 38 of the nipple 32 to allow a grooved catheter element (not shown) to be connected to the coupler 10 using a mechanical coupler (not shown).

[0027] like Figure 2As shown in FIG. 1 , a collar 40 extends from the first segment 16 toward the central space 20. The collar 40 surrounds the port 26. An outer surface 42 of the collar 40 faces an inner surface 44 of the first segment 16. The outer surface 42 and the inner surface 44 together define a recess 46 therebetween.

[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , each first segment 16 and second segment 18 includes a respective first bow key 48 and second bow key 50. The first bow key 48 and second bow key 50 are positioned on opposite sides of each first segment 16 and second segment 18. The first bow key 48 surrounds the first container 22, and the second bow key 50 surrounds the second container 24. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , each first bow key 48 is supported on a first shoulder 52, and each second bow key 50 is supported on a second shoulder 54. The first shoulder 52 and the second shoulder 54 face each other and define a channel 56 therebetween. A seal 58 is positioned within the channel 56. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown in , the seal 58 includes a body 60 that defines a first aperture 62 and a second aperture 64. The first aperture 62 is aligned with the first container 22 and the second container 24, and the second aperture 64 is aligned with the bore 34 of the threaded joint 32. A tube 66 surrounds the second aperture 64. The tube 66 has an open end 68 that engages the recess 46 defined by the collar 40 and the first segment 16 and thereby forms a seal 69 between the outer surface 42 of the collar and the inner surface 44 of the first segment 16. It is advantageous to form a sealing gland 70 between the collar 40 and the first segment 16, and, in this example, this is achieved by a lip 72 surrounding the open end 68 of the tube 66. The lip 72 may have a hook-shaped cross-section 74 to allow internal pressure actuation of the sealing gland 70. As shown Figure 3 As shown in , the hook-shaped cross section 74 may define a groove 71. The groove 71 of the hook-shaped cross section 74 may be positioned within the recess 46. The hook-shaped cross section 74 may include a tip 73 that engages the outer surface 42 of the collar. Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the groove 71 of the hook-shaped cross-section 74 may be open when the sealing gland 70 is formed.

[0029] If further Figure 2, the seal 58 includes a first lobe 76 and a second lobe 78. Both the first lobe 76 and the second lobe 78 surround the first aperture 62, the first lobe 76 is positioned proximate to the first container 22, and the second lobe 78 is positioned proximate to the second container 24. A first sealing surface 80 and a second sealing surface 82 are positioned on the first lobe 76 and the second lobe 78, respectively. Each sealing surface 80 and the sealing surface 82 are adapted to engage and seal against the corresponding outer surface 84 and outer surface 86 of the conduit element 12 and the conduit element 14 when the conduit element is inserted into the central space 20 through the first container 22 and the second container 24.

[0030] like Figure 1-3 As shown in , the seal 58 may further include a plurality of ribs 88. The ribs 88 protrude from the body 60 into the first aperture 62 and extend in a direction between the first container 22 and the second container 24. The ribs 88 stiffen the body 60 and thereby enable the body 60 to maintain a seal within the coupling 10 even when subjected to an internal vacuum. Figure 2 As shown in the figure, each rib 88 has a first end 88a facing the first container 22 and a second end 88b facing the second container 24. When the catheter elements are inserted into the central space 20, the first end 88a and the second end 88b of the rib 88 can engage with the corresponding one of the catheter elements 12 and the catheter elements 14, and thus serve as a catheter stopper, which is used to position the catheter elements 12 and the catheter elements 14 so that when the catheter joint is formed by the coupler 10, the circumferential groove 90 of the catheter element 12 and the circumferential groove 92 of the catheter element 14 are aligned with the corresponding first bow key 48 and the second bow key 50.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown in , the seal 58 may further include a first tongue 94 and a second tongue 96 protruding outward from the body 60. The first tongue 94 is locked between the first end 28 of the first segment 16 and the first end 98 of the second segment 18; the second tongue 96 is locked between the second end 30 of the first segment 16 and the second end 100 of the second segment 18. The first tongue 94 and the second tongue 96 help position the first segment 16 and the second segment 18, and may advantageously include respective first dovetail tenons 102 and second dovetail tenons 104, which cooperate with each other in respective dovetail mortises 106 and 108 defined by the first segment 16 and the second segment 18.

[0032] Figure 4 The coupling 10 is shown having a first adjustable attachment assembly 110 and a second adjustable attachment assembly 112 (for example, a first segment 16 and a second segment 18) adapted to draw the first segment 16 and the second segment 18 toward each other to form a conduit joint. Figure 4 and Figure 5 ). The first adjustable attachment assembly 110 couples the first end 28 of the first segment 16 to the first end 98 of the second segment 18; the second adjustable attachment assembly 112 couples the second end 30 of the first segment 16 to the second end 100 of the second segment 18. In the exemplary coupler 10, the first adjustable attachment assembly 110 includes a first lug 114 attached to the first end 28 of the first segment 16 and a second lug 116 attached to the first end 98 of the second segment 18. The first lug 114 and the second lug 116 are in a facing relationship, and each lug defines a respective hole 118 and hole 120 for receiving a first fastener 122. The first fastener 122 extends between the first lug 114 and the second lug 116, and the first fastener in this example is a nut 124 and a bolt 126, which are adjustable so as to draw the first segment and the second segment toward each other when tightened. Similarly, the second adjustable attachment assembly 112 includes a third lug 128 attached to the second end 30 of the first segment 16 and a fourth lug 130 attached to the second end 100 of the second segment 18. The third lug 128 and the fourth lug 130 are in a facing relationship, and each lug defines a respective hole 132 and a hole 134 that receive a second fastener 136. The second fastener 136 extends between the third lug 128 and the fourth lug 130, and the second fastener in this example is a nut 138 and a bolt 140, which are adjustable so as to draw the first segment 16 and the second segment 18 toward each other when tightened.

[0033] If further Figure 4As shown in FIG. 1 , the first horn 200 extends from the first end 98 of the second segment 18 toward the first segment 16. The first horn 200 is received in a first recess 202 in the first end 28 of the first segment 16. The second horn 204 extends from the second end 100 of the second segment 18 toward the first segment 16. The second horn 204 is received in a second recess 206 in the second end 30 of the first segment 16. The first horn 200 has a first surface 208 facing the central space 20. The first surface 208 is oriented at an angle relative to the bore axis 210 of the bore 34. The second horn 204 has a second surface 212 facing the central space 20. The second surface 212 is also oriented at an angle relative to the bore axis 210. The first surface 208 and the second surface 212 are advantageously oriented outwardly relative to the bore axis 210 to act as lead-in surfaces that guide the first segment 16 and the second segment 18 into proper engagement. To further improve the guiding function of the first surface 208 and the second surface 212, the first recess 202 has a first contact surface 214, which is also oriented at an angle so as to contact the first surface 208 of the first horn 200. Similarly, the second recess 206 has a second contact surface 216, which is also oriented at an angle so as to contact the second surface 212 of the second horn 204. It is advantageous if the angular orientations of the various surfaces complement each other to provide a flat engagement therebetween.

[0034] like Figure 4 and Figure 4A As shown in FIG. 1 , the first notch 218 is positioned in the first end 28 of the first segment 16, and the second notch 220 is positioned in the second end 30 of the first segment 16. When the first segment 16 and the second segment 18 are drawn together into engagement when forming the conduit joint, the first horn 200 is received in the first notch 218, and the second horn 204 is received in the second notch 220. Figure 4A When the first notch 218 and the second notch 220 are V-shaped and the first notch 200 and the second notch 204 are wedge-shaped as shown in the first angled portion and the first notch in FIG. 2 , the angled portions and notches can be further used to guide the segments to become engaged. Again, the complementary angles between the wedge and the notch are shown to have excellent effects in initiating proper engagement of the first segment 16 and the second segment 18 and maintaining proper alignment of the first segment 16 and the second segment 18.

[0035] exist Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 2 The operation of the coupling 10 for coupling the catheter element 12 and the catheter element 14 is illustrated in FIG. Figure 4As shown in , the coupler 10 is in a "pre-assembled state" as it will arrive to the user. In this pre-assembled state, the first segment 16 and the second segment 18 are held in a spaced relationship with the segments resting on the seal 58 and are held in place by the first fastener 122 and the second fastener 136. The separation of the first segment 16 and the second segment 18 is sufficient to allow the catheter elements 12 and 14 to be inserted into the central space 20 through the respective first and second containers 22 and 24 without disassembling the coupler. Figure 1 As shown in , it may be advantageous to provide a notch 142 at the ends (48 shown) of the first bow key 48 and the second bow key 50 to reduce the required separation distance of the first segment 16 and the second segment 18. With the coupler 10 in its pre-assembled state, the conduit elements 12 and 14 are inserted into the respective first and second containers 22, 24, with the respective outer surfaces 84 and 86 of the conduit elements engaging the sealing surfaces 80 and 82 on the first and second lobes 76, 78 of the seal 58, respectively. The conduit elements 12 and 14 are inserted into the central space 20 so as to engage the ends of the rib 88, thereby aligning the first and second bow keys 48, 50 with the respective grooves 90 and 92. As shown Figure 5 and Figure 2 , the first fastener 122 and the second fastener 136 are tightened to draw the first section 16 and the second section 18 toward each other. This compresses the body 60 of the seal 58, thereby: 1) achieving a fluid-tight seal between the coupler 10 and the conduit elements 12 and 14; 2) engaging the seal gland 70 within the recess 46; and 3) engaging the first bow key 48 and the second bow key 50 within the groove 90 and the groove 92 to achieve a mechanical connection between the conduit elements and the coupler. A third conduit element (not shown) can be attached to the threaded joint 32.

[0036] As the first and second fasteners 122, 136 are tightened to compress the body 60 of the seal 58 as described above, the first and second segments 16, 18 may have a tendency to rotate or shift relative to each other due to the forces necessary to compress the seal 58. Such rotation or shifting would be particularly disadvantageous due to the need to maintain the position of the seal gland 70 within the recess 46. Where the first angled portion 200 and first recessed portion 202 are employed in the second and first segments 18, 16, the first angled portion 200 and first recessed portion 202 serve to position the segments relative to each other, and if any shifting or rotation occurs, the contact between the sides of the tongue and the sidewalls will serve to restrict such undesirable movement, and as the first and second fasteners 122, 136 continue to be tightened, the contact between the sides of the tongue and the sidewalls will tend to reduce such shifting or rotation due to the angled nature of the sides of the tongue and the sidewalls.

[0037] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Another exemplary embodiment of a coupling 144 according to the present invention is depicted. In this embodiment, a spring assembly 146 couples the second end 30 of the first segment 16 to the second end 100 of the second segment 18. The spring assembly 146 biases the first segment 16 and the second segment 18 away from each other or into the open, pre-assembled state shown. When in this open or pre-assembled state, the catheter element can be inserted into the central space 20 without disassembling the coupling 144.

[0038] Figure 6 and Figure 7The exemplary spring assembly 146 shown in FIG. 1 includes a first boss 148 protruding from the second end 30 of the first segment 16 and a second boss 150 protruding from the second end 100 of the second segment 18. The second boss 150 is positioned adjacent to the first boss 148. The first boss 148 and the second boss 150 are cantilevered and are thus substantially responsible for the biasing force of the spring assembly 146. A first fulcrum 152 is positioned on the first boss 148, the first fulcrum 152 contacts the second boss 150 and provides a pivot axis 154 about which the first segment 16 and the second segment 18 can pivot. In the exemplary embodiment, a second fulcrum 156 is positioned on the second boss 150. The second fulcrum 156 contacts the first fulcrum 152 to further define the pivot axis 154 about which the first segment 16 and the second segment 18 pivot. In the exemplary embodiment, the first fulcrum 152 and the second fulcrum 156 are defined by a first platform 158 and a second platform 160. The first platform 158 and the second platform 160 are positioned on the first boss 148 and the second boss 150, respectively, with the first platform 158 being adjacent to the first fulcrum 152 and the second platform 160 being adjacent to the second fulcrum 156 (when present). At least the first platform 158 is angularly oriented relative to a plane 162 including an interface between the first segment 16 and the second segment 18. In the exemplary embodiment, both the first platform 158 and the second platform 160 are angularly oriented at respective orientation angles 164.

[0039] The link 166 extends between the first boss 148 and the second boss 150. The link 166 captures the bosses while allowing pivotal movement of the first segment 16 and the second segment 18. In this example, the link 166 includes a ring 168 surrounding the first boss 148 and the second boss 150. The ring 168 is retained on the first boss 148 and the second boss 150 by engaging with the first head 170 and the second head 172 protruding from the first boss 148 and the second boss 150, respectively. The ring 168 and the first boss 148 and the second boss 150 cooperate to provide the spring biasing action of the spring assembly 146. The thickness 174 of the ring 168, the distance 176 between the first and second fulcrums 152, 156 and the points at which the first and second bosses 148, 150 engage the ring 168, along with the area moments of inertia of the bosses are parameters that will establish the spring constant of the spring assembly 146 and thus determine the amount of force necessary to close the coupling 144 and achieve the joint. The angular orientation 164 of the first and second lands 158, 160 and the distance to which the first fastener 122 has been tightened are each used to set the maximum separation limit between the first segment 16 and the second segment 18, and the inner diameter 178 of the ring 168 determines the separation of the segments between the segments as determined by the Figure 6170 , 172 . In one embodiment, the angular orientation 164 is such that if the first fastener 122 is not present (such as during assembly of the coupler by the manufacturer), the first and second bosses 148 , 150 can be brought sufficiently close to each other so that the inner diameter 178 of the ring 168 will not contact the heads 170 , 172 , thereby allowing the ring 168 to be easily assembled over the first and second bosses 148 , 150 . The first fastener 122 is then assembled and tightened to a predetermined distance 180 (see FIG. 170 ). Figure 7 ) is used to separate the heads 170, 172 enough to hold the ring 168 behind the heads 170 and 172 as described above. The ring inner diameter 178 can be sized to keep the first and second segments 16, 18 in an open or pre-assembled state sufficient to allow the catheter elements to be inserted into the central space 20, or the diameter 178 can be larger and allow the first and second segments 16, 18 to be supported by other elements of the coupler (such as, as described above) in the open or pre-assembled state. In this case, when the first and second segments 16, 18 are pulled toward each other to close the coupler, the first and second segments 16, 18 will have some angular free play, and the spring assembly 146 will not immediately take effect when the segments pivot. The ring 168 and the first and second bosses 148 and 150 cooperate to form a spring loaded hinge, and it is understood that in actual design, additional hinge embodiments such as pinned hinges, cast hinges, and tongue and stirrup hinges are possible.

[0040] The first section 16 and the second section 18 are dragged toward each other to form a joint by the first adjustable attachment assembly 110 as described above. In this example, the first fastener 122 including the bolt 126 and the nut 124 drags the first section 16 and the second section 18 toward each other against the biasing force of the spring assembly 146 when being tightened. The closing action causes the first bow key 48 and the second bow key 50 to become engaged with the groove 90 of the catheter element 12 and the groove 92 of the catheter element 14 to form a mechanical joint and compress the seal 58 between the first section 16 and the second section 18 to achieve a fluid-tight seal. A third catheter element (not shown) can be attached to the threaded joint 32.

Claims

1. A coupling for connecting catheter elements, the coupling comprising: first and second segments positioned end to end so as to surround the central space and define oppositely disposed first and second receptacles for receiving the catheter element; a port positioned in the first segment between the first and second ends thereof, the port providing access to the central space; a threaded fitting extending from the first segment away from the central space, the threaded fitting defining a bore aligned with the port; a collar extending from the first segment toward the central space, the collar surrounding the port and including an outer surface facing the inner surface of the first segment to define a recess therebetween; a seal positioned between the first segment and the second segment, the seal comprising: a body defining a first aperture aligned with the first container and the second container and a second aperture aligned with the bore of the threaded fitting; a tube surrounding the second aperture, the tube having an open end, the open end including a lip, the lip having a hook cross-sectional shape that engages both the outer surface of the collar and the inner surface of the first segment within the recess and forms a sealing gland, the hook cross-sectional shape defining a groove, wherein the groove of the hook cross-sectional shape is within the recess; A first adjustable attachment assembly couples the first end of the first segment to the first end of the second segment, the first adjustable attachment assembly being adapted to draw the first segment and the second segment toward each other.

2. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first segment and the second segment includes a first bow key and a second bow key positioned on opposite sides of the segment, the first bow key surrounding the first container, the second bow key surrounding the second container, the first bow key having a first inner surface, and the second bow key having a second inner surface, the first inner surface and the second inner surface facing each other and defining a channel therebetween.

3. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein: The seal further comprises: a first lobe surrounding the first aperture and positioned proximate the first container; a first sealing surface positioned on the first lobe, the first sealing surface adapted to engage one of the conduit elements when the first sealing surface is inserted into the first container; a second lobe surrounding the first aperture and positioned proximate the second container; A second sealing surface is positioned on the second lobe, the second sealing surface being adapted to engage one of the conduit elements when the second sealing surface is inserted into the second container.

4. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein: The seal further includes a plurality of ribs protruding from the body into the first aperture, the ribs extending between the first container and the second container.

5. The coupling according to claim 4, wherein: Each of the ribs has a first end facing the first container and a second end facing the second container, each of the first and second ends of the rib being engageable with a respective one of the duct elements when the duct elements are inserted into the central space.

6. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein: The seal further includes a first tongue portion and a second tongue portion protruding outward from the main body, the first tongue portion being locked between the first end of the first segment and the first end of the second segment, and the second tongue portion being locked between the second end of the first segment and the second end of the second segment.

7. The coupling according to claim 6, wherein: The first tongue portion and the second tongue portion include a first dovetail tenon and a second dovetail tenon, respectively; The first segment and the second segment define a first dovetail mortise and a second dovetail mortise positioned at the first end and the second end thereof, respectively, the first dovetail tenon fitting mutually within the first dovetail mortise, and the second dovetail tenon fitting mutually within the second dovetail mortise.

8. The coupling of claim 1, further comprising a circumferential groove positioned on an outer surface of the threaded fitting.

9. The coupling according to claim 1, further comprising: a first angular portion extending from the first end of the second segment toward the first segment, the first angular portion being received in a first recess in the first end of the first segment; A second angular portion extends from the second end of the second segment toward the first segment, and the second angular portion is received in a second recessed portion in the second end of the first segment; wherein, The first horn has a first surface facing the central space, the first surface being oriented at an angle relative to the axis of the bore; The second horn has a second surface facing the central space, the second surface being oriented at an angle relative to the axis of the bore.

10. The coupling according to claim 9, wherein: the first recess having a first contact surface angularly oriented to contact the first surface of the first horn; The second recess has a second contact surface oriented at an angle so as to contact the second surface of the second horn.

11. The coupling according to claim 9, further comprising: a first notch located in the first segment at the first end thereof; The first horn portion is received in the first recess; a second notch located in the first segment at the second end thereof; The second horn portion is received in the second recess.

12. The coupling according to claim 11, wherein: The first notch and the second notch are V-shaped, and the first horn and the second horn are wedge-shaped.

13. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein: The first adjustable attachment assembly comprises: a first lug attached to the first end of the first segment; a second lug attached to said first end of said second segment and positioned in facing relation with said first lug, each of said lugs defining a respective aperture; A first fastener extends between the first lug and the second lug, the first fastener being received within the corresponding aperture, the first fastener being adjustable to draw the first segment and the second segment toward each other.

14. The coupler of claim 13, further comprising a second adjustable attachment assembly coupling the second end of the first segment to the second end of the second segment, the second adjustable attachment assembly adapted to draw the first segment and the second segment toward each other.

15. The coupling according to claim 14, wherein: The second adjustable attachment assembly comprises: a third lug attached to the second end of the first segment; a fourth lug attached to said second end of said second segment and positioned in facing relationship with said third lug, each of said lugs defining a respective opening; A second fastener extends between the third lug and the fourth lug, the second fastener being received within the corresponding opening, the second fastener being adjustable to draw the first segment and the second segment toward each other.

16. The coupler of claim 1, further comprising a spring assembly coupling the second end of the first segment to the second end of the second segment, the spring assembly biasing the first segment and the second segment away from each other.

17. The coupling according to claim 16, wherein: The spring assembly comprises: a first boss protruding from the second end of the first segment; a second boss protruding from the second end of the second segment and positioned adjacent to the first boss; a first fulcrum, which is positioned on the first boss and contacts the second boss, and the segment pivots around the first fulcrum; A connecting member extends between the first boss and the second boss and locks the first boss and the second boss.

18. The coupling of claim 17, further comprising a second fulcrum positioned on the second boss, the second fulcrum contacting the first fulcrum.

19. The coupling according to claim 18, further comprising: a first platform positioned adjacent to the first fulcrum on the first boss; A second platform is positioned adjacent to the second fulcrum on the second boss, the first platform and the second platform being oriented at an angle relative to a plane defining an interface between the first segment and the second segment.

20. The coupling of claim 17, further comprising: a first head protruding from the first boss; A second head protrudes from the second boss, the link engaging the first head and the second head to retain the link to the boss.

21. The coupling of claim 17, wherein: The link includes a ring surrounding the first boss and the second boss.

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