Cannula coupler with adhesive groove

Abstract

This invention provides a sleeve connector for fluid flow kits and devices. The sleeve connector includes a stop surface and a sleeve extending from the stop surface and configured to be inserted into a tube. The sleeve includes an insertion end, a fluid port, an outer surface, and a plurality of grooves disposed around the outer surface. The plurality of grooves are configured to receive adhesive to provide a plurality of bonding areas between the sleeve and the tube. A method for assembling the sleeve connector and the tube is also provided.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 112,042, filed November 10, 2020, entitled “Sleeve Connector with Adhesive Groove,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a sleeve connector with an adhesive groove. Background Technology

[0004] Cannula connectors are used in the medical field in devices for controlling fluid flow to a patient, such as for fluid flow from intravenous (IV) gravity or pump kits. When adhesive is applied to the outside of the cannula and assembled into the tubing, conventional cannula connectors do not provide sufficient tubing retention force due to the lack of an adhesive layer that bonds the fitting to the cannula surface. As the cannula is pushed into the tubing, adhesive on the outer surface of the cannula tends to be rubbed off the cannula and seep from the cannula / tubing connection due to the frictional fit between the cannula and tubing. It is desirable to provide a cannula connector that provides a bonding layer between the tubing and cannula surfaces, thereby increasing the tubing retention strength of the cannula / tubing connection. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a medical cannula connector having one or more grooves disposed on the outer surface of the cannula, which increases the surface area of ​​the cannula and generates more adhesive surface area compared to a typical cannula design.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, a sleeve connector is provided. The sleeve connector includes a housing having a first fluid port at a first end of the housing and a stop surface at a second end of the housing. The sleeve connector includes a sleeve extending from the stop surface and configured to be inserted into a tube. The sleeve includes an insertion end, a second fluid port at the insertion end, an outer surface, and one or more grooves disposed around the outer surface. The one or more grooves are configured to receive adhesive to provide one or more bonding layers between the sleeve and the tube.

[0007] In one or more aspects, the sleeve member extends from the stop surface of the housing and at least partially surrounds a portion of the sleeve, the sleeve member being configured to at least partially surround an end portion of the tube. In one or more aspects, the outer surface of the sleeve includes an outer diameter equal to or greater than the inner diameter of the tube to provide a frictional fit between the sleeve and the tube. In one or more aspects, one or more grooves include a plurality of grooves evenly spaced around the outer surface of the sleeve. In one or more aspects, the plurality of grooves includes one of 16, 24, and 32 grooves. In one or more aspects, one or more grooves are triangular, circular, trapezoidal, or rectangular in shape. In one or more aspects, one or more grooves are one of axial grooves, transverse grooves, and helical grooves.

[0008] In one or more aspects, the sleeve includes a tapered portion disposed at an insertion end, the tapered portion being configured to provide an inclined surface for initial insertion into a tube. In one or more aspects, one or more grooves extend into the tapered portion. In one or more aspects, a stop surface of the housing includes a base member extending from the housing. In one or more aspects, a collar is disposed at the insertion end of the sleeve, the collar having an outer diameter greater than the outer surface of the sleeve. In one or more aspects, the collar includes a retaining wall defining an end of each of one or more grooves, the retaining wall being configured to receive adhesive within one or more grooves. In one or more aspects, the sleeve includes a tapered portion disposed at the insertion end beyond the collar, the tapered portion being configured to provide an inclined surface for initial insertion into a tube.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, a sleeve connector is provided. The sleeve connector includes a stop surface and a sleeve extending from the stop surface and configured to be inserted into a tube. The sleeve includes an insertion end, a fluid port disposed at the center of the sleeve, an outer surface, and a plurality of grooves disposed around the outer surface. The plurality of grooves are configured to receive adhesive to provide a plurality of bonding areas between the sleeve and the tube.

[0010] In one or more aspects, the sleeve includes a tapered portion disposed at an insertion end, the tapered portion being configured to provide an inclined surface for initial insertion into the tube. In one or more aspects, a collar is disposed adjacent to the tapered portion, the collar having an outer diameter greater than the outer surface of the sleeve, wherein the collar includes a retaining wall defining an end of each of a plurality of grooves, the retaining wall being configured to accommodate adhesive within the plurality of grooves.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, a method of assembling a sleeve connector and a tube is provided. The method includes applying an adhesive to an outer surface of a sleeve of the sleeve connector, the sleeve including a plurality of grooves disposed around the outer surface. The method further includes aligning an insertion end of the sleeve with an end of the tube. The method further includes slidably inserting the sleeve into the tube until the end of the tube contacts a stop surface of the sleeve connector. The method also includes forming a plurality of engagement regions between the sleeve and the tube, each engagement region being defined by the outer surface of the adhesive within a groove.

[0012] In one or more aspects, the method further includes: applying an adhesive to an outer surface of a sleeve between a collar and a stop surface of a sleeve connector, the collar being disposed at an insertion end of the sleeve, the collar including an outer diameter greater than the outer surface of the sleeve and a retaining wall defining an end of each of a plurality of grooves; and creating a frictional fit between the collar and the inner surface of the sleeve.

[0013] Additional features and advantages of this disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practice of this disclosure. The objectives and other advantages of this disclosure will be realized and obtained through its written description and claims, and the structures particularly pointed out in the accompanying drawings.

[0014] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

[0016] Figure 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a typical assembled infusion kit.

[0017] Figure 2 depicts a schematic diagram of typical infusion kit components and fittings before assembly.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an example sleeve connector and pipe connection based on some aspects of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an example sleeve connector based on some aspects of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 5 Based on some aspects of this disclosure Figure 4 Side view of the bushing connector.

[0021] Figure 6 Based on some aspects of this disclosure Figure 4 Front view of the bushing connector.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of an example sleeve connector based on some aspects of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 8 Based on some aspects of this disclosure Figure 7 Another perspective view of the bushing connector.

[0024] Figure 9 Based on some aspects of this disclosure Figure 7 Front view of the bushing connector.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of an example sleeve connector based on some aspects of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of an example sleeve connector based on some aspects of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The detailed descriptions below depict various configurations of the subject matter and are not intended to represent the only configuration in which the subject matter can be practiced. For the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject matter, the detailed descriptions include specific details. Therefore, dimensions are provided for certain aspects as non-limiting examples. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject matter can be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject matter.

[0028] It should be understood that this disclosure includes examples of the subject matter and does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Various aspects of the subject matter are now disclosed based on specific, but not limiting, examples. The various embodiments described in this disclosure can be implemented in different ways and variations, and are suitable for desired applications or practices.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, a typical infusion kit 30 has several different components, including a drip chamber 40, a check valve 50, a roller clamp 60, and a Y-joint 70, all of which are connected together via tubing 20. A typical infusion kit 30 may include additional infusion components (e.g., spring clamps, filters) and can be formed by any combination of components and tubing 20.

[0030] Many infusion kit components 40, 50, 70 have male connectors or sleeves that mate with the end section of fitting 20 to form a connection between infusion kit components 40, 50, 70 and fitting 20. For example, as shown in Figure 2, a typical Y-connector 70 has inlet ports 72, 74 and an outlet port 76, where each inlet port 72, 74 connects to inlet tubes 22, 24, and the outlet port 76 connects to outlet tube 26. Here, inlet port 74 is a sleeve, where inlet tube 24 slides onto or slides on inlet port 74 by a tight fit (e.g., friction fit). Typically, because a friction fit alone is insufficient to ensure that inlet tube 24 remains connected to inlet port 74, glue or solvent is applied to the outside of inlet port 74 and then pushed into the end of inlet tube 24. However, as the inlet tube 24 slides downwards along the smooth surface of the inlet port 74, the tight fit of the inlet tube 24 causes the adhesive to be pushed downwards, where it seeps out from the base of the inlet port 74. Because most or all of the adhesive is essentially scraped off from the smooth surface of the inlet port 74, many areas of the outer surface of the inlet port 74 may have a very thin layer of adhesive or no adhesive layer at all, thus providing little or no bonding support for the friction fit.

[0031] According to various aspects of this disclosure, the sleeve connector is provided with one or more grooves arranged on the outer surface of the sleeve. The grooves provide notches or recesses in which adhesives (e.g., glue, solvents) can reside, which prevents all adhesives applied to the sleeve from being scraped off as the tube slides up and down along the length of the sleeve.

[0032] Figure 3-6 A sleeve connector 100 according to some aspects of this disclosure is shown. The sleeve connector 100 includes a housing 110, a sleeve 130 extending from the housing 110, and a sleeve member 140 extending from the housing 110. The housing 110 has a first fluid port 112 configured to provide fluid flow into and out of the housing 110. For example, the first fluid port 112 may be a female connector receiving an end face of a tube 20 (e.g., tube 22). The sleeve 130 has a second fluid port 132 configured to provide fluid flow into and out of the sleeve 130. For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, sleeve 130 is a male protrusion inserted into tube 20 (e.g., tube 24) so ​​that fluid can flow from tube 20 into second fluid port 132, or flow out from second fluid port 132 into tube 20. Figure 3As can be seen, the engagement portion 25 of the tube 20 is the part where the tube mates with the sleeve 130, wherein the engagement portion 25 protrudes due to the frictional engagement between the inner surface 23 of the tube 20 and the sleeve 130. In some aspects of this disclosure, the sleeve 130 may be sized the same as the inner surface 23 of the tube 20 for contact engagement, wherein the engagement portion 25 does not protrude. The sleeve 130 may also include a tapered portion 131 disposed at the leading edge of the sleeve 130. The tapered portion 131 may provide an inclined surface to allow the sleeve 130 to slide more easily into the end portion 21 of the tube 20.

[0033] The sleeve 130 includes one or more grooves 134 disposed (e.g., disposed within the outer surface 136) around the outer surface 136 of the sleeve 130. The grooves 134 may be uniformly and / or randomly disposed around the outer surface 136 of the sleeve 130. The grooves 134 may be of any suitable configuration, such as axial, transverse, helical, or any combination thereof. The dimensions and shape of the grooves 134 are configured to retain an adhesive (e.g., glue, solvent) thereby providing a bonding layer 138 in the outer surface 136 between the tube 20 and the sleeve 130. The bonding layer 138 increases the retention strength of the tube 20 to the sleeve 130 relative to a single friction fit. Additional tube retention strength can be fine-tuned by adjusting parameters of the grooves 134 (e.g., the length of each groove 134, the number of grooves 134, and the geometry of the grooves 134). For example, some or all of the grooves 134 may have a length that substantially matches the length of the sleeve 130, or some or all of the grooves 134 may have a length that extends along a portion of the length of the sleeve 130 (e.g., half the length of the sleeve 130). As another example, Figure 4-6 The sleeve connector 100 has 16 grooves 134. Figure 10 The sleeve connector 300 shown has 24 grooves 334, and Figure 11 The sleeve connector 400 shown has 32 grooves 432. As yet another example, although... Figure 6 The groove 134 shown is triangular in geometry, but the groove 134 can have any desired geometry (e.g., rectangular, semi-circular, trapezoidal) or any combination of different geometries (e.g., some triangles and some trapezoids). In aspects of this disclosure, the groove 134 can extend into the tapered portion 131. In aspects of this disclosure, the groove 134 can stop before or at the beginning of the tapered portion 131, thereby providing a smooth outer surface for the tapered portion 131.

[0034] The sleeve member 140 can be configured to partially enclose the end portion 21 of the tube 20. The sleeve member 140 can be configured as a single circular sleeve that encloses the entire end portion 21 of the tube 20. The sleeve member 140 can be configured not to contact the outer surface 27 of the tube 20, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the sleeve member 140 may be configured to engage with the outer surface 27 of the tube 20. For example, adhesive may be applied to the inner surface 142 of the sleeve member 140 to provide another bonding layer between the inner surface 142 of the sleeve member 140 and the outer surface 27 of the tube 20, and / or the sleeve member 140 may be configured to provide a tight frictional fit between the inner surface 142 of the sleeve member 140 and the outer surface 27 of the tube 20. In some aspects of this disclosure, a groove may be added to the inner surface 142 of the sleeve member 140 to provide a similar engagement feature to the groove 134. In some aspects of this disclosure, the sleeve connector 100 may not have the sleeve member 140 at all.

[0035] During assembly, an adhesive (e.g., glue) is applied to the outer surface 136 of the sleeve 130, and the end portion 21 of the tube 20 is slid onto the sleeve 130 and along its length until the end portion of the tube contacts the stop surface 114 of the housing 110. The adhesive collected in the groove 134 then solidifies to form a bonding layer 138 in the outer surface 136, which bonds to a corresponding portion of the inner surface 23 of the tube 20, providing additional resistance to the movement of the tube 20 on the sleeve 130, exceeding the resistance of the frictional fit between the tube 20 and the sleeve 130.

[0036] Figure 7-9 A sleeve connector 200 according to some aspects of this disclosure is shown. The sleeve connector 200 includes a housing 210, a base member 240 extending from the housing 210, and a sleeve 230 extending from the base member 240. The housing 210 has a first fluid port 212 configured to provide fluid flow into and out of the housing 210. For example, the first fluid port 212 may be a female connector receiving an end face of a tube 20 (e.g., tube 22). The sleeve 230 has a second fluid port 232 configured to provide fluid flow into and out of the sleeve 230. For example, as... Figure 7-9 As shown, the sleeve 230 is configured to insert into the male protrusion in the tube 20 (e.g., tube 24) so ​​that fluid can flow from the tube into the second fluid port 232, or flow out of the second fluid port 232 into the tube.

[0037] The sleeve 230 includes one or more grooves 234 (e.g., channels) disposed around the outer surface 236 of the sleeve 230. The grooves 234 are sized and shaped to retain an adhesive (e.g., glue, solvent) thereby providing a bonding layer 238 in the outer surface 236 between the tube (e.g., tube 20) and the sleeve 230. The bonding layer 238 increases the retention strength of the tube to the sleeve 230 relative to a single friction fit. Additional tube retention strength can be fine-tuned by adjusting parameters of the grooves 234, such as the length of each groove 234, the number of grooves 234, and the geometry of the grooves 234. For example, some or all of the grooves 234 may have a length that substantially matches the length of the sleeve 230, or some or all of the grooves 234 may have a length that extends along a portion of the length of the sleeve 230 (e.g., 1 / 2 of the length of the sleeve 230). As another example, although Figure 7-9 The sleeve connector 200 has six grooves 234, but the sleeve connector 200 can have any number of grooves. As yet another example, although Figure 9 The geometry of the groove 234 shown is basically trapezoidal, but the groove 234 can have any desired geometry (e.g., rectangular, semi-circular, triangular).

[0038] The sleeve 230 also includes a collar 250 disposed adjacent to the second fluid port 232. The collar 250 may be sized and shaped to extend radially outward beyond the outer surface 236 of the sleeve 230, thereby providing a retaining wall 252. The retaining wall 252 provides a retaining surface to help retain the adhesive in the groove 234 during adhesive application and assembly of the sleeve connector 200. The collar 250 may be configured to provide a greater frictional engagement with the tube 20 relative to the frictional engagement between the outer surface 236 of the sleeve 230 and the tube 20. Furthermore, the collar 250 may act as various barbs to provide additional resistance to movement of the tube 20 once it is engaged with the sleeve 230. The sleeve 230 may also include a tapered portion 231 disposed at the leading edge of the sleeve 230. The tapered portion 231 provides an inclined surface to allow the sleeve 230 to slide more easily into the end portion 21 of the tube 20. The dimensions (e.g., outer diameter) of the collar 250 can be configured to provide the desired level of glue retention and barb resistance. Although Figure 7-9Not shown, but the sleeve connector 200 may also include the sleeve member as described above with respect to the sleeve connector 100. In various aspects of this disclosure, the groove 234 stops at the retaining wall 252 of the collar 250 and before the beginning of the tapered portion 231, thereby providing a smooth outer surface for the tapered portion 231. In various aspects of this disclosure, the groove 234 may extend into the tapered portion 231. For example, the collar 250 may be disposed around the outer surface 236 of the sleeve 230, and the groove 234 may extend below the collar 250 and into the tapered portion 231.

[0039] Any or all of the elements of the aforementioned sleeves 130 and 230 can be used in any device (e.g., pump tube connectors, tube connectors of infusion kit components 40, 50, and 70). For example, the inlet port 74 of the Y-joint 70 shown in FIG. 2 can be provided as sleeve 130 or sleeve 230, thereby providing the correspondingly increased retention features as described above. Similarly, any male protrusion of an infusion device (such as an infusion pump or infusion kit component) intended to mate with a tube end (e.g., end portion 21) can be configured or provided as sleeve 130 or sleeve 230.

[0040] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the sleeve connector includes a housing having a first fluid port disposed at a first end of the housing and a stop surface disposed at a second end of the housing. The sleeve connector also includes a sleeve extending from the stop surface and configured to be inserted into a tube. The sleeve includes an insertion end, a second fluid port disposed at the insertion end, an outer surface, and one or more grooves disposed around the outer surface, one or more of the grooves being configured to receive adhesive to provide one or more bonding layers between the sleeve and the tube.

[0041] In aspects of this disclosure, a sleeve member extends from the stop surface of the housing and at least partially surrounds a portion of the sleeve, the sleeve member being configured to at least partially surround an end portion of the tube. In aspects of this disclosure, the outer surface of the sleeve includes an outer diameter equal to or greater than one of the inner diameters of the tube, to provide a frictional fit between the sleeve and the tube. In aspects of this disclosure, one or more grooves include a plurality of grooves evenly spaced around the outer surface of the sleeve. In aspects of this disclosure, the plurality of grooves includes one of 16, 24, and 32 grooves. In aspects of this disclosure, one or more grooves are triangular in shape. In aspects of this disclosure, one or more grooves are semi-circular in shape. In aspects of this disclosure, one or more grooves are one of trapezoidal and rectangular shapes. In aspects of this disclosure, one or more grooves are one of axial grooves, transverse grooves, and helical grooves.

[0042] In aspects of this disclosure, the sleeve includes a tapered portion disposed at an insertion end, the tapered portion being configured to provide an inclined surface for initial insertion into a tube. In aspects of this disclosure, one or more grooves extend into the tapered portion. In aspects of this disclosure, the stop surface of the housing includes a base member extending from the housing. In aspects of this disclosure, a collar is disposed at the insertion end of the sleeve, the collar having an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the outer surface of the sleeve. In aspects of this disclosure, the collar includes a retaining wall defining an end of each of one or more grooves, the retaining wall being configured to receive adhesive within one or more grooves. In aspects of this disclosure, the sleeve includes a tapered portion disposed at the insertion end beyond the collar, the tapered portion being configured to provide an inclined surface for initial insertion into a tube.

[0043] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the sleeve connector includes a stop surface and a sleeve extending from the stop surface and configured to be inserted into a tube. The sleeve includes an insertion end, a fluid port disposed at the center of the sleeve, an outer surface, and a plurality of grooves disposed around the outer surface, wherein the plurality of grooves are configured to receive adhesive to provide a plurality of bonding areas between the sleeve and the tube.

[0044] In various aspects of this disclosure, the sleeve includes a tapered portion disposed at an insertion end, the tapered portion being configured to provide an inclined surface for initial insertion into the tube. In various aspects of this disclosure, a collar is disposed adjacent to the tapered portion, the collar having an outer diameter greater than the outer surface of the sleeve, wherein the collar includes a retaining wall defining an end of each of a plurality of grooves, the retaining wall being configured to accommodate adhesive within the plurality of grooves.

[0045] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, a method of assembling a sleeve connector and a tube includes: applying an adhesive to an outer surface of a sleeve of the sleeve connector, the sleeve including a plurality of grooves disposed around the outer surface; aligning an insertion end of the sleeve with an end of the tube; slidably inserting the sleeve into the tube until the end of the tube contacts a stop surface of the sleeve connector; and forming a plurality of engagement regions between the sleeve and the tube, each engagement region being defined by an outer surface of the adhesive within a groove.

[0046] In various aspects of this disclosure, the method includes: applying an adhesive to an outer surface of a sleeve between a collar and a stop surface of a sleeve connector, the collar being disposed at an insertion end of the sleeve, the collar including an outer diameter greater than the outer surface of the sleeve and a retaining wall defining an end of each of a plurality of grooves; and creating a frictional fit between the collar and the inner surface of the sleeve.

[0047] It should be understood that any particular order or hierarchy of blocks in the disclosed process is illustrative. Based on design or implementation preferences, it should be understood that the particular order or hierarchy of blocks in the process may be rearranged, or all blocks shown may be executed. In some implementations, any blocks may be executed concurrently.

[0048] This disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. This disclosure provides various examples of the subject matter, and the subject matter is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects.

[0049] Unless otherwise specified, references to singular elements are not intended to mean "one and only one," but rather "one or more." Unless otherwise specified, the term "some" refers to one or more. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter pronouns (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Titles and subtitles, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

[0050] In this document, the term “exemplary” means “used as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as being better or more advantageous than other aspects or designs. In one aspect, the various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0051] As used herein, the phrase “at least one…” preceding a series of terms, separated by the word “or,” modifies the entire list of entries as a whole, not each term in the list of entries. The phrase “at least one…” does not require the selection of at least one term; rather, it allows for the inclusion of at least one of any term, and / or at least one of any combination of terms, and / or at least one of each term. For example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, or C” can refer to: only A, only B, or only C; or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0052] For example, phrases such as "aspect" do not imply that such an aspect is necessary for the subject matter art, or that such an aspect can be applied to all configurations of the subject matter art. Disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. For example, phrases such as "aspect" may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. For example, phrases such as "embodiment" do not imply that such an embodiment is necessary for the subject matter art, or that such an embodiment can be applied to all configurations of the subject matter art. Disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. For example, phrases such as "embodiment" may refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. For example, phrases such as "configuration" do not imply that such a configuration is necessary for the subject matter art, or that such a configuration can be applied to all configurations of the subject matter art. Disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. For example, phrases such as "configuration" may refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0053] In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, numerical values, ratings, positions, grades, sizes, and other specifications set forth in this specification (including in the appended claims) are approximate, not precise. In one aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the functions they relate to and with the custom of the art to which they belong.

[0054] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of the disclosed steps, operations, or processes is an illustrative example. Based on design preferences, it should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes can be rearranged. Some steps, operations, or processes can be performed simultaneously. Some or all steps, operations, or processes can be performed automatically without user intervention. The appended method claims (if any) present the elements of various steps, operations, or processes in a sample order and are not intended to limit one to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0055] All structural and functional equivalents of elements throughout the various aspects described herein, known or to be known by one of ordinary skill in the art, are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be exclusive to the public, whether or not such disclosure is expressly stated in the claims. No claim element may be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless it is expressly stated using the phrase “means for…” or, in the case of a method claim, using the phrase “steps for…”. Furthermore, with regard to the use of the terms “comprising,” “having,” or similar terms, such terms are intended to be included in a manner similar to the term “comprising,” as interpreted when “comprising” is used as a transitional word in a claim.

[0056] The title, background, summary, drawings, and abstract of this disclosure are hereby incorporated into this disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples rather than limiting descriptions. It should be understood upon filing this application that they are not intended to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, it will be apparent from the detailed description that it provides illustrative examples and that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of simplification. The method of disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than expressly stated in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the appended claims, the subject matter of the invention lies in all features of fewer than those in a single disclosed configuration or operation. The appended claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim stands independently as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0057] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but rather conform to the full scope consistent with the language claims and cover all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, none of the claims are intended to include subject matter that fails to meet the requirements of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of Title 35 of the United States Code, nor should they be interpreted in this manner.

Claims

1. A sleeve coupling, characterized in that Comprising: a housing comprising: a first fluid port disposed at a first end of the housing; and a stop surface disposed at a second end of the housing; and a sleeve extending from the stop surface and configured to be inserted into a pipe, the sleeve comprising: an insertion end; a second fluid port disposed at the insertion end; an outer surface; and one or more grooves disposed about the outer surface, wherein the one or more grooves are configured to receive adhesive to provide one or more bonding layers between the sleeve and the pipe, wherein the sleeve comprises a tapered portion disposed at the insertion end, the tapered portion configured to provide a sloped surface that initially inserts into the pipe, and wherein the one or more grooves extend into the tapered portion, wherein the sleeve coupler further comprises a collar disposed adjacent to the tapered portion, the collar sized and shaped to extend radially outward beyond the outer surface of the sleeve, wherein the collar comprises a retaining wall that defines an end of each of the plurality of grooves, the retaining wall providing a retaining surface to help retain adhesive in the grooves during application of the adhesive and assembly of the sleeve coupler.

2. The sleeve coupling of claim 1, wherein, further comprising a sleeve member extending from the stop surface of the housing and at least partially encircling a portion of the sleeve, the sleeve member configured to be disposed at least partially about an end portion of the pipe.

3. The sleeve coupling of claim 1, wherein, the outer surface of the sleeve comprises an outer diameter that is one of equal to and greater than an inner diameter of the pipe to provide a friction fit between the sleeve and the pipe.

4. The sleeve coupling of claim 1, wherein, the one or more grooves comprise a plurality of grooves evenly spaced about the outer surface of the sleeve.

5. The sleeve coupling of claim 4, wherein, the plurality of grooves comprise one of 16, 24, and 32 grooves.

6. The bushing coupling of claim 1, wherein, the one or more grooves are triangular in shape.

7. The bushing coupling of claim 1, wherein, the one or more grooves are semicircular in shape.

8. The bushing coupling of claim 1, wherein, the one or more grooves are one of trapezoidal in shape and rectangular in shape.

9. The bushing coupling of claim 1, wherein, the one or more grooves are one of axial grooves, lateral grooves, and helical grooves.

10. The bushing coupling of claim 1, wherein, the stop surface of the housing comprises a base member extending from the housing.

11. The sleeve coupling of claim 10, wherein, the collar has an outer diameter that is greater than the outer surface of the sleeve.

12. A sleeve coupling, characterized by Comprising: a stop surface; and a sleeve extending from the stop surface and configured to be inserted into a pipe, the sleeve comprising: an insertion end; a fluid port disposed at a center of the sleeve; an outer surface; and a plurality of grooves disposed about the outer surface, wherein the plurality of grooves are configured to receive adhesive to provide a plurality of bonding areas between the sleeve and the pipe, wherein the sleeve comprises a tapered portion disposed at the insertion end, the tapered portion configured to provide a sloped surface that initially inserts into the pipe, and wherein the plurality of grooves extend into the tapered portion, wherein the ferrule coupling further comprises a collar disposed proximate the tapered portion, the collar sized and shaped to extend radially outward beyond an outer surface of the ferrule, wherein the collar includes a retention wall defining an end of each of the plurality of grooves, the retention wall providing a retention surface to assist in retaining adhesive in the grooves during application of the adhesive and assembly of the ferrule coupling.

13. The bushing coupling of claim 12, wherein, The collar has an outer diameter that is greater than an outer surface of the ferrule.

14. A method of assembling a sleeve coupling and a pipe, characterized in that, The method comprises: applying adhesive to an outer surface of a ferrule of the ferrule coupling, the ferrule including a plurality of grooves disposed about the outer surface, the plurality of grooves extending into a tapered portion disposed at an insertion end of the ferrule; aligning an insertion end of the ferrule with an end of the tube; slidably inserting the ferrule into the tube until the end of the tube contacts a stop surface of the ferrule coupling; and forming a plurality of bond regions between the ferrule and the tube, each bond region defined by an outer surface of the adhesive within one of the grooves, wherein the ferrule coupling further comprises a collar disposed proximate the tapered portion, the collar sized and shaped to extend radially outward beyond an outer surface of the ferrule, wherein the collar includes a retention wall defining an end of each of the plurality of grooves, the retention wall providing a retention surface to assist in retaining adhesive in the grooves during application of the adhesive and assembly of the ferrule coupling.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, further comprising: applying adhesive to the outer surface of the ferrule between the collar and the stop surface of the ferrule coupling, the collar disposed on the insertion end of the ferrule, the collar including an outer diameter that is greater than an outer surface of the ferrule; and creating a friction fit between the collar and an inner surface of the tube.

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