Kink-resistant device

Abstract

Kinking of a pipe can be prevented by using a device comprising a first clamp, a second clamp, a first rod and a second rod. The first clamp and the second clamp carry the first rod and the second rod to form a frame, and a flexible pipe is secured to the first clamp and the second clamp. The device can be easily moved and adjusted by a user. The device can be attached to any location along the pipe and allows the pipe to bend more than 90 degrees without kinking. Multiple devices can be used in series to arrange the pipe in a desired route without kinking the pipe.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application is an international application of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 798,806, filed on February 24, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to anti-kink devices. Specifically, this disclosure relates to an anti-kink device for reducing kinking in pipes or hoses. Background Technology

[0004] Flexible tubing or hoses are widely used in countless applications. For example, garden hoses are used to water grass, trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetable plants, vines, and other types of vegetation. Many medical devices use some form of tubing. Oxygen delivery, intravenous (IV) catheters, hemodialysis equipment, and feed pumps rely on a wide variety of tubing to deliver oxygen, blood, medications, and other liquids or gases.

[0005] A kink is a phenomenon that can occur when a hose is folded or twisted. The consequence of a kink is that the flow of fluid or gas through the hose can be severely restricted or blocked. Kinks are a nuisance; they cause users to waste time untangling hoses and can be fatal. The user or caregiver must then attempt to remove the blockage manually, such as by wiggling the hose to loosen or bring it closer to the kink and manually straightening it.

[0006] Knots are particularly problematic in medical tubing, where interrupted or severely restricted flow can mean that vital gases or fluids are not being delivered as intended. For example, according to Kira, S. and Petty, TL., Progress in domiciliary respiratory care: Current Status and Perspective (1994), it is estimated that approximately 800,000 patients are receiving HOT (home oxygen therapy). When traveling with portable units, oxygen supply tubing is frequently damaged by backpacks and bags supporting the device. Oxygen tubing kinks in many places along the tubing and near the connection ports, and these kinks restrict airflow and can be critical problems. Portable oxygen therapy patients often experience tubing damage when in contact with backpacks containing oxygen devices. Oxygen tubing is particularly prone to kinking because it can twist or otherwise become kinked when the patient moves around or turns over in bed.

[0007] Non-contact oxygen delivery methods, such as “blowing” oxygen, have been developed to overcome the kinks that occur during oxygen delivery to patients. With blowing oxygen, patients can inhale oxygen without contact with the machine or mask. While this method works well for most people, there is a problem with impaired airflow, and it may never be a substitute for properly administered oxygen (Davies, P., “The Efficacy of Noncontact Oxygen Delivery Methods” Pediatrics (November 2002), Davies, P., “Efficacy of Noncontact Oxygen Delivery Methods” Pediatrics (November 2002)).

[0008] A proposed solution for kinks is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,752,591 granted to Anthony. (Refer to Figure 1) Figure 2 A) Anthony provided a spiral metal wire 14 to be wound around the hose 40, making the wire 14 thick enough and ridged to prevent the hose 40 from kinking. While this proposed solution does reduce the likelihood of kinking, it has several drawbacks. One such drawback is that the wire significantly increases the weight of the hose, making it difficult to carry. Another drawback is that the ridged wire reduces the hose's flexibility, thus reducing its ability to bend and move around corners or obstacles. Yet another drawback is that if the hose does kink, it may cause the wire to bend permanently, which in turn will permanently create a kink at that location.

[0009] Wire braiding can also be used to enhance the kink resistance and burst strength of medical tubing. The medical field often requires small tubing, but smaller tubing tends to be less reliable and more prone to kinking (Weber, A., "Tackling tubing: tiny tubing presents big challenges", Medical Device Assembly, January 2010). Therefore, while wire braiding works well for some medical tubing, it presents problems for very thin-walled small tubing.

[0010] Therefore, it would be beneficial to have a simple anti-kink device that can be attached to flexible pipe fittings to resist kinking of the fittings. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This disclosure relates to a device for preventing kinking of flexible tubing, the device being easily movable and adjustable by a user. The device includes a first clamp, a second clamp, a first rod, and a second rod, wherein the first and second clamps support the first and second rods to form a frame, and the flexible tubing is secured to the first and second clamps.

[0012] In some embodiments, the clamp includes a body comprising a first arm having three semicircles and a second arm having another three semicircles. When the first and second arms are in a closed position, the three semicircles and the other three semicircles define three channels for receiving the first rod, the second rod, and the flexible tube. The body also includes hinges for connecting the first and second arms, and the hinges are integrally formed with the first and second arms. The clamp may also include two bolts located on the outer sides of the channels.

[0013] In some embodiments, the clamp includes: a first arm having two semicircles and at least one side plate, wherein the at least one side plate has a through hole; and a second arm having another two semicircles and an intermediate plate having another through hole. The two semicircles and the other two semicircles define two channels for receiving the first rod and the flexible tube, and the through holes of the at least one side plate and the intermediate plate are aligned to form another channel, thereby allowing the second rod to pass through.

[0014] In some embodiments, the clamp includes: a first arm having a semicircle and at least two side plates on both sides of the semicircle, each side plate having a through hole; and a second arm having another semicircle and at least two intermediate plates on both sides of the other semicircle, each intermediate plate having a through hole. The semicircle and the other semicircle define a channel for receiving the flexible tube, the through holes of the at least two side plates and the through holes of the at least two intermediate plates being aligned to form two additional channels on both sides of the channel, thereby allowing the first rod and the second rod to pass through.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first and second rods are made of steel, wood, or plastic. The first and second rods can be straight. The first and second rods can be bent. The first and second clamps can slide along the first and second rods. In some embodiments, the first and second clamps can slide along a flexible tube.

[0016] This device can be attached anywhere along the pipe, allowing the pipe to bend more than 90 degrees without twisting. Multiple devices can be used in series to arrange the pipe along the desired route without causing it to twist.

[0017] An embodiment of the present invention provides a device for preventing kinking of a flexible tube, the device comprising: a first clamp; a first rod surrounded by the first clamp; a second clamp surrounding the first rod; and a second rod surrounded by both the first and second clamps, wherein the first rod is also surrounded by the second clamp; wherein the first and second clamps support the first and second rods to form a frame, wherein the frame provides a position for detachably securing the flexible tube to the first and second clamps. In one embodiment, each of the first and second clamps includes a body comprising: a first arm including three semicircles; and a second arm including another three semicircles; wherein, when the first and second arms are in a closed position, the three semicircles of the first arm and the three semicircles of the second arm define three channels for receiving the first rod, the second rod, and the flexible tube. In one embodiment, the body further includes a hinge connecting the first and second arms. In one embodiment, the hinge is integrally formed with the first and second arms. In one embodiment, the device further includes bolts located at the end of the clamp opposite to the hinge. In another embodiment, the device further includes bolts located on each outer edge of the clamp. In another embodiment, the first and second clamps include: a first arm comprising two semicircles and at least one side plate, wherein each side plate includes a through hole; a second arm comprising two additional semicircles and an intermediate plate having another through hole; wherein the two semicircles of the first arm and the two semicircles of the second arm define two channels for receiving the first rod and the flexible tube, and wherein the through holes of the at least one side plate and the through hole of the intermediate plate are aligned to form a third channel, thereby allowing the second rod to pass through. In another embodiment, the body further includes a hinge for connecting the first and second arms. In another embodiment, the hinge is integrally formed with the first and second arms. In one embodiment, the first clamp and the second clamp each include: a first arm having a semicircle and at least two side plates on each side of the semicircle, wherein each of the at least two side plates has a through hole; and a second arm having a semicircle and at least two intermediate plates on each side of the remaining semicircle, wherein each intermediate plate has a through hole; wherein the semicircle of the first arm and the semicircle of the second arm define a channel for receiving the flexible tube, and the through holes of the at least two side plates and the through holes of the at least two intermediate plates are aligned to form a channel on both sides of the channel, thereby allowing the first rod and the second rod to pass through. In one embodiment, the first rod and the second rod are made of steel, wood, or plastic.In one embodiment, the first and second rods are straight. In another embodiment, the first and second rods are flexible. In yet another embodiment, the first and second clamps are slidable along the first and second rods. Also in another embodiment, the first and second clamps are slidable along a flexible tubing. Finally, the flexible tubing is for providing oxygen therapy.

[0018] An embodiment of this disclosure is a system for preventing kinking of pipe fittings, the system including attaching a device to the pipe fitting.

[0019] This disclosure discloses a method for manufacturing a device for preventing kinking of a flexible tube, the method comprising: forming a first clamp and a second clamp; obtaining a first rod and a second rod; placing the first rod through a first channel in the first clamp and placing the second rod through a second channel in the first clamp; and placing the first rod through the first channel in the second clamp and placing the second rod through the second channel in the second clamp. In embodiments, the first clamp and the second clamp are formed by at least one process selected from: 3D printing, computer numerical control machining, polymer casting, rotational molding, vacuum forming, injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding.

[0020] An embodiment of this disclosure is a method of use, including attaching a device to a pipe fitting. In this embodiment, the device is attached to the pipe fitting by sliding the pipe fitting through a central channel or by releasing a clamp and securing the clamp around the pipe fitting.

[0021] The features of this disclosure have been outlined rather extensively above in order to provide a better understanding of the following detailed description. Additional features and advantages of this disclosure, which form the subject matter of the claims, will be described below. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To achieve the above and other improvements and objectives of this disclosure, the disclosure briefly described above will be described in more detail with reference to the specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and should therefore not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure, which will be described with additional features and details using the drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 shows a prior art hose with a spiral metal wire;

[0024] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an anti-kink device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A sectional view of the fixture;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a fixture according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the first arm of the clamp in the image;

[0029] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the second arm of the clamp in the image;

[0030] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of an anti-kink device fixed to a pipe fitting is shown;

[0031] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of an anti-kink device is shown, in which a bent rod is fixed to a pipe fitting;

[0032] Figures 10A-10D An alternative implementation is shown, in which the same design is used for the top and bottom of the clamp; Figure 10A A three-dimensional drawing of the design component was depicted. Figure 10B A side view of the design component is depicted. Figure 10C A top view of the design component is depicted. Figure 10D A side view depicting two design components assembled together is shown;

[0033] Figures 11A-11C The design of the clamp with bolts is shown; Figure 11A This is a top view of the fixture. Figure 11B It is a side view of the fixture, and Figure 11C This is a sectional view of the fixture;

[0034] Figures 12A-12D The clamp design that snaps together is shown; Figure 12A A top view of the clamp is shown. Figure 12B A side view of the fixture is shown. Figure 12C A cross-sectional view of the fixture is shown, while Figure 12D It shows Figure 12B The lower right quadrant;

[0035] Figures 13A-13B The spring connecting rod is shown; Figure 13A It is a top view of the rod, and Figure 13B This is a side view of the rod;

[0036] Figures 14A-14B A pre-bent rigid connecting rod is shown; Figure 14A It is a top view of the rod, and Figure 14BThis is a side view of the rod;

[0037] Figures 15A-15B A straight, rigid connecting rod is shown; Figure 15A It is a top view of the rod, and Figure 14B It is a side view of the rod; and

[0038] Figures 16A-16B A user-flexible connecting rod is shown; Figure 16A A top view of the rod is shown, while Figure 16B A side view of the rod is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The details shown herein are by way of example and are presented solely for the purpose of illustrative discussion of embodiments of this disclosure, and to provide a description of the conceptual aspects and principles of various embodiments of this disclosure that are considered most useful and readily understood. Therefore, no attempt is made to show in greater detail the structural details not necessary for a basic understanding of this disclosure; the description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, makes it clear to those skilled in the art how several forms of this disclosure may be embodied in practice.

[0040] The following limitations and interpretations are intended and used to control any future constructions, unless clearly and explicitly modified in the following examples or when the application of the meaning renders any construction meaningless or substantially meaningless. If the interpretation of a term renders it meaningless or substantially meaningless, the limitation should be obtained from Merriam-Webster, 3rd edition.

[0041] Figure 2 An embodiment of the anti-kink device 20 of this disclosure is shown. The device 20 has two connectors 23, 24 that support two rods 21, 22 arranged parallel to each other. The two connectors 23, 24 and the two rods 21, 22 form a square planar frame. By detachably securing the tubing to the two connectors 23, 24, the anti-kink device 20 can be attached along the flexible tubing (…). Figure 2 (Not shown in the diagram) at any location. The two connectors 23, 24 can restrict axial movement and torsion of the fitting between the two connectors 23, 24, so that the portion of the fitting between the connectors 23, 24 does not kink. The detachable fastening can be of any style known to those skilled in the art, including but not limited to binding, tying, clamping, and adhesive. In embodiments, the device can be used for any type of fitting or hose, including medical fittings, industrial applications, and horticultural applications. In embodiments, the size of the device can be any size required to fit a fitting or hose of a specific diameter.

[0042] In this implementation, the connector may be a clamp. (See reference) Figure 3 and Figure 4The clamp 30 has a body 32, which can be formed from any suitable rigid material such as steel, wood, etc. In one embodiment, the body 32 is made of a thermoplastic elastomer. As used herein, the term "elastomer" and any derivative thereof are intended to include any thermosetting material, whether natural or synthetic, including natural and synthetic rubber, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, polysulfide rubber, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) rubber, and polyurethane rubber. According to this disclosure, in one embodiment, a polyurethane elastomer can be used as the body, and other such elastomers can also be used as the body of the clamp. In one embodiment, the clamp can be made of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate, nylon, or polyvinylidene fluoride. In one embodiment, the clamp is made of an antimicrobial material. In one embodiment, the clamp is made of an antimicrobial material. In one embodiment, the clamp is made of an antifungal material. In one embodiment, the clamp is made of an antiviral material. In embodiments, the fixture is made of the following materials: stainless steel, acrylic acid, polyester, copper, silver, organosilane, dimethyloctadecyl(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)ammonium chloride, alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, dialcyldimethylammonium chloride, or nanomaterials, including but not limited to titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, magnetite, magnesium oxide, gold, silver, copper, gallium, and carbon nanotubes.

[0043] In this embodiment, the fixture can be produced using any plastic manufacturing process. In this embodiment, the fixture can be manufactured using at least one of the following processes: 3D printing, computer numerical control machining, polymer casting, rotational molding, vacuum forming, injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding. In this embodiment, the fixture 30 can be formed using 3D printing technology.

[0044] In one embodiment, the body 32 includes a pair of arms 35 and 36 connected by a hinge 33, which is integral with the body 32. Arm 35 has three semicircles 35a, 35b, and 35c, and arm 36 has corresponding three semicircles 36a, 36b, and 36c. The semicircles are configured such that when arms 35 and 36 pivot about the hinge 33, as... Figure 3 In the closed position shown, the semicircle defines three channels 46, 42, and 47 for use with the two rods 21, 22 and the flexible tube ( Figure 3 (Not shown in the image) is used for receiving. The channel 46 closest to the hinge 33 is called the proximal channel, the channel 47 furthest from the hinge 33 is called the distal channel, and the intermediate channel 42 is located between the proximal channel 46 and the distal channel 47. The proximal channel 46 and the distal channel 47 receive rods 21 and 22 respectively, while the intermediate channel 42 receives the flexible tube. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the fixture.

[0045] The main body 32 also includes a through hole 50 for receiving a fastening device. Figure 3 (Not shown in the diagram) This allows the fastening device to pull the two arms closer together to clamp around the rod and flexible tube. In one embodiment, the fastening device is a bolt. In one embodiment, the through hole 50 is located at the end opposite the hinge.

[0046] In another embodiment, reference Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The clamp 30 includes two separable arms 35 and 36 connected by a hinge 33. The hinge 33 has a first hinge element 33a on the arm 35 and a second hinge element 33b on the arm 36. Although the hinge in this embodiment is a component separate from the body of the clamp, the hinge 33 may also be integral with the body. The arm 35 has two semicircles 35a and 35b, and the arm 36 has corresponding two semicircles 36a and 36b. The semicircles are configured such that when the arms 35 and 36 pivot about the hinge 33, as... Figure 5 In the closed position shown, the semicircle defines channels 46, 42, and 47 to counteract the first rod and flexible tube of the kink device 20. Figure 5 (not shown in the image) and the second rod are received.

[0047] refer to Figure 6 Arm 35 has two side plates 60 and 62 located at the end opposite to hinge 33a. The two side plates 60 and 62 are connected to arm 35 via two intermediate portions 61 and 63 respectively to provide the overall structure of arm 35. See also Figure 7 The arm 36 has an intermediate plate 64 located at the end opposite to the hinge 33a. The intermediate plate 64 is connected to the arm 36 via an intermediate portion 68 to provide the overall structure of the arm 36.

[0048] On the two side panels 60 and 62 ( Figure 6 There is a distance between them. The through holes 65 and 67 of the two side plates 60 and 62 are aligned. The middle plate 64 also has a through hole 70. Figure 7 The distance between the two side plates 60 and 62 is configured such that when arms 35 and 36 pivot about hinge 33, as... Figure 5 In the closed position, the two side plates 60 and 62 accommodate the intermediate plate 64 of the arm 36. In the closed position, the three through holes 65, 67, and 70 are aligned to form a channel 47, allowing the second rod 22 of the anti-kink device 20 to pass through. The second rod 22 of the anti-kink device 20 can pull the two arms 35 and 36 closer together to clamp around the first rod and the flexible tube. Therefore, bolts are not required to hold the clamp in this embodiment.

[0049] In some embodiments, arm 35 has only one side plate and arm 36 has another side plate, and each of the two side plates has a through hole. In the closed position, the two side plates can be assembled such that the two through holes are aligned to form a channel 47, thereby allowing the second rod of the anti-kink device 20 to pass through, and the second rod of the anti-kink device 20 can pull the two arms 35 and 36 closer together to clamp around the first rod and the flexible tube.

[0050] In some embodiments, the clamp 30 does not have hinges or bolts. In one embodiment, the body of the clamp comprises a pair of identical separate arms. Each arm in the wall has three semicircles. The semicircles are configured such that when the two arms are held together as... Figure 3 In the closed position shown, the semicircle defines three channels 46, 42, and 47 to counteract the two rods and flexible tube of the kink device 20. Figure 3 (Not shown in the image) is received. The body of the clamp also includes two through holes for receiving two fastening devices, allowing the fastening devices to pull the two arms closer together, thereby clamping around the rod and the flexible tube. In one embodiment, the fastening devices are bolts. In one embodiment, the two through holes are located at opposite ends of the body.

[0051] In some embodiments, clamp 30 does not require hinges or bolts. In some embodiments, spring clips may be used.

[0052] In one embodiment, the body of the clamp includes a pair of separate arms. Each arm has a semicircle. The semicircle is configured such that when the two arms are held together in a closed position, the semicircle defines a channel 42 for use with flexible tubing (the tubing is not in...). Figure 5 (As shown in the diagram) for reception. Each of the arms may include side plates located on two sides of a semicircle, the side plates being connected to the arm via a central portion to provide an integral structure. Each of the side plates has a through-hole. The side plates can be assembled such that when the two arms are held together, the through-holes align to form two channels 46 and 47 (as shown in the diagram). Figure 5 (As shown). Channels 46 and 47 are located on each side of channel 42 and allow the rods of the anti-kink device 20 to pass through each channel 46 and 47. The two rods of the anti-kink device 20 can pull the two arms closer together to clamp around the flexible tube.

[0053] See Figure 8The anti-kink device may include a first clamp 23, a second clamp 24, a first rod 21, and a second rod 22. The two clamps hold two straight rods 21 and 22 and the flexible tube 80. In one embodiment, the tube 80 is parallel to the two rods. The frame formed by the two clamps and the two rods restricts the axial movement and torsion of the tube 80, preventing kinking of the portion of the tube between the clamps 23 and 24. The clamps can be any of the types described above, and the rods can be made of any suitable rigid material such as steel, wood, plastic, etc.

[0054] In some embodiments, the flexible tubing 80 is a medical fitting used to deliver oxygen to a patient. Medical fittings can be made of a variety of plastics, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), nylon, and silicone.

[0055] In some embodiments, after the fitting 80 is secured to the anti-kink device, the two clamps 23, 24 can slide on the two rods 21, 22 and the fitting 80 to adjust the distance between the two clamps 23, 24. This allows adjustment of the distance of the portion of the fitting requiring anti-kink protection. In some embodiments, the two clamps 23, 24 can slide synchronously on the fitting 80 to maintain the distance between them while securing the anti-kink device to different portions of the fitting. Some prior art anti-kink devices only protect the hose or cable at the end, while this device can be located anywhere along the length of the fitting.

[0056] In some implementations, the rod is made of steel and can be bent to arrange the tubing along a desired path without kinking. See also Figure 9 The anti-kink device includes a first clamp 23, a second clamp 24, a first rod 21, and a second rod 22. The two clamps hold the two rods and the flexible tube 80 by two bolts 54. The first rod 21 is bent at a specified angle at two points near the two clamps, while the second rod 22 is bent accordingly. The tube 80 will bend at the corresponding angle, which will change the trajectory of the tube 80. The location and angle of the bend can be determined by the desired trajectory of the tube. For example, the angle ranges from 80 degrees to 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the bend angle is 90 degrees. In some embodiments, multiple anti-kink devices can be used in series to arrange the tube in the desired trajectory without kinking.

[0057] Figures 10A-10D An alternative embodiment of the clamp is shown. This embodiment uses the same design element 90 for both the top and bottom of the clamp. Figure 10A A perspective view of the design component is depicted. Side passage 96 exists within the central portion 94. A semi-circular component 92 forms half of the central passage. Figure 10B A side view of the design component is depicted. Figure 10CA top view of the design component is depicted. Figure 10D A side view of two design parts assembled together is depicted. The two intermediate parts 94 are assembled together to form arm 98.

[0058] In some implementations, the clamps are bolted together. Figures 11A-11C The design of the clamp with bolts is shown. Figure 11A A top view of the fixture is shown. Identical parts 111 and 111 form two parts of the fixture. Figure 11A A top view of 111 is shown. Openings 118 and 119 are capable of receiving fasteners, including but not limited to bolts. Figure 11B A side view of the clamp is shown. Components 111 and 111 are shown in a configuration where the bottom of one component 111 is adjacent to the bottom of the other component 111 to form the clamp. Channels 116 and 117 are capable of receiving rods. Channel 112 is capable of receiving hoses. Figure 11C A cross-sectional end view of the clamp is shown. Components 111 and 111 are shown together with channel 117. The bolted clamp design is similar to a clamp made with hinges and held together by bolts, but in this embodiment, the clamp does not have a hinge function. This embodiment consists of two clamp components placed flush together and secured in place by bolts.

[0059] In some implementations, the clamps are snapped together. Figures 12A-12D This illustrates a clamp design that snaps together. Figure 12A A top view of the fixture is shown. Component 121 is shown. Figure 12B A side view of the fixture is shown. The fixture includes parts 121 and 128. Parts 121 and 128 are snapped together by a frictional engagement of a stud 122 and a hole 123. Channels 124, 126, and 127 are formed by parts 121 and 128. Figure 12C A cross-sectional view of the fixture is shown. Components 121 and 128 are shown together with stud 122 and hole 123. Figure 12D It shows Figure 12B The lower right quadrant. A portion of component 128 is shown together with a portion of stud 122 and channel 127. The snap-fit ​​design is similar to a bolted clamp that holds the components of a jig together flush, but the snap-fit ​​design is held together by a pin-hole type design. This friction-based connection can be used to interlock multiple components. This makes the jig easy to snap together and separate without stress, but also keeps them together during use.

[0060] In some implementations, the connecting rod is a spring. Figures 13A-13B The spring connecting rod is shown. Figure 13AA top view of the rods is shown. Rods 131 and 132, together with hose 130, pass through clamps 133 and 134. In this embodiment, rods 131 and 132 form at least a portion of a helix. Figure 13B A side view of the rod is shown. Rod 132 is shown together with hose 130 and clamps 133 and 134. This spring-like design allows for flexibility around the hose or fitting so that the housing of the fitting can be easily moved and returned to its original shape when needed without stressing the fitting or restricting flow through it.

[0061] In some implementations, the connecting rod is pre-bent and rigid. Figures 14A-14B A pre-bent, rigid connecting rod is shown. Figure 14A A top view of the rods is shown. Rods 141 and 142, along with hose 140, pass through clamps 143 and 144. Figure 14B A side view of the rod is shown. Rod 142 is shown together with hose 140 and clamps 143 and 144. The hose or fitting can be bent at angles including, but not limited to, 90° to bypass corners, etc., by means of a pre-bent rod that always maintains its shape. This allows the fitting to bend and remain in place via a rod system with ridges, a feature particularly suitable for oxygen tubing. When using a portable oxygen unit, the fitting suspends outside a backpack or carrying device, initiating bending and potentially restricting airflow.

[0062] In some implementations, the connecting rod is straight and rigid. Figures 15A-15B A straight, rigid connecting rod is shown. Figure 15A A top view of the rods is shown. Rods 151 and 152, along with hose 150, pass through clamps 153 and 154. Figure 15B A side view of the rod is shown. Rod 152 is shown together with hose 150 and clamps 153 and 154. Using a straight and rigid connecting rod system, hoses or fittings can be held in place and prevent fittings from bending where straightness is required. This is advantageous for fittings that are coiled and tend to have bends therein, but need to remain straight or horizontal in certain places.

[0063] In some implementations, the connecting rod can be bent by the user. Figures 16A-16B The user-flexible connecting rod is shown. Figure 16A A top view of the rods is shown. Rods 161 and 162, along with hose 160, pass through clamps 163 and 164. Figure 16BA side view of the rod is shown. Rod 162 is shown together with hose 160 and clamps 163 and 164. Some hoses or fittings may be used for different functions or require adjustment over time, so by using a flexible connecting rod, users can easily mold the rod to a specific angle to meet their needs. By using a more ductile metal for the rod itself, users can adjust the curvature and shape as needed.

[0064] Based on this disclosure, all assemblies and methods disclosed and claimed herein can be manufactured and performed without excessive experimentation. Although the assemblies and methods of this disclosure have been described according to preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various variations can be applied to the assemblies and methods, and to the steps or sequence of steps of the methods described herein, without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of this disclosure. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain objects related to both can replace those described herein while obtaining the same or similar results. All such similar substitutions and modifications that will be apparent to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for preventing kinking of flexible tubing, the device comprising: First clamp; The first rod, which is surrounded by the first clamp; A second clamp surrounds the first rod; The second rod, which is surrounded by the first clamp and the second clamp; and The first clamp and the second clamp support the first rod and the second rod to form a frame, wherein the first rod and the second rod are spring-connected rods forming at least a portion of a helix, and each of the first clamp and the second clamp includes a body comprising: a first arm including three semicircles; and a second arm including another three semicircles; wherein, when the first arm and the second arm are in a closed position, the three semicircles of the first arm and the three semicircles of the second arm define three channels for receiving the first rod, the second rod, and the flexible tube.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The main body also includes a hinge that connects the first arm and the second arm.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The hinge is integrally formed with the first arm and the second arm.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 further includes bolts located at the ends of the first clamp and the second clamp opposite to the hinge.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising bolts on each outer edge of the first clamp and the second clamp.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first and second rods are made of steel, wood or plastic.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Both the first and second rods are bendable.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first clamp and the second clamp are capable of sliding along the first rod and the second rod, respectively.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first clamp and the second clamp are capable of sliding along the flexible tube.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible tubing is used to provide oxygen therapy.

11. A system for preventing kinking of a pipe fitting, the system comprising attaching the device according to claim 1 to the pipe fitting.

12. A method for manufacturing a device for preventing kinking of a flexible tube, the method comprising: A first clamp and a second clamp are formed, wherein each of the first clamp and the second clamp includes a body, the body including: a first arm including three semicircles; and a second arm including another three semicircles; wherein, when the first arm and the second arm are in a closed position, the three semicircles of the first arm and the three semicircles of the second arm define three channels for receiving the first rod, the second rod and the flexible tube; Obtain a first rod and a second rod, wherein the first rod and the second rod are spring connecting rods, the spring connecting rods including at least a portion forming a helix; The first rod is positioned to pass through the first channel in the first clamp and the second rod is positioned to pass through the second channel in the first clamp; and The first rod is positioned to pass through the first channel in the second clamp and the second rod is positioned to pass through the second channel in the second clamp.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The first fixture and the second fixture are formed by at least one process selected from the following: 3D printing, computer numerical control machining, polymer casting, rotational molding, vacuum forming, injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding.

14. A method of use comprising attaching the device of claim 1 to a pipe fitting.

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