Pipe fitting with magnetic connector

Abstract

A high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) system for applying a high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) treatment to a torso of a patient may include an air pulse generator configurable to generate an air pulse; a garment configurable to be worn by a patient; and at least one tube configurable to deliver the air pulse from the air pulse generator to the garment.

Description

[0001] Priority Document

[0002] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 341,069, filed on May 12, 2022, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a pneumatic tube for a high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) therapeutic device, and more particularly to a pneumatic tube for delivering oscillating pneumatic pulses from an air pulse generator of the HFCWO therapeutic device to a patient's clothing. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a pneumatic tube whose end is attracted to a magnet contained in a housing of the HFCWO therapeutic device. Background Art

[0004] As is well known in the art, HFCWO therapeutic devices deliver high frequency oscillating pneumatic pulses to the patient's chest wall to promote the drainage of mucus and / or other accumulations in the patient's upper respiratory tract. For example, patients with mucus accumulation disorders (such as cystic fibrosis patients) are often treated with such HFCWO therapeutic devices. An example of a prior art HFCWO therapeutic device is THE VEST manufactured by Hill-Rom Company, Inc. TM Airway clearance system.

[0005] The connectors of existing pipes of some prior art HFCWO systems include one or more tabs for inserting into small matching slots in the outlet of the air pulse generator. The user must first locate the small matching slot and then rotate the connector to lock the one or more tabs into the outlet of the air pulse generator. During the insertion of the connector into the outlet, these tabs sometimes break due to misalignment between the tabs and the slots. In view of this, a pipe connector that is not affected by orientation is urgently needed. Summary of the invention

[0006] An apparatus, system or method may include one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and / or the features below that may include patentable subject matter alone or in any combination.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) treatment system for applying HFCWO to a patient's torso may include: an air pulse generator, which may be configured to generate air pulses; a garment, which may be configured to be worn by a patient; and at least one tube, which may be configured to deliver air pulses from the air pulse generator to the garment. The air pulse generator may include a housing, which may include at least one outlet, through which the air pulses may be discharged from the housing, and the air pulse generator may also include a magnet, which may be adjacent to the outlet. The garment may include at least one air bag, which may receive the air pulses from the air pulse generator to be applied to the patient's torso. At least one tube may include a tube body, a reinforcement ring, a first connector, and a second connector, the tube body may be made of a flexible material, the reinforcement ring may be coupled to the flexible material of the tube body and may be configured to extend in a spiral shape between a first end region of the tube and a second end region of the tube, the first connector may be attached to the first end region of the tube, and the second connector may be attached to the second end region of the tube. The first connector may include a first annular member and a metal piece, the first annular member may be configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcement ring at the first end region of the pipe, and the metal piece may be coupled to the distal end of the first annular member to be attracted to the magnet when the first connector is coupled to the housing outlet of the air pulse generator.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the first spiral groove of the first annular member may be configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcing ring within the orifice of the tube body at the first end region of the tubular member. The present disclosure may contemplate that the first connector may include a second annular member, which may have a second spiral groove, which may be configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcing ring, and the second annular member may surround the outer surface of the tube body at the first end region of the tubular member. Optionally, the first connector may include a third annular member, which may be configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcing ring and may surround the outer surface of the first end region of the tubular member. The third annular member may also surround the proximal end of the first annular member.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, the first connector may include a second annular member that may be formed by overmolding to encapsulate the first annular member and the distal end of the tubular body so that the first annular member and the tubular body can be stably assembled. In certain embodiments, the first connector may include a third annular member that may be configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcing ring and may surround the outer surface of the tubular body and the proximal end of the first annular member. The second annular member may also encapsulate at least the distal end of the third annular member so that the first annular member, the third annular member, and the tubular body can be stably assembled.

[0010] If necessary, the metal piece of the first aspect may include a metal ring, which may be embedded in the first annular member at the distal end of the first annular member. In addition, the first end face of the metal ring may be substantially coplanar with the distal end face of the first annular member. In some embodiments, the magnet may include a magnetic ring, which may be adjacent to the proximal end of the outlet.

[0011] It is contemplated that the second connector may include a first annular member, which may be formed with a first spiral groove, which may be configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcing ring at the second end region of the pipe. If necessary, the first spiral groove of the first annular member of the second connector may be configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcing ring in the mouth of the pipe body at the second end region of the pipe. In addition or alternatively, the first annular member of the second connector may include a first groove and a second groove at the distal end of the first annular member. The second connector may also include a first O-ring and a second O-ring, which may be accommodated in the corresponding first groove and the second groove, so that when the second connector is installed in the tubular inlet of at least one airbag of the garment, the first O-ring and the second O-ring may be frictionally engaged with the inner surface of the tubular inlet. Optionally, the second connector may include a second annular member, which may be formed with a second spiral groove, which may be configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcing ring, and the second annular member may surround the outer surface of the pipe body at the second end region of the pipe. If necessary, the second connector may include a third annular member, which may be formed with a third spiral groove, which may be configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcement ring, and the third annular member may surround the outer surface of the tube body at the second end region of the tube and surround the proximal end of the first annular member.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, the second connector may include a second annular member that may be formed by overmolding to encapsulate the first annular member and the distal end of the tubular body so that the first annular member and the tubular body can be stably assembled. In some embodiments, the second connector may include a third annular member that is configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcing ring and may surround the outer surface of the tubular body and the proximal end of the first annular member. The second annular member may also encapsulate at least the distal end of the third annular member so that the first annular member, the third annular member, and the tubular body can be stably assembled.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a tube can be configured to deliver air pulses from an air pulse generator to an air bag of a therapeutic vest, and the tube may include: a tube body, which may be made of a flexible material; a reinforcing ring, which may be coupled to the flexible material of the tube body and may be configured to extend in a spiral shape from a first end region of the tube to a second end region of the tube; and a first connector, which is attached to the first end region of the tube. The first connector may include a first annular member and a metal piece, the first annular member may be configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcing ring at the first end region of the tube, and the metal piece may be coupled to the distal end of the first annular member to be attracted to a magnet when the first connector is coupled to the outlet of the air pulse generator.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the first spiral groove of the first annular member may be configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcing ring within the orifice of the tube body at the first end region of the tube. The present disclosure may contemplate that the first connector may include a second annular member, which may have a second spiral groove, which may be configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcing ring, and the second annular member may surround the outer surface of the tube body at the first end region of the tube. Optionally, the first connector may include a third annular member, which may be configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcing ring and may surround the outer surface of the first end region of the tube. The third annular member may also surround the proximal end of the first annular member.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, the first connector may include a second annular member that may be formed by overmolding to encapsulate the first annular member and the distal end of the tubular body so that the first annular member and the tubular body can be stably assembled. In certain embodiments, the first connector may include a third annular member that may be configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcing ring and may surround the outer surface of the tubular body and the proximal end of the first annular member. The second annular member may also encapsulate at least the distal end of the third annular member so that the first annular member, the third annular member, and the tubular body can be stably assembled.

[0016] If necessary, the metal member of the second aspect may include a metal ring, which may be embedded in the first annular member at the distal end of the first annular member. In addition, the first end surface of the metal ring may be substantially coplanar with the distal end surface of the first annular member.

[0017] It is contemplated that the pipe fitting may further include a second connector. The second connector may have a first annular member, which may be formed with a first spiral groove, which may be configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcing ring at the second end region of the pipe fitting. If necessary, the first spiral groove of the first annular member of the second connector may be configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcing ring in the mouth of the pipe body at the second end region of the pipe fitting. In addition or alternatively, the first annular member of the second connector may include a first groove and a second groove at the distal end of the first annular member. The second connector may also include a first O-ring and a second O-ring, which may be accommodated in the corresponding first groove and second groove, so that when the second connector is installed in the tubular inlet of the clothing airbag, the first O-ring and the second O-ring may be frictionally engaged with the inner surface of the tubular inlet. Optionally, the second connector may include a second annular member, which may be formed with a second spiral groove, which may be configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcing ring, and the second annular member may surround the outer surface of the pipe body at the second end region of the pipe fitting. If necessary, the second connector may include a third annular member, which may be formed with a third spiral groove, which may be configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcement ring, and the third annular member may surround the outer surface of the tube body at the second end region of the tube and surround the proximal end of the first annular member.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, the second connector may include a second annular member that may be formed by overmolding to encapsulate the first annular member and the distal end of the tubular body so that the first annular member and the tubular body can be stably assembled. In some embodiments, the second connector may include a third annular member that is configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcing ring and may surround the outer surface of the tubular body and the proximal end of the first annular member. The second annular member may also encapsulate at least the distal end of the third annular member so that the first annular member, the third annular member, and the tubular body can be stably assembled.

[0019] With respect to the HFCWO system of the first aspect, the reinforcement ring may include a reinforcement wire or reinforcement thread integrally molded with the pipe body. Similarly, with respect to the pipe fitting of the second aspect, the reinforcement ring may include a reinforcement wire or reinforcement thread integrally molded with the pipe body.

[0020] Additional features (including those listed above and / or those listed in the claims) may constitute patentable subject matter alone or in combination with any other features, and these additional features will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of the following exemplary embodiments illustrating the best way to implement the disclosed embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The following is a detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1is a perspective view of a high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) system having an air pulse generator, a therapeutic garment, and two tubes connecting the air pulse generator and the therapeutic garment;

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 a side view of one of the illustrated tubes showing a first connector attached to a first end region of the tube, a second connector attached to a second end region of the tube, a tube body, and a reinforcement wire embedded in the tube body and extending between the first end region and the second end region of the tube;

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The outlet of the air pulse generator shown and Figure 1 and Figure 2 a partial cross-sectional view of a first end region of the tube, showing the metal ring of the first connector and the magnet of the outlet in relative relation to each other;

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 1 and Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of a first end region of the tubular member, showing a first connector having a first annular member carrying a metal ring, a second annular member and a third annular member, the first annular member having a threaded tubular portion positioned within a mouth of a tubular body and threadedly engaged with a reinforcing wire, the second annular member encapsulating at least a portion of the first annular member, the tubular body and the third annular member, and the third annular member encapsulating a portion of the first annular member and the second annular member and a portion of the tubular body;

[0026] Figure 4A for Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of the first annular member showing the first annular member having a threaded tubular portion, an intermediate tubular portion and a distal expanded ring;

[0027] Figure 4B for Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of the second annular member showing that the second annular member has a distal annular member locking region, an intermediate annular member locking region, and a proximal annular member locking region;

[0028] Figure 4C for Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of the third annular member showing the third annular member having a distal region, an annular recess, and a proximal region;

[0029] Figure 4D for Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of the metal ring, showing the metal ring having a distal end and a proximal end;

[0030] Figure 5 for Figure 4a perspective view of the first connector showing that the distal end face of the metal ring is substantially coplanar with the distal end face of the first annular member;

[0031] Figure 6 for Figure 4 An exploded view of the first connector shown, showing from left to right a metal ring, a first annular member, a second annular member, and a third annular member;

[0032] Figure 7 for Figure 1 Entrance to the therapeutic garment shown and Figure 1 and Figure 2 a partial cross-sectional view of a second end region of the tubular member showing the second connector having a first O-ring and a second O-ring engaged with an inner surface of the inlet;

[0033] Figure 8 for Figure 1 and Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of a second end region of the tubular member showing the second connector having a first annular member, a second annular member, a third annular member, and a first O-ring and a second O-ring;

[0034] Fig. 8A for Figure 8 a cross-sectional view of the first annular member showing the first annular member having an O-ring and a threaded tubular portion;

[0035] Figure 8B for Figure 8 a cross-sectional view of the second annular member showing the second annular member having a distal annular member region and a proximal annular member locking region;

[0036] Figure 8C for Figure 8 a cross-sectional view of the third annular member showing the third annular member having a distal region, an annular recess, and a proximal region;

[0037] Fig. 9 for Figure 8 A perspective view of the second connector with the first O-ring and the second O-ring removed;

[0038] Fig.10 for Figure 8 An exploded view of the second connector is shown, showing from left to right a first O-ring and a second O-ring, a first annular member, a third annular member, and a second annular member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The present disclosure is generally related to a tube connector, for example, for fastening at least one tube to an air pulse generator and a patient-worn garment on a high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) system. A first tube connector includes a first annular member, a magnetic ring of which is coupled to a distal end of the first annular member. The air pulse generator has a housing, which includes at least one outlet and a magnet adjacent to the outlet. When it is necessary to connect the first tube connector to the air pulse generator so that the air pulses discharged from the housing of the air pulse generator can be delivered to the garment, the first tube connector is inserted into the outlet and fixed to the outlet, wherein the metal ring of the first annular member is attracted to the magnet of the outlet. Therefore, the insertion of the first tube connector into the outlet does not depend on the orientation of the first tube connector.

[0040] Figure 1 An example of a HFCWO system 10 is shown. The HFCWO system 10 is merely an example of a type of system in which a tubing connector (such as the first tubing connector) may be used to connect tubing to an air pulse generator or a patient-worn garment. It should be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure are applicable to all types of chest wall treatment systems and other systems having tubing connections.

[0041] The HFCWO system 10 includes an air pulse generator 12, a garment 14, and a tube 16 extending between the air pulse generator 12 and the garment 14. Figure 1 As shown. The air pulse generator 12 is configured to generate air pulses. The garment 14 is configured to be worn by the patient 11. The tube 16 is configured to deliver the air pulses from the air pulse generator 12 to the airbags 24 of the garment 14. In some embodiments, the HFCWO system 10 may include only one tube 16. In other embodiments, the HFCWO system 10 may include more than two tubes 16.

[0042] The air pulse generator 12 includes: Figure 1 The housing 18 is shown. The housing 18 includes an outlet 20 through which the air pulses are discharged from the housing 18. The air pulse generator 12 also includes a magnet 22 adjacent to the proximal end of each outlet 20, such as Figure 3 As shown. Magnet 22 can be one or more magnetic rings. In some embodiments, housing 18 can have one outlet 20, and / or air pulse generator 12 can have one magnet 22. In other embodiments, housing 18 can have more than two outlets 20, and / or air pulse generator 12 can have more than two magnets 22. In some embodiments, magnet 22 is molded into outlet 20.

[0043] The garment 14 includes one or more air cells 24, such as Figure 1As shown. One or more airbags 24 receive air pulses from the air pulse generator 14 to apply the air pulses to the torso of the patient 11. In the illustrative embodiment, the garment 14 has one airbag 24, which is pneumatically connected to the two tubes 16. In other embodiments, the garment 14 may have more than two airbags 24. In addition, one or more airbags 24 may include a tubular inlet 25, such as Figure 7 As shown. The garment 14 may be a therapeutic garment.

[0044] Figure 2 An example pipe 16 of the HFCWO system 10 is shown. The pipe 16 includes a pipe body 26, a reinforcing ring 28, a first connector 30, and a second connector 32, and the central axis 13 extends generally through the center of the pipe 16 between the first connector 30 and the second connector 32. The pipe body 26 is made of a flexible material. In some embodiments, such as the illustrative embodiment described above, the exemplary reinforcing ring 28 includes a wire, and in other embodiments, the exemplary reinforcing ring 28 includes a thread integrally molded with the pipe body 26. In the following content, the reinforcing ring 28 is referred to as the reinforcing wire 28. The reinforcing wire 28 is embedded in the flexible material of the pipe body 26 and is configured in a spiral shape, such as Figure 3 The tube body 26 and the reinforcing wire 28 extend between a first end region 34 of the tube 16 and a second end region 36 of the tube 16. The first connector 30 is attached to the first end region 34. The second connector 32 is attached to the second end region 36.

[0045] The first connector 30 is configured to be coupled to the outlet 20, and the second connector 32 is configured to be coupled to the tubular inlet 25, so that the air pulse from the air pulse generator 12 reaches the air bag 24 through the outlet 20, the first connector 30, the tube body 26, the second connector 32 and the tubular inlet 25. In some embodiments, the length of the tube 16 between the distal edge 164 of the second connector 32 and the distal edge 39 of the first connector 30 can be about 1500 millimeters (mm). In other embodiments, the length of the tube 16 between the distal edge 164 of the second connector 32 and the distal edge 39 of the first connector 30 can be or is about 1480 mm to 1520 mm. In other embodiments, the length of the tube 16 can be less than about 1480 mm or greater than about 1520 mm.

[0046] The flexible material of the pipe body 26 can be any material suitable for assembling the pipe fitting 16 in the HFCWO system 10 or any other system in which the pipe fitting 16 can be used. For example, the flexible material of the pipe body 26 can be any synthetic plastic polymer, such as flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene or polypropylene. In some embodiments, the pipe body 26 can be made entirely of flexible PVC. In other embodiments, the pipe body 26 can be composed of different synthetic plastic polymers and / or other materials. Similarly, the reinforcing wire 28 can be any material suitable for embedding into the flexible material of the pipe body 26, such as any metal or alloy. In some embodiments, the reinforcing wire 28 can be made of steel or brass coils.

[0047] The first connector 30 is configured to be coupled to the outlet 20, such as Figure 3 As shown. In the illustrative embodiment, the first connector 30 includes a first annular member 38, a metal piece 40, a second annular member 42, and a third annular member 44. The first annular member 38 is configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcement wire 28 at the first end region 34. In the illustrative example, the metal piece 40 includes a metal ring 40, but in other embodiments, the metal piece 40 may include a block, a disk, an arc segment, etc. In the following content, the metal piece 40 is referred to as the metal ring 40. The metal ring 40 is configured to be attracted to the magnet 22 when the first connector 30 is coupled to the outlet 20. The second annular member 42 is configured to at least partially encapsulate the tube body 26 and the reinforcement wire 28. The third annular member 44 is configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcement wire 28, as shown. Figures 4 to 6 In some embodiments, the first connector 30 may not include the second annular member 42 and / or the third annular member 44 .

[0048] The first annular member 38 includes a distal expansion ring 68, an intermediate tubular portion 70 and a threaded tubular portion 72. Figure 4A The distal expansion ring 68 is configured to retain the metal ring 40. The intermediate tubular portion 70 is configured to engage the second annular member 42. The threaded tubular portion 72 is configured to engage the tubular body 26 and / or the reinforcing wire 28.

[0049] The distal expansion ring 68 includes a ring ridge 74, a first ring groove 76, a second ring groove 78 and a third ring groove 80. Figure 4AAs shown. The containment ridge 74 cooperates with the containment grooves 76, 78, and 80 to retain the metal ring 40. The containment ridge 74 extends radially inward relative to the central axis 13 compared to the first containment groove and the second containment groove. The first containment groove 76 is adjacent to the distal end of the containment ridge 74, and the second containment groove 78 is adjacent to the proximal end of the containment ridge 74. The containment ridge 74 cooperates with the first containment groove 76 and the second containment groove 78 to retain or accommodate the distal end 85 of the metal ring 40. The third containment groove 80 is adjacent to the proximal end of the second containment groove 78. The third containment groove 80 includes a distal inner surface 82 and an inclined proximal inner surface 84, which cooperate to accommodate the proximal end 86 of the metal ring 40. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the first containment groove 76, the second containment groove 78, the third containment groove 80 and the containment ridge 74 can range from about 30.5 mm to about 35 mm. In other embodiments, the inner diameter can be less than 30.5 mm or greater than 35 mm. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the distal expansion ring 68 can be approximately 38 mm. In other embodiments, the outer diameter of the distal expansion ring 68 can be less than or greater than approximately 38 mm.

[0050] Still refer to Figure 4A , the intermediate tubular portion 70 is located inside the proximal end of the distal expansion ring 68 and interconnects the distal expansion ring 68 with the threaded tubular portion 72. The intermediate tubular portion 70 includes an intermediate distal region 88 and a transition region 90. The intermediate distal region 88 is configured to accommodate the second annular member 42. The transition region 90 is configured to interconnect the intermediate distal region 88 with the threaded tubular portion 72. The transition region 90 defines a frustoconical surface 94 that extends axially between an inner surface 92 of the intermediate distal region 88 and an inner surface 96 of the threaded tubular portion 72. The inner surface 96 of the threaded tubular portion 72 defines a proximal inner diameter of the transition region 90. In some embodiments, the proximal inner diameter of the transition region 90 may be approximately 23.4 mm. The inner surface 92 of the intermediate distal region 88 defines a distal inner diameter of the transition region 90. In some embodiments, the distal inner diameter of the transition region 90 is approximately 28 mm. In other embodiments, the distal inner diameter and / or the proximal inner diameter can be less than 23.4 mm or greater than 28 mm. In certain embodiments, the distal inner diameter and the proximal inner diameter can be approximately equal.

[0051] The inner diameter of the intermediate distal region 88 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the metal ring 40, so that the inner surface 92 of the intermediate distal region 84 is flush with the inner surface 95 of the metal ring 40, as shown in FIG. Figure 4A In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the middle distal region 88 can be about 28 mm. In other embodiments, the inner diameter of the middle distal region 88 can be less than or greater than about 28 mm.

[0052] The intermediate distal region 88 includes one or more notches 98 that are radially recessed from an outer surface 100 of the intermediate distal region 88 toward an inner surface 92 of the intermediate distal region 88, such as Figure 4AAs shown. One or more recesses 98 are configured to accommodate the second annular member 42. A radially indented surface 104 of each of the one or more recesses 98 is located between the inner surface 92 and the outer surface 100 of the intermediate distal region 88. The one or more recesses 98 are circumferentially spaced about the central axis 13. In one embodiment, the intermediate distal region 88 includes four recesses 98. In some embodiments, the intermediate distal region 88 can have less than or more than four recesses 98.

[0053] The threaded tubular portion 72 is located immediately inside the proximal end of the intermediate tubular portion 70. The threaded tubular portion 72 includes one or more threads 108 configured to engage with the tubular body 26 and the reinforcing wire 28, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4A As shown. One or more threads 108 cooperate to define one or more spiral grooves 46, each of which is located between each thread 108, and each thread 108 is configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcing wire 28 in the nozzle of the tube body 26 at the first end region 34 (not shown). In some embodiments, the threaded tubular portion 72 can be glued or mechanically snapped into the nozzle of the tube body 26. In illustrative embodiments, one or more threads 108 extend around the axial length portion of the threaded tubular portion 72. In other embodiments, one or more threads 108 can extend over the entire axial length of the threaded tubular portion 72. The first outer diameter of the threaded tubular portion 72 can be approximately 25.5mm. One or more threads 108 can cooperate to define a second outer diameter of the threaded tubular portion 72, which is approximately 27.2mm. The inner diameter of the threaded tubular portion 720 can be approximately 22.6mm. In certain embodiments, the first outer diameter can be less than or greater than approximately 25.5 mm, the second outer diameter can be less than or greater than approximately 27.2 mm, and the inner diameter can be less than or greater than approximately 22.6 mm.

[0054] A metal ring 40 is coupled to the distal end of the first annular member 38, such as Figures 3 to 6 In the illustrative embodiment, the metal ring 40 is held by the distal expansion ring 68. The first end surface 41 of the metal ring 40 can be substantially coplanar with the distal edge 39 of the distal expansion ring 68, as shown in FIG. Figures 4 to 5As shown. In some embodiments, the metal ring 40 can be molded into the distal expansion ring 68, for example, by using insert molding. The metal ring 40 can be any magnetic metal or alloy suitable for attraction with the magnet 22, so that the first connector 30 can be firmly attached to the outlet 20 regardless of the orientation of the metal ring 40 relative to the magnet 22. For example, the metal ring 40 can be made of stainless steel (such as passivated grade 416 stainless steel), steel, ferrite, aluminum nickel cobalt alloy, permalloy, iron, cobalt or nickel. In some embodiments, the metal ring 40 is more than one metal ring 40. In other embodiments, the metal ring 40 includes more than two metal segments configured to form the metal ring 40. In other embodiments, when the metal ring 40 is first engaged with the magnet 22, the attraction between the metal ring 40 and the magnet 22 will produce an audible noise, such as a click.

[0055] The metal ring 40 includes a distal end 85 and a proximal end 86. Figure 4D As shown. The annular groove 110 and the first annular ridge 112 and the second annular ridge 114 defined by the distal end 85 are configured to be in relative relation with the containment ring ridge 74 and the first containment ring groove 76 and the second containment ring groove 78 of the distal expansion ring 68, respectively. The outer surface 116 defined by the proximal end 86 is configured to be in relative relation with the third containment ring groove 80. The distal end 85 and the proximal end 86 cooperate to define the inner diameter of the metal ring 40. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the metal ring 40 can be approximately 28 mm. In other embodiments, the inner diameter of the metal ring 40 can be greater than or less than 28 mm.

[0056] The second annular member 42 includes a distal annular member locking region 118, an intermediate annular member locking region 120, and a proximal annular member locking region 122. Figure 4B The distal annular member locking region 118, the intermediate annular member locking region 120, and the proximal annular member locking region 122 cooperate to define an outer surface 124 that tapers radially inwardly from the proximal annular member locking region 122 and the distal annular member locking region 118 along the axial length of the second annular member 42. The distal annular member locking region 118 is configured to couple to the first annular member 38 and at least partially encapsulate the first annular member 38. The intermediate annular member locking region 120 is configured to at least partially encapsulate the tubular body 26. The proximal annular member locking region 122 is configured to couple to the third annular member 44 and at least partially encapsulate the third annular member 44.

[0057] The second annular member 42 also encapsulates the outer surface 27 of the tube body 26 at the first end region 34. Therefore, the first annular member 38, the third annular member 44 and the tube body 26 are firmly assembled by the second annular member 42 at the first end region 34. In the illustrative embodiment, the second annular member 42 is formed by overmolding to encapsulate the first annular member 38, the third annular member 44 and the tube body 26. In some embodiments, the second annular member 42 can only encapsulate the first annular member 38 or the third annular member 44. The second annular member 42 can be formed by any overmolding process or similar process. In some embodiments, the distal annular member locking area 118 can have a second spiral groove to allow threaded engagement with the reinforcement wire 28 at the first end region 34. In other embodiments, the second annular member 42 is glued or mechanically snapped onto the tube body 26.

[0058] The distal annular member locking region 118 encapsulates the intermediate tubular portion 70 of the first annular member 38, such as Figure 4 and Figure 4B As shown. The distal annular member locking region 118 includes one or more latches 126, which are inserted into one or more recesses 98 of the intermediate tubular portion 70 to secure the second annular member 42 to the first annular member 38. The one or more latches 126 extend radially inward from the inner surface 128 of the distal annular member locking region 118. In some embodiments, the radial length of each of the one or more latches 126 can be about 2 mm to about 3.1 mm. The one or more latches 126 are circumferentially spaced around the central axis 13. In one embodiment, the distal annular member locking region 126 includes four latches 126. In some embodiments, the distal annular member locking region 126 can have less than or more than four latches 126.

[0059] The proximal annular member locking region 122 at least partially encapsulates the third annular member 44, such as Figure 4 and Figure 4B As shown. The proximal annular member locking region 122 includes an annular latch portion 128 extending radially inward from the outer surface 124. The annular latch portion 128 includes a distal face 130 and an inner surface 136, the distal face 130 being in a relative relationship with the first surface 132 of the annular recess 134 of the third annular member 44, and the inner surface 136 being in a relative relationship with the outer surface 138 of the annular recess 134. Therefore, the proximal annular member locking region 122 encapsulates the distal region 140 of the third annular member 44 to secure the second annular member 42 to the third annular member 44. In some embodiments, only the distal face 130 or the inner surface 136 can be in a relative relationship with the mating face of the third annular member 44. In some embodiments, a plurality of annular latch portions 128 are circumferentially spaced around the central axis 13.

[0060] The third annular member 44 includes a distal region 140, an annular recess 134, and a proximal region 142, which cooperate to define a third helical groove 50 to allow threaded engagement with the reinforcing wire 28 at the first end region 34, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 4C 14. The distal region 140 is configured to be enclosed by the proximal annular member locking region 122 of the second annular member 42. The annular recess 134 is configured to engage the annular latch portion 128 of the second annular member 42. The proximal region 142 is spaced apart from the first annular member 38 and the second annular member 42 at the proximal end, and the outer surface 148 of the proximal region 142 is the same diameter as the gripping surface 146 of the distal region 140. The diameter of the gripping surface 146 of the distal region 140 can be approximately 35 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter defined by the outer surface 158 can be larger or smaller than the diameter defined by the gripping surface 146. In the illustrative embodiment, the third annular member 44 surrounds the outer surface 27 of the tubular body 26. In some embodiments, the third annular member 44 is glued or mechanically snapped to the tubular body 26.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the distal region 140 includes a plurality of axial grooves 144 configured to provide a gripping surface 146 such as Figure 6 As shown. Thus, the plurality of axial grooves 144 and the gripping surface 146 cooperate to allow a user to grip the distal region 140 during assembly of the tubular 16. Each axial groove 144 extends over the entire axial length of the distal region 140 and extends radially inward from the gripping surface 146 of the distal region 40 toward the outer surface 138 of the annular recess 134. The plurality of axial grooves 144 are spaced about the central axis 13. In some embodiments, each axial groove 144 may not extend over the entire axial length of the distal region 140. In other embodiments, the distal region 140 may not include a plurality of axial grooves 144.

[0062] The first annular member 38, the second annular member 42, and the third annular member 44 can all be made of any material suitable for the first connector 30 (including any plastic, polymer, or resin material) so that the first connector 30 is securely assembled at the first end region 34. The first annular member 38, the second annular member 42, and the third annular member 44 can be made of the same or different materials. For example, the first annular member, the second annular member, and / or the third annular member can be made of CYCOLOY TM Made of polycarbonate / acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC / ABS) high impact amorphous thermoplastic (such as C6600 grade) or similar suitable resin, flame retardant resin or polymer.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the axial length of the first annular member 38 is greater than the axial lengths of both the second annular member 42 and the third annular member 44. Figure 4 As shown. The axial length of the second annular member 42 is also greater than the axial length of the third annular member 44. In the illustrative embodiment, the axial length of the first annular member 38 is at least 5 times the axial length of the third annular member 44, and the axial length of the second annular member 42 is at least 4 times the axial length of the third annular member 44. For example, in some embodiments, the axial length of the first annular member 38 can be approximately 81.5 mm, the axial length of the second annular member 42 can be approximately 73 mm, and the axial length of the third annular member 44 can be approximately 15 mm. In other embodiments, the axial length of the first annular member 38 can be greater than or less than approximately 81.5 mm, the axial length of the second annular member 42 can be greater than or less than approximately 73 mm, and / or the axial length of the third annular member 44 can be greater than or less than approximately 15 mm.

[0064] The second connector 32 is configured to be coupled to the inlet 25, such as Figure 7 As shown. The second connector 32 includes a first annular member 52, O-rings 54 and 55, a second annular member 56, and a third annular member 58. The first annular member 52 is configured to threadably engage with the reinforcement wire 28 at the second end region 36. The O-rings 54 and 55 are configured to frictionally engage with the inner surface 29 of the inlet 25. The second annular member 56 is configured to at least partially encapsulate the tube body 26 and the reinforcement wire 28. The third annular member 58 is configured to threadably engage with the reinforcement wire 28, as shown. Figures 7 to 10 In some embodiments, the second connector 32 may not include the second annular member 56 and / or the third annular member 58 .

[0065] The first annular member 52 includes an O-ring 150 and a threaded tubular portion 152, such as Figure 8 and Fig. 8A As shown. The O-ring 150 is configured to retain the O-rings 54, 55. The threaded tubular portion 152 is configured to engage the tubular body 26 and / or the reinforcing wire 28. The O-ring 150 and the threaded tubular portion 152 cooperate to define an inner surface 162. The inner surface 162 defines an inner diameter of the first annular member 52. For example, the inner surface 162 can define an inner diameter of approximately 24 mm. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the first annular member 52 can be greater or less than 24 mm.

[0066] The O-ring 150 includes a first circumferential groove 62 and a second circumferential groove 63 configured to retain the O-rings 54, 55. The circumferential grooves 62, 63 each extend radially inward from the outer surface 154 of the O-ring 150 toward the inner surface 162 of the first annular member 52. The radially inwardly constricted surfaces 158, 159 of each circumferential groove 62, 63 are radially located between the outer surface 154 and the inner surface 156. The radially inwardly constricted surfaces 158, 159 cooperate to define the outer diameter of the circumferential grooves 62, 63. For example, the circumferential grooves 62, 63 may define an outer diameter of approximately 28 mm. In other embodiments, the circumferential grooves 62, 63 may define an inner diameter greater than or less than 28 mm. In the illustrative embodiment, the O-ring 150 includes two circumferential grooves 62, 63. In other embodiments, the O-ring 150 may include more or less than two circumferential grooves 62, 63.

[0067] like Figure 8 and Fig. 8A As shown, the O-ring 150 also includes a tapered end 160, which is configured to help guide the first annular member 52 into the inlet 25 of the garment 14 during insertion. The tapered end 160 defines a first outer diameter adjacent to the distal end of the first groove 62 and a second outer diameter located at a distal end face 164 of the O-ring 150. In an illustrative embodiment, the first outer diameter is greater than the second outer diameter. For example, the first outer diameter can be approximately 33.3 mm and the second outer diameter can be approximately 27.8 mm. In other embodiments, the first outer diameter and / or the second outer diameter can be greater than 33.3 mm or less than 27.8 mm.

[0068] The threaded tubular portion 152 is adjacent to the inner side of the proximal end of the O-ring sleeve 150, such as Figure 8 The threaded tubular portion 152 includes one or more threads 166 configured to engage with the tubular body 26 and the reinforcing wire 28. Figure 8 and Fig. 8AAs shown. One or more threads 166 cooperate to define one or more spiral grooves 60, and the one or more spiral grooves 46 are each located between each thread 166, and each thread 108 is configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcing wire 28 in the mouth of the tube body 26 at the second end region 36 (not shown). In some embodiments, the threaded tubular portion 152 can be glued or mechanically snapped into the mouth of the tube body 26. In illustrative embodiments, one or more threads 166 extend around the axial length portion of the threaded tubular portion 152. In other embodiments, one or more threads 166 can extend over the entire axial length of the threaded tubular portion 152. The first outer diameter of the threaded tubular portion 152 can be defined by one or more spiral grooves 60, which is about 25.5mm. One or more threads 166 can cooperate to define a second outer diameter of the threaded tubular portion 152, which is about 27.2mm. In some embodiments, the first outer diameter can be less than or greater than about 25.5mm, and / or the second outer diameter can be less than or greater than about 27.2mm.

[0069] O-rings 54, 55 are located in circumferential grooves 62, 63. Figure 8 and Fig. 8A As shown. The outer diameter defined by each of the O-rings 54, 55 extends radially outward from the outer surface 154 of the O-ring ferrule 150 so that the O-rings 54, 55 can frictionally engage the inner surface 27 of the outlet 25. For example, the O-rings 54, 55 can define an outer diameter of approximately 34.7 mm. The O-rings 54, 55 can be made of any material suitable for frictionally engaging the inner surface 27 of the outlet 25, including any rubber material. For example, the O-rings 54, 55 can be made of fluororubber or any other fluoroelastomer material.

[0070] The second annular member 56 includes a distal annular member region 168 and a proximal annular member locking region 170, such as Figure 8 and Figure 8BAs shown. The distal annular member region 168 and the proximal annular member locking region 170 cooperate to define an outer surface 172 of the second annular member 56. The distal annular member region 168 is configured to at least partially encapsulate the tubular body 26. The proximal annular member locking region 170 is configured to couple to the third annular member 58 and at least partially encapsulate the third annular member 44. The second annular member 56 also encapsulates the outer surface 27 of the tubular body 26 at the second end region 36. Therefore, the first annular member 52, the third annular member 58 and the tubular body 26 are firmly assembled by the second annular member 56 at the second end region 36. In the illustrative embodiment, the second annular member 56 is formed by an overmolding process to encapsulate the third annular member 58 and the tubular body 26. In some embodiments, the second annular member 56 can also encapsulate the first annular member 52. The second annular member 56 can be formed by any overmolding process or similar process. In some embodiments, the distal annular member region 168 can have a second spiral groove to allow threaded engagement with the reinforcement wire 28 at the second end region 36. In other embodiments, the second annular member 56 is glued or mechanically snapped onto the tube body 26 .

[0071] The proximal annular member locking region 170 at least partially encapsulates the third annular member 58, such as Figure 8 and Figure 8B As shown. The proximal annular member locking region 170 includes an annular latch portion 174 extending radially inward from the outer surface 172. The annular latch portion 174 includes a distal face 176 and an inner surface 182, the distal face 130 being in a relative relationship with the first surface 178 of the annular recess 180 of the third annular member 58, and the inner surface 136 being in a relative relationship with the outer surface 184 of the annular recess 180. Therefore, the proximal annular member locking region 170 encapsulates the distal region 186 of the third annular member 58 to fasten the second annular member 56 to the third annular member 58. In some embodiments, only the distal face 176 or the inner surface 182 can be in a relative relationship with the mating surface of the third annular member 58. In some embodiments, a plurality of annular latch portions 174 are circumferentially spaced around the central axis 13.

[0072] The third annular member 58 includes a distal region 186, an annular recess 180, and a proximal region 188, which cooperate to define a third helical groove 190 to allow threaded engagement with the reinforcing wire 28 at the second end region 36, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 and Figure 8C180 is configured to engage the annular latch portion 174 of the second annular member 56. The proximal region 188 is spaced apart from the first annular member 52 and the second annular member 56 at the proximal end, and the outer surface 192 of the proximal region 188 is the same diameter as the gripping surface 194 of the distal region 186. The diameter of the gripping surface 194 of the distal region 186 can be approximately 35 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter defined by the outer surface 192 can be larger or smaller than the diameter defined by the gripping surface 194. In the illustrative embodiment, the third annular member 58 surrounds the outer surface 27 of the tubular body 26. In some embodiments, the third annular member 44 is glued or mechanically snapped to the tubular body 26.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the distal region 186 includes a plurality of axial grooves 196 configured to provide a gripping surface 194 such as Fig.10 As shown. Thus, the plurality of axial grooves 196 and the gripping surface 194 cooperate to allow a user to grip the distal region 186 during assembly of the tubular 16. Each axial groove 196 extends over the entire axial length of the distal region 186 and extends radially inward from the gripping surface 194 of the distal region 186 toward the outer surface 198 of the annular recess 180. The plurality of axial grooves 196 are spaced about the central axis 13. In some embodiments, each axial groove 196 may not extend over the entire axial length of the distal region 186. In other embodiments, the distal region 186 may not include a plurality of axial grooves 196.

[0074] The first annular member 52, the second annular member 54, and the third annular member 56 can all be made of any material suitable for the second connector 32 (including any plastic, polymer, or resin material) so that the second connector 32 is securely assembled at the second end region 36. The first annular member 52, the second annular member 54, and the third annular member 56 can be made of the same or different materials. For example, the first annular member, the second annular member, and / or the third annular member can be made of CYCOLOY TM Made of polycarbonate / acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC / ABS) high impact amorphous thermoplastic (such as C6600 grade) or similar suitable resin, flame retardant resin or polymer.

[0075] In the illustrative embodiment, the axial length of the first annular member 52 is greater than the axial length of both the second annular member 56 and the third annular member 58. The axial length of the second annular member 56 is also greater than the axial length of the third annular member 58. In the illustrative embodiment, the axial length of the first annular member 52 is at least 5 times the axial length of the third annular member 58, and the axial length of the second annular member 56 is at least 2 times the axial length of the third annular member 58. For example, in some embodiments, the axial length of the first annular member 52 can be approximately 77.5 mm, the axial length of the second annular member 56 can be approximately 41.1 mm, and the axial length of the third annular member 58 can be approximately 15 mm. In other embodiments, the axial length of the first annular member 52 can be greater than or less than approximately 77.5 mm, the axial length of the second annular member 56 can be greater than or less than approximately 41.1 mm, and / or the axial length of the third annular member 58 can be greater than or less than approximately 15 mm.

[0076] The disclosed fitting 16 allows the first connector 30 to be inserted into the outlet 20 from a 360 degree orientation, thereby making the attachment of the first connector 30 to the outlet 20 independent of orientation. When the first connector 30 is inserted into the outlet 20, the attraction between the metal ring 40 and the magnet 22 allows the first connector 30 to self-align and lock into the outlet 20 when the metal ring 40 is close to the magnet 22. Once the metal ring 40 engages with the magnet 22, an audible click occurs, thereby prompting the user that the fitting 16 is connected to the outlet 20. For example, when the metal ring 40 is less than 1 cm away from the magnet 22, the first connector 30 can self-align and lock into the outlet.

[0077] The connection between the tube 16 and the outlet 20 can withstand a pressure of, for example, -13 kPa to +13 kPa generated by the air pulse generator 12 and pneumatically transmitted to the garment 14. The distal end of the first annular member 30 can withstand the weight of the other components of the tube 16 to prevent the tube 16 from being separated from the outlet 20.

[0078] The disclosed tube 16 has a number of advantages. The first connector 30 allows for insertion into the outlet 20 from a 360 degree orientation, so that attachment of the first connector 30 to the outlet 20 is independent of orientation. The metal ring 40 makes an audible sound when it engages with the magnet 22, which can alert the user by sound, in addition to the visual prompt, that the tube 16 is connected to the outlet 20. If the patient 11 wearing the vest 14 moves away from the air pulse generator 12, the first connector 30 is automatically detached from the outlet 20, so that the air pulse generator 12 is not pulled against the vest 14 and the tube 16, thereby preventing damage to the air pulse generator 12. For many users, connecting the first connector 30 to the outlet 20 using the metal ring 40 in the first connector 30 and the magnet 22 attached to the outlet 20 is both intuitive and easy to use.

[0079] The embodiments of the present invention may be described with reference to the following numbered clauses:

[0080] 1. A high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) treatment system for applying HFCWO treatment to a patient's torso, the HFCWO system comprising: an air pulse generator configured to generate air pulses, the housing of the air pulse generator comprising at least one outlet through which the gas pulses are discharged from the housing, the air pulse generator comprising a magnet adjacent to the outlet; a garment configured to be worn by a patient, at least one air cell of the garment receiving the air pulses from the air pulse generator for application to the patient's torso; and at least one tube configured to deliver the air pulses from the air pulse generator to the at least one air cell of the garment, wherein the at least one tube The component includes a tube body made of a flexible material, a reinforcement ring coupled to the flexible material of the tube body and configured to extend helically between a first end region and a second end region of the tube, a first connector attached to the first end region of the tube, and a second connector attached to the second end region of the tube, wherein the first connector includes a first annular member formed with a first spiral groove, the first spiral groove is configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcement ring in the first end region of the tube, and the first connector includes a metal component, the metal component is coupled to the distal end of the first annular member so as to be attracted to the magnet when the first connector is coupled to the outlet of the housing of the air pulse generator.

[0081] 2. The HFCWO system of clause 1, wherein the first helical groove of the first annular member is configured to threadably engage the reinforcement ring within the orifice of the pipe body at the first end region of the pipe.

[0082] 3. The HFCWO system according to clause 2, wherein the first connector includes a second annular member, the second helical groove of the second annular member is configured to threadably engage with the reinforcement ring, and the second annular member surrounds the outer surface of the pipe body at the first end region of the pipe.

[0083] 4. The HFCWO system according to clause 3, wherein the first connector includes a third annular member configured to threadably engage with the reinforcement ring around the outer surface of the pipe body at the first end region of the pipe, the third annular member surrounding the proximal end of the first annular member.

[0084] 5. The HFCWO system according to clause 2, wherein the first connector comprises a second annular member formed by overmolding to encapsulate the first annular member and the distal end of the tube body so that the first annular member and the tube body are stably assembled.

[0085] 6. A HFCWO system according to claim 5, wherein the first connector includes a third annular member, the third annular member is configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcement ring around the outer surface of the tube body, the third annular member surrounds the proximal end of the first annular member, and wherein the second annular member also encapsulates at least the distal end of the third annular member, so that the first annular member, the third annular member and the tube body are stably assembled.

[0086] 7. The HFCWO system according to clause 1, wherein the metal piece comprises a metal ring embedded in the first annular member at a distal end of the first annular member.

[0087] 8. The HFCWO system of clause 7, wherein the first end surface of the metal ring is substantially coplanar with the distal end surface of the first annular member.

[0088] 9. The HFCWO system of clause 1, wherein the magnet comprises a magnetic ring adjacent a proximal end of the outlet.

[0089] 10. The HFCWO system of clause 1, wherein the second connector comprises a first annular member formed with a first helical groove, the first helical groove being configured to threadably engage the reinforcement ring at the second end region of the pipe.

[0090] 11. The HFCWO system of clause 10, wherein the first helical groove of the first annular member of the second connector is configured to threadably engage the reinforcement ring within the orifice of the pipe body at the second end region of the pipe.

[0091] 12. A HFCWO system according to claim 10, wherein the first annular member of the second connector includes a first groove and a second groove at the distal end of the first annular member, and wherein the second connector also includes a first O-ring and a second O-ring accommodated in the corresponding first groove and second groove so that when the second connector is installed in the tubular inlet of at least one air bag of the garment, the first O-ring and the second O-ring are frictionally engaged with the inner surface of the tubular inlet.

[0092] 13. The HFCWO system according to clause 10, wherein the second connector comprises a second annular member having a second spiral groove configured to threadably engage with the reinforcement ring, the second annular member surrounding the outer surface of the pipe body at the second end region of the pipe.

[0093] 14. The HFCWO system according to clause 13, wherein the second connector includes a third annular member, the third annular member having a third spiral groove configured to threadably engage with the reinforcement ring, the third annular member surrounding the outer surface of the pipe body at the second end region of the pipe, and the third annular member surrounding the proximal end of the first annular member.

[0094] 15. The HFCWO system according to clause 10, wherein the second connector comprises a second annular member formed by overmolding to encapsulate the first annular member and the distal end of the tube body so that the first annular member and the tube body are stably assembled.

[0095] 16. A HFCWO system according to clause 15, wherein the second connector includes a third annular member, the third annular member is configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcement ring around the outer surface of the pipe body, the third annular member surrounds the proximal end of the first annular member, and wherein the second annular member also encapsulates at least the distal end of the third annular member, so that the first annular member, the third annular member and the pipe body are stably assembled.

[0096] 17. A tubing for delivering air pulses from an air pulse generator to air cells of a therapeutic vest, the tubing comprising:

[0097] a tube body, made of a flexible material;

[0098] a reinforcing ring coupled to the flexible material of the tube body and configured to extend helically between a first end region and a second end region of the tube; and

[0099] a first connector attached to a first end region of the tube,

[0100] Wherein, the first connector includes a first annular member and a metal part, the first annular member is formed with a first spiral groove, the first spiral groove is configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcement ring at the first end area of ​​the pipe, and the metal part is coupled to the distal end of the first annular member to be attracted to the magnet of the air pulse generator when the first connector is coupled to the outlet of the air pulse generator.

[0101] 18. A pipe according to clause 17, wherein the first helical groove of the first annular member is configured to threadably engage the reinforcement ring within the orifice of the pipe body at a first end region of the pipe.

[0102] 19. A pipe according to clause 18, wherein the first connector includes a second annular member, the second helical groove of the second annular member is configured to threadedly engage with the reinforcement ring, and the second annular member surrounds the outer surface of the pipe body at the first end region of the pipe.

[0103] 20. A tubular according to clause 19, wherein the first connector includes a third annular member configured to threadably engage with the reinforcement ring around the outer surface of the tubular body at the first end region of the tubular, the third annular member surrounding the proximal end of the first annular member.

[0104] 21. The pipe fitting according to clause 18, wherein the first connector includes a second annular member, the second annular member is formed by overmolding to encapsulate the first annular member and the distal end of the pipe body so that the first annular member and the pipe body are stably assembled.

[0105] 22. A tubular fitting according to claim 21, wherein the first connector includes a third annular member, the third annular member being configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcement ring around the outer surface of the tubular body, the third annular member surrounding the proximal end of the first annular member, and wherein the second annular member also encapsulates at least the distal end of the third annular member, so that the first annular member, the third annular member and the tubular body are firmly assembled.

[0106] 23. The tubular member of clause 17, wherein the metal member comprises a metal ring embedded in the first annular member at a distal end of the first annular member.

[0107] 24. A tubular according to clause 23, wherein the first end surface of the metal ring is substantially coplanar with the distal end surface of the first annular member.

[0108] 25. The pipe according to clause 17, wherein the pipe further comprises a second connector having a first annular member formed with a first helical groove, the first helical groove being configured to threadably engage the reinforcement ring at a second end region of the pipe.

[0109] 26. A pipe according to clause 25, wherein the first helical groove of the first annular member of the second connector is configured to threadably engage the reinforcement ring within the mouth of the pipe body at the second end region of the pipe.

[0110] 27. A pipe according to clause 25, wherein the second connector includes a second annular member having a second spiral groove configured to threadably engage with the reinforcement ring, and the second annular member surrounds the outer surface of the pipe at the second end region of the pipe.

[0111] 28. A fitting according to claim 25, wherein the first annular member of the second connector includes a first groove and a second groove, and wherein the second connector also includes a first O-ring and a second O-ring accommodated in the corresponding first groove and second groove so that when the second connector is installed in the tubular entrance of the air bag of the garment, the first O-ring and the second O-ring are frictionally engaged with the inner surface of the tubular entrance.

[0112] 29. A tubular fitting according to claim 28, wherein the second connector comprises a third annular member, the third annular member having a third spiral groove configured to engage with the reinforcing ring thread, the third annular member surrounding the outer surface of the tubular fitting at the second end region of the tubular fitting, the third annular member surrounding the proximal end of the first annular member.

[0113] 30. The tubular according to clause 25, wherein the second connector comprises a second annular member formed by overmolding to encapsulate the first annular member and the distal end of the tubular body so that the first annular member and the tubular body are stably assembled.

[0114] 31. A tubular fitting according to claim 30, wherein the second connector includes a third annular member, the third annular member being configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcement ring around the outer surface of the tubular body, the third annular member surrounding the proximal end of the first annular member, and wherein the second annular member also encapsulates at least the distal end of the third annular member, so that the first annular member, the third annular member and the tubular body are firmly assembled.

[0115] 32. A HFCWO system according to any one of clauses 1 to 16, wherein the reinforcement ring comprises a reinforcement wire or reinforcement thread integrally moulded with the pipe body.

[0116] 33. A pipe according to any one of clauses 17 to 31, wherein the reinforcement ring comprises a reinforcement wire or reinforcement thread integrally moulded with the pipe body.

[0117] When terms of degree such as "substantially," "substantially," and "approximately" are used herein in conjunction with numerical values ​​or qualitative terms that can be measured with numerical values ​​(e.g., vertical, horizontal, aligned), it is contemplated that such terms cover plus or minus 10%, or even up to plus or minus 20%, of the numerical value, unless otherwise specifically provided. For example, "vertical" may be defined as 90 degrees from horizontal, and then, according to the present disclosure, "substantially vertical" means 90 degrees plus or minus 9 degrees, or even plus or minus 18 degrees. The same tolerance range is also contemplated for "substantially horizontal." Otherwise, a suitable definition of "substantially," "substantially," and "approximately" is to a large but not necessarily complete extent as specified by the term.

[0118] When the terms "a / an" or the phrases "one or more" or "at least one" are used herein (including in the claims), they are synonymous, meaning that there may be one or more than one of the things being described. Similarly, the phrases "plurality" or "two or more" or "at least two" are used as synonyms, meaning that there may be two or more than two of the things being described.

[0119] While certain illustrative embodiments have been described in detail above, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A HFCWO system for applying high frequency chest wall oscillation HFCWO treatment to a patient's trunk, the HFCWO system include: an air pulse generator configured to generate air pulses, the housing of the air pulse generator comprising at least one outlet through which the gas pulses are discharged from the housing, the air pulse generator comprising a magnet adjacent to the outlet; a garment configured to be worn by a patient, at least one air cell of the garment receiving air pulses from the air pulse generator for application to the patient's torso; as well as At least one tube configured to deliver air pulses from the air pulse generator to at least one air bag of the garment, wherein the at least one tube includes a tube body made of a flexible material, a reinforcement ring coupled to the flexible material of the tube body and configured to extend helically between a first end region and a second end region of the tube, a first connector attached to the first end region of the tube, and a second connector attached to the second end region of the tube, wherein the first connector includes a first annular member formed with a first spiral groove, the first spiral groove is configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcement ring at the first end region of the tube, and the first connector includes a metal member coupled to a distal end of the first annular member to be attracted to the magnet when the first connector is coupled to the outlet of the housing of the air pulse generator.

2. The HFCWO system according to claim 1, in, The first helical groove of the first annular member is configured to threadably engage with the reinforcement ring within the orifice of the pipe body at the first end region of the pipe.

3. The HFCWO system according to claim 2, in, The first connector includes a second annular member having a second helical groove configured to threadably engage with the reinforcement ring, the second annular member surrounding an outer surface of the pipe body at a first end region of the pipe.

4. The HFCWO system according to claim 3, in, The first connector includes a third annular member configured to threadably engage with the reinforcement ring around an outer surface of the tubular body at a first end region of the tubular member, the third annular member surrounding a proximal end of the first annular member.

5. The HFCWO system according to claim 2, in, The first connector includes a second annular member formed by overmolding to encapsulate the first annular member and the distal end of the tube body so that the first annular member and the tube body are stably assembled.

6. The HFCWO system according to claim 5, in, The first connector includes a third annular member, which is configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcement ring around the outer surface of the tube body, the third annular member surrounds the proximal end of the first annular member, and wherein the second annular member also encapsulates at least the distal end of the third annular member, so that the first annular member, the third annular member and the tube body are stably assembled.

7. The HFCWO system according to claim 1, in, The metal piece includes a metal ring embedded in the first annular member at a distal end of the first annular member.

8. The HFCWO system according to claim 7, in, The first end surface of the metal ring is substantially coplanar with the distal end surface of the first annular member.

9. The HFCWO system according to claim 1, in, The magnet includes a magnetic ring adjacent to a proximal end of the outlet.

10. The HFCWO system according to claim 1, in, The second connector includes a first annular member formed with a first helical groove configured to threadably engage the reinforcement ring at a second end region of the pipe.

11. The HFCWO system according to claim 10, in, The first spiral groove of the first annular member of the second connector is configured to threadably engage with the reinforcement ring within the pipe mouth of the pipe body at the second end region of the pipe.

12. The HFCWO system according to claim 10, in, The first annular member of the second connector includes a first groove and a second groove at a distal end of the first annular member, and wherein the second connector also includes a first O-ring and a second O-ring accommodated in the corresponding first groove and second groove so that when the second connector is installed in the tubular entrance of at least one air bag of the garment, the first O-ring and the second O-ring are frictionally engaged with the inner surface of the tubular entrance.

13. The HFCWO system according to claim 10, in, The second connector includes a second annular member provided with a second spiral groove configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcement ring, and the second annular member surrounds the outer surface of the pipe body at the second end region of the pipe.

14. The HFCWO system according to claim 13, in, The second connector includes a third annular member having a third spiral groove configured to threadably engage with the reinforcement ring, the third annular member surrounding the outer surface of the pipe body at the second end region of the pipe, and the third annular member surrounding the proximal end of the first annular member.

15. The HFCWO system according to claim 10, in, The second connector includes a second annular member formed by overmolding to encapsulate the first annular member and the distal end of the tube body so that the first annular member and the tube body are stably assembled.

16. The HFCWO system according to claim 15, in, The second connector includes a third annular member, which is configured to be threadedly engaged with the reinforcement ring around the outer surface of the tube body, the third annular member surrounds the proximal end of the first annular member, and wherein the second annular member also encapsulates at least the distal end of the third annular member, so that the first annular member, the third annular member and the tube body are stably assembled.

17. The HFCWO system according to claim 1, in, The reinforcement ring includes a reinforcement wire.

18. The HFCWO system according to claim 1, in, The reinforcement ring includes a reinforcement thread integrally molded with the tube body.

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