Tube holding device

Abstract

In a method of retaining a tube on a barb connection, a tube retaining device is provided that includes a head defining a channel and a strap extending longitudinally from the head. The tube retention device is mounted around the tube on the barb connection, with the distal end of the strap being received through the channel. The tube retention device tightens against the tube such that the first head shoulder portion and the first shoulder portion compress the tube on a first side of the barbed portion of the barbed connector and the second head shoulder portion and the second shoulder portion compress the tube on a second side of the barbed portion.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to and the full benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 582,198, entitled “TUBE RETENTION DEVICE” and filed on September 12, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a retainer for maintaining a tube on a barb connector, a system comprising such a retainer and a method of maintaining a tube against a barb connector. More specifically, the invention applies to the biopharmaceutical or bioprocess industry for maintaining a tube onto a barb connector. BACKGROUND

[0003] Bioprocesses and drug manufacturing involve fluid transfer via biopharmaceutical tubing systems, which can include components such as barbed fittings or barb connectors, filters, and tubing sets. A tubing set or tube set refers to components including tubing, barbed fittings or barb connectors, and tubing retainers designed and assembled for a particular fluid transfer process. The volume inside the tubing and barb connector is important for a particular transfer process, as volume changes due to factors such as tubing expansion (bulging) during fluid transfer can have negative effects.

[0004] The function of a tube retainer is to reduce the likelihood of a leak path forming when bulging occurs in the tubing under pressure. The tube retainer also reduces the likelihood of accidental disconnection of the tubing piece from the barbed fitting it is connected to during such bulging. For example, 135 N of force can be required to pull a 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) internal diameter tube axially from a conventional barb connector, while adding a tube retainer of the conventional type can increase the force required to remove the tubing by about 25-60%, depending on the retainer used and the materials involved.

[0005] One common type of tube retainer used in biopharmaceutical tubing systems is a cable tie. Cable ties offer many benefits as they are inexpensive and easy to use. Additionally, the force and tension applied by an assembled cable tie to a particular tubing piece and barbed fitting can be easily controlled, such as by a cable tie gun having an adjustable tensioning feature. The cable tie gun can also cut any excess length from the cable tie so that the end of the cable tie is flush with the cable tie lock. One issue with cable ties, however, is that they do not fully engage the entire circumference of the tubing piece. When the cable tie is locked, the generally square shape of the cable tie lock prevents the cable tie from crimping the entire circumference of the tubing, particularly the area directly below the lock. This creates an area of less radial tension applied, which can ultimately result in an unsealed area between the tubing and the barb connector. Because they are secured behind the large diameter of the barbed portion of the end fitting (barb sharp), this can result in an area between the barb sharp and the cable tie that traps fluid once a bulge occurs within the tubing, after the pressure has been released and the tubing returns to its original size.

[0006] Other known types of tube retainers include sleeve-type elements, also known as barb locks, which are disposed around the tube and can be pushed over the area of the tubing that covers the tapered portion of the barb connector. Barb locks can prevent the bulging issue to some extent as they maintain the tube in close continuous contact with the tapered portion of the barb connector. However, barb locks are relatively expensive and cannot be retrofitted to fit certain tubing designs.

[0007] Another known alternative to cable ties is a metal clamp, which generally has a greater width than a cable tie and can include a textured or structured surface at the radially inner portion, which increases durability. However, metal clamps are expensive and do not solve the bulging issue as they are secured to the tubing and barb connector in a similar manner to cable ties. Also, if the metal clamps are cinched around the tapered portion of the barb connector, they can slide down during operation of the tubing system, which can result in a decrease in the tightening force and ultimately can result in an unsealed connection. SUMMARY

[0008] According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a pipe retaining device for retaining a pipe mounted on a barb connector includes a head, a band, and a ratchet member. The head includes an outer wall extending from a front side of the head to a rear side of the head, an inner wall, and first and second side walls to define a passageway between the outer wall, the inner wall, and the first and second side walls. The band extends longitudinally from a first end joined with the inner wall at the rear side of the head to a second end receivable through the passageway from the front side of the head. The band defines a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart detents and includes an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The ratchet member has first and second ends, with the first end joined with the head, and the second end extends into ratchet engagement with at least one of the plurality of detents when the second end of the band is inserted through the passageway. The inner wall of the head defines an arcuate ramp having an outer surface shaped to receive the inner surface of the band thereon. When the pipe retaining device is mounted on the pipe, the inner surface of the ramp flexes from a first radius of curvature to a second radius of curvature that matches a radius of curvature of a pipe-contacting portion of the inner surface of the band, such that the inner surface of the ramp and the inner surface of the band form a substantially continuous pipe-engaging surface around an outer circumference of the pipe.

[0009] According to another example embodiment of the present disclosure, a pipe retaining device for retaining a pipe mounted on a barb connector includes a head, a band, and a ratchet member. The head includes an outer wall extending from a front side of the head to a rear side of the head, an inner wall, and first and second side walls to define a passageway between the outer wall, the inner wall, and the first and second side walls. The band extends longitudinally from a first end joined with the inner wall at the rear side of the head to a second end receivable through the passageway from the front side of the head. The band defines a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart detents and includes an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, with the inner surface defining longitudinally extending first and second band shoulder portions and a band recess extending between the first and second band shoulder portions. The ratchet member has first and second ends, with the first end joined with the head, and the second end extends into ratchet engagement with at least one of the plurality of detents when the second end of the band is inserted through the passageway. The inner surface of the head includes longitudinally extending first and second head shoulder portions aligned with the first and second band shoulder portions to provide a substantially continuous pipe-engaging shoulder portion around an inner circumference of the pipe retaining device when the second end of the band is received through the passageway, and a head recess extending between the first and second head shoulder portions.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a method for retaining a tube on a barbed connector is contemplated. In the exemplary method, a tube retaining device is provided, comprising a head defining a channel and a strap extending longitudinally from the head. The tube retaining device is mounted around a tube on a barbed connector, wherein a distal end of the strap is received through the channel such that a first head shoulder portion on an inner surface of the head and a first strap shoulder portion on an inner surface of the strap are positioned on a first side of the barbed connector, a second head shoulder portion on an inner surface of the head and a second strap shoulder portion on an inner surface of the strap are positioned on a second side of the barbed connector, and a head recess between the first head shoulder portion and the second head shoulder portion and a strap recess between the first strap shoulder portion and the second strap shoulder portion are aligned with the barbed connector. The tube retaining device is tightened against the tube such that the first head shoulder portion and the first strap shoulder portion compress the tube on the first side of the barbed connector, and the second head shoulder portion and the second strap shoulder portion compress the tube on the second side of the barbed connector. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following description and appended claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0012] FIG. 1A A side cross-sectional view of a tube holding device according to an exemplary aspect of this disclosure is schematically shown;

[0013] FIG. 1B schematically shown FIG. 1A End cross-sectional view of the tube holding device;

[0014] FIG. 2A An end cross-sectional view of another tube holding device according to another exemplary aspect of this disclosure is schematically shown;

[0015] FIG. 2B An end cross-sectional view of another tube holding device according to another exemplary aspect of this disclosure is schematically shown;

[0016] FIG. 3 A perspective view of a tube holding device according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure is shown, in an unmounted configuration;

[0017] FIG. 4 It shows FIG. 3 An enlarged perspective view of the head portion of the tube holding device;

[0018] FIG. 5 It shows FIG. 3 A cross-sectional side view of the head portion of the tube holding device;

[0019] FIG. 6 It shows FIG. 3A perspective side section view of the tube holding device, showing its mounting configuration;

[0020] FIG. 7 It shows FIG. 3 The end cross-sectional view of the pipe retaining device is shown in its mounting configuration on a pipe connector with barbs;

[0021] FIG. 8 It shows FIG. 3 A perspective side section view of the pipe holding device, showing its mounting configuration on a pipe connector with barbs;

[0022] FIG. 9 A perspective view of a tube holding device according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure is shown, illustrated in an installation configuration;

[0023] FIG. 10 It shows FIG. 9 A perspective end section view of the tube holding device, showing its mounting configuration;

[0024] FIG. 11 It shows FIG. 9 A side cross-sectional view of the tube holding device, shown in its mounting configuration;

[0025] FIG. 12 A perspective view of a tube holding device according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure is shown, illustrated in an installation configuration;

[0026] FIG. 13 It shows FIG. 12 A perspective end section view of the tube holding device;

[0027] FIG. 14 It shows FIG. 14 Side cross-sectional view of the tube holding device;

[0028] FIG. 15 A perspective view of a tube holding device according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure is shown, in an unmounted configuration;

[0029] FIG. 16 It shows FIG. 15 Side view of the tube holding device;

[0030] FIG. 17 It shows something similar to FIG. 15 A side perspective view of the tube holding device, showing its mounting configuration;

[0031] FIG. 18 It shows FIG. 17 A perspective end section view of the tube holding device, shown in its mounting configuration; and

[0032] FIG. 19 It showsFIG. 17 A side cross-sectional view of the tube holding device, shown in its mounting configuration. Detailed Implementation

[0033] This detailed description merely illustrates exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. In fact, the claimed invention is broader than and not limited to the described embodiments, and the terminology used in the claims has its full ordinary meaning.

[0034] While various inventive aspects, concepts, and features of the invention may be described and illustrated herein as being combined and embodied in exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts, and features may be used individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations in many alternative embodiments. All such combinations and sub-combinations are within the scope of the invention unless expressly excluded herein. Furthermore, while various alternative embodiments of various aspects, concepts, and features of the invention may be described herein, such as alternative materials, structures, constructions, methods, circuits, devices and components, software, hardware, control logic, and alternatives regarding formation, adaptation, and function, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether currently known or developed hereafter. Those skilled in the art will readily adopt one or more inventive aspects, concepts, or features into additional embodiments and use them within the scope of the invention, even if such embodiments are not explicitly disclosed herein. Additionally, while some features, concepts, or aspects of the invention may be described herein as preferred arrangements or methods, such descriptions are not intended to imply that such features are necessary or essential unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, exemplary or representative values ​​and ranges may be included to aid in understanding this disclosure; however, such values ​​and ranges should not be construed as limiting and are intended to be critical values ​​or ranges only where explicitly stated. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, parameters identified as “approximate” or “about” specified values ​​are intended to include the specified value and values ​​within 10% of that specified value. Furthermore, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings may, but are not necessarily, drawn to scale and are therefore to teach various ratios and proportions apparent in the drawings. Moreover, while various aspects, features, and concepts may be expressly identified herein as part of the invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, and inventive aspects, concepts, and features fully described herein may exist without being expressly identified or identified as part of a particular invention, which is instead set forth in the appended claims. Unless expressly stated, the description of exemplary methods or processes is not limited to including all necessary steps in all cases, and the order of these steps is not to be construed as necessary or required.

[0035] According to an exemplary aspect of this disclosure, a tube holding device for retaining a tube on a barbed connector may include a head and a strip defining a tube engagement portion configured to provide a substantially continuous tube engagement surface around the outer periphery of the tube when the strip is received through a channel in the head and abuts against the tube being tightened or contracted. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner wall of the head includes: an arcuate ramp having an outer surface shaped thereon to receive an inner surface of the strip; and a narrow leading edge providing a substantially continuous transition from the inner surface of the strip to the inner surface of the arcuate ramp. In other exemplary embodiments, the arcuate ramp may additionally or alternatively be configured for flexural engagement with the tube, such that the inner surface of the ramp flexes from a first radius of curvature to a second radius of curvature that matches the radius of curvature of the tube contact portion of the inner surface of the strip.

[0036] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B An exemplary tube holding device 10, including a head 20, a ratchet member 30, and a belt 40, is schematically shown. The head 20 includes an outer wall 21, an inner wall 22, and a first side wall 23 and a second side wall 24 extending from a front side 20a of the head to a rear side 20b of the head, defining a channel 25 between the outer wall 21, the inner wall 22, and the first and second side walls 23 and 24. The belt 40 extends longitudinally from a first or proximal portion 41 to a second or distal portion 42, the first or proximal portion 41 being engaged with the inner wall 22 at the rear side 20b of the head 20 (e.g., integrally formed with the inner wall 22), the second or distal portion 42 being received from the front side 20a of the head through the channel 25. The belt 40 includes a strip portion 46 having an outer surface 46a defining a plurality of longitudinally spaced pawls 45 (e.g., teeth, sockets) and an inner surface 46b opposite to the outer surface. In other embodiments (not shown), longitudinally spaced pawls may be defined by or disposed on the inner surface of the belt.

[0037] The ratchet member 30 has a first end 31 and a second end 32 (e.g., including one or more teeth or other protrusions 33), wherein the first end 31 engages with the head 20 (e.g., with the outer wall 21 of the head) (e.g., integrally formed with the head 20), and when the second end 42 of the belt 40 is inserted through the channel 25, the second end 32 of the ratchet member 30 extends to form a ratchet engagement with at least one of the plurality of pawls 45 (e.g., allowing the belt to move in the tightening direction while preventing the belt from moving in the loosening direction).

[0038] The inner wall 22 of the head 20 defines an arcuate ramp 26 having an outer surface 26a shaped thereon to receive the inner surface 46b of the band 40, and an inner surface 26b opposite to the outer surface. When the tube retainer 10 is mounted on the tube T (e.g., placed around the tube and tightened or contracted against the tube), the inner surface 26b of the ramp 26 flexes to match the radius of curvature of the tube contact portion 46t of the inner surface 46b of the band, such that the inner surface of the ramp and the inner surface of the band form a substantially continuous (e.g., less than about 7° or less than about 2% discontinuity around the outer periphery of the tube T) tube engagement surface. Small discontinuities or gaps g in the circumferential tube engagement may exist between the inner surface 26b of the ramp 26 and the inner surface 46b of the band 40. This gap g can be minimized by providing a leading edge 26e of a ramp 26 with a small thickness or radius (e.g., less than about 0.050 inches or about 0.010 inches thick), for example, to minimize the transition distance between the tube contact portion 46t of the inner surface 46b and the ramp contact portion 46r of the inner surface 46b.

[0039] To retain the tube T on the tube connector C (e.g., a barbed connector), a tube retaining device 10 is mounted around the tube connector, wherein the distal portion 42 of the band 40 is received through the head channel 25. The tube retaining device 10 is tightened against the tube T (e.g., by ratcheting the band 40 through the channel 25, wherein the ratchet member 30 engages one or more of a plurality of pawls 45) such that the inner surface 26b of the ramp 26 flexes from a first radius of curvature to a second radius of curvature, wherein the second radius of curvature matches the radius of curvature of the tube contact portion 46t of the inner surface 46b of the band, such that the inner surfaces of the ramp and the inner surfaces of the band form a substantially continuous tube engagement surface around the outer periphery of the tube. A first end 41 of the band 40 may define an arcuate inner surface in its natural, unflexed state, which extends to the arcuate inner surface 26b of the ramp 26 to facilitate the formation of a substantially continuous tube engagement surface around the outer periphery of the tube during installation. The device 10 can be formed from any suitable material to provide the desired amount of flexibility, elasticity and strength, including, for example, nylon, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyketone (PK), polypropylene (PP) and / or other suitable plastic materials.

[0040] According to another exemplary aspect of this disclosure, a tube retaining device for retaining a tube on a barbed connector may additionally or alternatively include tube engaging inner surfaces on the head and strap, wherein each tube engaging inner surface has a longitudinally extending first shoulder portion and second shoulder portion positioned to engage a tube on a first side and a second side of the barbed portion of the barbed connector, the tube being mounted on the barbed portion of the barbed connector, wherein recessed portions of the head and strap inner surfaces are aligned with the barbed portion such that when the tube retaining device is tightened against the tube, the first shoulder portion of the head and strap compresses the tube on the first side of the barbed portion, and the second shoulder portion of the head and strap compresses the tube on the second side of the barbed portion, for example, to prevent unintentional or unauthorized removal of the tube from the barbed connector.

[0041] FIG. 2A The schematic diagram shows a head 20', a ratchet member 30', and a belt 40' (e.g., similar to...). FIGS. 1A-1B A cross-sectional side view of an exemplary tube holding device 10'. The head 20' includes an outer wall 21', an inner wall 22', a first side wall 23', and a second side wall 24' extending from the front side of the head to the rear side of the head, defining a channel 25' between the outer wall 21', the inner wall 22', and the first side wall 23' and the second side wall 24'. Similar to... FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B The device 10 has a belt 40' extending longitudinally from a first end that is engaged with (e.g., integrally formed with) an inner wall 22' at the rear side of the head 20' to a second end 42' that can be received from the front side 20a' of the head through a channel 25'. The belt 40' includes an outer surface 46a' defining a plurality of longitudinally spaced pawls 45' (e.g., teeth, sockets) and an inner surface 46b' opposite to the outer surface. In other embodiments (not shown), the longitudinally spaced pawls may be defined by or disposed on the inner surface of the belt.

[0042] The ratchet member 30' has a first end 31' and a second end 32' (e.g., including one or more teeth or other protrusions 33') that engage with the head 20' (e.g., integrally formed with the head 20'). When the second end 42' of the belt 40' is inserted through the channel 25', the second end 32' of the ratchet member 30' extends to form a ratchet engagement with at least one of the plurality of pawls 45' (e.g., allowing the belt to move in the tightening direction while preventing the belt from moving in the loosening direction).

[0043] The inner surface 46b' of the band 40' includes or defines a longitudinally extending first band shoulder portion 49a' and a second band shoulder portion 49b', and a band recess 49c' extending between the band shoulder portions. The inner surface 26B' ​​of the head 20' includes or defines a longitudinally extending first head shoulder portion 29a' and a second head shoulder portion 29b', which are aligned with the first band shoulder portion 49a' and the second head shoulder portion 29b' when the second end 42' of the band 40' is received through the channel 25' to provide a substantially continuous tube engagement shoulder portion surrounding the inner periphery of the tube retainer, and a head recess 29c' extending between the first head shoulder portion and the second head shoulder portion. In order to align the head and shoulder portions 29a', 29b' with the shoulder portions 49a', 49b', the channel 25' may include notches 25a', 25b' whose size and position are set to receive the shoulder portions.

[0044] The tube retaining device 10' can be mounted around the tube T on the barb connector C, with the distal end 42' of the band 40' inserted through the channel 25'. The device is positioned such that the first head shoulder portion 29a' and the first band shoulder portion 49a' are positioned on a first side of the barb portion B of the barb connector C, the second head shoulder portion 29b' and the second band shoulder portion 49b' are positioned on a second side of the barb portion B, and the head recess 29c' and the band recess 49c' are aligned with the barb portion. When the tube retaining device 10' tightens against the tube T, the first head shoulder portion 29a' and the first band shoulder portion 49a' compress the tube T on the first side of the barb portion B, and the second head shoulder portion 29b' and the second band shoulder portion 49b' compress the tube on the second side of the barb portion, for example, to prevent unintentional or unauthorized removal of the tube from the barb connector C.

[0045] To retain the tube T on the barbed connector C, a tube retaining device 10' is mounted around the tube on the tube connector, wherein the distal portion 42' of the band 40' is received through the head channel 25', such that a first head shoulder portion 29a' and a first band shoulder portion 49a' are positioned on a first side of the barbed portion B of the barbed connector C, a second head shoulder portion 29b' and a second band shoulder portion 49b' are positioned on a second side of the barbed portion, and a head recess 29c' and a band recess 49c' are aligned with the barbed portion. The tube retaining device 10' is tightened against the tube T (e.g., by ratcheting the band 40' through the channel 25', wherein the ratchet member 30' engages one or more of a plurality of pawls 45'), such that the first head shoulder portion 29a' and the first band shoulder portion 49a' compress the tube T on the first side of the barbed portion B, and the second head shoulder portion 29b' and the second band shoulder portion 49b' compress the tube on the second side of the barbed portion. As shown in the figure, the dimensions of the shoulder portions 29a', 29b', 49a', 49b' and the recesses 29c', 49c' can be designed such that when the tube retainer 10' is mounted on the tube T, the head recess 29c' is recessed from the first belt shoulder portion 49a' and the second belt shoulder portion 49b' to facilitate substantially continuous compression of the shoulder portions of the tube T around its circumference on either side of the barb portion B.

[0046] The head and shoulder portions and recesses of the straps can be provided in various shapes and constructions. FIG. 2A In one embodiment, the cross-sections of the head 20' and the shoulder portions 29a', 29b', 49a', 49b' of the band 40' are substantially rectangular or stepped, wherein there are substantially flat or linear recesses 29c', 49c' between the shoulder portions (in the cross-section). In other embodiments, the shoulder portions may be formed into different cross-sectional shapes, such as circular / semi-circular, triangular and / or trapezoidal, and the recesses may be non-linear, such as concave, V-shaped, conical, or stepped. In another exemplary embodiment, in FIG. 2B The diagram schematically illustrates that the inner surfaces 26b'' and 46b'' of the head 20'' and the strap 40'' are concave in transverse cross-section, wherein the first and second transverse sides of the inner surfaces of the head and the strap define first and second head shoulder portions 29a'' and 29b'' and strap shoulder portions 49a'' and 49b'', and the central portions of the inner surfaces of the head and the strap define a head recess 29c'' and a strap recess 49c''. In other embodiments (not shown), the shoulder portions and recesses of the head may be provided in a first configuration, and the shoulder portions and recesses of the strap may be provided in a different second configuration.

[0047] FIGS. 3-8An exemplary embodiment of a tube holding device 100 is shown, the tube holding device 100 including a head 120, a ratchet member 130, and a belt 140. The head 120 includes an outer wall 121, an inner wall 122, and a first side wall 123 and a second side wall 124 extending from a front side 120a of the head to a rear side 120b of the head, to define a channel 125 between the outer wall 121, the inner wall 122, and the first side wall 123 and the second side wall 124. The belt 140 extends longitudinally from a first or proximal portion 141 to a second or distal portion 142, wherein the first or proximal portion 141 is engaged with the inner wall 122 at the rear side 120b of the head 120 (e.g., integrally formed with the inner wall 122), and the second or distal portion 142 can be received from the front side 120a of the head through the channel 125. The belt 140 includes an outer surface 146a and an inner surface 146b opposite to the outer surface 146a. The outer surface 146a defines a plurality of longitudinally spaced, radially outward-facing pawls 145 (e.g., chamfered teeth, as shown). In other embodiments (not shown), the longitudinally spaced pawls may be defined by or disposed on the inner surface of the belt.

[0048] The ratchet member 130 has a first end 131 and a second end 132 (e.g., having interlocking teeth 133), wherein the first end 131 engages with the outer wall 121 of the head 120 (e.g., integrally formed with the outer wall 121 of the head 120), and the second end 132 extends forward into the channel 125 and is radially inwardly biased to form ratchet engagement with at least one of the plurality of pawls 145 when the second end 142 of the belt 140 is inserted through the channel 125 (e.g., allowing the belt to move in the tightening direction while preventing the belt from moving in the loosening direction). The first end 131 of the ratchet member 130 may be configured to be radially outwardly flexed when the belt 140 is tightened through the channel 125 (e.g., by cam engagement of the pawl teeth 145 and the ratchet teeth 133) so that the ratchet teeth 133 disengage from the pawl teeth 145. The pawl teeth 145 and ratchet teeth 133 can be configured to restrict the movement of the belt 140 through the channel 125 in the release direction. In other embodiments, other stop arrangements may be used, such as protrusions (e.g., pins, bumps) on one of the belt and ratchet members, and recesses on the other of the belt and ratchet members.

[0049] By substantially confining the ratchet member 130 to the channel 125, and thereby restricting access to and manipulation of the ratchet member 130, the pipe retaining device 100 can be configured as a single-use or non-reusable device, for example, requiring cutting, breaking, or other damage to such a device for removal from the pipe connector. In other embodiments, the retaining device 100 may be provided with a user-engageable (e.g., movable or grippable) release lever (in... FIG. 5(Schematally shown in dashed line 138), for example, the release lever is formed together with the ratchet member 130 and extends beyond the channel 125 on the rear side 120b of the head 120 to facilitate the release and loosening of the belt 140 and the reuse of the device.

[0050] The inner wall 122 of the head 120 defines an arcuate ramp 126 extending from the front side of the head, and the arcuate ramp 126 has an outer surface 126a and an inner surface 126b opposite to the outer surface 126a. The outer surface 126a of the arcuate ramp 126 is shaped to receive the inner surface 146b of the band 140 thereon. When the tube holding device 100 is mounted on the tube T (e.g., placed around the tube and tightened or contracted against the tube), the inner surface 126b of the ramp 126 flexes (e.g., by a radially inward force from the band 140 or a radially outward force from the tube T) to match the radius of curvature of the tube contact portion 146t of the inner surface 146b of the band, such that the inner surface of the ramp and the inner surface of the band form a substantially continuous (e.g., less than about 7° or less than about 2% discontinuity around the tube circumference) tube engagement surface around the outer periphery of the tube T. The first end 141 of the band 140 may define an arcuate inner surface in its natural, unflexed state, extending from the straight strip portion 146 to the arcuate inner surface 126b of the ramp 126, to facilitate the formation of a substantially continuous tube-joint surface around the outer periphery of the tube during installation. The device 100 may be formed of any suitable material to provide the desired amount of flexibility, elasticity, and strength, including, for example, nylon, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyketone (PK), polypropylene (PP), and / or other suitable plastic materials.

[0051] The flexibility of the inner surface 126b of the head, defined by the flexible ramp 126, can provide a substantially uniform cylindrical tube engagement surface over a range of adjustable dimensions, for example, a maximum outer diameter greater than about 150%, or about 175%, or about 200% of the minimum outer diameter. In an exemplary embodiment, the ramp can be configured to flex by at least 15° in any direction from the flexure or hinge point of the ramp (e.g., at the notches 123a, 124a described below) to provide the aforementioned range of adjustable dimensions.

[0052] Small discontinuities or gaps g in the circumferential tube joint may exist between the inner surface 126b of the ramp 126 and the inner surface 146b of the band 140. This gap g can be minimized by providing a leading edge 126e of the ramp 126 with a small thickness or radius (e.g., less than about 0.050 inches or about 0.010 inches thick), for example, to minimize the transition distance between the tube contact portion 146t of the inner surface 146b and the ramp contact portion 146r of the inner surface 146b. The small thickness at the ramp end can additionally provide flexibility to the inner surface 126b of the ramp. Flexibility at the ramp end can additionally or alternatively be provided by cantilevering the ramp from the front side 120a of the head 120. In the example shown, notches 123a, 124a are provided in the head sidewalls 123, 124 to provide increased flexibility to the forward-extending ramp 126.

[0053] As shown in the figure, the inner surface 146b of the band 140 of the exemplary device 100 includes a laterally extending concave surface, wherein the lateral ends define a longitudinally extending first band shoulder portion 149a and a second band shoulder portion 149b, and the central portion defines a longitudinally extending concave band recess 149c extending between the band shoulder portions. Similarly, the inner surface 126b of the head 120 or ramp 126 of the exemplary device 100 includes a laterally extending concave surface, wherein the lateral ends define a longitudinally extending first head shoulder portion 129a and a second head shoulder portion 129b, and the central portion defines a longitudinally extending concave head recess 129c extending between the first head shoulder portion and the second head shoulder portion. In other embodiments, the inner surfaces of the head and band may include stepped or substantially rectangular shoulder portions and a substantially linear or flat central recess (in cross-section), such as FIGS. 2A-2B The embodiments are schematically shown and described, and are as follows: FIGS. 9-11 The exemplary embodiments shown and described therein.

[0054] When the second end 142 of the belt 140 is received through the channel 125, the first head shoulder portion 129a and the second head shoulder portion 129b are aligned with the first belt shoulder portion 149a and the second belt shoulder portion 149b to provide a substantially continuous tubular engagement shoulder portion around the inner circumference of the device 100. To align the head shoulder portions 129a, 129b with the belt shoulder portions 149a, 149b, the channel 125 includes notches 125a, 125b, which are sized and positioned to receive the belt shoulder portions.

[0055] The tube retaining device 100 can be mounted around the tube T on the barb connector C, wherein the distal end 142 of the band 140 is inserted through the channel 125, and the device is positioned such that the first head shoulder portion 129a and the first band shoulder portion 149a are positioned on the first side of the barb portion B of the barb connector C, the second head shoulder portion 129b and the second band shoulder portion 149b are positioned on the second side of the barb portion B, and the head recess 129c and the band recess 149c are aligned with the barb portion. The tube retaining device 100 tightens against the tube T, for example, by pulling the distal end 142 of the belt 140 to advance the belt through the ratchet of the channel 125, such that the first head shoulder portion 129a and the first belt shoulder portion 149a compress the tube T on a first side of the barb portion B, and the second head shoulder portion 129b and the second belt shoulder portion 149b compress the tube on a second side of the barb portion, for example, to prevent unintentional or unauthorized removal of the tube from the barb connector C. The dimensions of the shoulder portions 129a, 129b, 149a, 149b and the recesses 129c, 149c can be designed such that when the tube retaining device 100 is mounted on the tube T, the head recess 129c is recessed from the first belt shoulder portion 149a and the second belt shoulder portion 149b to facilitate substantially continuous compression of the shoulder portions of the tube T around its circumference on either side of the barb portion B.

[0056] This tightening of the device 100 on the tube T causes the inner surface 126b of the ramp 126 to flex from a first radius of curvature to a second radius of curvature, wherein the second radius of curvature matches the radius of curvature of the tube contact portion 146t of the inner surface 146b of the strip, such that the inner surface of the ramp and the inner surface of the strip form a substantially continuous tube-joint surface around the outer periphery of the tube.

[0057] exist FIGS. 3-8 In the illustrated embodiment, the band 140 forms a linearly extending or substantially straight strip portion 146 in an unbent, unshrinked, or unwound state. This strip portion 146 is sufficiently flexible to easily wrap around the tube during installation and includes a user-gripable end tab portion 147, which may, but does not need to, be angled relative to the strip portion 146 and can be pulled to tighten the retaining device 100 onto the tube connector C. The strip portion 146 can be provided in various lengths to accommodate various tube sizes. In other embodiments, the tube retaining device may include a shorter band or strip that is flexible to be received through the head channel but does not have a easily grippable distal tab portion. Instead, it includes a first flange portion extending from the head and a second flange portion extending orthogonally from the band, such that the first and second flange portions can be pulled or squeezed toward each other to advance the strip portion through the channel and tighten the retaining device onto the tube connector.

[0058] FIGS. 9-11An exemplary embodiment of a tube retaining device 200 is shown. The tube retaining device 200 includes a head 220, a ratchet member 230, and a belt 240 that is flexible or bendable to form a substantially cylindrical or circular hoop portion. The head 220 includes an outer wall 221, an inner wall 222, and a first sidewall 223 and a second sidewall 224 extending from a front side 220a of the head to a rear side 220b of the head, defining a channel 225 between the outer wall 221, the inner wall 222, and the first sidewall 223 and the second sidewall 224. The belt 240 includes a strip portion 246 that extends longitudinally from a first or proximal portion 241, which is engaged with (e.g., integrally formed with) the inner wall 222 at the rear side 220b of the head, to a second or distal portion 242 that can be received from the front side 220a of the head through the channel 225. The belt 240 includes an outer surface 246a and an inner surface 246b opposite to the outer surface. The outer surface 246a defines a plurality of longitudinally spaced, radially outward-facing pawls 245 (e.g., chamfered teeth, as shown). In other embodiments (not shown), the longitudinally spaced pawls may be defined by or disposed on the inner surface of the belt.

[0059] In its natural, unbent state (not shown, but similar to...) FIGS. 15-16 In one embodiment, the strip portion 246 of the belt 240 may be provided with a natural or unbent radius of curvature, for example, to facilitate mounting around a tube, and / or to allow the use of a stiffer material (e.g., requiring less flexible bending from its natural state). In other embodiments (not shown), in a natural, unbent, unshrinked, or unwound state, the strip portion of the belt may extend substantially straight or linearly from the head portion, similar to... FIGS. 3-8 Device 100. Device 200 can be formed of any suitable material to provide the desired amount of flexibility, elasticity and strength, including, for example, nylon, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyketone (PK), polypropylene (PP) and / or other suitable plastic materials.

[0060] An exemplary ratchet member 230 has a first end 231 and a second end 232 (e.g., having interlocking teeth 233), wherein the first end 231 engages with the outer wall 221 of the head 220 (e.g., integrally formed with the outer wall 221 of the head 220), and the second end 232 extends from the rear side of the head toward the rear of the channel 225 and is radially biased inward to form ratchet engagement with at least one of a plurality of pawls 245 when the second end 242 of the belt 240 is inserted through the channel 225 (e.g., allowing the belt to move in the tightening direction while preventing the belt from moving in the loosening direction). The first end 231 of the ratchet member 230 may be configured to be radially flexed outward to disengage the ratchet teeth 233 from the pawl teeth 245 when the belt 240 is tightened through the channel 225 (e.g., by cam engagement of the pawl teeth 245 and the ratchet teeth 233). The pawl teeth 245 and ratchet teeth 233 can be configured to restrict the movement of the belt 240 through the channel 225 in the release direction. In other embodiments, other stop arrangements may be used, such as protrusions (e.g., pins, bumps) on one of the belt and ratchet members, and recesses on the other of the belt and ratchet members.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer wall 221 of the head 220 defines a first flange portion 227, and the band 240 includes a second flange portion 247 extending orthogonally from the band strip portion 246, such that the first flange portion 227 and the second flange portion 247 can be pulled or squeezed toward each other (e.g., by gripping by hand or using pliers or other such tools) to advance the band portion 246 through the channel 225 and tighten the retaining device 200 on the tube connector.

[0062] The inner wall 222 of the head 220 defines an arcuate ramp 226 having an outer surface 226a and an inner surface 226b opposite to the outer surface. The outer surface 226a is shaped to receive the inner surface 246b of the band 240 thereon. When the tube retainer 200 is mounted on the tube (e.g., placed around the tube and tightened or contracted against the tube, not shown), the inner surface 226b of the ramp 226 flexes (e.g., by a radially inward force from the band 240 or a radially outward force from the tube) to match the radius of curvature of the tube contact portion 246t of the inner surface 246b of the band, such that the inner surface of the ramp and the inner surface of the band form a substantially continuous (e.g., less than about 7° or less than about 2% discontinuity around the outer periphery of the tube) tube engagement surface. The first end 241 of the band 240 may define an arcuate inner surface in its natural, unflexed state, which extends to the arcuate inner surface 226b of the ramp 226 to facilitate the formation of a substantially continuous pipe engagement surface around the outer periphery of the tube during installation.

[0063] The flexibility of the inner surface 226b of the head, defined by the flexible ramp 226, can provide a substantially uniform cylindrical tube engagement surface over a range of adjustable dimensions, for example, a maximum outer diameter greater than about 150%, or about 175%, or about 200% of the minimum outer diameter. In an exemplary embodiment, the ramp can be configured to flex up to an angle of at least 15° from the flexure point or hinge point of the ramp in any direction to provide the aforementioned range of adjustable dimensions.

[0064] Small discontinuities or gaps g in the circumferential tube joint may exist between the inner surface 226b of the ramp 226 and the inner surface 246b of the band 240. This gap g can be minimized by providing a leading edge 226e of the ramp 226 with a small thickness or radius (e.g., less than about 0.050 inches or about 0.010 inches thick), for example, to minimize the transition distance between the tube contact portion 246t of the inner surface 246b and the ramp contact portion 246r of the inner surface 246b. The small thickness at the ramp end can additionally provide flexibility to the inner surface 226b of the ramp. Flexibility at the ramp end can additionally or alternatively be provided by cantilevering the ramp from the front side of the head (not shown) and / or by providing a notch in the head sidewall to provide increased flexibility to the forward-extending ramp (not shown), similar to... FIGS. 3-8 Device 100.

[0065] As shown in the figure, the inner surface 246b of the band 240 of the exemplary device 200 includes a laterally extending stepped surface that defines a longitudinally extending first band shoulder portion 249a and a second band shoulder portion 249b with a substantially rectangular cross-section, and a substantially linear longitudinally extending central head recess 249c between the first band shoulder portion and the second band shoulder portion. Similarly, the inner surface 226b of the head 220 or ramp 226 of the exemplary device 200 includes a laterally extending stepped surface that defines a longitudinally extending first head shoulder portion 229a and a second head shoulder portion 229b with a substantially rectangular cross-section, and a substantially linear longitudinally extending central head recess 229c between the first head shoulder portion and the second head shoulder portion. In other embodiments (not shown), the inner surfaces of the head and band may include laterally extending concave surfaces that define an outer lateral shoulder portion and a central concave recess, as described above. FIGS. 3-8 The exemplary embodiments shown and described herein, or other suitable shapes and contours of the outer lateral shoulder portion and the central concave recess.

[0066] When the second end 242 of the belt 240 is received through the channel 225, the first head shoulder portion 229a and the second head shoulder portion 229b are aligned with the first belt shoulder portion 249a and the second belt shoulder portion 249b to provide a substantially continuous tubular engagement shoulder portion around the inner circumference of the device 200. To align the head shoulder portions 229a, 229b with the belt shoulder portions 249a, 249b, the channel 225 includes notches 225a, 225b, which are sized and positioned to receive the belt shoulder portions.

[0067] The tube retaining device 200 can be mounted around the tube on the barbed connector, wherein the distal end 242 of the band 240 is inserted through the channel 225, and the device is positioned such that the first head shoulder portion 229a and the first band shoulder portion 249a are positioned on a first side of the barbed portion of the barbed connector, the second head shoulder portion 229b and the second band shoulder portion 249b are positioned on a second side of the barbed portion, and the head recess 229c and the band recess 249c are aligned with the barbed portion. The tube retainer 200 is abutted by pulling or squeezing the first flange portion 227 and the second flange portion 247 toward each other to advance the strip portion 246 through the channel 225, such that the first head shoulder portion 229a and the first strip shoulder portion 249a compress the tube on the first side of the barb portion, and the second head shoulder portion 229b and the second strip shoulder portion 249b compress the tube on the second side of the barb portion, for example, to prevent unintentional or unauthorized removal of the tube from the barb connector. The dimensions of the shoulder portions 229a, 229b, 249a, 249b and the recesses 229c, 249c can be designed such that when the tube retainer 200 is mounted on the tube, the head recess 229c is recessed from the first strip shoulder portion 249a and the second strip shoulder portion 249b to facilitate substantially continuous compression of the tube's shoulder portion around its circumference on either side of the barb portion.

[0068] This tightening of the device 200 on the tube causes the inner surface 226b of the ramp 226 to flex from a first radius of curvature to a second radius of curvature, wherein the second radius of curvature matches the radius of curvature of the tube contact portion 246t of the inner surface 246b of the strip, such that the inner surface of the ramp and the inner surface of the strip form a substantially continuous tube-joint surface around the outer periphery of the tube.

[0069] As shown, the shape and position of the ratchet member 230 can be configured to restrict access to and manipulation of the ratchet member, such that the tube retaining device 200 can be provided as a single-use or non-reusable device, for example, when cutting, breaking, or otherwise damaging such device 200 is required to remove it from the tube connector. In other embodiments, the retaining device may be provided with, for example, a user-movable / gripable release lever formed with the ratchet member to facilitate release and loosening of the belt and reuse of the device.

[0070] FIGS. 12-14 An exemplary embodiment of a reusable tube retainer 300 is shown. The tube retainer 300 includes a head 320, a ratchet member 330, and a belt 340 that is flexible or bendable to form a substantially cylindrical or circular hoop portion. The head 320 includes an outer wall 321, an inner wall 322, and a first sidewall 323 and a second sidewall 324 extending from a front side 320a of the head to a rear side 320b of the head, defining a channel 325 between the outer wall 321, the inner wall 322, and the first sidewall 323 and the second sidewall 324. The belt 340 includes a strip portion 346 that extends longitudinally from a first or proximal portion 341, which is engaged with (e.g., integrally formed with) the inner wall 322 at the rear side 320b of the head, to a second or distal portion 342 that can be received from the front side 320a of the head through the channel 325. The belt strip portion 346 includes an outer surface 346a and an inner surface 346b opposite to the outer surface. The outer surface 346a defines a plurality of longitudinally spaced, radially outward-facing pawls 345 (e.g., chamfered teeth, as shown). In other embodiments (not shown), the longitudinally spaced pawls may be defined by or disposed on the inner surface of the belt.

[0071] In its natural, unflexed state, the strip portion 346 of belt 340 can be provided with a natural or unflexed radius of curvature, for example, to facilitate insertion of the first end of the belt through the head channel, mounting around the tube, and / or to allow the use of a stiffer material (e.g., requiring less flexible bending from its natural state), similar to... FIGS. 15-19 The device 400. In other embodiments, the strip portion of the band can extend substantially straight or linearly from the head portion in a natural, unbent state, similar to... FIGS. 3-8 Device 100. Device 300 can be formed of any suitable material to provide the desired amount of flexibility, elasticity and strength, including, for example, nylon, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyketone (PK), polypropylene (PP) and / or other suitable plastic materials.

[0072] The ratchet member 330 has a first end 331 and a second end 332 (e.g., with interlocking teeth 333), wherein the first end 331 engages with the outer wall 321 of the head 320 (e.g., integrally formed with the outer wall 321 of the head 320), and the second end 332 extends from the front side of the head toward the front of the channel 325 and is radially biased inward to form ratchet engagement with at least one of the plurality of pawls 345 when the second end 342 of the belt 340 is inserted through the channel 325 (e.g., allowing the belt to move in the tightening direction while preventing the belt from moving in the loosening direction). The first end 331 of the ratchet member 330 may be configured to be radially flexed outward to disengage the ratchet teeth 333 from the pawl teeth 345 when the belt 340 is tightened through the channel 325 (e.g., by cam engagement of the pawl teeth 345 and the ratchet teeth 333). The pawl teeth 345 and ratchet teeth 333 can be configured to restrict the movement of the belt 340 through the channel 325 in the release direction. In other embodiments, other stop arrangements may be used, such as protrusions (e.g., pins, bumps) on one of the belt and ratchet members, and recesses on the other of the belt and ratchet members.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer wall 321 of the head 320 defines a first flange portion 327, and the band 340 includes a second flange portion 347 extending orthogonally from the band strip portion 346, such that the first flange portion 327 and the second flange portion 347 can be pulled or squeezed toward each other (e.g., by gripping by hand or using pliers or other such tools) to advance the band portion 346 through the channel 325 and tighten the retaining device 300 on the tube connector.

[0074] The inner wall 322 of the head 320 defines an arcuate ramp 326 having an outer surface 326a and an inner surface 326b opposite to the outer surface. The outer surface 326a is shaped to receive the inner surface 346b of the belt 340 thereon. When the tube retainer 300 is mounted on the tube (e.g., placed around the tube and tightened or contracted against the tube, not shown), the inner surface 326b of the ramp 326 flexes (e.g., by a radially inward force from the belt 340 or a radially outward force from the tube) to match the radius of curvature of the tube contact portion 346t of the inner surface 346b of the belt, such that the inner surface of the ramp and the inner surface of the belt form a substantially continuous (e.g., less than about 7° or less than about 2% discontinuity around the outer periphery of the tube) tube engagement surface. The first end 341 of the band 340 may define an arcuate inner surface in its natural, unflexed state, which extends to the arcuate inner surface 326b of the ramp 326 to facilitate the formation of a substantially continuous pipe engagement surface around the outer periphery of the tube during installation.

[0075] The flexibility of the inner surface 326b of the head, defined by the flexible ramp 326, can provide a substantially uniform cylindrical tube engagement surface over a range of adjustable dimensions, for example, a maximum outer diameter greater than about 150%, or about 175%, or about 200% of the minimum outer diameter. In an exemplary embodiment, the ramp can be configured to flex up to an angle of at least 15° from the flexure point or hinge point of the ramp in any direction to provide the aforementioned range of adjustable dimensions.

[0076] Small discontinuities or gaps g in the circumferential tube joint may exist between the inner surface 326b of the ramp 326 and the inner surface 346b of the strip portion 346. This gap g can be minimized by providing a leading edge 326e of the ramp 326 with a small thickness or radius (e.g., less than about 0.050 inches or about 0.010 inches thick), for example, to minimize the transition distance between the tube contact portion 346t of the inner surface 346b and the ramp contact portion 346r of the inner surface. The small thickness at the ramp end can additionally provide flexibility to the inner surface 326b of the ramp. Flexibility at the ramp end can additionally or alternatively be provided by extending the ramp 326 in a cantilevered manner from the front side 320a of the head 320, as shown. In some embodiments (not shown), a notch may be provided in the head sidewall to provide increased flexibility to the forward-extending ramp, similar to... FIGS. 3-8 Device 100.

[0077] As shown in the figure, the inner surface 346b of the strip portion 346 of the exemplary device 300 includes a laterally extending stepped surface that defines a longitudinally extending first shoulder portion 349a and a second shoulder portion 349b with a substantially rectangular cross-section, and a longitudinally extending central head recess 349c that is substantially linear or flat in cross-section between the first shoulder portion and the second shoulder portion. Similarly, the inner surface 326b of the head 320 or ramp 326 of the exemplary device 300 includes a laterally extending stepped surface that defines a longitudinally extending first head shoulder portion 329a and a second head shoulder portion 329b with a substantially rectangular cross-section, and a longitudinally extending central head recess 329c that is substantially linear or flat in cross-section between the first head shoulder portion and the second head shoulder portion. In other embodiments (not shown), the inner surfaces of the head and the strap may include laterally extending concave surfaces that define an outer lateral shoulder portion and a central concave recess, as described above. FIGS. 3-8 The exemplary embodiments shown and described herein, or other suitable shapes and contours of the outer lateral shoulder portion and the central concave recess.

[0078] When the second end 342 of the belt 340 is received through the channel 325, the first head shoulder portion 329a and the second head shoulder portion 329b are aligned with the first belt shoulder portion 349a and the second belt shoulder portion 349b to provide a substantially continuous tubular engagement shoulder portion around the inner circumference of the device 300. To align the head shoulder portions 329a, 329b with the belt shoulder portions 349a, 349b, the channel 325 includes notches 325a, 325b, which are sized and positioned to receive the belt shoulder portions.

[0079] The tube retaining device 300 can be mounted around the tube on the barbed connector, wherein the distal end 342 of the band 340 is inserted through the channel 325, and the device is positioned such that the first head shoulder portion 329a and the first band shoulder portion 349a are positioned on a first side of the barbed portion of the barbed connector, the second head shoulder portion 329b and the second band shoulder portion 349b are positioned on a second side of the barbed portion, and the head recess 329c and the band recess 349c are aligned with the barbed portion. The tube retainer 300 is abutted by pulling or squeezing the first flange portion 327 and the second flange portion 347 toward each other to advance the strip portion 346 through the channel 325, such that the first head shoulder portion 329a and the first strip shoulder portion 349a compress the tube on the first side of the barb portion, and the second head shoulder portion 329b and the second strip shoulder portion 349b compress the tube on the second side of the barb portion, for example, to prevent unintentional or unauthorized removal of the tube from the barb connector. The dimensions of the shoulder portions 329a, 329b, 349a, 349b and the recesses 329c, 349c can be designed such that when the tube retainer 300 is mounted on the tube, the head recess 329c is recessed from the first strip shoulder portion 349a and the second strip shoulder portion 349b to facilitate substantially continuous compression of the tube's shoulder portion around its circumference on either side of the barb portion.

[0080] This tightening of the device 300 on the tube causes the inner surface 326b of the ramp 326 to flex from a first radius of curvature to a second radius of curvature, wherein the second radius of curvature matches the radius of curvature of the tube contact portion 346t of the inner surface 346b of the strip, such that the inner surface of the ramp and the inner surface of the strip form a substantially continuous tube-joint surface around the outer periphery of the tube.

[0081] As shown in the figure, the ratchet member 330 may be provided with a user-engageable release lever 335, which is pressable or otherwise movable to cause the ratchet member 330 to flex out of ratchet engagement with the belt 340, thereby disengaging the ratchet teeth 333 from the belt pawl teeth 345 to allow the belt to loosen, for example, for disassembling the device 300 from the tube connector and / or reusing the device. In other embodiments (not shown), the device may be configured to prevent or stop the belt from loosening once the device has been installed, for example, to prevent improper removal of the holding device and disconnection of the tube, similar to FIGS. 3-8 and FIGS. 9-11 Examples of implementations.

[0082] exist FIGS. 3-8 , FIGS. 9-11 and FIGS. 12-14 In one embodiment, the pawl extends radially (i.e., relative to the central axis of the retaining tube) to engage and disengage with a radially flexible ratchet member. In other embodiments, the pawl may extend laterally (i.e., in the width direction of the device) to engage and disengage with one or more laterally flexible ratchet members.

[0083] FIGS. 15-19 An exemplary embodiment of a tube retaining device 400 is shown. The tube retaining device 400 includes a head 420, a ratchet member 430, and a belt 440, which is flexible or flexible to form a substantially cylindrical or circular hoop portion, or flexible or flexible to allow the belt to contract beyond its unflexed substantially cylindrical or circular state. The head 420 includes an outer wall 421, an inner wall 422, a first side wall 423, and a second side wall 424 extending from a front side 420a of the head to a rear side 420b of the head, defining a channel 425 between the outer wall 421, the inner wall 422, the first side wall 423, and the second side wall 424. The belt 440 includes a strip portion 446 that extends longitudinally from a first or proximal portion 441 engaged with (e.g., integrally formed with) an inner wall 422 at a rear side 420b of the head 420 to a second or distal portion 442 that can be received from the front side 420a of the head through a channel 425. The strip portion 446 includes an outer surface 446a and an inner surface 446b opposite to the outer surface, the outer surface 446a defining a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely facing, inwardly facing pawls 445a, 445b (e.g., chamfered teeth, as shown). In other embodiments (not shown), the longitudinally spaced pawls may be defined by or disposed on the inner surface of the belt.

[0084] In its natural, unbent or uncontracted state, such as FIG. 15 and FIG. 16As shown, the strip portion 446 of the belt 440 can be provided with a natural or unflexed radius of curvature, for example, to facilitate insertion of the first end of the belt through the head channel and / or mounting around the tube, and / or to allow the use of a stiffer material (e.g., requiring less flexible bending from its natural state), similar to FIGS. 9-11 and FIGS. 12-14 Devices 200 and 300. In other embodiments, the strip portion of the belt can extend substantially straight or linearly from the head portion in a natural, unbent, or uncontracted state, similar to... FIGS. 3-8 Device 100. Device 400 can be formed of any suitable material to provide the desired amount of flexibility, elasticity and strength, including, for example, nylon, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyketone (PK), polypropylene (PP) and / or other suitable plastic materials.

[0085] The ratchet member 430 includes a first arm 430a and a second arm 430b, each having a first end 431a, 431b and a second end 432a, 432b (e.g., having interlocking teeth 433a, 433b). The first end 431a, 431b engages with the outer wall 421 of the head 420 (e.g., integrally formed with the outer wall 421 of the head 420). The second end 432a, 432b extends forward toward the channel 425 and is laterally biased outward when the second end 442 of the belt 440 is inserted through the channel 425 to form ratchet engagement with at least one of the plurality of pawls 445a, 445b (e.g., allowing the belt to move in the tightening direction while preventing the belt from moving in the loosening direction). The first ends 431a, 431b of the ratchet member arms 430a, 430b may be configured to be laterally inwardly flexed when the belt 440 is tightened through the channel 425 (e.g., by cam engagement of the pawl teeth 445a, 445b and the ratchet teeth 433a, 433b), so as to disengage the ratchet teeth 433a, 433b from the pawl teeth 445a, 445b. The pawl teeth 445a, 445b and the ratchet teeth 433a, 433b may be shaped to restrict movement of the belt 440 through the channel 425 in the loosening direction. In other embodiments, other stop arrangements may be used, such as protrusions (e.g., pins, bumps) on one of the belt and ratchet members, and recesses on the other of the belt and ratchet members.

[0086] exist FIGS. 17-19In the illustrated embodiment, the outer wall 421 of the head 420 defines a first flange portion 427, and the band 440 includes a second flange portion 447 extending orthogonally from the band strip portion 446, such that the first flange portion 427 and the second flange portion 447 can be pulled or squeezed toward each other (e.g., by gripping by hand or using pliers or other such tools) to advance the band portion 446 through the channel 425 and tighten the retaining device 400 onto the tube connector.

[0087] The inner wall 422 of the head 420 defines an arcuate ramp 426 having an outer surface 426a and an inner surface 426b. The outer surface 426a of the arcuate ramp 426 is shaped to receive the inner surface 446b of the belt 440 thereon, and the inner surface 426b of the arcuate ramp 426 is opposite to the outer surface 426a of the arcuate ramp 426. When the tube holding device 400 is mounted on the tube (e.g., placed around the tube and tightened or contracted against the tube, not shown), the inner surface 426b of the ramp 426 flexes (e.g., by a radially inward force from the belt 440 or a radially outward force from the tube) to match the radius of curvature of the tube contact portion 446t of the inner surface 446b of the belt, such that the inner surface of the ramp and the inner surface of the belt form a substantially continuous (e.g., less than about 7° or less than about 2% discontinuity around the outer periphery of the tube) tube engagement surface. The first end 441 of the band 440 may define an arcuate inner surface in its natural, unflexed state, which extends to the arcuate inner surface 426b of the ramp 426 to facilitate the formation of a substantially continuous pipe-joint surface around the outer periphery of the pipe during installation. FIG. 16 As shown, the radius of curvature of the inner arcuate surface of the first end 441 can be greater than the radius of curvature of the inner surface 426b of the arcuate ramp, for example, to compensate for the reduced flexibility of the ramp 426 relative to the strip portion 446.

[0088] The flexibility of the inner surface 426b of the head, defined by the flexible ramp 426, can provide a substantially uniform cylindrical tube engagement surface over a range of adjustable dimensions, for example, a maximum outer diameter greater than about 150%, or about 175%, or about 200% of the minimum outer diameter. In an exemplary embodiment, the ramp can be configured to flex up to an angle of at least 15° from the flexure point or hinge point of the ramp in any direction to provide the aforementioned range of adjustable dimensions.

[0089] Small discontinuities or gaps g in the circumferential tube joint may exist between the inner surface 426b of the ramp 426 and the inner surface 446b of the strip portion 446. This gap g can be minimized by providing a leading edge 426e of the ramp 426 with a small thickness or radius (e.g., less than about 0.050 inches or about 0.010 inches thick), for example, to minimize the transition distance between the tube contact portion 446t of the inner surface 446b and the ramp contact portion 446r of the inner surface. The small thickness at the ramp end can additionally provide flexibility of the inner surface 426b of the ramp. Flexibility of the ramp end can additionally or alternatively be provided by extending the ramp 426 in a cantilevered manner from the front side 420a of the head 420, as shown. In some embodiments (not shown), a notch may be provided in the head sidewall to provide increased flexibility of the forward-extending ramp, similar to... FIGS. 3-8 Device 100.

[0090] like FIG. 18 As shown, the inner surface 446b of the strip portion 446 of the exemplary device 400 may include a laterally extending stepped surface that defines a longitudinally extending first shoulder portion 449a and a second shoulder portion 449b with a substantially rectangular cross-section, and a longitudinally extending central head recess 449c that is substantially linear or flat in cross-section between the first shoulder portion and the second shoulder portion. Similarly, the inner surface 426b of the head 420 or ramp 426 of the exemplary device 400 includes a laterally extending stepped surface that defines a longitudinally extending first head shoulder portion 429a and a second head shoulder portion 429b with a substantially rectangular cross-section, and a longitudinally extending central head recess 429c that is substantially linear or flat in cross-section between the first head shoulder portion and the second head shoulder portion. In other embodiments (not shown), the inner surfaces of the head and the strap may include laterally extending concave surfaces that define an outer lateral shoulder portion and a central concave recess, as described above. FIGS. 3-8 The exemplary embodiments shown and described herein, or other suitable shapes and contours of the outer lateral shoulder portion and the central concave recess.

[0091] When the second end 342 of the belt 440 is received through the channel 425, the first head shoulder portion 429a and the second head shoulder portion 429b are aligned with the first belt shoulder portion 449a and the second belt shoulder portion 449b to provide a substantially continuous tubular engagement shoulder portion around the inner circumference of the device 400. To align the head shoulder portions 429a, 429b with the belt shoulder portions 449a, 449b, the channel 425 includes notches 425a, 425b, which are sized and positioned to receive the belt shoulder portions.

[0092] The tube retaining device 400 can be mounted around the tube on the barbed connector, wherein the distal end 442 of the band 440 is inserted through the channel 425, and the device is positioned such that the first head shoulder portion 429a and the first band shoulder portion 449a are positioned on a first side of the barbed portion of the barbed connector, the second head shoulder portion 429b and the second band shoulder portion 449b are positioned on a second side of the barbed portion, and the head recess 429c and the band recess 449c are aligned with the barbed portion. The tube retainer 400 is abutted by pulling or squeezing the first flange portion 327 and the second flange portion 347 toward each other to advance the strip portion 446 through the channel 425, such that the first head shoulder portion 429a and the first belt shoulder portion 449a compress the tube on the first side of the barb portion, and the second head shoulder portion 429b and the second belt shoulder portion 449b compress the tube on the second side of the barb portion, for example, to prevent unintentional or unauthorized removal of the tube from the barb connector. The dimensions of the shoulder portions 429a, 429b, 449a, 449b and the recesses 429c, 449c can be designed such that when the tube retainer 400 is mounted on the tube, the head recess 429c is recessed from the first belt shoulder portion 449a and the second belt shoulder portion 449b to facilitate substantially continuous compression of the tube's shoulder portions around its circumference on either side of the barb portion.

[0093] This tightening of the device 400 on the tube causes the inner surface 426b of the ramp 426 to flex from a first radius of curvature to a second radius of curvature, wherein the second radius of curvature matches the radius of curvature of the tube contact portion 446t of the inner surface 446b of the strip, such that the inner surface of the ramp and the inner surface of the strip form a substantially continuous tube-joint surface around the outer periphery of the tube.

[0094] As shown in the figure, the ratchet member 430 may be provided with user-engageable release levers 435a, 435b, which are compressible or otherwise movable to flex the ratchet member arms 430a, 430b out of ratchet engagement with the belt 440, thereby disengaging the ratchet teeth 433a, 433b from the pawl teeth 445a, 445b to allow the belt to loosen, for example, for disassembling the device 400 from the tube connector and / or reusing the device. In other embodiments (not shown), the device may be configured to prevent or stop the belt from loosening once the device has been installed, for example, to prevent improper removal of the holding device and disconnection of the tube, similar to FIGS. 3-8 and FIGS. 9-11 Examples of implementations.

[0095] Aspects of the invention have been described with reference to exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and alterations will be made by others after reading and understanding this specification. This specification is intended to cover all such modifications and alterations as long as they fall within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

Claims

1. A tube retaining device for retaining a tube mounted on a barbed connector, the device comprising: A head having an outer wall, an inner wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall extending from the front side of the head to the rear side of the head, to define a passage between the outer wall, the inner wall, and the first and second side walls; A strap extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end, the first end engaging with the inner wall at the rear side of the head, the second end being received through the channel from the front side of the head, the strap defining a plurality of longitudinally spaced pawls and including an outer surface and an inner surface opposite to the outer surface; as well as A ratchet member having a first end and a second end that engage with the head, wherein when the second end of the belt is inserted through the channel, the second end of the ratchet member extends to form a ratchet engagement with at least one of the plurality of pawls; The inner wall of the head defines an arcuate ramp, the outer surface of which is shaped to receive the inner surface of the band thereon. and When the tube holding device is mounted on the tube, the inner surface of the ramp flexes from a first radius of curvature to a second radius of curvature, wherein the second radius of curvature matches the radius of curvature of the tube contact portion of the inner surface of the strip, such that the inner surface of the ramp and the inner surface of the strip form a substantially continuous tube-joint surface around the outer periphery of the tube.

2. The tube holding device according to claim 1, wherein, The ratchet component is integrally formed with the head.

3. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The first end of the ratchet member engages with the outer wall of the head.

4. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The ratchet member extends beyond the front side of the head.

5. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The ratchet member extends beyond the rear side of the head.

6. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, When the second end of the belt is inserted through the channel, the ratchet member is radially inwardly biased to form ratchet engagement with at least one of the plurality of pawls.

7. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, When the second end of the belt is inserted through the channel, the ratchet member is laterally outward biased to form ratchet engagement with at least one of the plurality of pawls.

8. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The outer lateral edge portion of the slope is defined by recesses in the first and second sidewalls.

9. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The inner surface of the slope includes: A longitudinally extending first head shoulder portion and a second head shoulder portion, when the second end of the strap is received through the channel, the first head shoulder portion and the second head shoulder portion are aligned with the first strap shoulder portion and the second strap shoulder portion; and A head recess that extends between a first head shoulder portion and a second head shoulder portion.

10. The tube holding device according to claim 9, wherein, When the tube retaining device is installed on the tube, the head recess is recessed from the first shoulder portion and the second shoulder portion.

11. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 9 and 10, wherein, The ramp defines a concave head wall. The first and second lateral sides of the concave head wall define the first head shoulder portion and the second head shoulder portion, and The central portion of the concave head wall defines the head recess.

12. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein, The band defines a concave band wall. The first and second lateral sides of the concave band wall define the first head shoulder portion and the second head shoulder portion, and The central portion of the concave band wall defines a recessed section.

13. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein, The plurality of longitudinally spaced pawls include chamfered teeth, and the ratchet assembly includes one or more interlocking teeth.

14. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein, The plurality of longitudinally spaced pawls include recessed recesses, and the ratchet member includes one or more interlocking protrusions.

15. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein, The tape is configured to be wound around the tube for assembly with the tube. The tape, in its unwound configuration, comprises straight strip portions.

16. The tube holding device according to claim 15, wherein, The first end of the strip defines an extension from the straight strip portion to the inner surface of the bow-shaped ramp.

17. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein, The strip is configured to contract around the tube for assembly with the tube. The belt, in its unshrinkable configuration, includes an arc-shaped hoop portion.

18. The tube holding device according to claim 17, wherein, The first end of the band defines an extension to the inner surface of the bow-shaped ramp.

19. The tube holding device according to claim 18, wherein, The radius of curvature of the inner surface of the first end is greater than the radius of curvature of the ramp.

20. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 1-19, further comprising a first flange portion extending from the head and a second flange portion extending orthogonally from the belt, such that the first flange portion and the second flange portion can be pulled or squeezed toward each other to advance the belt through the channel.

21. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 1-20, wherein, The ratchet assembly includes a user-engageable release lever for moving the ratchet assembly out of ratchet engagement with at least one of the plurality of pawls on the belt.

22. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 1-21, wherein, The bow-shaped ramp extends from the front side of the head and beyond the passage.

23. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 1-22, wherein, The plurality of longitudinally spaced pawls are disposed on the outer surface of the belt.

24. A tube retaining device for retaining a tube mounted on a barbed connector, the device comprising: A head having an outer wall, an inner wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall extending from the front side of the head to the rear side of the head, to define a passage between the outer wall, the inner wall, and the first and second side walls; A strap extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end, the first end engaging with the inner wall at the rear side of the head, the second end being receivable through the channel from the front side of the head, the strap defining a plurality of longitudinally spaced pawls and including an outer surface and an inner surface opposite to the outer surface, the inner surface defining a longitudinally extending first strap shoulder portion and a second strap shoulder portion and a strap recess extending between the first strap shoulder portion and the second strap shoulder portion; as well as A ratchet member having a first end and a second end, the first end engaging with the head, and the second end extending to form a ratchet engagement with at least one of the plurality of pawls when the second end of the belt is inserted through the channel; The inner surface of the head includes: The longitudinally extending first head shoulder portion and second head shoulder portion are aligned with the first belt shoulder portion and the second belt shoulder portion when the second end of the belt is received through the channel, thereby providing a substantially continuous tube engagement shoulder portion around the inner periphery of the tube retaining device; as well as A head recess that extends between a first head shoulder portion and a second head shoulder portion.

25. The tube holding device according to claim 24, wherein, The ratchet component is integrally formed with the head.

26. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 24 and 25, wherein, The first end of the ratchet member engages with the outer wall of the head.

27. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 24-26, wherein, The ratchet member extends beyond the front side of the head.

28. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 24-26, wherein, The ratchet member extends beyond the rear side of the head.

29. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 24-28, wherein, When the second end of the belt is inserted through the channel, the ratchet member is radially inwardly biased to form ratchet engagement with at least one of the plurality of pawls.

30. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 24-28, wherein, When the second end of the belt is inserted through the channel, the ratchet member is laterally outward biased to form ratchet engagement with at least one of the plurality of pawls.

31. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 24-30, wherein, The band defines a concave band wall. The first and second lateral sides of the concave band wall define the first head shoulder portion and the second head shoulder portion, and The central portion of the concave band wall defines the band recess.

32. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 24-31, wherein, The inner surface of the head defines a transversely concave head wall. The first and second lateral sides of the concave head wall define the first head shoulder portion and the second head shoulder portion, and The central portion of the concave head wall defines the head recess.

33. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 24-32, wherein, The plurality of longitudinally spaced pawls include chamfered teeth, and the ratchet assembly includes one or more interlocking teeth.

34. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 24-32, wherein, The plurality of longitudinally spaced pawls include recessed recesses, and the ratchet member includes one or more interlocking protrusions.

35. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 24-34, wherein, The tape is configured to be wound around the tube for assembly with the tube. The tape, in its unwound configuration, comprises straight strip portions.

36. The tube holding device according to claim 35, wherein, The inner wall of the head includes an arcuate ramp defining the inner surface of the head, and The first end of the strip defines an extension from the straight strip portion to the inner surface of the bow-shaped ramp.

37. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 24-34, wherein, The strip is configured to contract around the tube for assembly with the tube. The belt, in its unshrinkable configuration, includes a substantially circular hoop portion.

38. The tube holding device according to claim 37, wherein, The second end of the strip is able to extend through the channel in the unshrinkable configuration.

39. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 37 and 38, wherein, The inner wall of the head includes an arcuate ramp that defines the inner surface of the head, and The first end of the band defines an extension to the inner surface of the bow-shaped ramp.

40. The tube holding device according to claim 39, wherein, The radius of curvature of the inner surface of the first end is greater than the radius of curvature of the ramp.

41. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 24-40, wherein, The ratchet assembly includes a user-engageable release lever for moving the ratchet assembly out of ratchet engagement with at least one of the plurality of pawls on the belt.

42. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 24-41, wherein, The inner wall of the head includes an arcuate ramp having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the bow-shaped ramp defines the inner surface of the head, and the outer surface of the bow-shaped ramp is shaped to receive the inner surface of the belt thereon.

43. The tube holding device according to claim 42, wherein, When the tube retaining device is mounted on the tube, the inner surface of the ramp flexes from a first radius of curvature to a second radius of curvature, wherein the second radius of curvature matches the radius of curvature of the tube contact portion of the inner surface of the strip, such that the inner surface of the ramp and the inner surface of the strip form a substantially continuous tube-joint surface around the outer periphery of the tube.

44. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 42 and 43, wherein, The bow-shaped ramp extends from the front side of the head and beyond the passage.

45. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 42-44, wherein, The outer lateral edge portion of the slope is defined by recesses in the first and second sidewalls.

46. ​​The tube holding device according to any one of claims 24-45, wherein, When the tube retaining device is installed on the tube, the head recess is recessed from the first shoulder portion and the second shoulder portion.

47. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 24-46, further comprising a first flange portion extending from the head and a second flange portion extending orthogonally from the belt, such that the first flange portion and the second flange portion can be pulled or squeezed toward each other to advance the belt through the channel.

48. The tube holding device according to any one of claims 24-47, wherein, The plurality of longitudinally spaced pawls are disposed on the outer surface of the belt.

49. A method for retaining a pipe on a barbed connector, the method comprising: A tube holding device is provided, the tube holding device including a head defining a channel and a band extending longitudinally from the head; The tube retaining device is mounted around the tube on the barb connector, wherein the distal end of the strap is received through the channel, such that a first head shoulder portion on the inner surface of the head and a first strap shoulder portion on the inner surface of the strap are positioned on a first side of the barb portion of the barb connector, a second head shoulder portion on the inner surface of the head and a second strap shoulder portion on the inner surface of the strap are positioned on a second side of the barb portion, and a head recess between the first head shoulder portion and the second head shoulder portion and a strap recess between the first strap shoulder portion and the second strap shoulder portion are aligned with the barb portion; and The tube holding device is tightened against the tube, such that the first head shoulder portion and the first strap shoulder portion compress the tube on the first side of the barb portion, and the second head shoulder portion and the second strap shoulder portion compress the tube on the second side of the barb portion.

50. The method according to claim 49, wherein, The tube holding device includes the tube holding device according to any one of claims 1-48.

51. A method of retaining a pipe on a pipe fitting, the method comprising: A tube holding device is provided, the tube holding device including a head defining a channel and a band extending longitudinally from the head, wherein the inner wall of the head defines an arcuate ramp, and the outer surface of the arcuate ramp is shaped to receive the inner surface of the band thereon. The tube retaining device is mounted around the tube connector, wherein the distal end of the strip is received through the channel; as well as The tube retaining device is tightened against the tube such that the inner surface of the ramp flexes from a first radius of curvature to a second radius of curvature, wherein the second radius of curvature matches the radius of curvature of the tube contact portion of the inner surface of the belt, such that the inner surface of the ramp and the inner surface of the belt form a substantially continuous tube-joint surface around the outer periphery of the tube.

52. The method according to claim 51, wherein, The tube holding device includes the tube holding device according to any one of claims 1-48.

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