Coupler assembly and coupling assembly

Abstract

The utility model relates to a coupler assembly and a coupling assembly. The coupler assembly has a fluid connector connected via a removable ring. A fluid connector assembly may include a pair of fluid connectors and a ring coupling the pair of connectors. The ring may be configured to be detached from any one of the connectors when subjected to a separation force that exceeds a predetermined threshold force. Disassembly of the ring may separate the pair of fluid connectors. When the pair of fluid connectors are connected, fluid may flow therebetween. When the pair of fluid connectors is disconnected, the fluid cannot flow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to connectors, and more particularly to connector couplings. Background Art

[0002] Medical treatment typically involves infusing a medical fluid (e.g., saline solution or liquid medication) into a patient using an intravenous (IV) catheter, which is connected to a fluid source, such as an IV bag, through an arrangement of flexible tubing and fittings commonly referred to as an “IV kit”. Generally, the tubing or catheters are coupled or secured to one another to allow fluid communication between different portions of the tubing or catheters.

[0003] In some applications, such tubing or catheters may be displaced due to improper fixation and / or when the coupling is subjected to forces greater than those the coupling is designed to withstand. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a coupling assembly that includes a first connector having an outer surface and a first fluid passage, a second connector having an outer edge and a second fluid passage, and an annular member having a first portion and an axially offset second portion, the first portion being configured to be coupled to the outer surface of the first connector, and the second portion having a plurality of arms that extend axially away from the first portion. When the annular member is coupled to the first connector, and when the first connector and the second connector are coupled together such that the first fluid passage is in fluid communication with the second fluid passage, the plurality of arms are configured to removably engage the outer edge of the second connector to secure the coupling of the first connector and the second connector.

[0005] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of arms of the annular member includes a connecting portion that engages the outer edge of the second connector. The annular member may be configured to disassemble the first connector and the second connector when a separating force exceeds a predetermined threshold force.

[0006] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the first connector includes an alignment notch, and the annular member includes an alignment protrusion, and the alignment protrusion is configured to be received by the alignment notch when the annular member is coupled to the outer surface of the first connector.

[0007] In some embodiments, the plurality of arms of the annular member are configured to removably engage the outer edge of the second connector via an interference fit.

[0008] In some embodiments, the plurality of arms and the outer edge of the second connector are configured to disassemble when a separating force exceeds a predetermined coupling force. In some embodiments, the annular member and the first connector are configured to disassemble when a separating force exceeds a predetermined coupling force.

[0009] In some embodiments, the separating force is applied axially along the first and second connectors. In some embodiments, the separating force is the axial resultant force along the coupled first and second connectors.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first connector includes an outer portion, and the second connector includes an inner chamber such that the outer portion of the first connector is fitted within the inner chamber of the second connector to provide fluid communication between the first and second fluid passages.

[0011] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of coupling two connectors, the method comprising providing a first connector having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; providing a second connector having an outer edge; sliding an annular member having a plurality of arms around the first connector; removably connecting the annular member to the first connector via a notch on the first connector and an engagement member on the annular member; removably connecting the annular member to the second connector via the plurality of arms that engage the outer edge of the second connector; and forming a fluid passage between the coupled first and second connectors.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method includes sliding the annular member around the first connector from the first end. In some embodiments, the method includes sliding the annular member around the first connector from the second end.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method includes disconnecting the first and second connectors by applying a force that exceeds a predetermined threshold force.

[0014] In some embodiments, disconnecting the first and second connectors creates an interruption in the fluid passage.

[0015] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a coupling assembly, the coupling assembly including a first connector including a first connector body having a first inlet and a first outlet in fluid communication with the first inlet; and a collar that fits over the first connector body between the first inlet and the first outlet, the collar including a collar body having a plurality of arms that extend circumferentially outward from the collar body; and a second connector including a second connector body having a first end and a second end in fluid communication with the first end; wherein the collar body is connected to the outer surface of the first connector via a friction fit; and wherein the plurality of arms of the collar are connected to the outer surface of the second connector via a friction fit.

[0016] In some embodiments, the plurality of arms of the collar further include inner ridges that connect to the outer edge of the second connector to form a friction fit.

[0017] In some embodiments, when a force exceeding a predetermined threshold force is applied, the inner ridges of the multiple arms of the collar disengage from the outer edge of the second connector. In some embodiments, a force exceeding a predetermined threshold force is applied such that the first connector is pulled away from the second connector.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first connector is coupled to the first portion of the pipe fitting at the first inlet, and the second connector is coupled to the second portion of the pipe fitting at the second end.

[0019] It should be understood that, according to the present disclosure, various structures of the subject technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art, wherein the various structures of the subject technology are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be appreciated, the subject technology is capable of having other and different configurations and several details thereof can be modified in various other aspects, all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Therefore, the summary, the drawings, and the detailed description should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, are used to explain the principles of the embodiments of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a connector assembly used during the delivery of intravenous (IV) fluid to a patient according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a connector assembly having a first connector, a second connector, and an annular member according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 3 shows a connector assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 2 wherein the annular member is attached to the first connector.

[0024] Figure 4 shows a connector assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 3 as shown in a cross-sectional view.

[0025] Figure 5 shows a connector assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 2 in a cross-sectional view, wherein the first connector is coupled to the second connector.

[0026] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view according to some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 5 wherein the separation force is marked.

[0027] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a Figure 6 connector assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure after separation. Detailed Description

[0028] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject technology. It should be understood that the subject technology may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the subject technology.

[0029] Furthermore, although this specification sets forth specific details of various embodiments, it should be understood that the specification is illustrative only and should not be construed in any way as restrictive. Additionally, it is contemplated that although specific embodiments of the present disclosure may be disclosed or shown in the context of an IV set, these embodiments may be used in other fluid delivery systems. Moreover, various applications of such embodiments and their modifications that may be contemplated by those skilled in the art are also included in the general concepts described herein.

[0030] The disclosed connector assembly overcomes a number of challenges found with certain IV catheters. When all of the forces applied to the catheter are higher than the design tolerance of the attachment method, catheter displacement may occur. In such cases, the nurse may need to replace the catheter, which causes discomfort to the patient and requires additional cost and time on the part of the nurse for a new catheter insertion. Examples of such catheter displacement situations include a patient turning over in bed or snagging their IV line on the bed railing, transferring the patient to a different bed, a pediatric patient being fidgety, a visitor snagging the line, and / or a disoriented adult patient pulling out the line. Since accidental or inadvertent displacement of the tubing, catheter, or fitting may interrupt the administration of the medical fluid and may cause patient discomfort, certain traditional IV lines are not desirable.

[0031] Accordingly, in accordance with the present disclosure, it is advantageous to provide a coupler and coupler / connector assembly as described herein that allows for disconnection of the IV line at a point in the connector assembly. This disconnection point can help avoid catheter displacement and can provide a reconnection point that is easy to clean.

[0032] The disclosed connector assembly includes a first connector, a second connector, and an annular member. The annular member or collar is configured to couple the first connector to the second connector. In some embodiments, the annular member includes a first portion and a second portion that is axially offset therefrom, wherein the first portion is configured to couple to the outer surface of the first connector and the second portion has a plurality of arms that extend axially away from the first portion, wherein the plurality of arms engage removably with the outer edge of the second connector to secure the two connectors together. When the first and second connectors are coupled together, a fluid passageway may exist through the first and second connectors.

[0033] The connector assembly can be configured to couple a first portion of a pipe fitting to a second portion of the pipe fitting. For example, the first portion of the pipe fitting can be coupled to a first connector, and the second portion of the pipe fitting can be coupled to a second connector. The first portion of the pipe fitting and / or the second portion of the pipe fitting can also be coupled to a patient or a fluid source. In some embodiments, the connector assembly allows fluid to flow from the first portion of the pipe fitting to the second portion of the pipe fitting. For example, an annular member can couple the first connector to the second connector such that a fluid passageway is formed through the first connector and the second connector to allow fluid to flow from the first portion of the pipe fitting through the first connector and the second connector to the second portion of the pipe fitting. The fluid passageway can allow fluid to flow from the second portion of the pipe fitting through the second connector and the first connector to the first portion of the pipe fitting.

[0034] In some embodiments, the annular member includes an alignment protrusion, and the outer surface of the first connector includes an alignment notch. The annular member is capable of sliding around the first connector such that the alignment protrusion can slide into the alignment notch, thereby coupling the annular member to the first connector. In other embodiments, the annular member can include a notch, and the first connector can include a protrusion such that the protrusion can engage with the notch to couple the annular member to the first connector. In other embodiments, the annular member can include a protruding edge, and the first connector can include a recessed portion such that the protruding edge of the annular member can snap onto the recessed portion of the first connector, thereby coupling the annular member and the first connector. In other embodiments, the annular member can include a recessed portion, and the first connector can include a protruding edge such that the first connector can snap into the annular member, thereby coupling the annular member and the first connector.

[0035] In some embodiments, the annular member includes at least one arm that extends axially outward from the annular portion of the annular member. The arm of the annular member can include a protruding portion, and the second connector can include a recessed portion such that the protruding portion of the annular member can engage with or snap onto the recessed portion of the second connector, thereby coupling the annular member and the second connector. In some embodiments, the second connector can include a protruding portion, and the annular member can include a recessed portion such that the protruding portion of the second connector and the recessed portion of the annular member can engage, thereby coupling the annular member and the second connector.

[0036] In some embodiments, the annular member can be first coupled or connected to the first connector and then to the second connector. In some embodiments, the annular member can be first coupled to the second connector and then to the first connector. In some embodiments, the annular member can be coupled to the first and second connectors simultaneously.

[0037] In some embodiments, the connector assembly is configured to separate based on a force exceeding a predetermined threshold force. When a force exceeding the predetermined threshold force (such as a pull-out force) is applied to the connector assembly, the first connector can separate from the annular member and the second connector. The pull-out force can be a force occurring along the longitudinal axis of the first connector. In some embodiments, the pull-out force is generated by dragging or pulling a first portion of a pipe fitting coupled to the first connector. Alternatively, the pull-out force applied to the first connector can be generated by dragging or pulling the second connector and / or a second portion of a pipe fitting coupled to the second connector. Alternatively, the pull-out force can be a resultant force that pulls the first connector away from the second connector, such as an item falling on the connector or the pipe fitting.

[0038] In some embodiments, the annular member can separate from the second connector while maintaining its connection to the first connector. In some embodiments, the annular member can separate from the first connector while maintaining its connection to the second connector. In some embodiments, the annular member can separate from both the first and second connectors.

[0039] In some embodiments, when the first connector separates from the second connector, the fluid passageway is blocked so that fluid no longer continues to flow through the first connector or through the second connector.

[0040] The annular member, the first connector, and the second connector can be discarded or replaced with new sterile components to prevent infection or contamination that may occur when the components are reused (e.g., the first connector is re-coupled to the second connector).

[0041] Figure 1 An exemplary system 100 is shown, where a patient 102 can be connected to a fluid system 104. The fluid system 104 can include IV fluid 106 that enters an IV line 110 through a connection point 108, and the IV line is inserted into a vein of the patient 102. The IV line 110 can continue through a component 200 that, when connected, allows the IV fluid 106 to continue through the IV line 100 and into the patient 102. When the component 200 is disconnected, the IV fluid 106 may not continue to flow through the IV line 100 and into the patient 102.

[0042] Figure 2 An exploded view of the component 200 is shown. The component 200 includes a first connector 202, a second connector 204, and an annular member 206. The first connector 202 can include a member for snapping the annular member 206 onto the first connector 202, such as a notch 208. The annular member 206 can include arms 210 that radially extend outward from the annular body of the annular member 206. These arms 210 can include protrusions 212 that can snap onto indentations 214 on the second connector 204.

[0043] In some embodiments, the annular member 206 may include a first portion that is substantially annular and circumferentially fitted around the outer surface of the first connector 202. The first portion of the annular member may include a notch that allows, for example, the annular member 206 to more easily slide around the first connector 202. The annular member 206 may additionally have a second portion that is axially offset and has a plurality of arms 210 that extend axially away from the first portion. These arms 210 may have connecting portions, such as protrusions 212, that may assist in connecting the annular member 206 to the second connector 204, such as snapping into a dent 214.

[0044] Figure 3 The annular member 206 coupled to the first connector 202 is shown. In some embodiments, the annular member 206 may be fitted around the first connector 202 such that the first connector 202 continues to longitudinally elongate beyond the ends of the arms 210 of the annular member 206. The end of the first connector 202 closest to the connecting edge of the second connector 204 may be tapered such that the tapered end of the first connector 202 may be fitted within the connecting end of the second connector 204. The inner portion of the first connector 202 may include a flexible valve 216 that extends to the distal edge of the tapered end of the first connector 202. The flexible valve may prevent fluid flow through the first connector 202 when not coupled to the second connector 204.

[0045] In some embodiments, the annular member 206 is fitted around the first connector 202 in a friction fit manner. In some embodiments, the annular member 206 snaps around the first connector 202 when an alignment protrusion on the inside of the annular member 206 is fitted within a notch (such as notch 208) on the first connector 202. In some embodiments, the connection may be a combination of a friction fit or an interference fit.

[0046] Figure 4 Shown is Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the coupling assembly shown in. In some embodiments, the inner portion of the second connector 204 may include a valve 218. The inner portion of the first connector 202 may include a first inlet and a first outlet that is in fluid communication with the first inlet. The inner portion of the second connector 204 may include a first end and a second end that is in fluid communication with the first end.

[0047] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a coupling assembly 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, where the annular member 206 is coupled to the first connector 202 and coupled to the second connector 204. When the annular member 206 is coupled to both the first connector 202 and the second connector 204 simultaneously, as Figure 5As shown, the first connector 202 and the second connector 204 can be coupled together to create a fluid flow path 502 through the two connectors. This fluid flow path can be formed when the fluid communication path between the first inlet and the first outlet of the first connector 202 is aligned with the fluid communication path between the first end and the second end of the second connector 204.

[0048] In some embodiments, when the first connector 202 and the second connector 204 are coupled, a portion of the first connector 202 can be fitted inside a portion of the second connector 204. The first connector 202 and the second connector 204 can be fitted together to create a flow path seal 504. When the first connector 202 and the second connector 204 are not coupled, the flexible valve 216 can extend to the distal edge of the first connector 202. When the first connector 202 and the second connector 204 are coupled, the valve 218 can press against the flexible valve 216, thereby compressing the flexible valve 216 such that the extension of the flexible valve 216 terminates at an internal portion of the first connector 202.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first connector 202 is connected to a first portion of a pipe fitting, and the second connector 204 is connected to a second portion of the pipe fitting. When the first connector 202 is coupled to the second connector 204, fluid can flow between the first portion and the second portion of the pipe fitting through the coupled connectors.

[0050] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of some embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure is shown Figure 5 along with a separation force 602. The separation force 602 can separate the first connector 202 from the second connector 204. The separation force 602 can pull the first connector 202 away from the second connector 204 or pull the second connector 204 away from the first connector 202. When the first connector 202 and the second connector 204 are coupled, the separation force 602 can act along the central axis of the first and second connectors. When the first connector 202 and the second connector 204 are coupled, the separation force 602 can be a resultant force acting along the central axis of the first and second connectors, or a force acting on the first connector 202 or on the second connector 204, or on the first portion of the pipe fitting or on the second portion of the pipe fitting.

[0051] When the separation force 602 exceeds a predetermined threshold force, the separation force 602 can separate the first connector 202 from the second connector 204. For example, if the separation force 602 is less than the predetermined threshold force, the first connector 202 may not be separated from the second connector 204. The predetermined threshold force prevents unintentional or accidental separation based on a minor force or movement. The predetermined threshold force can be based on the coupling of the protrusion 212 into the indentation 214. For example, the arm 210 can be configured to releasably couple to the second connector 204 and can allow the second connector 204 to separate from the annular member 206 and the first connector 202 when the separation force 602 exceeds the predetermined threshold force.

[0052] In some embodiments, the predetermined threshold force is approximately 5 pounds (lb). The predetermined threshold force can range from approximately 1 lb to approximately 8 lb, approximately 3 lb to approximately 7 lb, approximately 4 lb to approximately 6 lb, or greater than 8 lb.

[0053] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a coupler assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 6 after being separated by the separation force 602 is shown.

[0054] The disclosure described herein includes at least the following items:

[0055] Item 1. A coupler assembly, comprising: a first connector having an outer surface and a first fluid passage; a second connector having an outer edge and a second fluid passage; and an annular member having a first portion and an axially offset second portion, the first portion being configured to couple to the outer surface of the first connector, and the second portion having a plurality of arms extending axially away from the first portion, wherein when the annular member is coupled to the first connector and when the first connector and the second connector are coupled together such that the first fluid passage is in fluid communication with the second fluid passage, the plurality of arms are configured to detachably engage the outer edge of the second connector to secure the coupling of the first connector and the second connector.

[0056] Item 2. The coupler assembly according to Item 1, wherein each of the plurality of arms includes a connecting portion that engages the outer edge of the second connector.

[0057] Item 3. The coupler assembly according to Item 1, wherein the annular member is configured to disassemble the first connector and the second connector when the separation force exceeds a predetermined threshold force.

[0058] Clause 4. The connector assembly according to Clause 1, wherein the outer surface includes an alignment notch, and the annular member includes an alignment protrusion, wherein the alignment protrusion is configured to be received by the alignment notch when the annular member is coupled to the outer surface of the first connector.

[0059] Clause 5. The connector assembly according to Clause 1, wherein the plurality of arms are configured to detachably engage the outer edge of the second connector via an interference fit.

[0060] Clause 6. The connector assembly according to Clause 3, wherein the plurality of arms and the outer edge of the second connector are configured to detach when a separation force exceeds a predetermined coupling force.

[0061] Clause 7. The connector assembly according to Clause 3, wherein the annular member and the first connector are configured to detach when a separation force exceeds a predetermined coupling force.

[0062] Clause 8. The connector assembly according to Clause 3, wherein the separation force is applied axially along the first and second connectors.

[0063] Clause 9. The connector assembly according to Clause 3, wherein the separation force is the axial resultant force along the coupled first and second connectors.

[0064] Clause 10. The connector assembly according to Clause 1, wherein the first connector includes an external portion, and the second connector includes an internal chamber such that the external portion of the first connector fits within the internal chamber of the second connector to provide fluid communication between the first fluid passageway and the second fluid passageway.

[0065] Clause 11. A method of coupling two connectors, comprising: providing a first connector having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; providing a second connector having an outer edge; sliding an annular member having a plurality of arms around the first connector; detachably connecting the annular member to the first connector via a notch on the first connector and an engagement member on the annular member; detachably connecting the annular member to the second connector via the plurality of arms that engage the outer edge of the second connector; and forming a fluid passageway between the coupled first and second connectors.

[0066] Clause 12. The method according to Clause 11, wherein sliding the annular member includes sliding the annular member around the first connector from the first end.

[0067] Clause 13. The method according to Clause 11, wherein sliding the annular member includes sliding the annular member around the first connector from the second end.

[0068] Clause 14. The method according to Clause 11 further includes disassembling the first connector and the second connector by applying a force that exceeds a predetermined threshold force.

[0069] Clause 15. The method according to Clause 14, wherein disassembling the first connector and the second connector creates an interruption in the fluid passageway.

[0070] Clause 16. A coupling assembly, comprising: a first connector including: a first connector body having a first inlet and a first outlet in fluid communication with the first inlet; and a collar sleeved on the first connector body between the first inlet and the first outlet, the collar including a collar body having a plurality of arms extending circumferentially outward from the collar body; and a second connector including: a second connector body including a first end and a second end in fluid communication with the first end; wherein the collar body is connected to the outer surface of the first connector by a friction fit or an interference fit; and wherein the plurality of arms of the collar are connected to the outer surface of the second connector by a friction fit or an interference fit.

[0071] Clause 17. The coupling assembly according to Clause 16, wherein the plurality of arms of the collar further include inner ridges that connect to the outer edge of the second connector to form a friction fit or an interference fit.

[0072] Clause 18. The coupling assembly according to Clause 17, wherein when a force exceeding a predetermined threshold force is applied, the inner ridges of the plurality of arms of the collar disengage from the outer edge of the second connector.

[0073] Clause 19. The coupling assembly according to Clause 18, wherein a force exceeding a predetermined threshold force is applied such that the first connector is pulled away from the second connector.

[0074] Clause 20. The coupling assembly according to Clause 16, wherein the first connector is coupled to a first portion of a pipe fitting at the first inlet, and the second connector is coupled to a second portion of the pipe fitting at the second end.

[0075] Clause 21. The coupling assembly according to Clause 18, wherein when the first connector and the second connector are connected by the collar, there is fluid flow between the first connector and the second connector, and wherein when the first connector and the second connector are disengaged, the fluid flow is blocked by a self-sealing device.

[0076] This disclosure is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. This disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Numerous modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects.

[0077] Unless otherwise specified, the use of an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" but "one or more." Unless otherwise specified, the term "some" means one or more. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter genders (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. The use of headings and subheadings (if any) is for convenience only and does not limit this disclosure.

[0078] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" need not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. In one aspect, the various alternative configurations and operations described herein can be considered to be at least equivalent.

[0079] Phrases such as "an aspect" do not mean that such an aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such an aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure related to an aspect can apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. An aspect can provide one or more examples. The phrase "an aspect" can refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. Phrases such as "an embodiment" do not mean that such an embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such an embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure related to an embodiment can apply to all embodiments or one or more embodiments. An embodiment can provide one or more examples. The phrase "an embodiment" can refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. Phrases such as "a configuration" do not mean that such a configuration is necessary for the subject technology or that such a configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure related to a configuration can apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. A configuration can provide one or more examples. The phrase "such a configuration" can refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0080] In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, sizes, dimensions, and other specifications set forth in this specification, including those in the appended claims, are approximate and not exact. In one aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the functions they relate to and the customs of the art to which they pertain.

[0081] In one aspect, terms such as "coupled" can refer to direct coupling. In another aspect, terms such as "coupled" can refer to indirect coupling.

[0082] Terms such as "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", etc. as used in this disclosure should be understood to refer to any reference frame and not to the ordinary gravitational reference frame. Thus, the top surface, bottom surface, front surface, and rear surface can extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in the gravitational reference frame.

[0083] Without departing from the scope of the subject technology, various items can be arranged differently (e.g., in a different order or divided in a different manner). All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure are known to those of ordinary skill in the art or will later become known to those of ordinary skill in the art, which are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. Additionally, nothing disclosed herein is dedicated to the public, whether or not such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. According to the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph six, an element of a claim will not be construed, unless the element is clearly recited using the phrase "means for" or, in the case of a method claim, using the phrase "step for". Further, for the scope of the terms "comprising", "having", etc. used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as interpreted when used as a transitional term in a claim.

[0084] The title, background art, utility model content, description of the drawings, and abstract of this disclosure are hereby incorporated into this disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of this disclosure, rather than restrictive descriptions. This application is filed based on the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Additionally, in the detailed description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and, to simplify this disclosure, various features are combined together in various embodiments. This disclosure method should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly stated in each claim. Instead, as reflected in the following claims, the utility model subject matter lies in less than all the features of a single disclosed construction or operation. The following claims are thus incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim independently as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0085] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but rather conform to the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and include all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, no claim is intended to cover subject matter that fails to meet the requirements of 35 U.S.C. § 101, 102, or 103, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, characterized in that: It includes: a first connector having an outer surface and a first fluid passage; a second connector having an outer edge and a second fluid passage; as well as an annular member having a first portion and an axially offset second portion, the first portion being configured to couple to an outer surface of the first connector and the second portion having a plurality of arms extending axially away from the first portion, Wherein, when the annular member is connected to the first connector, and when the first connector and the second connector are connected together so that the first fluid passage is fluidically connected to the second fluid passage, the plurality of arms are configured to detachably engage the outer edge of the second connector to fix the connection between the first connector and the second connector.

2. The coupling assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that Each of the plurality of arms includes a connecting portion that engages with an outer edge of the second connector.

3. The coupling assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The ring is configured to detach the first and second connectors when a separation force exceeds a predetermined threshold force.

4. The coupling assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The outer surface includes an alignment notch, and the ring includes an alignment protrusion, wherein the alignment protrusion is configured to be received by the alignment notch when the ring is coupled to the outer surface of the first connector.

5. The coupling assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The plurality of arms are configured to removably engage an outer edge of the second connector via an interference fit.

6. The coupling assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that The plurality of arms and the outer edge of the second connector are configured to detach when a separation force exceeds a predetermined coupling force.

7. The coupling assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that The ring member and the first connector are configured to be disassembled when a separation force exceeds a predetermined coupling force.

8. The coupling assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that The separation force is applied axially along the first and second connectors.

9. The coupling assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that The separation force is a resultant force along the axial direction of the coupled first connector and second connector.

10. The coupling assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first connector includes an exterior portion and the second connector includes an interior chamber such that the exterior portion of the first connector fits within the interior chamber of the second connector to provide fluid communication between the first and second fluid pathways.

11. A connection assembly, characterized in that: It includes: A first connector, the first connector comprising: a first connector body having a first inlet and a first outlet in fluid communication with the first inlet; and a collar disposed on the first connector body between the first inlet and the first outlet, the collar comprising a collar body including a plurality of arms extending circumferentially outwardly from the collar body; and A second connector, the second connector comprising: a second connector body including a first end and a second end in fluid communication with the first end; wherein the collar body is connected to an outer surface of the first connector via a friction fit or an interference fit; and Wherein, the plurality of arms of the collar are connected to the outer surface of the second connector via a friction fit or an interference fit.

12. The coupling assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that The plurality of arms of the collar further include an inner ridge that connects to an outer rim of the second connector to form a friction fit or an interference fit.

13. The coupling assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that When a force exceeding a predetermined threshold force is applied, the inner ridges of the plurality of arms of the collar disengage from the outer edge of the second connector.

14. The coupling assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that A force exceeding a predetermined threshold force is applied such that the first connector is pulled away from the second connector.

15. The coupling assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that The first connector couples with a first portion of tubing at the first inlet, and the second connector couples with a second portion of tubing at the second end.

16. The coupling assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that There is fluid flow between the first and second connectors when the first and second connectors are connected by the collar, and wherein when the first and second connectors are disengaged, the fluid flow is prevented by the self-sealing arrangement.

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