FLUID TRANSPORT COUPLING

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to fluid transport couplings, and more particularly to, fluid transport couplings transitioning flow to a plurality of fluid conduits.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Large-scale production of pharmaceuticals, fluids for use in medical applications, and food grade products relies on maintenance of sanitary environments. Exposure of such products to bacteria or contaminants results in a reduced quality and, in some cases, toxic byproducts. As such, food and medical product manufacturers attempt to reduce points of contamination and have turned to sanitary hoses and connectors as part of an effort to maintain a sanitary environment. There exists a need for improved sanitary hoses and connectors Document US2009 / 019954 A1 discloses a connector which provides connection of conduits between a plurality of sampling devices situated in a sealed environment and a measurement device situated exterior of the environment.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and are not limited in the accompanying figures. FIG. 1 includes an illustration of a side view of a multi-port fluid transport coupling according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 includes an illustration of an end view of a multi-port fluid transport coupling according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 includes an illustration of a first perspective view of a multi-port fluid transport coupling according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 includes an illustration of a second perspective view of a multi-port fluid transport coupling according to one embodiment.

[0004] Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0005] The following description in combination with the figures is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The following discussion will focus on specific implementations and embodiments of the teachings. This focus is provided to assist in describing the teachings and should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope or applicability of the teachings. However, other embodiments can be used based on the teachings as disclosed in this application.

[0006] The terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0007] Also, the use of "a" or "an" is employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one, at least one, or the singular as also including the plural, or vice versa, unless it is clear that it is meant otherwise. For example, when a single item is described herein, more than one item may be used in place of a single item. Similarly, where more than one item is described herein, a single item may be substituted for that more than one item.

[0008] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. To the extent not described herein, many details regarding specific materials and processing acts are conventional and may be found in textbooks and other sources within the fluid transport arts.

[0009] The present disclosure is directed to fluid transport coupling according to claim 1.

[0010] A particular advantage of certain embodiments of the present disclosure is the ability to form and secure a fluid connection between a plurality of fluid conduits simultaneously. Previously, a fluid connection between a plurality of fluid conduits required separately-formed fluid connections with a fluid connecting element for each individual fluid conduit. By contrast, embodiments of the present disclosure include a single overmolding step that forms a fluid connection between a plurality of fluid conduits simultaneously and with the same fluid connector. For example, as disclosed herein, a fluid connector can be formed onto the fluid conduits via overmolding. The concepts are better understood in view of the embodiments described below that illustrate and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0011] Referring now to FIG. 1, a fluid transport coupling 10 can include first fluid conduits 20, each first fluid conduit having a distal end 22 and a proximal end 24, and a fluid connector 30 disposed adjacent the proximal ends of the first fluid conduits 20. The fluid connector 30 can have a body 32 and a connecting end 34, where the connecting end 34 is the end farthest from the distal end 22 of the fluid conduits 20.

[0012] Further, referring to FIG. 2, the fluid connector 30 can be a composite comprising a support element 40 and a connector element 50 overmolded onto the support element. The support element 40 can be adapted to arrange and secure a spaced relationship between the first fluid conduits 20, and the connector element 50 can be disposed over the support element to sure a fluid connection between the fluid conduits 20 and the connecting end 12 of the fluid transport coupling 10. Furthermore, as will be discussed in more detail later in the application, the fluid connector 30 can be formed by overmolding the connector element material about both the support element 40 and the proximal ends 24 of the fluid conduits 20 to secure the fluid connection. In other words, the connector element 50 can be an overmolded connector element.

[0013] As discussed above, the fluid conduits 20 can each have a distal end 22, a proximal end 24, and a length 26 extending from the distal end 22 to the proximal end 24. In certain embodiments, the fluid conduits 20 can include inner and outer diameter profiles that are concentric and congruous. However, the profiles of the inner and outer diameters of the fluid conduits 20 can vary depending on the desired application.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the fluid conduits 20 can be composed of a flexible material. As used herein, the term "flexible material" refers to a material that is capable of undergoing strain, such as bending or stretching, without adverse impact of physical characteristics, such as irreversible break-down associated with material fracture, for example.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the flexible material can include a polymer, such as an elastomeric polymer. In particular embodiments, the elastomeric polymer can comprise an ether, an olefin, a vinyl, a polyurethane, an acrylate, a vinyl alcohol, an ethylene copolymer, an ester, a silicone, a fluoropolymer, or any combination thereof. In particular embodiments, the flexible material can include a silicone or a thermoplastic elastomer. In particular embodiments, one or more of the plurality of fluid conduits 20 can include an elastomeric polymer comprising a silicone.

[0016] One or more of the fluid conduits 20 can be made from the same material or made from a different material. In particular embodiments, each of the fluid conduits 20 can be made from the same material. In more particular embodiments, each of the fluid conduits 20 can include an elastomeric polymer comprising a silicone, such as include the same elastomeric polymer comprising a silicone.

[0017] The fluid transport coupling 10 can include at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, or even at least 10 distinct fluid conduits 20. The conduits are distinct in that they are separated from each other prior to forming the fluid transport coupling 10, such as prior to any overmolding step of forming the connector 30 about the fluid conduits 20. In some embodiments, the plurality of fluid conduits 20 may include no greater than 15, no greater than 14, no greater than 13, no greater than 12, no greater than 11, or even no greater than 10 distinct fluid conduits. In further embodiments, the plurality of fluid conduits 20 can include a number of distinct fluid conduits in a range of 2 to 15, 5 to 14, or even 7 to 13 distinct fluid conduits. The number of fluid conduits 20 in the fluid transport coupling 10 can vary depending on the application, and can include more or less than the numbers listed above.

[0018] The size of fluid conduits 20 can vary as a group or within the group of fluid conduits, depending on the application. In certain embodiments, each of the fluid conduits 20 can have essentially the same inner diameter, essentially the same outer diameter, essentially the same length, or any combination thereof. In particular embodiments, each of the fluid conduits 20 can have essentially the same inner diameter. In more particular embodiments, each of the fluid conduits 20 can have essentially the same outer diameter. In more particular embodiments, each of the fluid conduits 20 can have essentially the same length.

[0019] In further embodiments, at least two of the fluid conduits 20 can have a different inner diameter, a different outer diameter, a different length, or any combination thereof. In particular embodiments, at least two of the fluid conduits 20 can have a different inner diameter. In more particular embodiments, at least two of the fluid conduits 20 can have a different outer diameter. In more particular embodiments, at least two of the fluid conduits 20 can have a different length.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the inner diameter of the fluid conduits 20 can be at least 0.01 cm, at least 0.02 cm, at least 0.03 cm, at least 0.04 cm, or even at least 0.05 cm. In further embodiments, the inner diameter can be no greater than 5 cm, no greater than 4 cm, no greater than 3 cm, no greater than 2 cm, or even no greater than 1.5 cm. Moreover, the inner diameter of the fluid conduits 20 can be greater than or less than the above values depending on the desired application.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the outer diameter of the fluid conduits 20 can be at least 0.05 cm, at least 0.07 cm, at least 0.09 cm, at least 0.11 cm, at least 0.13 cm, or even at least 0.15 cm. In further embodiments, the outer diameter can be no greater than 6 cm, no greater than 5 cm, no greater than 4 cm, no greater than 3 cm, or even no greater than 2 cm. Moreover, the outer diameter of the fluid conduits 20 can be greater than or less than the above values depending on the desired application.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the length of the fluid conduits 20 can be at least 5 cm. However, the length can be less than 5 cm depending on the desired application.

[0023] The fluid connector 30 can form a fluid connection with the fluid conduits 20. As discussed above, the fluid connector 30 can be disposed at the proximal ends 24 of the fluid conduits 20. As will be discussed in more detail later in the application, the fluid connector 30 can also form a fluid connection with a fluid component to, for example, transport fluid to, from, or between the fluid conduits 20 and the fluid component.

[0024] The shape and size of the fluid connector 30 can vary depending on the application in which the fluid transport coupling 10 is used. The fluid connector can include a body end 32, a body 34, a connecting end 36, and ports 38 (see FIG. 2) extending from the body end 32, through the body 34 and connecting end 36. The ports 38 can correspond to the fluid conduits 20, such as in number and shape. For example, in certain embodiments, the number of ports 38 in the fluid connector 30 can be the same as the number of fluid conduits 20 in the fluid transport coupling 10. Further, in certain embodiments, the ports 38 can have a circumference matching the inner or outer diameter of the corresponding fluid conduit 20. Furthermore, the port 38 can make a watertight fluid connection with the corresponding fluid conduit 20.

[0025] In certain embodiments, as mentioned previously, the ports 38 can be arranged such that the fluid conduits 20 are separated from each other. For example, a portion of the ports 38 can be distributed evenly and circumferentially forming a ring near an outer edge of the surface of the ends while remaining ports are distributed near the center of the end surfaces.

[0026] Further, the ports 38 can be arranged such that when the fluid conduits 20 are disposed in the fluid connector, the fluid conduits 20 can be arranged and secured in a spaced relationship. The term "spaced relationship" refers to an arrangement where the ends of the fluid conduits inserted into the fluid connector are not in contact with each other. Furthermore, the ports 36 can be configured such that, when the proximal ends of the fluid conduits 20 are inserted into their corresponding ports 38, the fluid conduits 20 can extend away from the support element to their distal ends 22 in the same axial direction relative to the fluid connector 30.

[0027] In certain embodiment, the body end 32 and the connecting end 36 are on opposite sides of the fluid connector 30. For example, the connecting end 36 can refer to the end of the fluid connector 30 furthest from the distal end 22 of the fluid conduits 20, whereas the body end can refer to the end of the fluid connector 30 nearest the distal end 22 of the conduits 20, when the fluid transport coupling 10 is assembled and the fluid conduits 20 are extending in a single axial direction from the fluid connector 30.

[0028] The opposing body and connecting ends 32, 36 of the can have essentially the same or different shape, such as an arcuate shape, a polygonal, or an amorphous shape. In particular embodiments, the arcuate shape can include a circle or an ellipse where the eccentricity is greater than 0. In more particular embodiments, the polygonal shape can include a triangle, a square, a pentagon, a hexagon, or a polygon having 7 or more sides. In more particular embodiments, the opposing body and connecting ends 32, 36 of the fluid connector can have a circular shape, as illustrated in FIGs. 1 to 4.

[0029] The body 34 can include a sidewall extend a distance D between the body end 32 and the connecting end 36. In certain embodiments, the distance D can be at least 0.62 cm. In further embodiments, the distance D may be no greater than 2.6 cm.

[0030] The sidewall of the body 34 can have a perimeter having a shape corresponding to the shape of the ends, particularly the body end 32. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the sidewall can have the shape of a cylinder corresponding to the circular body end 32. In certain embodiments, the diameter of the body can be at least 1.5 cm. In further embodiments, the diameter of the body may be no greater than 4 cm.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the connecting end 36 can define a fitting. For example, a fitting can refer to a structure adapted to form a fluid connection with another fluid component. A fitting can include, but is not limited to, a connector, such as a barbed sterile connector, over-molded connection, barbed filters, barbed valve fitting, vessels, bag ports, silicone molded sample bulbs. The fluid component can include a second fluid conduit, a fluid container, or an isolated environment. For example, in particular embodiments, the fitting can be attached to a bioreactor or other equipment for the pharmaceutical or life sciences industries. On the opposite end, the conduits 20 can be adapted to be coupled to a fluid container such as a multi-port bag, carboy, bottle, spinner flask, or seed vials The fluid connection can be adapted to transport fluid to, from, or between the equipment and the fluid container.

[0032] The fitting can comprise a flange, such as a flange extending radially outward, such as the flange formed by the connecting end diameter extending beyond the sidewall such that a portion of the connecting end 36 extends radially beyond the perimeter of the body 34, forming an external ridge at the connecting end 36 of the fluid transport coupling 10. In certain embodiments, the connecting end 36 can have a diameter of at least 1 cm, at least 1.4 cm, at least 1.8 cm, or at least 2.2 cm. In further embodiments, the connecting end 36 can have a diameter of no greater than 16 cm, no greater than 15 cm, no greater than 14 cm, or no greater than 13 cm.

[0033] As discussed above, the fluid connector 30 can be a composite including a support element 40 and a connector element 50. The connector element 50 can be disposed about the support element 40, and a portion of each of the fluid conduits 20, to form the fluid connector 30, such as overmolded onto the fluid conduits 20. In certain embodiments, the support element 40 can function as a spacer securing and maintaining the fluid conduits 20 in the spaced relationship discussed above, including before, during, or after overmolding the connector element 50 onto the support element 40.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the support element 40 can have a diameter of at least 1 cm, at least 1.4 cm, at least 1.8 cm, or at least 2.2 cm. In further embodiments, the support element 40 can have a diameter of no greater than 16 cm, no greater than 15 cm, no greater than 14 cm, or no greater than 13 cm. In certain embodiments, the support element 40 can have a length of at least 0.2 cm, at least 0.3 cm, at least 0.4 cm, or at least 0.5 cm. In further embodiments, the support element 40 can have a length of no greater than 8 cm, no greater than 7 cm, no greater than 6 cm, no greater than 5 cm, or no greater than 4 cm.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the support element 40 can include a flexible material comprising a polymer, such as an elastomeric polymer. In particular embodiments, the elastomeric polymer can comprise an ether, an olefin, a vinyl, a polyurethane, an acrylate, a vinyl alcohol, an ethylene copolymer, an ester, a silicone, a fluoropolymer, or any combination thereof. In a more particular embodiment, the support element 40 can include an elastomeric polymer comprising a silicone.

[0036] In further embodiments, the support element 40 can be composed of the same material as the fluid conduits 20 or as at least one of the fluid conduits 20. In further embodiments, the support element 50 can be composed of a different material than at least one of the fluid conduits 20 or each of the fluid conduits 20. In particular embodiments where the support element 40 is composed of a different material, the different material can be a more rigid material. The stiffness of the materials can be measured according to ASTM D1043 - 10.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the connector element 50 can be composed of a material essentially the same as or different than the support element 40 or the fluid conduits 20. In particular embodiments, the connector element 50 can include a flexible material comprising a polymer, such as an elastomeric polymer. In particular embodiments, the elastomeric polymer can comprise an ether, an olefin, a vinyl, a polyurethane, an acrylate, a vinyl alcohol, an ethylene copolymer, an ester, a silicone, a fluoropolymer, or any combination thereof. In a more particular embodiment, the connector element 50 can include an elastomeric polymer comprising a silicone.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the fluid conduits 20, the support element 40, and the connector element 50 can be composed of compatible materials. For example, the fluid conduits 20, the support element 40, and the connector element 50 can be composed of materials that can form an attachment with each other when the overmolded connector element 50 is formed. In certain embodiments, the overmolded connector element 50 can be mechanically attached the support element 40 and one or more of the fluid conduits 20, such as by adhesion or electrostatic interaction. In further embodiments, the overmolded connector element 50 can be covalently attached or bonded to the support element 40, one or more of the fluid conduits 20, such as each of the fluid conduits 20, or both. As used herein, the term "covalently attached" or "covalently bonded" refers to the forming of a chemical bond that is characterized by the sharing of pairs of electrons between atoms. For example, a covalently attached overmolded connector element 50 can refer to an overmolded connector element 50 that forms chemical bonds with one or more of the fluid conduits 20, as compared to attachment to the fluid conduits 20 via other means, for example, adhesion or electrostatic interaction. It will be appreciated that polymers that are attached covalently to a surface can also be bonded via means in addition to covalent attachment, such as by adhesion and electrostatic interaction.

[0039] In further embodiments, fluid transport coupling 10 can be coupled to a fluid component having fluid connection capabilities. It is to be understood that the fluid component can include a single fluid conduit 20, or in other embodiments, can include a plurality of fluid conduits 20. In certain embodiments, the second fluid component can include a fluid conduit, a vessel, or any other structure to which a fluid connection is desired. In particular embodiments, the vessel can include a rigid vessel, such as a drum, a carboy, a tank; a flexible vessel such as a storage bag, a mixing bag, or an isolation bag; or a combination thereof.

[0040] The fluid component can have a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end of the fluid component can be adapted to couple with the proximal end 24 of the fluid conduits 20. In certain embodiments, the overmolded connector element 50 can be covalently bonded to the fluid component. In very particular embodiments, the vessel can include a flexible bag and the overmolded connector element 50 can be covalently bonded to the vessel.

[0041] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of forming a fluid transport coupling according to claim 12.

[0042] In particular embodiments, the method can further include providing the support element 40, and engaging the fluid conduits 20 with the support element 40. When engaged, the fluid conduits 20 can form a spaced relationship with one another such that when overmolded, the overmolding material can surround the support element 40 and each of the fluid conduits 20.

[0043] As discussed above, it is a particular advantage of the fluid transport coupling 10 and method of making a fluid transport coupling 10 that a sanitary, watertight fluid connection can be made between a plurality of fluid conduits 20 and a separate fluid component via a fluid connector where the plurality of fluid conduits 20 and the fluid connector are joined simultaneously using the overmolded element. The ovemolded fluid connector can provide a single sanitary fluid connection that provides options for multiple outlets or inlets without having to connect each port individually. In addition, the overmolded fluid connector can provide a single material construction and, thus, does not include seams, which are vulnerable to leaking.

[0044] Many different aspects and embodiments are possible. Some of those aspects and embodiments are described below. After reading this specification, skilled artisans will appreciate that those aspects and embodiments are only illustrative and do not limit the scope of the present invention. The scope of protection of the current invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sanitary fluid transport coupling (10) comprising: a plurality of fluid conduits (20), each fluid conduit (20) having a distal end (22) and a proximal end (24), and a length (26) extending from the distal end to the proximal end; and a fluid connector (30) comprising a body end (32), and a connecting end (34), wherein the fluid connector (30) is overmolded to secure the plurality of fluid conduits (20) at the proximal ends (24) of the plurality of fluid conduits (20), wherein the connecting end (34) of the fluid connector (30) comprises a fitting that forms or is adapted to form a fluid connection with another fluid conduit (20), fluid container, or isolated environment, wherein the body end (32) of the fluid connector (30) comprises at least one port (38) extending from the body end (32) to the connecting end (34), wherein the at least one port (38) makes a watertight fluid connection with a corresponding fluid conduit (20), wherein the fitting comprises a flange extending outwardly from the body, and characterized in that the connecting end (34) is overmolded onto a support element (40) and the support element (40) is configured to arrange and secure a spaced relationship between the plurality of fluid conduits (20).

2. The coupling (10) of claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of fluid conduits (20) comprises a polymer comprising an ether, an olefin, a vinyl, a polyurethane, an acrylate, a vinyl alcohol, an ethylene copolymer, an ester, a silicone, a fluoropolymer, or any combination thereof.

3. The coupling (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more of the plurality of fluid conduits (20) comprises a silicone.

4. The coupling (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of fluid conduits (20) comprises at least 2 distinct fluid conduits (20), and no greater than 15 distinct fluid conduits (20).

5. The coupling (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of fluid conduits (20) comprises a number of distinct fluid conduits (20) in a range of 2 to 15 distinct fluid conduits (20).

6. The coupling (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two of the plurality of the fluid conduits (20) have a different inner diameter.

7. The coupling (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two of the plurality of the fluid conduits (20) have a different outer diameter.

8. The coupling (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid connector (30) comprises a polymer comprising an ether, an olefin, a vinyl, a polyurethane, an acrylate, a vinyl alcohol, an ethylene copolymer, an ester, a silicone, a fluoropolymer, or any combination thereof.

9. The coupling (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support element (40) comprises a polymeric material comprising a polymer comprising an ether, an olefin, a vinyl, a polyurethane, an acrylate, a vinyl alcohol, an ethylene copolymer, an ester, a silicone, a fluoropolymer, or any combination thereof.

10. The coupling (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the plurality of fluid conduits (20), the support element (40), and the fluid connector (30) are covalently bonded to each other.

11. The coupling (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the plurality of fluid conduits (20), the support element (40), and the fluid connector (30) are composed of essentially the same material.

12. A method of forming the sanitary fluid transport coupling (10) of any of the preceding claims, the method comprising: providing a plurality of fluid conduits (20) in a spaced relationship, each fluid conduit (20) consisting of a distal end (22), a proximal end (24), and a length (26) extending from the distal end to the proximal end; and forming a fluid connector (30) about the plurality of fluid conduits (20), the fluid connector (30) comprising a body end (32), and a connecting end (34), wherein the fluid connector (30) is overmolded to secure the plurality of fluid conduits (20) at the proximal ends (24) of the plurality of fluid conduits (20), wherein the connecting end (34) of the fluid connector (30) comprises a fitting that forms or is adapted to form a fluid connection with another fluid conduit (20), fluid container, or isolated environment, wherein the body end (32) of the fluid connector (30) comprises at least one port (38) extending from the body end (32) to the connecting end (34), wherein the at least one port (38) makes a watertight fluid connection with a corresponding fluid conduit (20), wherein the fitting comprises a flange extending outwardly from the body, and characterized in that the connecting end (34) is overmolded onto a support element (40) and the support element (40) is configured to arrange and secure a spaced relationship between the plurality of fluid conduits (20).