Connection system

Abstract

A connector 140 for connecting to a second identical connector comprises an annular ring 142 which is sized to fit over a rolled back end 118 of a flexible tube 102 supported by a tubing support 110 a

Description

Introduction The present invention relates to a connection system for flexible tubes, typically but not exclusively silicone tubes, and includes a method of connecting such tubes, and the fittings used in such a method. Background to the Invention In the food, medical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and personal care industries single use apparatus, or bio-disposable systems, are used in the batch preparation of some products. Similar systems are also used in the milk production system, in brewing and beverage production, and in the homecare industries, in the electronics industry, the food industry and the medical industry generally. Some systems are designed not for small batch production, but for permanent or semi-permanent installation, again in the foods, medical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and personal care industries. Conventional single use apparatus includes flexible tubing, which is typically made from silicone, but may be made from other plastic materials, such as thermoplastics. Connection to other tubes or pieces of apparatus required in the production process are commonly made with flanged connectors which are clamped to each other, with a rubber gasket positioned between the flanges creating a seal. The flanged connectors include a hollow, usually barbed, spigot over which the flexible tube is placed in a fluid tight manner. This standard system is known as the tri-clover system. Initially the tri-clover system was developed for connection of multi-use components made from metal, typically stainless steel. However, more recently it was adapted for use with single use, bio-disposable systems using plastic materials or the like which can be sterilized by radiation, ethylene oxide or steam. However, other clamping devices are also used, including those that are secured by cable ties, quick connect systems, threaded systems and other connecting systems. Importantly, fluid passing through such a connection will come into contact not only with the tubes, but also the flange connectors and the gasket. These will typically be made from different materials, and in order to comply with regulations it will be necessary to carrying out testing for bio-compatibility of the production line with each of the three different materials. If there is an alteration to the production process, for example a change in temperature or raw material, it could be necessary to repeat such testing on all of the three materials again. In additional all such connection system result in the creation of significant and multiple crevices at or around the joint, which can create stagnant areas, and potentially a loss of material. More permanent systems may use similar apparatus, connected by flexible tubing clamped together. However, they also use semi-flexible or even rigid tubing that may be connected together using butt welding. This technique is difficult to use and very time consuming. Due to the nature of the liquids, solutions and fluids passing through the tubing, high grade materials must be used, and sterility achieved. Flexible tubes are tubes which have flexibility but will spring back to the shape in which they were formed when a bending, flexing or retaining force is removed. As such they undergo elastic deformation. Such tubes have resilience, flexibility, elasticity and compressibility and may be said to have "memory". Thus, while such a tube can be bent round a corner, be folded in half or be splayed open at one end, when the force urging this is removed, the tube usually returns to its original shape and dimensions. In addition, while the tube allows such bending, folding and splaying it offer some resistance to this, which usually allows it to return to its original shape and dimensions when the force is removed. A flexible tube is made from flexible material, and an important feature of flexible material, as mentioned above, is that is deforms elastically. This means that it is able to deform under a force; the deformation is not permanent, but resistance to the deformation is essentially permanent. This results in flexible materials being able to form a seal, as under application of a force, they will conform to any surface against which they are urged, maintain conformation which the force is maintained. This can create a seal. Two pieces of flexible material urged together form a very good seal, due to the elasticity and resilience of the material on both a microlevel as well as a macrolevel. In our earlier application, published as WO 2020 / 182906, describes a connection system in which the material of the flexible tube is used to create the seal. A sealing surface is created by rolling back the end of a flexible tube. Due to the elasticity and resilience of the tube, such a rolled back end would unroll by itself, and our earlier application thus describes a two-component system for supporting the rolled back end. One obvious option for connection would appear to be the provision of arms with inward facing pins extending from the sleeve together with corresponding L-shaped tracks to enable the pins of one sleeve to fit into the tracks in another sleeve, in other words creating bayonet fittings from the sleeves. Pushing the pins along the inwards portion of the L and then around the annular potion of the L would connect the sleeves and thus the tubes together. However, this results in tortional rubbing together of the rolled back ends, which typically results in the formation of particles, and / or other damage to the tubes, which may contaminate fluid passing through the tubes. Equally, it results in twisting of tubes relative to each other, which may also be unsatisfactory, depending on what the tube is connected to. This connection method is therefore unsatisfactory and unacceptable. Such tortional twisting of the tubes would be particularly unacceptable when connecting to junctions, such as T, Y or X junctions, as the twisting of such junctions could cause damage thereto. The aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a connection system for a pair of tubes having rolled back ends supported by the tubing support and sleeve of our earlier application that does not cause the problems outlined above. Summary of the Invention According to the invention there is provided a connector for connecting to a second identical connector, comprising an annular ring sized to fit over a rolled back end of a flexible tube supported by a tubing support and sleeve combination, the annular ring comprising:- a pair of arms positioned diametrically opposed on the ring and extending beyond one end of the ring, each arm having an inwards facing pin adjacent its distal end; a pair of channels opening on to the one end of the ring, extending a short distance towards a second end of the ring, and then circumferentially around the ring, each channel starting adjacent one arm and finishing adjacent the other arm without crossing an arm; and means for securing the connector to a sleeve and / or tubing support; the arms and channels are sized and positioned so that the pins on the arms of one connector fit into channels of another connector, and moving the pins along the channels secures a pair of connectors together. In use, a pair of connectors, each secured over a tube having a rolled back end supported by a tubing support and sleeve, are held together by introducing the pairs of pins of one connector to the pair of channels in the other connector, thereby also introducing the pairs of pins the other connector to the channels in the first connector. Initially the connectors are pushed together, as the pins travel towards the other side of the annular ring, at the end this section the connectors are then twisted allowing the pins to move annularly along the tracks. This forms a connection between the connectors preventing separation thereof, and also ensures that the rolled back ends are urged against each other in a sealing manner. Importantly, the rotation of the ring can take place without rotation of the tubes relative to each other, as the rotation can be rotation of the rings relative to the tubing support and sleeve combination. For securement of the pin into an end of each channel and for providing an indication of when the end and thus correct position has been reached, each channel is provided with a detent at its end. The means for securing the connector to the sleeve may comprise an inwards projection at the second end of the ring. This then abuts against the ends of the tubing support and sleeve in use, securing the connector in position and preventing the removal thereof when connected to another connector. Additionally, the connector may also comprise an annular depression on an inside of the annular ring, sized and positioned to accommodate a ridge on the outside of the sleeve. Alternatively, the means for securing the connector to the sleeve comprises an internal annular abutment member, positioned closer to the one end of the ring than the second end, and sized for abutting a ridge provided on a sleeve. This provides abutment between the connector and the sleeve closer to the rolled back end of the flexible tube, maximising the stability of the assembly by maximising the engagement between the two parts, namely the contact between the connector and the sleeve, specifically between the internal annular abutment member on the connector and the ridge on the outer surface of the sleeve. The twisting required to connect bayonet fittings could pull the joint out of alignment and this engagement between the connector and sleeve avoids this. In addition, by connecting the tubing support and sleeve the engagement therebetween becomes a bearing surface withstanding the pressure of the clamping forces when a joint is formed. To stabilise this connection, considerable deformation of the connector is required at its distal end, and by providing the internal annular projection spaced from the distal end, provides a long enough length where the connector can deform and enough room for it to do so. In addition, the connector may further comprise an internal rim between the abutment member and the one end and sized and position for connection with a ridge on a sleeve. This provides a connection between the connection member and the sleeve. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a connection system for a flexible tube comprising; a tubing support having a spigot sized to fit over the flexible tubing; a sleeve sized to maintain end of the flexible tube rolled back over the tubing support; and a connector according to the first aspect. Preferably the tubing support and sleeve are engageable with each other. When the means for securing the connector to the sleeve comprises an inwards projection at the other end of the ring, no specific features are required on the sleeve. However, for additional connection between the sleeve and the connector, the sleeve may be provided with an annular ridge for mating into an annular depression on the inside of the ring of the connector. When the means for securing the connector to the sleeve comprises an internal abutment member, the sleeve is provided with an external annular ridge for abutment thereagainst. Additionally, the sleeve may also be provided with an internal rim for clipping over the internal abutment member, capturing the member between the ridge and the rim, thus holding the connector to the sleeve. Conveniently, the tubing support may comprise external barbs for securement of a flexible tube. The means for connecting the tubing support and sleeve may be a projection on one of the tubing support or sleeve, and a depression on the other of the tubing support or sleeve. Any other means of connecting these elements may also be used. Usually, the tubing support will include a lip extending substantially perpendicularly to the spigot. Conveniently, the means for connection to the sleeve may be provided on the lip. For example, the lip may be provided with a channel and the sleeve may be provided with one or more projections sized to mate into the channel on correct positioning of the tubing support and sleeve, connecting them together. Alternatively, the lip may be provided with one or more projections, and the sleeve may be provided with a channel sized to mate over the projections on correcting positioning of the tubing support and sleeve, connecting them together. The connection system is particularly suitable for connecting T, Y and X shaped tube formations, which are used for in such production systems. As the tube formation include three or four arms attached to a centre, rotation of one of these arms relative to the others is likely to cause damage to the formation. Thus, a connection system that avoids the rotation of one arm relative to the others is necessary, and this is provided by the present arrangement. The arrangement equally applies to other multiple arm junctions. The invention also provides a method of connecting two lengths of inelastic tube, the method comprising: placing a length of a material having resilience, elasticity, compressibility and flexibility sized to fit over an end of each length of inelastic tubing; rolling the two lengths of tubing back over themselves; and using the rolled back ends to create a fluid tight connection. Preferably, the rolled back ends are supported using the tubing support and sleeve described above. Preferably, the two rolled back ends are held together using the apparatus of the first aspect. Detailed Description of the Invention To help understanding of the invention, specific embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a rolled back end of a flexible tube supported by a tubing support and sleeve according to the prior art; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a connector according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of Figure 2 positioned over a rolled back end supported by a tubing support and sleeve; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the arrangement of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a connector according to the present invention; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of Figure 5 positioned over a rolled back end supported by a tubing support and sleeve; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the arrangement of Figure 6; Figure 8 is another perspective view of the arrangement of Figure 6; Figure 9 is a perspective view of two connectors over rolled back ends of flexible tubes supported by tubing supports and sleeve positioned for connection; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the connectors of Figure 9 part way through connection; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the connectors of Figure 9 once connected; Figure 12 is a cross-section though a pair of tubes sealingly secured together within the connectors of the invention; and Figure 13 is a perspective view of a Y-connector, with each end provided with the connection system of the invention; Figure 14 is a cross section of the Y-connector of Figure 14, to which other tubes have been connected, using the connection system of the invention; and Figure 15 is a cross section of the connection system of the invention use in relation to a T-connector, to which other tubes are connected. Examples Referring to Figure 1, thereshown is the connection system as described in WO 2020 / 182906, based on abutment between the rolled back ends 4 of two lengths of flexible tubing 2. By rolling back the end of a length of flexible tube 2 an abutment surface, namely a sealing end or sealing surface 6 is created. This surface is sufficiently large, and the flexible tube material is sufficiently elastic and resilient, that the abutment surface 6 is able to create an air and fluid tight seal when urged against another sealing surface, such as another abutment surface 6 formed from the rolled back end of another tube. In order to support the rolled back end, and to provide a means of urging the abutment surface 6 created by the rolled back end into a sealing arrangement, a tubing support 10 is provided. This is sized to be a tight or transition fit over a length of tubing 2, and tubing supports 10 may be provided in a range of different sizes, namely diameters, appropriate to the diameter of the flexible tubing to be used. The tubing support 10 comprises a spigot 12 having a lip 14, substantially perpendicular to the spigot, extending away from the tubing. In use, the tubing support 10 is pushed over the end of the tube such that a distal end 16 of the spigot 12 is positioned slightly back from a distal end of the tubing by a distance equating to the intended roll back. The tubing is urged into the support at the lip end first, so this is away from the end of the tube. The tubing can then be rolled back over the end of the spigot 12. This may be done by hand, or a tool or apparatus (not shown) may be used to roll back the end. In some embodiment, projections, or small barbs, (not shown in this embodiment) on the outer surface of the spigot may assist in holding the rolled back end of the tube in position. The rolling back of the end of the tube 2 creates and abutment surface 6, which when held against another abutment surface forms a fluid tight seal. Once the tube support 10 has been positioned on the tube 2 and the end of the tube 4 rolled back, this creates an abutment 6 surface formed from a flexible material that will form a seal to a corresponding abutment surface, or indeed to another sealing surface. In order to provide stability, the apparatus also includes a sleeve 20, positioned over the rolled-back end of the tube. This prevents unrolling of the tube, with the rolled back end of the tube 2 being held between the sleeve 20 and the spigot 12 of the support 10. Tubes may be rolled back using a former (not shown) which can roll back a tube 2 a sufficient distance over a tubing support 10. The same or a different former can also be used to insert a sleeve 20. To reduce the possibility of removal of the support 10 and sleeve 20 combination, the two elements are connected together. As shown, the lip 14 of the tubing support 10 is provided with a downwards step 24 adjacent is back edge 26. The sleeve 20 is provided with a projecting rim 28 adjacent is end 29. When the tubing support 10 is positioned over the tube 2, the end of the tube is rolled back over the tubing support 10 and the sleeve 20 is positioned over the rolled back end 4, the rim 28 of the sleeve clips over the step 24 of the lip 14 securing the sleeve 20 in position. Alternative methods of securing the tubing support 10 and the sleeve 20 may be used. For example, although not shown, a channel can be provided in the lip 14 and an extended ring can be provided in the sleeve, which fit together once the sleeve has been correctly fitted. Alternatively, and also not shown, the channel may be provided on the sleeve 20 and the extended ring, either continuous or non-continuous, may be provided on the support 10. This connection may also provide an element of certainty that the device has been correctly fitted as the user is able to feel or hear the elements, namely the lip and ring of the tubing support and sleeve, fitting into each other. The seal is formed by urging the two rolled back ends 104 together, and there are various options for doing so. Figure 2 shows the connector 140 of a first embodiment according to the present invention. Figures 3 and 4 show the connector fitted over a rolled back end 104 that is being supported by a tubing support 110 and sleeve 120. The tubing support and sleeve are as described above, the tubing support being provided with barbs 118 on it outside to aid connection to the tube. As described above, the tubing support 110 and sleeve 120 are connected together. The lip 114 of the tubing support 110 is provided with a downwards step 124 adjacent its back edge 126. The sleeve 120 is provided with a clip 127 having projecting rim 128 adjacent is end 129. The connector 140 comprises an annular ring 142 sized to fit over the tubing support 110 and sleeve 120 fitted over a tube 102 having a rolled back end 104. An annular inwards projection 144 is provided on the distal end of the annular ring 142 such that it fits behind the tubing support and sleeve in use. As show, the design includes an internal clip to secure the connector 140 to the sleeve 120. However, this feature is not essential and in other embodiments will not be present. The clip comprises a ridge 122 on the sleeve near its proximal end, and a corresponding hollow 145 in the inside of the connector 140. Both the ridge 122 and the hollow 145 are relatively shallow so that they are able to hold the connector 140 and sleeve 120 together, and their connection as the snap into position can be felt or heard by an operator, but so that they can be disconnected easily. The proximal end of the connector is provided with a pair of extending arms 150, each having an inwards facing pin 152 at their ends. In addition, the connector is provided with a pair of channels 154 extending into the annular ring, the channels starting adjacent the arms 150, opening 156 on to the proximal end, extending inwards 158 and then annularly 160 around the ring, finishing adjacent the other arm 150. The pins 152, arms 150 and channels 154 are sized such that the pins fit into the channels and can travel therealong, such that when the pair of pins has been placed into the channels and twisted to move into along annular section 160, the pins cannot be removed from the channels 154 without twisting in the opposite direction. At the ends of the channels 154, detents 162 are provided, into which the pins 152 clip, securing the two connectors 140 securely together. In addition, the fitting of the pins on the arms in the channels on other connectors, urges the rolled back ends 104 into a sealing position and secures them. The annular section of the channel is not only annular but also extends slightly away from the proximal edge, thus (b) is larger than (a). This is so that in use movement of the pins on one connector along the channels of another connector, brings the connectors, and thus the rolled back ends, closer together, forming the seal. Due to the arrangement of the arms 150 and opening 156, a 90° twist will be achieved. For a standard %” tube, a draw of 1.5mm will be used, namely (b) is 1.5mm greater than (a). This is equivalent to a thread pitch of 6mm. The helix starts with a pitch of 9.8mm and ends with a pitch of 3.8mm. This is to make the twisting force constant as the compression is increased. However, the exact pitch will be depending on the material and thickness of the tube and the optimisation of the pitch will be with the capability of the skilled person. In order to obtain full securement, the bayonet is twisted through a % turn of the connector, namely 90°. The compression required to achieve the seal will be approximately 30% of the wall thickness, when compared to the free thickness of the tube. Thus, for a tube with a 1 / 8” (3.17mm) wall thickness, the required compression will be approximately 1 mm. This equates to an approximately 4mm pitch helix (as a % turn is used). Although not essential, it is preferable to make the pitch of the helix variable along its length, starting with a higher pitch and gradually reducing the same so that the force required to twist the connection is constant as the joint is compressed. As compression will be harder to achieve the more the tube is already compressed, this can be compensated for by decreasing the pitch of the helix. Figures 3 and 4 show the connector 140 position over the tubing support 110 and sleeve 120, which in turn are supporting the rolled back end 104 of a length of tubing 102, ready for connection to another connector, and thus to make a seal between two tubes. Figure 5 shows a connector 240 according to a second embodiment of the invention. This is similar to the connector 140 of the first embodiment, and comprises an annular ring 242, the inside of which is provided an annular projection 244. This annular projection 244 is sized to mate an annular ring 222 provided on the outside of the sleeve 220. In addition, the inside of the connector is provided with an annular lip 245 design to clip to the other side of the sleeve annular ring 222. In this embodiment, the sleeve 220 is adapted for use therewith and is provided with an annular ring 222 provided on the outside thereof as described and spaced slightly back from its front edge. As described above, the tubing support 110 and sleeve 120 are connected together. The lip 214 of the tubing support 210 is provided with a downwards step 224 adjacent its back edge 226. The sleeve 220 is provided with a clip 227 having projecting rim 228 adjacent is end 229. Figures 6, 7 and 8 show the connector 240 positioned over the rolled back end 204 of a flexible tube 202, and ready for connection to another such connector and thus to form a seal between a pair of tubes. The connector 240 is also provided with a pair of arms 250 positions diametrically on the annular ring 242, each arms having an inward facing pin 252 at its distal end. In addition, the annular ring incorporates a pair of channels 254 for holding the pins of another connector. The channels include an opening 256 onto the proximal end of annular ring. The channels then incorporate an annular section 258 extending around the annular ring, and finally the end of the channels include a detent 262 for securing the pin. The channels start adjacent one of the arms 250 and finish adjacent the other arm. In use, the annular ring 222 of the sleeve 220 is held between the annular projection 244 and annular lip 245 of the connector. While the lip 245 is shown in this embodiment, it will not always be present. However, it is useful is confirming to a user that all of the elements are correctly aligned, as the connector will clip or click into position over the sleeve. In addition, when creating a rolled back end, the sleeve 220 will often be used to assist in pushing back a flared end of the tube to create the roll back 204. When the connector 240 of this embodiment is to be used for ongoing connection, this can be connected to the sleeve 220 prior to placing the sleeve over the rolled back end 204, including when the sleeve 220 is used in the creating of the rolled back end, the connector may be attached to the sleeve at the start of this process and the presence of the lip 245 ensures the elements remain securely together. The designs of the connectors 140, 240 of both embodiments enable two rolled back ends each supported by a tubing support and sleeve to be held together to form a seal. As mentioned above, when considering how to hold together two rolled back ends each supported by a tubing support and sleeve, the most straightforward option would be to provide the sleeves as bayonet fittings for mating and holding the rolled back ends together. However, while this would appear to be straightforward, there is a significant issue. In order to connect a bayonet fitting, the two elements of the bayonet fitting need to twisted relative to each other. Where the mating surfaces are secured to the bayonet elements, this may result in the mating faces moving over each other. If bayonet fittings are formed from the sleeves, twisting of the sleeves relative to each other will result in twisting of the rolled back ends relative to each other while the mating surfaces are in contact. Due to the elastic and resilient nature of the material of the tube, this movement can cause damage to the tubes. Consequently, while making a bayonet connection out of the sleeve may initially appear to be the simplest solution, in fact this solution is not effective. In order to overcome this problem, the inventor has found that it is necessary to create separate connectors, to ensure that the sealing surfaces of the rolled back ends are not forced to move over each other. By providing separate connectors, the connectors are able to rotate relative to the sleeves, while the rolled back ends, and the tubing supports and sleeves by which they are supported are able to remain rotationally stationary. Providing separate bayonet connectors over the rolled back ends supported by tubing supports and sleeves, enables the bayonet connectors to rotate relative to each other and to the rolled back ends of the tubes, while the rolled back ends of the tubes, together with the tubing supports and sleeves, remain in their original position and do not twist relative to each other. The benefit of the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 2-4, is that it fits over the tubing support and sleeve assembly exactly as described in WO 2020 / 182906, without any additions thereto. While an additional clip may be provided, this is not essential and will not always be present. The benefits of the second embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 - 8, are that it maximises the stability of the assembly by maximising the engagement between the two parts, namely the contact between the connector and the sleeve, specifically between the internal annular projection on the connector and the outer surface of the sleeve. The twisting required to connect bayonet fittings could pull the joint out of alignment and this engagement between the connector and sleeve avoids this. In addition, by connecting the tubing support and sleeve the engagement therebetween becomes a bearing surface withstanding the pressure of the clamping forces when a joint is formed. To stabilise this connection, considerable deformation of the connector is required at its distal end, and by providing the internal annular projection spaced from the distal end, provides a long enough length where the connector can deform and enough room for it to do so. Figures 9-12 show connection of two connectors 340, 440, each positioned over rolled back ends 304, 404 of flexible tubes 302, 402, each supported by tubing supports 310, 410 and sleeves 320, 420 as described above. The connectors 340 and 440 as shown are as described in relation to Figures 5-8, but could equally be as described in relation to Figures 2-4, or indeed one of each. As also described previously, each sleeve 320, 420 is provided with an annular ring 322, 422, which abuts an annular projection 344, 444 on the inside of the connector 340, 440. A lip 345, 445 also provided on the inside of each connector, 340, 440, connects to the annular ring 322, 422, securing the connector to the sleeve 320, 420. The connectors 340, 440 are aligned so that the arms 350, 450 of one of the connectors 340, 440 are in front of the openings 356, 456 of the other connector. This will necessarily mean that the arms 450 of one connector 350 are adjacent the arms 350 of the other connector 450. The connectors 340, 440 are then pushed together, which results in the pins 452 on one connector 440 fitting into the openings 356 of the channels 354 on the other connector 340, and equally, the pins 352 on the other connector 340 fitting into the openings 456 of the channel 454 of the one connector 440. The connectors 340, 440 are pushed together until the pins 352, 452 reach the ends of the openings 356, 456. The connectors are then rotated with respect to each other, resulting the pins 352, 452 traveling along the channels 358, 458. This draws the rolled ends 304, 404 closer together, forming a seal therebetween. It is important to note that the rotation of the connectors 340, 440, does not result in rotation of the rolled ends 304, 404 against each other. The connectors 340, 440 are able to rotate around the sleeves 320, 420, thereby ensuring no rotational movement of the rolled ends. At the end of the rotation, the pins 354, 452, mate into the detents 362, 462. This provides a sound and feel for an operator confirming that the connectors are aligned, and also secures the pins at the end of the channels, preventing any accidental removal. Now turning to Figure 13, thereshown is a Y-junction or Y-connector 1001, which itself is formed from flexible tubing, as defined and discussed above. The Y-connector, as the name suggests, is in the shape of a Y, with three arms 1101, 1201, 1301. The end of each arm is rolled back over itself, with the roll back being supported by the tubing support 1110, 1210, 1310 and sleeve 1120, 1220, 1320 as described above. This creates sealing surfaces 1106, 1206, 1306. In addition, over each subbing support and sleeve combination a connector 1140, 1240, 1340 has been placed, each having a pair of arms 1150, 1250, 1350, and a pair of tracks 1160, 1260, 1360 for holding pins 1152, 1252, 1352 on the ends of the arms as described above. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the Y-connector of Figure 14, to which tubes 2101, 2201, 2301 having been connected, using the connection system of the present invention. As can be seen, the ends of each tube 2101, 2201, 2301 has been rolled back on itself, with the rolled back end supported with the tubing supports 2110, 2210, 2310 and sleeves 2120, 2220, 2320 as described above. The tubes are also provided with connectors 2140, 2240, 2340, each having the arms 2150, 2250, 2350 and channel 2160, 2260, 2360 also described above. The sealing surfaces 2106, 2206, 2306 of tubes 2101, 2201, 2301 are sealed to the sealing surfaces 1106, 1206, 1306 of the arms 1101, 1201, 1301 of the Y-connector 1001 by securing the respective connectors 1140, 1240, 1340 and 2140, 2240, 2340 together. The pins 1152, 1252, 1352 on the arms 1150, 1250, 1350 on the connectors on the Y-connector 1001, be introduced into the channels 2160, 2260, 2360 of the connectors on the tubes, pushed inwards and then rotated until the pins 1152, 1252, 1352 click into the detents 2162, 2262, 2362 in the channels. This will also result in the pins 2152, 2252, 2352 on the arms 2150, 2250, 2350 of the connectors 2140. 2240, 2340 of the tubes 2101, 2201, 2301 fitting into the channels 1160, 1260, 1360 of the connectors 1140, 1240, 1340 on the arms 1101, 1201, 1301 of the Y-connector. As with the others pins and channels, these pins are pushed into the channels and then rotated, until the pins 2152, 2252, 2352 fitting into the detents 1162, 1262, 1362. At this point, the connectors 1140, 1240, 1340, 2140, 2240, 2340 are secured together and the mating surface 1106, 1206, 1306, 2106, 2206, 2306 are pressed into sealing alignment, thus sealing the tubes, 2101, 2201, 2301 to the arms 1101, 1201, 1301 of the Y-connector. As the rotation to secure the connectors in place is relative to the stubbing supports and sleeves, the position of the tubes 1101, 1201, 1301 and arms 2101, 2201,2301 remains stationary, and thus does not result in any rubbing of the sealing surface against each other, and does not result in any twisting of the arms of the Y-connector. Figure 15 shows a similar arrangement with a T- connector arranged so that mating surfaces 3106, 3206, 3306 of the arms 3101, 3201, 3301 of the T-connector 3001, are sealing connected to mating surfaces 4106, 4206, 4306 of tubes 4101, 4201, 4301 extending from the connector. The ends of the tubes 4101, 4201, 4301 and of the arms 3101, 3201, 3301 are rolled back and supported respectively by tubing supports 4110, 4210, 4310, 3110, 3210, 3310 and sleeves 4120, 4220, 4320, 3120, 3220, 3320, with each end also provided with a connector 4140, 4240, 4340, 3140, 3240, 3340. The pins 4152, 4252, 4352 of the arms 4150, 4250, 4350 of the connectors 4140, 4240, 4340 of the tubes 4101, 4201, 4301 have ben pushed into and rotated along the channel 3160, 3260, 3360 of the connectors 3140, 3240, 3340 of the arms 3101, 3201, 3301 of the T-connector 3001, so that the pins 4152, 4252, 4352 are in the detents 3162, 3262, 3362. Equally, the pins 3152, 3252, 3352 on the arms 3150, 3250, 3350 of the connectors 3140, 3240, 3340 of the arms 3101, 3201, 3301 of the T-connector 3001 are located in the detents 4162, 4262, 4362 of the channels 4160, 4260, 4360 of the connectors 4140, 4240, 4340 of the tubes 4101, 4201, 4301, by the same pushing and rotating motion. The connectors 3140, 3240, 3340, 4140, 4240, 4340 are located with respect to the 5 sleeves 4120, 4220, 4320, 3120, 3220, 3320 by annular rings 3144, 3244, 3344, 4144, 4244, 3244 provided on the inside of the connector and annular rings 4122, 4222, 4322, 3122, 3222, 3322 on the outside of the sleeve. Clips 3145, 3245, 3345, 4145, 4245, 4345 also in the inside of the connectors, clip to the sleeve, locating and securing the elements relative to each other, while allowing rotation. 10 A similar arrangement can be used for a X-connector, or any other multi-limb connectors, or indeed any other connections using a flexible tube. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the 15 clip may not be provided on the second embodiment, or a clip may be provided on the first embodiment.

Claims

1 A connector for connecting to a second identical connector, comprisingan annular ring sized to fit over a rolled back end of a flexible tube supported by a tubing support and sleeve combination, the annular ring comprisinga pair of arms positioned diametrically opposed on the ring and extending beyond one end of the ring, each arm having an inwards facing pin adjacent its distal end;a pair of channels opening on to the end of the ring, extending a short distance towards a second end of the ring, and then circumferentially around the ring, each channel starting adjacent one arm and finishing adjacent the other arm without crossing an arm; andmeans for securing the connector to a tubing support and / or sleeve;the arms and channels are sized and positioned so that the pins on the arms of one connector fit into channels of another connector, and moving the pins along the channels secures the connectors together.2 A connector according to claim 1, wherein each channel is provided with a detent at its end.3 A connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the means for securing the connector to a sleeve comprises an inwards projection at the other end of the ring.4 A connector according to claim 3, wherein the connector also comprises an annular depression on an inside of the ring, sized to accommodate a ridge on the outside of the sleeve.5 A connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the connector comprises an internal annular abutment member, positioned closer to the one end of the ring than the other end, and sized for abutting a ridge on a sleeve.6 A connector according to claim 5, wherein the connector further comprises an internal rim between the abutment member and the one end, and sized and position for connection with a ridge on a sleeve.5 7 A connection system for a flexible tube comprising;a tubing support havinga spigot sized to fit over the flexible tubing;a sleeve sized to maintain end of the flexible tube rolled back over the tubing support,10 wherein the sleeve and tubing support are engageable with each other; and a connector according to any one of claims 1 - 6.8 A connection system according to claim 7 as dependant on claim 4, wherein the sleeve is provided with a ridge on its outside for connection to the 15 depression on the connector.9 A connection system according to claim 7 as depending on claims 5 or 6, wherein the sleeve comprises an annular ridge.20 10 A connection system according any one of claims 7-9, wherein the tubingsupport comprises external barbs for securement of a flexible tube.

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