Liquid Distribution Systems

Abstract

A tube bracket (9) for operatively engaging a tube (2) with a peristaltic pump (25) comprises: a pump cavity (26) for receiving a roller assembly of the peristaltic pump; a housing (24) for receiving the tube and defining a tube path (28) extending at least partially circumferentially around the pump cavity; and a portion (32) configured to receive a force such that, in use, a portion of the tube received in the tube path is urged against the roller assembly of the peristaltic pump within the pump cavity. Also provided is a replaceable tube assembly (1) including the tube bracket and a liquid dispensing system (10) comprising the tube assembly.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to liquid dispensing. In particular, a tube bracket for operatively engaging a tube with a peristaltic pump is disclosed. Additionally, a system and method for dispensing liquid using a peristaltic pump and a tube bracket for operatively engaging a tube with the peristaltic pump are disclosed. [Background technology]

[0002] Xerostomia is a dry mouth symptom associated with insufficient saliva secretion and is commonly seen in the elderly as a side effect of many types of medication. Because saliva serves various functions in the oral cavity, xerostomia can lead to many associated symptoms, such as tooth decay, acid erosion of the teeth, and difficulty swallowing food.

[0003] Xerostomia has a variety of causes, and treating the underlying cause is often difficult. Thus, treatment is focused on alleviating symptoms rather than curing the cause. A known treatment for xerostomia is the oral administration of fluids continuously, or at the patient's request, with the aid of a device placed in the user's oral cavity, through which fluid from an external source is pumped. Such devices have the advantage of mimicking the production of saliva for the salivary glands.

[0004] Peristaltic pumps have the advantage of being able to pump clean, sterile fluids along tubing without exposing those fluids to contamination from exposed pump components, making them suitable for a wide range of medical applications. Peristaltic pumps consist of a roller assembly with rollers or shoes that compress the tubing as they rotate, creating a vacuum that draws fluid through the tubing.

[0005] However, the tubing pumped by peristaltic pumps tends to deteriorate over time as a result of the pumping action and needs to be replaced periodically. Additionally, for hygiene reasons, the tubing and associated components may need to be replaced periodically. Thus, the user / patient must perform the tube replacement themselves, which is a cumbersome procedure that is not ideal for use in home medical devices. For example, ensuring that the tubing is correctly positioned and properly compressed against the roller assembly of a typical peristaltic pump can be difficult, especially for frail and / or elderly users. Additionally, maintaining hygiene while using them can be difficult. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It would therefore be advantageous to provide a peristaltic pump and tubing assembly that simplifies the process of administering liquids to a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a tube bracket for operatively engaging a tube with a peristaltic pump comprising: a housing defining a pump cavity and a tube path, the pump cavity receiving a roller assembly of a peristaltic pump and the tube path extending at least partially circumferentially around said pump cavity; and a portion configured to receive a force such that, in use, a portion of the tube received in the tube path is urged against the roller assembly of the peristaltic pump within the pump cavity.

[0008] The provided tube bracket allows a user to easily engage a tube with a peristaltic pump in an effective manner. In other words, with the use of the tube bracket, a user inserts a tube into a tube path in a first operation, secures the tube, and then applies a force to the tube bracket in a third operation so that a portion of the tube is properly biased against the roller assembly for effective operation, before mounting the tube bracket on the roller assembly of the peristaltic pump in a second operation. The tube bracket thus breaks down the process of replacing tubing in a fluid distribution system that includes a peristaltic pump (such as a medical fluid distribution system) into simple steps that can be performed by users with reduced mobility (such as the elderly). In fact, the first operation of fitting the tubes into the tube paths can be performed in advance, for example by the manufacturer, and the user then only needs to perform the second and third operations, as will be explained further below.

[0009] The tubes described herein may also be referred to as hoses. It will be understood that a tube being biased against a roller assembly means that it is being pushed or pressed against the roller assembly.

[0010] Advantageously, the portion of the tube bracket is specifically configured to receive a force such that, in use, a portion of the tube received in the tube path is biased against the roller assembly of the peristaltic pump in the pump cavity. In other words, when the peristaltic pump is operating to provide a flow of liquid through the tube, the tube bracket, by the force received, engages the tube with the roller assembly of the peristaltic pump. Thus, the portion of the tube received in the tube path is biased by the force received. For example, the force received by the portion may move the tube bracket towards the roller assembly of the pump, thereby, for example, biasing, for example pressing, the portion of the tube received in the tube bracket against the roller assembly. Thus, the force received by the portion may move the tube bracket into an operating position such that the portion of the tube received in the tube path is pressed against the roller assembly.

[0011] The force application mechanism may thus apply a force to the tube bracket during use of the pump. The received force moves the tube bracket to an actuated position where the tube bracket urges the tube against the roller assembly. The tube bracket may be held in the actuated position by the received force such that the force continues to be received by the portion in the actuated position.

[0012] Alternatively, once the received force has moved the tube bracket to the actuated position, the tube bracket may be held in the actuated position by a mechanism, such as by engagement with a notch in the pump housing or by a latch mechanism, so that the force no longer needs to be received. However, the tube will continue to be biased against the roller assembly because the tube bracket is in the actuated position. In all of these scenarios, it will be understood that the bias of the tube against the roller assembly is the result of the force received by the part, directly or indirectly.

[0013] The force experienced by the portion may be an external force that may be applied by a user, or may be a force applied by an external mechanism, i.e., from a mechanism that is not part of the tube bracket that is manipulated by the user. By omitting any complex mechanisms from the tube bracket, it is possible to provide the tube bracket as a single-use, or disposable, item that can be easily replaced, thus avoiding the tube bracket being difficult to use by those with reduced fine motor skills (e.g., the elderly).

[0014] In other words, the tube bracket may be provided as a monolithic structure, in that it is a simple one-piece article. The tube bracket may be formed from a single material. The tube bracket (i.e., the housing and the portion configured to receive the force) may be integrally formed, for example, as a one-piece piece, or the portion configured to receive the force may be permanently attached to the housing. The portion configured to receive the force may be fixed relative to the housing such that it cannot move relative to the housing.

[0015] The tube bracket may be made of or from a plastic material. It may be manufactured by injection molding, i.e., it may be injection molded. In one preferred embodiment, the tube bracket may include or be made from polypropylene copolymer (PP-C), which provides good mechanical properties. The tube bracket may alternatively include or be made from any one or combination of polyamide (PA), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PCT), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Glass may also be included to improve molding stability and reduce costs. Recycled plastics may also be utilized.

[0016] Preferably, the tube bracket is substantially rigid so as to not undergo significant bending when forces are applied thereto during use. A portion of the tube bracket that is configured to receive a force may also be referred to as a part of the tube bracket and, therefore, may be considered a force-receiving portion. A portion may be an element, member, or configuration of the tube bracket. The portion of the tube bracket configured to receive the force may be a stiffener and / or may include a stiffening structure, for example a thickened and / or stiffer portion of the wall of the housing.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the portion may be a protrusion extending outwardly from the housing. The protrusion may therefore be relatively large compared to the housing of the tube bracket, which facilitates the application of (external) forces to the tube bracket. Additionally, the protrusion comprises a flange extending outwardly from the housing. The flange may comprise a crest shape. At least a portion of the protrusion may be configured to be easily held by a user when the tube bracket is attached to a roller assembly of a peristaltic pump, in other words, the protrusion may be a convenient handle by which a user can grip the tube bracket. Alternatively, the housing may include a handle that is separate from the protrusion.

[0018] The tubes that the tube brackets operably engage may generally be flexible tubes, however, it is also envisioned that the tubes may have preformed rigid portions in a shape complementary to the tube path in which the tube is received. Additionally, the tube path includes a shoulder configured to bias a portion of the tube closer to the roller assembly than a remainder of the tube.

[0019] The tube path may be defined by an outer wall that may be thicker over a certain length to define a shoulder such that a portion of the tube adjacent the shoulder may be disposed radially closer to a center of the pump cavity of the tube bracket than a portion of the tube in the remainder of the tube path. Additionally, the location of the shoulder in the tube passage is proximate to the portion of the tube bracket where the tube bracket is configured to receive the applied force.

[0020] In use, a force may be applied to the tube bracket in a radial direction toward the roller assemblies of the peristaltic pump (to urge a portion of the tube against the roller assemblies). By positioning the shoulder proximate to where the tube bracket is configured to receive the applied force (e.g., circumferentially aligned with the roller assemblies, shoulder and protrusion), the portion of the tube to be held against the roller assemblies can be more effectively compressed.

[0021] Additionally, the tube bracket includes a bracket tab extending radially outwardly from the tube bracket toward the pump cavity. The bracket tabs are configured to fit into corresponding slots in the housing of the peristaltic pump when the tube bracket is fitted onto the roller assembly of the peristaltic pump. Thus, in use, the bracket tabs are inserted into the slots when the tube bracket is mated to the roller assembly of a peristaltic pump, thus helping to prevent the tube bracket from rotating when the roller assembly moves.

[0022] The portion configured to receive the force comprises a bracket tab. For example, if the portion configured to receive the force is a protrusion, the protrusion may comprise a bracket tab. In this case, the tab is referred to as a protrusion tab. Additionally, the tube bracket includes a housing tab extending radially outwardly from the housing of the tube bracket toward the pump cavity. The housing tabs may be configured to fit into corresponding slots in the housing of the peristaltic pump when the tube bracket is fitted onto the roller assembly of the peristaltic pump. The housing tabs may extend in an opposite radial direction from the bracket tabs.

[0023] Thus, in use, when the tube bracket is mated to the roller assembly of the peristaltic pump, the housing tabs are inserted into the slots, thus helping to keep the tube bracket from rotating as the roller assembly moves. Additionally, the tube bracket includes one or more clips configured to secure the tube within the tube path. Each clip has a bend at an end that guides a tube received within the tube bracket to where the tube exits the tube bracket. The housing of the tube bracket may include a pair of arms, such as straight arms, extending away from the pump cavity. The tube path may extend along the arms. The clip may be disposed on the arms. The tube path of one of the arms may be configured to guide the tube from the container towards the pump cavity and the tube path of one of the other arms may be configured to guide the tube away from the pump cavity.

[0024] It will be understood that all of the features described above in relation to the tube bracket and its use are equally applicable to the various systems, assemblies and methods described below. In particular, the features described in relation to the tube bracket used with a peristaltic pump are particularly relevant to the liquid dispensing systems and methods described below and therefore will not be repeated here.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a tube assembly for a liquid distribution system comprising a tube through which liquid flows and a tube bracket according to the first aspect, optionally comprising any of the optional or preferred features described above. The tube assembly may be a replaceable tube assembly.

[0026] Advantageously, the tube assembly is provided as a single-use, i.e., disposable, item that can be easily replaced in the liquid dispensing system. Typically, the tube assembly may be suitable for use for up to 24 hours. However, it may be suitable for a longer period (e.g., 36, 48 or more hours), at which point it will typically be discarded and replaced with a new tube assembly. This provides the advantage that the tube assembly does not need to be cleaned to maintain good hygiene. The simple construction of the tube assembly makes it cost-effective to manufacture, thereby making single-use feasible for users and / or manufacturers.

[0027] Additionally, the tubes are pre-assembled in the tube bracket, in other words in a replaceable tube assembly the tubes are already fitted / fixed to the tube bracket, advantageously this means that the user does not have to fit the tubes into the tube paths of the tube bracket himself, which can be a difficult and / or awkward task, especially for older users. Optionally, the tube assembly includes a medical applicator device configured to receive the liquid from the tube and administer it to a user.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the medical applicator device is a mouthpiece for the mouth of a user. The mouthpiece is configured to deliver fluid orally to the user, particularly for the treatment of xerostomia. Alternatively, the medical applicator device may be a catheter configured to deliver fluid to the body of the user. The liquid / fluid may include vitamins, medicines, nutrients, or other chemicals.

[0029] The tube may be fluidly coupled to the medical applicator device. For example, it may be connected to the medical applicator device or may be integrally formed with the medical applicator device. For example, in the case of a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece end of the tube may be reversibly or irreversibly connected to the mouthpiece inlet. However, it is preferred that the tube is irreversibly connected, i.e. permanently fixed, to the mouthpiece inlet. The tube and the mouthpiece may be integrally formed. This reduces the possibility that the user will accidentally remove the tube from the mouthpiece inlet.

[0030] Optionally, the tube assembly may include a container for containing the liquid to be dispensed, the tube being fluidly connected to the container. The container end of the tube (i.e., the end opposite the medical applicator device) can be configured to be easily attachable to and removable from the container, for example, the container end can be secured within a seal in the threaded top of the container. The tube may comprise a first tube section connected to the medical applicator device and a second tube section connected to the container. The tube may comprise a check valve joining the first tube section to the second tube section. The check valve may prevent liquid from the medical applicator device from flowing back into the second tube section and / or the container. Thus, hygiene of the tube assembly is improved.

[0031] Alternatively, the tube assembly may not include a check valve and the tube may include a simple connector joining the first tube section to the second tube section, such that the tube assembly is simple and cost effective to manufacture. The second tube portion, which may be the portion of the tube received within the tube bracket, may comprise a thicker tube than the first tube portion. Advantageously, this reduces the risk of tube rupture due to the action of the peristaltic pump, thus improving the reliability of the tube assembly.

[0032] For example, the first tube portion may be 1 m to 3 m long, such as 2 m long. Alternatively, the first tube portion may be about 10 cm to 70 cm, about 30 cm to 50 cm, or about 40 cm. The first tube portion may have an outer diameter of 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm, or about 2.0 mm. The second tube portion may have an outer diameter of 1.0 mm to 5.0 mm, or may have an outer diameter of about 4.0 mm. The second tube portion may be of any suitable length, for example, about 10 cm to 100 cm, about 40 cm to 70 cm, or may be about 60 cm. The second tube portion may be shorter than the first tube portion.

[0033] The tube may comprise an elastomeric material, such as silicone. The container is configured to contain a liquid that includes dissolved carbon dioxide, such that the carbon dioxide remains dissolved while the liquid is within the container. Thus, the container should be strong enough not to expand and airtight enough not to let the carbon dioxide gas escape. Carbon dioxide can, for example, be introduced into the liquid under high pressure. The carbon dioxide in the liquid forms bubbles when the pressure is reduced, for example when the liquid is directed from the container to the mouthpiece. The bubbles can function to keep the internal channels and / or the mouthpiece outlet clean and can make the liquid resemble saliva, since saliva typically contains air bubbles. Additionally, carbon dioxide has the advantage that it can make the liquid slightly acidic, which can generate saliva from the parotid glands in the oral cavity. Thus, the container can contain a liquid with dissolved carbon dioxide.

[0034] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a tube assembly for a liquid dispensing system including a tube through which a liquid flows and a tube bracket for operatively engaging the tube with a peristaltic pump, the tube bracket comprising a housing defining a pump cavity for receiving a roller assembly of a peristaltic pump, a tube path extending at least partially circumferentially around the pump cavity and for receiving a tube, and a portion configured to receive a force such that, in use, a portion of the tube received in the tube path is urged against the roller assembly of the peristaltic pump within the pump cavity. The tube bracket of the third aspect may include any or all of the optional features of the tube bracket of the first aspect.

[0035] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid dispensing system comprising a tube through which a liquid flows, a peristaltic pump for providing a flow of liquid through said tube, and a tube bracket configured to operatively engage said tube to said peristaltic pump, A liquid dispensing system is provided, wherein the tube bracket comprises a housing defining a pump cavity in which a roller assembly of the peristaltic pump is received and a tube path extending at least partially circumferentially around the pump cavity in which the tube is received, and a portion configured to receive a force such that, in use, a portion of the tube received in the tube path is urged against the roller assembly of the peristaltic pump within the pump cavity.

[0036] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid dispensing system comprising a medical applicator device for administering a liquid to a user, a container for containing a liquid to be dispensed to the medical applicator device, a tube assembly according to the second aspect (with or without any of its optional features), wherein the tube is fluidly connected to the container and to the medical applicator device, and a peristaltic pump assembly for providing a flow of liquid from the container to the medical applicator device, wherein a tube bracket fits to a roller assembly of the peristaltic pump assembly.

[0037] It will be understood that a peristaltic pump assembly comprises a peristaltic pump. Thus, features of a peristaltic pump are also features of a peristaltic pump assembly. The peristaltic pump assembly may optionally have other components associated therewith. The peristaltic pump assembly may comprise a housing.

[0038] Additionally, the peristaltic pump assembly includes a mechanism for applying a force to a portion of the tube bracket that is configured to receive the force and urge a portion of the tube against a roller assembly of the peristaltic pump. The mechanism (e.g., a force application mechanism) may be configured such that application of force to the portion causes the tube bracket to move toward a roller assembly of the pump, thereby, for example, urging a portion of the tube received within the tube bracket to press against the roller assembly. This may be referred to as the actuated position of the bracket, as described above. The actuated position of the bracket may be maintained by continuously applying a force to a portion configured to receive the force. Alternatively, the pump assembly may include a mechanism (e.g., a latch mechanism) configured to maintain the bracket in the actuated position without the continuous application of a force, as described above.

[0039] The force application mechanism may include a member configured to engage a portion configured to receive a force. The member may be configured to apply a force to the portion. The member may be configured to move, for example, to push the tube bracket into the actuated position. The member may be operated directly or indirectly by a user.

[0040] The force application mechanism may comprise a handle attached to the member. The handle may be configured to be manipulated by a user. For example, the handle may be configured to receive a force (including torque) from the user. The handle may be, for example, a rotatable knob. The handle may comprise a grip held by the user. The force (including torque) received from the user may cause the member to apply a force. Thus, the handle may be manipulated to adjust the force applied to the part.

[0041] The member may comprise a flange. The member may comprise a disk. Additionally, the member comprises an arcuate portion. The arcuate portion may be configured to adjust the force applied to the protrusion upon rotation of the handle. The member may be substantially D-shaped. The member may comprise a D-shaped disk. The member may be rotatably attached to the peristaltic pump assembly, for example the member may be rotatably attached to a housing of the pump assembly, optionally by a fastener, for example a screw.

[0042] The member may be eccentrically rotatably mounted to the peristaltic pump assembly. The member may be mounted proximate the portion configured to receive a force such that rotation of the member causes the member to abut the portion. The force application mechanism may be configured such that further rotation of the member applies a force to the portion to urge the tube portion received within the tube path against the roller assembly. In the inactivated position, the member may be disengaged from the portion.

[0043] The member may be configured to be locked in an engaged, e.g., actuated, position, and a portion of the tube bracket is configured to receive a force to maintain the force applied to the portion. It will be understood that "locked" means that the member may be held or maintained in the engaged position, e.g., until a user applies a force to overcome the lock. Thus, the force application mechanism may comprise a means, such as a maintaining mechanism, configured to maintain the member in the actuated position, such that the force applied to the bracket is maintained and the bracket is maintained in the actuated position. Such possible means are discussed further below.

[0044] As discussed above, the force application mechanism may comprise a handle, such as, for example, a circular or substantially circular knob coupled to the member. The member may be configured such that rotation of the handle causes rotation of the member. The handle may be rotatable between an inactivated position of the force application mechanism, in which no force is applied to the portion, and an activated position, in which force is applied to the portion. It will be appreciated that the activated position of the force application mechanism may correspond to the activated position of the tube bracket, and the inactivated position of the force application mechanism may correspond to the inactivated position of the tube bracket.

[0045] As described above, the member may be rotatably attached by a fastener. The handle may be rotatably attached by a fastener. A spring washer may be disposed around the fastener and configured to press against the member opposite the handle. The member may press against the housing of the pump assembly to hold the handle in place. The fastener may be configured to allow some movement of the handle along the axis of rotation. A flat washer is disposed around the fastener in close proximity to the spring washer, and when the handle is moved away from the housing along the axis of rotation (e.g., when a user applies force to the handle), the flat washer abuts against the spring washer and transfers the force from the spring washer to the fastener and the knob handle, thus acting to move the handle rearward along the axis of rotation and seat it in the housing.

[0046] The force application mechanism may be configured such that, in use, when a user applies a force (including torque) to the handle, e.g., when the user rotates the handle to a desired position to apply the desired force to the portion configured to receive the force, the user can release the handle and the application of the desired force to the portion is maintained. For example, the force application mechanism may comprise means, such as a maintaining mechanism, configured to maintain the application of the desired force to the portion configured to receive the force and / or to maintain the bracket in an actuated position.

[0047] In one example, the maintaining mechanism may be a biasing means that may comprise a spring or ratchet device configured to maintain application of the desired force to the portion configured to receive the force, hi another example, the member may comprise features that provide a stable configuration of the member and the portion configured to receive the force when the member is applying the desired force to the portion. The profile of the member may comprise a recess, the portion configured to receive the force when the portion is within the recess, and the member is in a stable configuration.

[0048] The force application mechanism may be configured to maintain the member in the unactuated position until a force is applied by a user to move the member to the actuated position.The force application mechanism may be configured to maintain the member in the actuated position until a force is applied by a user to move the member to the unactuated position.

[0049] The member may be rotatably mounted and may include an edge configured to engage and apply a force to a portion configured to receive the force, the edge including an arcuate portion adjacent a substantially flat portion. For example, the member may be substantially D-shaped. The force application mechanism may be configured such that rotation of the member engages the arcuate portion with the portion configured to receive the force and applies a force to the portion, and further rotation of the member causes the flat portion to engage the portion. Once the flat portion is engaged, a stable configuration is reached such that the flat portion remains engaged with the portion configured to receive the force even after the user releases the handle, such that the application of force to the portion is maintained.

[0050] The force application mechanism may comprise a means for holding the member in the unactuated position (such as a retention mechanism), which may be overcome by a force applied by a user to move the member to the actuated position.The force application mechanism may comprise a means for holding the member in the actuated position (such as a retention mechanism), which may be overcome by a force applied by a user to move the member to the unactuated position.

[0051] The handle may include a protruding portion configured to seat in a pocket of the housing of the pump assembly when the handle is in an engaged position (e.g., an actuated position) to lock the member in place. To further illustrate, the handle, e.g., a knob, may include a protruding portion such as a bump or bulb-shaped member that protrudes from a surface of the handle (e.g., a surface of the handle adjacent the member). The housing of the pump assembly may include one or more pockets therein, e.g., two pockets, complementary in shape to the protruding portion, such that the protruding portion can seat therein. The protruding portion and the first pocket may be positioned relative to one another such that in a non-actuated position of the force application mechanism, the protruding portion aligns with and can seat in the first pocket. The second pocket may be positioned such that in an actuated position of the force application mechanism, the protruding portion aligns with and can seat in the second pocket.

[0052] The handle may be configured to be operative to rotate between two end positions, e.g., one end position corresponding to a non-actuated position and a second end position corresponding to an actuated position. A first pocket may be aligned with the first end position. A second pocket may be aligned with the second end position. When the protruding portion is seated in the pocket, the handle may be maintained in that position, in other words, the handle cannot rotate freely, and therefore the member coupled to the handle may be maintained in that position. The handle may be fastened with a spring washer which presses the handle against the housing of the pump assembly.

[0053] The protruding portion may be disposed towards an edge of the handle. When the handle is in the inoperative position, the protruding portion may be disposed such that it lies horizontally laterally to the left of the axis of rotation of the handle. When the handle is in the operative position, the protruding portion may be disposed such that it lies vertically above the axis of rotation.

[0054] The force application mechanism may be configured such that when a user applies a force to rotate the handle, the force applied by the user forces the protruding portion out of one of the pockets, thus allowing the handle to rotate. Further, the force application mechanism may be configured such that when the protruding portion is aligned with a pocket, the protruding portion engages with that pocket. This engagement maintains the handle in this position. The force application mechanism may be configured such that the user can feel the protruding portion disengage / engage with the pocket (with a "snap") and thus feel when the handle is in the inactivated and / or activated position. Additionally, the tube bracket includes tabs (bracket tabs) that extend radially outward of the pump cavity. The housing of the peristaltic pump assembly may include a slot (slot for the bracket tab) and the bracket tab may fit into the slot. Thus, when the member engages the portion, the member limits movement of the bracket tab within the slot. The member may limit movement of the bracket tab in a direction in which the bracket tab is inserted into the bracket tab slot, e.g., along an axis of the slot. The portion configured to receive the force may include a bracket tab.

[0055] When the bracket tab fits into the slot, it helps prevent the tube bracket from rotating when the roller assembly is moving. When the member engages the portion (eg, when the member contacts the portion), the member rests on the tab and helps prevent the tube bracket from being pulled out of the pump assembly.

[0056] Additionally, the housing of the tube bracket may include a tab (housing tab) extending radially outward of the pump cavity. The housing of the peristaltic pump assembly may include a slot (housing slot), and the housing tab may fit into the slot. The slot may include a peripheral recess. Thus, the liquid dispensing system may be configured such that, upon increasing force applied to the protrusion, the tab moves into the recess. The recess may be formed in a sidewall of the housing slot. The recess may have an axis that coincides with a direction in which a force can be applied to the portion configured to receive the force (eg, a direction in which a housing tab is inserted into the recess).

[0057] When the housing tab is engaged with the slot, it helps prevent the tube bracket from rotating when the roller assembly is moving. When the member engages with the portion configured to receive a force (e.g., the member is in contact with the portion) and the tube bracket is urged in a direction toward the roller assembly, the housing tab is inserted into the recess and helps prevent the tube bracket from being pulled out of the pump assembly.

[0058] The peristaltic pump may be configured to provide fluid continuously to simulate a healthy flow of saliva. For example, the peristaltic pump may be configured to provide fluid flow at a constant rate between 0.0-3.0 ml / min, or 1.0-2.0 ml / min. Alternatively, the peristaltic pump may be precisely controlled by the user to provide fluid as needed. The peristaltic pump may be configured to re-require a previous setting. Thus, if power to the peristaltic pump is interrupted, inadvertently or otherwise, the pump can resume its previous operation upon reconnection to a power source. The pump may be configured to continuously deliver liquid (e.g., at a constant rate) for more than 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 hours.

[0059] The liquid dispensing system may be configured to identify when the tube bracket and / or container need to be replaced. The tube bracket and / or container may include an RFID tag for identifying the tube bracket and / or container. The peristaltic pump may include an RFID reader positioned / configured to read the RFID tag of the tube bracket and / or an RFID reader positioned / configured to read the RFID tag of the container. The RFID reader can be configured to receive data related to the tube bracket and / or container from the RFID tag, such as the type of tube bracket, the type of medical applicator device used with the tube bracket, the period of time the tube bracket needs to be used with the container (e.g., for hygienic reasons), the inner diameter of the tube held by the tube bracket, or the initial volume of liquid in the container. The period of time may be, for example, 24 hours, but may be longer depending on the particular usage scenario, e.g., 36 hours, 48 ​​hours or more. The liquid dispensing system can be configured to stop operation of the pump after a certain period of time to prevent users from using the liquid dispensing system, e.g., to prevent the system from being used when it is no longer hygienic.

[0060] The liquid dispensing system can be configured to perform these operations by a control unit. Thus, the pump assembly may include a control unit configured to control the pump, which may be configured to perform any of the operations described above, such as, for example, identifying when the tube bracket and / or container should be replaced. The control unit may be configured to receive inputs from an RFID reader and use these inputs to determine when the tube bracket and / or container should be replaced. The control unit may be provided with information regarding the period during which a particular type of tube bracket or a particular type of medical applicator device utilized with the tube bracket may be used. The control unit may then, for example, stop operation of the pump or issue an alert upon expiration of the permitted period. The control unit may include a processor and a computer readable medium with software for performing such functions. Thus, the time parameters may be set in the software for a particular usage scenario.

[0061] The pump assembly may be configured (e.g., by a control unit as described above) to determine a volume of liquid delivered by the pump to the medical applicator device. To this end, the peristaltic pump may include a step motor and a Hall effect sensor. Thus, the pump assembly may be configured to determine that the amount of liquid remaining in the container is low. The liquid dispensing system may include means (e.g., an alarm or LED) for alerting a user that the tube bracket and / or container should be replaced (e.g., in response to determining that the water level is low or that the tube assembly has been used for a predetermined period of time). The liquid dispensing system may include a control panel configured to allow a user to control various aspects of the system, such as the speed of the pump. The control panel may be part of the control unit described above or may be a separate control system.

[0062] According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a liquid dispensing system comprising a medical applicator device for administering a liquid to a user, a container for containing a liquid to be dispensed to the medical applicator device, a tube for flow of the liquid between the container and the medical applicator device, a peristaltic pump for providing flow of the liquid through the tube, and a tube bracket configured to operatively engage the tube with the peristaltic pump. The tube bracket comprises a housing comprising a pump cavity in which a roller assembly of the peristaltic pump is received, a tube path extending at least partially circumferentially around the pump cavity in which the tube is received, and a portion configured to receive a force such that, in use, a portion of the tube received in the tube path is urged against the roller assembly of the peristaltic pump in the pump cavity. The system of the sixth aspect may comprise any or all of the optional features of the system of the fifth aspect.

[0063] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for dispensing a liquid to a user comprising the steps of providing a medical applicator device for administering a liquid to a user, a container for receiving a liquid to be dispensed into the medical applicator device, and a tube assembly according to the second or third aspects (with or without any features), wherein the tube is fluidly connected to the container and to the medical applicator device; providing a peristaltic pump assembly for effecting a flow of the liquid from the container to the medical applicator device; mounting the tube bracket of the tube assembly on a roller assembly of the peristaltic pump assembly; applying a force to a portion of the tube bracket configured to receive a force to urge a portion of the tube of the tube assembly against the roller assembly; and driving the peristaltic pump to effect a flow of the liquid from the container to the medical applicator device.

[0064] Additionally, applying a force to the portion to urge the portion of the tube against the roller assembly includes manipulating a mechanism of the peristaltic pump assembly to urge the portion toward the roller assembly. Forcing the portion toward the roller assembly urges the portion of the tube against the roller assembly. Additionally, the force application mechanism comprises a handle coupled to (e.g., attached to) a member configured to receive and engage the portion configured to apply the force, and operating the force application mechanism can thus include manipulating the handle to adjust the force applied by the member to the portion (and thus adjust the compression of the tube assembly) towards the roller assembly. Additionally, the member includes an arc configured to adjust the force applied to the portion configured to engage and receive the force in response to rotation of the handle, thus biasing the tube bracket toward the roller assembly of the peristaltic pump.

[0065] Additionally, the method may include a step in which, after a user manipulates the handle to urge the portion toward the roller assembly, the user releases the handle while the member continues to urge the portion toward the roller assembly. In other words, in this method, the force application mechanism continues to apply a force to the portion after the user releases the handle such that the portion of the tube remains urged against the roller assembly. Activating the force application mechanism may include a step of rotating the handle, thereby rotating the member to engage the portion. For example, it may include rotating the handle from an unactuated position in which the member is disengaged from the portion, to an actuated position in which the member engages and applies a force to the portion.

[0066] Operating the force application mechanism may include operating a biasing means to maintain application of the desired force to the portion. In one example, the biasing means may comprise a spring or ratchet device configured to maintain application of the desired force to the portion configured to receive the force, and the step of manipulating the biasing means may comprise engaging the biasing means with the member. In another example, the member may comprise a feature that provides a stable configuration of the member and portion when the member is applying the desired force to the portion. The profile of the member may comprise a recess, and the portion and member are in a stable configuration when the portion is within the recess. In this example, the step of manipulating the biasing means may include manipulating a handle to move (e.g., rotate) the member such that the portion is positioned within the recess.

[0067] The handle may include a protruding portion, such as a bump or bulb-shaped member that protrudes from a surface of the handle, which seats in a pocket in the housing of the pump assembly when the handle is rotated to the engaged position, thus maintaining the handle, and thereby the member, in the engaged, e.g., activated, position.

[0068] Additionally, the handle may include, for example, a flange having a top shape. This forms a grip for a user to hold. The portion configured to receive the force may include, for example, a flange having a top shape. The top shape of the handle may be configured to align with the top shape of the portion when the member is in a maximum position, for example, when the member is fully biasing the tube bracket to the roller assembly. This provides an indication to the user that the peristaltic pump may be turned on / the system is ready to be used. For example, the top shape of the part may be oriented vertically, and applying the force may include rotating the top of the handle from a horizontal to a vertical orientation such that the top of the handle is aligned with the top of the portion.

[0069] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for dispensing liquid to a user comprising the steps of mounting a tube bracket on a roller assembly of a peristaltic pump, the tube bracket comprising a housing defining a tube path that holds a tube for flow of liquid between a liquid container and a medical applicator device, applying a force to a portion of the tube bracket to urge a portion of the tube against the roller assembly, and actuating the peristaltic pump to cause flow of liquid from the liquid container to the medical applicator device. The method of the eighth aspect may include any or all of the features of any of the features of the method of the seventh aspect, or indeed any of the features of any of the other aspects or any of their optional features.

[0070] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of replacing a tube in a liquid distribution system, the method comprising the steps of removing a tube bracket mounted on a roller assembly of a peristaltic pump, the tube bracket having a tube received in a tube path of the tube bracket and removed therewith; The steps include mounting a new tube bracket on a roller assembly, the new tube bracket including a new tube received in a tube path of the new tube bracket, and applying a force to a portion of the new tube bracket configured to receive the force to bias the portion of the new tube against the roller assembly.

[0071] The step of installing a new tube bracket may simply involve placing the tube bracket over the roller assembly of the pump. The step of applying a force to the portion of the new tube bracket configured to receive the force may include simply turning a handle to engage a member with the portion of the tube bracket configured to receive the force (as described above). Thus, replacing the tube bracket is a simple and easy task for the user. Prior to removing the tube bracket, the method may include removing the force applied to a portion of the tube bracket configured to receive the force and ceasing the bias pressing the portion of the tube against a roller assembly of the peristaltic pump.

[0072] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of replacing a tube assembly according to the second or third aspect in a liquid dispensing system according to the fourth, fifth or sixth aspect. It will be appreciated that many of the features described with reference to the tube bracket, tube assembly, or system are equally applicable to the methods described herein, and thus the method may include using or operating any of the features described. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0073] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a tube assembly of a liquid distribution system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a liquid dispensing system including the tube assembly of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2A and 2B are front and rear perspective views of a tube bracket of the tube assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tube bracket being mounted on a roller assembly of a peristaltic pump to assemble the system of FIG. 2. [Figure 6a] 1A-1D show a liquid dispensing system with a handle in different positions. [Figure 6b] 1A-1D show a liquid dispensing system with a handle in different positions. [Figure 6c] 1A-1D show a liquid dispensing system with a handle in different positions. [Figure 7a]FIG. 6b is a detailed view of the portion of FIG. 6a designated by circle X, illustrating a mechanism of the peristaltic pump assembly that can be manipulated to engage the tube bracket with the roller assembly. [Figure 7b] FIG. 6b is a detailed view of the portion of FIG. 6b designated by circle Y, illustrating a mechanism for the peristaltic pump assembly that can be manipulated to engage the tube bracket with the roller assembly. [Figure 7c] FIG. 6c is a detailed view of the portion of FIG. 6c designated by circle Z, illustrating a mechanism of the peristaltic pump assembly that can be manipulated to engage the tube bracket with the roller assembly. [Figure 8] 6c , which is a detailed view of a portion of FIG. 6c indicated by circle W, showing a top view of a tube bracket in the system of FIG. 6c . [Figure 9a] FIG. 9b shows a liquid distribution system shown at cross section SS. [Figure 9b] FIG. 13 is a cross section SS passing through the knob. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0074] 1 shows a tube assembly 1 of a liquid dispensing system. The tube assembly 1 comprises a tube 2 comprising a first tube section 3 and a second tube section 4. A portion of the second tube section 4 is fixed within a tube bracket 9. Details of the tube bracket 9 will be described later with reference to Figures 3 and 4. In the described example, the first tube portion 3 is connected to a mouthpiece 5 for the user's mouth. However, the first tube portion 3 may be connected to any (medical) device suitable for administering a liquid to a user. The second tube portion 4 is connected to a container 6 containing the liquid to be dispensed to the mouthpiece 5, and the tube 2 provides a means of liquid communication from the container 6 to the mouthpiece 5.

[0075] The first tube portion 3 is joined to the second tube portion 4 by a connector 7. The connector 7 may be a simple connector or may be a check valve configured to prevent liquid from the mouthpiece 5 from flowing back into the second tube portion 4 and / or container 6. The second tube portion 4 comprises thicker tubing than the tubing of the first tube portion 3. The container end of the tube 2 (e.g., the end of the second tube portion 4 connected to the container 6) is fixed in a screw top 8 seal for the container 6. The tube 2 is therefore configured to be easily attached to and detached from the container 6.

[0076] 2 illustrates a liquid dispensing system 10. System 10 includes a tube assembly 1 and a peristaltic pump assembly 12 having a peristaltic pump 25. Peristaltic pump assembly 12 is configured to conduct a flow of liquid through tube assembly 1. In other words, peristaltic pump assembly 12 is configured to draw liquid from container 6, through tube 2, and to mouthpiece 5. The peristaltic pump assembly 12 includes a housing 14 configured to hold the internal workings of the pump assembly 12, such as a motor, a control unit, and other electronic circuitry (not shown). The housing 14 also includes portions configured to support / retain features of the tube assembly 1, such as a receptacle configured to receive the container 6.

[0077] The pump 25 of the pump assembly 12 includes a roller assembly 16 (see FIG. 5) operatively connected to a motor. With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the roller assembly 16 includes four rollers 18 mounted on its periphery (typically a roller assembly will include two or more rollers). The rollers 18 are configured to compress the tube 2 of the tube assembly 1 when brought into contact with the tube 2 by rotation of the motor.

[0078] The pump assembly 12 includes a control panel 20 that allows a user to control the operation of the pump assembly 12. As shown in Figure 2, the control panel 20 includes a number of buttons, one or more buttons corresponding to the speed of the motor (e.g., the rotational speed of the roller assembly 16). The control panel 20 may alternatively or additionally include dials or a touch screen for control of the pump assembly 12. The control panel 20 may be in communication with or part of a control unit (not shown).

[0079] The pump assembly 12 includes a force application mechanism 22 that applies a force to the tube bracket 9, thereby pressing a portion of the tube 2 against the roller assembly 16. Specifically, when the tube bracket 9 is fitted into the pump assembly 12 (i.e., when the tube bracket 9 is placed on the roller assembly 16), the force application mechanism 22 is operable by a user to apply a force to the tube bracket 9. The force application mechanism 22 urges the tube bracket 9 towards the roller assembly 16, compressing a portion of the tube 2 against the rollers 18 of the roller assembly 16. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the force application mechanism 22 includes a handle, in this case a knob 40 (in the form of a rotatable dial) having a grip 41 and a flange member 38, and is configured to engage the protrusion 32.

[0080] The force application mechanism 22 is shown in more detail in Figures 6a-6b, 7a-7b, 9a and 9b. Figures 6a-6c show the liquid dispensing system 10 with the knob 40 in different positions. The buttons of the control panel 20 have been omitted for simplicity. Figures 6a-6b show the knob 40 in horizontal, intermediate and vertical positions, respectively. The horizontal position corresponds to a non-activated or disengaged state of the force application mechanism 22, the intermediate position corresponds to a partially engaged state of the mechanism 22, and the vertical position corresponds to an activated or fully engaged state of the mechanism 22. Figures 7a, 7b and 7c show detailed views of sections X, Y and Z of Figures 6a, 6b and 6c, respectively.

[0081] FIG. 9a shows the liquid dispensing system 10 with a cross-sectional portion SS marked thereon. FIG. 9b is a cross section along the line SS marked in FIG. 9a. As can be seen in FIG. 9b, the knob 40 is rotatably mounted on the housing 45 by a fastener (screw) 46. The flange 38 is connected to the knob 40 and is therefore rotatable with the knob 40 about the axis BB. A spring washer 42 is disposed around the fastener 46 to press against the flange 38 and against the housing 14, holding the knob 40 in place, but also allowing some movement of the knob along the axis BB. A flat washer 43 is also disposed around the fastener 46 adjacent to the spring washer 42. When the knob 40 is pulled from the housing 14 by the user, the flat washer 43 abuts against the spring washer 42 and transfers the force from the spring washer 42 to the fastener 46 and the knob 40, thus acting to seat the knob 40 back along the axis BB into the housing.

[0082] The knob 40 also includes a bulb-shaped member 44 having a shape complementary to two pockets 45a, 45b in the housing so that the bulb-shaped member 44 can be seated within the housing. One of the pockets 45b can be seen in cross section in FIG. 9b, with the bulb-shaped member 44 seated therein. Both pockets 45a, 45b can be seen in FIGS. 7a-7c. The bulb-shaped member 44 is disposed toward the edge of the knob 40 and is aligned with the grip 41. When the knob 40 is in the inoperative position shown in FIGS. 6a and 7a, the bulb-shaped member 44 is disposed horizontally to the left of the axis BB, and when the knob 40 is in the operative position shown in FIGS. 6c and 7c, the bulb-shaped member 44 is disposed vertically above the axis BB. Pocket 45a is positioned within housing 14 to align with light bulb 44 when the knob is in the inactivated position, and light bulb 44 seats within pocket 45a, and pocket 45b is positioned within housing 14 to align with light bulb 44 when the knob is in the activated position, and light bulb 44 seats within pocket 45b. Operation of mechanism 22 is described below.

[0083] 3 and 4, the tube bracket 9 is shown in further detail. The tube bracket 9 includes a housing 24 that defines a pump cavity 26 and a tube passage 28. The pump cavity 26 is configured to receive the roller assembly 16. The tube passage 28 is configured to receive the tube 2 (specifically, the second tube portion 4). The housing 24 has a pair of arms 47, and the tube 2 is secured within the tube passage 28 by a pair of clips 30.

[0084] The tube passage 28 is generally arcuate and has a portion that extends at least partially circumferentially around the pump cavity 26. In other words, the pump cavity 26 is generally circular and the tube passage 28 extends around at least a portion (e.g., between 25% and 50%) of the circumference of the pump cavity 26. The housing 24 has a pair of straight arms 47 that extend away from the pump cavity 26 and the tube passage 28 extends along these arms. The clip 30 is disposed on these arms 47. One tube path 28 of the arms 47 guides the tube 2 from the container 6 towards the pump cavity 26, and one tube path 28 of the other arm 47 guides the tube 2 away from the pump cavity 26 to the mouthpiece 5. The tube bracket 9 comprises a portion configured to receive a force, in this case a protrusion 32. The protrusion 32 extends outwardly from the housing 24 and is configured to receive a force applied to the tube bracket 9 such that, in use, a portion of the tube 2 held within the tube passage 28 is urged against the roller assembly 16 disposed within the pump cavity 26. In other words, a force can be applied to the protrusion 32 to engage the tube 2 with the roller assembly 16 for effective operation of the peristaltic pump. As can be seen, in this example, the protrusion 32 includes a crest shape. The protrusion 32, particularly the crest shape, also provides a convenient means for a user to grip the tube bracket 9 during installation.

[0085] The protrusion 32 of the tube bracket 9 includes a tab 33. The protrusion tab (bracket tab) 33 is configured to mate with a corresponding slot 33a in the pump assembly 12 when the tube assembly 1 is installed. Similarly, the housing 24 of the tube bracket 9 includes a tab 35. The housing tab 35 is configured to mate with a corresponding slot 35a in the pump assembly 12 when the tube assembly 1 is installed. The slot 35a includes a peripheral recess 35b that extends into the housing 14 of the pump assembly such that when a force is applied to the tube bracket 9, the tab 35 can move into the peripheral recess 35b.

[0086] The tube bracket 9 includes an RFID tag 34 for identifying the tube bracket 9. The electronics of the pump assembly 12 includes an RFID reader (not shown) positioned to read the RFID tag 34 of the tube bracket 9 fitted to the pump assembly 12. The RFID reader is configured to receive data from the RFID tag of the tube bracket 9 and identify whether the tube bracket 9 (and its associated tube assembly 1) can be used with the pump assembly 12 (e.g., whether it is safe to use).

[0087] Although not shown in the illustrated example, the container 6 may include an RFID tag for identifying the container 6. Thus, the electronics of the pump assembly 12 may include an RFID reader positioned to read the RFID tag 34 on the tube bracket 9 and / or an RFID reader positioned to read the RFID tag on the container 6. 4, the tube path 28 includes a shoulder 36. The shoulder 36 extends slightly into the tube path 28 and is configured such that, in use, a portion of the tube 2 is biased closer to the roller assembly 16 than the remainder of the tube 2 within the tube path 28.

[0088] Advantageously, the tube assembly 1 is provided as a disposable item that is easily replaceable within the system 10. Typically, the tube assembly 1 is used for up to 24 hours, at which point it will generally be discarded and replaced with a new tube assembly 1. This provides the advantage that the mouthpiece 5 and / or assembly 1 do not need to be cleaned to maintain good hygiene. The simple construction of the mouthpiece 5 and tube assembly 1 makes it cost effective to manufacture, thereby making it disposable for the user and / or manufacturer. Referring now to Figures 5, 6a-6c, 7a-7c, 8, 9a and 9b, a method of dispensing liquid to a user will be described, including assembling the system 10 from the tube assembly 1 and the pump assembly 12.

[0089] A user is provided with a replaceable tube assembly 1 as shown in Figure 1. That is, the user is provided with a mouthpiece 5, a container 6 and a tube 2, which is pre-assembled in a tube bracket 9 (secured by a clip 30). The container 6 is placed in a receiving portion of the housing 14 of the pump assembly 12, and the tube bracket 9 is fitted into the pump assembly 12. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the pump cavity 26 of the tube bracket 9 is placed over the roller assembly 16, and the protruding tab 33 and the housing tab 35 are inserted into the respective slots 33a, 35a of the housing 14 of the pump assembly 12. A user can easily grip the tube bracket 9 by the protruding portion 32 when installing it in the pump assembly 12. Once the tube bracket 9 is installed in the pump assembly 12, the grip 41 of the knob 40 is operated (i.e., turned by the user) by the user to engage the arc portion of the member 38 with the protruding portion 32 and begin to urge the tube bracket 9 toward the roller assembly 16, moving the tube bracket 9 to the operating position.

[0090] The edge of this arcuate portion is pressed against the protrusion 32 as it rotates, gradually pushing the tube bracket 9 upward. Figures 6a-6c and corresponding Figures 7a-7c show knob 40 being rotated from the inactivated position to the activated position. As seen in Figure 7a, when the knob is rotated fully horizontally in the inactivated position, flange 38 fully disengages from projection 32. Bulb-shaped member 44 now seats in pocket 45a in the housing, and this engagement maintains knob 40 in that position.

[0091] When the user applies force to turn the knob clockwise, the force applied by the user forces the bulb-shaped member 44 out of the pocket 45a (this is possible because the knob 40 can move outward along the axis BB), thus allowing the knob 40 to rotate. As the knob 40 is turned clockwise, the flange 38 abuts the projection 32 (FIG. 7b), gradually pushing the tube bracket 9 upwards. Once the knob 40 reaches the vertical working position, the flange 38 pushes the tube bracket 9 a maximum amount, so that the tube bracket 9 is in a fully operational configuration. The gap 47 between the housing 14 and the tube bracket 9 is now at a maximum. In this position, the bulb-shaped member 44 is aligned with the pocket 45b, and the force that the spring washer 42 exerts against the flat washer 43 acts to move the knob 40 back towards the housing, so that the bulb-shaped member 44 is seated in the pocket 45b. This engagement maintains the knob 40 in this working position. The user can feel the bulb-shaped member 44 disengage / engage with the pockets 45a, 45b (with a "snap") and therefore when the knob 40 is in the non-working / working position. The flange 38, bulb-shaped member 44 and pockets 45a, 45b are shown in dashed lines to indicate that they are hidden in use.

[0092] 7b and 7c, when the flange 38 is in contact with the protrusion 32, the flange 38 covers the protruding tab 33 in the slot 33a. This limits the movement of the tab 33 in the slot 33a and helps prevent the tube bracket 9 from being removed from the pump assembly 12 (e.g., accidentally by a user). Similarly, as shown in Figure 8, as the tube 2 in the tube bracket 9 is urged towards the roller assembly 16, the housing tab 35 is gradually inserted into the recess 35b formed in the slot 35a. Thus, the housing tab 35 is locked into the recess 35b, which helps prevent the tube bracket 9 from being removed (e.g., accidentally by a user) from the pump assembly 12. Figure 8 shows the tab 35 disposed within the recess 35, with the tab 35 and recess 35b shown in dashed lines to indicate that they are hidden behind the front of the housing 14.

[0093] Referring to the example shown in FIG. 7c, grip 41 includes a top shape configured to align with the top shape of protrusion 32 when flange 38 is in a maximum position. In other words, when flange 38 is fully biasing tube bracket 9 against roller assembly 16, the top shape of grip 41 is aligned with the top of protrusion 32 (which is aligned along axis AA in FIG. 7c). This, in addition to the sensation provided by engagement / disengagement of bulb-shaped member 44 with pockets 45a, 45b, provides an indication to the user that peristaltic pump 12 is ready to be turned on / system 10 is ready to be used.

[0094] Additionally, in this position, even after the user releases the grip 41, the flat portion of the edge of the flange 38 engages the protrusion 32, which is a stable configuration that helps maintain the mechanism 22 in the actuated position. Thus, the flange 38 maintains a force on the protrusion 32 by both the flat portion of the flange 38 and the bulb-shaped member 44 / pockets 45a, 45b. Although both of these means are used to maintain the force on the protrusion 32 in the illustrated example, in other examples, only one of these means may be used to maintain the force after the user releases the grip 41. Thus, installing the tube bracket 9 in the peristaltic pump assembly 12 and setting up the liquid dispensing system 10 can be accomplished in a series of straightforward and easy steps, even by someone without fine motor skills.

[0095] Once the liquid dispensing system 10 is assembled, it is operated using the control panel 20 to control the pump speed (i.e., the rotational speed of the roller assembly 16 ), and thus the volumetric flow rate of liquid to the mouthpiece 5 .

[0096] After a predetermined period of use, the control unit of the liquid dispensing system 10 determines that some or all of the tube assembly 1 (particularly, for example, the tube bracket 9 and / or the container 6) needs to be replaced. For example, the control unit may receive information from an RFID reader of the pump assembly 12 positioned to read the RFID tag 34 of the tube bracket 9 and may identify that the useful life (e.g., 24 hours) of the tube bracket 9 has elapsed. Alternatively, the control unit may determine that the volume of liquid in the container is low and should therefore be replaced by first determining the volume of liquid in the container 6 using an RFID reader of the pump assembly 12 positioned to read the RFID tag of the container 6 and then calculating the volume of liquid delivered by the pump to the mouthpiece 5.

[0097] The liquid dispensing system 10, via the control unit, alerts the user when some or all of the tube assembly 1 needs to be replaced. For example, the liquid dispensing system 10 may include an alarm or LED (not shown) to alert the user when the replaceable tube assembly 1 should be replaced with another.

Claims

1. A tube bracket for operatively engaging a tube with a peristaltic pump, the tube bracket comprising: a pump cavity for receiving a roller assembly of a peristaltic pump; and a housing for receiving a tube and defining a tube path extending at least partially circumferentially around the pump cavity; a portion configured to receive a force such that, in use, a portion of the tube received in the tube path is urged against the roller assembly of the peristaltic pump within the pump cavity.

2. 2. The tube bracket of claim 1, wherein the tube path includes a shoulder configured to position a portion of the tube such that, in use, the portion is biased closer to the roller assembly than the remainder of the tube.

3. The tube bracket of claim 2 , wherein the shoulder of the tube path is located adjacent to where the portion is configured to receive an applied force.

4. 4. A tube bracket according to claim 1, wherein the portion configured to receive the force is integrally formed with the housing or attached to the housing so that the portion cannot move relative to the housing.

5. 4. A tube bracket according to claim 1, wherein the portion configured to receive the force comprises a protrusion extending outwardly from the housing.

6. 4. A tube bracket as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising bracket tabs extending radially outward from the pump cavity, the bracket tabs configured to fit within slots in a housing of the peristaltic pump when the tube bracket is fitted onto the roller assembly of the peristaltic pump.

7. 4. The tube bracket of claim 1, wherein the housing of the tube bracket includes a housing tab extending radially outward from the pump cavity, the housing tab configured to fit into a slot in the housing of the peristaltic pump when the tube bracket is fitted to the roller assembly of the peristaltic pump.

8. 1. A tubing assembly for a liquid distribution system, comprising: a tube through which the liquid communicates; A tube assembly comprising a tube bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The tube assembly of claim 8 , wherein the tube is pre-assembled within the tube bracket.

10. The tube assembly of claim 8 , comprising a medical applicator device configured to receive a liquid from the tube and administer it to a user.

11. 9. The tube assembly of claim 8, including a container for containing a liquid to be dispensed.

12. 1. A liquid dispensing system comprising: a medical applicator device for administering a liquid to a user; a container for containing a liquid to be dispensed into the medical applicator device; 9. The tubing assembly of claim 8, wherein tubing is fluidly connected to the container and the medical applicator device; a peristaltic pump assembly for effecting flow of the liquid from the container to the medical applicator device; The liquid dispensing system, wherein the tube bracket is attached to a roller assembly of the peristaltic pump assembly.

13. 13. The liquid dispensing system of claim 12, wherein the peristaltic pump assembly includes a mechanism for applying a force to a portion of the tube bracket configured to receive the force, urging a portion of the tube against a roller assembly of the peristaltic pump assembly.

14. The liquid dispensing system of claim 13 , wherein the mechanism for applying a force comprises a member configured to receive a force and engage a portion of the tube bracket configured to apply the force.

15. 15. The liquid dispensing system of claim 14, wherein the member is configured to be locked into engagement with a portion of the tube bracket configured to receive a force to maintain the force applied to the portion.

16. 15. The liquid dispensing system of claim 14, wherein the mechanism for applying the force comprises a handle coupled to the member, the handle being operable to adjust the force applied to the portion.

17. The liquid dispensing system of claim 16 , wherein the handle is rotatably mounted to a housing of the pump assembly.

18. 18. The liquid dispensing system of claim 17, wherein the member is rotatably mounted to the housing of the pump assembly and is rotatable between a position in which the member does not apply a force to a portion of the tube bracket configured to receive a force and a position in which the member applies a force to a portion of the tube bracket configured to receive a force.

19. 20. The liquid dispensing system of claim 18, wherein the member comprises an arc configured to adjust the force applied to the portion upon rotation of the handle.

20. the tube bracket includes bracket tabs extending radially outward of the pump cavity, the bracket tabs fitting into bracket tab slots on the housing of the peristaltic pump assembly; 15. The liquid dispensing system of claim 14, wherein the member is attached to the pump assembly such that when the member engages the portion configured to receive a force, the member limits movement of the bracket tab within the slot of the bracket tab.

21. 15. The liquid distribution system of claim 14, wherein the housing of the tube bracket comprises a housing tab extending radially outward from the pump cavity, the housing tab being fitted into a slot in the housing tab of the housing of the peristaltic pump assembly, the slot in the housing tab comprising a peripheral recess, and the liquid distribution system is configured such that when a force applied to the portion configured to receive the force increases, the housing tab moves into the peripheral recess.

22. 1. A method of dispensing a liquid to a user, comprising: providing a medical applicator device for administering a liquid to a user, a container for containing the liquid to be dispensed into the medical applicator device, and the tubing assembly of claim 8, wherein the tubing is fluidly connected to the container and the medical applicator device; providing a peristaltic pump assembly for effecting a flow of liquid from a container to a medical applicator device; attaching a tube bracket of a tube assembly to a roller assembly of a peristaltic pump assembly; applying a force to a portion configured to receive the force to urge a portion of the tube of the tube assembly against the roller assembly; and actuating the peristaltic pump assembly to cause a flow of liquid from the container to the medical applicator device.

23. applying a force to the portion configured to receive the force to urge a portion of the tube against the roller assembly; 23. The method of claim 22, comprising manipulating a mechanism of the peristaltic pump assembly to bias the portion configured to receive a force toward the roller assembly.

24. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the mechanism for applying the force comprises a handle coupled to a member configured to receive and engage a portion configured to apply the force, and wherein manipulating the mechanism of the peristaltic pump assembly comprises manipulating the handle to adjust the force applied by the member to the portion configured to receive the force.

25. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the member comprises an arcuate portion configured to engage the portion configured to receive a force in response to rotation of the handle and adjust the force applied to the portion configured to receive a force.

26. 1. A method of replacing a tube in a liquid distribution system, comprising: removing a tube bracket attached to a roller assembly of a peristaltic pump, the tube bracket having a tube received in its tube path, the tube being removed together with the tube bracket; attaching a new tube bracket to the roller assembly, the new tube bracket including a new tube received in a tube passage of the new tube bracket; and applying a force to a portion of the new tube bracket configured to receive the force to urge a portion of the new tube against the roller assembly.

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