Tube Junction Assembly

Abstract

The tube junction assembly may include a body and an annulus coupled to the body. The body may include a head, a base, and an intermediate portion. At least a portion of an outer surface of the body at the intermediate portion may define a cross-sectional width that tapers from the head to the base. The annulus may have an inner surface defining a passageway. The tube may be stretched over the outer surface of the body such that a proximal end of the tube is stretched over at least a portion of the outer surface of the body at the intermediate portion. The inner surface of the annulus may be fitted over a portion of the outer surface of the tube and coupled to the annulus such that the proximal end of the tube is sandwiched and compressed between the body and the annulus.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 323,433, filed March 24, 2022, and entitled “TUBING JUNCTION ASSEMBLY,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. [Background technology]

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to connecting a tube to another device in a medical system, and more particularly to fluidly connecting a tube to another device in a medical system using a mechanical bond without the need for adhesives, welding, or similar joining methods.

[0003] In the medical field, as well as other fields and applications, tubing can be connected to devices or fittings and used to transport fluids. In the medical field, patients are often provided with medical fluids administered by intravenous (IV) infusion using an assembly of tubing and fittings commonly referred to as an "IV set." IV sets are manufactured in a variety of configurations, with different types of access ports, manifolds, valves, drip chambers, and other fittings connected by various lengths of medical tubing.

[0004] The connection between the tube and the fitting can be referred to as a "joint" or a "junction." When the tube and fitting assembly is used in a medical application or other application requiring a high degree of integrity or performance, it is important to prevent failure at the joint between the tube and the fitting. Also, during manufacturing, it is important to reduce the steps required to create and assemble the joint.

[0005] Failure of the joint between the tube and the fitting can create a leak path between the fluid path of the assembly and the environment outside the fluid path, which can allow medical fluids to exit the assembly or air to enter the assembly, resulting in inefficient delivery of fluids and / or medications to the patient, gas interactions with the assembly, and / or compromise the sterility of the assembly or medications.

[0006] The bond can be achieved by adhering the tube and fitting together, such as by using a solvent, adhesive, or welding, etc. The bond can also be achieved using a mechanical connection, such as an interference fit or clamp, etc. However, various factors must be considered in order to prevent failure at the bond to bond the tube and fitting together. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present application provides a tube junction assembly comprising a body having a head and a base extending longitudinally from the head, the body having an outer surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate portion located between the proximal and distal ends, at least a portion of the outer surface at the intermediate portion of the body defining a cross-sectional width that tapers from the head to the base, and an annular portion coupled to the body, the annular portion having the head, the base extending longitudinally from the head, and an inner surface defining a passageway extending between the head and the base, provides a tube junction assembly comprising a proximal end and a distal end, an annular portion, an inner surface at a head of the annular portion defining a cross-sectional width that tapers from the proximal end to the distal end of the head, a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface, and an inner surface defining a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the tube being stretched over the outer surface of the body such that the proximal end of the tube is stretched to cover at least a portion of the outer surface of the body at an intermediate portion, the inner surface of the annular portion sleeved over at least a portion of the outer surface of the tube, and the tube is coupled to the annular portion such that the proximal end of the tube is sandwiched and compressed between the body and the annular portion.

[0008] In some examples, the disclosure provides a method of forming a tube junction assembly, the method including the steps of: providing a body having a head and a base extending longitudinally from the head, the body having an outer surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate portion located between the proximal and distal ends, at least a portion of the outer surface of the body at the intermediate portion defining a cross-sectional width that tapers from the head to the base; fitting a tube over the outer surface of the body and extending the proximal end of the tube over at least a portion of the outer surface of the body at the intermediate portion to form at least one of a Y-shape or an umbrella shape; fitting an annular portion having a head, a base extending longitudinally from the base, and an inner surface defining a passage extending between the head and the base over the tube such that the tube is located between the annular portion and the body; and connecting an underside of the head of the body to an upper side of the head of the annular portion such that the proximal end of the Y-shape or umbrella shape of the tube is sandwiched and compressed between the body and the annular portion.

[0009] Additional features and advantages of the subject technology will be set forth in the following description or may be learned by the practice of the subject technology, and the advantages of the subject technology will be realized and attained by the structures particularly illustrated in the following description and the embodiments of the technology as well as the appended drawings.

[0010] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to explain the subject technology.

[0011] Various features of exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which the illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the invention. The drawings include the following figures: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a tubing junction assembly incorporated into an IV set connected to a patient, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a top view of a tube junction assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the tube joint assembly of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the tube joint assembly of FIG. 2 with an annular portion of the tube joint assembly removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional plan view of the tube joint assembly of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the tube joint assembly of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject technology. It is understood that the subject technology can be practiced without some of these specific details. Also, detailed descriptions of well-known structures and techniques are omitted so as not to obscure the subject technology.

[0014] Moreover, while the following description sets forth specific details of various embodiments, this description is illustrative only and should not be construed as limiting in any way. In addition, while specific embodiments of the present invention may be disclosed or illustrated in the context of devices in medical systems, such embodiments may also be used in other fluid transport applications (such as transporting food, beverages, fuels, lubricants, etc.). Furthermore, various applications of the embodiments and variations thereof as would occur to one skilled in the art are encompassed by the general concepts described herein.

[0015] In some embodiments, the present application discloses various features and advantages of a tube junction assembly that can be used to reliably and easily connect an end of a tube to another apparatus or device to allow for the transfer of fluid therebetween. Additionally, the tube junction assembly can provide an effective and reliable connection between the tube and the apparatus that is equal to or better than other methods such as solvent bonding. The tube junction assembly of the present disclosure minimizes and / or eliminates factors that can compromise the reliability and performance of the junction and also reduces the complexity of assembling the junction.

[0016] For example, the tube joint assembly of the present disclosure provides a joint between a tube and a device that does not require a specific amount of adhesive or solvent to be applied to a specific length of tubing. The tube joint assembly of the present disclosure does not require chemical compatibility of the adhesive or solvent, the tube, and the device to provide an effective and secure connection. Additionally, the tube joint assembly of the present disclosure can provide an effective and secure connection between a tube and a device with a large tolerance range. The simple and effective features of the present disclosure result in a tube joint assembly that is easily adapted to automated manufacturing or assembly operations.

[0017] The tube junction assemblies of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, a body and an annular portion that are coupled together and can be flared or swaged or otherwise stretched over a surface of the wide portion of the body to engage a portion of the tube sandwiched between the body and the annular portion. Although the body and annular portion are described or illustrated herein as being independent, it should be understood that any portion of the body and / or annular portion can be configured as part of another device or apparatus. For example, the body can be part of an IV bag, a drip chamber, a check valve, a flow controller, a fluid filter, a pump, or another apparatus or device.

[0018] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a tube junction assembly 100 used in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The tube junction assembly 100 is in fluid communication with tubing 160 of an intravenous (IV) set being used to deliver fluid to a patient 10. The IV set includes a medication bag 12, a drip chamber 14, tubing 16, the tube junction assembly 100, and an IV catheter 18. While the illustrated embodiment of the tube junction assembly 100 is connected to a drip chamber 14, it should be understood that the tube junction assembly 100 of the present disclosure may be incorporated into or connected to other apparatus and devices, such as manifolds, needleless access ports, check valves, drip chambers, or other fluid transfer and / or control devices. Additionally, the tube junction assembly of the present disclosure may be incorporated into or connected to apparatus and devices used in other applications or industries other than medicine, including, for example, the food, petroleum, nuclear facilities, transportation, mining, pulp and paper, steel, marine, aviation, construction, and other industries.

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a tube junction assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the tube junction assembly 100 of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the tube junction assembly 100 of FIG. 2 with the collar 140 of the tube junction assembly removed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the tube junction assembly 100 can be assembled by moving the collar 140 over a portion of the body 110 such that the proximal end 162 of the tube 160 is flared, narrowed, or otherwise extended to cover the underside 115 of the head 112 of the body 110 (also referred to herein as the middle portion 122 of the body 110). As described in more detail below, when the proximal end 162 of the tube 160, also referred to herein as an umbrella shape, umbrella-shaped portion, or Y-shape, Y-shaped portion, is flared or narrowed or otherwise stretched over an intermediate portion of the body 110, the annular portion 140 is fitted over the tube 160, and the proximal end 162 of the tube is coupled to the underside 115 of the head 110 such that it is between the annular portion 140 and the underside 115 of the head 110, the tube is compressed radially inward between the outer surface 116 of the body 110 and the inner surface 146 of the annular portion 140, as well as axially between the underside 115 of the head 112 and the upper surface 150 of the annular portion head 142. When the proximal end 162 of the tube 160 is umbrella-shaped or Y-shaped, the cross-sectional diameter or width of the tube 160 along the proximal end 162 increases in a direction away from the distal end 164 of the tube.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, and in some embodiments with reference to Figures 3 and 4, the tube junction assembly 100 can include a body 110 including a head 112 and a base 114 extending longitudinally from the head 112. The body 110 can have an outer surface 116, a proximal end 118, a distal end 120, and an intermediate portion 122 located between the proximal end 118 and the distal end 120. At least a portion of the outer surface 116 at the intermediate portion 122 of the body 110 can define a cross-sectional width that tapers from the head 112 to the base 114.

[0021] It is contemplated that the proximal end 118 of the body may form another component, such as another apparatus or device. For example, the proximal end 118 of the body 110 may be integrally molded as another component. In another example, the proximal end 118 of the body 110 may be coupled to the other component by gluing or welding to the other component. In yet another example, the body 110 may be coupled to the other component 20 using mechanical fasteners, such as complementary screws, latches, clamps, or other fasteners that secure the body to the other component 20. Thus, to simplify illustration of the features of the present disclosure, the body 110 may be described as being coupled to or being part of an IV bag, a drip chamber, a check valve, a flow controller, a fluid filter, a pump, or another apparatus or device.

[0022] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the tube interface assembly may further include a collar 140 coupled to the body 110. As shown, the collar 140 may have a head 142, a base 144 extending longitudinally from the head 142, and an inner surface 146 defining a passageway 148 extending between the head 142 and the base 144. As shown, the passageway 148 may extend through an upper surface 150 and a lower surface 155 and may be configured to allow the collar to be inserted over at least a portion of the body 202 and the tube 160. The head 142 may include a proximal end 151 and a distal end 153. The inner surface 146 of the head 142 of the collar 140 may define a cross-sectional width that tapers from the proximal end 151 to the distal end 152 of the head 142.

[0023] The annular portion 140 can be coupled to the body 110 to prevent movement of the tube 160 relative to the body 110 and to form a fluid-tight coupling between the tube 160 and the body 110. Specifically, the annular portion 140 is configured to couple to the body 110 by fitting over the tube 160 and at least a portion of the body 110. To allow the annular portion 140 to be inserted over at least a portion of the body 110 and the tube 160, the inner surface 146 of the annular portion 140 that forms the passageway 148 can define a cross-sectional width configured to allow the tube 160 and at least a portion of the body 110 to be inserted therethrough. In some embodiments, the inner surface 146 at the base 148 of the annular portion 140 can have a cross-sectional width that is approximately equal to the sum of the cross-sectional width of the outer surface 116 at the base 114 of the body 110 and the thickness of the tube 160 fitted over the outer surface 116 at the base 114 of the body 110 such that the annular portion 140 fits over the outer surface 116 of the tube 160 with an interference fit, compressing the tube 160 radially inward. In some embodiments, the passageway 148 can have a cross-sectional width that is approximately equal to the cross-sectional width at the opposing portion of the body 110 when the annular portion 140 is coupled to the body 110. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional width of the passageway 148 can decrease from the proximal end 151 to the distal end 152 of the annular portion 140.

[0024] FIG 5 illustrates a cross-sectional plan view of the tube junction assembly 100 of FIG 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG 6 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the tube junction assembly 100 of FIG 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the tube 160 can have a proximal end 162, a distal end 164, an outer surface 166, and an inner surface 168 defining a lumen 170 extending from the proximal end 162 through the distal end 164. The lumen 170 of the tube 160 can have a diameter approximately equal to a cross-sectional width of the outer surface 116 at the base 114 of the body 110 in an unstretched state such that the tube 160 fits over the outer surface 116 of the body 110 with an interference fit. 1 and 4 , the tube 160 can be fitted over the exterior surface 116 of the body 110 with a proximal end 162 of the tube flared or narrowed or otherwise stretched to cover at least a portion of the exterior surface 116 at the intermediate portion 122 of the body 110. In particular, in some embodiments, the stretched portion (e.g., the proximal end 162 of the tube), when flared or narrowed or otherwise stretched to cover the intermediate portion 122 of the body 110, can form at least one of a Y-shape or an umbrella shape that corresponds to the shape of the portion of the exterior surface 162 at the intermediate portion 122 of the body 110 that defines a cross-sectional width that tapers from the head 110 to the base 114 of the body. As shown, to prevent the tube 160 from moving relative to the body 110, the inner surface 168 of the annular portion 140 can be fitted over at least a portion of the outer surface 116 of the tube 160 such that the proximal end 162 of the tube is sandwiched and axially compressed between the upper surface 150 of the head 142 of the annular portion 140 and the lower surface 115 of the head 112 of the body 110.

[0025] When the proximal end 162 of tube 160, also referred to herein as an umbrella shape, umbrella-shaped portion, or Y-shape, Y-shaped portion of tube 160, is flared or narrowed or otherwise stretched to cover an intermediate portion of body 110, annular portion 140 is fitted over tube 160, and proximal end 162 of the tube is connected to the underside 115 of head 110 such that it is located between annular portion 140 and underside 115 of head 112, the tube is compressed radially inward between the outer surface 116 of body 110 and inner surface 146 of annular portion 140, and is compressed axially between the underside 115 of head 112 and upper surface 150 of annular head 142. The above-described configuration provides additional axial compression through flaring, constricting, stretching, and capturing of the proximal end 162 of the tube 160, also referred to herein as “umbrella swaging,” which advantageously improves the bond pull performance of the tube joint assembly 100 by as much as 20% to 25% over existing tube joint assemblies that simply incorporate a press fit ring that provides only radial compression and no additional axial compression to provide bond pull force.

[0026] In some embodiments, the tube 160 may be a non-polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tube. For example, in some embodiments, the tube 160 may be a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In some embodiments, the tube 160 may be a chemically inert, solvent inert, or adhesive inert tube. The tube joint assembly 100 of various embodiments described herein is advantageous in that the additional area of ​​the umbrella-swaged tube provides additional axial compression to increase bond strength performance, thereby eliminating the need to apply adhesives or solvents to the tube 160 to achieve improved bond strength performance, as is commonly done in the prior art. This is advantageous as it has been proven to play an important role in bonding non-PVC tubes or any tube that is substantially non-reactive with solvents and / or adhesives, such as polypropylene tubes. Because the various embodiments of the tube joint assembly 100 described herein are not limited to tube materials that are reactive with chemicals / adhesives / solvents, the tube joint assembly 100 allows for a greater selection of tube materials to be employed, potentially reducing the costs associated with typical tube joint assemblies.

[0027] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the annular portion 140 may be coupled to the body 110 in one or more of several ways to axially compress the proximal end 162 of the tube and increase the bond strength performance of the tube joint assembly 100. For example, in some embodiments, the upper surface 150 of the head 142 of the annular portion 140 may be solvent bonded to the lower surface 115 of the head 112 of the body 110. In some embodiments, the upper surface 150 of the head 142 of the annular portion 140 may be bonded to the lower surface 115 of the head 112 of the body 110 with an ultraviolet (UV) adhesive. In some embodiments, the upper surface 150 of the head 142 of the annular portion 140 may be ultrasonically welded to the lower surface 115 of the head 112 of the body 110. In other embodiments, the upper surface 150 of the head 142 of the annular portion 140 may be snap-fit ​​coupled to the lower surface 115 of the head 112 of the body 110. In other embodiments, the upper surface 150 of the head 142 of the collar 140 can be threadedly attached to the lower surface 115 of the head 112 of the body 110 .

[0028] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional width of the inner surface 146 at the head 142 of the annular portion 140, which narrows from the proximal end 151 to the distal end 153 of the head 142, can be approximately equal to the cross-sectional width of the outer surface 116 at the intermediate portion 122 of the body 110, which narrows from the head 112 to the base 114 of the body 110, such that the annular portion 140 radially compresses the stretched portion of the tube.

[0029] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional width of the outer surface 116 of the base 114 of the body 110 can be approximately equal to the diameter of the lumen 170 of the tube 160. When the base 114 of the body 110 is inserted into the lumen 170 of the tube 160 and the proximal end 162 of the tube 160 is moved along the outer surface 116 of the base 114 of the body 110 toward the head 112, an interference fit can be established between the body 110 and the tube 160.

[0030] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of forming a tube junction assembly 100 may include providing a body 100 having a head 110 and a base 114 extending longitudinally from the head. As described above, the body 110 may have an outer surface 116, a proximal end 118, a distal end 120, and an intermediate portion 122 located between the proximal end 118 and the distal end 120, and at least a portion of the outer surface 116 at the intermediate portion 122 of the body 110 may define a cross-sectional width that tapers from the head 112 to the base 114. The method may further include fitting a tube 160 over the outer surface 116 of the body 110 and flaring, narrowing, or otherwise extending the proximal end 162 of the tube over at least a portion of the outer surface 116 at the intermediate portion 122 of the body 110 to form at least one of a Y-shape or an umbrella shape. The method may further include fitting the annular portion 140 over the tube 160 such that the tube 160 is located between the annular portion 140 and the body 110. The method may further include connecting the underside 115 of the head 112 of the body 110 to the upper side 150 of the head 142 of the annular portion 140 such that the flared or narrowed or elongated Y-shaped or umbrella-shaped proximal end 162 of the tube 160 is sandwiched and compressed between the body 110 and the annular portion 140.

[0031] In some embodiments, fitting the tube 160 onto the outer surface 116 of the body 110 includes fitting the tube 160 onto the outer surface 116 with a tight fit, and fitting the annular portion 140 onto the tube 140 includes press-fitting the annular portion 140 onto at least a portion of the tube 160. In some embodiments, the step of connecting the underside 115 of the head of the body 110 to the upper side 150 of the head 142 of the annular portion 140 may include one or more of the following steps: (i) solvent bonding the underside 115 of the head 112 of the body 110 to the upper side 150 of the head 142 of the annular portion 140; (ii) ultraviolet (UV) adhesive bonding the underside 115 of the head 112 of the body 110 to the upper side 150 of the head 142 of the annular portion 140; (iii) ultrasonically welding the underside 115 of the head 112 of the body 110 to the upper side 150 of the head 142 of the annular portion 140; (iv) snap-fitting the underside 115 of the head 112 of the body 110 to the upper side 150 of the head 142 of the annular portion 140; and (v) screwing the underside 115 of the head 112 of the body 110 to the upper side 150 of the head 142 of the annular portion 140.

[0032] Sections illustrating the subject technology The subject technology is exemplified by various aspects described below, for example. Various examples of aspects of the subject technology are described as numbered clauses (clause 1, clause 2, clause 3, etc.) for convenience. These are examples and do not limit the subject technology. Please note that any dependent claims can be combined in any way and can be included in independent clauses, such as clause 1 or clause 5. The same applies to other clauses.

[0033] Item 1: A tube junction assembly comprising: a body having a head and a base extending longitudinally from the head, the body having an outer surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate portion located between the proximal and distal ends, at least a portion of the outer surface at the intermediate portion of the body defining a cross-sectional width that tapers from the head to the base; and an annular portion coupled to the body, the annular portion having a head, a base extending longitudinally from the head, and an inner surface defining a passageway extending between the head and the base, the head having a proximal end and a distal end, the inner surface at the head of the annular portion and an annular portion defining a cross-sectional width that tapers from the proximal end of the head to the distal end, wherein a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface, and an inner surface defining a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end is stretched over the outer surface of the body such that the proximal end of the tube is stretched to cover at least a portion of the outer surface of the body at an intermediate portion, and the inner surface of the annular portion is fitted over at least a portion of the outer surface of the tube and coupled to the annular portion such that the proximal end of the tube is sandwiched and compressed between the body and the annular portion.

[0034] Clause 2: A tube joint assembly as described in clause 1, wherein the lumen of the tube has a diameter approximately equal to the cross-sectional width of the outer surface at the base of the body when the tube is in an unstretched state such that the tube fits snugly around the outer surface of the body.

[0035] Clause 3: A tube joint assembly as described in clause 2, wherein the inner surface at the base of the annulus has a cross-sectional width approximately equal to the sum of the cross-sectional width of the outer surface at the base of the body and the thickness of the tube fitted over the outer surface at the base of the body, such that the annulus is fitted over the outer surface of the tube with an interference fit to radially compress the tube.

[0036] Clause 4: A tube joint assembly as described in clause 3, wherein the cross-sectional width of the inner surface at the head of the annulus, which tapers from the proximal end to the distal end of the head, is approximately equal to the cross-sectional width of the outer surface at the intermediate portion of the body, which tapers from the head to the base of the body, such that the annulus compresses the stretched portion of the tube.

[0037] Clause 5: A tube joint assembly as described in clause 3, wherein the extended portion of the tube forms at least one of a Y-shape or an umbrella shape corresponding to the shape of a portion of the outer surface at an intermediate portion of the body, defining a cross-sectional width that narrows from the head to the base of the body.

[0038] Clause 6: A tube joint assembly as described in clause 5, wherein the proximal end of the tube is sandwiched between an upper surface of the head of the annular portion and a lower surface of the head of the body and axially compressed.

[0039] Clause 7: The tube joint assembly of clause 6, wherein an upper surface of the head of the annulus is solvent bonded to an underside of the head of the body.

[0040] Item 8: A tube joint assembly as described in item 6, wherein an upper surface of the head of the annular portion is bonded to an underside of the head of the body with an ultraviolet (UV) adhesive.

[0041] Clause 9: A tube joint assembly as described in clause 6, wherein an upper surface of the head of the annular portion is ultrasonically welded to an underside of the head of the body.

[0042] Clause 10: A tube joint assembly as described in clause 6, wherein an upper surface of the head of the annular portion is connected to an underside of the head of the body by a snap fit.

[0043] Item 11: A tube joint assembly as described in item 6, wherein an upper surface of the head of the annular portion is screwed to an underside of the head of the body.

[0044] Clause 12: The tube joint assembly of clause 1, wherein the tube comprises a chemically inert, solvent inert or adhesive inert tube.

[0045] Clause 13: The tube joint assembly of clause 1, wherein the tube includes a non-polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tube.

[0046] Clause 14: The tube joint assembly of clause 8, wherein the tube comprises a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) tube.

[0047] Clause 15: A method of forming a tube junction assembly, the method comprising the steps of: providing a body having a head and a base extending longitudinally from the head, the body having an outer surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate portion located between the proximal and distal ends, at least a portion of the outer surface of the body at the intermediate portion defining a cross-sectional width that tapers from the head to the base; fitting a tube over the outer surface of the body and extending the proximal end of the tube over at least a portion of the outer surface of the body at the intermediate portion to form at least one of a Y-shape or an umbrella shape; fitting an annular portion having a head, a base extending longitudinally from the base, and an inner surface defining a passageway extending between the head and the base, over the tube such that the tube is located between the annular portion and the body; and connecting an underside of the head of the body to an upper side of the head of the annular portion such that the Y-shaped or umbrella-shaped proximal end of the tube is sandwiched and compressed between the body and the annular portion.

[0048] Clause 16: The method described in clause 15, wherein the step of fitting the tube onto the outer surface of the body includes fitting the tube onto the outer surface with an interference fit, and the step of fitting the annular portion onto the tube includes press-fitting the annular portion onto at least a portion of the tube.

[0049] Clause 17: The method of clause 15, wherein the step of connecting the underside of the head of the body to the upper side of the head of the annular portion includes the step of solvent bonding the underside of the head of the body to the upper side of the head of the annular portion.

[0050] Clause 18: The method of clause 15, wherein the step of connecting the underside of the head of the body to the upper side of the head of the annular portion includes the step of adhering the underside of the head of the body to the upper side of the head of the annular portion with an ultraviolet (UV) adhesive.

[0051] Clause 19: The method of clause 15, wherein the step of connecting the underside of the head of the body to the upper side of the head of the annular portion includes the step of ultrasonically welding the underside of the head of the body to the upper side of the head of the annular portion.

[0052] Clause 20: The method of clause 15, wherein the step of connecting the underside of the head of the body to the upper side of the head of the annular portion includes the step of snap-fitting the underside of the head of the body to the upper side of the head of the annular portion.

[0053] Clause 21: The method of clause 15, wherein the step of connecting the underside of the head of the body to the upper side of the head of the annular portion includes the step of screwing the underside of the head of the body to the upper side of the head of the annular portion.

[0054] Clause 22: The method of clause 15, wherein the step of fitting a tube to the outer surface of the body includes fitting at least one of a chemically inert, solvent inert, or adhesive inert tube to the outer surface of the body.

[0055] Additional considerations In some embodiments, any of the sections herein may be dependent on any of the independent claims or any of the dependent claims. In an aspect, any section (e.g., dependent or independent) may be combined with one or more of any other sections (e.g., dependent or independent). In an aspect, a claim may include some or all of the words (e.g., steps, operations, means, or components) recited in a section, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In an aspect, a claim may include some or all of the words recited in one or more sections, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs. In an aspect, some of the words recited in each of the sections, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs may be omitted. In an aspect, additional words or elements may be added to a section, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In an aspect, the subject technology may be implemented without utilizing some of the components, elements, functions, or operations described herein. In an aspect, the subject technology may be implemented with the use of additional components, elements, functions, or operations.

[0056] This disclosure is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. This disclosure provides various illustrative examples of the subject technology, but the subject technology is not limited to these illustrative examples. Various modifications of these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles described herein may be applied to other aspects as well.

[0057] Reference to an element in the singular is intended to mean "one or more" rather than "single" unless otherwise specified. The term "several" refers to one or more unless otherwise specified. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if provided, are for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

[0058] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. In one aspect, various alternative configurations and operations described herein can be considered at least equivalent.

[0059] The use of "an aspect" and similar phrases does not imply that such an aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such an aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations or to one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. "An aspect" and similar phrases may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. The use of "an embodiment" and similar phrases does not imply that such an embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such an embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments or to one or more examples. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. "An embodiment" and similar phrases may refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. The use of "an embodiment" and similar phrases does not imply that such an embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such an embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all configurations or to one or more configurations. An arrangement may provide one or more instances. "An arrangement" and similar phrases may refer to one or more arrangements, and vice versa.

[0060] In one aspect, unless otherwise specified, all measurements, values, orders, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications set forth herein, including those set forth in the appended claims, are approximate and not precise, and are, in one aspect, to have a reasonable range consistent with their respective functions and with the practice of their respective technical fields.

[0061] In one aspect, "coupled" and similar terms may refer to a direct connection. In another aspect, "coupled" and similar terms may refer to an indirect connection.

[0062] Terms such as "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," and the like, as used in this disclosure, should be understood to refer to any frame of reference rather than the customary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, the top, bottom, front, and rear surfaces may extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in the gravitational frame of reference.

[0063] The various elements can be arranged in various configurations (e.g., arranged in a different order or partitioned in a different manner) without departing from the scope of the subject technology. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described herein that are known or will become known to those of skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is to be offered to the public, whether or not expressly set forth in the claims. No element of a claim is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for" or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase "step for." Furthermore, terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to be non-exclusive, as is "comprise" when construed as the term "comprise" is used as a transitional word in a claim.

[0064] The title of the invention, background art, summary of the invention, brief description of the drawings, and abstract of the disclosure are hereby incorporated into the disclosure, but are provided as illustrative descriptions of the disclosure, not as limiting descriptions. That is, it should be understood that they are not used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, it will be understood that in the detailed description of the invention, although illustrative examples are provided, various features are grouped together in various embodiments to simplify the disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as an intention that the subject matter of the claims requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Instead, the subject matter of the invention is subsumed in all features of a single disclosed structure or operation, as set forth in the appended claims. Thus, the appended claims are intended to stand alone as separate subject matter that each claim is the subject of a claim, and are incorporated into the detailed description of the invention.

[0065] The appended claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but are intended to provide the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, including all legal equivalents, provided, however, that no claim is intended, and should not be construed, to include subject matter that does not comply with the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §§ 101, 102, or 103.

Claims

1. 1. A tube interface assembly comprising: a body having a head and a base extending longitudinally from the head, the body having an outer surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate portion located between the proximal end and the distal end, at least a portion of the outer surface at the intermediate portion of the body defining a cross-sectional width that tapers from the head to the base; an annular portion coupled to the body, the annular portion having a head, a base extending longitudinally from the head, and an inner surface defining a passageway extending between the head and the base, the head having a proximal end and a distal end, the inner surface of the annular portion at the head defining a cross-sectional width that tapers from the proximal end to the distal end of the head; a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface, and an inner surface defining a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end is stretched over the outer surface of the body such that the proximal end of the tube is stretched to cover at least a portion of the outer surface at the intermediate portion of the body; A tube joint assembly, wherein the inner surface of the annular portion is fitted over at least a portion of the outer surface of the tube and connected to the annular portion such that the proximal end of the tube is sandwiched and compressed between the body and the annular portion.

2. 2. The tube joint assembly of claim 1, wherein the lumen of the tube has a diameter approximately equal to a cross-sectional width of the outer surface at the base of the body when the tube is in an unstretched state such that the tube fits over the outer surface of the body with an interference fit.

3. 3. The tube joint assembly of claim 2, wherein the inner surface of the annulus at the base has a cross-sectional width approximately equal to the sum of the cross-sectional width of the outer surface of the body at the base and a thickness of the tube fitted over the outer surface of the tube at the base of the body such that the annulus fits over the outer surface of the tube with an interference fit to radially compress the tube.

4. 4. The tube joint assembly of claim 3, wherein the cross-sectional width of the inner surface at the head of the annular portion, which tapers from the proximal end to the distal end of the head, is approximately equal to the cross-sectional width of the outer surface at the intermediate portion of the body, which tapers from the head to the base of the body, such that the annular portion compresses the stretched portion of the tube.

5. 4. The tube joint assembly of claim 3, wherein the stretched portion of the tube forms at least one of a Y-shape or an umbrella shape corresponding to the shape of the portion of the outer surface at the intermediate portion of the body defining a cross-sectional width that narrows from the head to the base of the body.

6. 6. The tube joint assembly of claim 5, wherein the proximal end of the tube is sandwiched and axially compressed between an upper surface of the head of the annular portion and a lower surface of the head of the body.

7. The tube joint assembly of claim 6 , wherein an upper surface of the annular portion head is solvent bonded to the lower surface of the head of the body.

8. 7. The tube joint assembly of claim 6, wherein the upper surface of the annular section head is bonded to the lower surface of the body head with an ultraviolet (UV) adhesive.

9. 7. The tube joint assembly of claim 6, wherein said upper surface of said annular portion head is ultrasonically welded to said lower surface of said body head.

10. 7. The tube joint assembly of claim 6, wherein said upper surface of said annular portion head is connected to said lower surface of said body head with a snap fit.

11. 7. The tube interface assembly of claim 6, wherein the upper surface of the head of the annulus is threadedly secured to the lower surface of the head of the body.

12. The tube joint assembly of claim 1 , wherein the tubing comprises chemically inert, solvent inert, or adhesive inert tubing.

13. The tube joint assembly of claim 1 , wherein the tube comprises a non-polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tube.

14. The tube junction assembly of claim 13 , wherein the tube comprises a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) tube.

15. 1. A method of forming a tube joint assembly, comprising: providing a body having a head and a base extending longitudinally from the head, the body having an outer surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate portion located between the proximal end and the distal end, at least a portion of the outer surface at the intermediate portion of the body defining a cross-sectional width that tapers from the head to the base; fitting a tube over the exterior surface of the body and extending a proximal end of the tube over at least a portion of the exterior surface at the intermediate portion of the body to form at least one of a Y-shape or an umbrella shape; fitting an annulus having a head, a base extending longitudinally from the base, and an interior surface defining a passageway extending between the head and the base, over the tube such that the tube is positioned between the annulus and the body; and connecting an underside of the head of the body to an upper side of the head of the annular portion such that the Y-shaped or umbrella-shaped proximal end of the tube is sandwiched and compressed between the body and the annular portion.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein fitting the tube onto the outer surface of the body comprises fitting the tube onto the outer surface with an interference fit, and fitting the collar onto the tube comprises press-fitting the collar onto at least a portion of the tube.

17. 16. The tube joint assembly of claim 15, wherein the step of connecting the underside of the head of the body to the upper side of the head of the annular portion includes the step of solvent bonding or ultraviolet (UV) adhesively bonding the underside of the head of the body to the upper side of the head of the annular portion.

18. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of connecting the underside of the head of the body to the upper side of the head of the annular portion includes ultrasonically welding the underside of the head of the body to the upper side of the head of the annular portion.

19. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein connecting the underside of the head of the body to the upper side of the head of the annular portion comprises snap-fitting or screwing the underside of the head of the body to the upper side of the head of the annular portion.

20. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein fitting the tube to the exterior surface of the body comprises fitting at least one of a chemically inert, solvent inert, or adhesive inert tube to the exterior surface of the body.

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