Rotational Component

Abstract

A system for reducing kinking in medical tubing includes a rotating component and a tubing connector. The rotating component includes a first fluid channel and a protrusion, and the tubing connector includes a second fluid channel, a male mating portion, and a sheath. Thus, the rotating component is configured to couple to the tubing connector such that the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel together form an integrated fluid channel, the first fluid channel surrounds the male mating portion, the protrusion is disposed within a recess in the sheath, and the rotating component is rotatable relative to the tubing connector independently of the tubing connector.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 416,417 (filed October 14, 2022), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to connectors for medical tubing, and more particularly to a system including a spinning component configured to prevent undesired kinking of the medical tubing. [Background technology]

[0003] Medical procedures often involve the use of medical tubing. For example, many infusion procedures require flexible medical tubing to deliver medical fluids (e.g., saline, liquid medications) from a fluid source to a patient via an intravenous (IV) catheter. Occasionally, the tubing kinks and kinks, slowing or interrupting the flow of medical fluid through the tubing to the patient. Therefore, a system that prevents kinking and kinking of medical tubing would increase the reliability of medical procedures involving medical tubing, such as infusion procedures.

[0004] The descriptions provided in this section should not be considered prior art merely because they are mentioned in or related to this section. This section may include information that describes one or more aspects of the subject technology. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, a system for reducing kinking in medical tubing can include a rotating component and a tubing connector. The rotating component can include a first end, a second end, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The first end can include a protrusion extending from the outer surface away from the inner surface. The inner surface can form a fluid channel extending through the first end and the second end. The tubing connector can include a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner surface. The inner surface can form a fluid channel extending through the proximal end and the distal end. The distal end can form a male mating portion and a sheath. The sheath can include an inner surface spaced from the outer surface to form a cavity between the inner surface and the outer surface of the male mating portion. The sheath can also include a recess extending into the inner surface of the sheath. The distal end of the tubing connector can be configured to couple with a first end of the rotating component such that the male mating portion of the tubing connector is disposed within the fluid channel of the rotating component and the protrusion of the rotating component is disposed within the recess of the sheath. The rotating component can be rotatable relative to the tubing connector.

[0006] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, a rotating component for reducing kinking of medical tubing can include a first end, a second end, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The first end can include a protrusion extending from the outer surface away from the inner surface. The inner surface forms a fluid channel extending through the first end and the second end. The rotating component can be configured to couple with a tubing connector including a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner surface. The inner surface can form a fluid channel extending through the proximal end and the distal end. The distal end can form a male mating portion and a sheath. The sheath can include an inner surface spaced from the outer surface to form a cavity between the inner surface and the outer surface of the male mating portion. The sheath can also include a recess extending into the inner surface of the sheath. The distal end of the tubing connector can be configured to couple with the first end of the rotating component such that the male mating portion of the tubing connector is disposed within the fluid channel of the rotating component and the protrusion of the rotating component is disposed within the recess of the sheath. The rotating component may be rotatable relative to the tubing connector.

[0007] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the subject technology as claimed. It is to be understood that other aspects may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the subject technology.

[0008] The following drawings are included to illustrate certain aspects of the embodiments and should not be considered exclusive examples. The disclosed subject matter is capable of considerable modification, permutation, combination, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to those skilled in the art and having the benefit of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a rotating component coupled to a tubing connector and an infusion bag, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotating component coupled to a tubing connector, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating component and tubing connector of FIG. 2 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of FIG. 3 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of FIG. 4 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotating component according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating the rotating component and tubing connector of FIG. 2 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The detailed description set forth below describes various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the subject technology. Thus, dimensions may be provided for particular embodiments as non-limiting examples. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology.

[0011] It should be understood that the present disclosure includes examples of the subject technology and does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Various aspects of the subject technology are disclosed herein according to specific, but non-limiting examples. The various embodiments described in this disclosure can be implemented in different ways and variations according to a desired application or implementation.

[0012] Various embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to rotating components. The rotating component can be attached to medical tubing, a needleless connector (e.g., a Becton Dickinson SmartSite™), or a fluid source (e.g., an intravenous fluid bag). In some embodiments, the rotating component rotates whatever is attached to it independently of each other. For example, a rotating component attached to a fluid source on one end and a needleless connector on the other end rotates the needleless connector independently of the fluid source. This prevents kinking and twisting of the tubing attached to one end of the rotating component due to twisting in whatever is attached to the other end of the rotating component (e.g., when a practitioner needs to twist a needleless connector to begin a medical procedure, or when a practitioner needs to twist a spike to attach medical tubing to a fluid bag).

[0013] Although the following description relates to the use of the rotating components with medical tubing, infusion bags, and the like, it should be understood that this description is merely one example of use and does not limit the scope of the claims.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotating component 108 coupled to a tubing connector 110 and an infusion bag 102, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As indicated by the curly brackets in FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, the rotating component 108 and the tubing connector 110 form a system 106. In some embodiments, the system 106 is configured such that the rotating component 108 and the tubing connector 110 can rotate independently of one another. In some embodiments, this functionality reduces the risk of kinking or twisting of the tubing connected to the rotating component 108 and / or the tubing connector 110. In some embodiments, this functionality allows a practitioner to rotate something connected to the rotating component 108 without also rotating the tubing connector 110, or vice versa.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1 , the rotating component 108 is connected to the infusion bag 102 via a nut 104. In some embodiments, the nut 104 is annular. In some embodiments, the nut 104 is cylindrical. In other embodiments, the nut 104 is prismatic (e.g., hexagonal, octagonal, etc.). In some embodiments, the nut 104 is configured to rotate relative to the rotating component such that the rotating component 108 can rotate independently of whatever is connected to the other end of the nut 104. For example, as shown, the infusion bag 102 is connected to the other end of the nut 104. Thus, in some embodiments, the infusion bag 102 can rotate independently of the rotating component 108.

[0016] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the rotating component 108 is connected to the infusion bag 102 via a coupling feature or structure, such as a snap fit, a collar, or a compression ring. In these embodiments, the coupling feature or structure is configured to allow the rotating component 108 to rotate independently of the infusion bag 102.

[0017] In some embodiments, the rotating component 108 is connected to the infusion bag 102 without the nut 104. In some embodiments, the rotating component 108 is connected to the infusion bag 102 via tubing. In other embodiments, the rotating component 108 is connected directly to the infusion bag 102. For example, in some embodiments, the rotating component 108 is glued to the infusion bag 102. As another example, in some embodiments, the rotating component 108 includes a connector (e.g., a spike) that is inserted into the infusion bag 102. As another example, in some embodiments, the rotating component 108 includes threads such that the rotating component 108 can be screwed onto or mated with the infusion bag 102.

[0018] In some embodiments, infusion bag 102 contains a fluid (e.g., saline, medication, etc.) that is administered to a patient via a drip chamber or an infusion pump. For example, tubing connector 110 can be connected (e.g., via tubing) to a drip chamber. As another example, tubing connector 110 can be connected (e.g., via tubing) to an infusion pump. As yet another example, tubing connector 110 can be connected to another length of tubing (e.g., in an in-line application).

[0019] 2 is a perspective view of a rotating component 108 coupled to a tubing connector 110, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, in some embodiments, the rotating component 108 couples with the tubing connector 110 such that a portion of the tubing connector 110 (e.g., distal end 304) surrounds a portion of the rotating component 108 (e.g., first end 306). In some embodiments, the rotating component 108 couples with the tubing connector 110 such that a portion of the rotating component 108 (e.g., first end 306) surrounds a portion of the tubing connector (e.g., distal end 304). For further discussion of the coupling between the rotating component 108 and the tubing connector 110, please refer to the paragraphs relating to FIGS. 3-5 and 7.

[0020] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating component 108 and tubing connector 110 of FIG. 2 , according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, in some embodiments, the rotating component 108 couples with the tubing connector 110 such that the distal end 304 of the tubing connector 110 surrounds at least a portion of the first end 306 of the rotating component 108. In some embodiments, the rotating component 108 couples with the tubing connector 110 such that the rotating component 108 can rotate relative to the tubing connector 110.

[0021] In some embodiments, rotating component 108 includes a first end 306, a second end 308, an inner surface 314, and an outer surface 312. In some embodiments, first end 306 includes a protrusion 310 extending from outer surface 312 in a direction away from inner surface 314. In some embodiments, inner surface 314 forms a fluid channel 316 extending through first end 306 and second end 308.

[0022] In some embodiments, the tubing connector 110 includes a proximal end 302, a distal end 304, and an inner surface 328. In some embodiments, the inner surface 328 of the tubing connector 110 forms a fluid channel 330 extending through the proximal end 302 and the distal end 304. In some embodiments, the distal end 304 forms a male mating portion 320. In some embodiments, the distal end 304 forms a sheath 318. In some embodiments, the sheath 318 has an inner surface 332. In some embodiments, the inner surface 332 of the sheath 318 is spaced from the outer surface 334 of the male mating portion 320 to form a cavity 404 between the inner surface 332 and the outer surface 334 of the male mating portion 320.

[0023] A recess 402 extends into the inner surface 332 of the sheath 318 and is configured to receive the protrusion 310 when the rotating component 108 is coupled with the tubing connector 110. The recess 402 extends into the inner surface 332 of the sheath 318 in a direction away from the male mating portion 320. The recess 402 may be shaped as either a channel or a groove that extends around the periphery of the sheath 318 to the inner surface 332 of the sheath 318.

[0024] In some embodiments, the sheath 318 of the tubing connector 110 is made from a flexible material. In some embodiments, this allows the sheath 318 to expand when the tubing connector 110 and the rotating component 108 are coupled together (e.g., press-fit together). The sheath may also be formed with a discontinuous wall. In some embodiments, this allows the wall to be biased radially outward and / or radially inward. The discontinuous wall may be formed by channels or grooves extending through the inner and outer surfaces of the wall. In some embodiments, the male mating portion 320 of the tubing connector 110 is made from a flexible material. In some embodiments, this allows the male mating portion 320 to be compressed when the tubing connector 110 and the rotating component 108 are coupled together (e.g., press-fit together).

[0025] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the protrusion defines a first cross-sectional width W1 (see FIG. 7), the inner surface of the sheath defines a second cross-sectional width W2 (see FIG. 7), and the inner surface of the sheath along with recess 402 defines a third cross-sectional width W3 (see FIG. 7). In some aspects of the present disclosure, the first cross-sectional width W1 is approximately equal to or greater than the second cross-sectional width W2 of the sheath. In some aspects, the first cross-sectional width W1 is between the second cross-sectional width W2 and the third cross-sectional width W3. In some embodiments, the first cross-sectional width W1 is approximately equal to the third cross-sectional width W3.

[0026] In some embodiments, the distal end 304 of the tubing connector 110 is configured to couple with the first end 306 of the rotating component 108 such that the male mating portion 320 of the tubing connector 110 is disposed within the fluid channel 316 of the rotating component 108. In some embodiments, the distal end 304 of the tubing connector 110 is configured to couple with the first end 306 of the rotating component 108 such that the protrusion 310 of the rotating component 108 fits within the recess 402 of the sheath 318. As described above, in some embodiments, the distal end 304 of the tubing connector 110 is configured to couple with the first end 306 of the rotating component 108 such that the rotating component 108 is rotatable relative to the tubing connector 110. In some embodiments, the rotating component 108 and the tubing connector 110 couple together to form a Luer lock.

[0027] In some embodiments, a fluid channel 330 formed by an inner surface 328 of the tubing connector 110 extends between a proximal port 336 at the proximal end 302 and a distal port 338 at the distal end 304. In some embodiments, the tubing connector 110 includes a collapsible valve 322 disposed within the fluid channel 330 of the tubing connector 110.

[0028] In some embodiments, collapsible valve 322 prevents fluid flow through proximal port 336 in the first position. For example, collapsible valve 322 can restrict fluid flow or completely restrict fluid flow while in the first position. In some embodiments, collapsible valve 322 allows fluid flow through proximal port 336 in the second position. In some embodiments, collapsible valve 322 includes bellows portion 324. In some embodiments, collapsible valve includes head 326 coupled to bellows portion 324. In some embodiments, head 326 of collapsible valve 322 is located within proximal port 336 of tubing connector 110 when collapsible valve 322 is in the first position. In some embodiments, bellows portion 324 is compressed toward distal port 338 of tubing connector 110 when collapsible valve 322 is in the second position.

[0029] In addition to the embodiments described above, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which sheath 318 is coupled to and / or incorporated into another device, such as a drip chamber, an infusion pump, an IV set, a catheter, or another structure or device configured to direct fluid.

[0030] 4 is a detailed view of FIG. 3, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, in some embodiments, distal end 304 of tubing connector 110 is configured to couple with first end 306 of rotating component 108 such that protrusion 310 of rotating component 108 fits within and is longitudinally aligned with recess 402 of sheath 318.

[0031] As shown, in some embodiments, the protrusion 310 extends uniformly from the outer surface 312 of the rotating component 108 in a direction away from the inner surface 314. However, in some embodiments, the protrusion does not extend uniformly from the outer surface 312 in a direction away from the inner surface 314. For example, in some embodiments, the protrusion 310 is tapered such that the portion of the protrusion 310 closest to the second end 308 extends farther from the outer surface 312 than the portion of the protrusion 310 furthest from the second end 308. In other words, in some embodiments, the protrusion 310 gradually tapers from the second end 308 of the rotating component 108 such that the cross-sectional width of the protrusion decreases in a direction from the second end 308 toward the first end 306. As another example, in some embodiments, protrusion 310 is rounded such that the portions of protrusion 310 closest to second end 308 and the portions of protrusion 310 furthest from second end 308 do not extend to another portion (e.g., an intermediate portion) of protrusion 310. In some embodiments, recess 402 of tubing connector is sized to complement protrusion 310 of rotating component 108.

[0032] 5 is a detailed view of FIG. 4 , according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, in some embodiments, the rotating component includes a ring 502 (e.g., an O-ring) coupled to the outer surface 312 of the rotating component 108. In some embodiments, the ring 502 abuts the side of the protrusion 310 closest to the second end 308 of the rotating component 108. In some embodiments, the ring 502 abuts the side of the protrusion 310 furthest from the second end 308 of the rotating component 108. In some embodiments, the rotating component 108 includes multiple rings. For example, in some embodiments, the rotating component 108 includes a ring 502 on the side of the protrusion 310 closest to the second end 308 of the rotating component 108 and another ring 502 on the side of the protrusion 310 furthest from the second end 308 of the rotating component 108.

[0033] In some embodiments, ring 502 abuts a recess in the tubing connector when rotating component 108 is attached to the tubing connector. In some embodiments, ring 502 includes a lubricant (e.g., a lubricated O-ring). In some embodiments, ring 502 serves to reduce friction between rotating component 108 and tubing connector 110.

[0034] 6 is a perspective view of a rotating component 108 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, in some embodiments, rotating component 108 includes a first end 306, a second end 308, an inner surface 314, and an outer surface 312. In some embodiments, first end 306 includes a protrusion 310 extending from outer surface 312 in a direction away from inner surface 314. In some embodiments, inner surface 314 forms a fluid channel 316 extending through first end 306 and second end 308.

[0035] As shown, in some embodiments, the shape of the rotating component 108 is cylindrical. However, in some embodiments, the shape of the rotating component is prismatic (e.g., octagonal, hexagonal, square, or triangular). Furthermore, while FIG. 6 depicts the first end 306 and the second end 308 as generally the same shape, in some embodiments, the first end 306 and the second end 308 are various shapes (e.g., cylindrical or prismatic). For further discussion of the shape of the rotating component 108, particularly with respect to the protrusion 310, see the paragraph regarding FIG. 4.

[0036] 7 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the rotating component 108 and tubing connector 110 of FIG. 2, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the rotating component 108 and the tubing connector 110 are configured to couple together. In some embodiments, the rotating component 108 and the tubing connector 110 are coupled together by bringing the first end 306 of the rotating component 108 and the distal end 304 of the tubing connector 110 closer together.

[0037] As the first end 306 and the distal end 304 approach one another, the male mating portion 320 of the tubing connector 110 penetrates the fluid channel 316 of the rotating component 108 (e.g., forming a Luer lock). Additionally, the protrusion 310 of the rotating component 108 penetrates into the cavity 404 formed by the sheath 318 and the male mating portion 320 of the tubing connector 110. In doing so, the protrusion 310 contacts the sheath 318 and the male mating portion 320, causing the sheath 318 to expand or compress the male mating portion 320, allowing the protrusion 310 to slide toward and into the recess 402 of the tubing connector 110.

[0038] After the protrusion 310 enters the recess 402, the sheath 318 can return to its original, unextended position. Similarly, the male mating portion 320 can return to its original, unstressed position. However, in some embodiments, the male mating portion 320 or the sheath 318 can remain in a flexed (e.g., expanded, stressed) position to ensure a seal between the rotating component 108 and the tubing connector 110.

[0039] Various examples of aspects of the present disclosure are described as numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.) for convenience. These are provided as examples and not as limitations on the subject technology. Figure and reference number identifications are provided below for illustrative purposes only and the clauses are not limited by those identifications.

[0040] Clause 1: A system for reducing kinking of medical tubing, comprising: a rotating component having a first end, a second end, an inner surface, and an outer surface, the first end including a protrusion extending from the outer surface away from the inner surface, the inner surface forming a fluid channel extending through the first end and the second end; and a tubing connector having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner surface, the inner surface forming a fluid channel extending through the proximal end and the distal end forming a male fitting and a sheath, the sheath having an inner surface spaced from the outer surface to form a cavity between the inner surface and the outer surface of the male fitting, and a recess extending into the inner surface of the sheath, the distal end of the tubing connector configured to couple with the first end of the rotating component such that the male fitting of the tubing connector is disposed within the fluid channel of the rotating component and the protrusion of the rotating component is disposed within the recess of the sheath, the rotating component being rotatable relative to the tubing connector.

[0041] Clause 2: The system described in clause 1, wherein the second end of the rotating component is configured to connect to an infusion bag.

[0042] Clause 3: The system of clause 1 or 2, wherein the second end includes a nut that can rotate independently of the rotating component.

[0043] Clause 4: A system described in any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the rotating component comprises a ring coupled to an outer surface of the rotating component.

[0044] Clause 5: The system of clause 4, wherein the ring abuts a first side of the protrusion on the first end of the rotating component.

[0045] Clause 6: The system of clause 4 or 5, wherein the ring abuts a recess in the tubing connector when the rotating component is attached to the tubing connector.

[0046] Clause 7: The system of any one of clauses 4 to 6, wherein the ring comprises a lubricant.

[0047] Clause 8: A system described in any one of clauses 5 to 7, wherein the rotating component further includes another ring coupled to an outer surface of the rotating component, the another ring abutting a second side of the protrusion that is different from the first side of the protrusion.

[0048] Clause 9: The system of clause 8, wherein the separate ring abuts a recess in the tubing connector when the rotating component is attached to the tubing connector.

[0049] Clause 10: A system described in any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the fluid channel of the tubing connector further extends between a proximal port at the proximal end and a distal port at the distal end, and the tubing connector comprises a collapsible valve disposed within the fluid channel of the tubing connector so that, in a first position, it blocks fluid flow through the proximal port and, in a second position, it allows fluid flow through the proximal port.

[0050] Clause 11: The system of clause 10, wherein the collapsible valve includes a bellows section and a head connected to the bellows section.

[0051] Clause 12: The system of clause 11, wherein the head of the collapsible valve is located within the proximal port of the tubing connector when the collapsible valve is in the first position.

[0052] Clause 13: The system of clause 11 or 12, wherein the bellows portion is compressed toward the distal port of the tubing connector when the collapsible valve is in the second position.

[0053] Clause 14: A system described in any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the cross-sectional width of the male mating portion of the tubing connector tapers toward the distal end of the tubing connector.

[0054] Clause 15: A system described in any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the rotatable component and the tubing connector couple together to form a Luer lock.

[0055] Clause 16: A rotating component for reducing kinking of medical tubing, having a first end, a second end, an inner surface, and an outer surface, the first end including a protrusion extending from the outer surface away from the inner surface, the inner surface forming a fluid channel extending through the first end and the second end, the rotating component configured to couple with a tubing connector having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner surface, the inner surface forming a fluid channel extending through the proximal end and the distal end, the distal end forming a male fitting and a sheath, the sheath having an inner surface spaced from the outer surface to form a cavity between the inner surface and the outer surface of the male fitting, and a recess extending into the inner surface of the sheath, the distal end of the tubing connector configured to couple with the first end of the rotating component such that the male fitting of the tubing connector is positioned within the fluid channel of the rotating component and the protrusion of the rotating component is positioned within the recess of the sheath, the rotating component being rotatable relative to the tubing connector.

[0056] Clause 17: The rotating component of clause 16, wherein the second end of the rotating component is configured to couple with an infusion bag.

[0057] Clause 18: The rotating component of clause 16 or 17, wherein the second end includes a nut that can rotate independently of the rotating component.

[0058] Clause 19: A rotating component according to any one of clauses 16 to 18, wherein the rotating component comprises a ring coupled to an outer surface of the rotating component.

[0059] Clause 20: A rotating component according to clause 19, wherein the ring abuts a first side of the projection at the first end of the rotating component.

[0060] Clause 21: A rotating component according to clause 19 or 20, wherein the ring abuts a recess in the tubing connector when the rotating component is attached to the tubing connector.

[0061] Clause 22: A rotating component according to any one of clauses 19 to 21, wherein the ring comprises a lubricant.

[0062] Clause 23: A rotating component according to any one of clauses 20 to 22, wherein the rotating component further comprises another ring coupled to an outer surface of the rotating component, the another ring abutting a second side of the protrusion that is different from the first side of the protrusion.

[0063] Clause 24: A rotating component as described in clause 23, wherein the other ring abuts against a recess in the tubing connector when the rotating component is attached to the tubing connector.

[0064] Clause 25: A rotating component described in any one of clauses 16 to 24, wherein the fluid channel of the tubing connector further extends between a proximal port at the proximal end and a distal port at the distal end, and the tubing connector comprises a collapsible valve disposed within the fluid channel of the tubing connector so that, in a first position, it blocks fluid flow through the proximal port and, in a second position, it allows fluid flow through the proximal port.

[0065] Clause 26: The rotary component of clause 25, wherein the collapsible valve includes a bellows section and a head connected to the bellows section.

[0066] Clause 27: The rotating component of clause 26, wherein the head of the collapsible valve is located within the proximal port of the tubing connector when the collapsible valve is in the first position.

[0067] Clause 28: A rotating component according to clause 26 or 27, wherein the bellows portion is compressed towards the distal port of the tubing connector when the collapsible valve is in the second position.

[0068] Clause 29: A rotating component described in any one of clauses 16 to 28, wherein the cross-sectional width of the male mating portion of the tubing connector tapers towards the distal end of the tubing connector.

[0069] Clause 30: A rotating component according to any one of clauses 16 to 29, wherein the rotatable component and the tubing connector couple together to form a luer lock.

[0070] This disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. This disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0071] Reference to an element in the singular is intended to mean "one or more" and not "one and only one" unless specifically stated so. The term "some" refers to one or more unless specifically stated otherwise. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used merely for convenience and do not limit the invention.

[0072] 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 may be considered at least equivalent.

[0073] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of," following a list of items, when followed by the word "or" separating any of those items, modifies the list as a whole and not each item in the list. The phrase "at least one of" does not require the selection of at least one item; rather, the phrase allows for the inclusion of at least one of any one of the items, and / or at least one of any combination of the items, and / or at least one of each of the items. Illustratively, the phrase "at least one of A, B, or C" can refer to A only, B only, or C only, or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0074] The use of a phrase such as "aspect" does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure of an aspect may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as "aspect" may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. A phrase such as "embodiment" does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure of an embodiment may apply to all embodiments or one or more examples. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as "embodiment" may refer to one or more examples, and vice versa. A phrase such as "configuration" does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure of a configuration may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as a configuration may refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0075] In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, sizes, dimensions, and other specifications set forth herein, including those in the claims that follow, are approximate and not exact, and are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the function to which they relate and the practice in the art to which they pertain.

[0076] It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps or acts in any disclosed process or method is an illustration of a sample approach. It is understood that based on an implementation priority or scenario, the specific order or hierarchy of steps, acts, or processes may be rearranged. Some of the steps, acts, or processes may be performed simultaneously. In some implementation priorities or scenarios, certain acts may or may not be performed. Some or all of the steps, acts, or processes may be performed automatically, without user intervention. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps, acts, or processes in a sample order, and are not intended to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0077] All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later become known to those skilled in the art are intended to be specifically incorporated herein by reference and encompassed by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made available to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims. No element of a claim is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) 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." Moreover, to the extent terms such as "include," "have," and the like are used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in the same manner as the terms "include," "have," and "comprise," as they would be interpreted when used as transitional phrases in a claim.

[0078] The title, background art, summary, brief description of the drawings, and abstract of this disclosure are hereby incorporated into this disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as a limiting description of the disclosure. This disclosure is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the detailed description, it will be appreciated that the description provides illustrative examples, and that various features have been grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the appended claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed structure or operation. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as separately claimed subject matter.

[0079] The claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but are to be accorded full scope consistent with the language of the claims and encompass all legal equivalents. However, none of the claims are intended, and should not be construed, to encompass subject matter that does not satisfy the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §§ 101, 102, or 103.

Claims

1. 1. A system for reducing kinking in medical tubing, comprising: a rotating component having a first end, a second end, an inner surface, and an outer surface, the first end including a protrusion extending from the outer surface in a direction away from the inner surface, the inner surface forming a fluid channel extending through the first end and the second end; a tubing connector having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner surface, the inner surface forming a fluid channel extending through the proximal end and the distal end, the distal end forming a male mating portion and a sheath, the sheath having an inner surface spaced from an outer surface of the male mating portion to form a cavity between the inner surface and the outer surface, and a recess extending into the inner surface of the sheath; Including, the distal end of the tubing connector is configured to couple with the first end of the rotating component such that the male mating portion of the tubing connector is positioned within the fluid channel of the rotating component and the protrusion of the rotating component is positioned within the recess of the sheath, and the rotating component is rotatable relative to the tubing connector.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second end of the rotating component is configured to couple with an infusion bag.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second end includes a nut that can rotate independently of the rotating component.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the rotating component comprises a ring coupled to the outer surface of the rotating component.

5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the ring abuts a first side of the projection on the first end of the rotating component.

6. 6. The system of claim 4 or 5, wherein the ring abuts the recess in the tubing connector when the rotating component is attached to the tubing connector.

7. The system of claim 4 , wherein the ring includes a lubricant.

8. 8. The system of claim 5, wherein the rotating component further includes another ring coupled to the outer surface of the rotating component, the another ring abutting a second side of the protrusion that is different from the first side of the protrusion.

9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the another ring abuts the recess in the tubing connector when the rotating component is attached to the tubing connector.

10. the fluid channel of the tubing connector further extends between a proximal port at the proximal end and a distal port at the distal end; 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the tubing connector comprises a collapsible valve disposed in the fluid channel of the tubing connector such that, in a first position, the collapsible valve blocks fluid flow through the proximal port and, in a second position, the collapsible valve allows fluid flow through the proximal port.

11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the collapsible valve includes a bellows section and a head connected to the bellows section.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the head of the collapsible valve is located within the proximal port of the tubing connector when the collapsible valve is in the first position.

13. 13. The system of claim 11 or 12, wherein the bellows section is compressed toward the distal port of the tubing connector when the collapsible valve is in the second position.

14. 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional width of the male mating portion of the tubing connector tapers toward the distal end of the tubing connector.

15. 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the rotatable component and the tubing connector couple together to form a luer lock.

16. 1. A rotating component for reducing kinks in medical tubing, comprising: a first end, a second end, an inner surface, and an outer surface, the first end including a protrusion extending from the outer surface in a direction away from the inner surface, the inner surface forming a fluid channel extending through the first end and the second end; the rotating component is configured to couple with a tubing connector having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner surface, the inner surface forming a fluid channel extending through the proximal end and the distal end, the distal end forming a male mating portion and a sheath, the sheath having an inner surface spaced from an outer surface of the male mating portion to form a cavity between the inner surface and the outer surface, and a recess extending into the inner surface of the sheath; A rotating component, wherein the distal end of the tubing connector is configured to couple with the first end of the rotating component such that the male mating portion of the tubing connector is positioned within the fluid channel of the rotating component and the protrusion of the rotating component is positioned within the recess of the sheath, and the rotating component is rotatable relative to the tubing connector.

17. The rotating component of claim 16 , wherein the second end includes a nut that can rotate independently of the rotating component.

18. 18. The rotating component of claim 16 or 17, wherein the rotating component includes a ring coupled to the outer surface of the rotating component, the ring (i) abutting a first side of the protrusion at the first end of the rotating component, and (ii) abutting the recess in the tubing connector when the rotating component is attached to the tubing connector.

19. 20. The rotating component of claim 18, wherein the rotating component further includes another ring coupled to the outer surface of the rotating component, the another ring (i) abutting a second side of the protrusion, different from the first side of the protrusion, and (ii) abutting the recess of the tubing connector when the rotating component is attached to the tubing connector.

20. the fluid channel of the tubing connector further extends between a proximal port at the proximal end and a distal port at the distal end; 20. A rotating component according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the tubing connector comprises a collapsible valve disposed in the fluid channel of the tubing connector such that in a first position, the collapsible valve blocks fluid flow through the proximal port and in a second position, the collapsible valve allows fluid flow through the proximal port.

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