Extendable Tube Extension Set

Abstract

An extendable tube extension set is disclosed. The extendable tube extension set comprises a tube support (cradle) having a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end being positioned between a non-extension configuration and an extension configuration. In the non-extension configuration, the first end and the second end of the tube support are separated by a first distance, the first distance being shorter than the length from the first end to the second end of the tube support. On the other hand, in the extension configuration, the first end and the second end are separated by a second distance, the second distance being longer than the first distance. The tube support is configured to accommodate the length of the tube internally, thereby allowing the extendable tube extension set to resist separation or severance of the fluid path through the tube by transitioning from a non-extension configuration to an extension configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of Patent Provisional Application No. 63 / 493,262, entitled "EXTENDABLE TUBING EXTENSION SETS", filed on March 30, 2023, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] The present invention generally relates to medical fluid connectors, and more particularly to an extendable tube extension set movable between a non-extended configuration and an extended configuration.

[0003] Medical connections are widely used in fluid supply systems and the like related to intravenous (IV) fluid lines, blood access, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, enteral nutrition, drug vial access, and other procedures.

[0004] In some cases, medical connections may accidentally disconnect or be cut in an unintended manner. For example, the medical tube of an IV set connected to a catheter may be subjected to an unintended or unexpected force on a part of the IV set such as the catheter or the tube, and may disconnect if that force exceeds the design limits of the catheter fixation method or other parts of the IV set. When a patient moves in bed, turns over, etc., or when the tube or other parts of the intravenous set get caught on part of the bed (e.g., the railing), or when the patient is in a panic, confused, or fidgety and inadvertently or intentionally pulls the medical tube away from the patient himself or from the medical device to which the tube is connected, an unintended or unexpected force may be applied to the tube and / or catheter.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] According to some embodiments disclosed in the present invention, there is a recognition that unintentional disconnection or breakage of medical connections, such as medical tubing, can cause harm to patients or caregivers, including injuring patients by isolating them from medication, increasing the likelihood of infection in patients, or exposing caregivers to harmful medications. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides an extendable tube extension set including a tube support including a first end, a second end, and a tube passage extending through the first and second ends of the tube support (cradle). The tube support includes a tube support length from the first end to the second end, and in a non-extension configuration, the first end of the tube support is positioned at a first distance from the second end of the tube support, where the first distance is shorter than the tube support length. In an extension configuration, either the first end or the second end of the tube support is moved away from the other, and the first end of the tube support is positioned at a second distance from the second end, where the second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0007] The present invention can also provide an extendable tube extension set. This extendable tube extension set includes a tube support including a first end, a second end, and a tube passage extending through the first and second ends of the tube support (cradle). The tube support includes the length of the tube support from the first end to the second end, and further includes a tube including a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion of the tube is located within the tube passage, the proximal end of the tube extends beyond the first end of the tube support, and the distal end of the tube extends beyond the second end of the tube support. In the non-extension configuration, the first end of the tube support is located at a first distance from the second end of the tube support, and the first distance is shorter than the length of the tube support. In the extension configuration, either the first end or the second end of the tube support is moved away from the other, and the first end of the tube support is located at a second distance from the second end, and the second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0008] Accordingly, this invention addresses several operational challenges encountered in conventional fluid connections, provides numerous improvements that allow users to more easily provide fluid pathways, and enhance safety and effectiveness in maintaining fluid pathways and fluid supply. In one embodiment of the present invention, an extendable tube extension set is provided that can resist separation or damage to fluid pathways by making the tube support movable from a non-extension configuration to an extension configuration.

[0009] Additional features and advantages of this technology are described below, some of which will be evident from the description or understood by carrying out the technology. The advantages of this technology are realized and achieved by the structures specifically indicated in the description and examples of this specification and in the accompanying drawings.

[0010] It should be understood that the general description above and the detailed description below are both illustrative and explanatory, and are intended to provide further explanation of this technology. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] Various features of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments shown are illustrative of the present invention and do not limit it. The drawings include the following figures. [Figure 1A] This figure shows an extendable tube extension set in a non-extension configuration, used in conjunction with an intravenous (IV) set connected to a patient, according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 1B] This figure shows an extendable tube extension set with an extension configuration used in conjunction with an intravenous (IV) set connected to a patient, according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows a top perspective view of an extendable tube extension set in a non-extension configuration according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows a perspective view of the extendable tube extension set shown in Figure 2 when it is configured as an extension, according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows a bottom view of an extendable tube extension set according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows a top view of an extendable tube extension set according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows a top view of an extendable tube extension set according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows a first side view of the extendable tube extension set shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] This figure shows a second side view of the extendable tube extension set shown in Figure 6. [Figure 9] This figure shows a perspective view of an extendable tube extension set according to one aspect of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The following detailed description provides many specific details to ensure a thorough understanding of this technology. It should be understood that this technology can be implemented without some of these specific details. In other cases, well-known structures and techniques are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the technology.

[0013] Furthermore, while this description provides specific details of various embodiments, it should be understood that these are merely illustrative and should not be interpreted restrictively in any way. In addition, even if a particular embodiment of the present invention is disclosed or shown in the context of Set IV, it is assumed that such embodiments can be used in other fluid transport systems. Moreover, various uses and modifications thereof of such embodiments that may arise for those skilled in the art are also encompassed within the general concepts described herein.

[0014] In accordance with several embodiments, the present application discloses various features and advantages of extendable tube extension sets. Extendable tube extension sets enable the efficient and safe maintenance of fluid pathways, such as fluid pathways used to transport medical fluids toward or away from a patient. Extendable tube extension sets can maintain the structural integrity and sterility of fluid pathways by resisting unintended breakage when tensile or tension is applied to the extendable tube extension set or other devices forming the fluid pathway, such as when a patient moves or when a medical tube is pulled away from a patient.

[0015] Extendable tube extension sets prevent accidental severance of fluid pathways from the patient, thereby preventing disruption of drug delivery to the patient, exposure of the patient or others to the drug, and preventing injury to the patient or caregiver. Furthermore, by avoiding accidental severance of fluid pathways, extendable tube extension sets can reduce the effort and costs associated with fluid transport.

[0016] The extendable tube extension set is configured to be used by a patient, at least initially, in a non-extended configuration, and to transition to an extended configuration when a force exceeding a threshold is applied to the extendable tube extension set or a tube connected to the extendable tube extension set.

[0017] When a force exceeding the threshold is applied to the extendable tube extension set or a tube connected to the extendable tube extension set, the tube support (cradle) can move from a focused or wound state in the non-extended configuration to an extended or released state in the extended configuration. Thus, the extendable tube extension set functions as a buffer and can provide an additional length of the movable fluid path when the tube is pulled to an extent or force that would otherwise cause tube dropout or separation without the buffer.

[0018] In the non-extended configuration, the tube support (cradle) forms a pattern such that the first and second ends of the tube support are positioned at a distance shorter than the length from the first end to the second end of the tube support. When the tube support is in a released or unwound state in the extended configuration, the distance between the first and second ends of the tube support increases compared to the distance between the first and second ends in the non-extended configuration. Since the tube support is configured to receive the length of the tube therein, the length of the tube remains the same between the non-extended and extended configurations, but when the tube support moves from the non-extended configuration to the extended configuration, the distance between the proximal and distal ends of the tube increases.

[0019] To resist movement from a non-extended configuration to an extended configuration, the tube support (cradle) can be formed or manufactured in the shape or position of the non-extended configuration. In the non-extended configuration, the strength of the material forming the tube support can resist movement to the extended configuration. The extendable tube extension set can be configured to include a connection between portions of the tube support to resist movement to the extended configuration. The connection between portions of the tube support can be formed by an adhesive, welding, or the structure between portions of the tube support. The connection between portions of the tube support can be configured to separate and / or break to allow the tube support to move from the non-extended configuration to the extended configuration. In some embodiments of the present invention, the extendable tube extension set has a base, and portions of the tube support are coupled to the base to resist movement to the extended configuration. In some aspects of the present invention, the base is configured to be coupled to a patient.

[0020] An example of an extendable tube extension set 100 is shown in FIG. 1A for use with a patient in a non-extended configuration and in FIG. 1B for use with a patient in an extended configuration. The extendable tube extension set is connected to the tube of an intravenous (IV) set that is used to supply fluid to a patient 10. The IV set can include a drug bag 12, a drip chamber 14, a tube 16, and an IV catheter 18. In both the non-extended and extended configurations, the extendable tube extension set 100 forms a fluid path having the same length in the non-extended and extended configurations.

[0021] In the non-extension configuration shown in Figure 1A, the extendable tube extension set 100 is connected to the patient's arm, and the tube support (cradle) is arranged to form a zigzag pattern with alternating directions, so that the first and second ends of the tube support are separated by a first distance shorter than the length from the first end to the second end of the tube support. In Figure 1B, the patient's arm is moved away from the IV set, which would normally cause the tube to detach from the IV set. However, the patient's movement applies force to the tube and the extendable tube extension set 100, causing the extendable tube extension set to transition from the non-extension configuration to the extension configuration. In the extension configuration, the first and second ends of the tube support are separated by a second distance greater than the first distance, thereby maintaining a fluid path between the patient 10 and the drug bag 12.

[0022] One embodiment of the extendable tube extension set 100 is shown in a non-extendable configuration in Figure 2 and in an extendable configuration in Figure 3. The extendable tube extension set includes a tube support 102 having a first end 104, a second end 106, and a tube passage 108 extending through the first end 104 and the second end 106 of the tube support (cradle).

[0023] Since a portion of the tube 66 is coupled to the tube support (cradle) 102 and extends along the tube passage 108, the tube 66 can move together with the tube support 102 between a non-extended configuration and an extended configuration. The tube 66 includes a proximal end 68, a distal end 70, and an intermediate section 72 extending between the proximal and distal ends. When coupled to the tube support 102, the intermediate section 72 of the tube extends through the tube passage 108, the proximal end 68 of the tube extends beyond the first end 104 of the tube support, and the distal end 70 of the tube extends beyond the second end 106 of the tube support.

[0024] The tube support (cradle) 102 and the tube inside it are oriented such that the first end of the tube support is positioned at a first distance D1 from the second end of the tube support, and the first distance is shorter than the tube support length L1. Here, the tube support length L1 is the length from the first end 104 to the second end 106 of the tube support. In order to realize a non-extended configuration, that is, when the first distance D1 between the first end 104 and the second end 106 of the tube support is shorter than the tube support length L1, the tube support 102 extends in multiple directions between its first end 104 and the second end 106.

[0025] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the tube support (cradle) 102 extends in a reciprocating or zigzag pattern between a first end 104 and a second end 106. In the reciprocating or zigzag pattern, a first portion 120 between the first end 104 and the second end 106 of the tube support extends in a first direction, and a second portion 122 between the first portion 120 and the second end 106 of the tube support may extend in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0026] Although the tube support (cradle) 102 is shown having a reciprocating or zigzag pattern, it should be understood that the present invention includes embodiments in which the tube support 102 may form any pattern between the first end 104 and the second end 106, in which case the first distance D1 between the first end 104 and the second end 106 of the tube support is shorter than the tube support length L1.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present invention, the tube support (cradle) 102 may form a coil extending in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction between the first end 104 and the second end 106 in a non-extended configuration. In some embodiments, the tube support 102 may form a spiral having a regular or irregular shape, such as a circle or a square.

[0028] To achieve a non-extension configuration, the tube support (cradle) 102 may be integrally formed or manufactured in a reciprocating or zigzag pattern. In some embodiments of the present invention, the formation or manufacture of the tube support 102 provides material strength that resists movement to an extension configuration.

[0029] The tube support (cradle) 102 is configured to hold a tube within a tube passage 108. The tube passage 108 may be formed by a first vertical wall 112 and a second vertical wall 114 that extend coaxially between a first end 104 and a second end 106. To hold the tube 66, the first vertical wall 112 and the second vertical wall 114 are spaced apart so that the tube passage 108 is formed between the inner surfaces of the first vertical wall 112 and the second vertical wall 114.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present invention, either the first vertical wall 112 or the second vertical wall 114 forms a discontinuous portion along the tube support length L1. The discontinuous portion of the tube support can provide flexibility for the tube support 102 to be bent or positioned in a bundled or wound state in a non-extended configuration.

[0031] The discontinuity of the tube support may be formed by a groove or passage extending through the first vertical wall 112 and / or the second vertical wall 114. The extendable tube extension set 100 may be configured such that the discontinuity of the first vertical wall 112 is longitudinally aligned with the discontinuity of the second vertical wall 114. In some embodiments, the extendable tube extension set 100 may also be configured such that the discontinuity of the first vertical wall 112 is not longitudinally aligned with the discontinuity of the second vertical wall 114.

[0032] To attach the extendable tube extension set 100 to the patient, a tape can be placed on the upper surface of the tube support (cradle) and adhered to the patient so as to resist movement of the extendable tube extension set 100 relative to the patient in the non-extendable configuration. In some embodiments, the tube support 102 may have an adhesive along its lower surface configured to contact the patient.

[0033] In some embodiments, the extendable tube extension set 100 includes a base 130 configured to hold a tube support (cradle) 102 and to contact the patient. The base has an upper surface 132 and a lower surface 134, the lower surface 134 configured to contact the patient and the upper surface 132 configured to contact the tube support.

[0034] To hold the tube support (cradle) 102, the base 130 and the tube support 102 may be joined along a portion of the tube support length L1. For example, a portion of the tube support length L1 extending from the second end 106 toward the first end 104 of the tube support may be joined to the base 130 or formed integrally with the base 130.

[0035] In the non-extension configuration, the first end 1024 and the second end 106 of the tube support (cradle) are positioned on the upper surface of the base 132. When the extendable tube extension set 100 transitions to the extension configuration, the first end 104 of the tube support moves relative to the base 130. In the extension configuration, the first end 104 of the tube support extends beyond the periphery of the base 130. In some embodiments, either the first end and / or the second end of the cradle may be configured to move relative to the base 130 in the extension configuration.

[0036] The base 130 can also provide a surface for applying tape or adhesive to attach the extendable tube extension set 100 to the patient. As shown in Figure 4, the lower surface 134 of the base contains an adhesive configured to adhere to the patient in some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in Figure 5, the extendable tube extension set 100 is shown attached to the patient by tape 138 extending over the tube support (cradle) 102.

[0037] In some embodiments, the extendable tube extension set 100 may include a first fluid connector 140 coupled to the proximal end of the tube 66 and a second fluid connector 142 coupled to the distal end of the tube. The proximal end 68 of the tube extends away from the first end 104 of the tube support (cradle), and the distal end 70 of the tube extends away from the second end 106 of the tube support, so the proximal end 68 and the distal end 70 of the tube are movable relative to the tube support. Since the first fluid connector 140 and the second fluid connector 142 are coupled to the proximal end 68 and the distal end 70 of the tube, respectively, the extendable tube extension set 100 allows the proximal end 68 and the distal end 70 to move to resist separation of the extendable tube extension set 100 or cutting of the fluid passage.

[0038] When used, if a portion of the tube 66 or the extendable tube extension set 100 is pulled beyond a first threshold force or distance, either the first end 104 or the second end 106 of the tube support (cradle) moves relative to the other, and as a result, the extendable tube extension set 100 transitions from a non-extended configuration to an extended configuration.

[0039] In some embodiments of the present invention, for example, in the extendable tube extension set 200 shown in Figures 6 to 8, the extendable tube extension set 200 may include a fluid cutting device 202 fluidly coupled to the tube 66. The fluid cutting device 202 is configured to separate the fluid flow path between the proximal end 68 and the distal end 70 of the tube when the force applied to the tube 66 or a portion of the extendable tube extension set 200 exceeds a second threshold, where the second threshold is greater than a first threshold. Thus, the fluid cutting device 202 can separate the fluid flow path after the fluid cutting device 202 transitions to an extension configuration.

[0040] To enable separation of the fluid passage, the fluid cutting device 202 includes a first section 204 and a second section 206 that are detachably coupled. When the first section 204 and the second section 206 of the fluid cutting device are coupled, the fluid passage through the fluid cutting device 202 is open, and fluid can flow between the proximal end 68 and the distal end 70 of the tube. When the first section 204 and the second section 206 of the fluid cutting device are separated from each other, the fluid passage portions within the first section 204 and the second section 206 of the fluid cutting device can be closed.

[0041] The fluid cutting device 202 is coupled between the intermediate portion 72 and the distal end 70 of the tube 66, and between the second end 106 of the tube support (cradle) and the distal end of the tube. However, the present invention also envisions that the fluid cutting device 202 may be coupled to any portion of the tube 66, for example, the proximal end 68 or the distal end 70 of the tube.

[0042] If, during use, the force applied to the tube 66 or part of the extendable tube extension set 200 exceeds a second threshold, the fluid cutting device 202 allows the second distal end 70 of the tube and the second fluid connector 142 to remain connected to the patient, thereby preventing injury to the patient or severance of the intravenous fluid pathway from the patient. In some embodiments of the present invention, if the second threshold is exceeded, the proximal end 68 and intermediate portion 72 of the tube and the second portion 206 of the fluid cutting device can be separated from the first portion 204 of the fluid cutting device.

[0043] In some embodiments of the present invention, the base includes an arm 212 extending from the base 130 and coupled to a portion of the tube 66, resisting movement of that portion of the tube relative to the base. For example, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the arm 212 can be detachably coupled to the distal end 70 of the tube located between the fluid cutting device 202 and the distal end of the second fluid connector 142. If a second threshold is exceeded, the tube is detached from the arm 212, allowing the base 130 to separate from the distal end 70 of the tube.

[0044] Figure 9 shows another embodiment of the extendable tube extension set 300, which includes an auxiliary port 302 fluidically coupled to the tube 66, the auxiliary port 302 being configured to allow fluid to be injected into the fluid path without severing other parts of the fluid path, such as the first fluid connector 140 or the second fluid connector 142. The auxiliary port 302 also allows injection into the fluid path without affecting the priming capacity of the extendable tube extension set 300.

[0045] In some embodiments of the present invention, the auxiliary port 302 is formed by a Y-shaped connection provided along a portion of the tube 66. In some embodiments, the Y-shaped connection is located between the intermediate portion 72 and the distal end 70 of the tube. In some embodiments of the present invention, the auxiliary port includes a needleless connector.

[0046] The present invention provides an embodiment of an extendable tube extension set that can resist separation or severance of the fluid path when the extendable tube extension set is in a non-extension configuration and an extension configuration. In the non-extension configuration, features such as the proximal and distal ends of the tube extending away from the tube support (cradle) can resist separation or severance of the fluid path when a force below a first threshold is applied. Furthermore, features including the structure of the tube support and / or the connection between the tube support and the base can resist separation or severance of the fluid path when a force below a first threshold is applied. When the force exceeds a second threshold, features such as a fluid cutting device can enable intentional severance of the fluid path and separation of a portion of the extendable tube extension set, preventing injury to the patient and preventing fluid leakage from the tube.

[0047] Description of this technology by clause This technology is illustrated, for example, according to various embodiments described below. Examples of various embodiments of this technology are given as numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.) for convenience. These are provided as examples and do not limit the technology. Note that any dependent clause may be combined in any combination and incorporated into an independent clause, for example, Clause 1 or Clause 5. Other clauses may be presented in a similar manner.

[0048] Clause 1. An extendable tube extension set comprising a tube support (cradle), the tube support comprising a first end, a second end and a tube passage extending through the first and second ends of the tube support, the tube support comprising a tube support length from the first end to the second end, wherein in a non-extension configuration, the first end of the tube support is positioned at a first distance from the second end of the tube support, and the first distance is shorter than the tube support length, and in an extension configuration, either the first end or the second end of the tube support is moved away from the other, and the first end of the tube support is positioned at a second distance from the second end of the tube support, and the second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0049] Clause 2. The extendable tube extension set according to Clause 1, wherein the tube support (cradle) includes a first vertical wall and a second vertical wall, the first vertical wall and the second vertical wall extending coaxially between a first end and a second end of the tube support, and spaced apart such that the tube passage is formed between the inner surface of the first vertical wall and the inner surface of the second vertical wall.

[0050] Clause 3. The extendable tube extension set according to Clause 2, wherein either the first vertical wall or the second vertical wall forms a discontinuous portion along the length of the tube support.

[0051] Clause 4. The extendable tube extension set described in Clause 3, wherein the discontinuity of the first vertical wall is longitudinally aligned with the discontinuity of the second vertical wall.

[0052] Clause 5. The extendable tube extension set described in Clause 3, wherein the discontinuity of the first vertical wall is not longitudinally aligned with the discontinuity of the second vertical wall.

[0053] Clause 6. The extendable tube extension set according to Clause 2, wherein the tube support (cradle) is integrally formed in a non-extension configuration.

[0054] Clause 7. The extendable tube extension set according to Clause 2, wherein, in a non-extendable configuration, a first portion of the tube support length extends in a first direction, and a second portion of the tube support length extends in a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction.

[0055] Clause 8. An extendable tube extension set according to Clause 1, comprising a base having an upper and a lower surface, wherein the lower surface is configured to contact a patient and the upper surface is configured to contact a tube support.

[0056] Clause 9. The extendable tube extension set according to Clause 8, wherein in a non-extension configuration, the first and second ends of the tube support are positioned on the upper surface of the base.

[0057] Clause 10. An extendable tube extension set as described in Clause 8, wherein the tube support is movable relative to the base along a first portion of the length of the tube support.

[0058] Clause 11. An extendable tube extension set as described in Clause 10, wherein the tube support is coupled to a base along a second portion of the length of the tube support.

[0059] Clause 12. An extendable tube extension set as described in Clause 8, including adhesive along at least a portion of the underside of the base.

[0060] Clause 13. An extendable tube extension set comprising a tube support (cradle), the tube support comprising a first end, a second end, and a tube passage extending through the first and second ends of the tube support, the tube support comprising a tube support length from the first end to the second end, and comprising a tube comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion of the tube being positioned within the tube passage, the proximal end of the tube extending beyond the first end of the tube support, the distal end of the tube extending beyond the second end of the tube support, and in a non-extension configuration, the first end of the tube support being positioned at a first distance from the second end of the tube support, and the first distance being shorter than the tube support length, and in an extension configuration, either the first end or the second end of the tube support being moved away from the other, the first end of the tube support being positioned at a second distance from the second end of the tube support, and the second distance being greater than the first distance.

[0061] Clause 14. The extendable tube extension set according to Clause 13, wherein a first fluid connector is connected to the proximal end of the tube and a second fluid connector is connected to the distal end of the tube.

[0062] Clause 15. An extendable tube extension set as described in Clause 13, comprising a fluid cutting device coupled to the tube.

[0063] Clause 16. The extendable tube extension set according to Clause 15, wherein the fluid cutting device is coupled between the middle and distal end of the tube, and between the second end of the tube support and the distal end of the tube.

[0064] Clause 17. The extendable tube extension set according to Clause 15, wherein the fluid cutting device is positioned between the second end of the tube support and the distal end of the tube.

[0065] Clause 18. An extendable tube extension set according to Clause 13, comprising a base having an upper and a lower surface, wherein the lower surface is configured to contact a patient and the upper surface is configured to contact a tube support.

[0066] Clause 19. An extendable tube extension set as described in Clause 18, comprising an arm configured to connect to the tube.

[0067] Clause 20. An extendable tube extension set as described in Clause 18, including an auxiliary port coupled to the tube.

[0068] In some embodiments, any clause described herein may be dependent on either an independent clause or a dependent clause. In one embodiment, any clause (e.g., a dependent clause or an independent clause) may be combined with one or more other clauses (e.g., dependent clauses or independent clauses). In one embodiment, a claim may include some or all of the words (e.g., steps, actions, means, or components) described in a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one embodiment, a claim may include some or all of the words described in one or more clauses, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs. In one embodiment, some of the words in each clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph may be deleted. In one embodiment, additional words or elements may be added to a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one embodiment, the Art may be carried out without utilizing any of the components, elements, functions, or actions described herein. In one embodiment, the Art may be carried out by utilizing additional components, elements, functions, or actions.

[0069] The present invention is provided so that those skilled in the art can carry out the various embodiments described herein. The present invention provides various examples of the art, but the art is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may also apply to other embodiments.

[0070] Unless otherwise specified, a singular reference to an element means "one or more" and not "only one." Unless otherwise specified, the term "several" means "one or more." Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter forms (e.g., her and it, and vice versa). Headings and subheadings, where present, are for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

[0071] As used herein, the term “exemplary” means “serving as an example or illustration.” Embodiments or designs described herein as “exemplary” should not necessarily be construed as being preferable or advantageous to other embodiments or designs. In one embodiment, various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0072] The term "aspect" does not mean that such an aspect is essential to the Art, or that such an aspect applies to all configurations of the Art. Disclosures relating to aspects may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. The term "aspect" may refer to one or more aspects, or vice versa. The term "embodiment" does not mean that such an embodiment is essential to the Art, or that such an embodiment applies to all configurations of the Art. Disclosures relating to embodiments may apply to all embodiments, or to one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. The term "embodiment" may refer to one or more embodiments, or vice versa. The term "configuration" does not mean that such a configuration is essential to the Art, or that such a configuration applies to all configurations of the Art. Disclosures relating to configurations may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. An configuration may provide one or more examples. The term "composition" can refer to one or more compositions, or vice versa.

[0073] In one embodiment, unless otherwise specified, all measurements, numerical values, evaluations, locations, sizes, dimensions, and other specifications described herein (including the claims described below) are approximate and not precise. In one embodiment, they are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the function to which they relate and the range that is customary in the art.

[0074] In one aspect, the term "coupled" or similar may refer to direct joining. In another aspect, the term "coupled" or similar may refer to indirect joining.

[0075] The terms "top," "bottom," "front," and "rear" as used herein should be understood to refer to an arbitrary reference frame, not a typical gravity reference frame. Therefore, the top, bottom, front, and back surfaces may extend upward, downward, obliquely, or horizontally within the gravity reference frame.

[0076] Various items may be arranged in different orders or categorized in different ways, and none of these shall deviate from the scope of the Art. All structural and functional equivalents of elements of various aspects described throughout this Specified, which are known to those skilled in the art or which may become known in the future, are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be included in the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein, whether expressly stated in the claims or not, is intended to be made available to the public free of charge. No claim element should be construed under Section 112, Section 6 of the U.S. Patent Act, except when such element is expressly described using the phrase “means for” or, in a method claim, using the phrase “steps to do.” Furthermore, “include,” “have,” or similar terms are intended to be used in an inclusive sense, similar to how “comprise” is construed as a transition word in a claim.

[0077] The title, background art, abstract, brief description of the drawings, and summary of the present invention are incorporated herein and provided as exemplary examples of the invention, and not as limiting descriptions. They are submitted with the understanding that they are not to be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the detailed description, it will be found that the description provides exemplary examples and various features are grouped together in multiple embodiments for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure. Such a method of disclosure should not be interpreted as indicating an intention that the subject matter of the claimed invention requires features beyond those explicitly stated in each claim. Rather, as the following claims show, the subject matter of the invention resides not in all the features of a single disclosed configuration or operation, but in some of them. The following claims are each incorporated in the detailed description as the subject matter of the invention claimed independently.

[0078] The claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but are granted a full scope consistent with the language of the claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, no claim is intended, nor should it be construed, to encompass subject matter that does not meet the requirements of Section 101, 102, or 103 of the U.S. Patent Act.

Claims

1. This is an extendable tube extension set, A tube support comprising a first end, a second end, and a tube passage extending through the first and second ends of the tube support (cradle), The tube support includes the length of the tube support from the first end to the second end of the tube support, In a non-extended configuration, the first end of the tube support is positioned at a first distance from the second end of the tube support, and the first distance is shorter than the length of the tube support. In the extension configuration, either the first end or the second end of the tube support is moved away from the other, and the first end of the tube support is positioned at a second distance from the second end, and the second distance is greater than the first distance. Extendable tube extension set.

2. The extendable tube extension set according to claim 1, wherein the tube support includes a first vertical wall and a second vertical wall, the first vertical wall and the second vertical wall extend coaxially between a first end and a second end of the tube support, and the tube passage is formed between the inner surface of the first vertical wall and the inner surface of the second vertical wall.

3. The extendable tube extension set according to claim 2, wherein either the first vertical wall or the second vertical wall forms a discontinuous portion along the length of the tube support.

4. The extendable tube extension set according to claim 3, wherein the discontinuous portion of the first vertical wall is aligned longitudinally with the discontinuous portion of the second vertical wall.

5. The extendable tube extension set according to claim 3, wherein the discontinuous portion of the first vertical wall is not aligned longitudinally with the discontinuous portion of the second vertical wall.

6. The extendable tube extension set according to claim 2, wherein the tube support is integrally formed in a non-extension configuration.

7. The extendable tube extension set according to claim 2, wherein, in a non-extendable configuration, a first portion of the tube support length extends in a first direction, and a second portion of the tube support length is located between the first portion and the second end and extends in a second direction different from the first direction.

8. An extendable tube extension set according to claim 1, comprising a base, wherein the base has an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface configured to engage with a patient, and the upper surface configured to engage with the tube support.

9. The extendable tube extension set according to claim 8, wherein in a non-extension configuration, the first end and the second end of the tube support are positioned on the upper surface of the base.

10. The extendable tube extension set according to claim 8, wherein the tube support is movable relative to the base along a first portion of the length of the tube support.

11. The extendable tube extension set according to claim 10, wherein the tube support is coupled to the base along a second portion of the length of the tube support.

12. The extendable tube extension set according to claim 8, comprising an adhesive along at least a portion of the lower surface of the base.

13. This is an extendable tube extension set, A tube support comprising a first end, a second end and a tube passage extending through the first and second ends of the tube support, A tube including a proximal end, a distal end and an intermediate section, The intermediate portion of the tube is positioned within the tube passage, the proximal end of the tube extends beyond the first end of the tube support, and the distal end of the tube extends beyond the second end of the tube support. In a non-extended configuration, the first end of the tube support is positioned at a first distance from the second end of the tube support, and the first distance is shorter than the length of the tube support. In the extension configuration, either the first end or the second end of the tube support is moved away from the other, and the first end of the tube support is positioned at a second distance from the second end, and the second distance is greater than the first distance. Extendable tube extension set.

14. The extendable tube extension set according to claim 13, wherein a first fluid connector is connected to the proximal end of the tube and a second fluid connector is connected to the distal end of the tube.

15. An extendable tube extension set according to claim 13, comprising a fluid cutting device, wherein the fluid cutting device is coupled to the tube.

16. The extendable tube extension set according to claim 15, wherein the fluid cutting device is coupled between the intermediate portion of the tube and the distal end of the tube, and between the second end of the tube support and the distal end of the tube.

17. The extendable tube extension set according to claim 15, wherein the fluid cutting device is positioned between the second end of the tube support and the distal end of the tube.

18. An extendable tube extension set according to claim 13, comprising a base, wherein the base has an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface configured to engage with a patient, and the upper surface configured to engage with the tube support.

19. The extendable tube extension set according to claim 18, wherein the base includes an arm configured to connect to the tube.

20. The extendable tube extension set according to claim 18, comprising an auxiliary port connected to the tube.

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