Safe separation without slits

Abstract

A fluid connector assembly is disclosed having fluid connectors connected via a detachable ring. The fluid connector assembly may include a pair of fluid connectors and a ring connecting the pair of connectors. The ring may be configured to detach from either connector when subjected to a separating force exceeding a predetermined threshold force. The detachment of the ring may separate the pair of fluid connectors. When the pair of fluid connectors are connected, fluid may flow between them. When the pair of fluid connectors are disconnected, fluid may not flow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to connectors, particularly connector connections.

Background Art

[0002] Medical treatment often involves the administration of a medical fluid (e.g., saline or a drug solution) to a patient using an intravenous (IV) catheter that is generally connected through the placement of flexible tubing and fittings, called an “IV set,” to a source of fluid, such as an IV bag. Often, the tubing or catheter is connected or secured to each other to allow for fluid communication between various portions of the tubing or catheter.

[0003] In some applications, such tubing or catheter may disconnect if there is improper fixation and / or if it is subjected to forces greater than those for which the connection is designed to withstand.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a coupler assembly that includes a first connector having an outer surface and a first fluid passageway, a second connector having an external rim and a second fluid passageway, and a ring having a first portion and a second portion axially displaced from the first portion, the first portion being configured to be connected to the outer surface of the first connector and the second portion having a plurality of arms extending axially away from the first portion. When the ring is connected to the first connector and when the first connector and the second connector are integrally connected such that the first fluid passageway is in fluid communication with the second fluid passageway, the plurality of arms are configured to detachably engage the external rim of the second connector to secure the connection of the first connector and the second connector.

[0005] In some embodiments, each of the multiple arms of the ring includes a connecting portion that engages with the outer rim of the second connector. The ring may be configured to separate the first and second connectors when the separating force exceeds a predetermined threshold force.

[0006] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the first connector is provided with an alignment detent, and the ring is provided with an alignment tab, which is configured to be received by the alignment detent when the ring is connected to the outer surface of the first connector.

[0007] In some embodiments, multiple arms of the ring are configured to engage detachably with the outer rim of the second connector via a compression fit.

[0008] In some embodiments, the multiple arms and the outer rim of the second connector are configured to detach when the separation force exceeds a predetermined coupling force. In some embodiments, the ring and the first connector are configured to detach when the separation force exceeds a predetermined coupling force.

[0009] In some embodiments, the separating force is applied axially along the first and second connectors. In some embodiments, the separating force is the resulting axial force along the connected first and second connectors.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first connector comprises an external portion, and the second connector comprises an internal chamber, so that the external portion of the first connector fits into the internal chamber of the second connector, thereby providing fluid communication between the first and second fluid passages.

[0011] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method for connecting two connectors, comprising the steps of: providing a first connector having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; providing a second connector having an outer rim; sliding a ring having a plurality of arms around the first connector; detachably connecting the ring to the first connector via a retaining mechanism in the first connector and an engaging means in the ring; detachably connecting the ring to the second connector via a plurality of arms engaging with the outer rim of the second connector; and forming a fluid passage between the connected first and second connectors.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method includes the step of sliding the ring around the first connector from a first end. In some embodiments, the method includes the step of sliding the ring around the first connector from a second end.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method includes the step of detaching the first and second connectors by applying a force exceeding a predetermined threshold force.

[0014] In some embodiments, the step of detaching the first and second connectors disrupts the fluid passage.

[0015] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a coupling assembly comprising a first connector comprising a first connector body having a first inlet and a first outlet having fluid communication with the first inlet; a collar comprising a collar body that covers and covers the first connector body between the first inlet and the first outlet and comprises a plurality of arms extending circumferentially outward from itself; and a second connector comprising a second connector body having a first end and a second end having fluid communication with the first end, wherein the collar body is connected to the outer surface of the first connector via a friction fit, and the plurality of arms of the collar are connected to the outer surface of the second connector via a friction fit.

[0016] In some embodiments, the multiple arms of the collar further include internal protrusions that connect to the outer rim of the second connector to form a friction fit.

[0017] In some embodiments, the internal protrusions of the multiple arms of the collar detach from the external rim of the second connector when a force exceeding a predetermined threshold force is applied. In some embodiments, the force exceeding the predetermined threshold force is applied such that the first connector is pulled away from the second connector.

[0018] In some embodiments, a first connector is connected to a first portion of the pipe at a first inlet, and a second connector is connected to a second portion of the pipe at a second end.

[0019] Various configurations of the subject art will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure, and it will be understood that various configurations of the subject art are shown and described as examples. As will be recognized, other different configurations of the subject art are possible, and some of its details can be modified in various other ways without all departing from the scope of the subject art. Accordingly, the summary, drawings and detailed description are to be considered illustrative and not limiting in nature.

[0020] The accompanying drawings are included for further understanding and are incorporated into this specification and constitute part thereof, but serve to illustrate the disclosed embodiments and, together with their description, to illustrate the principles of the disclosed embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] This figure shows a coupler assembly used in delivering intravenous (IV) fluid to a patient, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is an exploded view of a coupler assembly having a first connector, a second connector, and a ring, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a view of a coupler assembly with a ring attached to a first connector, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a coupler assembly shown in FIG. 3, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a coupler assembly of FIG. 2 with a first connector connected to a second connector, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view with a separation force marked, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a coupler assembly of FIG. 6 after separation, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject technology. It should be understood that the subject technology may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques are not shown in detail so as not to obscure the subject technology.

[0023] Furthermore, while this description sets forth specific details of various embodiments, it should be recognized that the description is illustrative only and should not be construed as limiting in any way. Additionally, while specific embodiments of the present disclosure may be disclosed or shown in the context of an IV set, it is contemplated that such embodiments may be used in other fluid conveyance systems. Still further, various applications of such embodiments and modifications thereto that may be envisioned by those skilled in the art are also encompassed by the general concepts described herein.

[0024] The disclosed coupler assembly overcomes several challenges found with respect to certain IV catheters. When an overall force greater than what the fixation method is designed to withstand is applied to the catheter, it can lead to catheter dislodgement. In such cases, nurses may need to replace the catheter, thereby causing distress to the patient and incurring additional costs and time spent by the nurse for the new catheterization procedure. Examples of situations in which such catheter dislodgement may occur include a patient turning over in bed or snagging their IV line on the bed railing, moving the patient to a different bed, tampering by a pediatric patient, a visitor tripping over the line, and / or a confused adult patient pulling out their line. The use of certain conventional IV lines is undesirable because accidental or unintentional dislodgement of tubes, catheters, or fittings may interfere with the administration of medical fluids and cause discomfort to the patient.

[0025] Accordingly, according to this disclosure, it is advantageous to provide couplers and coupler / connector assemblies that enable the detachment of an IV line at a point of the coupler assembly, as described herein. This detachment point may help prevent catheter dislodgement and may also provide an easily reconnectable point that is easy to clean.

[0026] The disclosed coupler assembly includes a first connector, a second connector, and a ring. The ring or collar is configured to connect the first connector to the second connector. In some embodiments, the ring includes a first portion and an axially offset second portion, in which case the first portion is configured to connect to the outer surface of the first connector, and the second portion has a plurality of arms extending axially away from the first portion, in which case the plurality of arms detachably engage with the outer rim of the second connector to secure the two connectors together. When the first and second connectors are connected to each other, a fluid passage may be created through both the first and second connectors.

[0027] A coupler assembly may be configured to connect a first portion of a pipe to a second portion of the pipe. For example, the first portion of the pipe may be connected to a first connector, and the second portion of the pipe may be connected to a second connector. The first portion of the pipe and / or the second portion of the pipe may also be connected to a patient or a fluid source. In some embodiments, the coupler assembly allows fluid flow from the first portion of the pipe to the second portion of the pipe. For example, a ring may connect the first connector to the second connector, resulting in the formation of a fluid passage through the first and second connectors, allowing fluid flow from the first portion of the pipe through the first and second connectors to the second portion of the pipe. The fluid passage may also allow fluid flow from the second portion of the pipe to the first portion of the pipe through the second and first connectors.

[0028] In some embodiments, the ring includes an alignment tab, and the outer surface of the first connector includes an alignment stopper. The ring may be slidable around the first connector, so that the alignment tab can slide on the alignment stopper, connecting the ring to the first connector. In other embodiments, the ring may include a stopper, and the first connector may include a tab, so that the tab can make a connection with the stopper that connects the ring to the first connector. In other embodiments, the ring may include a protruding edge, and the first connector may include a recess, so that the protruding edge of the ring can fit into the recess of the first connector, connecting the ring and the first connector. In other embodiments, the ring may include a recess, and the first connector may include a protruding edge, so that the first connector can fit into the ring, connecting the ring and the first connector.

[0029] In some embodiments, the ring includes at least one arm extending axially outward from the ring-shaped portion of the ring. The arm of the ring may include a protruding portion, and the second connector may include a recessed portion, so that the protruding portion of the ring can connect to or fit into the recessed portion of the second connector, thereby connecting the ring and the second connector. In some embodiments, the second connector may include a protruding portion, and the ring may include a recessed portion, so that the protruding portion of the second connector and the recessed portion of the ring can connect, thereby connecting the ring and the second connector.

[0030] In some embodiments, the ring may be connected to the first connector first, and then to the second connector. In some embodiments, the ring may be connected to the second connector first, and then to the first connector. In some embodiments, the ring may be connected to both the first and second connectors simultaneously.

[0031] In some embodiments, the coupler assembly is configured to separate based on a force exceeding a predetermined threshold force. When a force exceeding a predetermined threshold force, such as an uplift force, is applied to the coupler assembly, the first connector may separate from the ring and the second connector. The uplift force may be a force that occurs along the longitudinal axis of the first connector. In some embodiments, the uplift force is brought about by pulling or tugging a first portion of a pipe connected to the first connector. Alternatively, the uplift force applied to the first connector may be brought about by pulling or tugging a second portion of the second connector and / or a pipe connected to the second connector. Alternatively, the uplift force may be a resulting force that pulls the first connector away from the second connector, such as by dropping an object onto the connector or pipe.

[0032] In some embodiments, the ring can be separated from the second connector while maintaining its connection to the first connector. In some embodiments, the ring can be separated from the first connector while maintaining its connection to the second connector. In some embodiments, the ring can be separated from both the first and second connectors.

[0033] In some embodiments, when the first connector is separated from the second connector, the fluid passage is blocked so that the fluid does not continue to flow through the first or second connector.

[0034] The ring, the first connector, and the second connector may be discarded or replaced with new sterile components to prevent infection or contamination that may occur when the components are reused (for example, when the first connector is reconnected to the second connector).

[0035] Figure 1 shows an exemplary system 100 in which patient 102 can be connected to a fluid system 104. The fluid system 104 may contain IV fluid 106 that passes through connection point 108 and enters an IV line 110 which is inserted into a vein of patient 102. The IV line 110 may continue through an assembly 200, which, when connected, may allow the IV fluid 106 to pass through the IV line 100 and continue to patient 102. When the assembly 200 is disconnected, the IV fluid 106 may not continue to flow through the IV line 100 to patient 102.

[0036] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of assembly 200. Assembly 200 includes a first connector 202, a second connector 204, and a ring 206. The first connector 202 may include means such as a retaining mechanism 208 for the ring 206 to engage with the first connector 202. The ring 206 may include arms 210 extending radially outward from the ring-shaped body of the ring 206. These arms 210 may include projections 212 that can engage with recesses 214 of the second connector 204.

[0037] In some embodiments, the ring 206 may include a first portion that is substantially ring-shaped and fits circumferentially around the outer surface of the first connector 202. The first portion of the ring may include notches, for example, that allow the ring 206 to slide more easily around the first connector 206. The ring 206 may also have a second axially offset portion having a plurality of arms 210 that extend axially away from the first portion. These arms 210 may have connecting portions, such as projections 212, that can help the ring 206 connect to the second connector 204, such as by fitting into recesses 214.

[0038] Figure 3 shows a ring 206 connected to a first connector 202. In some embodiments, the ring 206 may be fitted around the first connector 202 such that the first connector 202 continues to extend longitudinally beyond the end of the arm 210 of the ring 206. The end of the first connector 202 closest to the connecting edge of the second connector 204 may be tapered, so that the tapered end of the first connector 202 can be fitted into the connecting edge of the second connector 204. The internal portion of the first connector 202 may house a flexible valve 216 extending to the distal edge of the tapered end of the first connector 202. This flexible valve may prevent fluid from flowing through the first connector 202 when it is not connected to the second connector 204.

[0039] In some embodiments, the ring 206 fits around the first connector 202 by friction fit. In some embodiments, the ring 206 fits around the first connector 202 when the alignment tabs inside the ring 206 fit into the retaining elements in the ring 206, such as the retaining element 208. In some embodiments, the connection may be a combination of friction fit or crimp fit.

[0040] Figure 4 shows a cross-section of the coupler assembly shown in Figure 3. In some embodiments, the internal portion of the second connector 204 may include a valve 218. The internal portion of the first connector 202 may include a first inlet and a first outlet that is in fluid communication with the first inlet. The internal portion of the second connector 204 may include a first end and a second end that is in fluid communication with the first end.

[0041] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a coupler assembly 200 in which the ring 206 is connected to the first connector 202 and the second connector 204, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. When the ring 206 is connected to both the first connector 202 and the second connector 204 simultaneously, as shown in Figure 5, the first connector 202 and the second connector 204 can be connected together to create a fluid passage 502 through both connectors. This fluid passage can be created when the fluid communication path between the first inlet and first outlet of the first connector 202 aligns with the fluid communication path between the first end and second end of the second connector 204.

[0042] In some embodiments, when the first connector 202 and the second connector 204 are connected, a portion of the first connector 202 may fit into a portion of the second connector 204. The first connector 202 and the second connector 204 may fit together to create a flow seal 504. When the first connector 202 and the second connector 204 are not connected, the flexible valve 216 may extend to the distal edge of the first connector 202. When the first connector 202 and the second connector 204 are connected, the valve 218 may push the flexible valve 216, compressing it so that its extension ends within the internal portion of the first connector 202.

[0043] In some embodiments, a first connector 202 is connected to a first portion of a pipe, and a second connector 204 is connected to a second portion of a pipe. When the first connector 202 is connected to the second connector 204, fluid can flow through the connected connectors between the first and second portions of the pipe.

[0044] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of Figure 5, as well as a separation force 602, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The separation force 602 can separate the first connector 202 from the second connector 204. The separation force 602 can pull the first connector 202 away from the second connector 204, or pull the second connector 204 away from the first connector 202. The separation force 602 can act along the central axis between the first connector 202 and the second connector 204 while they are connected. The separation force 602 may be a resulting force acting along the central axis between the first connector 202 and the second connector 204 while they are connected, or it may be a force acting on the first connector 202, or on the second connector 204, or on the first part of the pipe, or on the second part of the pipe.

[0045] The separation force 602 can separate the first connector 202 from the second connector 204 if the separation force 602 exceeds a predetermined threshold force. For example, if the separation force 602 is less than the predetermined threshold force, the first connector 202 may not separate from the second connector 204. The predetermined threshold force prevents accidental or inadvertent separation based on small forces or movements. The predetermined threshold force may be based on the connection of the projection 212 to the recess 214. For example, the arm 210 may be configured to be releasably connected to the second connector 204, allowing the second connector 204 to separate from the ring 206 and the first connector 202 if the separation force 602 exceeds the predetermined threshold force.

[0046] In some embodiments, the given threshold force is approximately 2.27 kg (5 pounds (lbs)). The given threshold force may range from approximately 0.45 kg (1 lb) to approximately 3.63 kg (8 lbs), from approximately 1.36 kg (3 lbs) to approximately 3.18 kg (7 lbs), from approximately 1.81 kg (4 lbs) to approximately 2.72 kg (6 lbs), or greater than 3.63 kg (8 lbs).

[0047] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the coupler assembly of Figure 6 after separation by the separation force 602, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] The disclosures described herein include at least the following provisions:

[0049] Clause 1. A coupler assembly comprising a ring having a first connector having an outer surface and a first fluid passage, a second connector having an outer rim and a second fluid passage, and a ring having a first portion and an axially offset second portion, wherein the first portion is configured to connect to the outer surface of the first connector, and the second portion has a plurality of arms extending axially away from the first portion, wherein when the ring is connected to the first connector, and when the first connector and the second connector are coupled together such that the first fluid passage is in fluid communication with the second fluid passage, the plurality of arms are configured to engage detachably with the outer rim of the second connector to secure the coupling of the first connector and the second connector.

[0050] Clause 2. The coupler assembly described in Clause 1, wherein each of the multiple arms includes a connecting portion that engages with the outer rim of the second connector.

[0051] Clause 3. The coupler assembly according to Clause 1, wherein the ring is configured to separate the first connector and the second connector when the separating force exceeds a predetermined threshold force.

[0052] Clause 4. The coupler assembly according to Clause 1, wherein the outer surface is provided with an alignment retainer, and the ring is provided with an alignment tab, the alignment tab being configured to be received by the alignment retainer when the ring is connected to the outer surface of the first connector.

[0053] Clause 5. The coupler assembly described in Clause 1, wherein multiple arms are configured to engage removably with the outer rim of a second connector via a compression fit.

[0054] Clause 6. The coupler assembly according to Clause 3, wherein the multiple arms and the outer rim of the second connector are configured to detach when the separation force exceeds a predetermined coupling force.

[0055] Clause 7. The coupler assembly according to claim 3, wherein the ring and the first connector are configured to detach when the separation force exceeds a predetermined coupling force.

[0056] Clause 8. The coupler assembly described in Clause 3, wherein a separating force is applied axially along the first and second connectors.

[0057] Clause 9. The coupler assembly described in Clause 3, wherein the separating force is the resulting axial force along the connected first and second connectors.

[0058] Clause 10. The coupler assembly according to Clause 1, wherein the first connector comprises an external portion and the second connector comprises an internal chamber, so that the external portion of the first connector fits into the internal chamber of the second connector, thereby providing fluid communication between the first and second fluid passages.

[0059] Clause 11. A method for connecting two connectors, comprising the steps of: providing a first connector having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; providing a second connector having an outer rim; sliding a ring having a plurality of arms around the first connector; detachably connecting the ring to the first connector via a retaining mechanism in the first connector and an engaging means in the ring; detachably connecting the ring to the second connector via a plurality of arms engaging with the outer rim of the second connector; and forming a fluid passage between the connected first and second connectors.

[0060] Clause 12. The method according to Clause 11, wherein the step of sliding the ring includes the step of sliding the ring from the first end around the first connector.

[0061] Clause 13. The method according to Clause 11, wherein the step of sliding the ring includes the step of sliding the ring from the second end around the first connector.

[0062] Clause 14. The method according to Clause 11, further comprising the step of disengaging the first connector and the second connector by applying a force exceeding a predetermined threshold force.

[0063] Clause 15. The method according to Clause 14, wherein the step of disconnecting the first connector and the second connector interrupts the fluid passage.

[0064] Clause 16. A connecting assembly comprising a first connector including a first connector body having a first inlet and a first outlet having fluid communication with the first inlet; a collar having a collar body that covers and covers the first connector body between the first inlet and the first outlet and includes a plurality of arms extending circumferentially outward from itself; and a second connector including a second connector body having a first end and a second end having fluid communication with the first end, wherein the collar body is connected to the outer surface of the first connector via a friction fit or a crimp fit, and the plurality of arms of the collar are connected to the outer surface of the second connector via a friction fit or a crimp fit.

[0065] Clause 17. The coupling assembly according to Clause 16, further comprising internal protrusions on which multiple arms of the collar connect to the external rim of the second connector to form a friction fit or an interlocking fit.

[0066] Clause 18. The coupling assembly according to Clause 17, wherein the internal protrusions of the multiple arms of the collar detach from the external rim of the second connector when a force exceeding a predetermined threshold force is applied.

[0067] Clause 19. The coupling assembly described in Clause 18, wherein a force exceeding a predetermined threshold force is applied such that the first connector is pulled away from the second connector.

[0068] Clause 20. The coupling assembly described in Clause 16, wherein a first connector is coupled to a first portion of the tubing at a first inlet, and a second connector is coupled to a second portion of the tubing at a second end.

[0069] Clause 21. The coupling assembly according to Clause 18, wherein fluid flow occurs between the first connector and the second connector when the first connector and the second connector are connected by a collar, and the fluid flow is stopped by an automatic sealing device when the first connector and the second connector are disconnected.

[0070] This disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments described herein. While this disclosure provides various examples of the subject art, the subject art is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art, and the comprehensive principles defined herein may be applicable to other embodiments.

[0071] References to singular elements are not intended to mean "only" unless specifically stated so, but rather "one or more." Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "several" refers to one or more. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter pronouns (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if present, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

[0072] The term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” No embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” should necessarily be considered preferable or advantageous to any other embodiment or design. In one embodiment, various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0073] The terms "aspect" and similar phrases do not imply that such aspects are essential to the subject art, nor that such aspects apply to all configurations of the subject art. Disclosure relating to a particular aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. The terms "aspect" and similar phrases refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. The terms "example" and similar phrases do not imply that such examples are essential to the subject art, nor that such examples apply to all configurations of the subject art. Disclosure relating to a particular example may apply to all examples, or one or more examples. An example may provide one or more examples. The terms "example" and similar phrases refer to one or more examples, and vice versa. The terms "configuration" and similar phrases do not imply that such configurations are essential to the subject art, nor that such configurations apply to all configurations of the subject art. Disclosure relating to a particular configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A particular configuration may provide one or more examples. Terms such as "composition" can refer to one or more compositions, and vice versa.

[0074] In one embodiment, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, evaluations, locations, sizes, dimensions and other specifications described herein, including the following claims, are approximate and not exact. In one embodiment, they are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the function to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they relate.

[0075] In one embodiment, the term "connected" may refer to being directly connected. In another embodiment, the term "connected" may refer to being indirectly connected.

[0076] As used in this disclosure, terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” and “rear” should be understood to refer to an arbitrary reference frame, not a normal gravity-based reference frame. Therefore, the top, bottom, front, and rear surfaces may extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravity-based reference frame.

[0077] Various matters may be arranged in different ways (for example, in different orders or divided in different ways) without deviating from the scope of the subject art. All structural and functional equivalents of elements of various aspects described through this disclosure, which are known to those skilled in the art or will become known later, are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be included in the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made available to the public, whether such disclosure is expressly stated in the claims or not. No element of any claim should be construed under Section 112, paragraph 6 of the U.S. Patent Act unless that element is expressly described using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is described using the phrase “steps for.” Furthermore, with respect to the use of terms such as “includes,” “has,” etc., such terms are intended to be as inclusive as “equipment,” as the term “equipment” is construed when used as a transitional clause in a claim.

[0078] The title, background art, summary of the invention, brief description of the drawings, and abstract of this disclosure are incorporated herein by reference and are provided as exemplary examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. This disclosure is filed with the understanding that they are not used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the modes for carrying out the invention, it can be seen that the descriptions provide exemplary examples and that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than those explicitly stated in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter of the invention consists of fewer features than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The following claims each stand on their own as claimed subject matter and are incorporated herein by reference.

[0079] The claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but rather to be given the full scope consistent with the verbatimized claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, no claim is intended to encompass, nor should they be construed as, subject matter that does not meet the requirements of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of the U.S. Patent Act.

Claims

1. A first connector having an outer surface and a first fluid passage, A second connector having an external rim and a second fluid passage, and A ring having a first portion and a second portion that is offset in the axial direction, wherein the first portion is configured to be connected to the outer surface of the first connector, and the second portion has a plurality of arms that extend axially away from the first portion. A coupler assembly comprising, When the ring is connected to the first connector, and when the first connector and the second connector are connected integrally so that the first fluid passage is in fluid communication with the second fluid passage, the plurality of arms are configured to detachably engage with the outer rim of the second connector to secure the connection of the first connector and the second connector. Coupler assembly.

2. The coupler assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of arms includes a connecting portion that engages with the outer rim of the second connector.

3. The coupler assembly according to claim 1, wherein the ring is configured to detach the first connector and the second connector when the separating force exceeds a predetermined threshold force.

4. The coupler assembly according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface is provided with an alignment stopper, the ring is provided with an alignment tab, and the alignment tab is configured to be received by the alignment stopper when the ring is connected to the outer surface of the first connector.

5. The coupler assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of arms are configured to engage detachably with the outer rim of the second connector via a crimping fit.

6. The coupler assembly according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of arms and the outer rim of the second connector are configured to detach when the separation force exceeds a predetermined coupling force.

7. The coupler assembly according to claim 3, wherein the ring and the first connector are configured to detach when the separation force exceeds a predetermined coupling force.

8. The coupler assembly according to claim 3, wherein the separating force is applied axially along the first connector and the second connector.

9. The coupler assembly according to claim 3, wherein the separating force is a resulting axial force along the connected first and second connectors.

10. The coupler assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first connector comprises an external portion and the second connector comprises an internal chamber, and as a result, the external portion of the first connector fits into the internal chamber of the second connector, thereby providing fluid communication between the first and second fluid passages.

11. A method for connecting two connectors, A step of providing a first connector having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, A step of providing a second connector having an external rim, A step of sliding a ring having a plurality of arms around the first connector, The step of detachably connecting the ring to the first connector via the retaining mechanism in the first connector and the engaging means in the ring, The steps of detachably connecting the ring to the second connector via the plurality of arms that engage with the outer rim of the second connector, and Steps to form a fluid passage between the connected first connector and the second connector. Methods that include...

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the step of sliding the ring includes the step of sliding the ring from the first end around the first connector.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the step of sliding the ring includes the step of sliding the ring from the second end around the first connector.

14. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of detaching the first connector and the second connector by applying a force exceeding a predetermined threshold force.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the step of detaching the first connector and the second connector interrupts the fluid passage.

16. A first connector body having a first inlet and a first outlet that is in fluid communication with the first inlet. A first connector including, and A collar comprising a collar body that covers and covers the first connector body between the first inlet and the first outlet, and includes a plurality of arms extending outward in the circumferential direction from itself, and A second connector body having a first end and a second end that is in fluid communication with the first end. The second connector including A connecting assembly comprising, The aforementioned collar body is connected to the outer surface of the first connector via friction fitting or crimp fitting. The plurality of arms of the collar are connected to the outer surface of the second connector via friction fit or crimp fit. Linked assembly.

17. The coupling assembly according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of arms of the collar further comprises internal protrusions that connect to the outer rim of the second connector to form the friction fit or the interference fit.

18. The coupling assembly according to claim 17, wherein the internal protrusions of the plurality of arms of the collar detach from the external rim of the second connector when a force exceeding a predetermined threshold force is applied to them.

19. The coupling assembly according to claim 18, wherein the force exceeding a predetermined threshold force is applied such that the first connector is pulled away from the second connector.

20. The coupling assembly according to claim 16, wherein the first connector is connected to a first portion of the pipe at the first inlet, and the second connector is connected to a second portion of the pipe at the second end.

21. The coupling assembly according to claim 18, wherein a fluid flow occurs between the first connector and the second connector when the first connector and the second connector are connected by the collar, and the fluid flow is stopped by an automatic sealing device when the first connector and the second connector are disconnected.

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