Tube Holding Device

Abstract

The tube retention system includes a spigot, a tube, and a collar. The spigot includes a spigot body and a spigot extension extending from the spigot body, the spigot extension including a flared portion opposite the spigot body, the spigot body and the spigot extension cooperating to define a spigot bore. The tube includes an outer surface and a tube bore, and a coupling portion of the tube is disposed around the spigot extension to allow fluid communication between the tube bore and the spigot bore. The collar is radially disposed around the outer surface of the tube and axially disposed between the flared portion and the spigot body, and the collar radially engages with the coupling portion of the tube disposed around the spigot extension to axially and radially retain the tube with the spigot.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to devices that facilitate the coupling of tubes, and more particularly to devices that facilitate the coupling of tubes to spigots. [Background technology]

[0002] Medical procedures often involve the infusion of medical fluids (e.g., saline, liquid medications, lipids, blood products, etc.) into a patient from a fluid source such as an IV bag or other medical fluid container. The medical fluid is often delivered between devices or to the patient by tubing. The tubing may be sealingly engaged to the device or container by a spigot.

[0003] During operation, the tube may lose its sealing engagement with the spigot or become dislodged from the spigot.

[0004] In some applications, the tube may leak or contain air, disrupting the medical procedure. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In some applications, the tube-to-spigot interface may lose or disengage from its sealing engagement, but many tube coupling configurations do not effectively resist axial forces, can damage the tube, or are difficult to assemble.

[0006] Thus, in some applications, a particular tube coupling configuration may not securely secure the tube to the spigot. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The disclosed subject matter relates to a tube retention system. In certain embodiments, a tube retention system is disclosed that includes a spigot comprising a spigot body and a spigot extension extending from the spigot body, the spigot extension comprising a flared portion opposite the spigot body, the spigot body and the spigot extension cooperating to define a spigot lumen; a tube comprising an outer surface and a tube lumen, a coupling portion of the tube disposed around the spigot extension to allow fluid communication between the tube lumen and the spigot lumen; and a collar disposed radially around the outer surface of the tube and axially between the flared portion and the spigot body, the collar radially engaging the coupling portion of the tube disposed around the spigot extension to retain the tube axially and radially with the spigot.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the method includes the steps of placing a collar around an outer surface of the tube, advancing a coupling portion of the tube around a spigot extension of the spigot, advancing the collar around the spigot extension toward the coupling portion of the tube, melting a portion of the collar to radially engage the coupling portion of the tube around the spigot extension, and axially and radially holding the tube by the spigot via the collar.

[0009] It will be understood that various configurations of the subject technology will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure, and various configurations of the subject technology have been shown and described in the figures. As will be understood, the subject technology is capable of other different configurations and its several details can be modified in various other respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the summary, drawings, and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding, and which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate disclosed embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a tube retention system according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the tube retention system of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the tube retention system of FIG. 1 prior to connecting the tube to the spigot. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the tube retention system of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1B is an elevational view of the tube retention system of FIG. 1A, with the tube connected to the spigot. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the tube retention system of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4A] 1B is an elevational view of the tube retention system of FIG. 1A, in which a collar is disposed around a coupling portion of the tube. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the tube retention system of FIG. 4A. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4B is a detailed cross-sectional view of the collar of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] 1B is an elevational view of the tube retention system of FIG. 1A, in which the collar is secured around the coupling portion of the tube. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the tube retention system of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5B is a detailed cross-sectional view of the collar of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a tube retention system according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] 6B is a cross-sectional view of the tube retention system of FIG. 6A, in which the collar is secured around the coupling portion of the tube. [Figure 7A]FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a tube retention system according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the tube retention system of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8A] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a tube retention system according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the tube retention system of FIG. 8A. [Figure 9A] 8B is an elevational view of the tube retention system of FIG. 8A, in which the tube is connected to a spigot. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the tube retention system of FIG. 9A. [Figure 10] 1 is an elevational view of a collar material according to various aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 11A] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a tube retention system according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a plan view of the tube retention system of FIG. 11A. [Figure 12A] FIG. 11B is an elevational view of the tube retention system of FIG. 11A, in which the collar is secured around the coupling portion of the tube. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a plan view of the tube retention system of FIG. 12A. [Figure 13] 1 is an elevational view of a collar material according to various aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The disclosed tube retention system incorporates a collar that radially engages the coupling portion of the tube. Prior to securing the tube, the collar can be extended or retracted to allow free movement along the outer surface of the tube. After placement, the collar can be locked to engage and retain the tube on the spigot. Allowing the collar to extend or retract allows the collar to be positioned without damaging the tube. Furthermore, by locking the collar in the desired position, the collar can provide a secure, reliable connection of the tube to the spigot.

[0013] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configuration in which the subject technology may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. For ease of understanding, similar components are labeled with the same or similar reference numerals. The reference numerals may have a letter suffix added to indicate individual instances of common elements, but are collectively referred to by the same number without the suffix.

[0014] While the following description is directed to securing a tube to a spigot, it should be understood that this description is merely an example of use and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. The various aspects of the disclosed tube retention system can be used in any application where it is desirable to secure a tube.

[0015] The disclosed tube retention system overcomes several challenges discovered with certain conventional tube retention systems. One challenge with certain conventional tube retention systems is that conventional collars can be relatively rigid when positioned, thus requiring significant force to place the collar over the desired portion of the tube. Additionally, certain conventional tube retention systems may utilize solvents or other adhesives that may require special procedures or handling. The use of conventional tube retention systems is undesirable because they can damage the tube during assembly, have low bond strength, may be volatile and / or flammable and require special handling, clog flow paths, be difficult to inspect, and may take a significant amount of time to achieve bond strength.

[0016] Therefore, in accordance with the present disclosure, it would be advantageous to provide a tube retention system as described herein that allows for secure coupling of a tube to a spigot without damaging the tube or requiring special handling.

[0017] An example of a tube retention system that effectively secures the tube to the spigot will now be described.

[0018] Figure 1A is an elevation view of a tube retention system 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view of the tube retention system 100 of Figure 1A. With reference to Figures 1A and 1B, the tube retention system 100 securely retains a tube 102 on a spigot 110, allowing for secure movement of medical fluid therethrough.

[0019] In the illustrated example, the coupling portion 104 of the tube 102 is positioned over the spigot extension 114 of the spigot 110. By positioning the coupling portion 104 over the spigot extension 114, the tube lumen 108 is in fluid communication with the spigot lumen 118, facilitating fluid flow between the tube 102 and the spigot 110. In some embodiments, the spigot lumen 118 allows fluid flow from the spigot extension 114 to the spigot body 112.

[0020] As described herein, the engagement collar 130' can be disposed about and engaged with the coupling portion 104 to retain the tube 102 on the spigot 110. In the illustrated example, the engagement collar 130' radially engages the outer surface 106 of the tube 102 to radially compress the coupling portion 104 against the spigot extension 114. Radially compressing the coupling portion 104 against the spigot extension 114 increases the amount of axial or pull-out force required to overcome the frictional forces between the coupling portion 104 and the spigot extension 114.

[0021] The engagement collar 130' can also restrain radial expansion of the tube 102, preventing the tube 102 from moving relative to the barbed or flared portion 116 of the spigot extension 114. As shown, the flared portion 116 of the spigot extension 114 can have a larger radius or diameter than the remainder of the spigot extension 114. In some embodiments, the flared portion 116 can have a diameter larger than the resting or nominal diameter of the tube lumen 108, requiring the tube 102 to be stretched to allow it to be positioned over the flared portion 116 of the spigot extension 114. As can be appreciated, by stretching the tube 102 radially over the flared portion 116, effectively creating a compressive force against the flared portion 116, the pull-out force required to overcome the frictional forces between the flared portion 116 and the tube 102 is increased.

[0022] As described herein, the tube 102 may be formed from a resilient material that returns to its nominal diameter or other smaller diameter when placed around the spigot extension 114 after passing through the flared portion 116.

[0023] As described herein, the engagement collar 130' maintains a substantially fixed diameter and constrains or otherwise prevents radial expansion of the coupling portion 104. In some embodiments, the engagement collar 130' restricts the diameter of the tube lumen 108 to a diameter smaller than the diameter of the flared portion 116. As described herein, the engagement collar 130' can provide a compressive force against the coupling portion 104. By preventing radial expansion of the coupling portion 104, the engagement collar 130' prevents the coupling portion 104, or the tube 102 in general, from moving beyond the flared portion 116 of the spigot extension 114. As can be appreciated, the engagement collar 130' can frictionally engage the outer surface 106 of the tube 102, preventing axial movement or displacement of the engagement collar 130'.

[0024] Advantageously, the use of the engagement collar 130 ′ in combination with the flared portion 116 significantly increases the amount of pull-out force required to remove the tube 102 from the spigot 110 .

[0025] As can be appreciated, the tube retention system 100 can facilitate assembly of a fluid connection between the tube 102 and the spigot 110. As discussed herein, the tube 102 includes an expandable and / or elastomeric material to allow for positioning of the tube lumen 108 over the spigot extension 114, including the flared portion 116 of the spigot extension 114. Additionally, prior to engagement, the collar can include an expandable and / or elastomeric material and / or structure to allow for positioning of the collar along the length of the tube 102, including the portion of the tube 102 disposed over the flared portion 116 of the spigot extension 114. As described herein, once positioned, the collar can melt, integrate, or otherwise engage to form an engagement collar 130' configured to engage and / or radially restrain the tube 102.

[0026] Figure 2A is an elevational view of the tube retention system 100 of Figure 1A prior to coupling the tube 102 to the spigot 110. Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the tube retention system 100 of Figure 2A. With reference to Figures 2A and 2B, a collar 130 can be placed over the outer surface 106 of the tube 102 prior to placing the tube 102 over the spigot extension 114.

[0027] As can be appreciated, prior to engagement, the collar 130 is radially and / or axially expandable, allowing the collar 130 to be positioned along the tube 102 with low friction and resistance. In the illustrated example, the collar 130 may be formed from a collar body 132 having a generally wire-like or filamentary structure. Optionally, the cross-sectional profile of the filamentary structure of the collar body 132 may be circular, rounded, rectangular, or any other suitable cross-sectional profile. As illustrated, the filamentary structure of the collar body 132 is generally helically or spirally wound and configured to be positioned around the tube 102. The turns of the collar body 132 may define voids 134 between the turns of the collar body 132 that can expand and contract to allow the collar 130 to expand and contract. Optionally, the collar body 132 may be formed from a suitable polymeric material.

[0028] During positioning, the rolled structure of the collar body 132 can expand and contract radially and / or axially with relatively little force to allow the collar 130 to move along the uneven surface of the tube 102. Advantageously, by allowing the collar 130 to expand and contract, the underlying tube 102 can be less susceptible to tearing or other damage.

[0029] Figure 3A is an elevation view of the tube retention system 100 of Figure 1A, with the tube 102 coupled to the spigot 110. Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the tube retention system 100 of Figure 3A. With reference to Figures 3A and 3B, the coupling portion 104 of the tube 102 is positioned over the spigot extension 114 of the spigot 110. The tube 102 can be urged toward the spigot 110 until the coupling portion 104 passes over the flared portion 116 of the spigot 110 and can contact the spigot body 112.

[0030] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the spigot extension 114, along with the flared portion 116 of the spigot extension 114, can be larger than the inner diameter of the tube lumen 108. Optionally, the outer diameter of the spigot extension 114 can be the same as or similar to the inner diameter of the tube lumen 108. As described herein, the tube 102 can expand to allow the tube lumen 108 to be disposed over the spigot extension 114 and flared portion 116. As can be appreciated, by radially stretching or expanding the tube 102 over the spigot extension 114 and / or flared portion 116, effectively creating a compressive force therebetween, the pull-out force required to overcome the frictional forces between the spigot extension 114 and / or flared portion 116 and the tube 102 is increased.

[0031] FIG. 4A is an elevational view of the tube retention system 100 of FIG. 1A, in which a collar 130 is disposed around the coupling portion 104 of the tube 102. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the tube retention system 100 of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C is a detailed cross-sectional view of the collar 130 of FIG. 4A. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, the collar 130 is disposed over the coupling portion 104 of the tube 102. As can be appreciated, the configuration of the collar body 132 can allow the collar 130 to expand radially and pass over the tube 102, which is disposed over the flared portion 116 of the spigot 110. In some embodiments, the collar 130 can be configured to extend the axial length of the coupling portion 104 between the spigot body 112 and the flared portion 116.

[0032] Before the collar 130 is engaged onto the coupling portion 104, the cavity 134 of the collar 130 is free to expand and contract, allowing the collar 130 to expand and contract. As shown, prior to engagement, the inner diameter 136 and outer diameter 138 of the collar 130 are unfused or separated, allowing the cavity 134 to expand and contract as needed.

[0033] FIG. 5A is an elevational view of the tube retention system 100 of FIG. 1A with a collar 130' secured around the coupling portion 104 of the tube 102. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the tube retention system 100 of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5C is a detailed cross-sectional view of the collar 130' of FIG. 5A. Referring to FIGS. 5A-5C, after the collar 130 is positioned over the coupling portion 104 as described with respect to FIGS. 4A-4C, the collar 130 can be engaged to retain the tube 102 by the spigot 110. As shown, the rigid or engaging collar 130' radially engages the outer surface 106 of the tube 102 to radially compress the coupling portion 104 against the spigot extension 114. Additionally, the engaging collar 130' can restrain radial expansion of the tube 102, preventing the tube 102 from moving relative to the flared portion 116 of the spigot extension 114.

[0034] In the illustrated example, the material of the engagement collar 130' is melted or otherwise integrated to form the engagement collar 130'. In some embodiments, the outer diameter 138' of the engagement collar 130' is melted or otherwise integrated to eliminate the gap 134 that previously allowed the collar 130 to expand. Optionally, by integrating the engagement collar 130', the inner diameter 136' can form a raised friction surface that engages against the outer surface 106 of the tube 102, strengthening the engagement between the engagement collar 130' and the tube 102.

[0035] 6A is a cross-sectional view of a tube retention system 200 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the tube 202 can include a solvent 201. As shown, the solvent 201 can be applied to the tube lumen 208 prior to coupling. The solvent 201 can be disposed at or near the coupling portion 204 of the tube 202. In some embodiments, the solvent 201 can help adhere and retain the tube 202 to the spigot 210. As can be appreciated, the solvent 201 can act as a lubricant, allowing the tube 202 to pass over the spigot extension 214 with low friction.

[0036] 6B is a cross-sectional view of the tube retention system 200 of FIG. 6A with a collar 230 secured around the coupling portion 204 of the tube 202. After coupling the tube 202 with the spigot 210, the solvent 201 can be cured to strengthen the retention between the tube 202 and the spigot 210. Advantageously, the collar 230 can hold the tube 202 while the solvent 201 cures, providing immediate bond strength. Furthermore, upon curing, the solvent 201 can provide supplemental bond strength in addition to that provided by the collar 230.

[0037] FIG. 7A is an elevation view of a tube retention system 300 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the tube retention system 300 of FIG. 7A. Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, in some embodiments, the tube 302 can widen or increase in size or diameter. For example, the tube 302 can include a tube lumen 308a that widens or increases in diameter to a larger tube lumen 308b at or near the tube coupling portion 304. As can be appreciated, the tube lumen 308a can be used to maintain desired flow characteristics, while the tube lumen 308b can facilitate connection with the spigot 310. Optionally, the tube lumen 308a can be microbore tubing. Optionally, the tube lumen 308a transitions to the larger diameter tube lumen 308b at a tube lumen transition 308c.

[0038] In some embodiments, tube 302 can include outer surface 306a that widens or increases in diameter to a larger diameter of outer surface 306b to accommodate larger tube lumen 308b. Optionally, outer surface 306a transitions to the larger diameter of outer surface 306b at outer surface transition 306c. As can be appreciated, collar 330 can expand radially to pass through the various diameters of outer surface 306a, outer surface 306b, and / or outer surface transition 306c.

[0039] Figure 8A is an elevation view of a tube retention system 400 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of the tube retention system 400 of Figure 8A. With reference to Figures 8A and 8B, in some embodiments, the tube retention system 400 can be used with a tube 402 that cannot or is undesirable to be placed over the spigot extension 414. For example, the tube 402 may be a microbore tube that may not expand or stretch sufficiently to be placed over the spigot extension 414.

[0040] Optionally, the tube 402 may include a dilator or tube coupler 420 that couples to the tube 402 and facilitates the connection between the tube 402 and the spigot 410. In the illustrated example, the tube coupler 420 is coupled to the outer surface 406 of the tube 402. Optionally, the tube coupler 420 may be coupled to the tube 402 by a solvent 401. The solvent 401 may be applied to an upper portion of a coupler lumen 428 of the tube coupler 420. The solvent 401 may be allowed to cure to bond the tube 402 and the tube coupler 420.

[0041] 9A is an elevation view of the tube retention system 400 of FIG. 8A with the tube 402 coupled to the spigot 410. FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the tube retention system 400 of FIG. 9A. After coupling the tube coupler 420 to the tube 402, the tube coupler 420 can be positioned over the spigot extension 414. As can be appreciated, the tube coupler 420 can be extended to be positioned over the spigot extension 414 and flared portion 416, as described herein with respect to the tube 102. In some embodiments, the end 404 of the tube 402 can abut the spigot extension 414.

[0042] During positioning, the collar 430 can be moved over the tube 402 and / or tube coupler 420 to seat on the coupling portion 424 of the tube coupler 420. The collar 430 can expand radially to pass over the outer surface 406 of the tube 402 and the outer surface 426 of the tube coupler 420, including the portion of the tube coupler 420 that is positioned over the flared portion 416 of the spigot 410.

[0043] 10 is an elevational view of a collar material 500 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the collar 530 can be formed by cutting or otherwise separating a portion from the collar material 500. In some embodiments, the collar material 500 can be formed by first extruding the collar body 532 and then wrapping the collar body 532 around a mandrel to form a cylindrical shape. As can be appreciated, the collar body 532 can be wrapped in a spiral or helical pattern. As can be appreciated, the collar body 532 can be formed by molding or any other suitable process.

[0044] FIG. 11A is an elevation view of a tube retention system 600 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 11B is a plan view of the tube retention system 600 of FIG. 11A. Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the tube retention system 600 can utilize a hinged or otherwise closable collar 630 to retain the tube 602 by the spigot 610. As shown, prior to engagement, the collar 630 can expand in a generally radial direction by opening or expanding about the hinged portion of the collar 630 to allow the collar 630 to be positioned along the tube 602 with low friction and resistance. In the illustrated example, the space between the ends 631 and 634 of the collar 630 can expand or contract radially and / or circumferentially to allow the collar 630 to expand and / or contract. The collar 630 can include hinged portions radially opposite the ends 631 and 634.

[0045] FIG. 12A is an elevation view of the tube retention system 600 of FIG. 11A , in which the collar 630 is secured around the coupling portion 604 of the tube 602. FIG. 12B is a plan view of the tube retention system 600 of FIG. 12A . Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B , after the collar 630 is placed over the coupling portion 604, the collar 630 can be engaged to retain the tube 602 by the spigot 610. In the illustrated example, the ends 631 and 634 of the collar 630 can be radially and / or circumferentially positioned or otherwise closed to engage the collar 630 with the tube 102. The ends 631 and 634 of the collar 630 can engage one another by friction, an interference fit, or a snap fit. The ends 631 and 634 can be melted, ultrasonically welded, or glued to join the ends 631 and 634 of the collar 630 together.

[0046] 13 is an elevational view of a collar material 700 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the collar 730 may be formed by cutting or otherwise separating a portion from the collar material 700. In some embodiments, the collar material 700 may be formed by extruding a collar body 732. As can be appreciated, the collar body 732 may be formed by molding or any other suitable process.

[0047] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a tube retention system includes a spigot, a tube, and a collar. The spigot includes a spigot body and a spigot extension extending from the spigot body, the spigot extension including a flared portion opposite the spigot body, the spigot body and the spigot extension cooperating to define a spigot lumen. The tube includes an outer surface and a tube lumen, and a coupling portion of the tube is disposed around the spigot extension to allow fluid communication between the tube lumen and the spigot lumen. The collar is radially disposed around the outer surface of the tube and axially disposed between the flared portion and the spigot body, and the collar radially engages with the coupling portion of the tube disposed around the spigot extension to axially and radially retain the tube with the spigot.

[0048] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the coupling portion of the tube comprises a coupling inner diameter that is equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the spigot extension. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the tube lumen extends from the tube lumen inner diameter to the coupling inner diameter. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the coupling portion of the tube comprises an expansion sleeve coupled to the tube. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the collar comprises a helix, the helix configured to expand and contract radially. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the collar comprises a hinged body, the hinged body configured to expand and contract radially. In an aspect of the present disclosure, a solvent is disposed between the tube lumen and the spigot extension, the solvent configured to mechanically couple the tube and spigot upon curing.

[0049] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a method includes placing a collar around an outer surface of a tube, advancing a coupling portion of the tube around a spigot extension of a spigot, advancing the collar around the spigot extension and toward the coupling portion of the tube, melting a portion of the collar to radially engage the coupling portion of the tube around the spigot extension, and axially and radially retaining the tube by the spigot via the collar.

[0050] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes frictionally engaging an outer surface of the tube with a friction surface of the collar by melting a portion of the collar. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes advancing a coupling portion of the tube over a flared portion of the spigot extension. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes advancing a collar over a flared portion of the spigot extension. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes radially expanding the collar over the flared portion of the spigot extension. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes applying a solvent between the coupling portion of the tube and the spigot extension of the spigot. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes curing the solvent to bond the tube and the spigot.

[0051] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes extruding a collar material and cutting the collar material to form a collar. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes spirally winding the collar material. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the coupling portion of the tube comprises a coupling inner diameter equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the spigot extension. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes coupling an expansion sleeve to the tube to define the coupling portion. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes radially expanding the collar at a hinge portion of the collar. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes melting a portion of the collar to engage the collar, the portion being disposed opposite the hinge portion of the collar.

[0052] This disclosure is provided to enable those 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.

[0053] Reference to a singular element is intended to mean "one or more" and not "one and only one" unless otherwise specified. The term "some" refers to one or more unless otherwise specified. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter forms (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0054] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. In one aspect, various alternative configurations and operations described herein can be considered at least equivalent.

[0055] 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 one aspect may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an 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 one embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or to one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an embodiment may refer to one or more embodiments, 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 to one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an embodiment may refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0056] In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, locations, dimensions, sizes, and other specifications set forth herein, including the following claims, are approximate and not exact, and are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the function to which they relate and that which is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0057] In one aspect, the term "coupled" or the like may refer to a direct connection. In another aspect, the term "coupled" or the like may refer to an indirect connection.

[0058] For example, terms such as "upper," "lower," "front," and "rear," as used in this disclosure, should be understood to refer to any coordinate system, rather than the typical gravitational coordinate system. Thus, upper, lower, front, and rear surfaces can extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in the gravitational coordinate system.

[0059] Various items may be arranged in different ways (e.g., placed in a different order or divided differently) without departing from the scope of the subject technology at large. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known, or that later become known, to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be 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. A claim element is not to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for" or, in the case of a method claim, using the phrase "step for." Furthermore, 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 "comprise" when interpreted as a transitional term in a claim.

[0060] The title, background, summary, brief description of the drawings, and abstract of this disclosure are incorporated into this disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as a limiting description. They are submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. It will also be appreciated that the detailed description provides illustrative examples and that various configurations are 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 configurations than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all configurations of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The following claims are incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as separately claimed subject matter.

[0061] The claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the claims as literal, including all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, no claim is intended, and should not be construed, to cover subject matter that does not satisfy the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §§101, 102, or 103.

Claims

1. A tube retention system comprising a spigot, a tube and a collar, The spigot is A spigot body; a spigot extension extending from the spigot body; the spigot extension having a flared portion opposite the spigot body, the spigot body and the spigot extension cooperating to define a spigot bore; The tube The exterior and Tube lumen and a coupling portion of the tube disposed about the spigot extension to allow fluid communication between the tube lumen and the spigot lumen; the collar includes a helix radially disposed about the outer surface of the tube and axially disposed between the flared portion and the spigot body; the spiral, in the expandable configuration, has a plurality of voids configured to expand and contract, thereby allowing the spiral to expand and contract radially; In an integrated configuration, the spiral is fused to form a single unit with the plurality of voids, preventing the spiral from expanding and contracting radially and allowing the spiral to radially engage with the coupling portion of the tube disposed around the spigot extension to axially and radially retain the tube by the spigot.

2. The tube retention system of claim 1 , wherein the coupling portion of the tube comprises a coupling inner diameter that is equal to or greater than an outer diameter of the spigot extension.

3. The tube retention system of claim 2 , wherein the tube lumen extends from a tube lumen inner diameter to the coupling inner diameter.

4. The tube retention system of claim 2 , wherein the coupling portion of the tube comprises an expansion sleeve coupled to the tube.

5. A tube retention system as described in claim 1, wherein the collar is made of a meltable polymer material and the multiple voids are integrated by melting the collar.

6. A tube retention system as described in claim 1, wherein the collar extends along the length of the spigot extension and terminates short of the flared portion.

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