Tube Junction Assembly

Abstract

A tube coupling assembly that can be coupled to a portion of a tube, the tube coupling assembly can have a locking structure to resist unintentional disassembly of the coupling, and can have an assembly assist structure to provide leverage when assembling a collar with a body of the tube coupling assembly, the collar and body can be assembled together with a portion of the tube positioned therebetween so that the tube can be compressed between an inner surface of the collar and an outer surface of the body to fluidly couple the tube to a bore through the body, provide a fluid-tight seal between the tube and the body, and resist separation of the tube from the body.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 072,785, entitled "TUBING JUNCTION ASSEMBLY," filed August 31, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

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

[0003] In the medical field, as well as other fields and applications, tubing may be connected to devices or fittings and used to transfer fluids. In the medical field, patients often receive medical fluids administered via intravenous (IV) infusion using tubing and fitting assemblies commonly referred to as "IV sets." IV sets are made in a variety of configurations, using various types of access ports, manifolds, valves, drip chambers, and other fittings connected by multiple lengths of medical tubing.

[0004] The connection between tubing and fittings may be referred to as a "joint" or "junction." When tubing and fitting assemblies are used in medical applications or other applications requiring high levels of integrity or performance, it is important to prevent failure at the joint between the tubing and fitting. It is also important to reduce the number of steps required to create and assemble the joint in manufacturing.

[0005] Failure at the connection between the tubing and the fitting can create a leak path between the fluid passage of the assembly and the environment external to the fluid pathway. This leak path can allow medical fluid to exit the assembly or allow air to enter the assembly, which can result in improper delivery of fluid and / or medication to the patient, interaction of gas with the assembly, and / or compromise the sterility of the assembly or medication.

[0006] The joint may be achieved by joining the tube and fitting together, such as by using a solvent, adhesive, or welding. The joint may also be achieved by using a mechanical coupling, such as an interference fit or a clamp. However, various factors must be considered to couple the tube and fitting together to prevent failure at the joint. Summary of the Invention

[0007] A bond between a tube and a fitting can fail to meet integrity or performance requirements if the bond is defective. Some factors that can cause a defective bond include the volume of solvent applied, the compatibility of the tube and fitting materials with the solvent, the amount of time required or provided to cure the bond, the homogeneity of the applied solvent, or the tolerances of the tube and fitting relative to each other. In some instances, manufacturing and assembly constraints do not allow the required time to perform all of the steps necessary to connect the tube and fitting, which may include checking and adjusting the tolerances of the components relative to each other.

[0008] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a tube coupling assembly having a body, the body having an outer surface, an inner surface, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion, the inner surface defining a bore extending between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, the outer surface having a body thread (or threads) extending from the outer surface in a radially outward direction away from the bore, the outer surface of the body defining a cross-sectional width that decreases from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion of the body, the tube coupling assembly having a collar, the collar having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface defining a passage extending between the first end and the second end, the inner surface of the collar having a collar thread extending radially inward into the passage, the collar thread extending along the inner surface of the collar from the first end to the second end of the collar.

[0009] The present disclosure provides a tube coupling assembly having a body, the body having an outer surface, an inner surface, a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a lateral wall between the proximal and distal end portions, the lateral wall having a cavity extending therethrough toward the proximal end portion; the tube coupling assembly having a collar having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface defining a passageway extending between the first and second ends, the collar having a locking tab extending from the first end in a first direction away from the second end of the collar, the locking tab configured to be inserted into the cavity of the body to resist movement of the collar away from the body when the collar is coupled to the body.

[0010] Additional features and advantages of the subject technology will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the subject technology. The advantages of the subject technology will be realized and attained by the structures particularly pointed out in the written description and examples thereof, as well as the accompanying drawings.

[0011] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the present subject technology.

[0012] Various features of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, which include the following figures: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1A-1C illustrate a tubing connector assembly incorporated into an IV set that is connected to a patient, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tube coupling assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the tube coupling assembly of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional exploded view of the tube coupling assembly of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the tube coupling assembly of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tube coupling assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tube coupling assembly and socket according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 9 is a top view of the tube coupling assembly and socket of FIG. 8 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the tube coupling assembly and socket of FIG. 8 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tube coupling assembly and socket according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the tube coupling assembly of FIG. 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional exploded view of the tube coupling assembly of FIG. 11 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional exploded view of the tube coupling assembly of FIG. 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the tube coupling assembly of FIG. 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to enable 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.

[0015] Further, while the present description sets forth specific details of various embodiments, it will be recognized that the description is merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting in any way. Additionally, while particular embodiments of the present invention may be disclosed or illustrated in the context of devices within medical systems, it is contemplated that such embodiments may also be used in other fluid transfer applications (such as moving food, beverages, fuel, lubricants, etc.). Moreover, various uses of such embodiments, and modifications thereto, as may occur to those skilled in the art, are encompassed by the general concepts described herein.

[0016] According to several embodiments, the present application discloses various features and advantages of a tube coupling assembly. The tube coupling assembly can be used to easily and reliably connect an end portion of a tube to another apparatus or device and allow fluid transfer therebetween. Furthermore, the tube coupling assembly can provide an effective and reliable coupling between the tube and the apparatus that is comparable to or superior to other methods, such as solvent bonding. The tube coupling assembly of the present disclosure also minimizes and / or eliminates factors that can reduce the reliability and performance of the coupling, reducing the complexity of assembling the coupling.

[0017] For example, the tube coupling assembly of the present disclosure provides a connection between a tube and a device without requiring a specific volume of adhesive or solvent to be applied to a specific length of tubing. Furthermore, the tube coupling assembly does not require chemical compatibility of the materials in the adhesive or solvent, the tube, and the device to make the coupling effective and reliable. Additionally, the tube coupling assembly can achieve an effective and reliable coupling between the tube and the device with high tolerances. The simple and effective features of the present disclosure provide a tube coupling assembly that can be easily adapted for automated manufacturing or assembly operations. In some embodiments, the tube coupling assembly provides features, such as one or more locking features, that resist unintended disassembly of the connection.

[0018] The tube coupling assemblies of the present disclosure may include, but are not limited to, a body and a collar, which may be coupled together to engage a portion of the tube positioned between the body and the collar. While the body and collar are described or illustrated separately, it should be understood that any of the body and / or collar may be configured as part of another device or apparatus. For example, the body may be part of an IV bag, a drip chamber, a check valve, a flow control device, a fluid filter, a pump, or another apparatus or device.

[0019] To fluidly couple an end portion of the tube to the body, the end of the tube is inserted over the body so that a distal portion of the body extends into the fluid passage of the tube, and a collar is then inserted over the body and end tube so that the tube is compressed between the body and collar as the collar is coupled to the body.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the tube coupling assembly can include one or more locking features and / or assembly support features. The locking features can include any of a self-locking screw, ratchet teeth, or locking tab. The self-locking screw can provide an interference fit between the body and collar, thereby preventing rotation that would otherwise unscrew the collar and body or separate them. A portion of the collar or body can have ratchet teeth configured to engage with a ridge or pawl on the other of the collar or body, thereby preventing rotation that would otherwise unscrew the collar and body or separate them. A locking tab can extend from either the body or the collar and be configured to engage with a protruding ledge portion on the other of the collar or body, such that the locking tab engages the protruding ledge portion when the collar and body are coupled together, thereby resisting separation of the collar and body and / or rotation of the collar relative to the body.

[0021] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a tube coupling assembly 100 used in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The tube coupling assembly 100 is fluidly coupled to tubing of an intravenous (IV) set being used to deliver fluid to a patient 10. The IV set includes a medication bag 12, a drip chamber 14, tubing 16, the tube coupling assembly 100, and an IV catheter 18. While the illustrated embodiment of the tube coupling assembly 100 is coupled to the drip chamber 14, it should be understood that the tube coupling assemblies of the present disclosure may be incorporated into or coupled to other apparatus and devices, such as manifolds, needleless access ports, check valves, drip chambers, or other fluid transfer and / or fluid control devices. Furthermore, the tube coupling assemblies of the present disclosure may be incorporated into or coupled to apparatus and devices used in other applications or industries beyond medicine, including, for example, the food, petroleum, nuclear, transportation, mining, pulp and paper, steel, marine, aviation, construction, and other industries.

[0022] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a partially assembled tube coupling assembly 102. The tube coupling assembly 102 includes a body 202 and a collar 252. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the tube coupling assembly 102 with the collar 252 separated from the body 202.

[0023] The tube coupling assembly 102 is configured to be assembled by moving the collar 252 over a portion of the body 202. When an end portion of the tube is positioned between the body 202 and the collar 252, the tube is compressed between the outer surface of the body 202 and the inner surface of the collar 252 when the collar is attached to the body.

[0024] The body 202 has a proximal end portion 204 and a distal end portion 206. A bore 208 extends through the proximal end portion 204 and the distal end portion 206 and is configured to guide a fluid through the body 202. The bore 208 defines an axis A1 extending between the proximal end portion 204 and the distal end portion 206 of the body and through a radial center of the bore 208. The body distal end portion 206 extends from the proximal end portion 202 to a distal end 212 of the body. The distal end portion 206 may be configured to be inserted into the end of a tube such that at least a portion of the body 202 is positioned within the bore of the tube.

[0025] It is contemplated that body 202 may be formed with another component 20, such as another apparatus or device. For example, proximal end 210 of body may be molded unitarily with another component 20. In another example, body 202 may be coupled to another component 20 by applying an adhesive or by welding proximal end 210 of body to the other component 20. In yet another example, body 202 may be coupled to the other component 20 using a mechanical fastener, such as a complementary screw, latch, clamp, or other fastener that secures the body to the other component 20. Thus, to simplify the illustration of the structures of the present disclosure, body 202 is shown coupled to a portion of component 20.

[0026] Collar 252 has first end 254 and second end 256. Passage 258 extends through first end 254 and second end 256 and is configured to allow insertion of the collar over body 202 and at least a portion of the tube. Passage 258 defines an axis A2 extending between first end 254 and second end 256 of the collar and through a radial center of passage 258.

[0027] To assist in connecting the body 202 to the collar 252, the body 202 and the collar 252 may have complementary fasteners, such as body threads 214 extending along the outer surface of the body 202 and collar threads 260 extending along the inner surface of the collar, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0028] Body threads 214 can extend along either the body's proximal end portion 204 and / or distal end portion 206. As shown, the body threads 214 extend along the body's proximal end portion 204 from a first point adjacent the body's proximal end 210 to a second point adjacent the body's distal end portion 206. The body threads 214 can extend along the body's length B1 from the body's proximal end 210 partially toward the body's distal end 212.

[0029] The outermost surfaces of the body threads 214 form peaks or ridges that define the outer surface of the body. The outer surface of the body can have a cross-sectional width that decreases from the proximal end 210 toward the distal end portion 206 of the body. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the cross-sectional width of the body can increase, decrease, and / or remain constant along the proximal portion 204 of the body.

[0030] The distal end portion 206 of the body has an outer surface that defines a cross-sectional width thereof, which may be constant along a first segment of the distal end portion 206 having a length B2 and may decrease along a second segment of the distal end portion 206 having a length B3.

[0031] The cross-sectional width of the outer surface of the body's distal end 212 may be approximately equal to the diameter of the bore of the tube 16 configured to be coupled to the tube coupling assembly 102. When the body's distal end 206 is inserted into the bore of the tube 16 and the end of the tube is moved along the body's outer surface toward the proximal end 210, an interference fit is established between the body and the tube 16. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the tube 16 is expanded or clamped onto the body 202.

[0032] The body 202 can have a wall 220 configured to resist movement of the tube 16 relative to the body 202 beyond the wall 220. The wall 220 can be formed by a portion of the outer surface of the body between the proximal end portion 204 and the distal end portion 206. The wall 220 extends in a direction transverse (i.e., lateral) to the axis A1 through the bore 208. In some embodiments, the wall 220 can be formed as another structure, such as a ridge, post, or bevel, extending from the outer surface of the body 202. When the tube 16 is coupled to the body 202, an end of the tube 16 can engage the wall 220 to resist movement of the tube toward the proximal end 210 of the body 202.

[0033] A collar 252 may be coupled to the body 202 to resist movement of the tube 16 relative to the body 202 and to form a fluid-tight coupling between the tube 16 and the body 202. The collar 252 is configured to be coupled to the body 202 by inserting the collar 252 over the tube 16 and up at least a portion of the body 202.

[0034] To facilitate insertion of collar 252 over body 202 and tube 16, the inner surface of collar 252 that forms passageway 258 defines a cross-sectional width configured to facilitate insertion of at least a portion of the tube and body 202 therethrough. Passageway 259 can have a cross-sectional width approximately equal to the cross-sectional width of the body at an opposite point when collar 252 is coupled to body 202. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional width of passageway 258 decreases from first end 254 to second end 256 of the collar.

[0035] Collar threads 260 extend along the inner surface of the collar from first end 254 toward second end 256. Collar threads 260 extend from first end 254 toward second end 256 of the collar along a collar length C1 that defines a first end portion 262. In some embodiments, collar length C1 is equal to body length B1. Collar passage 258 further has a second end portion 264 that extends from first end portion 262 to second end 256.

[0036] In some embodiments, these complementary threads can extend along other portions of body 202 and / or collar 252. For example, body threads can extend along an inner surface of body 202, such as a sleeve of the body, and collar threads can extend along an outer surface of collar 252. It is also contemplated that body 202 and collar 252 can have other forms of complementary fasteners, such as cam locks, latches, barbs, and / or an interference fit between opposing surfaces.

[0037] The tube coupling assembly 102 may be assembled with the tube 16 as shown in Figures 4 and 5, which show cross-sectional views of the tube coupling assembly 102 through line AA in Figure 2. To assemble the tube coupling assembly 102, the tube 16 is inserted through the passage 258 of the collar. The distal end 212 of the body is inserted into the bore of the tube 16 until at least a portion of the distal end portion 206 of the body is inserted into the tube 16.

[0038] Collar 252 is then moved along the outer surface of tube 16 in a direction from the distal end 212 of the body toward the proximal end 210 of body 202. In embodiments in which body 202 and collar 252 have complementary threads, collar 252 and / or body 202 may be rotated relative to one another.

[0039] When collar 252 is coupled to body 202, body distal end portion 206 extends into collar passageway 258. In addition, part or all of body proximal end portion 204 may extend into collar passageway 258. Furthermore, when collar 252 is coupled to body 202, at least a portion of the outer surface of body distal end portion 206 is spaced a distance from the inner surface of the collar directly opposite the body.

[0040] The distance between collar 252 and body 202 may be approximately equal to or less than the wall thickness T1 of tube 16. In some embodiments, the distance between the outer surface of body distal end portion 206 and the inner surface of the collar directly opposite the body is less than or equal to the thickness T1 of tube 16, such that the inner surface of collar 202 engages and compresses tube 16.

[0041] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the tube coupling assembly can include structure to assist in assembling the collar and body. Figures 6-9 show a tube coupling assembly 104 having an assembly-assist structure defined by a flange 270 extending from the collar 252. The tube coupling assembly 104 can further include a tool configured to engage the assembly-assist structure to assist in assembling the collar and body. At least some structure of the tube coupling assembly 104 is similar to the tube coupling assembly 102. Therefore, for clarity and brevity of this disclosure, reference numerals will be repeated for structure of the tube coupling assembly 104 that is equal to or similar to structure described in connection with other embodiments of the tube coupling assembly of the present disclosure. It should be understood that structure of the present disclosure can be combined with or applied to embodiments of the tube coupling assembly described elsewhere in this disclosure.

[0042] A flange 270 extends from the outer surface of the collar 252 radially outwardly away from the collar 252 and in a direction transverse to the axis A2 of the collar.

[0043] A flange 270 can extend from the collar 252 along either the collar's first end portion 262 or second end portion 264. As shown, the flange 270 can extend from the outer surface of the collar at the collar's first end 254.

[0044] The flange 270 may have an engagement surface that defines one or more vertical planes that are parallel to the axis A2. The engagement surface may be defined by a flange spur 272 that extends radially outward away from the collar 252. The flange 270 may have multiple spurs 272 spaced around the periphery of the outer surface of the flange 270.

[0045] Each spur portion 272 defines a sloped surface 274 extending away from the outer surface of the collar and a lateral wall 276 extending between the sloped surface 274 and the outer surface of the collar 252. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each spur portion has an apex, with the sloped surface 274 extending from the outer surface of the collar 252 to the apex and the lateral wall 276 extending from the apex to the outer surface of the collar 252.

[0046] At least one of the engagement surfaces is formed by lateral wall 276 and defines a plane that intersects axis A2. Lateral wall 276 is configured such that a force applied in direction F1 relative to lateral wall 276 causes the collar to rotate in a clockwise direction about axis A2.

[0047] In contrast, the plane defined by angled surface 274 does not intersect axis A2. Thus, a force applied to angled surface 274 in direction F2 is deflected away from flange 270, thereby resisting counterclockwise rotation of the collar about axis A2.

[0048] In some embodiments, the assembly support structure may be formed by another feature or structure of the collar 252. For example, the assembly support structure may be defined by a post, ridge, or bevel that extends outward from the outer surface of the collar 252. In some embodiments, the assembly support structure may be defined by a depression or groove that extends into the outer surface of the collar 252.

[0049] 7, the tube coupling assembly 104 may further include a socket 290 configured to mate with the flange 270 to assist in coupling the collar 252 to the body 202. The socket 290 may be configured to provide leverage for rotating the collar 252 when the body screws 214 and the collar screws 260 are coupled together. The socket 290 may also be used to align the collar 252 with respect to the body 202 during assembly of the tube coupling assembly 104.

[0050] 8 and 9, the socket has an inner surface that defines a passageway 292 having a socket axis A3. The inner surface forms an angled surface 294 and a lateral wall 296 that extend into the passageway 292. When the collar 252 is inserted into the socket 290, the socket lateral wall 296 is aligned with the flange lateral wall 276, and the collar axis A2 and the socket 290 axis A3 are collinear. When the socket 290 is rotated in a first direction F3 about the socket axis A3, the socket lateral wall 296 engages against the flange lateral wall 276 and exerts a force F1 thereon.

[0051] When socket 290 is rotated in a second direction opposite direction F3, angled surfaces 294 of the socket engage against angled surfaces 274 of the flange, thereby preventing collar 252 from rotating on body 202. Collar 270 and socket 290 are configured such that lateral walls 296 of the socket do not engage against lateral walls 276 of the flange when socket 290 is rotated in the second direction opposite direction F3.

[0052] Socket 290 may have a beveled surface 298 extending from the end of the socket to an apex defined between angled surface 294 and lateral wall 296. Beveled surface 298 is configured to engage a portion of spar 272 when socket 290 is inserted into collar 252, as shown in FIG. 9, which illustrates a cross-sectional view of tube coupling assembly 104 through line BB in FIG. 7. When beveled surface 298 engages spar 272, collar 252 and / or socket 290 are urged to rotate relative to one another until socket lateral wall 296 aligns with flange lateral wall 276.

[0053] 10-14, a tube coupling assembly 106 having a locking structure is shown. At least some structural features of the tube coupling assembly 106 are similar to the tube coupling assemblies 102, 104. Accordingly, as explained above, for clarity and brevity of this disclosure, reference numerals for structural features of the tube coupling assembly 106 that are equivalent to or similar to other embodiments of the tube coupling assemblies 102, 104 will be repeated.

[0054] The locking structure of the tube coupling assembly 106 is defined by a collar 252 having a locking tab 402 and a body 202 having a cavity 452 configured to receive the locking tab therein.

[0055] Collar 252 has a first end 254 and a second end 256. A passageway 258 extends through first end 254 and second end 256 and is configured to allow the collar to be inserted onto body 202. Passageway 258 defines an axis A2 extending between first end 254 and second end 256 of the collar and through a radial center of passageway 258.

[0056] The collar 252 has one or more locking tabs 402 configured to engage with the body 202 when the collar 252 is coupled to the body 202. The locking tabs 402 extend from the first end 254 in a first direction away from the second end 256 of the collar. Each locking tab 402 can extend in a direction that is generally parallel to the axis A2 of the collar. When the collar 252 is coupled to the body 202 and the axis A2 of the collar is aligned with the axis A1 of the body, the locking tabs 402 extend toward the body 202.

[0057] In some embodiments, each lock tab 402 has a barbed portion 404 extending from an outer surface of the lock tab 402. The barbed portion 404 can have a distal end extending from the lock tab 402 in a second direction that is transverse to a first direction in which the lock tab 402 extends. When the collar 252 is coupled to the body 202, the barbed portion 404 is configured to engage a portion of the body 202 to resist unintended movement of the collar 252 relative to the body 202. In some embodiments, the barbed portion 404 is configured to resist movement of the collar 252 away from the body 202 along an axis A1 that passes through the bore in the body.

[0058] The body 202 can have a lateral wall 442 extending from the body in a direction away from the body axis A1. The lateral wall 442 can extend along the body proximal end portion 204 from the proximal end 210 toward the distal end 212 of the body.

[0059] Transverse wall 442 has an inner surface spaced from an outer surface of body proximal portion 204 to define a cavity 444 therebetween. Cavity 444 is configured to receive locking tab 402 therein when collar 252 is coupled to body 202.

[0060] The body 202 can have multiple cavities 444 spaced about the axis A1 of the body and the outer surface of the proximal portion 204, as shown in Figures 12-14, which illustrate cross-sectional views of the tube coupling assembly 106 through line CC in Figure 10. When the body 202 has multiple cavities 444, the collar 252 can be moved toward and coupled to the body 202 only when each locking tab 402 is aligned with a complementary cavity 444. Furthermore, engagement of the locking tabs 402 with the lateral walls 442 can resist rotation of the collar 252 relative to the body 202 about axes A1, A2.

[0061] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, cavity 444 extends around the entire outer surface defining the periphery of body proximal portion 204, such that locking tab 402 can be inserted into cavity 444 in any radial orientation relative to body 202.

[0062] When the locking tab 402 is inserted into the cavity 444, movement of the body 202 and collar 252 away from one another is prevented by engagement of the barb portion 404 against a protruding ledge portion 446 of the body. The protruding ledge portion 446 may extend from the lateral wall 442 into the cavity 444, toward the bore 208 in the body.

[0063] When body 202 is inserted through passage 258 of collar 252, barbed portion 404 of each locking tab 402 engages against the inner surface of lateral wall 442 to bias locking tab 402 toward axis A2 of the collar. When collar 252 is moved further toward body proximal end 210, barbed portions 404 move past protruding ledge portions 446, thereby allowing locking tabs 402 to move radially outward toward the unbiased position.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a protruding ledge portion 446 can extend from an outer surface of the body proximal portion 204 into the cavity 444. In such embodiments, the locking tab 402 can be biased radially outward, away from the body axis A1, until the barbed portion 404 of the locking tab moves past the protruding ledge portion 446.

[0065] The body 202 can further have an aperture 460 that extends through the proximal end 210 of the body to the cavity 444. If the body 202 has multiple cavities 444, each cavity can have an aperture 460 that extends through the proximal end 210 of the body.

[0066] An aperture 460 can intersect the cavity 444 adjacent the protruding shelf portion 446, such that the opening of the aperture in the cavity 444 is located opposite the protruding shelf portion 446. The aperture 460 can allow an object inserted through the aperture 460 to bias the locking tab 402 and separate the collar 252 from the body 202. For example, the collar 252 can be separated from the body 202 by inserting a pin or other object through the aperture 460 until the pin engages the barbs 404 and biases the locking tab 402 away from the protruding shelf portion 446. When the locking tab 402 is biased a distance equal to the length of the barbs 404, the collar 252 can be moved away from the body 202, such that the locking tab 402 is retracted from the cavity 444 without the barbs 404 engaging the protruding shelf portion 446.

[0067] 13 and 14, the tube coupling assembly 106 may be assembled by inserting the distal end portion 206 of the body into the bore of the tube 16. The collar 252 is then moved along the outer surface of the tube 16 in a direction toward the distal end 212 of the body.

[0068] In embodiments in which body 202 has multiple spaced apart cavities 444, body 202 and / or collar 252 may be rotated relative to one another until locking tab 402 is aligned with cavity 444. Once locking tab 402 and cavity 444 are aligned, collar 252 may be moved toward body proximal end 210 such that locking tab 402 enters cavity 444.

[0069] Collar 252 is moved in a first direction toward proximal end 210 of body 202 until barbed portion 404 of locking tab is moved past protruding ledge portion 446. When barbed portion 404 is moved past the protruding ledge portion, for example, between protruding ledge portion 446 and proximal end 210 of body 202, locking tab 402 is de-energized and moves away from axis A2 of collar 252 such that barbed portion 404 can engage protruding ledge portion 446 when the collar is moved in a second direction away from proximal end 210 of body 202.

[0070] The tube coupling assembly 106 is configured such that, when the collar 252 is coupled to the body 202, the outer surface of the body distal end portion 206 is spaced a distance from the inner surface of the collar directly opposite the body. The distance between the body distal end portion 206 and the inner surface of the collar 252 is approximately equal to or less than the wall thickness T1 of the tube 16. In some embodiments, the distance between the outer surface of the body distal end portion 206 and the inner surface of the collar directly opposite the body is less than or equal to the wall thickness T1 of the tube 16, such that the inner surface of the collar 202 engages and compresses the tube 16.

[0071] It should be understood that any of the features of the present disclosure may be included in any of the embodiments herein. For example, it is contemplated that a tube coupling assembly may be configured with a body and a collar having corresponding mating threads, and further include a locking tab extending from one of the body and the collar configured to engage with the other of the body and the collar when the body and the collar are coupled together. In such an embodiment, engagement of the locking tab may indicate that the collar and the body are fully coupled together as intended and may resist disengagement of the collar from the body. Similarly, the tube coupling assembly of the present disclosure may include any of a threaded coupling structure, an assembly support structure such as a flange, and a locking structure.

[0072] Examples of the subject technology as a section The subject technology is exemplified, for example, according to various aspects described below. Various examples of aspects of the subject technology are described as numbered paragraphs (paragraph 1, paragraph 2, paragraph 3, etc.) for convenience. These are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the subject technology. Note that any of the dependent claims may be combined in any combination and may be arranged in a separate, independent paragraph, such as paragraph 1 or paragraph 5. Other paragraphs may be presented similarly.

[0073] Section 1 1. A tube coupling assembly comprising: a body having an outer surface, an inner surface, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion, the inner surface defining a bore extending between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, the outer surface having body threads extending from the outer surface in a radially outward direction away from the bore, the outer surface of the body defining a cross-sectional width that decreases from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion of the body; and a collar having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface defining a passage extending between the first and second ends, the inner surface of the collar having collar threads extending radially inward into the passage, the collar threads extending along the inner surface of the collar from the first end to the second end of the collar.

[0074] Section 2 10. The tube coupling assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the body has a wall between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, the wall extending in a direction transverse to an axis through the bore.

[0075] Section 3 3. The tube coupling assembly of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the body threads define a cross-sectional width of the body that decreases from the proximal end portion toward the distal end portion.

[0076] Section 4 4. The tube coupling assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the body threads extend along the proximal end portion.

[0077] Section 5 5. The tube coupling assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the body threads extend along the proximal and distal end portions of the body.

[0078] Section 6 6. The tube coupling assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an outer surface of the body along the distal end portion defines a cross-sectional width that is constant along the first distal portion length.

[0079] Section 7 7. The tube coupling assembly of claim 6, wherein the cross-sectional width of the outer surface of the body along the distal end portion decreases along a second distal portion length extending from the first distal portion length to the distal end of the body.

[0080] Section 8 8. The tube coupling assembly of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the passage has a length from the first end to the second end of the collar, and the collar threads extend along a portion of the length of the passage.

[0081] Section 9 9. The tube coupling assembly of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inner surface of the collar and the threads define a cross-sectional width of the passage that decreases from the first end to the second end of the collar.

[0082] Section 10 10. The tube coupling assembly of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the collar threads extend along a first length from a first end of the collar toward a second end, and the body threads extend along a second length, the first and second lengths being approximately equal.

[0083] Section 11 11. The tube coupling assembly of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a distal end portion of the body extends into the passage of the collar when the collar is coupled to the body.

[0084] Section 12 12. The tube coupling assembly of claim 11, wherein an outer surface of the body along the distal end portion is spaced from an inner surface of the collar when the collar is coupled to the body.

[0085] Section 13 13. The tube coupling assembly of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the collar has a flange extending from an outer surface in a radially outward direction away from the passage.

[0086] Section 14 14. The tube coupling assembly of paragraph 13, wherein the flange is positioned at the first end of the collar.

[0087] Section 15 14. The tube coupling assembly of claim 13, wherein the flange has a spar extending radially outwardly away from the passage.

[0088] Section 16 16. The tube coupling assembly of claim 15, wherein the spar has an inclined surface extending away from the outer surface of the collar and a lateral wall extending between the inclined surface and the outer surface of the collar.

[0089] Section 17 12. The tube coupling assembly of claim 11, further comprising a socket having an inner surface defining a passageway having a socket axis, the inner surface having an inclined surface and a lateral wall such that the lateral wall of the socket is configured to engage the lateral wall of the collar flange when the socket is rotated in a first direction about the socket axis and is configured not to engage the lateral wall of the collar flange when the socket is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction about the socket axis.

[0090] Section 18 18. The tube coupling assembly of paragraph 17, wherein the socket has a beveled surface extending from the first end of the socket to a ridge between the angled surface and the lateral wall.

[0091] Section 19 1. A tube coupling assembly comprising: a body having an outer surface, an inner surface, a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a lateral wall between the proximal and distal end portions, the lateral wall having a cavity extending therethrough toward the proximal end portion; and a collar having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface defining a passageway extending between the first and second ends, the collar having a locking tab extending from the first end in a first direction away from the second end of the collar, the locking tab configured to be inserted into the cavity of the body to resist movement of the collar away from the body when the collar is coupled to the body.

[0092] Section 20 20. The tube coupling assembly of claim 19, wherein a distal end portion of the body extends into the passage of the collar when the collar is coupled to the body.

[0093] Section 21 21. The tube coupling assembly of claim 20, wherein an outer surface of the body along the distal end portion is spaced from an inner surface of the collar when the collar is coupled to the body.

[0094] Section 22 22. The tube coupling assembly of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the body has a protruding ledge portion that extends into the cavity, and the locking tab has a barb portion that is configured to engage the protruding ledge portion to resist movement of the collar away from the body along an axis through the bore when the collar and body are coupled together.

[0095] Section 23 23. The tube coupling assembly of claim 22, wherein the protruding shelf portion extends radially inward toward the axis of the bore and the barb portion extends radially outward away from the axis through the passageway.

[0096] Section 24 23. The tube coupling assembly of paragraph 22, wherein the barb portion has a distal end surface that extends in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction.

[0097] Section 25 25. The tube coupling assembly of any one of paragraphs 19 to 24, wherein the body has a proximal end surface and an aperture extending from the cavity through the proximal end surface.

[0098] Section 26 26. The tube coupling assembly of any one of paragraphs 19 to 25, wherein the collar has a plurality of tabs spaced around a circumference of the first end of the collar.

[0099] Another thing to note In some examples, any of the sections herein may depend on any one of the independent sections or any one of the dependent claims. In an aspect, any of the sections (e.g., a dependent claim or an independent claim) may be combined with any one or more other sections (e.g., a dependent claim or an independent claim). In an aspect, a claim may include some or all of the words (e.g., steps, actions, means, or components) recited in a section, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In an aspect, a claim may include some or all of the words recited in one or more sections, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs. In an aspect, some of the words in each of the sections, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs may be removed. In an aspect, additional words or elements may be added to a section, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In an aspect, the subject technology may be implemented without utilizing some of the components, elements, functions, or operations described herein. In one aspect, the subject technology may be implemented using additional components, elements, functions, or operations.

[0100] This disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. This disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0101] Reference to a singular element is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless otherwise specified, but rather "one or more." The term "some" means one or more unless otherwise specified. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) also include feminine and neuter pronouns (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, where present, are used merely for convenience and do not limit the invention.

[0102] 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 alternative operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0103] 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 relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations or to one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as "aspect" can mean one or more aspects, and vice versa. A phrase such as "embodiment" does not imply that such an embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such an embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments or to one or more examples. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as "embodiment" can mean one or more examples, and vice versa. A phrase such as "configuration" does not imply that such an embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such an embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure relating to 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 a composition may mean one or more compositions, and vice versa.

[0104] In one aspect, unless otherwise specified, all measurements, values, orders, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications set forth herein, including in the following claims, are approximate and not precise, and are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with their related function and consistent with practice in their related technical fields.

[0105] In one aspect, the term "coupled" or the like can mean directly coupled. In another aspect, the term "coupled" or the like can mean indirectly coupled.

[0106] Terms such as "top," "bottom," "front," and "rear," as used in this disclosure, should be understood to refer to any frame of reference and not to a general gravitational frame of reference. Thus, the top, bottom, front, and rear surfaces can extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in the gravitational frame of reference.

[0107] Various items may be arranged in various ways (e.g., arranged in various orders or divided in various ways) without departing from the scope of the subject technology. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments 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 public, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims. No claim element shall be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for," or, in the case of a method claim, unless the element is recited using the phrase "step for." Furthermore, to the extent terms such as "include" or "have" are used, such terms are intended to be as inclusive as "comprise" when interpreted when employed as a transitional word in the claims.

[0108] The Title, Background, Summary, Brief Description of the Drawings, and Abstract of the Disclosure are hereby incorporated into this disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as limiting descriptions. This is presented with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, it will be appreciated that in the Detailed Description, the description provides illustrative examples and that various features 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 features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed structure or operation. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as separately claimed subject matter.

[0109] The claims are not intended to be limited to only the embodiments described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and encompass all legal equivalents. However, no claim is intended, and should not be construed, to include subject matter that is insufficient to satisfy the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §§ 101, 102, or 103.

Claims

1. 1. A tube connection assembly comprising: a body having an outer surface, an inner surface, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion, the inner surface defining a bore extending between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, the outer surface having body threads extending from the outer surface in a radially outward direction away from the bore, the outer surface and the body threads defining a cross-sectional width of the body that decreases from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion; a collar having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a passageway extending between the first end and the second end, the inner surface of the collar having collar threads extending radially inward into the passageway, the collar threads extending along the inner surface of the collar from the first end toward the second end of the collar; A tube coupling assembly having:

2. 2. The tube coupling assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the body has a wall between the proximal and distal end portions, the wall extending in a direction transverse to an axis through the bore.

3. The tube coupling assembly of claim 1 , wherein the body threads extend along the proximal end portion.

4. The tube coupling assembly of claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of the body along the distal end portion defines a cross-sectional width that is constant along a first distal portion length.

5. 5. The tube coupling assembly of claim 4, wherein the cross-sectional width of the outer surface of the body along the distal end portion decreases along a second distal portion length extending from the first distal portion length to the distal end of the body.

6. 2. The tube coupling assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the collar and the threads define a cross-sectional width of the passage that decreases from the first end to the second end of the collar.

7. 2. The tube coupling assembly of claim 1, wherein the collar threads extend along a first length from the first end of the collar toward the second end, and the body threads extend along a second length, the first length and the second length being approximately equal.

8. 2. The tube coupling assembly of claim 1, wherein the distal end portion of the body extends into the passage of the collar when the collar is coupled to the body.

9. 9. The tube coupling assembly of claim 8, wherein the outer surface of the body along the distal end portion is spaced from the inner surface of the collar when the collar is coupled to the body.

10. The tube coupling assembly of claim 1 , wherein the collar has a flange extending from the outer surface in a radially outward direction away from the passage.

11. The tube coupling assembly of claim 10, wherein the flange includes a spur extending radially outwardly away from the passage.

12. 12. The tube coupling assembly of claim 11, wherein the spar has an angled surface extending away from the outer surface of the collar and a lateral wall extending between the angled surface and the outer surface of the collar.

13. 11. The tube coupling assembly of claim 10, further comprising a socket having an inner surface defining a passageway having a socket axis, the inner surface having an angled surface and a lateral wall whereby the lateral wall of the socket is configured to engage the lateral wall of the collar flange when the socket is rotated about the socket axis in a first direction and is configured not to engage the lateral wall of the collar flange when the socket is rotated about the socket axis in a second direction opposite the first direction.

14. 14. The tube coupling assembly of claim 13, wherein the socket has a beveled surface extending from a first end of the socket to a ridge between the angled surface and the lateral wall.

15. 1. A tube connection assembly comprising: a body having an outer surface, an inner surface, a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a lateral wall between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, the lateral wall having a cavity extending therethrough toward the proximal end portion; a collar having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a passageway extending between the first end and the second end, the collar having a locking tab extending from the first end in a first direction away from the second end of the collar; and the locking tab is configured to be inserted into the cavity of the body to resist movement of the collar away from the body when the collar is coupled to the body. Tube joint assembly.

16. 16. The tube coupling assembly of claim 15, wherein the body has a protruding ledge portion extending into the cavity, and the locking tab has a barbed portion configured to engage the protruding ledge portion to resist movement of the collar away from the body along an axis through the bore of the body when the collar and the body are coupled together.

17. 17. The tube coupling assembly of claim 16, wherein the protruding ledge portion extends radially inward toward an axis of the bore and the barb portion extends radially outward away from an axis through the passageway.

18. 17. The tube coupling assembly of claim 16, wherein the barbed portion has a distal end surface extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

19. 16. The tube coupling assembly of claim 15, wherein the collar has a plurality of the locking tabs spaced around a circumference of the first end of the collar.

20. 16. The tube coupling assembly of claim 15, wherein the cavity extends around the entire outer surface defining a periphery of the proximal end portion of the body.

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