Bracketing device and method for manufacturing parts cleaning equipment

Abstract

Bracketing device configured to secure a connector, comprising: a first side section comprising a first subsection comprising a first support bracket, a second subsection connected to the first subsection, the second subsection comprising a first fixing bracket pair, and a third subsection connected to the second subsection; a second side section comprising a fourth subsection comprising a second support bracket, a fifth subsection connected to the fourth subsection, the fifth subsection comprising a second fixing bracket pair, and a sixth subsection connected to the fifth subsection; and an end connection section disposed between the first side section and the second side section, the end connection section comprising an end bracket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to bracketing devices, and more particularly to bracketing devices and related methods that can secure laboratory parts during a cleaning / disinfection process.

Background Art

[0002] Cross - reference to related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 492,127, filed on March 24, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0003] Introduction A washer - disinfector ( "washer") is used for the automatic cleaning of laboratory equipment and / or surgical equipment. More specifically, washers conventionally function by combining a pressurized spray, water temperature, and a cleaning agent to clean equipment that may be heat - resistant and / or heat - sensitive placed inside. The advantages of using a washer in an automatic cleaning process are consistency, productivity, and control of important parameters such as temperature, chemical action, and time. However, problems can occur if the equipment placed inside comes loose during the disinfection process.

[0004] Therefore, the present disclosure is directed to the use of bracketing devices during the cleaning and disinfection of equipment to address the aforementioned problems. The description of the background art provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise indicated herein, the subject matter described in this section is not prior art to the claims of the present application and should not be recognized as being prior art or suggesting prior art by inclusion in this section.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a bracketing device is disclosed that secures a connector device during an equipment disinfection process.

[0006] In one embodiment, a bracketing device configured to secure a connector is provided. The bracketing device includes a first side section comprising a first subsection comprising a first support bracket, a second subsection connected to the first subsection comprising a first fixing bracket pair, and a third subsection connected to the second subsection; a second side section comprising a fourth subsection comprising a second support bracket, a fifth subsection connected to the fourth subsection comprising a second fixing bracket pair, and a sixth subsection connected to the fifth subsection; and an end connection section disposed between the first side section and the second side section, the end connection section comprising an end bracket.

[0007] In another embodiment, an equipment fixing device is provided. The equipment fixing device is a connector configured to fix an equipment component, the connector including a first gripping component and a second gripping component, and a bracketing device attached to the connector and at least partially surrounding the connector, the bracketing device including a first side section, a first subsection including a first support bracket, a second subsection connected to the first subsection, the second subsection including a first fixing bracket pair, a third subsection connected to the second subsection, and a fourth side section including a second support bracket. A bracketing device comprising a bracketing device comprising a second side section, a bracketing device comprising a bracketing device comprising a second side section, an end connection section disposed between the first side section and the second side section, the end connection section comprising an end bracket, the first bracket pair being clamped around a first gripping component, the second bracket pair being clamped around a second gripping component, and the end bracket being clamped on the first end of the connector.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, a method is provided for securing a connector to a bracketing device, the method comprising: clamping a first gripping component of the connector between a first pair of fixing brackets of the bracketing device; clamping a second gripping component of the connector between a second pair of fixing brackets of the bracketing device; and clamping a first end of the connector between the end bracket of the bracketing device and a first support bracket and a second support bracket.

[0009] Please understand that both the above-mentioned overview and the following-mentioned detailed explanation are merely illustrative and explanatory, and do not limit the disclosed embodiments to those claimed.

[0010] The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and constituting part of this specification illustrate the disclosed embodiments and, together with the descriptions, illustrate the principles of the disclosed embodiments. Numerous aspects and embodiments are described herein. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that features of a particular aspect or embodiment may be used in combination with features of any or all of the other aspects or embodiments described herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Perspective views of a bracketing device according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown. [Figure 2] The following are perspective views of connection devices configured to fix a portion of equipment, according to various aspects of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This disclosure illustrates exemplary processes for attaching a connected device to a bracketing device, according to various aspects of this disclosure. [Figure 4] The following are perspective views of a connected device fixed by a bracketing device according to various aspects of this disclosure. [Figure 5] The following are perspective views of equipment mounted on a connected device fixed by a bracketing device, according to various aspects of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The terms used below, even when used in conjunction with the detailed descriptions of the specific embodiments of this disclosure, should be interpreted in the most broad and reasonable manner. In fact, any term intended to be interpreted restrictively, although some terms may be emphasized below, is explicitly and specifically defined in this “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention” section. Both the general description above and the detailed description below are merely illustrative and explanatory and do not limit the claimed features.

[0013] In this disclosure, the term “based on” means “based at least in part on.” Unless otherwise specified by context, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to multiple objects. The term “exemplary” is used to mean “example,” not “ideal.” The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “including,” or other variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; therefore, a process, method, or product that includes a list of elements does not necessarily include only those elements, but may also include other elements not explicitly listed, or elements not specific to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Relative terms such as “substantially” and “generally” are used to indicate a possible ±10% variation in the stated or understood values.

[0014] One common problem that occurs during a disinfection cycle in a washer (e.g., STERIS single-chamber or multi-chamber washer / disinfector) is that equipment can fall off the rack on which it is placed. Once a part has come loose, it is considered contaminated and needs to be cleaned again. In such situations, the disinfection cycle needs to be started again, which often involves only a very small number of parts (e.g., only the detached part). Running a disinfection cycle once may require at least two operators to start, and the run can take about 3-4 hours. Furthermore, each run is very expensive due to the various solutions used, as well as the man-hours and energy required to run the cycle. Therefore, requests to rerun the washer in consideration of detached equipment are costly, time-consuming, and burdensome.

[0015] To minimize the risk of equipment detachment, small components are traditionally secured to racks within the washer using plastic tri-clamp (TC) connectors. TC connectors can firmly grip and hold parts of the equipment upright during the disinfection cycle. However, the caustic and acidic solutions used by the washer, as well as the high-temperature environment inside, eventually cause the TC connectors to expand, losing their ability to properly grip the equipment and resulting in detachment. Given the above, a better solution is needed to secure small components undergoing disinfection cycles within the washer.

[0016] To this end, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a bracketing device that can be attached to a TC connector. More specifically, the bracketing device can ensure that any equipment attached to the TC connector is properly secured throughout the entire disinfection cycle by allowing the TC connector to maintain its gripping properties. Furthermore, the bracketing device may be designed to be attached to the TC connector without obstructing any cleaning solution flow paths.

[0017] Next, we will refer in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure described below and shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to identical or similar parts. Additional purposes and advantages of the embodiments are described in part below, partially evident from the description, or can be learned through practice of the embodiments. It should be understood that both the above summary and the following detailed descriptions are merely illustrative and explanatory and do not limit the scope of the claims.

[0018] Referring to Figure 1, an exemplary perspective view of a bracketing device is provided. In an embodiment, the bracketing device 100 may include an end connection section 105, a first side section 110, and a second side section 115.

[0019] In an embodiment, the end connection section 105 may have a first surface 105a and a second surface 105b. In an embodiment, the first surface 105a may have substantially the same shape and / or dimensions as the second surface 105b. For example, each of the first surface 105a and the second surface 105b may be rectangular in shape and substantially the same length and width. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the first surface 105a may have a different shape and / or dimensions than the second surface 105b. For example, both the first surface 105a and the second surface 105b may have the same shape (e.g., rectangular), but the first surface 105a may be shorter in length than the second surface 105b. In an embodiment, the end connection section 105 may further have a first edge 105c and a second edge 105d. In embodiments, the first edge 105c may be parallel to the second edge 105d and may be located on the opposite side of the second edge 105d. In embodiments, each of the first edge 105c and the second edge 105d may have a thickness equal to or different from the other edge.

[0020] In this embodiment, the first side section 110 extends from the first end 120a of the end connection section 105, and the second side section 115 extends from the second end 120b of the end connection section 105. In this embodiment, the first side section 110 and the second side section 115 may each extend away from the end connection section 105 at obtuse angles 125a and 125b, respectively, and the obtuse angle 125a formed between the connection between the end connection section 105 and the first side section 110 may be the same angle as the obtuse angle 125b formed between the connection between the end connection section 105 and the second side section 115, or it may be a different angle. Thus, in this embodiment, the first side section 110 may be non-parallel to the second side section 115.

[0021] In an embodiment, the first side section 110 may include a first subsection 130 directly connected to the first end 120a of the end connection section 105, and the second side section 115 may include a first subsection 135 directly connected to the second end 120b of the end connection section 105. Each of the first subsections 130, 135 may include a first surface 130a, 135a and a second surface 130b, 135b, respectively. In an embodiment, for each of the first subsections 130, 135, the first surfaces 130a, 135a may have substantially the same shape and / or dimensions as the second surfaces 130b, 135b. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the first surfaces 130a, 135a may be the second surface 13 0b) may have a different shape and / or different dimensions from 135b. In an embodiment, the shape and / or dimensions of either the first surface 130a or the second surface 130b of the first sub-section 130 may be the same as, or different from, the shape and / or dimensions of either the first surface 135a or the second surface 135b of the first sub-section 135. In an embodiment, each of the first sub-sections 130, 135 may have a first edge 130c, 135c and a second edge 130d, 135d. In an embodiment, the first edges 130c, 135c may be parallel to the second edges 130d, 135d and may be disposed on the opposite sides of the second edges 130d, 135d. In an embodiment, each of the first edges 130c, 135c and the second edges 130d, 135d may have a thickness equivalent to that of the other edges, or a different thickness.

[0022] In an embodiment, the first side section 110 may include a second sub-section 140 directly connected to the distal end 145a of the first sub-section 130, and the second side section 115 may include a second sub-section 150 directly connected to the distal end 145b of the first sub-section 135. In an embodiment, each of the second sub-sections 140, 150 may extend away from the first sub-sections 130, 135 at an acute angle, 90 degrees, or an obtuse angle. In an embodiment, the angle formed between the second sub-section 140 and the first sub-section 130 may be the same as, or different from, the angle formed between the second sub-section 150 and the first sub-section 135. In an embodiment, the shape and / or dimensions of the second sub-sections 140, 150 may be the same as, or different from, the shape and / or dimensions of the first sub-sections 130, 135.

[0023] Each of the second subsections 140, 150 may include a first surface 140a, 150a and a second surface 140b, 150b. In an embodiment, for each of the second subsections 140, 150, the first surfaces 140a, 150a may have substantially the same shape and / or dimensions as the second surfaces 140b, 150b. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the first surfaces 140a, 150a may have a different shape and / or different dimensions from the second surfaces 140 b , 150 b . In an embodiment, the shape and / or dimensions of either the first surface 140a or the second surface 140b of the second subsection 140 may be the same as or different from the shape and / or dimensions of either the first surface 150a or the second surface 150b of the second subsection 150. In an embodiment, each of the second subsections 140, 150 may have a first edge 140c, 150c and a second edge 140d, 150d. In an embodiment, the first edges 140c, 150c may be parallel to the second edges 140d, 150d and may be disposed on the opposite sides of the second edges 140d, 150d. In an embodiment, the first edge 1 4 0c, 1 50 c and the second edge 1 4 ]>0d, 1 50 d may each have a thickness equal to or different from the other edges.

[0024] In embodiments, the first lateral section 110 may include a third subsection 155 directly connected to the distal end 160a of the second subsection 140, and the second lateral section 115 may include a third subsection 165 directly connected to the distal end 160b of the second subsection 150. In embodiments, each of the third subsections 155, 165 may extend away from the second subsections 140, 150 at an acute, 90-degree, or obtuse angle. In embodiments, the angle formed between the third subsection 155 and the second subsection 140 may be the same as or different from the angle formed between the third subsection 165 and the second subsection 150. In embodiments, the shape and / or dimensions of the third subsections 155, 165 may be the same as or different from the shape and / or dimensions of the second subsections 140, 150 and / or the first subsections 130, 135.

[0025] Each of the third subsections 155, 165 may include a first surface 155a, 165a and a second surface 155b, 165b. In embodiments, for each of the third subsections 155, 165, the first surface 155a, 165a may have substantially the same shape and / or dimensions as the second surface 155b, 165b. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the first surface 155a, 165a may have a different shape and / or dimensions than the second surface 155b, 165b. In embodiments, the first surface 155a or the second surface 1 of the third subsection 155 may have a different shape and / or dimensions than the second surface 155b, 165b. 5 Any shape and / or dimension of 5b is as specified in the third subsection 1 65The shape and / or dimensions of either the first surface 165a or the second surface 165b may be the same as or different from those of the other surface. In embodiments, each of the third subsections 155, 165 may have first edges 155c, 165c and second edges 155d, 165d. In embodiments, the first edges 155c, 165c may be parallel to the second edges 155d, 165d and may be located opposite the second edges 155d, 165d. In embodiments, each of the first edges 155c, 165c and the second edges 155d, 165d may have a thickness equal to or different from that of the other edges.

[0026] In embodiments, some or all of the surfaces of any of the aforementioned sections of the bracketing device may be substantially solid throughout (for example, as shown now in Figure 1). Alternatively, in another embodiment, some or all of the surfaces of any of the sections may be partially hollow. For example, some or all of the surfaces of any of the sections may include one or more holes contained therein (e.g., circular holes, elliptical holes, rectangular holes, etc.). In embodiments, each of the edges of the bracketing device may have a particular type of finish (e.g., the edges may be sharp edges, beveled edges, filleted edges, chamfered edges, etc.). The type of finish may be the same for each edge, the same for a subset of edges, or different for each edge.

[0027] In embodiments, the end connection section 105 may include an end bracket 170. In embodiments, the end bracket 170 may be integrated with the first edge 105c at substantially any position along the length of the end connection section 105. For example, the end bracket 170 shown in Figure 1 is positioned substantially in the center of the end connection section 105. In embodiments, the end bracket 170 may be substantially any shape (e.g., square, rectangular, trapezoidal, etc.). In embodiments, the end bracket 170 may extend away from the first edge 105c toward the open central region of the bracketing device 100. More specifically, in embodiments, the end bracket 170 may extend away from the first edge 105c at an angle (e.g., acute angle, etc.).

[0028] In embodiments, each of the first subsections 130, 135 may include support brackets 175, 180. In embodiments, support bracket 175 may be integrated with the second edge 130d of the first subsection 130, and support bracket 180 may be integrated with the second edge 135d of the first subsection 135. In embodiments, each of the support brackets 175, 180 may be positioned at substantially any position along the length of the first subsections 130, 135. For example, the support brackets 175, 180 shown in Figure 1 are positioned substantially in the center of the first subsections 130, 135. In embodiments, the support brackets 175, 180 may be substantially any shape (e.g., square, rectangle, trapezoid, etc.). In embodiments, each of the support brackets 175, 180 may extend away from the second edges 130d, 135d toward the open central region of the bracketing device 100. More specifically, in embodiments, each of the support brackets 175, 180 may extend away from the second edges 130d, 135d at a certain angle (e.g., substantially 90 degrees). In embodiments, the bracketing device 100 may include two support brackets (e.g., as shown in Figure 1), or alternatively, it may include more or fewer support brackets. For example, the bracketing device 100 may include only a single support bracket (e.g., only one of the support brackets 175, 180).

[0029] In embodiments, each of the second subsections 140, 150 may include a pair of fixing brackets 185, 190. In embodiments, each of the fixing bracket pairs 185, 190 may include a first fixing bracket 185a, 190a integrated with the first edges 140c, 150c of the second subsections 140, 150, and a second fixing bracket 185b, 190b integrated with the second edges 140d, 150d of the second subsections 140, 150. In embodiments, the first fixing brackets 185a, 190a and / or the second fixing brackets 185b, 190b may be positioned at substantially any position along the length of the second subsections 140, 150. In embodiments, the first and second fixing brackets 185a, 185b, 190a, 190b may be substantially any shape (e.g., square, rectangular, trapezoidal, etc.) and may extend away from the first edges 140c, 150c and the second edges 140d, 150d toward the open central region of the bracketing device 100. More specifically, in embodiments, each of the first and second fixing brackets 185a, 185b, 190a, 190b may extend away from the first edges 140c, 150c and the second edges 140d, 150d at a certain angle (e.g., substantially 90 degrees, acute, etc.). In an embodiment, the first fixing brackets 185a, 190a may extend away from the first edges 140c, 150c at an angle substantially the same as or different from the angle at which the second fixing brackets 185b, 190b extend away from the second edges 140d, 150d.

[0030] In embodiments, the bracketing device 100 may be made of a material that is sufficiently flexible to wrap around the TC connector (as further described herein) and can withstand the high-temperature environment and acidic solutions of the washing machine used during the disinfection process. For example, the bracketing device 100 may be made of stainless steel of a given gauge. In embodiments, the entire bracketing device 100 may be made of the same material, or alternatively, parts of the bracketing device 100 may be made of different materials. In embodiments, the entire bracketing device 100 may have the same flexibility throughout. Alternatively, in another embodiment, some parts of the bracketing device 100 may have greater flexibility than other parts. For example, the end bracket 170, support brackets 175, 180, and / or fixed bracket pairs 185, 190 may have greater or less flexibility than other parts of the bracketing device 100. In one embodiment, each of the side sections 110, 115 may have substantially the same dimensions (e.g., length, width, etc.) and the same number of brackets. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the dimensions and / or brackets of one of the side sections 110, 115 may differ from the other dimensions and / or protrusions of the opposing section, for example, to accommodate TC connectors of various shapes and sizes.

[0031] In an embodiment, the bracketing device 100 can be configured to secure a conventional TC connector 200, as shown in Figure 2. The TC connector 200 can be configured to attach and secure various different types of equipment (e.g., tubes, bottles, connector components, etc.). In an embodiment, the TC connector 200 may be made of plastic or other similar polymers and come in various sizes (e.g.,

number

[0032] In an embodiment, the TC connector 200 may be substantially bowl-shaped and may include a surface 205 that intersects the concave portion 210 of the TC connector 200 at a first edge 215. In an embodiment, the surface 205 may be substantially circular, as shown, for example, in Figure 2, and may include a certain width defined by the first edge 215 and the second edge 220.

[0033] In embodiments, the TC connector 200 may include first and second gripping components 225, 230, respectively. In embodiments, the first gripping component 225 can be positioned substantially anywhere along the surface relative to the second gripping component 230 (for example, the two gripping components 225, 230 may be positioned substantially adjacent to each other, substantially facing each other, or close to each other). In embodiments, each of the first and second gripping components 225, 230 may include vertical segments 225a, 230a and overhang segments 225b, 230b. In embodiments, the vertical segments 225a, 230a may be directly connected to a portion of the surface 205 and may extend away from the surface 205 at a substantially 90-degree angle. In embodiments, each of the overhang segments 225b, 230b may be connected to the vertical segments 225a, 230a at their edges 235a, 235b. In some embodiments, each of the overhang segments 225b and 230b may extend toward the center of the TC connector 200, thereby protruding into a portion of the surface 205 and, in some embodiments, into the area of ​​the concave portion 210.

[0034] Referring here to Figure 3, an illustrative diagram is provided showing how the TC connector 200 may be attached to the bracketing device 100. More specifically, the bracketing device 100 can be configured to wrap around the TC connector 200 by manually moving the rear end 240 of the TC connector 200 through the opening 195 of the bracketing device 100 (i.e., the space between the side sections 110, 115) toward the end connection section 105. As shown in Figure 4, the attachment can be achieved when the rear end 240 of the TC connector 200 is secured by the end bracket 170 and each of the gripping components 225, 230 is secured by one of two sets of fixing bracket pairs 185, 190. In this context, the end bracket 170 wraps around a portion of the surface 205 corresponding to the rear end 220 of the TC connector 200, thereby applying a downward compressive force to the base portion 210, thereby securing the TC connector 200 between the support brackets 175, 180 and the end bracket 170. Furthermore, each of the first fixing brackets 185a, 190a may contact the overhang segments 225b, 230b and extend over at least a portion of their surfaces. Each of the second fixing brackets 185b, 190b may contact the outer surface (not shown) of the TC connector 200, thereby further securing the TC connector between the first fixing brackets 185a, 190a and the second fixing brackets 185b, 190b.

[0035] Next, referring to Figure 5, an equipment component is provided that is mounted on a TC connector secured by a bracketing device. In the figure, the equipment component 300 is an elbow connector, but such designation is illustrative and not intended to be limiting. In an embodiment, the lip portion 305 of the equipment component 300 can be secured to the TC connector 200 by inserting the lip portion 305 between the space provided by the overhang segments 225b, 230b of the gripping components 225, 230 and the corresponding surface portion 205. In such a mounting configuration, the bracketing device 100 can prevent expansion of the TC connector 200 and / or loosening of the gripping components 225, 230 due to the rigid frame of the bracketing device 100 and the compressive force provided thereby. Thus, the equipment component 300 can be reliably maintained in place during the operation of the cleaning machine.

[0036] In one embodiment, the bracketing device 100 may be a single, dedicated object configured to secure a single TC connector 200. Once secured, the bracketing device may be positioned on a rack within the washing machine. In addition or alternative, in another embodiment, the bracketing device 100 may be a component of a larger unit (not shown) which may include two or more integrated bracketing devices. In this embodiment, the larger unit may be configured to secure two or more TC connectors associated with a bracketing device, and thus to secure a number of equipment parts.

[0037] Embodiments of this disclosure may include the following features: Clause 1. A bracketing device configured to secure a connector, The first side section, A first subsection including a first support bracket, A second subsection connected to the first subsection, the second subsection including a first fixed bracket pair, A third subsection connected to the second subsection, The first side section, including, A second side section, A fourth subsection including a second support bracket, A fifth subsection connected to the fourth subsection, the fifth subsection includes a second fixed bracket pair, A sixth subsection connected to the fifth subsection, The second side section, including, An end connection section disposed between the first side section and the second side section, wherein the end connection section includes an end bracket, The bracketing device, including the bracketing device.

[0038] Clause 2. The bracketing device is made of stainless steel. Clause The bracketing device described in 1.

[0039] Clause 3. The stainless steel is of a specified gauge. Clause Bracketing device as described in 2.

[0040] Clause 4. The first fixing bracket pair includes a first fixing bracket and a second fixing bracket, and the second fixing bracket pair includes a third fixing bracket and a fourth fixing bracket. Clause The bracketing device described in 1.

[0041] Clause 5. The first and third fixing brackets are integrated with the first side edge of the bracketing device, and the second and fourth fixing brackets are integrated with the second side edge of the bracketing device. Clause Bracketing device as described in 4.

[0042] Clause 6. The first fixed bracket pair is positioned along the midpoint of the second subsection, and the second fixed bracket pair is positioned along the midpoint of the fifth subsection. Clause The bracketing device described in 1.

[0043] Clause 7. The first support bracket and the second support bracket are each integrated with the second side edge of the bracketing device. Clause The bracketing device described in 1.

[0044] Clause 8. The first support bracket is positioned at a first midpoint along the second side edge of the first subsection, and the second support bracket is positioned at a second midpoint along the second side edge of the fourth subsection. Clause Bracketing device as described in 7.

[0045] Clause 9. The end bracket is integrated with the first side edge of the end connection section of the bracketing device. Clause The bracketing device described in 1.

[0046] Clause 10. The end bracket is positioned at an intermediate point along the first side edge of the end connection section. Clause Bracketing device as described in 9.

[0047] Clause 11. Equipment fixing device, A connector configured to secure equipment components, wherein the connector includes a first gripping component and a second gripping component, A bracketing device attached to the connector and surrounding the connector at least partially, wherein the bracketing device is The first side section, A first subsection including a first support bracket, A second subsection connected to the first subsection, the second subsection including a first fixed bracket pair, A third subsection connected to the second subsection, The first side section, including, A second side section, A fourth subsection including a second support bracket, A fifth subsection connected to the fourth subsection, the fifth subsection includes a second fixed bracket pair, A sixth subsection connected to the fifth subsection, The second side section, including, An end connection section disposed between the first side section and the second side section, wherein the end connection section includes an end bracket, The bracketing device includes, Includes, The equipment fixing device wherein the first fixing bracket pair is clamped around the first gripping component, the second fixing bracket pair is clamped around the second gripping component, and the end bracket is clamped on the first end of the connector.

[0048] Clause 12. The connector is a Tri-clamp (TC) connector. Clause Equipment fixing device as described in 11.

[0049] Clause 13. The connector is made of plastic material. ClauseEquipment fixing device as described in 11.

[0050] Clause 14. The bracketing device is made of stainless steel. Clause Equipment fixing device as described in 11.

[0051] Clause 15. The first fixing bracket pair includes a first fixing bracket and a second fixing bracket, and the second fixing bracket pair includes a third fixing bracket and a fourth fixing bracket. Clause Equipment fixing device as described in 11.

[0052] Clause 16. The first support bracket and the second support bracket are integrated with the second side edge of the bracketing device, the first support bracket is positioned at a first midpoint along the second side edge of the first subsection, and the second support bracket is positioned at a second midpoint along the second side edge of the fourth subsection. Clause Equipment fixing device as described in 11.

[0053] Clause 17. The end bracket is integrated with the first side edge of the end connection section of the bracketing device, and the end bracket is positioned at an intermediate point along the first side edge of the end connection section. Clause Equipment fixing device as described in 11.

[0054] Clause 18. A method for securing a connector to a bracketing device, Clamping the first gripping component of the connector between the first fixed bracket pair of the bracketing device, Clamping the second gripping component of the connector between the second fixed bracket pair of the bracketing device, The first end of the connector is clamped between the end bracket of the bracketing device and the first and second support brackets, The method, including the method described above.

[0055] Clause 19. The first fixed bracket pair is located in the second subsection of the bracketing device, the second fixed bracket pair is located in the fifth subsection of the bracketing device, the end bracket is located in the end connection section of the bracketing device, the first support bracket is located in the first subsection of the bracketing device, and the second support bracket is located in the fourth subsection of the bracketing device. Clause The method described in 18.

[0056] Clause 20. Further includes securing the equipment component to the connector by inserting a portion of the equipment component between a first space formed by the first overhang section of the first gripping component with respect to the surface of the connector and a second space formed by the second overhang section of the second gripping component with respect to the surface. Clause The method described in 18.

[0057] Many of the features and advantages of this disclosure are evident from the detailed specification, and therefore the appended claims are intended to encompass all of the features and advantages of this disclosure that fall within the true intent and scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and variations will readily come to mind for those skilled in the art, it is not desirable to limit this disclosure to the exact configuration and operation illustrated and described, and therefore all suitable modifications and equivalents that fall within the scope of this disclosure may be subject to action.

[0058] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the underlying concepts of this disclosure can be readily used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems to accomplish some of the purposes of this disclosure. Therefore, the claims should not be considered limited by the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A bracketing device configured to secure a connector, The first side section, A first subsection including a first support bracket, A second subsection connected to the first subsection, the second subsection including a first fixed bracket pair, A third subsection connected to the second subsection, The first side section, including, The second side section, A fourth subsection including a second support bracket, A fifth subsection connected to the fourth subsection, the fifth subsection includes a second fixed bracket pair, A sixth subsection connected to the fifth subsection, The second side section, including, An end connection section disposed between the first side section and the second side section, wherein the end connection section includes an end bracket, The bracketing device, including the bracketing device.

2. The bracketing device according to claim 1, wherein the bracketing device is made of stainless steel.

3. The bracketing device according to claim 2, wherein the stainless steel is a predetermined gauge.

4. The bracketing device according to claim 1, wherein the first fixing bracket pair includes a first fixing bracket and a second fixing bracket, and the second fixing bracket pair includes a third fixing bracket and a fourth fixing bracket.

5. The bracketing device according to claim 4, wherein the first fixing bracket and the third fixing bracket are integrated with the first side edge of the bracketing device, and the second fixing bracket and the fourth fixing bracket are integrated with the second side edge of the bracketing device.

6. The bracketing device according to claim 1, wherein the first fixed bracket pair is positioned along the midpoint of the second subsection, and the second fixed bracket pair is positioned along the midpoint of the fifth subsection.

7. The bracketing device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first support bracket and the second support bracket is integrated with the second side edge of the bracketing device.

8. The bracketing device according to claim 7, wherein the first support bracket is positioned at a first midpoint along the second side edge of the first subsection, and the second support bracket is positioned at a second midpoint along the second side edge of the fourth subsection.

9. The bracketing device according to claim 1, wherein the end bracket is integrated with the first side edge of the end connection section of the bracketing device.

10. The bracketing device according to claim 9, wherein the end bracket is positioned at an intermediate point along the first side edge of the end connection section.

11. A device for fixing equipment, A connector configured to secure equipment components, wherein the connector includes a first gripping component and a second gripping component, A bracketing device attached to the connector and surrounding the connector at least partially, wherein the bracketing device is The first side section, A first subsection including a first support bracket, A second subsection connected to the first subsection, the second subsection including a first fixed bracket pair, A third subsection connected to the second subsection, The first side section, including, The second side section, A fourth subsection including a second support bracket, A fifth subsection connected to the fourth subsection, the fifth subsection includes a second fixed bracket pair, A sixth subsection connected to the fifth subsection, The second side section, including, An end connection section disposed between the first side section and the second side section, wherein the end connection section includes an end bracket, The bracketing device includes, Includes, The equipment fixing device wherein the first fixing bracket pair is clamped around the first gripping component, the second fixing bracket pair is clamped around the second gripping component, and the end bracket is clamped on the first end of the connector.

12. The equipment fixing device according to claim 11, wherein the connector is a tri-clamp (TC) connector.

13. The equipment fixing device according to claim 11, wherein the connector is made of a plastic material.

14. The equipment fixing device according to claim 11, wherein the bracketing device is made of stainless steel.

15. The equipment fixing device according to claim 11, wherein the first fixing bracket pair includes a first fixing bracket and a second fixing bracket, and the second fixing bracket pair includes a third fixing bracket and a fourth fixing bracket.

16. The equipment fixing device according to claim 11, wherein each of the first support bracket and the second support bracket is integrated with the second side edge of the bracketing device, the first support bracket is positioned at a first midpoint along the second side edge of the first subsection, and the second support bracket is positioned at a second midpoint along the second side edge of the fourth subsection.

17. The equipment fixing device according to claim 11, wherein the end bracket is integrated with the first side edge of the end connection section of the bracketing device, and the end bracket is positioned at an intermediate point along the first side edge of the end connection section.

18. A method for securing a connector to a bracketing device, Clamping the first gripping component of the connector between the first fixed bracket pair of the bracketing device, Clamping the second gripping component of the connector between the second fixed bracket pair of the bracketing device, The first end of the connector is clamped between the end bracket of the bracketing device and the first and second support brackets, The method, including the method described above.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the first fixed bracket pair is located in a second subsection of the bracketing device, the second fixed bracket pair is located in a fifth subsection of the bracketing device, the end bracket is located in an end connection section of the bracketing device, the first support bracket is located in a first subsection of the bracketing device, and the second support bracket is located in a fourth subsection of the bracketing device.

20. The method according to claim 18, further comprising fixing the equipment component to the connector by inserting a portion of the equipment component between a first space formed by the first overhang section of the first gripping component with respect to the surface of the connector and a second space formed by the second overhang section of the second gripping component with respect to the surface.

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