Tubing retention security device

Abstract

A tubing retention security device is disclosed with a first half retention coupling and a second half retention coupling where the two retention couplings when joined together around a coupling and joined tubing provide secure and mechanically sound retention of coupled or otherwise joined tubing to mitigate the risk of leakage or contamination in an environment such as chemical or pharmaceutical processing.

Description

[0001] TUBING RETENTION SECURITY DEVICE

[0002] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to United States Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 538,819 filed September 16, 2023 entitled “Pinch Retention Device” by Vulcan Bioworks, LLC, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference as permissible by national or regional laws.

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present invention relates generally to a retention device, and more particularly to a tubing retention security device that provides secure retention of tubing to mitigate the risk of leakage, contamination or tampering.

[0006] BACKGROUND ART

[0007] A variety of retention and fastening devices exist today. When joining tubing, for example elastomer tubing, it is common practice to use a rigid coupler where the flexible tubing is pushed onto the rigid coupler, thus joining two pieces of elastomer tubing. For security and leak resistance, often a cable tie is placed around each tubing end to provide pressure in an attempt to leak proof the fitting. Unfortunately cable ties do not form a perfect circle with uniform circumferential pressure. This is due in part to the sharp right angle formation of the cable tie when joined together. This weakness makes the fitting prone to leaks, makes disassembly and subsequent reassembly difficult, and also can be cumbersome to implement.

[0008] What is therefore needed is a tubing retention security device that provides secure retention of conjoined tubing to mitigate the risk of leakage, contamination or tampering.

[0009] The present invention, and the various embodiments described and envisioned herein, meet this heretofore unmet need.

[0010] DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a tubing retention security device comprising a half retention coupling. Two half retention couplings engaged together around tubing joined with a coupling form the tubing retention security device. The coupling may be a two way coupling, a three way coupling, a four way coupling, or a manifold joining multiple tubing elements and configurations. The half retention coupling comprises an exterior and a generally cylindrical interior passageway , and has a tubing opening configured to receive tubing joined with a coupling, a first key slot located adjacent to the tubing opening, and a first key element located adjacent to the tubing opening; wherein the first key slot of the half retention coupling is configured to engage with and retain a first key element of another half retention coupling and the first key slot of the other half retention coupling engages with and retains the first key element of the half retention coupling.

[0012] The foregoing paragraph has been provided by way of introduction, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as described by this specification, the attached drawings and claims.

[0013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The invention will be described by reference to the following drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tubing retention security device in an assembled state and in use with tubing;

[0016] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tubing retention security device of Figure 1 in a separated state;

[0017] Figure 3 is a side plan view of the tubing retention security device of Figure 1 showing inner features in dotted line format;

[0018] Figure 4 depicts cross sectional view B-B of the tubing retention security device as shown in Figure 3;

[0019] Figure 5 depicts cross sectional view C-C of the tubing retention security device as shown in Figure 3;

[0020] Figure 6 is a side plan view of the tubing retention security device of Figure 1;

[0021] Figure 7 is a rotated side plan view of the tubing retention security device of Figure 1;

[0022] Figure 8 is an end plan view of the tubing retention security device of Figure 1;

[0023] Figure 9 is an alternate end plan view of the tubing retention security device of Figure 1;

[0024] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a three way tubing retention security device of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 11 is a plan view of the three way tubing retention security device; Figure 12 is a plan view of the three way tubing retention security device with a half retention coupling removed;

[0026] Figure 13 depicts a three way connector for use with the three way tubing retention security device;

[0027] Figure 14 depicts a three way connector engaged with a half retention coupling of the three way tubing retention security device where the tubing is clear to show the three way connector;

[0028] Figure 15 depicts a three way connector engaged with the half retention coupling of the three way tubing retention security device with one tube removed;

[0029] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the half retention coupling of the three way tubing retention security device;

[0030] Figure 17 is a plan view of the half retention coupling of the three way tubing retention security device;

[0031] Figure 18 is a side view of the half retention coupling of the three way tubing retention security device;

[0032] Figure 19 is a perspective view of an assembled three way tubing retention security device;

[0033] Figure 20 is a plan view of an assembled three way tubing retention security device;

[0034] Figure 21 is a cross sectional view of the assembled three way tubing retention security device taken along line D-D of Figure 20;

[0035] Figure 22 is a side plan view of an assembled three way tubing retention security device; Figure 23 is a cross sectional view of the assembled three way tubing retention security device taken along line E-E of Figure 20;

[0036] Figure 24 is a plan view of a half retention coupling of a three way tubing retention security device with retention teeth along a circular channel;

[0037] Figure 25 is a perspective view of the half retention coupling depicted in Figure 24; and

[0038] Figure 26 is a plan view of a four way tubing retention security device of the present invention.

[0039] The present invention will be described in connection with a preferred embodiment, however, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention to the embodiment described. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by this specification, claims and the attached drawings.

[0040] BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0041] For a general understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used throughout to designate identical elements.

[0042] The present invention will be described by way of example, and not limitation. Modifications, improvements and additions to the invention described herein may be determined after reading this specification and viewing the accompanying drawings; such modifications, improvements, and additions being considered included in the spirit and broad scope of the present invention and its various embodiments described or envisioned herein.

[0043] Securing tubing after being joined together with a connector or similar hardware to form a junction is important to prevent leakage and contamination, for example, in the production of pharmaceuticals.

[0044] The tubing retention security device of the present invention provides for a secure, leak proof and tamper resistant coupling of two or more tubes when joined together.

[0045] The tubing retention security device has two halves that mate together, completely surrounding a given geometry and providing compression at desired points. The tubing retention security device not only prevents leaks and contamination, but also allows for ease of assembly and may provide a tamper resistant seal and allows for ease of assembly.

[0046] The two halves of the tubing retention security device are mated together using elements such as a tab or tabs, couplings, keys, a band, a cable tie, or the like.

[0047] In some embodiments, an assembled tubing retention security device is configured to break when disassembly of the assembled tubing retention security device is attempted. Such an arrangement may be accomplished, for example, by the use of brittle or otherwise fragile components such as thin or brittle plastics, components that are scored or otherwise structurally compromised to cause breakage when disassembly of the retention couplings is attempted.

[0048] The tubing retention security device can be applied after assembly of parts is complete without prior planning. It can be made of favorable materials (such as rigid polymers) that are clean and compatible with sterilization methods. The tubing retention security device can be applied without the use of a specialized tool, although a tool could be used to assist if needed. The tubing retention security device is used to fasten and retain single or multiple tubing connections, or a junction of one or more tubes and connectors. This allows for repeatable and predictable joining and attachment of tubing.

[0049] In one embodiment, the tubing retention security device, either by itself or with additional features, serves to provide a tamper resistant and / or a tamper evident seal.

[0050] The tubing retention security device may be made from a plastic, a reinforced plastic, or a metal, and may be injection molded, blow molded, 3D printed, cast, machined, stamped, or otherwise formed.

[0051] The tubing retention security device provides circumferential pressure on an elastomer tube or similar conduit in order to ensure closure, preventing leaks and ingress of contamination. Common uses include connecting an elastomer tube to a fitting or coupling that may be attached to a pump, a storage container, or may simply be a coupling to join two or more elastomer tubes together.

[0052] The tubing retention security device will hold a flexible piece and a rigid piece together in a way that does not allow for ingress or egress of fluid, even when exposed to significant pressure.

[0053] Each part of the tubing retention security device being half of an entire unit and may be symmetrical to error proof application of the device, creating a cavity of specific geometry to accommodate a preexisting fluid path or vessel. A rib or other raised geometry inside of the cavity will cause a desired compression of the elastomer tube to ensure a proper seal. This can be done for many different geometries and repeated for similar geometries at different sizes.

[0054] Referring to the present invention in detail, in Figure 1 there is shown a perspective view of the tubing retention security device 100 in an assembled state and in use with tubing. The fundamental components depicted herein may, in many instances, be supplemented by additional components such as retainers, clips, clamps, wires, tape, adhesive, couplers, fittings, or the like.

[0055] A section of tubing 109 can be seen in Figure 1. It should be noted that for clarity the tubing 109 is truncated in the drawings. A first half retention coupling 101 can be seen along with a second half retention coupling 103. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first half retention coupling 101 and the second half retention coupling 103 are identical or nearly so. This allows for a reduction in inventory complexity as well as a reduction in assembly and operational complexity. The two half cylinder retention couplings are joined together as shown in figure 1, and surround a connector 111. As will be described further herein, the connector 111 joins, for example, two pieces of tubing, tubing and a further connector or fitting, or the like. Such tubing and various joining techniques are common, known, and used in many industries. Each half cylinder retention coupling has inner features that can be seen more clearly in Figures 2 and 3 that both assist with joining the two half cylinder retention couplings together and also provide a uniform circumferential force around the tubing and coupling assembly. Each half cylinder retention coupling has an internal passageway that, when each half cylinder retention coupling is joined together, forms a passageway configured to receive a cylindrical member. In some embodiments, the cylindrical member is not of a uniform diameter, but may have a flare, bulb, or other non-uniform geometry. Such non-uniform geometry may be part of the connector 111, and may provide a secure attachment of the tubing 109 to the connector 111.

[0056] In some embodiments of the present invention the tubing connector 111 is joined with or otherwise attached to one of the half retention couplings. The tubing connector 111, for example, may be contained within an interior passageway of the tubing retention security device to simplify in use assembly. The tubing connector 111 may be fastened to the half retention coupling with an adhesive or fasteners, or may, in some embodiments of the present invention, be molded or formed with the half retention coupling.

[0057] In some embodiments, each half cylinder retention coupling has a circumferential channel to accommodate a tie or similar item. When joined together, the circumferential channel on each half cylinder retention coupling forms a circumferentially continuous channel for placement of a tie such as a cable or cable tie, a hose clamp style tie, a rope, a wire, a string, or the like. A first circumferential channel 105 can be seen with a first tie 113 located within the circumferential channel 105. In addition, in some embodiments, a second circumferential channel 107 is employed such as that shown in Figure 1. The second circumferential channel 107 contains a second tie 115, as seen in Figure 1. In some embodiments, one, two, three or more circumferential channels are employed. Further, in some embodiments, the circumferential channel and the tie are integrated or formed such that the tie is a part of or connected with one of the half cylinder retention couplings. In some embodiments, the tie may be tamper-resistant such that it cannot be removed or, should the tie be removed or tampered with, evidence of such would be visible. In some embodiments, there is no circumferential channel, as a cable tie, band or similar such device may not be necessary, or may not require a channel. While the tubing retention security device 100 is depicted as generally cylindrical, in some embodiments other geometries may be employed.

[0058] Turning now to Figure 2, a perspective view of the tubing retention security device is shown in a separated state such that the inner structure can be seen. To facilitate proper joining and alignment of the first half retention coupling 101 and the second half retention coupling 103, a key element and key slot arrangement is depicted. A first key element 201 joins with a first key slot 207 and a second key element 205 joins with a second key slot 203. In some embodiments, one, two, three or more key element and key slot pairs are employed. Each key element may have a hook, an angle, a barb or a key like structure such that the key element mates with and locks into the adjoining key slot. The adjoining key slot has a mating surface to allow the key element to engage with the key slot. In some embodiments, the tubing retention security device passageway (the hollowed out area within each half cylinder retention coupling) has a larger diameter area to accommodate a connector flare 209 or a similar tubing retention structure.

[0059] To use the tubing retention security device, tubing is assembled with a coupling or other fitting, the two half cylinder retention couplings are joined together around the tubing and optionally a tie or ties are placed in any defined circumferential channels such that the two half cylinder retention couplings are firmly attached to the tubing and coupling interface.

[0060] Figure 3 is a side plan view of the tubing retention security device showing inner features in dotted line format. The passageway along with the lumen of the connector 111 and tubing 109 can be seen. Further, the interaction between the connector 111, tubing 109 and each half cylinder retention coupling (101 and 103) can be clearly seen.

[0061] Figure 4 depicts a cross sectional view of the tubing retention security device taken along line B-B of Figure 3. Cross sectional view B-B shows the engagement between the first half retention coupling 101 and the second half retention coupling 103 where the key elements 201 and 205 mate with their respective key slots 207 and 203. In this embodiment, the key elements have flag like or key like appearance to engage with a similar reverse geometry in the key slots. In some embodiments, other geometries may be employed.

[0062] Figure 5 depicts a cross sectional view of the tubing retention security device taken along line C-C of Figure 3. Cross sectional view C-C shows the half cylinder retention couplings 101 and 103 surrounding a tubing 109 and connector 111 assembly. The optional circumferential channels 105 and 107 can also be seen. Ties have been omitted in Figure 5, and as stated previously, in some embodiments ties and circumferential channels are not employed.

[0063] Figure 6 is a side plan view of the tubing retention security device 100 and Figure 7 is a rotated side plan view of the tubing retention security device 100 showing the break between the first half retention coupling 101 and the second half retention coupling 103.

[0064] Figure 8 is an end plan view of the tubing retention security device 100 where the first half retention coupling 101 and the second half retention coupling 103 can be seen surrounding and pinching a tubing and coupling assembly. Figure 9 is an alternate end plan view of the tubing retention security device 100 also showing the first half retention coupling 101 and the second half retention coupling 103 surrounding and pinching a tubing and coupling assembly.

[0065] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first half retention coupling 101 and the second half retention coupling 103 are identical or nearly so. This allows for a reduction in inventory complexity as well as a reduction in assembly and operational complexity. The two half retention couplings are joined together as shown in figure 1.

[0066] While the tubing retention security device 100 is depicted as generally cylindrical, in some embodiments other geometries may be employed. For example, in some embodiments the interior may be generally cylindrical or have generally cylindrical passageways while the exterior is formed as a non-cylindrical geometry for either functional or aesthetic reasons.

[0067] To use the tubing retention security device 100, tubing is joined together with a coupling such as the connector 111 seen in Figure 1. Two half retention couplings are then joined together around the coupling and tubing by way of alignment and insertion of the key elements of a first retention coupling with the key slots of a second retention coupling and the key elements of a second retention coupling with the key slots of first retention coupling. Optionally, a security retention tie is fastened around the joined half retention slots.

[0068] While a cylindrical tubing retention security device has been depicted and described herein, further embodiments may employ a cylindrical or generally cylindrical interior passageway or passageways with an exterior of a different geometry, such as rectangular, square, octagonal, or the like. In addition to a two tube connector, the present invention includes a three tube connector, a four tube connector, and so forth. To exemplify both a “non-cylindrical” exterior and a 2 + n way coupling, figures 9-22 depict a three way coupling with a squared off exterior appearance.

[0069] Turning to Figure 10, a perspective view of a three way tubing retention security device 1000 is depicted. Similar to the previous embodiment, a first retention half 1001 and a second retention half 1003 are employed. The first retention half 1001 and the second retention half 1003 are, in some embodiments, similar or identical in structural design. Such an approach reduces tooling and inventory cost, and keeps assembly and use simple. A first key element 1011 and a second key element 1013 can be seen in Figure 10 affixed or formed with the second retention half 1003 where the second retention half 1003 is joined to a first retention half 1001. The three way tubing retention device 1000 as depicted in Figure 10 has a first tubing element 1005, a second tubing element 1007 and a third tubing element 1009 joined together within the three way tubing retention device 1000, as will be further depicted and described herein.

[0070] Figure 11 is a plan view of the three way tubing retention security device showing the first retention half 1001 with tubing joined within the assembled three way tubing retention security device.

[0071] Figure 12 is a plan view of the three way tubing retention security device with a half retention coupling removed such that the inner structure and joining mechanism can be seen. The second retention half 1003 can be seen having a first key element 1011, a second key element 1013 and a third key element 1207 protruding from a mating surface of the second retention half 1003. A circular channel can be seen in a T-shaped configuration where a T junction (or T coupling) can be placed within the circular channel. Across the circular channel from each key element is a key slot. A first key slot 1201, a second key slot 1203 and a third key slot 1205 can be seen. As previously described, each key element interacts with a key slot on another retention half. For example, the second retention half 1003 interacts with and retains the first retention half 1001 seen in Figure 10. The T junction (or T coupling) 1209 comprises a T shaped conduit having a junction barb at each conduit branch. A first junction barb 1211, a second junction barb 1213 and a third junction barb 1215 can be seen, where each junction barb serves to retain a tubing element such as the first tubing 1005, the second tubing 1007 and the third tubing 1009. Figure 13 depicts this T junction (or T coupling) 1209 in order to demonstrate use with the three way tubing retention security device 1000. The tubing that would be attached to the third junction barb 1215 is not depicted so that the hose barb and related geometry can be seen.

[0072] Figure 14 depicts a T junction (or T coupling) 1209 engaged with a retention half 1003 of the three way tubing retention security device where the tubing is clear to show the interaction between the tubing and the T junction (or T coupling) 1209. The assembled T junction 1209 and related tubing 1005, 1007 and 1009 are shown placed within the circular channel of the retention half 1003 such that a retention half 1001 (see figure 10) is placed on the retention half 1003 with the circular channel of the retention half 1001 straddling the tubing and T junction and the key elements and key slots aligned and engaged.

[0073] Figure 15 depicts a T junction 1209 engaged with the half retention coupling 1003 of the three way tubing retention security device with one tube removed such that the junction barb structure can be seen.

[0074] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the half retention coupling 1003 of the three way tubing retention security device. The circular channel 1603 can be clearly seen which accommodates a T junction and related tubing. A pinch structure 1601 can also be seen along each branch of the circular channel where the pinch structure 1601 is depicted as a raised feature that circumferentially spans the circular channel. In some embodiments this pinch structure 1601 is a continuous ridge, whereas in other embodiments the pinch structure 1601 may be a discrete or non-continuous feature that protrudes into the circular channel in order to provide retention of the associated tubing within the circular channel.

[0075] Figure 17 is a plan view of the half retention coupling 1003 of the three way tubing retention security device where the key slots 1201, 1203 and 1205 can be seen along with the key elements 1011, 1013 and 1207. The circular channel 1603 and an exemplary channel structure can also be seen in Figure 16, including the pinch structure 1601. While the pinch structure 1601 serves an important role in securely retaining each tubing element, in some embodiments and applications the pinch structure 1601 may be absent.

[0076] Figure 18 is a side view of the half retention coupling 1003 of the three way tubing retention security device where the first key element 1011 can be seen along a wide edge where the wide edge spans a key slot. A second key element 1013 and a third key element 1207 can be seen along a narrow edge such that the hook or flag shape profile can be seen. This profile has a generally L-shaped geometry comprising a truncated rectangular shape. The geometry of this hook arrangement can be described as two generally rectangular shapes joined at a generally right angle where a comer of one rectangular shape is truncated or chamfered to allow entry of a key element into a key slot. By varying the angle of truncation during production one can vary the ease of entry and removal of a key element into a key slot.

[0077] Figure 19 is a perspective view of an assembled three way tubing retention security device where the first retention half 1001 can be seen joined with the second retention half 1003. For clarity, tubing has not been shown.

[0078] Figure 20 is a plan view of an assembled three way tubing retention security device where the first retention half 1001 can be seen. As stated previously, in some embodiments the first retention half 1001 and the second retention half 1003 are structurally the same or similar. Structural similarity does not include ornamental features, as ornamentation may be, but does necessarily have to be, different for each retention half. Further, there may be inscriptions or other text or numbering on each retention half.

[0079] Figure 21 is a cross sectional view of the assembled three way tubing retention security device taken along line D-D of Figure 20 where the first retention half 1001 and the second retention half 1003 can be seen joined together and forming a completed circular channel 1603 for retention of tubing and related junction.

[0080] Figure 22 is a side plan view of an assembled three way tubing retention security device where the optional pinch structure 1601 can be seen within the circular channel 1603.

[0081] Figure 23 is a cross sectional view of the assembled three way tubing retention security device taken along line E-E of Figure 20 where the interaction of key elements and key slots can be clearly seen.

[0082] Figure 24 is a plan view of a half retention coupling of a three way tubing retention security device with retention teeth 2401 along a circular channel. The retention teeth 2401 may be included in some embodiments of the present invention and provide additional friction and associated security to prevent inadvertent separation of tubing at a connector. The retention teeth 2401 may be formed as circumferential ridges, points, barbs, protrusions, or any other structure that provides further retention capabilities of tubing to a tubing retention security device. Figure 25 is a perspective view of the half retention coupling depicted in Figure 24 showing the retention teeth 2401 along a circular channel. It should be noted that retention teeth 2401 may be placed or formed with one or more circular channels.

[0083] While Figures 10-23 depict a three way tubing retention security device, a two way tubing retention security device of the rectangular form depicted in Figures 10-23 can be easily envisioned and understood to be an embodiment of the present invention. Further, various geometric variations on each of the tubing retention security device embodiments are included in the scope of the present invention as disclosed herein. For example, the three way tubing retention device may not always be configured in a T shaped arrangement, but may, for example, be configured as more of a Y shape or an E shape topology. The same holds true for the four way tubing retention device, which may, for example, be configured as more of an X shape or in line topology. Figure 26 is a plan view of a four way tubing retention security device 2600 of the present invention. A first half retention coupling 2601 can be seen. A second half retention coupling, key elements and key slots are employed along with a junction or connector to join tubing within the joined half retention couplings.

[0084] It is, therefore, apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the various objects of the present invention, a tubing retention security device. While the various objects of this invention have been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the present invention as defined by this specification, claims and the attached drawings.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A tubing retention security device comprising: a first half retention coupling comprising an exterior and a generally cylindrical interior passageway, the first half retention coupling comprising a tubing opening configured to receive tubing joined with a coupling, a first key slot located adjacent to the tubing opening, and a first key element located adjacent to the tubing opening; a second half retention coupling comprising an exterior and a generally cylindrical interior passageway, the second half retention coupling comprising a tubing opening configured to receive tubing joined with a connector, a first key slot located adjacent to the tubing opening, and a first key element located adjacent to the tubing opening; wherein the first key slot of the first half retention coupling engages with and retains the first key element of the second half retention coupling and the first key slot of the second half retention coupling engages with and retains the first key element of the first half retention coupling.

2. The tubing retention security device of claim 1, wherein the first half retention coupling and the second half retention coupling are structurally the same.

3. The tubing retention security device of claim 1, wherein the first half retention coupling further comprises a second key slot located adjacent to the first key element and a second key element located adjacent to the first key slot, and wherein the second half retention coupling further comprises a second key slot located adjacent to the first key element and a second key element located adjacent to the first key slot.

4. The tubing retention security device of claim 1, further comprising a tubing connector wherein the tubing retention security device is configured to retain the tubing connector and related tubing.

5. The tubing retention security device of claim 1, further comprising a first circumferential security channel that circumferentially spans the exterior of the first half retention coupling and a second circumferential security channel thatcircumferentially spans the exterior of the second half retention coupling, wherein each circumferential security channel is configured to receive a security retention tie.

6. The tubing retention security device of claim 1, wherein the first key element of the first half retention coupling has a generally L-shaped geometry comprising a truncated rectangular shape.

7. The tubing retention security device of claim 1, wherein an assembled tubing retention security device is configured to break when disassembly of the assembled tubing retention security device is attempted.

8. The tubing retention security device of claim 1, wherein the tubing opening is configured to receive a two way connector.

9. The tubing retention security device of claim 1, wherein the tubing opening is configured to receive a three way connector.

10. The tubing retention security device of claim 1, wherein the tubing opening is configured to receive a four way connector.

11. A half retention coupling comprising an exterior and a generally cylindrical interior passageway, the half retention coupling comprising a tubing opening configured to receive tubing joined with a connector, a first key slot located adjacent to the tubing opening, and a first key element located adjacent to the tubing opening; wherein the first key slot of the half retention coupling is configured to engage with and retain a first key element of another half retention coupling and the first key slot of the other half retention coupling engages with and retains the first key element of the half retention coupling.

12. The half retention coupling of claim 11 further comprising a second key slot located adjacent to the first key element and a second key element located adjacent to the first key slot.

13. The half retention coupling of claim 11, further comprising a tubing connector.

14. The half retention coupling of claim 11, further comprising a circumferential security channel that circumferentially spans the exterior of the half retention coupling, wherein the circumferential security channel is configured to receive a security retention tie.

15. The half retention coupling of claim 11, wherein the first key element of the half retention coupling has a generally L-shaped geometry comprising a truncated rectangular shape.

16. The half retention coupling of claim 11, wherein an assembled half retention coupling is configured to break when disassembly of the assembled half retention coupling is attempted.

17. The half retention coupling of claim 11, wherein the first key element of the half retention coupling is configured to lock with the first key slot of another half retention coupling.

18. The half retention coupling of claim 11, wherein the tubing opening is configured to contain a two way connector.

19. The half retention coupling of claim 11, wherein the tubing opening is configured to contain a three way connector.

20. The half retention coupling of claim 11, wherein the tubing opening is configured to contain a four way connector.

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