Fitting assembly

Abstract

A fitting assembly includes a first section, a second section, a clamp, and a hinge pin. The first section includes at least one first sidewall with a hinge protrusion extending from a first sidewall exterior surface. The clamp includes a first clamp member and a second clamp member with the first clamp member including a protrusion attached to a first wall second end point and the second clamp member including a clasp member attached to a second wall second end point. The hinge pin is configured to pass through a hinge through hole in the hinge protrusion, a first through hole in the protrusion, and a second through hole in the clasp mechanism to connect the first clamp member to the second clamp member and to pivotably connect the first clamp member and the second clamp member to the first section.

Description

FITTING ASSEMBLYCROSS REFERENCES AND PRIORITIES

[0001] This Application claims priority from United States Provisional Application No.63 / 556,133 filed on 21 February 2024, the teachings of which are incorporated byreference herein in their entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Chemical manufacturing, particularly pharmaceutical manufacturing, oftenrequires aseptic sealing of the vessel within which the manufacturing process occurs andwithin the fittings, lines, and conduits connected to said vessel. Aseptic sealing in suchmanufacturing typically requires the aseptic seal to withstand the pressures associated withthe manufacturing process without leaking, breaking, or rupturing. A number of fittings,clamps, valves, connectors, and other fasteners have been developed to provide asepticsealing of chemical manufacturing equipment in pressurized environments.

[0003] Recently, many chemical manufacturing processes have transitioned to single-useprocessing equipment as opposed to reusable processing systems which require stringentsterilization regimes using harsh chemicals and high temperature steam after each use.Single-use systems conduct the entire duration of the production process in a single batch,after which the processing equipment is discarded and / or transported off-site forsterilization using gamma, EtO, or x-ray sterilization methods.

[0004] Single-use processing equipment – in which the various components are typicallymanufactured of a polymer material as opposed to metals found in reusable processingsystems – suffers from several flaws when compared to reusable processing systems. Mostnotably, an entire processing system must be assembled for each production batch. Thisprocess is time consuming and labor intensive – often conducted by hand by severalindividuals operating in a clean-room environment. In addition, the multitude ofconduits and connections involved in any one single-use system increases the chances thatany one connection may be assembled without maintaining aseptic sealing and / orwithout maintaining sealing capable of withstanding manufacturing pressures when thesystem is in operation without leaking, breaking, or rupturing.

[0005] The need exists, therefore, for improved equipment for assembling single-useaseptic pressurized chemical manufacturing systems which can be assembled quickly andeasily by hand.FITTING ASSEMBLYSUMMARY

[0006] Described herein is a fitting assembly. The fitting assembly includes a first section,a second section, a clamp, and a hinge pin. The first section has at least one first sidewalldefining a first interior, a first flange located at a first section proximal end, a hingeprotrusion extending from a first sidewall exterior surface and having a hinge throughhole extending from a hinge protrusion top surface through a hinge protrusion bottomsurface. The second section has at least one second sidewall defining a second interior,and at second flange located at a second section proximal end.

[0007] The clamp includes a first clamp member and a second clamp member. The firstclamp member has a first semi-circular wall having a first inner surface, a first outersurface, a first wall first end point with a first wall engagement member attached thereto,and a first wall second end point with a protrusion attached thereto. The protrusion hasa first through hole extending from a protrusion top surface through a protrusion bottomsurface. The second clamp member has a second semi-circular wall having a second innersurface, a second outer surface, a second wall first end point with a second wallengagement member attached thereto, and a second wall second end point with a claspmember attached thereto. The clasp member has a second through hole extending froma clasp member top surface through a clasp member bottom surface. The clasp memberis configured to receive the protrusion.

[0008] The hinge pin is configured to pass through the hinge through hole, the firstthrough hole, and the second through hole to connect the first clamp member to thesecond clamp member and to pivotably connect the first clamp member and the secondclamp member to the first section. The first interior is fluidly connected to the secondinterior when the first inner surface and the second inner surface are frictionally engagedwith the first flange and the second flange.

[0009] In some embodiments, the fitting assembly may further include a gasketfrictionally engaged between the first flange and the second flange. When present, thegasket may include at least one gasket tongue configured to mate with a first groove of thefirst flange to securely connect the gasket to the first flange. Alternatively, the gasket mayinclude at least one gasket tongue configured to mate with a second groove of the secondflange to securely connect the gasket to the second flange.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the hinge pin may include a first end lip, a second endlip, and an intermediate lip. When present, the first end lip may be configured tofrictionally engage a second through hole upper edge. When present, the second end lipFITTING ASSEMBLYmay be configured to frictionally engage a hinge through hole lower edge. When present,the intermediate lip may be configured to frictionally engage a hinge through hole upperedge.

[0011] In some embodiments, the hinge pin may include an upper groove and a lowergroove. When present, the upper groove may extend horizontally from a hinge pin firstend. When present, the lower groove may extend horizontally from a hinge pin secondend.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the first sidewall may include a first sidewall sectionhaving a first conical profile with a first sidewall first interior dimension at the first sectionproximal end which is greater than a first sidewall second interior dimension at or abouta first sidewall section terminal end. In some embodiments, the second sidewall mayinclude a second sidewall section having a second conical profile with a second sidewallfirst interior dimension at a second section proximal end which is greater than a secondsidewall interior dimension at or about a second sidewall section terminal end.

[0013] In some embodiments, a second section terminal end may include a second hosebarb. In certain embodiments, the first section terminal end may include a first hose barb.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the first section terminal end may include a pump body.In some embodiments, the first section terminal end may include a valve. In certainembodiments, the first section terminal end may include a bag. In some embodiments,the first section terminal end may include a tank.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fitting assembly.

[0016] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a fitting assembly.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of a fitting assembly.

[0018] FIG. 4 is an exploded cross section view of a fitting assembly.

[0019] FIG. 5 is an assembled cross section view of a fitting assembly.

[0020] FIG. 6 is an exploded top view of a clamp.

[0021] FIG. 7 is an assembled top view of a clamp.

[0022] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a fitting assemblysection with a gasket.

[0023] FIG. 9 is an assembled perspective view of an embodiment of a fitting assemblysection with a gasket.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONFITTING ASSEMBLY

[0024] Disclosed herein is a fitting assembly. As described herein, the following numbersrefer to the following structures as noted in the Figures.

[0025] 10 refers to a fitting assembly.

[0026] 100 refers to a first section.

[0027] 110 refers to a first sidewall.

[0028] 115 refers to a first sidewall exterior surface.

[0029] 120 refers to a first interior.

[0030] 130 refers to a first flange.

[0031] 140 refers to a first section proximal end.

[0032] 150 refers to a hinge protrusion.

[0033] 155 refers to a hinge through hole.

[0034] 157 refers to a hinge through hole lower edge.

[0035] 159 refers to a hinge through hole upper edge.

[0036] 160 refers to a first sidewall section.

[0037] 161 refers to a first sidewall first interior dimension.

[0038] 162 refers to a first sidewall second interior dimension.

[0039] 163 refers to a first sidewall section terminal end.

[0040] 170 refers to a first section terminal end.

[0041] 171 refers to a first hose barb.

[0042] 180 refers to a first groove.

[0043] 200 refers to a second section.

[0044] 210 refers to a second sidewall.

[0045] 220 refers to a second interior.

[0046] 230 refers to a second flange.

[0047] 240 refers to a second section proximal end.

[0048] 250 refers to a second sidewall section.

[0049] 251 refers to a second sidewall first interior dimension.

[0050] 252 refers to a second sidewall second interior dimension.

[0051] 253 refers to a second sidewall section terminal end.

[0052] 260 refers to a second section terminal end.

[0053] 261 refers to a second hose barb.

[0054] 270 refers to a second groove.

[0055] 300 refers to a clamp.

[0056] 310 refers to a first clamp member.FITTING ASSEMBLY

[0057] 311 refers to a first semi-circular wall.

[0058] 312 refers to a first inner surface.

[0059] 313 refers to a first outer surface.

[0060] 314 refers to a first wall first end point.

[0061] 315 refers to a first wall second end point.

[0062] 316 refers to a protrusion.

[0063] 317 refers to a first through hole.

[0064] 320 refers to a second clamp member.

[0065] 321 refers to a second semi-circular wall.

[0066] 322 refers to a second inner surface.

[0067] 323 refers to a second outer surface.

[0068] 324 refers to a second wall first end point.

[0069] 325 refers to a second wall second end point.

[0070] 326 refers to a clasp member.

[0071] 327 refers to a second through hole.

[0072] 328 refers to a second through hole upper edge.

[0073] 400 refers to a hinge pin.

[0074] 410 refers to a first end lip.

[0075] 420 refers to a second end lip.

[0076] 430 refers to an intermedia lip.

[0077] 440 refers to an upper groove.

[0078] 445 refers to a hinge pin first end.

[0079] 450 refers to a lower groove.

[0080] 455 refers to a hinge pin second end.

[0081] 500 refers to a gasket.

[0082] 510 refers to a gasket tongue.

[0083] FIG.1 illustrates an embodiment of a fitting assembly (10) in perspective view. Asshown in FIG.1, the fitting assembly includes a first section (100), a second section (200),a clamp (300), and a hinge pin (400).

[0084] FIG. 2 explodes the embodiment of a fitting assembly (10) shown in FIG. 1 toillustrate further details thereof. As shown in FIG. 2, the first section (100) includes atleast one first sidewall (110) defining a first interior ((120) as shown in FIG. 4). A firstflange (130) may be located at a first section proximal end (140). The first flange includesa first mating surface configured to mate with the second mating surface of the secondFITTING ASSEMBLYflange, or – in embodiments comprising a gasket (500) – with a bottom surface of thegasket. In some embodiments, at a first section terminal end ((170) as shown in FIG. 4)opposite the first section proximal end, the first section may include a first hose barb(171) which may attach to a flexible line or hose.

[0085] Extending from a first sidewall exterior surface (115) is a hinge protrusion (150).In general, the hinge protrusion will include a wall which extends away from the firstsidewall exterior surface with a hinge through hole (155) extending from a top surfacethrough a bottom surface thereof. The wall may have a variety of different shapes andsizes and is not limited to the shape and size illustrated in the Figures which is anexemplary embodiment thereof.

[0086] FIG. 2 also illustrates additional details of the second section (200). As shown inFIG. 2, the second section includes at least one second sidewall (210) defining a secondinterior ((220 as shown in FIG. 4). A second flange (230) may be located at a secondsection proximal end (240). The second flange includes a second mating surfaceconfigured to mate with the first mating surface of the first flange, or – in embodimentscomprising a gasket (500) – with a top surface of the gasket. In some embodiments, at asecond section terminal end ((260) as shown in FIG. 4) opposite the second sectionproximal end, the second section may include a second hose barb (261) which may attachto a flexible line or hose.

[0087] Also shown in FIG. 2 are additional details of the clamp (300). The clamp mayinclude a first clamp member (310) and a second clamp member (320) as shown in FIG.2. The first clamp member will have a first semi-circular wall (311) which includes a firstwall first end point (314) and a first wall second end point (315). A protrusion (316) isattached to and extends from the first wall second end point. In general, the protrusionwill include a wall which extends away from the first wall second end point with a firstthrough hole (317) extending from a top surface through a bottom surface thereof. Theprotrusion may have a variety of different shapes and sizes and is not limited to the shapeand size illustrated in the Figures which is an exemplary embodiment thereof.

[0088] The second clamp member (320) will have a second semi-circular wall (321) whichincludes a second wall first end point (324) and a second wall second end point (325) asshown in FIG. 2. A clasp member (326) is attached to and extends from the second wallsecond end point. The clasp member is configured to receive the protrusion (316) of thefirst clamp member (310). In general, the clasp member will include a pair of opposingwalls which extend away from the second wall second end point with a second throughFITTING ASSEMBLYhole (327) extending from a top surface through a bottom surface of each of the opposingwalls. The clasp member may have a variety of different shapes and sizes and is not limitedto the shape and size illustrated in the Figures which is an exemplary embodiment thereof.

[0089] In some embodiments, the fitting assembly (10) may also include a gasket (500)such as the one illustrated in FIG. 2. The gasket is intended to provide a fluid tight sealbetween the first flange (130) and the second flange (230). As such, the gasket – whenpresent – will include a lower surface which mates to the first flange top surface, and anupper surface which mates to the second flange bottom surface when the fitting assemblyis assembled. The gasket may also be in the form of a membrane that may act as a hermeticseal enabling the use of an instrument – such as a pressure sensor – against the face of afitting.

[0090] FIG. 2 also illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a hinge pin (400). In theexemplary embodiment, the hinge pin includes a first end lip (410). When present, thefirst end lip is configured to frictionally engage a second through hole upper edge ((328)as shown in FIG. 6) of the second through hole (327) of the clasp member (326). Theexemplary embodiment of a hinge pin may also include a second end lip (420). Whenpresent, the second end lip is configured to frictionally engage a hinge through hole loweredge ((157) as shown in FIG. 4) of the hinge through hole (155) of the hinge protrusion(150). Further, in the exemplary embodiment of a hinge pin, the hinge pin includes anintermediate lip (430). When present, the intermediate lip is configured to frictionallyengage a hinge through hole upper edge ((159) as shown in FIG. 4) of the hinge throughhole. The frictional engagement between the various lips and the through hole edgesallows the hinge pin to hold the clamp member sections together and simultaneously holdthe clamp to the hinge protrusion with the hinge serving as a pivot point about which thehinge sections may pivot to assemble and release the second section (200) and the firstsection (100).

[0091] Also shown in the exemplary embodiment of a hinge pin (400) illustrated in FIG.2 are an upper groove (440) and a lower groove (450). When present, the upper grooveextends horizontally from a hinge pin first end (445). Similarly, when present, the lowergroove extends horizontally from a hinge pin second end (455). These grooves allow theexterior dimension of the hinge pin to contract during the assembly process when thehinge pin is extending through the various through holes. Once the hinge pin hasextended through the corresponding through holes, the exterior dimension of the hingeFITTING ASSEMBLYpin expand back to their original size allowing the various lips (410, 420, 430) – whenpresent – to frictionally engage the various through hole edges as described herein.

[0092] FIG.3 illustrates a partially exploded view of an embodiment of a fitting assembly(10) including the first section (100), the second section (200), the clamp (300), the hingepin (400), and the (optional) gasket ((500) as shown in FIG. 2). Most notably, FIG. 3illustrates additional features of an exemplary embodiment of the hinge pin (400). Thehinge pin is configured to pass through the first through hole (317) of the protrusion(316) and the second through hole (327) of the clasp member (326) to connect the firstclamp member (310) to the second clamp member (320). Simultaneously, the hinge pinis also configured to pivotably connect the first clamp member and the second clampmember to the first section (100) by passing the hinge pin through the hinge throughhole (155) of the hinge protrusion (150).

[0093] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrate a cross section view of a fitting assembly (10) withFIG. 4 showing the fitting assembly exploded and FIG. 5 showing the fitting assemblyassembled. In FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, additional features of a first section (100), a secondsection (200), and a hinge pin (400) are visible.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the at least one first sidewall (110) of the firstsection (100) defines a first interior (120) through which a fluid may pass. The at leastone first sidewall may come in several different profiles – including a conical orfrustoconical profile such as that shown in the Figures. When the first sidewall has aconical or frustoconical profile, the first sidewall may include a first sidewall section (160)with a first sidewall first interior dimension (161) at or about the first section proximalend (140) and a first sidewall second interior dimension (162) at or about a first sidewallsection terminal end (163) which may or may not be the first section terminal end (170).With the first sidewall having a conical or frustoconical profile, the first sidewall firstinterior dimension may be greater than the second sidewall second interior dimension.

[0095] Similarly, the at least one second sidewall (210) of the second section (200) definesa second interior (220) through which a fluid may pass. The at least one second sidewallmay also come in several different profiles – including a conical or frustoconical profilesuch as that shown in the Figures. When the second sidewall has a conical or frustoconicalprofile, the second sidewall may include a second sidewall section (250) with a secondsidewall first interior dimension (251) at or about the second section proximal end (240)and a second sidewall second interior dimension (252) at or about a second sidewallsection terminal end (253) which may or may not be the second section terminal endFITTING ASSEMBLY(260). With the second sidewall having a conical or frustoconical profile, the secondsidewall first interior dimension may be greater than the second sidewall second interiordimension.

[0096] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 illustrate top views of a clamp (300) for a fitting assembly ((10)as shown in FIGS. 1 through 5) with FIG. 6 showing an exploded view thereof and FIG.7 showing an assembled view thereof. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 further illustrates features of anexemplary embodiment of a first clamp member (310) and a second clamp member (320).

[0097] As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the first clamp member (310) may include a firstsemi-circular wall (311) having a first inner surface (312) and a first outer surface (313).Preferably, the first inner surface includes a pair of angled surfaces in a substantially “V”or “U” shape as shown in FIG. 4 so that – when the fitting assembly ((10) as shown inFIG.1 through FIG.5) is assembled – the first inner surface applies a pressure against thefirst flange ((130) as shown in FIG. 4) of the first section ((100) as shown in FIG. 4) andthe second flange ((230) as shown in FIG. 4) of the second section ((200) as shown inFIG. 4) to frictionally engage the flanges with one another – with or without the gasket((500) as shown in FIG. 4) disposed therebetween. Once the first inner surface and thesecond inner surface are frictionally engaged with the first flange and the second flange,the first interior ((120) as shown in FIG. 4) is fluidly connected to the second interior((220) as shown in FIG.4). The pair of angled surfaces may also be referred to as an upperangled contact surface and a lower angled contact surface.

[0098] The first semi-circular wall (311) also includes a first wall first end point (314) anda first wall second end point (315). The first wall first end point will include a first wallengagement member attached to and extending therefrom which may incorporate anynumber of features such as a bolt and nut (illustrated in the drawings), a clasp and screwmechanism, a worm screw, a plurality of teeth (such as those described in United StatesApplication No.18 / 894,799, the teachings of which are incorporated by reference hereinin their entirety), and the like for adjustably engaging the first clamp member (310) to thesecond clamp member (320) by mating to a second wall engagement member attached tothe second clamp member as described herein.

[0099] The first wall second end point (315) will include a protrusion (316) attached toand extending therefrom. The protrusion will include a wall which extends away fromthe first wall second end point with a first through hole (317) extending from a top surfacethrough a bottom surface thereof. The hinge pin ((400) as shown in FIG. 4) is configuredto pass through the first through hole of the protrusion and the second through holeFITTING ASSEMBLY(327) of the clasp member (326) of the second clamp member (320) to connect the firstclamp member (310) to the second clamp member.

[0100] Similar to the first clamp member (310), the second clamp member (320)may include a second semi-circular wall (321) having a second inner surface (322) and asecond outer surface (323). Preferably, the second inner surface includes a pair of angledsurface in a substantially “V” or “U” shape as shown in FIG. 4 so that – when the fittingassembly ((10) as shown in FIG.1 through FIG.5) is assembled – the second inner surfaceapplies a pressure against the first flange ((130) as shown in FIG. 4) of the first section((100) as shown in FIG.4) and the second flange ((230) as shown in FIG.4) of the secondsection ((200) as shown in FIG. 4) to frictionally engage the flanges with one another –with or without the gasket ((500) as shown in FIG.4) disposed therebetween. The pair ofangled surfaces may also be referred to as an upper angled contact surface and a lowerangled contact surface.

[0101] The second semi-circular wall (321) also includes a second wall first endpoint (324) and a second wall second end point (325). The second wall second end pointwill include a second wall engagement member attached to and extending therefromwhich may incorporate any number of features such as a clasp and screw mechanism, aworm screw, a plurality of teeth, and the like for adjustably engaging the first clampmember (310) to the second clamp member (320) by mating to a first wall engagementmember attached to the first clamp member as described herein.

[0102] The second wall second end point (325) will include a clasp member (326)attached to and extending therefrom. The clasp member will include a pair of opposingwalls which extend away from the second wall second end point with a second throughhole (327) extending from a top surface through a bottom surface of each of the opposingwalls. The hinge pin ((400) as shown in FIG. 4) is configured to pass through the firstthrough hole (317) of the protrusion (316) of the first engagement member and thesecond through hole of the clasp member (326) to connect the first clamp member (310)to the second clamp member (320).

[0103] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the fittingassembly (10) including a gasket (500) with FIG. 8 showing the gasket and a section ofthe fitting assembly (which may be the first section (100) or the second section (200))exploded from one another and FIG. 9 showing the section and the gasket assembled. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the flange (which may be the first flange(130) or the second flange (230)) includes at least one groove (which may be a first grooveFITTING ASSEMBLY(180) or a second groove (270)). The at least one groove is configured to mate with agasket tongue (510) to securely connect the gasket to the flange.

[0104] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, two grooves are illustratedwith the gasket (500) including two gasket tongues. The grooves and tongues are locatedapproximately 180° apart from one another about the circumference of the respectiveflange or gasket. However, other embodiments may exist. In some embodiments, theremay be a single groove in the flange corresponding to a single gasket tongue. In otherembodiments, there may be three grooves corresponding to three gasket tongues locatedapproximately 120° apart from one another about the circumference of the respectiveflange or gasket. In still other embodiments, there may be four grooves corresponding tofour gasket tongues located approximately 90° apart from one another about thecircumference of the respective flange or gasket. The number and location of grooves andtongues is not considered important and may vary from application to application.

[0105] FIGS. 8 and 9 further illustrate an alternative embodiment wherein theterminal end of one or both of the sections (the first section terminal end (170) and / orthe second section terminal end (260)) may include a flange configured to mate with agasket (500). In certain embodiments, the flange and the gasket may include a tongue andgroove connection mechanism similar to that disclosed for the first flange (130) and / orsecond flange (230) and gasket to assist in securing the gasket to the respective flange atthe section’s terminal end.

[0106] The embodiments of a fitting assembly disclosed herein may be used toconnect any number of different components of a chemical processing system to oneanother. In the simplest embodiment, the fitting assembly embodiments disclosed hereinmay be used to connect two section of line or hose to one another with a first section ofline or hose connecting to a first hose barb at the first section terminal end and a secondsection of line or hose connecting to a second hose barb at the second section terminalend.

[0107] Alternatively, the embodiments of a fitting assembly disclosed herein maybe used to connect to a pump body (not shown). In such embodiments, the first sectionterminal end may include the pump body. The second section terminal end may theninclude a second hose barb (for connecting to a section of line or hose), a valve, a bag, ora tank.

[0100] In another alternative, the embodiments of a fitting assembly disclosed hereinmay be used to connect to a valve (not shown). In such embodiments, the first sectionFITTING ASSEMBLYterminal end may include a valve. The second section terminal end may then include asecond hose barb (for connecting to a section of line or hose), a pump body, a bag, or atank.

[0101] In still another alternative, the embodiments of a fitting assembly disclosed hereinmay be used to connect to a bag (not shown). In such embodiments, the first sectionterminal end may include a bag. The second section terminal end may then include asecond hose barb (for connecting to a section of line or hose), a pump body, a valve, or atank.

[0102] In yet another alternative, the embodiments of a fitting assembly disclosed hereinmay be used to connect to a tank (not shown). In such embodiments, the first sectionterminal end may include a tank. The second section terminal end may then include asecond hose barb (for connecting to a section of line or hose), a pump body, a valve, or abag.

[0103] The components of the fitting assemblies disclosed herein – including the firstsection, the second section, the first clamp member, the second clamp member, and thehinge pin – may be fabricated of any number of materials utilizing any number ofmanufacturing techniques. Non-limiting examples of such materials include polymericmaterials, glass filled polymer materials – specifically glass filled nylon, and siliconematerials. Non-limiting examples of such manufacturing techniques include injectionmolding and additive manufacturing (also referred to as 3D printing).

[0104] The fitting assemblies disclosed herein allow for assemblers to quickly and easilyassemble single-use aseptic pressurized chemical manufacturing systems. The all-in-onefitting with integrated hinged clamp ensures that the user can quickly attach fittings in amanner that maintains aseptic sealing. The clamp then prevents – or at least reduces therisk of – leaking, breaking, or rupturing as the clamp cannot be pulled apart or disengagedonce assembled without use of external tools such as the blade of a screw driver tophysically pry the clamp sections apart. The fitting assemblies disclosed herein also allowfor the fitting(s) to be provided to a user at least partially pre-assembled (following optionalsterilization using gamma, EtO, or x-ray sterilization methods) which reduces the amountof user contact with the components during assembly and thereby reduces the risk of partcontamination during assembly.

[0105] While the fitting assembly has been described as having one or more exemplarydesigns, the present system may be further modified within the spirit and scope of thisFITTING ASSEMBLYdisclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, oradaptations of the fitting assembly disclosed herein using their general principles.

Claims

FITTING ASSEMBLYCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A fitting assembly (10) comprising:a first section (100) having at least one first sidewall (110) defining afirst interior (120), a first flange (130) located at a first section proximalend (140), and a hinge protrusion (150) extending from a first sidewallexterior surface (115) and having a hinge through hole (155) extendingfrom a hinge protrusion top surface through a hinge protrusion bottomsurface; asecond section (200) having at least one second sidewall (210)defining a second interior (220), and a second flange (230) located at asecond section proximal end (240);a clamp (300) comprising:a first clamp member (310) having a first semi-circular wall(311) having a first inner surface (312), a first outer surface (313),a first wall first end point (314) with a first wall engagementmember attached thereto, and a first wall second end point (315)with a protrusion (316) attached thereto, said protrusion having afirst through hole (317) extending from a protrusion top surfacethrough a protrusion bottom surface; anda second clamp member (320) having a second semi-circularwall (321) having a second inner surface (322), a second outersurface (323), a second wall first end point (324) with a secondwall engagement member attached thereto, and a second wallsecond end point (325) with a clasp member (326) attachedthereto, said clasp member having a second through hole (327)extending from a clasp member top surface through a claspmember bottom surface, and said clasp member being configuredto receive the protrusion; anda hinge pin (400) configured to pass through the hinge through hole,the first through hole, and the second through hole to connect the firstclamp member to the second clamp member and to pivotably connect thefirst clamp member and the second clamp member to the first section;andFITTING ASSEMBLYwherein first interior is fluidly connected to the second interior when the firstinner surface and the second inner surface are frictionally engaged with the firstflange and the second flange.

2. The fitting assembly of claim 1, further comprising a gasket (500) frictionallyengaged between the first flange and the second flange.

3. The fitting assembly of claim 2, wherein the first flange comprises at least one firstgroove (180) and the gasket comprises at least one gasket tongue (510) configuredto mate with the first groove to securely connect the gasket to the first flange.

4. The fitting assembly of claim 2, wherein the second flange comprises at least onesecond groove (270) and the gasket comprises at least one gasket tongue (510)configured to mate with the second groove to securely connect the gasket to thesecond flange.

5. The fitting assembly of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the hinge pin comprises:a first end lip (410) configured to frictionally engage a second throughhole upper edge (328);a second end lip (420) configured to frictionally engage a hingethrough hole lower edge (157); andan intermediate lip (430) configured to frictionally engage a hingethrough hole upper edge (159).

6. The fitting assembly of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the hinge pin comprises:an upper groove (440) extending horizontally from a hinge pin firstend (445); anda lower groove (450) extending horizontally from a hinge pin secondend (455).

7. The fitting assembly of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first sidewall includes afirst sidewall section (160) having a first conical profile with a first sidewall firstinterior dimension (161) at the first section proximal end which is greater than afirst sidewall second interior dimension (162) at or about a first sidewall sectionterminal end (163).

8. The fitting assembly of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second sidewall includesa second sidewall section (250) having a second conical profile with a secondsidewall first interior dimension (251) at the second section proximal end whichFITTING ASSEMBLYis greater than a second sidewall second interior dimension (252) at or about asecond sidewall section terminal end (253).

9. The fitting assembly of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein a second section terminalend (260) includes a second hose barb (261).

10. The fitting assembly of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein a first section terminal end(170) includes a first hose barb (171).

11. The fitting assembly of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein a first section terminal endincludes a pump body.

12. The fitting assembly of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein a first section terminal endincludes a valve.

13. The fitting assembly of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein a first section terminal endincludes a bag.

14. The fitting assembly of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein a first section terminal endincludes a tank.

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