Anti-kinking device

Abstract

An anti-kinking device (1a;1b;1c;1d;1e;1f;1g;1h) configured for being used with a tube (18), in particular a medical tube for use with an enema nozzle (17;34) The anti-kinking device (1a;1b;1c;1d;1e;1f;1g;1h) comprises an anti-kinking member (2a;2b;2c;2d;2e;2f;2g;2h), which is shorter than the tube (18) and has a coupling end (3a;3b;3c;3d;3e;3f;3g;3h) provided with a coupling unit (5a;5b;5c;5d;5e;5f;5g;5h) configured for coupling to a functional device (17;34), and an opposite free end (4a;4b;4c;4d;4e;4f;4g;4h).

Description

[0001] Anti-kinking device

[0002] The present invention relates to anti-kinking devices for tubes, in particular medical tubes, to provide said tubes with anti-kinking properties.

[0003] From EP 3 899 343 Al is known a garden hose, consisting of a tube and an anti-kinking member in form of a ribbed filament, which is disposed within the entire length of a tube. The antikinking member is unattached between the portion of the interior wall of the tube between its two end connectors, such that the anti-kinking member is allowed to float within the fluid flow stream during normal operation of the hose. Coupling elements are provided at the ends of the tube and to the antikinking member within the interior volume of the tube to restrain longitudinal movement of the ends of the anti-kinking member with respect to tube.

[0004] The anti-kinking member has a cross-section like a cross with four arms, which four arms delimit four flow channels inbetween them. The arms keep the tube distended locally at a kink point and prevent the wall of the tube from getting squeezed completely together. Only a fraction of the tube diameter is kept open at a kink.

[0005] As this known anti-kinking member is attached to the tube at both tube ends the anti-kinking member needs to have substantially same length as the tube, the anti-kinking member cannot move lengthwise, only radially. Radial deviation and movement of the anti-kinking member inside the tube is restricted only by a substantial difference between the largest exterior cross-section of the anti-kinking member and the interior diameter of the tube. At the best this known antikinking member just holds one or more very narrow flow channel slightly open at the kink. It cannot prevent kinking. The phenomenon of kinking of pliable medical tubes can be very critical, e. g. when transporting gasses or fluids to people requiring oxygen therapy, or in need of infusions.

[0006] The US company M. M. Newman Corporation manufactures a polyethylene spiral wrapping, the Heli-Tube®, which acts like a protective cover around the tube to keep the tube from kinking and protect it. The Heli-Tube® does however make the tube thick and rather hard, and the applied uneven exterior surface given to the tube by the exterior spiral wrapping tends to clutch contacting items, such a clothes and bed-linen, in between windings, if the wrapped tube is bend. Further the surface structure of the wrapped tube is unpleasant to hold on to.

[0007] There is a demand for improved anti-kinking devices for tubes, in particular medical tubes, by means of which the above disadvantages can be reduced or eliminated.

[0008] It is a main aspect of the present invention to provide antikinking devices for placement inside a tube to reduce or eliminate risk that the tube kinks at critical locations along the tube.

[0009] It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide an anti-kinking tube adapted for coupling to a functional device.

[0010] In a further aspect is provided an enema device with tubes with anti-kinking devices.

[0011] The novel and unique features whereby these and other aspects are achieved according to the present invention consist in that the anti-kinking device comprises an anti-kinking member, which is shorter than the tube and has a coupling end provided with a coupling unit configured for coupling to a functional device. In contrast to known anti-kinking devices the anti-kinking device of the present invention has a free end that can move freely in response to movements of the tube, whereby the overall tube remains its flexibility, thus its ability to bend without it kinks. The tube can be compressed along the length of the tube that accommodate the anti-kinking member without through-flow accidentally stops. It could be said that the anti-kinking member acts like a stent. Within the scope of the present invention the term "flexible" and "bendable" are used interchangeably. Thus the anti-kinking device is designed being bendable without the flow passage through it can be squeezed together.

[0012] As the anti-kinking member has a free end the distance said anti-kinking extends from the functional device into the tube is shorter than the length of the tube.

[0013] When a functional device is operated, or if an individual coupled to a functional device in form of a medical device moves, it may be impossible to avoid that a connected tube bends at least to some extent, such as a critical extent. In this respect it is to be noted that a functional member is typically much heavier and rigid than a bendable softer tube, which increases in particular the risk of a tube kinking at the transition between these two different components, - the tube and the functional device. Operational movements exposes said transition to bends and kinks, but by securing the coupling unit with the anti-kinking member to the functional device the risk of kinking of the tube is eliminated at said transition, and sustained flow to the functional device can be maintained unaffected of any movements of its user, and of operational actions of the functional device.

[0014] Within the scope of the present invention the term "functional device" means a device designed to address a specific task, in particular the functional device can be a medical device as defined in Art. 2 of the REGULATION (EU) 2017 / 745 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 5 April 2017 on medical devices.

[0015] The functional device for being used with the tube can be any kind of device for supplying or discharging gases or liquids, including but not limited to medical devices. The tube can e. g. advantageously be used in enema for supplying liquid, or be used for supplying gases in ventilation of a subject, for supplying anaesthetic gases during surgery, for oxygen supply to oxygen masks for emergency equipment, in combination with respirators, in combination with draining devices, such as in catheterization of body cavities, etc. This list mentions examples and shall not be considered exhaustive.

[0016] In preferred embodiments the anti-kinking member may be comprised of n coils, such as n spirals or n helices, wherein n ≥ 1, and preferably the coils are flexible. The preferred helices are circular helices or cylindrical helices. The coils can be both left-handed and right-handed.

[0017] If n = 1 just one coil, e. g. one spiral or one helix, extends inside the tube. If n = 2 two coils are used, such as in a double stranded spiral or in a double stranded helix, and so on. The anti-kinking member can thus be multi-stranded with several strands that in combination provide the anti-kinking member with sufficient shape stability, optionally shape memory, to in combination prevent excessive radial compression of the tube due to the presence of the windings of the coils. At the part of the tube which accommodates the windings of the coils, e. g. the spiral (s) or of helix / helices, the tube simply cannot kink. In some such embodiments the anti-kinking member may be slightly stretchable and / or compressible like a spring as its physical structure resembles a spring. A "strand" within the scope of the present invention means an elongated thread, rod of similar elongate structure.

[0018] A "helix" within the scope of the present invention is a coil that can be formed by winding a strand around a uniform rod and then stretched.

[0019] A "spiral" within the scope of the present invention is a coil that can be formed by winding around a centre and gradually receding from or approaching the centre. When a spiral is used as the anti-kinking member the widest winding is closest to the coupling unit.

[0020] In some embodiments a coil can be configured as a smooth coiling strand. In some other embodiments a coil can be configured as a strand composed of interconnected smaller segments, such as linear or curved segments, and / or combinations thereof.

[0021] The anti-kinking member may be injection molded with its coupling unit in an injection molding process, and then joined with the tubing in a final mounting step.

[0022] When n > 1 the n coils are axially offset each other without the windings overlap. If e. g. n = 2 a double helix consists of two, typically congruent helices with the same axis, differing by a translation along the axis.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment the anti-kinking member can have m free arms protruding from a central strand, wherein m ≤ 3. Optionally such an embodiment of an anti-kinking member can be twisted along its lengthwise axis to make said anti-kinking member more bendable and make a coil. The largest exterior diameter of the anti-kinking member, in the relaxed unstressed mode, can be the same or slightly smaller than the interior diameter of the tube, so that the anti-kinking member keeps the tube radially distended at all times, irrespective of the tube being bend at the length containing the anti-kinking member or at its transition into the functional device.

[0024] Any gap between the anti-kinking member and the tube can be e. g. about 0.1 mm - 0.5 mm, however in some embodiments the anti-kinking member can contact the interior wall of the tube, so that even a small bending will actuate its anti-kinking properties.

[0025] The invention also relates to a functional device that comprises a tube provided with the anti-kinking device described above. In a preferred embodiment the functional device is an invasive device, thus any device which, in whole or in part, penetrates inside the body, either through a body orifice or through the surface of the body, to e. g. drain or flush body cavities, which are accessible via said body orifice or through the surface of the body. In that sense the invasive device can be an enema nozzle.

[0026] The invention will now be described with references to the drawing in which:

[0027] Fig. 1 shows, in perspective exploded view from above, a first embodiment of an anti-kinking device of the present invention,

[0028] Fig. 2 shows, in perspective exploded view from above, a second embodiment of an anti-kinking device of the present invention,

[0029] Fig. 3 shows, in perspective exploded view from above, a third embodiment of an anti-kinking device of the present invention, Fig. 4 shows, in perspective exploded view from above, a fourth embodiment of an anti-kinking device of the present invention,

[0030] Fig. 5 shows, in perspective exploded view from above, a fifth embodiment of an anti-kinking device of the present invention,

[0031] Fig. 6 shows, in perspective exploded view from above, a sixth embodiment of an anti-kinking device of the present invention,

[0032] Fig. 7 shows the first embodiment of an anti-kinking device seen in fig. 1, but seen in exploded perspective view, slightly from below,

[0033] Fig. 8 shows the second embodiment of an anti-kinking device seen in fig. 2, but seen in exploded perspective view, slightly from below,

[0034] Fig. 9 shows the third embodiment of an anti-kinking device seen in fig. 3, but seen in exploded perspective view, slightly from below,

[0035] Fig. 10 shows the fourth embodiment of an anti-kinking device seen in fig. 4, but seen in exploded perspective view, slightly from below,

[0036] Fig. 11 shows the fifth embodiment of an anti-kinking device seen in fig. 5, but seen in exploded perspective view, slightly from below,

[0037] Fig. 12 shows the sixth embodiment of an anti-kinking device seen in fig. 6, but seen in exploded perspective view, slightly from below,

[0038] Fig. 13 is a grey scale perspective view of the sixth embodiment of the anti-kinking member seen in figs. 6 and 12, Fig. 14 is an enlarged scale view of the encircled fragment of fig. 13,

[0039] Fig. 15 shows, in perspective view, the first embodiment of an anti-kinking device seen in figs. 1 and 7 with a first embodiment of a functional device and a tube,

[0040] Fig. 16 is an axial sectional view of fig. 15 without the functional device, and in enlarged scale view,

[0041] Fig. 17 is an axial sectional view of the first embodiment of an exterior coupling part seen in fig. 1,

[0042] Fig. 18 is an axial sectional view of the first embodiment of an anti-kinking device seen in fig. 1 in assembled state taken in a plane traversing the oblong couplings holes,

[0043] Fig. 19 is a perspective view seen from below of a functional device in form of the enema device seen in fig. 15,

[0044] Fig. 20 is a sectional view of the third embodiment of the second coupling member seen in figs. 5, 6, 11 and 12,

[0045] Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of an anti-kinking device according to the present invention.

[0046] Fig. 22 shows the same from its free end,

[0047] Fig. 23 is an axial sectional view of the seventh embodiment of an anti-kinking device in assembled state with a second embodiment of an enema nozzle and a tube,

[0048] Fig. 24 is a perspective exploded view of an eight embodiment of an anti-kinking device according to the present invention, Fig. 25 shows the same in assembled state with the first embodiment of an enema nozzle, and with a part of the exterior wall of said enema nozzle and a part of the wall of the coupling unit removed to illustrate how the enema nozzle is attached to the coupling unit,

[0049] Fig. 26 is a top view of the eight embodiment of an antikinking member, and

[0050] Fig. 27 is a perspective inclined view of the anti-kinking member seen in fig. 24.

[0051] Figs. 1 - 12 are perspective exploded views of six exemplary embodiments of anti-kinking devices la; lb; 1c; Id; le; If with coiled anti-kinking members and slightly different coupling units 5a; 5b; 5c; 5d. Figs. 1 - 12 serve to illustrate some embodiments of the multitude of design options for the antikinking members according to the present invention. The various embodiments of coupling units, four of which are seen in figs.

[0052] 1 - 12, will be described in further details later.

[0053] It should be noted that the coupling units can have different design depending on the design of the coupling features of the functional devices for use with the anti-kinking devices of the present invention.

[0054] The anti-kinking devices of the present invention are especially advantageous for use with the functional devices shown and described in the applicant' s Danish patent application no. PA 2024 30523 (not yet published) entitled " An enema nozzle and an enema device comprising said enema nozzle", where the enema devices are configured as described therein. The use in view of PA 2024 30523 should however not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention as many more uses and applications of the anti-kinking devices and anti-kinking members of the present invention are possible. The only thing that may be changed in order for the anti-kinking device to couple to other kinds of functional devices is the design of the coupling unit, which must mate firmly with the functional device to secure reliable attachment between devices.

[0055] Figs. 1 and 7 show, in exploded views, a first embodiment of an anti-kinking device la, which has a first embodiment of an anti-kinking member 2a with a coupling end 3a and an opposite free end 4a. A first embodiment of a first coupling member 6a is provided at the coupling end 3a of the anti-kinking member 2a and is configured to be fixed inside a first embodiment of a a second coupling member 7a thereby together define a first embodiment of a coupling unit 5a for attachment to a functional device (not shown) to obtain a flow passage from the tube (not shown) into the functional device (not shown).

[0056] Preferably the anti-kinking member 2a, as well as all subsequently described embodiments of anti-kinking members, is molded in an injection molding process. For example the first coupling member 6a and the anti-kinking member 2a can be molded simultaneously using 2K injection molding, where after the second coupling member 7a can be applied onto the first coupling member 6a by injection overmolding. Alternative molding and combining methods are not excluded, and the order of combining steps can be altered. For example can the first coupling member 6a and the second coupling member 7a be molded as one unit that subsequently is combined with the anti-kinking member 2a, or be molded in the same injection molding step as the anti-kinking member 2a.

[0057] The anti-kinking member 2a seen in figs. 1 and 7 consists of two coils 8a, 8a' having axially displaced windings 9a, 9a'. Each coil 8a, 8a' is made from a respective flat band 10a, 10a' that is widest at the free end 4a of the anti-kinking member 2a opposite the first coupling member 6a and gets smaller and smaller towards the coupling end 3a, at which coupling end 3a the coils 8a, 8a' extend into the first coupling member 6a. Both bands 10a, 10a' are wound as a spiral and have three windings 9a, 9a' spaced apart at increasing distance towards the first coupling member 6a. Thus the gaps between the windings increase towards the first coupling member 6a.

[0058] The combined first coupling member 6a and second coupling member 7a serve as the coupling unit 5a to couple to a functional device, such as an enema device, as will be described later. The second coupling member 7a has an exterior tubular connection piece Ila and the first coupling member 6a has an exterior tubular connection piece 12a for in-between those attaching of a tube (not shown) in the assembled state of the coupling unit 5a.

[0059] Figs. 2 and 8 show, in exploded views, a second embodiment of an anti-kinking device lb that resembles the first embodiment of an anti-kinking device la and functions the same way, thus for like parts same reference numerals are used. Modified parts are indicated by replacing the annotation "a" with "b" where appropriate in view of differences.

[0060] The second embodiment of an anti-kinking device lb has a second embodiment of an anti-kinking member 2b with a coupling end 3b and an opposite free end 4b. The same first embodiment of a first coupling member 6a, as used for the first embodiment of an anti-kinking device la, is provided at the coupling end 3b of the anti-kinking member 2b. The first coupling member 6a is to be fixed inside a second embodiment of a second coupling member 7b to define a second embodiment of a coupling unit 5b for attaching a functional device (not shown), to thereby obtain a flow passage from the tube (not shown) into the functional device (not shown). The second embodiment of a second coupling member 7b differs from the first embodiment of a second coupling member 7a only in the length of the exterior tubular connection piece 11b.

[0061] The second embodiment of an anti-kinking member 2b seen in figs. 2 and 8 is different from the first embodiment of an anti-kinking member 2a. The anti-kinking member 2b also consists of two coils 8b, 8b' having axially displaced windings 9b, 9b', however each coil 8a, 8b is made from a respective flat band 10b, 10b' that has the same width along the entire length from the free end 4b to the coupling end 3b at the transition to the first coupling member 6a. The bands 10b, 10b' are thinner than the bands 10a, 10a', are wound as a double helix, and have several windings spaced apart at same pitch.

[0062] Figs. 3 and 9 show, in exploded views, a third embodiment of an anti-kinking device 1c that resembles the first and second embodiments of anti-kinking devices la; lb and functions the same way, thus for like parts same reference numerals are used. Modified parts are indicated by replacing the annotation "b" with "c" where appropriate in view of differences. The second embodiment of a second coupling member 7b and the first embodiment of a first coupling member 6a are used.

[0063] The third embodiment of an anti-kinking device 1c has a third embodiment of an anti-kinking member 2c with a coupling end 3c and an opposite free end 4c.

[0064] The third embodiment of an anti-kinking member 2c consists of two coils 8c, 8c' having axially displaced windings 9c, 9c', however each coil 8c, 8c' is made from a respective strand or thread 10c, 10c' that has the same largest cross-section along the entire length from the free end 4c to the coupling end 3c. The strands or threads 10c, 10c' are wound as a double helix, and are arranged with multiple windings 9c, 9c' that are spaced apart at lower pitch than for the first and second embodiments of anti-kinking members 2a; 2b. The strands or threads 10c, 10c' are thinner than any of the bands 10a, 10a'; 1 Ob, 1 Ob' to thereby provide an even larger flow path than that for the previous embodiments, and optionally provide a potential ability of the anti-kinking member to yield a bit axially in response to the tube around it is being moved around, optionally bend.

[0065] Figs. 4 and 10 show, in exploded views, a fourth embodiment of an anti-kinking device Id that resembles the previous embodiments of anti-kinking devices la; lb; 1c and functions the same way, thus for like parts same reference numerals are used. Modified parts are indicated by replacing the annotation "c" with "d" where appropriate in view of differences. The second embodiment of a second coupling member 7b and the first embodiment of a first coupling member 6a are used.

[0066] The fourth embodiment of an anti-kinking device Id has a fourth embodiment of an anti-kinking member 2d with a coupling end 3d and an opposite free end 4d.

[0067] The fourth embodiment of an anti-kinking member 2d is singlestranded in having just one coil 8d of a strand or thread lOd that is thicker than the strands or threads 10c, 10c' of the third embodiment of an anti-kinking member 2c. As the strand or thread lOd is thicker than the strands or threads 10c, 10c of the third embodiment of an anti-kinking member 2c a higher pitch between windings 9d can be implemented without the structure of the anti-kinking member 2d, which is needed to keep the tube distended if kinked, is lost.

[0068] The strand or thread lOd has the same largest cross-section along the entire length between the free end 4c and the coupling end 3c and is wound as a helix. As just one coil 8d is used a large flow path is obtainable, and also in this embodiment the anti-kinking member 2d may have a potential ability of yielding axially in response to the tube around is being moved around, optionally bend. Figs. 5 and 11 show, in exploded views, a fifth embodiment of an anti-kinking device le that resembles the third embodiment of an anti-kinking device 1c and functions the same way, thus for like parts same reference numerals are used. Modified parts are indicated by replacing the annotation "c" with "e" where appropriate in view of differences.

[0069] A third embodiment of a second coupling member 7c is used together with the first embodiment of a first coupling member 6a to obtain a third embodiment of a coupling unit 5c. The third embodiment of a second coupling member 7c differs from the second embodiment of a second coupling member 7b in that it has an annular bead 13 at the end of the exterior tubular connection piece 11c that faces the first coupling member 6a thereby providing said end with extra goods. When the tube is attached around the interior tubular connection piece 12a in the gap towards the exterior tubular connection piece 11c that surrounds the interior tubular connection piece 12a the annular bead 13 serves to hold firmly on to the tube by applying a radial force to the tube wall against the interior tubular connection piece 12a.

[0070] The fifth embodiment of an anti-kinking device le has a fifth embodiment of an anti-kinking member 2e with a coupling end 3e and an opposite free end 4e.

[0071] The fifth embodiment of an anti-kinking member 2e consists of two coils 8e, 8e' having axially displaced windings 9e, 9e'. Each coil 8e, 8e' is made from a respective strand or thread 10e, 10e' that has the same cross-section along the entire length from the free end 4e to the coupling end 3e, which cross-section is larger than the cross-section of the strands or threads 10c, 10c' seen in figs. 3 and 9. The strands or threads 10e, 10e' are wound as a double helix, and the coils 8e, 8e' have multiple windings spaced apart at lower pitch than for the third embodiment of an anti-kinking members 2c. The length of the fifth embodiment of an anti-kinking member 2e is shorter than any of the previously described embodiments of anti-kinking members la; lb; 1c; Id, but the low pitch ensures that the tube does not kink upon manipulations of the tube, and without the fluid passage from an functional device through the antikinking device le and further into an attached tube 18 is compromised.

[0072] Figs. 6 and 12 show in exploded views, a sixth embodiment of an anti-kinking device If that resembles the fifth embodiment of an anti-kinking device Id and functions the same way as for the previously described embodiments of anti-kinking devices. Thus for like parts same reference numerals are used. Modified parts are indicated by replacing the annotation "e" with "f" where appropriate in view of differences.

[0073] The third embodiment of a second coupling member 7c is used together with a second embodiment of a first coupling member 6b to obtain a fourth embodiment of a coupling unit 5d.

[0074] The second embodiment of a first coupling member 6b differs from the first embodiment of a first coupling member 6a in that its upper flange 14a has circular coupling holes 15b instead of oblong couplings holes 15a. The function of these coupling holes 15a; 15b is discussed in further details in relation to figs. 16 - 18.

[0075] The sixth embodiment of an anti-kinking device If has a sixth embodiment of an anti-kinking member 2f with a coupling end 3f and an opposite free end 4f.

[0076] All of the first to fifth embodiments of anti-kinking devices la; lb; 1c; Id; le have smoothly and continuously curved windings. In contrast, and as seen best in the grey scale views of figs.

[0077] 13 and 14, the sixth embodiment of an anti-kinking member 2f has two coils 8f, 8f ' composed of axially displaced windings 9f, 9f', which are interconnected of smaller segments, which segments are alternating joined linear segments 16a and curved segments 16b, preferably joined in abrupt continuation. The segmented structure of the sixth embodiment of an anti-kinking member 2f is particular suited for being injection molded.

[0078] The length of the sixth embodiment of an anti-kinking member 2e is shorter than any of the previously described embodiments of anti-kinking members la; lb; 1c; Id; le but the low pitch and the shoulders 16c of the curved segments 16b that interconnect two linear segments 16a are rounded to firmly engage the interior wall of the tube at all times to keep said tube distended when bend, and this way avoid that the tube kinks.

[0079] Fig. 15 shows, in perspective view, the first embodiment of an anti-kinking device la seen in figs. 1 and 7 with a first embodiment of a functional device 17 in form of a first embodiment of an enema nozzle and a tube 18.

[0080] Fig. 16 is an axial sectional view of fig. 15 without the functional device, and without the tube 18, to illustrate the connection between the first embodiment of the second coupling member 7a, which is seen separately in lengthwise sectional view in fig. 17, and the first embodiment of a first coupling member 6a, as well as the attachment of the tube 18 around the interior tubular connection piece 12a in the gap between interior tubular connection piece 12a and the exterior tubular connection piece Ila.

[0081] The functional device 17 is the enema device disclosed in the applicant' s Danish patent application no. PA 2024 30523 (not yet published) entitled " An enema nozzle and an enema device comprising said enema nozzle", the disclosure of which are incorporated by reference herein, Said enema device will not be discussed in specific details in the current application, but it follows that said enema device has a coupling end adapted to couple to the coupling unit 5a to obtain fluid passage to the tube 18.

[0082] A multiplicity of different functional devices can be coupled to the coupling unit 5a, and to any coupling unit within the scope of the present invention, provided they have a correspondingly complementarily configured, and matingly engaging, coupling end.

[0083] The interior coupling part 6a has an upper flange 14a, a middle flange 14b and a lower flange 14c that mates into corresponding annular interior channels 19a, 19b, 19c in a head part 20 of the second coupling member 7a. The head part 20 extends into the exterior tubular connection piece Ila, into which the interior tubular connection piece 12a extends with a radial space thereto so provide a gap that the tube 18 can be fitted firmly into, when mounted around the interior tubular connection piece 12a. The upper flange 14a has a protruding first tubular connector 21 with a barb 22. A bore 23 for fluid passage through the coupling unit 5a extends through the interior tubular connection piece 12 through the flanges 14a, 14b, 14c and through the first tubular connector 21.

[0084] The first embodiment of the anti-kinking device la is seen best in its assembled state in fig. 18. The anti-kinking device la is injection molded in several injection molding steps to be one integral strong unit that cannot be pulled apart. During injection molding the oblong coupling holes 15a are filled with the molding material of the head part 20 of the second coupling member 7a, so that the first coupling member 6a and the second coupling member 7a cannot get apart when pulled at. A first annular gap 24 between the head part 20 and the first tubular connector 21 serves to receive a coupling component of the enema nozzle 17. The annular interior channels 19a, 19b, 19c and associated mating flanges 14a, 14b, 14c have decreasing diameter towards the respective connection pieces Ila, 12a.

[0085] Fig. 19 shows the first embodiment of an enema nozzle 17, which is also seen in fig. 15, but slightly from below. When the enema nozzle 17 is connected to the anti-kinking device la, the first tubular connector 21 of the anti-kinking device la is inserted into a second tubular connector 25 of the enema nozzle 17. The second tubular connector 25 extends inside a flared inlet part 26 of the enema nozzle 17. The flared inlet part 26 thus surrounds the second tubular connector 25 and has a free edge 27 that, as an example, has three spaced apart sets of interior facing beads 28a, 28b, 28c for engaging the upper part 29 of the head part 20. Opposite the flared inlet part 26 the enema nozzle has a substantially spherical outlet part 30 with outlet openings 31 in fluid communication with the bore 32 of the elongate main nozzle body 33 that extends between the second tubular connector 25 and the substantially spherical outlet part 30, to thereby provide fluid communication with a source of enema liquid (not shown) that via the tube 18 and the anti-kinking device la' s coupling unit 5a can be supplied into the enema nozzle 17.

[0086] Fig. 16 illustrates that the anti-kinking member 2a does not extend the full length of the tube 18 and that the anti-kinking member 2a is integral with the first coupling member 6a.

[0087] The second embodiment of an exterior coupling part 7b differs from the first embodiment only in a shorter exterior tubular connection piece 11b. Accordingly, the joining and connection of the first embodiment of a first coupling member 6a with the respective second embodiment of a second coupling member 7b seen in relation to the anti-kinking devices 2b, 2c, 2d in respective figs. 2, 3, 4 and related figs. 8, 9, 10, will not be described further as this process is the same as described above in relation to figs. 15 - 19.

[0088] The attachment of a tube with anti-kinking devices according to the present invention to the enema nozzle 17 is made in the same way due to same or structural similar features of the different embodiments of anti-kinking devices.

[0089] As illustrated in the sectional view of fig. 20 the third embodiment of a second coupling member 7c, which is also seen in figs. 5, 6, 11, and 12, differs from the first embodiment of a second coupling member 7a, and from the second embodiment of a second coupling member 7b in that it has the annular bead 13 at the free end 33 of the exterior tubular connection piece 11c.

[0090] The first, second and third embodiments of second coupling members 7a, 7b, 7c, can be used interchangeable with any of the first and second first coupling members 6a, 6b that only differ in that the second embodiment of a first coupling member 6b has circular coupling holes 15b to be filled with the molding material of the head part 20 during overmolding of said first coupling member 6b, not oblong coupling holes 15a.

[0091] Figs. 21 and 22 are perspective views of a seventh embodiment of an anti-kinking device 1g according to the present invention. The seventh embodiment of an anti-kinking device 1g has an anti-kinking member 2g with a free end 4g opposite a coupling end 3g provided with a fifth embodiment of a coupling unit 5g.

[0092] In the axial sectional view of fig. 23 the seventh embodiment of an anti-kinking device 1g is seen in assembled state with a second embodiment of an enema nozzle 34 and a tube 18. For like parts of the enema device 34 same reference numerals are used where possible and appropriate. The seventh embodiment of an anti-kinking device 1g differs from the previously described embodiments in that it does not have coils. The coils have been replaced with a central strand 36 wherefrom three arms 37a, 37b, 37c protrude radially. The arms 37a, 37b, 37c have a length sufficient to contact the interior wall face of tube 18, or almost reach said interior wall face, as shown in fig. 23, e. g. be as close as 0.5 mm -1 mm to said interior wall face.

[0093] The seventh embodiment of an anti-kinking device 1g further differs in the design of the fifth embodiment of a coupling unit 5g, which is a unit body 5g molded in one and same injection molding step, without the need of a subsequently overmolding step. The integral coupling unit 5g is molded in elongation of the central strand or thread 36 with its three protruding arms 37a, 37b, 37c. Elongate through-holes 38a, 38b, 38 are cut in the goods of the each arms 37a, 37b, 37 at the coupling end 3g to allow fluid to be guided into the interior tubular connection piece 12g. The exterior tubular connection piece 11g surrounds the interior tubular connection piece 12g at a radial distance that provides a gap 47 for firmly securing the tube 18.

[0094] A first tubular connector 39 with an annular barb 40 extends in elongation of the interior tubular connection piece 11g and defines the bore 41 that receives fluid from the tube 18, when the tube 18 is attached around the interior tubular connection piece 12g in the gap 47.

[0095] The seventh embodiment of an anti-kinking device 1g further differs from the previously described embodiments of antikinking devices in that it does not have a dome-shaped upper head part 20. The head part 20 of the previously described embodiments of anti-kinking devices la; lb; 1c; Id; le; If is replaced with a cup-shaped member 42 that has a concentric upright annular first coupling web 43 spaced from the annular wall 44 of the cup-shaped member 42 to delimit an annular space 45 that allows a second coupling web 46 of the enema nozzle 34 to engage, as seen in fig. 23.

[0096] Fig. 24 is a perspective view of an eight embodiment of an anti-kinking device Ih according to the present invention. The anti-kinking member 2h of the eight embodiment of an antikinking device Ih is substantially similar to the seventh embodiment of an anti-kinking member 2g except that a free length of the anti-kinking member 2g that extends into the tube is twisted about its longitudinal axis to make said length into a coil, and that it does not have elongate through-holes. For like parts same reference numerals are used.

[0097] The sixth embodiment of a coupling unit 5h is different from the previously described coupling units 5a; 5b; 5c; 5d; 5e; 5g.

[0098] The sixth embodiment of a coupling unit 5h has a first coupling member 50 that extends into the twisted anti-kinking member 2g and a second coupling member 51. The interior tubular connection piece 12h has a first bore 48 that allows fluid to flow from the tube 18 to the enema nozzle 17 into an upper partly dome-shaped head part 49 of the first coupling member 50. The three arms 37a, 37b, 37c extends untwisted inside the first bore 48, as seen best in the top view of fig. 26.

[0099] The coupling unit 5h can be molded as two separate detachable components: A first coupling member 50, which is molded integral with the anti-kinking member 2h, and a second coupling member 51, which can be force-fitted into the first coupling member 50 by axial displacement into the exterior tubular connection piece 11h of said second coupling member 51, whereby the interior tubular connection piece 12h passes through the exterior tubular connection piece 11h, and the first coupling member 50 and second coupling member 51 is made to engage. The second coupling member 51 can however also be co-molded around the first coupling member 50 as for previously described coupling members.

[0100] As for previous embodiments of coupling members the interior tubular connection piece 12h of the first coupling member 50 is provided at the coupling end 3h of the anti-kinking member 2h, which anti-kinking member 2h has an opposite free end 4h. Fluid flow is facilitated along the channels between adjacent twisted arms 37a, 37b, 37c, which arms 37a, 37b, 37c are not twisted but parallel through the first coupling member 50.

[0101] As seen in figs. 24 - 27 the first coupling member 50 has an upper dome-shaped head part 49 with a coupling opening 53 that receives the second tubular connector 25 of the enema nozzle 34.

[0102] So in contrast to the previously described embodiments of coupling units, in this embodiment a first coupling member 50 acts as the female coupling part and the second tubular connector 25 of the enema nozzle 17; 34 can act as the male coupling part. The second tubular connector 25 is simply plugged into the coupling opening 53.

[0103] Fig. 25 shows the eight embodiment of an anti-kinking device Ih in assembled state with the first embodiment of an enema nozzle 17. In fig. 25 a part of the exterior wall of the enema nozzle 17 and of the wall of the coupling unit 5h are removed to illustrate how the enema nozzle 17 is attached to the coupling unit 5h.

[0104] As shown in figs. 24 - 27 the first coupling member 50 has an annular exterior wall part 54 with a first annular enlargement 55. Opposite the first annular enlargement 55 the annular exterior wall part 54 extends into a top wall part 56, which subsequently extends into a concentric annular interior wall part 57 that annularly delimits the coupling opening 53. The annular exterior wall part 54 and the annular interior wall part 57 are interconnected by reinforcing webs 58 that confer structural integrity and dimensional stability to the first coupling member 50.

[0105] The second coupling member 51 is funnel-shaped, as seen best in figs. 24 and 25. The exterior tubular connection piece 11h extends upwards into a funnel part 59 with circumferential rim 60. An annular coupling barb 61 extends upright from the circumferential rim 60 and is retracted from a free edge of the circumferential rim 60 to define a second annular shoulder 62 for abutment of the free edge 27 of the second tubular connector 25.

[0106] When the enema nozzle 17 is joined to the coupling unit 5h the interior facing beads 28a, 28b, 28c engage the annular coupling barb 61.

[0107] A multiplicity of embodiments of various components of the present invention has been described above in certain combinations and contexts, which shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. For example can any of the second coupling members 7a; 7b, 7c be provided on any of the anti-kinking members 2a; 2b; 2c; 2d; 2e; 2f seen in figs. 2 -6. Other shapes of coupling holes 15a; 15b are also foreseen, as well as other assembling structures than annular flanges 14a, 14b, 14c that mate annular interior channels 19a, 19b, 19c.

[0108] The present invention provides an alternative solution to make, in particular a medical tube for use in an enema, not to kink when it is manipulated. The spot at the highest risk of kinking may be at the transition to the enema device, which is subjected to various exterior forces when arranged in the body orifice to perform the irrigation. The enema procedure is well known to the skilled person irrespective of it is being performed via rectum or a stoma, e. g. to expel bodily content, or to introduce drugs or permit X-ray imaging.

[0109] In particular the enema nozzle, and the length of the tube closest to the orifice through which the enema nozzle is inserted, may be hard to reach during self-administration of the irrigation liquid, and / or gas to inflate a positioning balloon associated with the enema nozzle, to prevent the tube from kinking, nor is this needed due to the present of the anti-kinking device at this length. A further advantage over prior art anti-kinking devices is that less material is used.

Claims

Claims1. An anti-kinking device (la; lb; 1c; Id; le; If; 1g; Ih) configured for being used with a tube (18), characterised in that the anti-kinking device (la; lb; 1c; Id; le; If; 1g; Ih) comprises an anti-kinking member (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d; 2e; 2f; 2g; 2h), which is shorter than the tube (18) and has a coupling end (3a; 3b; 3c; 3d; 3e; 3f; 3g; 3h) provided with a coupling unit ( 5a; 5b; 5c; 5d; 5e; 5f; 5g; 5h) configured for coupling to a functional device (17; 34), and an opposite free end (4a; b; c; d; e; f; g; h).

2. An anti-kinking device (la; lb; 1c; Id; le; If ) according to claim 1, characterised in that the anti-kinking member (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d; 2e; 2f ) is comprised of n coils ( 8a, 8a'; 8b, 8b'; 8c, 8c'; 8d; 8e, 8e'; 8f, 8f ' ), such as n spirals or n helices, wherein n ≥ 1.

3. An anti-kinking device (2a; 2b; 2c; 2e; 2f; 2h) according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that when n > 1 the n coils ( 8a, 8a'; 8b, 8b'; 8c, 8c'; 8e, 8e'; 8f, 8f ' ) are axially offset each other.

4. An anti-kinking device (la; lb; 1c; Id; le; If ) ) according to any of claims 2 or 3, characterised in that a coil (8a, 8a'; 8b, 8b'; 8c, 8c'; 8d; 8e, 8e'; 8f, 8f' ) has uniform windings or non-uniform windings, optionally a winding of a coil ( 8a, 8a'; 8b, 8b'; 8c, 8c'; 8d; 8e, 8e'; 8f, 8f ' ) is continuously curved, or a winding is made of interconnected smaller segments, which segments are linear or curved segments, or combinations thereof.

5. An anti-kinking device (lg; lh) according to claim 1, characterised in that the anti-kinking member (2g; 2h) has m free arms (37a, 37b, 37c) protruding from a central strand (36), wherein m ≤ 3, optionally the anti-kinking member(2g; 2h) is twisted along at least a part of its lengthwise extending axis.

6. An anti-kinking device (la; lb; 1c; Id; le; If; 1g; Ih) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 5, characterised in that the largest exterior cross-section of the anti-kinking member (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d; 2e; 2f; 2g; 2h) in the relaxed, unstressed state is the same or slightly smaller than the interior diameter of the tube (18).

7. An anti-kinking device (la; lb; 1c; Id; le; If ) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 4, or 6, characterised in that the coupling unit (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d; 5e; 5f; 5h) has a first coupling member ( 6a; 6b; 50) in extension of the anti-kinking member (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d; 2e; 2f; 2h), which first coupling member ( 6a; 6b; 50) is surrounded by a second coupling member (7; 7b; 7c; 51).

8. An anti-kinking device (lg; lh) according to any of claims 5, 6 or 7, characterised in thatthe coupling unit (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d; 5e; 5f; 5g; 5h) and the antikinking member (2a; 2b; 2c; 2d; 2e; 2f; 2g; 2h) is injection molded in a single injection step, orthe coupling unit (5h) is initially molded as two separate components, preferably detachable components, in form of• a first coupling member (50), which is molded integral with the anti-kinking member (2h), and• a second coupling member (51), which second coupling member (51) is a separate detachable component or is over-molded onto the first coupling member (50).

9. A functional device (17; 34) comprising a tube (18) with an anti-kinking device (la; lb; 1c; Id; le; If; 1g; Ih) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the functional device (17; 34) is an invasive device, which isconfigured to, in whole or in part, penetrate inside a body, either through a body orifice or through the surface of the body.

10. A functional device (17; 34) according to claim 9 comprising a tube (18) according to any of the preceding claims 1- 8, characterised in that the invasive device is an enema nozzle (17; 34).

Images