The present invention relates to a connector for connecting two or more sections of tubing together which may not be easily connected by conventional means. In particular, the present invention relates to a connector for connecting segments of a medical device, such as a tracheal tube, which comprises two or more sections which may be made of different tubing materials.

Background

It is often desirable to connect two or more sections of tubing together. There are several ways of accomplishing such a connection, such as heat bonding, adhesive bonding, etc. However, it is often the case that such a connection is not possible or does not create a good bond between the sections. This is especially true when the sections of tubing are of different materials which may not be completely compatible and therefore, may not be easy to connect by conventional means. In particular, when the sections of tubing are of different materials they may not form an adequate bond upon heating or the different materials may require different types of adhesives to create a bond.

In the field of medical devices, connection of various tubing sections is extremely important. This is because disconnection or separation of tubes can cause irreparable damage to a patient being supplied with material through such tubing. For example, medical devices such as tracheal tubes are often constructed of multiple tube sections. These tube sections must be connected in such a manner that the risk of disconnection is minimal. In addition, the tube sections must be connected in such a manner that they do not leak.

In light of the above, there is a need for a means of connecting two or more sections of tubing which may be made of different materials, wherein the means is easy to use and avoids the problems noted above.

Further, there is a need for a means to connect two or more sections of tubing comprising a medical device, wherein the connection means maintains a secure connection and which does not leak.

Objects Of The Invention

It is one object of the present invention to provide a connector for connecting two or more sections of tubing.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a connector for connecting two or more sections of tubing wherein the sections are made of different materials.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a connector for connecting two or more sections of a medical device, such as a tracheal tube.

Summary Of The Invention

The objects noted above and others which will be evident to one skilled in the art are accomplished according to the present invention by providing a connector wherein a first part provides a through lumen and connects to each tube section to be connected, and additional parts provide a means for securing the tube sections to the first part of the connector.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a first part of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a first part of a connector according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a T-shaped first part of a connector according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a Y-shaped first part of a connector according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a first piece of a connector according to a still further embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are partial side views of a portion of a first part of a connector showing various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a second part of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of two separate tubing sections connected together via a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of two separate tubing sections

connected together via a connector according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a tracheal tube formed of multiple tube sections connected together via a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a tracheal tube formed of multiple tube sections connected together via a connector according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of a first piece of a connector according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description Of The Invention

The present invention relates to connectors for connecting separate sections of tubing, such as two or more sections of a medical tube. The present invention will be described in detail below by reference to the drawing figures.

In particular, the present invention relates to a connector which includes a first part having a through lumen and which may be inserted into the lumens of tubing sections to be connected, and additional parts comprising compressions rings which may be used to secure the tubing sections to the first part of the connector.

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a first part of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 1 shows a first part, generally designated by reference numeral 100, having a first neck portion 110, a second neck portion 120, having

encircling ridges 125, and a flange 130, encircling an area between the first neck portion 110, and the second neck portion 120. The inside wall of the first part 100, forms a continuous smooth walled lumen 140.

The first part of the connector is used in cooperation with at least one additional part as shown in FIG. 7. In particular, FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a second part of a connector according to the present invention. The second part comprises a compression ring, generally designated by reference numeral 700, having a smooth bore 710.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of two separate tubing sections connected together via a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 8, shows an assembly, generally designated by reference numeral 800, comprising a first tube section 810, a second tube section 820, and a two part connector as described above in FIGS. 1 and 7. To connect the first tube section 810, and second tube section 820, the following procedure is used with reference to each of FIGS. 1, 7 and 8.

A first part 100, is provided. The second tube section 820, is slidingly engaged over second neck portion 120, until the edge of second tube section 820, abuts the flange 130. A compression ring 700, is then slidingly engaged over the second tube section 820, and second neck portion 120, until the compression ring 700, also abuts flange 130. The compression ring 700, compresses the second tube section 820, into the ridges 125, thus assuring a tight, secure connection. The first tube section 810, is then slidingly engaged over the first neck portion 110, until the edge of first tube section 810, abuts the flange 130. The first tube section 810, may be bonded to the

first part 100, using a suitable adhesive or solvent. The assembly 800, shown in FIG. 8, shows only first tube section 810, second tube section 820, the flange 130, and the compression ring 700.

It should be noted that in the embodiment described above with respect to FIGS. 1, 7 and 8, first tube section 810, and first part 100, are formed of compatible materials, and can be effectively bonded together. However, second tube section 820, and first part 100, are not compatible and therefore require the compression ring 700, and ridges 125, to form a tight, secure connection.

In one preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the first tube section 810, first part 100, and compression ring 700, may all be made of polyvinyl chloride, and the second tube section 820, may be made of expanded polytetrafluoro-ethylene. The first tube section 810, may be bonded to the first part 100, using a solvent such as cyclohexanone. Alternatively, a glue mixture of cyclohexanone and polyvinyl chloride may be used as the bonding agent.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a first part of a connector, generally designated by reference numeral 200, according to a further embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the first part 200, is for use in connecting two tube sections which are both incompatible with the material of the first part 200, or which are not conveniently or effectively bonded using conventional means.

In particular, FIG. 2 shows a first part 200, having a first neck portion 210, having encircling ridges 215, a second neck portion 220, having encircling ridges 225, and

a flange 230, encircling an area between the first neck portion 210, and the second neck portion 120. The inside wall of the first part 200, forms a continuous smooth walled lumen 240.

The first part of the connector is used in cooperation with two compressions rings 700, as shown in FIG. 7 and as fully described above.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of two separate tubing sections connected together via a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 9, shows an assembly, generally designated by reference numeral 900, comprising a first tube section 910, a second tube section 920, and a three part connector as described above in FIGS. 2 and 7. To connect the first tube section 910, and second tube section 920, the following procedure is used with reference to each of FIGS. 2, 7 and 9.

A first part 200, is provided. The second tube section 920, is slidingly engaged over second neck portion 220, until the edge of second tube section 920, abuts the flange 230. A first compression ring 700, is then slidingly engaged over the second tube section 920, and second neck portion 220, until the first compression ring 700, also abuts flange 230. The first compression ring 700, compresses the second tube section 920, into the ridges 225, thus assuring a tight, secure connection. The first tube section 910, is then slidingly engaged over the first neck portion 210, until the edge of first tube section 910, abuts the flange 230. A second compression ring 700', is then slidingly engaged over the first tube section 910, and first neck portion 210, until the second compression ring 700', also abuts flange 230. The second compression ring 700', compresses the first tube section

910, into the ridges 215, thus assuring a tight, secur connection. The assembly 900, shown in FIG. 9, shows onl first tube section 910, second tube section 920, the flange 230, and the compression rings 700, and 700'.

In another preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the first tube section 910, and second tube section 920 may both be made of expanded polytetra- fluoroethylene, while the connector 100, and compression rings 700, and 700', may be made of polyvinyl chloride.

In each of the embodiments described above, the connector according to the present invention has been for connection of two separate tube sections. However, it will be evident to one skilled in the art that the principles of the present invention can be extended to connect any number of tube sections. FIGS. 3 and 4 provide two examples of connectors according to the present invention which are for connection of more than two tube sections.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a T-shaped first part, generally designated by reference numeral 300, of a connector according to another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the T-shaped first part 300, includes a first neck portion 310, having encircling ridges 315, a second neck portion 320, having encircling ridges 225, a third neck portion 350, having encircling ridges 355, and a flange 330, encircling an area between the first neck portion 310, and the second neck portion 320, and intersecting with the third neck portion 350. The inside walls of the T-shaped first part 300, form a first smooth walled lumen 340, extending through the first neck portion 310, and the second neck portion 320, and a second smooth walled lumen 360, extending through the third neck portion 350, and intersecting the first lumen 340.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, each of the neck portions, 310, 320, and 350, include ridges 315, 325, and 355, respectively for providing a tight, secure connection with tube sections which may be connected therewith. In particular, in this embodiment, the T-shaped first part 300, is for use in connecting three tube sections which are all incompatible with the material of the T-shaped first part 300, or which are not conveniently or effectively bonded using conventional means.

However, it will be evident to one skilled in the art that ridges could be provided on fewer than all three of the neck portions. For example, ridges could be provided on only two of the neck portions, when one tube section to be connected is compatible with the T-shaped first part 300, and the other two tube sections are incompatible with the T-shaped first part 300. Further, ridges could be provided on only one of the neck portions, when two of the tube sections are compatible with the T-shaped first part 300, and the other tube section is incompatible with the T- shaped first part 300.

The T-shaped first part 300, is used in cooperation with at an appropriate number of compression rings 700, as shown in FIG. 7 and fully described above. The procedure for connecting three tube sections using the T-shaped first part 300, and compression rings 700, is similar to that described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9, and will be evident to one skilled in the art.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a Y-shaped first part, generally designated by reference numeral 400, of a connector according to another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the Y-shaped first part 400, includes a first neck portion 410, having encircling ridges

415, a second neck portion 420, having encircling ridge 425, a third neck portion 450, having encircling ridge 455, and a flange 430, encircling an area at th intersection of the first neck portion 410, the second nec portion 420, and the third neck portion 450. The insid walls of the Y-shaped first part 400, form a first smoot walled lumen 440, extending through the first neck portio 410, a second smooth walled lumen 460, extending throug the third neck portion 450, and a third smooth walled lume 470, extending through the second neck portion 420, suc that all three lumens 440, 460, and 470 intersect at thei respective interior termini.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, each of the neck portions, 410, 420, and 450, include ridges 415, 425, and 455, respectively for providing a tight, secure connection with tube sections which may be connected therewith. In particular, in this embodiment, the Y-shaped first part 400, is for use in connecting three tube sections which are all incompatible with the material of the Y-shaped first part 400, or which are not conveniently or effectively bonded using conventional means.

However, it will be evident to one skilled in the art that ridges could be provided on fewer than all three of the neck portions. For example, ridges could be provided on only two of the neck portions, when one tube section to be connected is compatible with the Y-shaped first part 400, and the other two tube sections are incompatible with the Y-shaped first part 400. Further, ridges could be provided on only one of the neck portions, when two of the tube sections are compatible with the Y-shaped first part 400, and the other tube section is incompatible with the Y- shaped first part 400.

The Y-shaped first part 400, is used in cooperation with at an appropriate number of compression rings 700, as shown in FIG. 7 and fully described above. The procedure for connecting three tube sections using the Y-shaped first part 400, and compression rings 700, is similar to that described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9, and will be evident to one skilled in the art.

In each of the above embodiments the connector according to the present invention, has been described and shown as being for use in connecting two or more tube sections such that the tube sections are all engaged over the exterior surface of the associated neck portions of the connector. In other words, the neck portions of the connectors described above have reptresented male joining members. However, it will be readily evident to one skilled in the art that the principles of the present invention can be extended to connect tube sections wherein at least one of the connector neck portions is provided as a female joining memeber.

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of a first part, generally designated by reference numeral 1200, of such a connector according to another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the first part 1200, includes a first neck portion 1210, and a second neck portion 1220, having encircling ridges 1225. The inside walls of the first part 1200, form a first smooth walled lumen 1240, extending through the first neck portion 1210, and a second smooth walled lumen 1260, extending through the second neck portion 1220.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the first neck portion 1210, is adapted so as to provide a female joining member. In other words, in use, a tube to be connected

will be inserted into the first neck portion 1210, of the first part 1200. It will be readily apparant from the above, that the embodiment of FIG. 12 could be extended to more than two tube sections. In particular, three or more neck portions could be provided on first part 1200, wherein at least one such neck portion would provide a female joining member.

The first part 1200, is used in cooperation with at an appropriate number of appropriately sized compression rings 700, as shown in FIG. 7 and fully described above. The procedure for connecting tube sections using the first part 1200, and compression rings 700, is similar to that described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9, and will be evident to one skilled in the art, the only difference being that one tube section is inserted into the first neck portion 1210.

In such an embodiment the tube section for connection in first neck portion 1210 would be compatible with first part 1200, and could be bonded by conventional means, whereas the tube secion for connection to second neck portion 1220, is incompatible with first part 1200, and therefore requires ridges 1225, for providing a tight, secure connection. In a further alternative, ridges (not shown) could also be provided on the interior surface of lumen 1240, and an appropriately sized compression ring 700, could be used to allow incompatible tube sections to be connected with the first neck portion 1210.

In each of the above embodiments the connector according to the present invention, has been described and shown as being for use in connecting two or more tube sections which have the same diameter. By using the connector according to the present invention it is possible

to connect two or more tube sections and maintain a relatively constant inside diameter. This is especially important in the construction of medical devices. For example, for tracheal tubes it is important to have as smooth and constant inside diameter as possible, to allow for easy passage of other medical instruments, such as fiber optic scopes and suction catheters, therethrough.

However, it will be readily evident to one skilled in the art that the principles of the present invention can be extended to connect tube sections of different diameters. FIG. 5 provides one example of a connector according to the present invention which may be used for connection of tubes of different diameter.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a first part, generally designated by reference numeral 500, of a connector according to another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the first part 500, includes a first neck portion 510, having encircling ridges 515, a second neck portion 520, having encircling ridges 525, and a flange 530, encircling an area at the intersection of the first neck portion 510, and the second neck portion 520. The first neck portion 510, has a larger outside diameter than the second neck portion 520. The inside walls of the first part 500, form a first smooth walled lumen 540, extending through the first neck portion 510, and a second smooth walled lumen 550, extending through the second neck portion 520, and intersecting with the first lumen 540. The first lumen 540, has a larger diameter than the second lumen 550.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, each of the neck portions 510, and 520, include ridges 515, and 525, respectively for providing a tight, secure connection with

tube sections which may be connected therewith. In particular, in this embodiment, the first part 500, is for use in connecting two tube sections of different diameters which are each incompatible with the material of the first part 500, or which are not conveniently or effectively bonded using conventional means.

However, it will be evident to one skilled in the art that ridges could be provided on only one of the neck portions 510, and 520. For example, ridges could be provided on only neck portion 510, when the larger diameter tube section is incompatible with the first part 500, and the smaller diameter tube section is compatible with the first part 500. Further, ridges could be provided on only neck portion 520, when the smaller diameter tube section is incompatible with the first part 500, and the larger diameter tube section is compatible with the first part 500.

The first part 500, is used in cooperation with at an appropriate number of appropriately sized compression rings 700, as shown in FIG. 7 and fully described above. The procedure for connecting tube sections using the first part 500, and compression rings 700, is similar to that described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9, and will be evident to one skilled in the art.

In each of the above embodiments the connectors according to the present invention have been described and shown as having ridges formed around at least one neck portion. However, it will be evident to one skilled in the art that other connection means for securing the connection of tube sections to the connector can be used. FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C show examples of different connection means.

In particular, FIG. 6A is a partial side view of a portion of a first part of a connector showing a nec portion 620A, lumen 640A, and ridges 625A, which form a continuous ring around the periphery of the neck portion 62OA. Any number of ridges 625A, may be provided to ensure a secure connection between the connector and the tube section. Preferably, three ridges 625A, are provided.

FIG. 6B is a partial side view of a portion of a first part of a connector showing a neck portion 620B, lumen 640B, and rows of barbs 625B, encircling the periphery of neck portion 620B. In this embodiment, the barbs 625B, are formed in evenly spaced rows. Any number of rows of barbs 625B, may be provided to ensure a secure connection between the connector and the tube section. Preferably, three rows of barbs 625B, are provided.

FIG. 6C is a partial side view of a portion of a first part of a connector showing a neck portion 620C, lumen 640C, and rows of barbs 625C, encircling the periphery of neck portion 620C. In this embodiment, the barbs 625C, are formed in offset rows. Any number of rows of barbs 625C, may be provided to ensure a secure connection between the connector and the tube section. Preferably, three rows of barbs 625C, are provided.

In each of the embodiments described above, the first part of the connector has included an encircling flange which is used as a stop and bonding point for tube sections which are engaged over neck portions of the first part. The flanges provide a convenient means of indicating how far to engage the tube sections over the neck portions during assembly and also a convenient bonding point for those tube sections which are compatible with the first part of the connector. However, it will be evident to one

skilled in the art that other means could also be used, such as a printed line or other marking, a scribe line, etc.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connector according to the present invention is used to connect multiple tube sections of a tracheal tube. In particular, FIGS. 10 and 11 show two tracheal tubes which incorporate connectors according to the present invention as will be described in detail below.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a tracheal tube, generally designated by reference numeral 10, formed of multiple tube sections 20, 24, and 28, connected together via connectors 30, and 35, according to one embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the tracheal tube 10, includes a distal or patient end portion 20, and a proximal end or machine end portion 24, which are connected along the length of the tracheal tube 10, by an intermediate flexible portion 28. The distal end portion 20, may be preshaped in a curved configuration, so as to correspond in shape with the patient's posterior pharynx and trachea. The distal end portion 20, terminates in a beveled end having an outlet orifice, and can include a standard Murphy eye. The distal end portion 20, should be made of a material which enables conformation with the posterior pharynx and trachea of the patient, in order to avoid undue trauma to the patient, but which has sufficient rigidity and strength to retain its shape and avoid kinking during use. For example, flexible thermoplastic materials such as polyvinylchloride, polyethylene, or the like are preferred.

The proximal end portion 24, comprises a relatively straight section of tubing which terminates is an inlet orifice adapted to receive a standard connector. The

proximal end portion 24, may also be relatively rigid and may be formed of the same material as distal end portion 20. Preferably, proximal end portion 24, is formed of a transparent thermoplastic material to provide for visual observation of breath condensation and monitoring during anesthesia.

The intermediate portion 28, is formed of a very flexible material, but which avoids kinking, and allows for complete rotation and movement of the proximal end portion 24, without movement of the distal end portion 20. Preferably, the intermediate portion 28, is formed of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.

The materials used for the distal end portion 20, and the proximal end portion 24, are generally incompatible with the material for the intermediate portion 28, and can therefore not be connected by standard means such as adhesives or solvents. Therefore, connectors 30, and 35, according to the present invention are used. These connectors 30, and 35, provide a complete, tight, and secure connection between the various tube sections of the tracheal tube 10, which avoids disadvantageous disconnection.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a tracheal tube, generally designated by reference numeral 50, formed of multiple tube sections 60,and 65, connected together via connector 70, according to another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the tracheal tube 50, includes a distal or patient end portion 60, and a flexible proximal end or machine end portion 65, which are connected together to form the tracheal tube 10. The distal end portion 60, may be preshaped in a curved configuration, so as to correspond in shape with the patient's posterior pharynx and trachea.

The distal end portion 60, terminates in a beveled end having an outlet orifice, and can include a standard Murphy eye. The distal end portion 60, should be made of a material which enables conformation with the posterior pharynx and trachea of the patient, in order to avoid undue trauma to the patient, but which has sufficient rigidity and strength to retain its shape and avoid kinking during use. For example, flexible thermoplastic materials such as polyvinylchloride, polyethylene, or the like are preferred.

The proximal end portion 65, is formed of a very flexible material, but which avoids kinking, and allows for complete rotation and movement of the proximal end portion 65, without movement of the distal end portion 60. Preferably, the proximal end portion 65, is formed of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.

The material used for the distal end portion 60, is generally incompatible with the material for the proximal end portion 65, and can therefore not be connected by standard means such as adhesives or solvents. Therefore, a connector 70, according to the present invention is used. The connector 70 provides a complete, tight, and secure connection between the various tube sections of the tracheal tube 50, which avoids disadvantageous disconnection.

The present invention provides several advantages including the ability to connect tube sections which are not easily or adequately connected by conventional means such as heat bonding, adhesives or solvents. In particular, the connectors of the present invention provide a means of connecting tube sections which are made of different materials which may not be completely compatible and therefore, may not be easy to connect by conventional

means.

Further, the connectors of the present invention are particularly useful in the field of medical devices, where it is extremely important to avoid disconnection or separation of the tube sections. The connectors according to the present invention can be easily used to connect multiple tube sections making up a medical device and provide a tight and secure connection which avoids problems associated with disconnection and leakage.

The foregoing has been a description of certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, but is not intended to limit the invention in any way. Rather, many modifications, variations and changes in details may be made within the scope of the present invention.