Safety connector for flexible tube device

• US 4,521,038 A
• Filed: 05/20/1983
• Issued: 06/04/1985
• Est. Priority Date: 05/20/1983
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Creditanstalt Corporate Finance, Inc. (Unicredit SPA)
• Original Assignee: Respiratory Care, Inc.
• Inventors: Cerny, David E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Callaghan, Thomas F.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nicholson, Eric K.
• Application Number:
  US06/496,558
• Time in Patent Office: 746 Days
• Field of Search: 285/24, 285/25, 285/26, 285/27, 285/28, 285/29, 285/93, 285/133 R, 285/179, 285/423, 285/332, 285/260, 285/DIG. 4, 128/200.14, 128/203.12, 128/204.18, 128/204.26, 128/910, 128/911, 128/912, 138/114, 116/DIG. 21
• US Class Current: 285/24
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0078 Breathing bags
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/08 Bellows; Connecting tubes having means for taking samples G01N1/22; Water traps; Patient circuits
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 39/02 for hoses
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/911 Unilimb inhalation-exhalation breathing tubes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 285/903 Corrugated

Abstract

A flexible tubular assembly having an outer flexible tube through which extends an inner flexible tube which is connected to a tubular element having an elbow-shaped locking piece. The outer flexible tube is joined to the tubular element and the inner flexible tube extends through a cylindrical section of the tubular element to the exterior of the element thereby exposing the end portion of the inner flexible tubing. The spout area of the elbow-shaped locking piece is inserted into the inner flexible tubing and thereby distends the tubing against the sides of an internal tubing and thereby distends the tubing against the sides of an internal tubular stub within the tubular element and locking the tubing in place. Outwardly extending ears on the elbow engage inwardly extending slots on the tubular element thereby holding the elbow in place. The device is specifically useful in anaethestic devices insuring the safety of a patient.

Claims

1. A connector comprising:

a rigid tubular element comprising a first cylindrical element which is joined at its side to a second cylindrical element;

a first tubular end portion is formed by said first cylindrical element;

a second tubular end portion is formed by said second cylindrical element;

an offset flow passage is formed between said first tubular end portion and said second tubular end portion;

a first flexible tubing having an end portion concentrically frictionally positioned on said first end portion;

an internal tubular stub having an external diameter less than the internal diameter of said first cylindrical element is disposed within said first cylindrical element and has an opening that communicates with the exterior of said tubular element;

a second flexible tubing having an external diameter that is less than the internal diameter of said internal tubular stub, extends through said first flexible tubing and is inserted through said internal tubular stub and extends beyond said stub to the exterior of said tubular element providing a visible exposed end position of said second flexible tubing;

an elbow-shaped locking piece having a spout that is frictionally positioned within said second flexible tubing thereby locking said second flexible tubing within said stub; and

guide means associated with said second cylindrical element and elbow-shaped locking piece which hold said locking piece in proper position.

2. A connector in accordance with claim 1 wherein said spout of said elbow-shaped locking piece has an external inward taper for facilitating the locking of said second flexible tubing within said internal tubular stub.

3. A connector in accordance with claim 2 wherein said first tubular end portion has a lip which is used to mate with a matching indentation on said end portion of said first flexible tubing.

4. A connector in accordance with claim 3 wherein said second tubular end portion has an internal taper.

5. A connector in accordance with claim 4 wherein said guide means comprises outwardly extending ears on said elbow shaped locking piece and inwardly extending slots on said second cylindrical element.

6. A connector in accordance with claim 5 wherein said second flexible tubing is a different color than said tubular element so that said exposed end portion of said second flexible tubing can be easily detected.

7. A connector in accordance with claim 6 wherein said tubular element is made of plastic.

8. A connector in accordance with claim 7 wherein said elbow-shaped locking piece is made of plastic.

9. A connector in accordance with claim 8 wherein said first flexible tubing is corrugated.

10. A connector in accordance with claim 5 wherein said second flexible tubing is opaque and said exposed end portion obscures a warning when properly positioned.