Connector for a gradient sequential compression system

• US 5,588,954 A
• Filed: 04/05/1994
• Issued: 12/31/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 04/05/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Huntleigh Technology, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Beiersdorf-Jobst Incorporated (Essity AB)
• Inventors: Peeler, Donald H., Sandman, Terry L., Bolam, Kenneth M., Ribando, Philip P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hafer, Robert A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): KENEALY, DAVID
• Application Number:
  US08/222,829
• Time in Patent Office: 1,001 Days
• Field of Search: 601/148-153, 285/93, 285/137.1, 285/128, 285/305, 285/26, 403/321, 403/326, 403/329, 403/389, 403/391
• US Class Current: 601/149
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 9/0078 with intermittent or alternately inflated bladders or cuffs mattresses for preventing bed-sores with alternated pressurized chambers A61G7/05776

Abstract

A fluid connector for a compression system for improving venous blood flow in a patient provides a continuous fluid passageway between a source of pressurized fluid and a plurality of inflatable chambers in an elongated pressure sleeve. The connector includes a flexible conduit comprising a plurality of elongate hollow tubes having a corresponding plurality of fittings attached at one end of the conduit. The fittings form a fluid-tight seal between the conduit and a corresponding plurality of outlet ports communicating with the source of pressurized fluid. A grip portion is provided adjacent the end of the conduit. The grip portion is releasably attached to the source of pressurized fluid and grips the conduit securely between adjacent tubes such that the fittings move freely and independently relative to the grip portion. In this manner, leakage of the pressurized fluid and contamination of the fluid stream is minimized, while stresses induced in the conduit are not transferred to the fittings. At its other end, the conduit may include couplers for forming a fluid-tight seal with sleeve fittings attached to the inflatable chambers of the pressure sleeve.

Claims

1. A connector for providing a continuous fluid passageway between a source of pressurized fluid and an elongated pressure sleeve, said sleeve defining a plurality of inflatable chambers, each of said chambers having a means for attachment to the source of pressurized fluid at a connector interface having a plurality of outlet ports, said connector comprising:

a flexible conduit comprising

a plurality of elongate tubes, each of said tubes having a first end and a second end; and

at least one elongate connecting partition integrally formed between an adjacent pair of said tubes;

a plurality of fittings, each of said fittings attached to said first end of one of said tubes and forming a fluid-tight seal therewith, each of said fittings having means for forming a fluid-tight seal with one of said outlet ports to communicate the pressurized fluid; and

a grip portion comprising at least one finger for engaging a hole provided in said at least one connecting partition to enhance the transfer of stresses from said conduit to said grip portion attached adjacent said first ends of said tubes and gripping said at least one connecting partition to transfer stresses induced in said conduit to said grip portion without substantially compressing said tubes, said grip portion releasably retaining said fittings in fluid-tight relationship with said outlet ports.

2. A connector for providing a continuous fluid passageway between a source of pressurized fluid and an elongated pressure sleeve, said sleeve defining a plurality of inflatable chambers, each of said chambers having a means for attachment to the source of pressurized fluid at a connector interface having a plurality of outlet ports, said connector comprising:

a flexible conduit comprising

a plurality of elongate tubes, each of said tubes having a first end and a second end; and

at least one elongate flange integrally formed at an outer edge of said conduit;

a plurality of fittings, each of said fittings attached to said first end of one of said tubes and forming a fluid-tight seal therewith, each of said fittings having means for forming a fluid-tight seal with one of said outlet ports to communicate the pressurized fluid; and

a grip portion comprising at least one finger for engaging a hole provided in said at least one flange attached adjacent said first ends of said tubes and gripping said at least one flange to transfer stresses induced in said conduit to said grip portion without substantially compressing said tubes, said grip portion releasably retaining said fittings in fluid-tight relationship with said outlet ports.

3. A connector for providing a continuous fluid passageway between a source of pressurized fluid and an elongated pressure sleeve, said sleeve defining a plurality of inflatable chambers, each of said chambers having a means for attachment to the source of pressurized fluid at a connector interface having a plurality of outlet ports, said connector comprising:

a flexible conduit comprising

four elongate tubes, each of said tubes having a first end and a second end; and

an elongate connecting partition integrally formed between each adjacent pair of said tubes such that said tubes are arranged in a substantially flat pattern;

four fittings, each of said fittings attached to said first end of one of said tubes and forming a fluid-tight seal therewith, each of said fittings having means for forming a fluid-tight seal with one of said outlet ports to communicate the pressurized fluid; and

a grip portion attached adjacent said first ends of said tubes and comprising fingers for engaging a hole provided in said connecting partitions to enhance the transfer of stresses induced in said conduit means to said grip portion without substantially compressing said tubes, said grip portion releasably retaining said fittings in fluid-tight relationship with said outlet ports.