DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to holders for medical tubing used to administer fluid or medicine to a patient. More particularly, the present invention relates to a medical tube holding device which prevents kinking or constriction thereby ensuring smooth and unrestricted flow of fluids through the medical tubing, and which is simple in structure and usage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a medical setup for example in hospital during treatment of a patient or surgery, the ability to securely attach one or various types of medical tubes to the body of a patient is important in providing medical care. Such medical tubing includes tubing of intravenous (IV) sets, drip sets, or other medical devices and further include feeding tubes, nasogastric tubes, extension tubes, vacuum tubes, chest tubes, catheter tubes, dialysis and angiocath tubes, ventilator circuit tubing, and other tubing or conduits for introducing fluids intravenously or through the nose or mouth of the patient and which are usually used in medical operations or surgery.

Any device which is to be used for holding a medical tube should ensure that it should maintain the medical tube in its proper position in and around the patient’s body despite movements by the patient, it should prevent kinking or chocking of medical tube removing reduced flow of fluid into the vein of the patient, it should be convenient for the medical practitioner to use allowing easy installation, relocation and removal as required, preferably without any need of any loosen string to hold the medical tube, adhesive tape or the like, and it must be as comfortable as possible for the patient.

Generally, the simplest and most common method of attaching medical tubes to the body of a patient or around the patient involves the use of adhesive tape as a means of anchoring or holding the tube in position. The disadvantages of using adhesive tape are numerous- the use of adhesive tape is cumbersome, the need for constant surveillance to monitor loss of adhesiveness; the likelihood of patient discomfort, and the increased risk of infection.

A flexible medical tubing develops kinking when it is bent or if a loop is made of a smaller diameter. This is a common problem faced in medical tubing attached to the intravenous (IV) sets or drip sets. The flexible tubing develops kinking even if utmost care is taken during assembly and packaging.

The kinking in the medical tubing hampers the natural flow of fluid. In IV or drip sets, a U-bend is generally formed in the portion of the tubing proximate to the needle. A bent or kinking usually develops in such U bend which may result in reduced flow of fluid through the medical tube and in turn to patient’s vein. The reduced flow may result in clotting in the vein which may cause additional venepunctures causing pain and discomfort to the patient. In addition, once kinking has taken place in the medical tubing, the entire drip arrangement needs to be replaced, which is relatively time consuming and expensive process causing discomfort to the patient.

Further, the propensity of the tubing to kink depends on a number of factors, including the material from which the tubing is made, the wall thickness of the tubing and the temperature of the tubing to which it is subjected to. At room temperature of 18° C to 20°C., the tubing is relatively firm and kink-resistant. At higher temperatures of 37°C or more, corresponding to the body temperature of the patient against whom the tubing is resting, the tubing tends to soften and to kink more easily.

The disadvantages discussed above have led to the development of a number of medical tube holders of varying designs. One common limitation of the medical tube holders developed to date has been the degree of manual dexterity, skill required for the attachment procedure, complexity in use and time consuming.

Thus, while various tube holders have been developed to remove kinking in flexible tube lines, improvements on the cost, ease of use, and effectiveness of these tube holders is a constant need. Therefore, it would be beneficial to have a tube holding device which effectively removes kinking in flexible tube lines and is simple in structure and usage wherein the tube can be attached, fixed, moved, easily removed and held reliably through the tube holder and is also economical.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a tube holding device which effectively removes kinking or constriction in medical tubing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tube holding device which is simple in structure and usage wherein the tube can be attached, fixed, moved, removed easily and held reliably through the tube holder.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tube holding device which ensure smooth and unrestricted flow of fluids through the medical tubing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tube holding device which is capable of securely immobilizing a medical tube with only the application of a minimum amount of force, so as to avoid the potential for constriction or kinking of the medical tube.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tube holding device having holding means to hold the tube securely within the tube holding device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tube holding device that is rigid and non-elastic in order to avoid the potential for kinking or constriction of the medical tube by the forces of retraction which may be exerted over time.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tube holding device which may be easily attached to kink or bend suspected area of the medical tube preventing the tubing from taking an abrupt bend or turn.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tube holding device which effectively works and makes allowances for differences in temperature, material, and wall thickness and prevent kinking in the medical tubing.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a tube holding device which keeps the medical tubing in a pre-defined channel having a curvature with a large radius which prevents kinking in the tubing or which do not create a kink or bent or a sharp turn in the tubing.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a tube holding device which, preferably, has a unitary structure.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a tube holding device having two or more parts in alternative embodiments.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a tube holding device which accommodates medical tubes of varying diameters which is both inexpensive to manufacture and simple in its method of use.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a tube holding device of a design which allows it to be manufactured in a variety of different sizes such that it is easily adaptable to use in all types of medical tubing.

To accomplish the above objects and to overcome the difficulties involved in prior tube holder devices, the present invention contemplates providing an inexpensive, easy to apply tube holder device and simplicity associated with its use.

A tube holding device to prevent kinking or constriction in a curved medical tubing is provided comprising: a body in U-shape with first end and second end having an inner side and an outer side; a connector integrally joining the ends; a channel having a semi-circular cross-sectional profile dimensioned to securely and comfortably house a medical tubing; and tube holding means to securely hold the medical tubing.

In one of the embodiments, the tube holding device is provided with holding means for medical tubing wherein the holding means include at least one projection provided on inner periphery of the walls of the tube holding device to hold the flexible tubing securely and effectively.

The holding means could be one continuous and/or non-continuous projection or an undercut on one or both sides throughout the length on the inner periphery of the inner wall and throughout the length on the inner periphery of the outer wall of the curved channel to hold the medical tubing securely within the tube holding device.

The channel has an inner cross-sectional radius having a close fit ratio with the radius of an outer profile of the medical tubing. The channel has a profile to hold the medical tubing made by an inner wall and an outer wall wherein the tube holding means provided on an inner periphery of the inner wall and an inner periphery of the outer wall and in particularly, the holding means provided proximal to an edge of the inner and outer wall to securely hold the medical tubing within the tube holding device. The channel has a curvature with a large radius which prevents kinking in the medical tubing.

The tube holding device of the invention, preferably, has a unitary construction. In alternative embodiments, the tube holding device can also be made of having two or more parts. The tube holding device is made of a resilient plastic or thermoplastic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene and can also be made of any other material such as steel, composite, aluminium etc. Thus, the entire device can be made unitary as well may be made having two or more parts. The physical properties of such materials impart structural strength and rigidity to the holder and with ease of use of such material makes manufacture of the tube holder economical.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figs. 1A & 1B illustrate the overall view from front of a tube holding device according to the present invention.

Figs. 2A & 2B illustrate the overall view from back of a tube holding device according to the present invention.

Fig. 3 illustrates a view from bottom side of a tube holding device according to the present invention.

Fig. 4 illustrates a tube holding device holding a medical tube according to the present invention.
Figs. 5A-5C illustrate another embodiment of a tube holding device showing the holding means having the continuous projection with a round lock shape to securely hold the medical tubing within the tube holding device according to the present invention.

Figs. 6A-6C illustrate another embodiment of a tube holding device showing the holding means having the continuous projection with a taper lock shape to securely hold the medical tubing within the tube holding device according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the presently disclosed invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements. In the drawings and in the description, the term "proximal", "bottom", "down" or "lower" refers to a location on the device that is closest to the medical practitioner using the device and farthest from the patient in connection with whom the device is used when the device is used in its normal operation. Conversely, the term "distal", "top", "up" or "upper” refers to a location on the device that is farthest from the clinician using the device and closest to the patient in connection with whom the device is used when the device is used in its normal operation. For example, the distal region of a needle will be the region of the needle containing the needle tip which is to be inserted e.g. into a patient's vein.

The term “patient” should be understood to refer to a human or other animal and the term “medical personnel” should be understood to refer to a doctor, nurse, or clinician or medical practitioner or other care provider and may include support personnel.

As used herein, the terms first, second, third, etc. are understood to describe different structures/elements so as to distinguish one from another. However, the terms are not structurally limiting unless the context indicates otherwise.

The term "substantially" means that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

Moreover, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a terminal includes reference to one or more terminals. In addition, where reference is made to a list of elements (e.g., elements a, b, c), such reference is intended to include any one of the listed elements by itself, any combination of less than all of the listed elements, and/or a combination of all of the listed elements.

Figures 1 -3 show a tube holding device 10 according to the present invention. Referring now to Figs. 1A & 1B an overall view from front of a tube holding device 10 according to the present invention is shown comprising a body 12, preferably having a U-shape provided with first end 14 and second end 16 and has an inner side 20 and outer side 22 having a curved profile 24. The curved profile 24 having an outer surface 40 and an inner surface 42. The ends 14, 16 are joined by a connector 18 having a front side 38 and a back side. The connector 18 at its lower end has a curved cut in the middle region in between the first end 14 and second end 16. The outer surface 40 of the curved profile 24 may contact the body of a patient and provide a means of securely fixing the device 10 to the patient's body. Thus, the outer surface 40 of the curved profile 24 may act as a body attachment site. The outer surface 40 of the curved profile 24 capable to sit on the skin of the patient’s body can be coated with an adhesive preparation which is compatible with human skin, thereby providing a means by which the tube holding device 10 can be securely attached to the body of a patient independent of surgical or other types of adhesive tape. The connector 18 in this embodiment has a flat profile and has a rectangle shape providing strength to the curved section of the curved profile 24 of the tube holding device 10. The connector 18 can be constructed in a number of ways, for example the connector 18 can have a X shape, square, rotund or curved shape or any other profile being combination thereof in order to provide strength to the curved section of the curved profile 24 of the tube holding device 10. The connector 18 joins the ends 14, 16 at its inner side 20 as shown in Fig. 3.

Alternatively, in a separate embodiment, the body attachment site provided on the tube holding device 10 can include one or more flaps (not shown) which are integrally made, and which can be connected to the tube holding device 10 at its outer side. The flaps will have flexible properties and can be easily held by fingers of a medical professional. The flaps will assist to attach or remove the tube holding device 10 from or to a patient. The underside of the flaps of this embodiment can also be coated with an adhesive preparation which is compatible with human skin, thereby providing a means by which the tube holding device 10 can be securely attached to the body of a patient independent of surgical or other types of adhesive tape.

Reference is now made to Figs. 2A & 2B wherein the overall view from back of a tube holding device 10 is shown. The U-shaped body 12 of the device 10 has a curved profile 24 and is provided with a channel 26. The channel 26 has a semi-circular cross-sectional profile which is dimensioned to securely and comfortably house a medical tubing 28 as shown in Fig. 4. The channel 26 has an inner cross-sectional radius which has a close fit ratio with the radius of an outer profile of the medical tubing 28. The close fit ratio is to ensure that the tubing 28 cannot kink when housed within the channel 26 of the tube holding device 10 and easily housed within the channel with sufficient clearance. It can be understood that the dimensions of the channel 26 as well as the radius of the curvature within the channel 26 may be increased to accommodate even thicker tubing.

The channel 26 has a profile to hold the medical tubing 28 made by an inner wall 30 and an outer wall 32. The channel 26 is provided with tube holding means 34 which include at least one projection. The tube holding means 34 are provided on an inner periphery of the inner wall 30 and an inner periphery of the outer wall 32. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 2A, 2B and 4, the device 10 is provided with at least three pairs of holding means 34 on an inner periphery of the inner wall 30 and inner periphery of the outer wall 32 facing each other. The holding means 34 are provided proximal to an edge 36 of the inner 30 and outer wall 32 of the channel 26. Alternatively, the pairs of holding means 34 can be provided in an arrangement without facing each other having varying spacing in between on the inner periphery of the inner wall 30 and on the inner periphery of the outer wall 32 in a continuous and/or non-continuous manner to hold the medical tubing 28 securely within the tube holding device 10.

Fig. 4 illustrates a tube holding device 10 holding a medical tube 28 according to the present invention. Only a partial curved length of a medical tube 28 which can be of a drip set (not shown) being fitted in the tube holding device 10 is shown. As can be seen in use a medical tubing 28 can be press fitted with minimal force in the curved channel 26. Once received in the channel 26 the medical tubing 28 is securely held in position by the holding means 34.
In alternative embodiments, as shown in Figs. 5A to 5C and 6A to 6C, the holding means 34 could be one continuous projection or an undercut on one or both sides throughout the length on the inner periphery of the inner wall 30 and throughout the length on the inner periphery of the outer wall 32 of the curved channel 26 to hold the medical tubing 28 securely within the tube holding device 10. As shown in Figs. 5A to 5C, the holding means 34 having the continuous projection has a round lock shape to securely hold the medical tubing 28 within the tube holding device 10. As shown in Figs. 6A to 6C, the holding means 34 having the continuous projection has a taper lock shape to securely hold the medical tubing 28 within the tube holding device 10. The holding means 34 is provided proximal to an edge 36 of the inner 30 and outer wall 32 to securely hold the medical tubing 28 within the tube holding device 10. Alternatively, the holding means 34 could be one non-continuous projection or an undercut on one or both sides throughout the length on the inner periphery of the inner wall 30 and throughout the length on the inner periphery of the outer wall 32 of the curved channel 26 to hold the medical tubing 28 securely within the tube holding device 10.

The construction and shape of the tube holding device 10 according to the present disclosure provides a simple configuration. The simple and compact design of the device 10 is advantageous in a clinical setting because it smoothens the whole process thereby reducing injury or discomfort to a patient and provides better safety features. In addition, such design greatly reduces manufacturing costs and is efficient, effective and simple in its construction and use.

Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, from the foregoing description, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. Thus, the invention is not confined to preventing or reducing kinking in medical tubing, but may be used to prevent kinking or constriction in any flexible tube or conduit which is designed to carry a fluid and which normally undergoes bending.

Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the foregoing description be limited to the exact description set forth above, but rather that such description be construed as encompassing such features that reside in the present invention, including all the features and embodiments that would be treated as equivalents thereof by those skilled in the relevant art.

The scope of the present invention herein disclosed is not limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above but determined only by a fair reading of the appended claims.

List of Reference numerals:

10 tube holding device
12 body
14 first end
16 second end
18 connector
20 inner side
22 outer side
24 curved profile
26 channel
28 medical tubing
30 inner wall
32 outer wall
34 tube holding means
36 edge
38 front side
40 outer surface
42 inner surface
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:

1. A medical tube holding device (10) to prevent kinking or constriction in a curved medical tubing (28) comprising:
a body (12) in U-shape with first end (14) and second end (16) having an inner side (20) and an outer side (22);
a connector (18) integrally joining the ends (14, 16);
a channel (26) having a semi-circular cross-sectional profile dimensioned to securely and comfortably house a medical tubing (28); and
tube holding means (34) to securely hold the medical tubing (28).

2. The tube holding device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device (10) has a unitary structure.

3. The tube holding device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein body (12) has a curved profile (24).

4. The tube holding device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the channel (26) has an inner cross-sectional radius having a close fit ratio with the radius of an outer profile of the medical tubing (28).

5. The tube holding device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the channel (26) has a curvature with a large radius which prevents kinking in the medical tubing (28).

6. The tube holding device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tube holding means (34) include at least one projection.

7. The tube holding device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the channel (26) has a profile to hold the medical tubing (28) made by an inner wall (30) and an outer wall (32).

8. The tube holding device (10) as claimed in the preceding claims, wherein the tube holding means (34) provided on an inner periphery of the inner wall (30) and an inner periphery of the outer wall (32).

9. The tube holding device (10) as claimed in the preceding claims, wherein the holding means (34) provided proximal to an edge (36) of the inner (30) and outer wall (32).

10. The tube holding device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device (10) is made of two or more parts.

11. The tube holding device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device (10) is made of a resilient plastic or thermoplastic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene, any other material such as steel, composite, aluminium etc.

12. The tube holding device (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the curved profile having an outer surface (40) and an inner surface (42), wherein the outer surface (40) act as a body attachment site for fixing the tube holding device (10) to a patient’s body.

13. The tube holding device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the outer surface (40) is coated with an adhesive preparation which is compatible with human skin.

14. The tube holding device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector (18) having a flat profile having a rectangle shape.

15. The tube holding device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector (18) having a X shape, square, rotund or curved shape or any other profile being in combination thereof in order to provide strength to the curved section of the curved profile (24) of the tube holding device (10).

16. The tube holding device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holding means (34) is in the form of one continuous projection or an undercut on one or both sides throughout the length on the inner periphery of the inner wall (30) and throughout the length on the inner periphery of the outer wall (32) of the curved channel (26) to hold the medical tubing (28) securely within the tube holding device (10).

17. The tube holding device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holding means (34) is in the form of one non-continuous projection or an undercut on one or both sides throughout the length on the inner periphery of the inner wall (30) and throughout the length on the inner periphery of the outer wall (32) of the curved channel (26) to hold the medical tubing (28) securely within the tube holding device (10).

Dated this 24th day of June of 2022.