Abstract:
A break-away intravenous (IV) therapy fitting designed to eliminate loss of an intravenous site on a patient&#39;s arm is herein disclosed, comprising a two-piece coupling having a first side that connects to the IV tubing leading to an IV fluid supply. The second side is connected to the peripheral IV site on the patient&#39;s body. In use, the two (2) sides are connected, thereby allowing fluids to flow through. Upon application of a certain amount of stress against the IV tubing, the coupling would detach. Both halves of the coupling comprise internal valving members to avoid leakage, thus stopping flow on either side upon disconnection.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/322,924 filed Apr. 12, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to intravenous tubes, and in particular, to a breakaway valve for an intravenous tube. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Intravenous or IV medicines have greatly enhanced our quality of life. They are very effective, fast acting, easy to administer, and easy to control. Such medicines are typically introduced to the patient via tubing which is connected to an IV needle located in the patient&#39;s arm. The needle or tube is held in place with tape, bandages, specialty adhesive covers and the like which form a mostly permanent installation. 
     A major disadvantage of intravenous setups like those described above is that many patients, who may be in a confused state of mind, are prone to rip out their IV lines. This is dangerous as it leads to medicine being introduced into the room and can cause injury to the patient. Other similar problem is that many patients accidentally remove their IV lines by moving too far from the source of the line. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide breakaway valves for various fluid lines, including U.S. Pat. No. 3,921,656; U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,049; U.S. Pat. No. 4,722,725; U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,471; U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,371; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,147. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such devices are not suitable for use with intravenous tubes. Many such devices do not adequately seal both sides of the valve as is desirable for intravenous tubes. Many such devices do not provide sufficient flow through the valve when operable. Accordingly, there exists a need for a breakaway valve that can be utilized with intravenous tubes without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a breakaway valve which provides features specifically suited for medical use. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide connection and disconnection of an intravenous tube at an intermediate point along the tube, particularly in the event of accidental tensioning of the tube while it is in current use delivering a medical fluid to a patient. This prevents loss of the intravenous site, prevents injury to the patient, and prevents loss of fluid. The device includes a first assembly and a second valve assembly which can be coupled together. 
     Another object of the present invention is to enable connection to a conventional IV kit at an intermediate location using a first IV tube and a second IV tube. The first IV tube is attached to the first valve assembly and to an IV pump or similar fluid supply apparatus. The second IV tube is attached to the second valve assembly and to a peripheral IV site on a patient&#39;s body. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to removably attach the first and second valve assemblies by engaging corresponding male and female locking features. The locking features provide a mechanical connection and a sealed liquid connection between the first and second IV tubes. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the locking features of an interfering and mating annular fit which provides a secure connection between the first and second IV tubes but which can come apart when sufficient tension is applied. The locking features prevent gentle, natural motions such as shifting the patient&#39;s arm from disengaging the device, but still allow sudden or sufficient tension to disengage the first and second IV tubes from each other. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is for each valve assembly to include a spring-loaded, normally closed valve function that automatically seals the tubes when the locking features are disengaged. Each valve assembly includes a washer attached to a spring that is biased to block a center aperture of the valve assembly and prevent fluid flow. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to further comprise each washer of an actuating feature comprising a hemispherical molded protrusion. When the locking features are engaged, the two (2) actuating features engage each other. The two (2) springs provide an identical force such that the actuating features force each other away an equal amount, exposing the center apertures of each valve assembly and allowing fluid to pass through a plurality of flow apertures space around each washer. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of installing the device in line with an IV kit, connecting the valve assemblies, enabling fluid flow through the device, automatically separating the valve assemblies under a sufficient amount of tension, automatically isolating the fluid flow within both valve assemblies when the device is disconnected, restoring fluid flow by reconnecting the valve assemblies, and benefiting from a self-sealing IV therapy device which can disconnect without jeopardizing or stressing an intravenous site. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a break-away valve for an intravenous (IV) tube  10  depicting an in-use state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   a  is a section view of the break-away valve for an IV tube  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 1 ), depicting a disengaged state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   b  is a section view of the break-away valve for an IV tube  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 1 ), depicting an engaged state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 3  is a close-up view of washer portions  25 ,  45  of the break-away valve for an intravenous (IV) tube  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                  10 
                 break-away valve for an IV tube 
               
               
                   
                  20 
                 first valve assembly 
               
               
                   
                  22 
                 first housing 
               
               
                   
                  24 
                 first spring 
               
               
                   
                  25 
                 first washer 
               
               
                   
                  26 
                 first actuator feature 
               
               
                   
                  27 
                 flow aperture 
               
               
                   
                  28 
                 first tube connector 
               
               
                   
                  30 
                 male locking feature 
               
               
                   
                  32 
                 first center aperture 
               
               
                   
                  40 
                 second valve assembly 
               
               
                   
                  42 
                 second housing 
               
               
                   
                  44 
                 second spring 
               
               
                   
                  45 
                 second washer 
               
               
                   
                  46 
                 second actuator feature 
               
               
                   
                  48 
                 second tube connector 
               
               
                   
                  50 
                 female locking feature 
               
               
                   
                  52 
                 second center aperture 
               
               
                   
                  60 
                 first tube 
               
               
                   
                  65 
                 second tube 
               
               
                   
                  80 
                 fluid flow 
               
               
                   
                 100 
                 IV kit 
               
               
                   
                 105 
                 IV site 
               
               
                   
                 110 
                 patient 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 3 . However, the disclosure is not limited to a single described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only one particular configuration may be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a break-away valve for an IV tube (herein described as the “device”)  10 , depicting an in-use state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device  10  provides a break-away IV therapy fitting which provides convenient connection/disconnection capability as well as avoiding a loss of an intravenous site  105  on a patient&#39;s arm  110  in an event of accidental tensioning of hose portions  60 ,  65  of the IV kit  100 . The device  10  comprises a removably attachable molded plastic coupling and valving device capable of being integrated into hose portions  60 ,  65  of a conventional IV kit  100  further comprising interlocking first valve assembly  20  and second valve assembly  40  portions. Said first  20  and second  40  valve assemblies comprise internal valving components allowing fluid-tight connection and disconnection, thereby enabling separation of said IV kit  100  at an intermediate position along a tubing portion  60 ,  65 . The first valve assembly  20  is connected to a first IV tube  60  which in turn is envisioned being connected to an IV pump or similar fluid supply equipment. The second valve assembly  40  connects to a second tube  65  envisioned in turn to be connected to a peripheral IV site  105  on a patient&#39;s body  110 . The first  20  and second  40  valve assemblies are removably attached to each other via a respective male locking feature  30  and a respective female locking feature  50 . Engagement of said male  30  and female  50  locking features provides both a mechanical connection and a sealed liquid connection, and a liquid-tight disconnection means upon an event that sufficient tension is applied to the attached tubes  60 ,  65 , thereby allowing the device  10  to snap apart while automatically internally sealing and stopping a fluid flow  80  within both valve assemblies  20 ,  40 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , section views taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 1 ), depicting respective disengaged and engaged states, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The first valve assembly portion  20  of the device  10  comprises a first valve housing  22 , a first spring  24 , a first valve washer  25 , a first actuator feature  26 , a first tube connector  28 , and a male locking feature  30 . The first valve assembly  20  is in mechanical communication with the second valve assembly  40  being similar in construction and function as the first valve assembly  20 , comprising respective second housing  42 , second spring  44 , second washer  45 , second actuator feature  46 , second tube connector  48 , and female locking feature  50  portions. 
     The valve assemblies  20 ,  40  are to be arranged in an “in-line” manner being incorporated into the IV kit  100  envisioned to be located between an IV pump and an IV site  105  upon a patient&#39;s  110  wrist or other body area, thereby providing normal delivery of pressurized fluids and fluid medicines in a conventional intravenous manner. 
     The first  22  and second  42  valve housings comprise hollow cylinder-shaped plastic molded portions comprising the integrally-molded male locking feature  30  and female locking feature  50 , respectively, at proximal ends in relation to each other. Said first  22  and second  42  valve housings further comprise respective first tube connector  28  and second tube connector  48  portions at distal ends in relation to each other. In use, the male locking feature  30  is insertingly engaged with the respective and geometrically mated female locking feature  50  via an interfering and mating annular fit, thereby providing a tensile break-away means to safely disconnect the IV supply when pulled apart. Said male locking feature  30  and female locking features  50  further comprise respective first  32  and second  52  center apertures, thereby establishing and maintaining a fluid flow  80  to pass through the device  10  upon connection of the first  20  and second  40  valve assemblies. 
     Upon disconnection of the device  10 , the valve assemblies  20 ,  40  provide sealed fluid isolation of the first  60  and second  65  tube portions of the IV kit  100  via internal valving portions. The first housing portion  22  of the first valve assembly  20  contains the first spring  24  and the fluid sealing first washer  25 , thereby providing a spring-loaded normally-closed valving function during disconnection. In like manner, the second housing portion  42  of the second valve assembly  40  comprises a second spring  44  and a second washer  45  portion. The first  25  and second  45  washer portions comprise synthetic disc-shaped sealing members made using flexible sealing materials such as rubber, latex, or the like. Said first  25  and second  45  washers further comprise respective integrally-molded first  26  and second  46  actuating features which protrude towards each other along a centerline which extends through the device  10 . The first  26  and second  46  actuating features are located at proximal end portions of the valve assemblies  20 ,  40  with respect to each other. The first  26  and second  46  actuating features comprise hemispherical molded protrusions which provide a mechanical interference with each other upon engagement of the valve assemblies  20 ,  40 , thereby subsequently compressing the springs  24 ,  44  and unseating the washers  25 ,  45  from respective center apertures  32 ,  52 , allowing a fluid flow  80  to pass through flow apertures  27  and through the device  10  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     The tube connectors  28 ,  48  provide a tubing connection means to existing first  60  and second  65  fluid tubing portions of the IV kit  100 . Said tube connectors  28 ,  48  are depicted here comprising molded male barbed fixtures, thereby providing common press-on tubing attachment; however, various other attachment means may be provided in conjunction with or instead of the barbed connectors  28 ,  48  such as crimp-collars, hose clamps, adhesive bonding, plastic welding, and the like, without deviating from the concept and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the device  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a close-up view of washer portions  25 ,  45  of the device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The valve assemblies  20 ,  40  comprise respective washer portions  25 ,  45  being under spring  24 ,  44  pressure, thereby sealing against respective first  32  and second  52  center aperture portions which provide a valve seat function (see  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b ). Said washer portions  25 ,  45  further comprise a plurality of flow apertures  27  being formed through a thickness of said washers  25 ,  45  and radially spaced, thereby allowing the fluid flow  80  to pass through. The washers  25 ,  45  provide a mechanical interference of respective actuator features  26 ,  46  upon engagement of the valve assemblies  20 ,  40 , thereby enabling the fluid flow  80  to pass through the device  10  as previously described. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of utilizing the device  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: pressing the first tube connector portion  28  of the first valve assembly  20  into the first tube portion  60  of an IV kit  100 , envisioned to be connected to a fluid pump or other fluid supply equipment; pressing the second tube connector portion  48  of the second valve assembly  40  into the second tube portion  65 , further envisioned to be affixed to an IV needle portion of said IV kit  100 ; using portions of said IV kit  100  to establish an IV site  105  upon a patient&#39;s  110  wrist or other body area in a conventional manner; connecting the first  20  and second  40  valve assemblies together, if not previously joined, by manually engaging the male locking feature  30  and the female locking feature  50  until said features  30 ,  50  provide a positive snapping insertion; allowing a fluid flow  80  to commence through the device  10  for a period of time, as needed; allowing said first  20  and second  40  valve assemblies to separate upon receiving a sufficient amount of exerted tension upon the tube portions  60 ,  65  due to actions such as, but not limited to, a confused patient, tangling around an obstruction, intentional disconnection by a care giver, or the like; disconnecting said valve assemblies  20 ,  40  to automatically seal the washers  25 ,  45  and isolate the fluid flow  80  within both valve assemblies  20 ,  40 ; restoring a fluid flow  80  through the device  10  by connecting the first  20  and second  40  valve assemblies together allowing the fluid flow  80  to commence; and, benefiting from an in-line self-sealing IV therapy device  10  which provides sealed connect/disconnect capability without jeopardizing or stressing an intravenous site  105 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Various modifications and variations can be appreciated by one skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application in accordance with the invention to enable those skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with expected modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the invention.