Abstract:
An apparatus for clearing tubing includes a grip assembly connected to the pair of rollers. The grip assembly is operable to move the rollers to engage the tubing therebetween. The movement of the grip assembly is limited such that a minimum tubing gap between the rollers is equal to approximately twice a wall thickness of the tubing. The rollers are moved along the tubing to clear obstructions. The apparatus can also include a clamp assembly having one or more plates that limits movement of the grip assembly to bring the rollers no closer than the minimum tubing gap. Alternately, the grip assembly can include first and second shell halves movable between open and closed positions with a channel defined therebetween, and the rollers are mounted in the grip assembly.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 29/336,164, filed on Apr. 29, 2009, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/076,289, filed on Jun. 27, 2008, the contents of which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to the clearing of tubing, and more particularly, to devices for clearing surgical tubing. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Tubing is employed as a fluid conduit in numerous applications. For example, after many invasive medical procedures, excessive fluid can build up in around affected tissues. This fluid build-up can cause discomfort, lead to infection and delay healing. Consequently, drains are inserted to collect fluid. Tubing, connected to the drains, carry the fluid away from the body. 
         [0004]    However, in this and other applications, the tubing can be become blocked due to factors such as the viscosity of the fluid and the presence of solid or semi-solid elements within the tubing. To prevent the blockages or clear them before excessive fluid can occur, the tubing must be cleared periodically. Most commonly, clearing tubing is done by hand, with the tubing being squeezed between the fingers along its length. 
         [0005]    Hand clearing of tubing can be excessively time consuming. The time requirement is multiplied if multiple tubes must be cleared, as is often the case following many surgical procedures. Given the notoriously high workloads of hospital personnel, tubing is often inadequately or insufficiently cleared. 
         [0006]    Additionally, repeatedly squeezing and pulling the tubing by hand stretches the tubing, sometimes to almost twice its original length. The stretched tubing becomes a greater nuisance for the patient and for other hospital personnel that must work around the patient. 
         [0007]    Various devices have been proposed to facilitate the clearing of tubing. However, many of these devices are awkward or cumbersome to use. Additionally, the use of such devices still results in the pulling and stretching of the tubing. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Based on the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method for clearing tubing. According to the present invention, an apparatus for clearing tubing includes a pair of rollers, and a grip assembly connected to the pair of rollers. The grip assembly is operable to move the rollers to engage the tubing therebetween. The movement of the grip assembly is limited such that a minimum tubing gap between the rollers is equal to approximately twice a wall thickness of the tubing. 
         [0009]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rollers are connected to the grip assembly by a clamp assembly, the clamp assembly including at least one plate having a pair of openings defined therein limiting the movement of the grip assembly. 
         [0010]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, the grip assembly includes first and second shell halves movable between open and closed positions with a channel defined therebetween, and the rollers are mounted in the grip assembly. 
         [0011]    According to an aspect of the present invention, the grip assembly and plurality of rollers are connected in an integral injection molded plastic web, such that the grip assembly and rollers can be separately removed therefrom and assembled into the apparatus for clearing tubing. 
         [0012]    According to a method aspect of the present invention, a method of clearing tubing includes arranging the tubing between a pair of opposed rollers, bringing the rollers together to a distance of approximately two times a wall thickness of the tubing, and moving the rollers along the tubing. 
         [0013]    These and other objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood in view of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a body having tubing extending therefrom, and an apparatus for clearing tubing, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a partially exploded view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , showing details of a grip assembly and clamp assembly; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the tubing of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is an schematic end view of the clamp assembly of  FIG. 2  in an open configuration, with hidden components in broken lines; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a view of a plate of the clamp assembly of  FIG. 2 , with components in the configuration of  FIG. 4  in broken lines; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is an schematic end view of the clamp assembly of  FIG. 2  in a closed configuration, with hidden components in broken lines; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a view of a plate of the clamp assembly of  FIG. 2 , with components in the configuration of  FIG. 6  in broken lines; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a top plan view of web of plates for use in connection with the clamp assembly of  FIG. 2 , according to an aspect of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a top plan view of a web of plates for use in connection with the clamp assembly of  FIG. 2 , according to another aspect of the present invention; and 
           [0023]      FIGS. 10-12  are alternate plate configurations, according to further aspects of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an apparatus for clearing tubing, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a partially exploded view of the apparatus of  FIG. 13 , in an open position; 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a front view of the apparatus of  FIG. 13 ; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a top plan view of a web including the apparatus of  FIG. 13 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , surgical tubing  10  extends from a drain  12  inserted within a body  14 . An apparatus  20  for clearing tubing includes, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a grip assembly  22  facilitating gripping of the apparatus  20  by a user and a clamp assembly  24  for slidably engaging the tubing  10 . 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the grip assembly  22  includes legs  30  connected by a pivot  32 , such that bringing together and separating the first leg portions  34  results in a corresponding motion in the second leg portions  36 . 
         [0030]    The clamp assembly  24  includes arms  40  extending from second leg portions  36 , and a first plate  42 , rollers  44 , a second plate  46  and retention elements  48  disposed about the arms  40 . The arms  40  are connected to the second leg portions  36  such that bringing together and separating the second leg portions  36  results in a corresponding motion in the arms  40 . 
         [0031]    The arms  40  are advantageously formed from posts with threading on at least distal ends  52  thereof. The rollers  44  are advantageously formed from tubes having an inner diameter sufficient to fit around the arms  40  and allow rotation of the rollers  44  relative to the arms  40 . 
         [0032]    The first and second plates  42 ,  46  have a plurality of openings  54  defined therein. Advantageously, at least one of the openings  54  in the second plate  46  extends to an edge  56  thereof, allowing the second plate  46  to be selectively pivoted on and off one of the arms  36 . 
         [0033]    The retention elements  48  are advantageously formed as nuts that are threadable onto distal ends  52  of respective arms  40 . With the retention elements  48  in place, the first and second plates  42 ,  46  and the rollers  44  are prevented from sliding off the arms  40 . 
         [0034]    With reference to  FIGS. 3-7 , the alignment and dimensioning of the openings  54  with respect to the arms  36  and rollers  44  will be explained in greater detail. Except for the opening  54  extending to an edge  56  of the second plate  46 , the alignment and dimensioning of the openings  54  of the first and second plates  42  are substantially the same. For expediency, only the first plate  42  is shown in  FIGS. 5 and 7 . 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , tubing  10  has an outer diameter  60  and a wall thickness  62 . In cross-section, the tubing defines an area  64 . In  FIG. 3 , the tubing  10  is shown in its relaxed state. Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the arms  40  and rollers  44  are separable only to a maximum tubing gap  66 . Distal edges of openings  54  are separated by a distance  68 , limiting the separation of arms  40  and rollers  44 , establishing the maximum tubing gap  66 . Advantageously, the maximum tubing gap  66  is slightly less than the outer diameter  60  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the tubing  10 , inhibiting slipping between the tubing and the clamping assembly  24  when the tubing  10  is initially inserted between the arms  40  and rollers  44 . 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the arms  40  and rollers  44  can be brought together only to a minimum tubing gap  72 . Proximal edges of openings  54  are separated by a distance  74 , limiting the distance to which arms  40  and rollers  44  can be brought together, establishing the minimum tubing gap  72 . Advantageously, the minimum tubing gap  72  is approximately equal to two times the wall thickness  62  (see  FIG. 3 ) of the tubing  10 . 
         [0037]    With the minimum tubing gap  72  set to approximately two times the wall thickness  62 , the area  64  (see  FIG. 3 ) will be substantially eliminated. Thus, fluids or solids within the tubing  10  will be effectively forced in the travel direction of the apparatus  20 , while compression of a substantial portion of the tubing wall below the wall thickness  62  is essentially avoided. Tubing stretch following repeated use of the apparatus  20  is correspondingly minimized. 
         [0038]    In operation, referring to  FIG. 2 , the clamp assembly  24  of the apparatus  20  is assembled by sliding the first plate  42 , rollers  44  and second plate  46  over the arms  40 . These components are then secured in place by the retention elements  48 . The second plate  46  is pivoted about one of the arms  40  and the grip assembly  22  is operated to separate the arms  40 , establishing the maximum tubing gap  66  (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) to allow the tubing  10  to be inserted between the rollers  44 . 
         [0039]    The second plate  46  is pivoted back into place to retain the tubing in place between the rollers  44  and first and second plates  42 ,  46 . The grip assembly  22  is operated to bring the arms  40  together, establishing the minimum tubing gap  72  (see  FIGS. 6 and 7 ) and pressing the tubing between the rollers  44 . The apparatus  20  is then moved along the tubing  10  to clear fluids and solids therein. 
         [0040]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, while the foregoing embodiment is exemplary of many features and aspects of the present invention, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such an embodiment. Instead, various modifications and adaptations to particular circumstances are possible within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0041]    For instance, any suitable material, or combination of materials, can be selected for forming the various components of the apparatus of the present invention. Preferably, materials are selected to have durability and rigidity sufficient for a desired application of the apparatus. Also, for many medical applications, materials that are easily sterilized are also desirable. For example, for an apparatus intended for single or limited use, and then disposal, the various components can be formed from injected molded plastics. 
         [0042]    The grip assembly  22  shown herein resembles a pliers-type assembly with the pivot  32  between first and second leg portions  34 ,  36  of legs  30 . It will be appreciated that other grip assemblies can be used in connection with the present invention. For instance, the bringing together and separating of second leg portions is achievable with pivots located at different points along legs  30 , as well as with legs  30  that are not pivotally connected. The terms “grip assembly” and “leg” do not necessarily imply structures of any particular length or dimensions, and an apparatus  20  with a grip assembly  22  that is directly connected to the rollers  44  is possible within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0043]    In general, the dimensions of the grip assembly and clamp assembly, and components thereof, can be selected as suitable for a particular application or range of applications. For example, components of the clamp assembly can be dimensioned to establish maximum and minimum tubing gaps to correspond to given surgical tubing dimensions. 
         [0044]    The present invention can be adapted to selectively accommodate a range of tubing dimensions. Referring to  FIG. 8 , a plurality of first plates  142 ,  242 ,  342  and second plates  146 ,  246 ,  346  have a plurality of openings  154 ,  254 ,  354  with varying spacing to establish different maximum and minimum tubing gaps. Advantageously, the plates  142 - 342 ,  146 - 346  can be integrally formed in a web  400 , for example, by injection molding. Individual plates  142 - 342 ,  146 - 346  can then be easily snapped out of the web for use. Indicia  402  can be included in the web to indicate the tubing size corresponding to the different plates. 
         [0045]    Configurations are also possible where it is not necessary to interchange both first and second plates. Referring to  FIG. 9 , a web  500  includes a second plate  502  and a plurality of first plates  542 ,  642 ,  742 . Openings  504  on the second plate  502  are large enough to accommodate the largest maximum tubing gap and smallest minimum tubing gap established by the openings  554 ,  654 ,  754  in the first plates  542 ,  642 ,  742 . In such a configuration, the first plates  542 ,  642 ,  742  set the maximum and minimum tubing gaps and the second plate  502  assists in retaining the tubing between the rollers  44 . 
         [0046]    It will also be appreciated that the present invention is not necessarily limited to clamp assemblies in which both maximum and minimum tubing gaps are established. For instance, an apparatus having a clamp assembly only establishing a minimum tubing gap is possible within the scope of the present invention. Additionally, the present invention is not necessarily limited to clamp assemblies with first and second plates. For instance, clamp assemblies establishing a maximum or minimum tubing gap with a single plate are possible within the scope of the present invention. Also, the term “plate” does not necessarily denote a particular shape or geometry. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , a plate  842  has a plurality of openings  854 , allowing the plate  842  to be used to set different maximum and minimum tubing gaps. For instance, two of the openings  854  have distal edges and proximal edges separated by respective distances  868 ,  874 . Another two of the openings have distal edges and proximal edges separated by greater respective distances  968 ,  974 . 
         [0048]    Additionally, the present invention is not necessarily limited to plates having round or semicircular openings. For instance, referring to FIG.  11 , a plate  1046  has oblong openings  1054 . Similarly, openings that are the same size are also not necessarily required. For example, referring to  FIG. 12 , a plate  1146  has a circular opening  154  and an oblong opening  1254 . 
         [0049]    Also, the length of rollers  44  can be selected based on given tubing dimensions. Advantageously, the rollers  44  should be at least long enough to accommodate tubing when pressed to the minimum tubing gap. While multiple rollers  44  could be supplied in a kit with other components of the apparatus  20 , rollers having a length of approximately ⅜ inch have been found to readily accommodate most commonly used surgical tubing sizes. Additionally, clamp assemblies without separate rollers  44 , for instance where one or more arms  40  are rotatably mounted, or fixedly mounted. In such a configuration, the tubing gaps would be defined by the distances between the arms or equivalent elements. 
         [0050]    Also, different retention elements  48  can be employed, other than threaded fasteners. For example, snap fit fasteners can be employed. Alternately, retention elements can be omitted or their function integrated into one or more other elements. 
         [0051]    Additionally, according to a further another embodiment of the present invention, referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , an apparatus  2020  for clearing tubing includes a grip assembly  2022  with a pair of rollers  2044  internal thereto. Like the apparatus  20 , the apparatus  2020  is displaceable along the tubing  10  to clear obstructions therefrom. 
         [0052]    The grip assembly  2022  is formed from first and second shell halves  2048 ,  2050  connected by a hinge  2052 . A channel  2056 , extending through the grip assembly  2022 , is defined by opposed channel halves  2058 ,  2060  with the first and second shell halves  2048 ,  2050  closed. 
         [0053]    Complementary engagement elements  2062 , such as solid and hollow posts, are also formed in the first and second shell halves  2048 ,  2050  to ensure proper alignment of the shell halves  2048 ,  2050  when folded together. Gaps  2066  are defined in each of the channel halves  2058 ,  2060  to accommodate the rollers  2044 . 
         [0054]    Roller mounting brackets  2068  are formed in the first and second shell halves  2048 ,  2050  on opposite sides of each the gaps  2066 . The channel halves  2058 ,  2060  have rounded edges  2070  on both sides of each gap  2066  and at terminal ends of the channel  2056 . Penetrations  2074 , aligned with the roller mounting brackets  2068 , extend through the first and second shell halves  2048 ,  2050 . Grip recesses  2076  are formed on outer surfaces of the first and second shell halves  2048 ,  2050 , preferably with approximately orthogonal major axes (see  FIG. 16 ). 
         [0055]    The rollers  2044  are preferably also injection molded from plastic. Reduced diameter portions  2078  are formed on each end of the rollers  2044 . The reduced diameter portions  2078  are dimensioned to snap fit into the roller mounting brackets  2068 , with the rollers  2044  rotatable relative to the mounting brackets  2068  when retained therein. The rollers  2044  are preferably removable and replaceable. Insertion of a tool tip (not shown) through the penetrations  2072  can be used to facilitate removal. 
         [0056]    In operation, referring to  FIGS. 13-15 , the rollers  2044  are snap fit into the brackets  2068 . With the shell halves  2048 ,  2050  open, the apparatus  2020  is placed along tubing  10  such that the tubing extends along one of the channel halves  2058 ,  2060 . The grip assembly  2022  is closed, forming the channel  2056  which surrounds the tubing  10  and bringing the rollers  2044  together to a minimum tubing gap  72 , equal to approximately two times the wall thickness of the tubing  10 . 
         [0057]    The apparatus  2020  is preferably gripped between the fingers, with the thumb on the recess  2076  of the first shell halve  2048  and the forefinger on the recess  2076  of the second shell halve  2050 . The apparatus  2020  is then displaced in the direction of arrow  2080 , which corresponds with a narrower end of the grip assembly  2022 , to clear obstructions from the tubing  10 . 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIG. 16  the grip assembly  2022  (including all internal components) and the rollers  2044  can be advantageously formed as part of a single, injection molded plastic web  2082 . The grip assembly  2022  and rollers  2044  can be separately snapped out of the web  2082  and assembled. Different diameter rollers  2144 ,  2244 , having the same diameter end portions for compatibility with the brackets  2068 , can also be formed in the web  2082 , allowing different minimum tubing gaps to be set to accommodate tubing of different diameters. Preferably, a key  2084  is also formed in the web, indicating which combination of rollers,  2044 ,  2144 ,  2244  should be used to achieve the appropriate minimum tubing gap for different tubing sizes. 
         [0059]    It will be appreciated that the apparatus  2020  offers many of the same benefits of the apparatus  20  in an extremely compact, single and lightweight package, that can be quickly and easily assembled and used. Additionally, the apparatus  2020  can be readily included in sterilized, pre-packed surgical drain kits and the like. 
         [0060]    It will also appreciated that the either of the apparatus  20 ,  2020  can be moved to either clear tubing away from the body, for example, as in a drain, or towards the body, for example, as in a feeding tube. Moreover, the apparatus of the present invention can be employed to clear tubing in non-medical applications. 
         [0061]    The foregoing examples are not an exhaustive list of modifications and adaptations. Rather, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these and other changes are possible within the scope of the invention herein shown and described, and of the appended claims.