Abstract:
A manifold for use with an intermittent compression device garment, said manifold comprising: a plurality of outlet ports, where each of said outlet ports is fluidically connected to a chamber within a fluid fillable garments; and an inlet port fluidically connected to a fluid pump.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/965,688, filed Feb. 4, 2014, and entitled, Multi-Port Connection and Multi-Port Multiple Outlet Manifold. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to multi-port connection and multi-port multiple outlet manifolds and methods for using the same. In particular, the present invention relates to improved multi-port connections, multi-port manifolds and for using the same. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The present invention, as disclosed herein, provides improved multi-port connections, multi-port multiple outlet manifolds, and methods of transmission of various fluids through the connections and out of multiple outlets. The devices disclosed in the present invention may be used in a variety of applications, including pneumatic and/or hydraulic applications such as an intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) pump systems. 
         [0004]    Intermittent pneumatic compression is a therapeutic technique used in medical devices that include a fluid, air, oil, water, etc. pump and inflatable auxiliary sleeves, gloves or boots in a system designed to improve venous circulation or bodily fluids such as blood, lactic acid or proteins, in the limbs of patients who suffer edema or the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE) or have suffered a traumatic or surgical injury. As used herein “air pump” is inclusive of any fluid pump including heated fluids. As used herein “blood,” is inclusive of all bodily fluids such as blood, lymphatic fluids, or other tissue fluids. 
         [0005]    In use, an inflatable jacket (sleeve, glove or boot) encloses the limb requiring treatment, and pressure lines are connected between the jacket and the fluid pump. When activated, the pump fills the fluid chambers of the jacket in order to pressurize the tissues in the limb, thereby forcing fluids, such as blood and lymph, out of the pressurized area. A short time later, the pressure is reduced, allowing blood flow back into the limb. 
         [0006]    The primary functional aim of the device “is to squeeze blood from the underlying deep veins, which, assuming that the valves are competent, will be displaced proximally.” When the inflatable sleeves deflate, the veins will replenish with blood. The intermittent compressions of the sleeves will ensure the movement of venous blood. 
         [0007]    Sequential compression devices (SCD) utilize sleeves with separated areas or pockets of inflation, which works to squeeze on the appendage in a “milking action.” The most distal areas will initially inflate, and the subsequent pockets will follow in the same manner. 
         [0008]    Sequential calf compression and graduated compression stockings are currently the preferred prophylaxis in neurosurgery for the prevention of DVT and pulmonary embolism, sometimes in combination with low molecular weight heparins or unfractionated heparin. 
         [0009]    Intraoperative SCD-therapy is recommended during prolonged laparoscopic surgery to counter altered venous blood return from the lower extremities and consequent cardiac depression caused by pneumoperitoneum (inflation of the abdomen with carbon dioxide). 
         [0010]    IPC devices are prescribed as a treatment option for patients with Lymphedema when conservative treatments such as compression garments or massage have failed. Pumps are available with a wide variety of controls and other features for use with single chamber or multiple chamber garment designs. 
         [0011]    There are three main types of lymphedema pumps available, namely: 
         [0012]    Type I: Non-segmented single chamber nonprogrammable pumps, 
         [0013]    Type II: Segmented multi-chamber nonprogrammable pumps, and 
         [0014]    Type III: Segmented multi-chambered programmable pumps. 
         [0015]    There are many competing pump designs in the intermittent compression pump and inflatable garment field. These pumps along with various body garments allow the pressurization of specific chambers or portions of the garment thereby applying controlled pressure gradients over specific timetables to various portions of the body. Many articles report incidents of improved health conditions for patients when IPC devices are used. 
         [0016]    In the medical field, the devices are used to treat the conditions of lymphedema, edemas and venous stasis. In the sports industry, intermittent pneumatic compression devices are used with an without head or cold treatment to decrease muscle soreness, improve recovery time, and decrease the incidence of interstitial edema by forcing fluid from the tissue back into the venous system. 
         [0017]    In both medical and sports industries, health care professionals and IPC users desire the capability to attach one or two garments to a patient at a time in order to treat one or more areas of a body simultaneously. For the IPC user to receive treatment through the use of two garments, the pump must fill and deflate multiple outlets of a multi-ported connection to various body garments with one or more pressure chambers. 
         [0018]    For example, a user may want to simultaneous treat a left and right leg simultaneously with lower limb garments that may have ten chambers per garment. The pump needs to fill both garments multi-ported chambers simultaneously. This typically requires that a single compressor within the pump provide for filling of both garments specific chambers by way of tee or Y fittings and tubing assemblies. These tubing and fitting sub-assemblies require a large number of components and subsequent component connections which all lead to increases in component costs, labor required during assembly, and in potential points of fluid leakage/failure. Thus, a need exists for a multiple outlet manifold system that reduces the number of components, reduces required time to assemble the system, and provides more reliable sealing of the various fittings/connections. Specifically, the present invention is more robust in terms of surviving more cycles in use. During manufacture, the present invention is easier to assemble without error. 
         [0019]    The multi-port multiple outlet manifold design described herein and shown in the figures provides numerous advantages over the design and manufacturing approaches described in prior art and used in commercially available production units. The prior art approach to porting of multi-ports into multiple outlets typically utilizes numerous T or Y connectors and tubing subassemblies that are costly, require lengthy assembly, and provide significant opportunities for failure of the system due to potential failure modes at each and every connection within the complex tubing and connector assemblies. The present invention utilizes less expensive production modes, simpler assembly therefore less expensive assembly labor costs (fewer components), smaller and lighter weight package form. 
         [0020]    Another important design consideration regarding these pumps and garments are the design of the connection between them. The pumps need to be transportable and easy to setup prior to use. The setup of a compression device system involves two steps, namely connecting the garment(s) to the pump and the pump to an alternating current (“AC”) power source. The pumps are typically ac powered and therefore need to be attached to an AC outlet via an appropriate power cord. The other critical setup is combining the appropriate garment(s) to the pump. The garments vary in the number of chambers ranging from two to as many as twelve. The pumps typically have the ability to pressurize two garments at once for example a left and right limb. The pumps therefore require the user to assemble and disassemble the garment or garments onto the pump. The connection is a critical aspect of the intermittent compression pumping (ICP) system. The connection is a significant failure mode due to the repeated assembly and disassembly of the various garments. The quality of this critical design feature will impact the users&#39; perceived quality, function and reliability of the IPC system. 
         [0021]    Ideally, a “pump to garment” connection mechanism should resist shear forces and reduces or eliminates the possibility of wear or abuse after significant cyclical use; incorporate a simple quick connect design that can be utilized with minimal dexterity and low force; should only require single hand action; should be friendly to both left and right handed dominant users; should have physical features and visual icons on both the garment connections and pump connections that aid in usually identifying male and female components; should have no manual alignment of either connections sub-assembly required prior to mating of the connections. 
         [0022]    Prior art pumps and connections do not achieve all of these objectives. Therefore, a need exists for an improved multi-port connection that achieves all of the objectives. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0023]    Broadly, described here is a multi-port connection and multi-port multiple outlet manifold that allows for the better quality, less expensive and quicker achievement of the functional requirements described within. In particular, described herein are improved connections and manifolds utilized in a multi-port and multiple outlet pump and compression garment system. 
         [0024]    In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention comprises a quick release fluid tube connection apparatus, said connection apparatus comprising: an outer locking collar; an asymmetrical male connector core, said male core secured within said locking ring via an orientation ring adapted to fit around the male connector core; and a compression spring disposed within said locking collar to seal said core within said collar. 
         [0025]    In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention comprises a manifold for use with an intermittent compression device garment, said manifold comprising: a plurality of outlet ports, where each of said outlet ports is fluidically connected to a chamber within a fluid fillable garments; and an inlet port fluidically connected to a fluid pump. 
         [0026]    In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present invention comprises an intermittent pneumatic compression device system, said system comprising: a fluid pump, said pump electronically connected to a control apparatus and fluidically connected to a manifold inlet port, said manifold comprising: a plurality of outlet ports, where each of said outlet ports is fluidically connected to a chamber within a fluid fillable compression garments, wherein each of said compression garments comprises at least two fluid fillable chambers, where said compression garment chambers are fluidically connected to said outlets of said manifold such that said chambers can be selectively and individually filled with fluid by said pump. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    Embodiments or variations are now described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.  FIGS. 1 through 7  are in reference to the multi-port connection while  FIGS. 8 through 15  are in reference to the multi-port multiple outlets manifold. 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  shows an isometric view of a multi-port connection assembly. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of a multi-port connection assembly. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b , and  3   c  show an isometric view, a side view, and an end view respectively of the male connector core component utilized within a multi-port connection assembly according the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b , and  4   c  show an isometric view, a side view, and an end view respectively of the orientation ring component utilized within a multi-port connection assembly of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b , and  5   c  show an isometric view, a side view, and an end view respectively of the compression spring component utilized within a multi-port connection assembly according to the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIGS. 6   a ,  6   b , and  6   c  show an isometric view, a side view, and an end view, respectively, of the outer locking collar component utilized within a multi-port connection assembly of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  show an isometric view and an end view, respectively, of the assembly locking ring component utilized within a multi-port connection assembly of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  shows an isometric view of the multi-port multiple outlet manifold of the present invention with female connector ports. 
           [0036]      FIG. 9  shows an exploded view of the multi-port multiple outlet manifold of the present invention with female connector ports. 
           [0037]      FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  show a front view and a side view, respectively, of the multi-port multiple outlet manifold of the present invention with female connector ports. 
           [0038]      FIGS. 11   a ,  11   b , and  11   c  show an isometric view, a side view, and a front view, respectively, of the female connector port component of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIGS. 12   a ,  12   b , and  12   c  show an isometric view, a front view, and a back view, respectively, of the front distribution plate component utilized within the multi-port multiple outlet manifold of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIGS. 13   a  and  13   b  show an isometric view and a front view, respectively, of a distribution plate utilized within the multi-port multiple outlet manifold of the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIGS. 14   a  and  14   b  show an isometric view and a front view, respectively, of a manifold body component utilized within the multi-port multiple outlet manifold of the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIGS. 15   a  and  15   b  show an isometric view and a front view, respectively, of a vent plate component utilized within the multi-port multiple outlet manifold of the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 16  shows an intermittent compression device system according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0044]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary embodiment of a multi-port connection apparatus  10 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 2 , an exploded view of the multi-port connection apparatus  10  from  FIG. 1 , apparatus  10  generally comprises a male connector core  101 , an orientation ring  102 , a compression spring  103 , an outer locking collar  104 , and an assembly locking ring  105 . 
         [0045]    Referring next to  FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b , and  3   c , there is shown, respectively, an isometric view, side view, and front view of male connector core  101 . Male connector core  101  generally comprises a cylindrical shape having a first end and a second end. As best illustrated in  FIG. 3   b , the second end of male connector core  101  of multi-port connection apparatus  10  comprises a non-circular shape when male connector  101  is viewed along the longitudinal axis of male connector  101 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second end of male connector  101  comprises a D-shaped geometry for quick alignment and mating with the female connector port  800  shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIG. 3   c , there is shown a front view of male connector core  101 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3   c , male connector core  101  further comprises a plurality of fluid bores  110 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, male connector  101  comprises a biologically inert thermoplastic or thermoset polymer such as ABS nylon, or polycarbonate. However, those of skill in the art will appreciate that connector core  101  may comprise other biologically inert materials, such as aluminium, stainless steel, cobalt chrome, or titanium if the design can be made to be suitably light weight for a particular application. 
         [0047]    Referring still to  FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b , and  3   c , male connector core  101  further comprises a plurality of peripheral flanges  120  that provide both an audible and tactile feedback to a user that male connector core  101  is properly positioned with mating orientation ring  102  and the peripheral tapered flanges of female connector port  800  shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b , and  4   c , there is shown, respectively, an isometric view, a side view, and a front view of orientation ring  102  of multi-port connection apparatus  10 . Orientation ring  102  comprises various relief slots  130 , raised protrusions  140  and anti-rotation grooves  150  for providing tactile and audible feedback to the user of the locking or unlocking of the outer locking collar  104 . Orientation ring  102  preferably comprises a material selected from the group consisting of ABS, nylon, or polycarbonate. 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b , and  5   c , there is shown, respectively, an isometric view, a top view, and a side view of compression spring  103  of multi-port connection apparatus  10 . Spring  103  provides a face seal compressive force between male connection  101  and female connection  104  to ensure that no fluid leakage occurs between the same. Spring  103  preferably comprises a common, light weight, fluid resistant metal or other material. 
         [0050]    Referring next to  FIGS. 6   a ,  6   b , and  6   c , there is shown, respectively, an isometric view, a side view, and a front view of outer locking collar  104  of multi-port connection apparatus  10 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 2 , collar  104  is twisted in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction relative to male connector  101  to the mating components via the provided locking tabs of the outer locking collar  104  with the peripheral tapered flanges of the female connector port  800  shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0051]      FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  show assembly locking ring  105  of multi-port connection apparatus  10 . Locking ring  105  is used to maintain a pre-load within the assembly shown in  FIG. 2  thereby providing improved sealing of the face seals within apparatus  10 . 
         [0052]    Referring next to  FIGS. 8 and 9 ,  FIG. 8  shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a multi-port multiple outlet manifold  900  according to the present invention with two female connection ports  800 .  FIG. 9  shows an exploded, isometric view of the multi-port multiple outlet manifold  900  shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0053]    Referring again to  FIG. 9 , multi-port multiple outlet manifold  900  generally comprises front distribution plate  901 , gasket  902 , distribution plate  903 , gasket  904 , manifold body  905 , vent gasket  906 , vent plate  907 , fasteners  908 , and a set of controlling solenoids  909 . As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , front distribution plate  901  abuts gasket  902 .  FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  show, respectively, a front view and a side view of fully assembled multi-port outlet manifold  900 . 
         [0054]    Referring next to  FIGS. 11   a ,  11   b , and  11   c , there is shown, respectively, an isometric view, a side view, and a front view of female connector port  800  of the multi-port multiple outlet manifold  900  apparatus. As illustrated in  FIG. 11   a , female connector port  800  comprises an elongated shape having a central bore. Preferably, port  800  comprises a generally cylindrical shape and a flange on one side having a slightly larger diameter than the main body of port  800 . Port  800  further comprises bores  801 , as shown in  FIG. 11   c , to receive fasteners to affix port  800  to front distribution plate  901 . Port  800  preferably comprises a material selected from the group consisting of ABS, nylon, or polycarbonate. 
         [0055]    Referring now to  FIGS. 12   a ,  12   b , and  12   c , there is shown, respectively, an isometric view, a rear view and a front view of front distribution plate  901  of multi-port multiple outlet manifold  900 . Distribution plate  901  preferably comprises a material selected from the group consisting of ABS, nylon, or aluminum. Distribution plate  901  further comprises a plurality of fluid pathways  12  and bores  13  as illustrated in  FIG. 12   b . Additionally, distribution plate  901  comprises fastening bore  14  for accepting screws or bolt for affixing plate  901  to component  902  as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0056]      FIGS. 13   a  and  13   b  show an isometric view and a front view, respectively, of distribution plate  903 . Distribution plate  903  preferably comprises a material selected from the group consisting of ABS, nylon, and aluminum. Distribution plate  903  further comprises a plurality of fluid pathways  15  and bores  16  as illustrated in  FIG. 13   b . Additionally, distribution plate  903  comprises fastening bores  17  for accepting screws or bolt for affixing plate  903  to components  902  and  904  as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0057]      FIGS. 14   a  and  14   b  show an isometric view and a front view, respectively, of manifold body  905  utilized within the multi-port multiple outlet manifold of the present invention. Manifold body  905  comprises a generally cuboid shape with a plurality of fluid bores and fluid pathways as illustrated in  FIGS. 14   a  and  14   b . As illustrated in  FIGS. 15   a  and  15   b , the present invention may further comprise vent plate  907  affixed to the back of manifold body  905  as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0058]    Referring now to  FIG. 16 , the present invention may further comprise at least one fluid pump fluidically connected to manifold  900  and at least one control device electronically connected to the fluid pump. As further illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the present invention may comprise a one or more fluid fillable garments fluidically connected to manifold  900  such that the pump can selectively fill various compartments within each garment.