Patent Publication Number: US-7712237-B2

Title: Clamp identification marker

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/429,254 filed Nov. 26, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention generally relates to flexible hoses for handling fluids and methods for making and using the same. In particular, the invention relates to hose clamps for flexible hoses and methods for making and using the same. Even more particularly, the invention relates to identification markers for hose clamps and methods of making and using the same. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Flexible hoses are well known and widely used in a variety of industries, including health, general industrial, semiconductor, food and beverage, transportation and specialty products, laboratory and pharmaceutics. The health and medical industries, in particular, rely heavily on flexible hoses and their associated hose clamps for various applications, such as enteral feeding, cardiopulmonary bypass, urinary and cardiovascular catheterization, intravenous drug and fluid administration, and the like. 
   Indeed, the delivery of medicines and fluids to a patient is one of the most important uses of flexible hoses and their associated clamps. Such delivery typically requires an intravenous feed line to communicate therapeutic liquid from a fluid reservoir (such as bottle or bag) to a hollow needle via a flexible hose. The hollow needle is then inserted into a part of the patient&#39;s body (i.e., vein) for delivery of the therapeutic liquid to the patient. 
   Hose clamps are typically used with flexible hoses to allow the hose to be partially or completely compressed and control (or terminate) the flow of the fluid in the hose. The hose clamp can also be used to facilitate removal or insertion of an intravenous feed line. Such hose clamps and their uses are known in the art. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,056, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
   Identifying markers are also typically known and used in the art. Identifying markers are capable of identifying a drug or other fluid treatment administered through a hose. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,246, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Existing identifying markers, however, are seldom used in connection with a hose clamp as it is often desirable to change the treatment or a specific characteristic of the treatment, such as priming volume, without changing or disconnecting the hose through which it is administered. As existing identification markers require that the hose be threaded through the marker to properly retain the marker in position, it is virtually impossible to independently remove or replace the marker without disrupting continuity of treatment. 
   Other problems are also present with existing identification markers. First, existing markers only loosely fit to the hose clamp, which may result in undesired marker movement. Second, because current markers do not closely match the contours of the hose clamp, corners and edges of the marker may protrude from the clamp body. This is particularly problematic where the hose clamp is closely proximate the patient&#39;s skin. Indeed, movement of the marker may gouge or otherwise discomfort the patient. Any corners or edges protruding from the marker only aggravate this problem. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates to identification markers for hose clamps and methods of making and using the same for identifying the contents of a flexible hose. The identification marker can be used in connection with a hose clamp and may comprise an open channel configured to straddle a hose. The identification marker is designed to closely match the contours of the associated hose clamp to avoid protruding from the hose clamp. The identification maker is also configured to be secured to the hose clamp to reduce movement of the marker independently of the hose clamp. The identification marker may be quickly and easily attached to and removed from the hose clamp without disrupting continuity of treatment or requiring disassembly of the connection between the hose and a delivery device. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The following description of the invention can be understood in light of  FIGS. 1-11 , in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of an identification marker in accordance with one aspect of the invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a top view of the identification marker of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of an identification marker in accordance with another aspect of the invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of the identification marker of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the identification marker of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of a hose clamp in accordance with one aspect of the invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a front view of the hose clamp of  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of an identification used in connection with the hose clamp of  FIGS. 6 and 7 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of the identification marker and hose clamp of  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a front view of the identification marker and hose clamp shown in  FIG. 8 ; and 
       FIG. 11  is a flow chart of steps for identifying contents of a hose in accordance with a method in one aspect of the invention. 
   

     FIGS. 1-11  illustrate specific aspects of the invention and are a part of the specification. In the Figures, the size of any component may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same component. Together with the following description, the Figures demonstrate and explain the principles of the invention. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The following description provides specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. The skilled artisan, however, would understand that the invention can be practiced without employing these specific details. Indeed, the invention can be practiced by modifying the illustrated method and resulting product and can be used in conjunction with apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry. The invention described below deals primarily with identification markers for hose clamps for flexible hoses that are used in the medical industry. The invention, however, could be modified for other type of hoses and for use in other industries. 
   The invention includes an identification device (such as an identification marker) for a hose clamp for a flexible hose. The identification marker of the invention can be quickly and easily inserted and removed with respect to the hose clamp. The identification marker can be selectively removed and/or replaced without disrupting continuous treatment or requiring disassembly of the connection between the hose and a delivery device. The identification marker closely matches the contours of an associated hose clamp so there no protruding portions of the marker. The identification marker may be reliably secured adjacent a hose clamp to reduce or prevent movement of the identification marker independent of the hose clamp. Any identification marker that operates in the above manner can be used in the invention, including the identification markers described below and illustrated in the Figures. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , an identification marker  10  generally contains a channel  18  that straddles the desired hose  30 . The channel  18  generally has a dimension (i.e., width) that is slightly larger than the hose  30 . With a width slightly larger than the hose, the identification marker  10  may be installed and/or removed without interfering with a flow of fluids through the hose  30 . 
   Using this configuration, the identification marker  10  may be selectively removed or interchanged without disassembling or detaching the hose  30  from other components involved in administering such fluid. For example, where a hose  30  is attached at one end to a hollow needle to administer medicinal or other fluids to a patient, the identification marker  10  may be selectively installed, removed, and/or interchanged without disturbing the connection between the hose  30  and the needle. 
   The identification marker  10  may be made of any suitable material that can identify the contents of a hose and can be used in connection with a hose clamp known. Examples of suitable materials include molded plastic materials or composite materials. In one aspect of the invention, a plastic material is used as the material for the identification marker. 
   The channel  18  may comprise any shape or configuration known to those in the art, provided that the channel  18  allows the identification marker  10  to be selectively implemented independently of the hose  30 . While one such shape is illustrates in the Figures, other shapes can be used for channel  18 . 
   In one aspect of the invention, the channel  18  may be defined by an identification plate  12  perpendicularly attached to a cross member  16 . The identification plate  12  may convey identifying information corresponding to contents of a hose  30  and/or any other desired information, including information to facilitate accuracy and predictability in medical and other procedures. Such identifying information may be conveyed by color coding, shape coding, written description, or by any other means known in the art. 
   The identifying plate  12  may also contain information other than just for identification. In one aspect of the invention, the identification plate  12  may contain the name and priming volume of a fluid contained in an associated hose  30 . The identification plate  12  may also warn against using certain solutions or agents in connection with a particular hose  30 . Alternatively, the identification plate  12  may be used to convey company information relating to the manufacture or distribution of the hose  30 . The identification plate  12  may be used to identify particular venous and arterial lines. 
   The identification plate  12  may be any shape consistent with the purpose described above and substantially correspond to a lateral shape of a hose clamp  40  to which it is attached. For example, the identification plate  12  may be U-shaped, elliptical, tapered, or the like. As well, the identification plate  12  should be of sufficient size to enable ready recognition of the identifying information placed thereon. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a cross member  16  connect two identification plates  12 , allowing identical or supplemental information to be conveyed on opposite sides of a hose  30 . Alternatively, a cross member  16  may connect an identification plate  12  to a stabilizing plate  14  so that the stabilizing plate  14  may stabilize the identification plate  12  with respect to a hose clamp  40  without separately providing information. 
   The identification plate  12  may or may not be identical to a second identification plate  12  or stabilizing plate  14  coupled thereto. The shape and/or dimensions of an stabilizing plate  14  (when used) should substantially correspond to the lateral dimensions of a hose clamp  40  such that the identification marker  10  may be retained thereby while minimizing a risk of untoward movement or protrusion of the marker  10  independent of the hose clamp  40 . 
   The identification plate  12  and/or a stabilizing plate  14  may further comprise an engaging member  20 . The engaging member is used to secure the identification plate  12  or stabilizing plate  14  against a hose clamp  30 . Using this configuration, independent movement of the hose clamp identification marker  10  is limited, thereby facilitating easy recognition and accurate interpretation of identifying information placed thereon. This configuration also promotes the comfort and well-being of a patient or other user whose skin may come in contact with the hose clamp  40  and associated hose clamp identification marker  10 . Any shape and size of the engaging member can be used that is consistent with this function. 
   An alternative aspect of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 3-5 . In this aspect of the invention, an identification marker  10  comprises an open channel  18  that is defined solely by a cross member  16  implemented between an identification plate  12  connected to another identification plate  12  (or stabilizing plate  14 ). In this aspect of the invention, the cross member  16  comprises an opening  22  substantially corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the hose  30 . The cross member  16  further comprises an aperture  24  extending from an outer perimeter of the cross member  16  through to the opening  22 , allowing the identification marker  10  to be selectively coupled to the hose clamp  40  independently of the hose  30 . Thus, the identification marker  10  may be selectively implemented to receive the hose  30  in the opening  22  without requiring that the hose  30  be threaded through or otherwise directly attached to the opening  22  or to the hose clamp identification marker  10 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , the stabilizing plate  14  may have substantially different dimension or shape than an associated identification plate  12 . In this configuration, attention may be drawn to the identification plate  12  without compromising the security of the identification marker  10  relative to the hose clamp  40 . As depicted in  FIGS. 3-5 , a substantially U-shaped identification plate  12  is coupled to a substantially circular stabilizing plate  14 . Of course, any shape known to those in the art may correspond to either the identification plate  12  or the stabilizing plate  14 , provided each can identify the contents of a hose  30  and stabilizing the hose clamp identification marker  10  with respect to a hose clamp  40 , respectively. 
   Any hose clamp  40  known in the art can be used with the identification marker  10  of the invention. In one aspect of the invention, the hose clamp  40  depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 7  is used with the identification marker  10 . A typical hose clamp  40 , as depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , may comprise a leveraging leg  42  substantially opposite a securing leg  44 . The leveraging leg  42  may be leveraged to engage the securing leg  44  to secure and/or compress an attached hose  30 . The hose clamp  40  may comprise a curved backing member  46  adjoining each of the leveraging leg  42  and securing leg  44  so that the leveraging leg  42  is retained in a substantially open position relative the securing leg  44  absent any application of pressure to the leveraging leg  42 . A first opening  56  may be incorporated through the surface of the curved backing member  46  and a second opening incorporated through the surface of the securing leg  44  to facilitate coupling the hose clamp  40  to a hose  30 . Most known hose clamps  40  require that a hose  30  be threaded through the hose clamp  40  for proper retention and use. 
   The leveraging leg  42  and securing leg  44  may also comprise a clamping jaw  50  and  52 . When the leveraging leg  42  engages the securing leg  44 , the associated clamping jaws  50  and  52  are brought in closer proximity to each other and may optionally contact each another. To facilitate engagement of the leveraging leg  42  with the securing leg  44 , the securing leg  44  may incorporate a securing ledge  48  configured to retain a distal edge of the leveraging leg  42 . The leveraging leg  42  may also contain a corrugated (or otherwise roughened or textured) surface to promote traction between the leveraging leg  42  and a finger or other device used to apply pressure for engaging the leveraging leg  42  with the securing leg  44 . 
   The leveraging and securing legs  42  and  44  may incorporate a retaining aperture  54  proximate its respective clamping jaw  50  and  52 . The retaining aperture  54  may contain an opening in the lateral surface of the hose clamp  40  or a recess or indentation in such lateral surface. When present, the retaining apertures  54  engage one or more engaging members  20  on an identification and/or stabilizing plate  12  and  14 . Thus, the engaging members  20  may selectively engage the retaining apertures  54  of the hose clamp  40  to secure adjacency between the identification device  10  and the hose clamp  30 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , an identification marker  10  can be used with a hose clamp  40  and associated hose  30 . In this aspect of the invention, any suitable hose  30  may be threaded through a hose clamp  40  via a first opening  56  and a second opening  58 . The hose  30  may rest between a top clamping jaw  50  corresponding to the leveraging leg  42  and a bottom clamping jaw  52  corresponding to the securing leg  44 . To either partially or completely compress the hose  30 , the leveraging leg  42  may be forced to engage the securing leg  44  via the securing ledge  48  and force the top clamping jaw  50  near or to the bottom clamping jaw  52 . In this manner, the hose  30  runs through the hose clamp  40  and is retained between the top clamping jaw  50  and the bottom clamping jaw. 
   An identification marker  10  can be coupled to a hose clamp  40  by directing the cross member  16  to transverse the open hose clamp  40 . The identification marker  10  may then be directed past the bottom clamping jaw  52  until the marker  10  is retained proximate the curved backing member  46  and the cross member  16  runs substantially coincident with the top clamping jaw  50 . The marker  10  may then be rotated or otherwise maneuvered so that any engaging members  20  engage a retaining aperture  54  in the hose clamp  40  to secure the marker  10  substantially laterally adjacent the hose clamp  40 . An engaging member  20  may engage the retaining aperture  54  by a press fit, or by any other means known to those in the art. 
   As depicted by  FIGS. 9 and 10 , this process of connecting the identification marker  10  with a hose clamp  40  may be carried out even when the hose  30  is previously coupled to the hose clamp  40 . Indeed, as the identification marker  10  is entirely independent of a hose  30 , the marker  10  may be quickly and easily installed, removed, and/or interchanged without interfering with an attached hose  30  or its function. 
   The invention also includes a method for identifying the contents of a hose. In one aspect of the invention, the method comprises providing a hose with a fluid flowing therethrough and a hose clamp on the hose, and then installing, removing, or interchanging an identification marker on the hose clamp without interfering with an attached hose  30  or its function. 
   In another aspect of the invention, the method comprises the step  70  of coupling a hose clamp to a hose, the step  72  of providing an identification marker, the step  90  of attaching the identification marker to the hose clamp, and then the step  82  of identifying the contents of the hose. Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 11 , an identification marker  10  may be made by the step  74  of providing an open channel in a device  10  having dimensions sufficient to straddle a hose  30 . This step  74  may optionally include the step  76  of assembling an identification plate  12  with a cross member  16  such that the combined structure defines an open channel  18 . Also, the step  72  of providing the identification marker may further include the optional step  78  of providing an engaging member  20  coupled to the device  10  to selectively engage the hose clamp  40  to secure the device  10  to the hose clamp  40 . In one aspect of the invention, the identification marker  10  should be attached to the hose clamp  40  so that the marker  10  may be retained substantially laterally adjacent the hose clamp  40  with no protruding or independently moving parts. 
   Using these methods, the contents of the hose  30  may be quickly and accurately identified without requiring separate assembly of a hose apparatus to implement a hose clamp identification marker. Also, the hose clamp identification marker  10  so implemented may be easily installed, removed and/or interchanged without requiring disruption of a flow of fluid throughout the hose  30 . 
   Although the aspects of the invention discussed above primarily focus on advantages in a health or medical context, the invention can be used in virtually any circumstances where a clamp is used on tubing or a hose and where it is desirable to have some indicia of a fluid substance being transmitted therethrough. In addition, the invention is useful to identify any other relevant data pertaining to such fluid substance or hose apparatus, such as company identification, warnings, and instructions for use. An identification marker in accordance with the present invention may, for example, have potential for application in the pharmaceutical, dairy, food and beverage, chemical and/or general industrial markets. 
   Having described these aspects of the invention, it is understood that the invention defined by the appended claims is not to be limited by particular details set forth in the above description, as many apparent variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.