Patent Description:
<CIT> relates to connectors which are intended for use in the medical field such as in perfusion devices for intravenous or arterial catheters, and discloses a an intravenous, IV, tubing fitment, comprising: a fluid delivery device including a body forming, in part, a mating recess and a door, wherein the door forms part of the mating recess, and an intravenous, IV, tubing fitment, comprising a unitary body configured to couple with the mating recess of the fluid delivery device.

Document <CIT> discloses connectors which are intended for use in the medical field such as in perfusion devices for intravenous or arterial catheters. An entry diameter and a thread crest diameter of the connectors are selected in relation to the corresponding diameters of standard connectors such that the assembly of a male connector (A, C) or a female connector (B, D) respectively with a standard female or male connector is prevented. Medical treatments often include the infusion of a medical fluid (e.g., a saline solution or a liquid medication) to patients using an intravenous (IV) catheter that is connected though an arrangement of flexible tubing and fittings, commonly referred to as an "IV set," to a source of fluid, for example, an IV bag.

IV sets are loaded into a medical device, such as an infusion pump, that controls the flow rate through the tubing. Due to the designs of existing IV sets, the IV sets can be unintentionally misloaded causing the tubing of the IV sets to be pulled, twisted, entangled, or otherwise interfered with. IV sets that are misloaded result in portions of the tubing to be reshaped, which in turn causes a change or occludes a flow rate produced by the medical device. For example, IV set that are misloaded can be pulled causing the tubing to stretch and narrow a diameter of the tubing. Misloaded IV sets can result in inaccurate flow rates, uncontrolled flow rates, over infusion, under infusion, and/or a number of other issues.

Thus, it is desirable to provide an IV set that reduces the opportunities for misloading into a medical device.

The invention is related to an intravenous tubing fitment, a system and a method for loading an intravenous set to a fluid delivery device as set out in the appended set of claims. Various implementations of systems, methods, and devices within the scope of the appended claims each have several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the attributes described herein. Without limiting the scope of the appended claims, after considering this disclosure, and particularly after considering the section entitled "Detailed Description" one will understand how the aspects of some implementations are used to prevent an IV set from being misloaded to provide accurate and consistent flow rates. One or more implementations provide an IV tubing fitment including a unitary body that is configured to be received by a pocket of a fluid delivery device in a single configuration. The IV tubing fitment is configured such that the fluid delivery device is unable to use the IV tubing fitment if misloaded. More specifically, the IV tubing fitment is designed such that a fluid delivery device cannot be forced closed if the IV tubing fitment is misloaded. By not allowing itself to be misloaded, the IV tubing fitment prevents a tubing of the IV set from being excessively pulled, stretched, entangled, kinked, etc. by securely holding the IV set in place within the fluid delivery device. Thus, the IV tubing fitment prevents the diameter, wall thickness, or length of the tubing of the IV set from being altered. The IV tubing fitment further allows the tubing of the IV set to rotate about a longitudinal axis while held in place within the fluid delivery device. This allows the tubing of the IV set to be rotate around without being fixed to a single position. As such, the IV tubing fitment is able to reduce or eliminate inaccurate or uncontrollable flow rates caused by the misloading of IV sets, as well as reduce or eliminate the possibility of over infusion or under infusion caused by the of IV sets. In one aspect, an intravenous (IV) tubing fitment is provided. The IV tubing fitment includes a unitary body. The unitary body includes a first end configured to couple to a first portion of a tubing, a substantially hemispherical surface adjacent to the first end, and a cylindrical body adjacent to the substantially hemispherical surface. The cylindrical body including a plurality of wings and is configured to receive a second portion of the tubing. The unitary body is configured to be received into a mating recess of a fluid delivery device such that the substantially hemispherical surface is uniformly mated with a substantially identical surface of the mating recess, and the cylindrical body is positioned outside of the mating recess. In some implementations, the unitary body is molded. In some implementations, the fluid delivery device is an infusion pump. In some implementations, the unitary body, when received by the mating recess, rotates about a longitudinal axis at least <NUM> degrees in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. In some implementations, the unitary body rotates about the longitudinal axis a full <NUM> degrees in each direction. In some implementations, the substantially hemispherical surface includes an outer rim that is configured to engage with a door of the fluid delivery device. In some implementations, the outer rim, when engaged with the door of the fluid delivery device, restricts movement of the unitary body, in at least one of a longitudinal and a latitudinal directions.

In some implementations, the substantially hemispherical surface is uniformly mated with the substantially identical surface of the mating recess only when the first end of the unitary body is received within a pocket of the mating recess preventing the IV tubing fitment from being misloaded. In some implementations, when the first end of the unitary body is received within the pocket of the mating recess, the first portion of the tubing coupled with the first end of the unitary body is aligned along a center of the mating recess. In some implementations, the substantially hemispherical surface has a diameter that is substantially equal to a diameter of the mating recess, the diameter of the substantially hemispherical surface preventing the fluid delivery device from closing when the substantially hemispherical surface is not uniformly mated with the substantially identical surface of the mating recess.

In another aspect, a system for loading an intravenous (IV) set is provided. The system includes an IV tubing fitment and a fluid delivery device. The fluid delivery device includes a body forming, in part, a mating recess and a door forming another part of the mating recess. While the door is in an open position, the mating recess is configured to receive the IV tubing fitment such that the mating recess is uniformly mated with a substantially hemispherical surface of the IV tubing fitment, and a portion of the IV tubing fitment is positioned outside of the body of the fluid delivery device. When the door is moved to a closed position while the IV tubing fitment is mated with the mating recess, the door is configured to couple with the body of the fluid delivery device enclosing the IV tubing fitment in a pocket. In some implementations, the door includes one or more coupling members configured to couple to a portion of the IV tubing fitment (e.g., an outer rim of the uniform body). In some implementations, the door is prevented from coupling with the body of the fluid delivery device while at least a portion of the IV tubing fitment is misloaded.

In another aspect, a method for loading an intravenous (IV) set to a fluid delivery device is provided. The method is performed at a fluid delivery device including a body forming, in part, a mating recess and a door forming another part of the mating recess. The method includes while the door is in an open position, receiving an IV tubing fitment at the mating recess such that a substantially hemispherical surface of the IV tubing fitment is uniformly mated with a substantially identical surface of the mating recess. The method further includes closing the door such that the door couples with the body of the fluid delivery device and forms an enclosure that is configured to surround at least a portion of the IV tubing fitment.

The foregoing and other features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed implementations will become more apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate implementations of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

Embodiments of the invention are defined by the appended claims. The disclosed IV tubing fitment secures an IV set to fluid delivery device such that a tubing of the IV set cannot be damaged or altered by misloading of the IV set. The IV tubing fitment includes an intuitive design that allows users to readily recognize an orientation in which the IV tubing fitment should be placed within a fluid delivery device to ensure that the IV set is properly loaded. Further, the IV tubing fitment is designed such that the fluid delivery device is unable to close while the IV tubing fitment is misloaded. The IV tubing fitment reduces the chances of the IV set being damaged by being forced into a fluid delivery device thereby improving the accuracy and consistency of the flow rate generated by the fluid delivery device. The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. Like components are labeled with identical element numbers for ease of understanding. Reference numbers may have letter suffixes appended to indicate separate instances of a common element while being referred to generically by the same number without a suffix letter.

While the following description is directed to an IV tubing fitment configured to be loaded into a fluid delivery device, it is to be understood that this description is only an example of usage and does not limit the scope of the claims. Various aspects of the disclosed IV tubing fitment may be used in any application where it is desirable to secure an IV set or other type of tubing to a fluid delivery device.

The disclosed IV tubing fitment overcome several challenges discovered with respect to certain conventional IV sets. One challenge with certain conventional IV sets is the misloading of IV sets that can cause damage to a tube of the IV sets resulting in inaccurate, inconsistent, and uncontrollable flow rates. Because of the inaccuracies or the inconsistencies of caused by misloaded IV sets, thereby potentially harming the patient or decreasing the efficacy of a treatment, the use of conventional IV sets afford limited protection from adverse conditions due to misloading.

Therefore, in accordance with the present disclosure, it is advantageous to provide an IV tubing fitment as described herein that eliminates or substantially reduces the possibility of misloading IV sets. The disclosed IV tubing fitment securely holds an IV set in place and also prevents a fluid delivery device from receiving an IV set if misloaded thereby improving the accuracy and consistency of a generated flow rate.

An example of an IV tubing fitment is now described.

<FIG> shows a patient care system, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The patient care system <NUM> includes four infusion pumps <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> each of which is fluidly connected with an upstream fluid line <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively. Each fluid line <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> is held in place at a respective infusion pumps <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> via a respective IV tubing fitment (e.g., IV tubing fitment <NUM>; <FIG>). Each of the four infusion pumps <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> is also fluidly connected with a downstream fluid line <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively. The fluid lines can be any type of fluid conduit, such as an IV administration set, through which fluid can flow through. It should be appreciated that any of a variety of pump mechanisms can be used including syringe pumps.

Fluid supplies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, which may take various forms but in this case are shown as bottles, are inverted and suspended above the pumps. Fluid supplies may also take the form of bags or other types of containers including syringes. Both the patient care system <NUM> and the fluid supplies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are mounted to a roller stand, IV pole <NUM>, tabletop, etc..

A separate infusion pump <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> is used to infuse each of the fluids of the fluid supplies into the patient. The infusion pumps are flow control devices that will act on the respective fluid line to move the fluid from the fluid supply through the fluid line to the patient <NUM>. Because individual pumps are used, each can be individually set to the pumping or operating parameters required for infusing the particular medical fluid from the respective fluid supply into the patient at the particular rate prescribed for that fluid by the physician. Such medical fluids may include drugs or nutrients or other fluids. The infusion pumps <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are controlled by a controller <NUM>. In some implementations, the controller <NUM> is communicatively coupled to memory storing one or more instructions for operating the infusion pumps <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and/or other collected data as described below.

Fluid supplies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are each coupled to an electronic data tag <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively, or to an electronic transmitter. Any device or component associated with the infusion system may be equipped with an electronic data tag, reader, or transmitter.

Typically, medical fluid administration sets have more parts than are shown in <FIG>. Many have check valves, drip chambers, valves with injection ports, connectors, and other devices well known to those skilled in the art. These other devices have not been included in the drawings so as to preserve clarity of illustration.

Turning now to <FIG>, an infusion pump <NUM> having a body <NUM> is shown in perspective view, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The infusion pump <NUM> is shown with the front door <NUM> open, showing the upstream fluid line <NUM> and downstream fluid line <NUM> in operative engagement with the infusion pump <NUM>. More specifically, the fluid line <NUM> is coupled to (or received by) an IV tubing fitment <NUM> that is held in place within a pocket and/or mating recess of the infusion pump <NUM>. The IV tubing fitment <NUM> is a unitary body including a first end configured to couple to a first portion of a tubing (e.g., tube <NUM>) and a second end opposite the first end coupled to (or configured to receive) a second portion of the tubing (e.g., fluid line <NUM>). The IV tubing fitment <NUM> includes a substantially hemispherical surface that, when received by the infusion pump <NUM>, is uniformly mated with a substantially identical surface of the mating recess of the infusion pump <NUM>. Additional information on the placement of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is provided below in reference to <FIG>.

The IV tubing fitment <NUM> reduces the chances of an IV set (e.g., at least the upstream fluid line <NUM>, the tube <NUM>, and the downstream fluid line <NUM>) from being misloaded by preventing the door <NUM> of the infusion pump <NUM> from closing if the substantially hemispherical surface of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is not mated to the mating recess of the infusion pump <NUM>. For example, a diameter of the substantially hemispherical surface of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is such that the door <NUM> cannot be closed unless the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is in the correct position (i.e., the substantially hemispherical surface of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is mated to the mating recess). More specifically, in some implementations, the substantially hemispherical surface of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> has a diameter that is substantially equal to a diameter of the mating recess of the infusion pump <NUM>. The diameter of the substantially hemispherical surface of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> prevents the infusion pump <NUM> from closing when the substantially hemispherical surface of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is not uniformly mated with the substantially identical surface of the mating recess of the infusion pump <NUM>. In some implementations, a hook on the door <NUM> latching arm <NUM> will not engage the latch hook unless the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is in the correct position. Thus, by not allowing engagement, the IV tubing fitment <NUM> prevents a user from forcing the latch to close the door <NUM> and applying a forced leverage, which can cause damage to the IV set, the door hinges, or breakage of the platen.

Additionally, the IV tubing fitment <NUM> allows the IV set to rotate about its longitudinal axis (e.g., center line of the upstream fluid line <NUM>) while preventing the IV set from twisting, kinking, and/or entangling. In some implementations, the IV tubing fitment <NUM> rotates about a longitudinal axis at least <NUM> degrees in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. In some implementations, the IV tubing fitment <NUM> rotates about the longitudinal axis a full <NUM> degrees in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. By preventing the IV set from twisting, kinking, and/or entangling, the IV tubing fitment <NUM> improves the accuracy and consistency of the flow rate be eliminating or reducing any accidental or unintentional occlusion caused by movement of the IV set, as well as potential damage to the IV set. Further, the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is further configured to center the tubing <NUM> when the substantially hemispherical surface of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is mated to the mating recess of the infusion pump <NUM>.

The infusion pump <NUM> directly acts on the tube <NUM> that connects the upstream fluid line <NUM> to the downstream fluid line <NUM> to form a continuous fluid conduit, extending from the respective fluid supply <NUM> (<FIG>) to the patient <NUM>, through which fluid is acted upon by the pump to move fluid downstream to the patient. Specifically, a pumping mechanism <NUM> acts as the flow control device of the pump to move fluid though the conduit. The upstream and downstream fluid lines and/or tube <NUM> may be coupled to a pump cassette or cartridge that is configured to be coupled to the pump <NUM>.

The type of pumping mechanism may vary and may be for example, a multiple finger pumping mechanism. For example, the pumping mechanism may be of the "four finger" type and includes an upstream occluding finger <NUM>, a primary pumping finger <NUM>, a downstream occluding finger <NUM>, and a secondary pumping finger <NUM>. The "four finger" pumping mechanism and mechanisms used in other linear peristaltic pumps operate by sequentially pressing on a segment of the fluid conduit by means of the cam-following pumping fingers and valve fingers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The pressure is applied in sequential locations of the conduit, beginning at the upstream end of the pumping mechanism and working toward the downstream end. At least one finger is always pressing hard enough to occlude the conduit. As a practical matter, one finger does not retract from occluding the tubing until the next one in sequence has already occluded the tubing; thus, at no time is there a direct fluid path from the fluid supply to the patient. The operation of peristaltic pumps including four finger pumps is well known to those skilled in the art and no further operational details are provided here.

<FIG> further shows a downstream pressure sensor <NUM> included in the pump <NUM> at a downstream location with respect to the pumping mechanism. The downstream pressure sensor <NUM> is mounted to the flow control device <NUM> and is located adjacent and downstream in relation to the flow control device. The downstream pressure sensor is located downstream from the flow control device, that is, at a location between the patient <NUM> (<FIG>) and the flow control device, so that the connection of the correct fluid supply with the correct pump may be verified before any fluid is pumped to the patient.

With reference still to <FIG>, an upstream pressure sensor <NUM> may also be included in the pump <NUM>. The upstream pressure sensor is assigned to the flow control device or pumping mechanism <NUM> and, in this implementation, is further provided as an integral part of the pump <NUM>. It is mounted to the flow control device <NUM> and is located adjacent and upstream in relation to the flow control device. The upstream pressure sensor is located upstream from the flow control device, that is, at a location between the fluid supply <NUM> (<FIG>) and the flow control device, so that the connection of the correct fluid supply with the correct pump may be verified before any fluid is pumped to the patient.

The pump <NUM> or a portion of the pump <NUM> may also be equipped with an electronic data tag or data transmitter. For example, as shown in <FIG>, pump <NUM> may be equipped with a data tag <NUM> or a reader device <NUM> for providing or receiving infusion data. The data reader devices may include RFID readers (or receivers) or other wireless devices that are compatible with the data tags associated with the fluid containers. A data transmitter may transmit interrogation signals to the electronic data tags <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> associated with the fluid containers for obtaining infusion data from those tags. Although referred to as data transmitting devices or RFID tags or RFID transponders, data transmitting devices may also receive or read data and may also be writable. Typically, medical tubing is a disposable product that is used once and then discarded. The medical tubing may be formed from any suitable material, e.g., soft PVC, silicone, thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) (ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) + polypropylene (PP)), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic styrenic elastomer (TPS) (styrene-butadienestyrene (SBS) /styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) /styrene-isoprene-rubber (SIS) /styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEPS)) and its blending with polyolefin , thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE) (polyether ester) rubber). As shown in <FIG>, medical tubing <NUM> may be inserted into or otherwise engaged by pump <NUM>. Infusion pump <NUM> may include any of large volume (e.g., at least <NUM> milliliter of fluid from a single container), patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), ambulatory pump or insulin pump that drive tubing segment(s) to deliver medication or nutrients into a patient's body in controlled amounts. The medical tubing <NUM> is compressed when the pump door <NUM> is closed. With the pump door <NUM> closed, the medical tubing <NUM> is constrained within the infusion pump <NUM> mating recess (by using the IV tubing fitment <NUM>) and directly contacted by the upstream force sensor <NUM>. As discussed above, there are many sources of variation in measuring the force on the medical tubing <NUM> by the sensor <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an IV tubing fitment, in accordance with some implementations. The IV tubing fitment <NUM> is an example of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> described above in reference to <FIG>. The IV tubing fitment <NUM> includes a unitary body <NUM>. In some implementations, the unitary body <NUM> is molded. The unitary body <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> configured to couple to a first portion of a tubing (e.g., tube <NUM>; <FIG>), a substantially hemispherical surface <NUM> adjacent to the first end <NUM>, and a cylindrical body <NUM> adjacent to the substantially hemispherical surface <NUM> and configured to receive a second portion of the tubing (e.g., upstream fluid line <NUM>; <FIG>). The substantially hemispherical surface <NUM> is positioned between the first end <NUM> and the cylindrical body <NUM>. The cylindrical body <NUM> further includes a plurality of wings <NUM> extending from the cylindrical body <NUM> towards outer rim <NUM>. The plurality of wings <NUM> provide a user an intuitive means of determining the portion of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> that should be placed within a fluid delivery device (e.g., infusion pump <NUM>; <FIG>). In some implementations, the plurality of wings <NUM> do not reach the outer rim <NUM> allowing the IV tubing fitment <NUM> to couple with the fluid delivery device restricting the IV tubing fitment <NUM> movement in the longitudinal and latitudinal directions while also allowing the IV tubing fitment <NUM> to rotate about the longitudinal axis (i.e., the plurality of wings <NUM> do not engage or make contact the fluid delivery device). More specifically, the outer rim <NUM> is configured to engage with a door of the fluid delivery device such that when the outer rim <NUM> is engaged with the door of the fluid delivery device, movement of the unitary body <NUM> is restricted in at least one of a longitudinal and a latitudinal directions as described below in reference to <FIG>.

As described in detail below in reference to <FIG>, the unitary body <NUM> is configured to be received into a mating recess of a fluid delivery device such that the substantially hemispherical surface <NUM> is uniformly mated with a substantially identical surface of the mating recess of the fluid delivery device. In some implementations, the substantially hemispherical surface <NUM> is uniformly mated with the substantially identical surface of a mating recess <NUM> (<FIG>) only when the first end <NUM> of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is received within a pocket <NUM> of the mating recess <NUM> preventing the IV tubing fitment <NUM> from being misloaded. <FIG> illustrate different views of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> (<FIG>) in accordance with some implementations. A first view <NUM> provides a front view of the IV tubing fitment <NUM>. The first view <NUM> shows the unitary body <NUM> (<FIG>) including a first end <NUM>, a substantially hemispherical surface <NUM> adjacent to the first end <NUM>, and a cylindrical body <NUM> adjacent to the substantially hemispherical surface <NUM>. In some implementations, the first end <NUM> is a nozzle configured to be fitted inside a tube <NUM> (<FIG>). In some implementations, once the first end <NUM> has been fitted inside the tube <NUM>, the tube <NUM> and the first end <NUM> are coupled such that they cannot be separated accidentally unless excessive force is applied. Excessive force, for purposes of this disclosure means, a force greater than accidental tugs and pulls and forces greater than those applied by the fluid delivery device. In some implementations, the first end <NUM> is molded within a portion of the tube <NUM> (when the unitary body <NUM> is molded). As described above, the cylindrical body <NUM> includes a plurality of wings <NUM> that extend from the center of the cylindrical body <NUM> towards an outer rim <NUM> (<FIG>). A second view <NUM> provides a rear view of the IV tubing fitment <NUM>. The second view <NUM> shows the unitary body <NUM> including the first end <NUM>, the cylindrical body <NUM>, and the plurality of wings <NUM> coupled to the cylindrical body <NUM>. In some implementations, the cylindrical body <NUM> includes an opening configured to receive an upstream fluid line <NUM> (<FIG>). In some implementations, the cylindrical body <NUM> receives the upstream fluid line <NUM> with a sufficient amount of force to prevent the cylindrical body <NUM> from being separated from the upstream fluid line <NUM> accidentally unless excessive force is applied. In some implementations, the cylindrical body <NUM> is molded over a portion of the upstream fluid line <NUM> (when the unitary body <NUM> is molded). By molding the cylindrical body <NUM> over a portion of the upstream fluid line <NUM>, the portion of the upstream fluid line <NUM> is prevented from accidentally being pulled out unless excessive force is applied.

A third view <NUM> provides a side view of the IV tubing fitment <NUM>. The third view <NUM> shows the unitary body <NUM> including the first end <NUM>, the substantially hemispherical surface <NUM> adjacent to the first end <NUM>, the cylindrical body <NUM> adjacent to the substantially hemispherical surface <NUM>, and the plurality of wings <NUM>. The first, second, and third views <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> illustrate that the unitary body <NUM> includes a constant wall thickness, draft angles, and drafts to promote easy and efficient moldability.

<FIG> illustrates an enclosure of a fluid delivery device, in accordance with some implementations. Fluid delivery device <NUM> is an instance of any infusion pump described above in reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The fluid delivery device <NUM> includes a bezel housing <NUM> including a mating recess <NUM>, and a pocket <NUM> on a portion of the fluid delivery device body (e.g., body <NUM>; <FIG>). The pocket <NUM> is positioned at a center of the mating recess <NUM>. The mating recess <NUM> of a fluid delivery device includes a hemispherical surface substantially identical to a substantially hemispherical surface <NUM> of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> (<FIG>) and configured to mate with the IV tubing fitment <NUM>. More specifically, in some implementations, the mating recess <NUM> has a concave surface that is configured to mate with a convex surface of the IV tubing fitment <NUM>. The mating recess <NUM> does not include any edges or steps on its mating surface, thus preventing IV tubing fitment <NUM> from being misloaded.

In some implementations, the substantially hemispherical surface <NUM> of the uniform body <NUM> is uniformly mated with the (substantially identical) surface of the mating recess <NUM> only when the first end <NUM> of the unitary body <NUM> is received within the pocket <NUM> of the mating recess <NUM>, which prevents the IV tubing fitment from being misloaded. In some implementations, when the first end <NUM> of the unitary body <NUM> is received within the pocket <NUM> of the mating recess <NUM>, the first portion of the tubing (e.g., tube <NUM>; <FIG>) coupled with the first end <NUM> of the unitary body is aligned along a center of the mating recess <NUM>.

In some implementations, portions of the mating recess <NUM> and pocket <NUM> are formed by the body of the fluid delivery device <NUM> and additional portions of the mating recess and the pocket (e.g., additional mating recess <NUM> and additional pocket <NUM>; <FIG>) are formed by a fluid delivery device door (e.g., door <NUM>; <FIG>). Additional detail on the additional mating recess <NUM> and the additional pocket <NUM> is provided below in reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate the loading of an IV tubing fitment into a fluid delivery device, in accordance with some implementations. The IV tubing fitment and fluid delivery device described in reference to <FIG> can be any IV tubing fitment and fluid delivery device described above in reference to <FIG>.

A first operational view <NUM> shows an IV tubing fitment <NUM> being positioned within a mating recess <NUM> and a pocket <NUM> (at the center of the mating recess <NUM>) of a fluid delivery device <NUM> (<FIG>). In particular, while a door <NUM> (<FIG>) of the fluid delivery device <NUM> is open, the mating recess <NUM> of the fluid delivery device <NUM> is configured to receive the IV tubing fitment <NUM>. As shown in the first operation view <NUM>, the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is configured such that the fluid delivery device <NUM> can only receive the IV tubing fitment <NUM> in a single configuration. More specifically, the substantially hemispherical surface of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is uniformly mated with the substantially identical surface of the mating recess <NUM> only when the first end <NUM> of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is received within the pocket <NUM> of the mating recess <NUM> preventing the IV tubing fitment <NUM> from being misloaded. For example, if the user attempted to mate the substantially hemispherical surface of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> with the substantially identical surface <NUM> of the mating recess <NUM> without positioning the first end <NUM> of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> within the pocket <NUM>, the substantially hemispherical surface <NUM> and the mating recess <NUM> would not be mated (which would not allow for the door <NUM> of the fluid delivery device <NUM> to close). Further, if the user does not place the first end <NUM> of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> within the pocket <NUM> of the mating recess <NUM>, the door <NUM> of the fluid delivery device <NUM> would not be able to close.

Additionally, if a user attempted to place a portion of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> including the plurality of wings <NUM> within the mating recess <NUM>, the IV tubing fitment <NUM> would not securely fit in the fluid delivery device <NUM> and, as described above, the door <NUM> of the fluid delivery device <NUM> would be prevented from closing. In addition to preventing the door <NUM> of the fluid delivery device <NUM> from closing, the plurality of wings <NUM> is further configured to operate as an intuitive indicator of the appropriate placement of the IV tubing fitment <NUM>. As described above in reference to <FIG>, the mating recess <NUM> has no edges or steps that allow the IV tubing fitment <NUM> to be misloaded (e.g., via the plurality of wings <NUM> or other surface of the IV tubing fitment <NUM>).

In some implementations, the substantially hemispherical surface <NUM> of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> and the substantially identical surface of the mating recess <NUM> include visual indicators of how the IV tubing fitment <NUM> should be placed in the fluid delivery device <NUM>. For example, in some implementations, the substantially hemispherical surface <NUM> of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> and the substantially identical surface of the mating recess <NUM> can be the same color (e.g., green) indicating to users to match the colors. In some implementations, the hemispherical surfaces on the IV tubing fitment <NUM> and the mating recess <NUM> allow easier cleaning of the IV tubing fitment <NUM>, the mating recess <NUM> of fluid delivery device <NUM>, and the door <NUM> of the fluid delivery device <NUM>.

A second operational view <NUM> shows the placement of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> within the mating recess <NUM> of the fluid delivery device <NUM>. In particular, the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is received by the mating recess <NUM> such that the mating recess <NUM> is uniformly mated with the substantially hemispherical surface <NUM>. In some implementations, a portion of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is positioned outside of the body <NUM> (<FIG>) of the fluid delivery device <NUM>. For example, when the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is positioned in the mating recess <NUM>, the IV tubing fitment <NUM> cylindrical body <NUM> and plurality of wings <NUM> are positioned are outside of the mating recess <NUM> and, more specifically, outside of the body <NUM> of the fluid delivery device <NUM>. A third operational view <NUM> provides another view of the placement of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> within the mating recess <NUM> of the fluid delivery device <NUM>. The third view <NUM> illustrates that the substantially hemispherical surface <NUM> of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is configured to self-center a tube <NUM> (<FIG>). More specifically, when the first end <NUM> of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is received within the pocket <NUM> of the mating recess <NUM>, the first portion of the tubing (i.e., tube <NUM>) is aligned along a center of the mating recess <NUM>.

A fourth operational view <NUM> show the fluid delivery device <NUM> with its door <NUM> closed. In particular, when the door <NUM> of the fluid delivery device <NUM> is closed an enclosure for the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is formed. While the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is mated with the mating recess <NUM>, the door <NUM> engages and couples with the body <NUM> of the fluid delivery device <NUM> enclosing a portion the IV tubing fitment <NUM> (e.g., at least the substantially hemispherical surface <NUM> and the first end <NUM> of the IV tubing fitment <NUM>). While the portion of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is enclosed by the fluid delivery device <NUM> , the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is unable to be moved in longitudinal and latitudinal directions (i.e., the IV tubing fitment <NUM> cannot be moved to the left or right, or pulled upward or pushed downwards from its position in the mating recess <NUM>. In some implementations, although the portion of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is enclosed by the fluid delivery device <NUM>, the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is free to rotate about a longitudinal axis while keeping the IV set from kinking, twisting, and/or entangling. In some implementations, the portion of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> can rotate a full <NUM> degrees while enclosed by the fluid delivery device <NUM>.

<FIG> provides a cross-sectional view <NUM> of an IV tubing fitment mated with at mating recess of a fluid delivery device, in accordance with some implementations. The IV tubing fitment and fluid delivery device shown in cross-sectional view <NUM> can be any IV tubing fitment the fluid delivery device described above in reference to <FIG>. The cross-sectional view <NUM> includes IV tubing fitment <NUM> mated with the mating recess <NUM> of the fluid delivery device <NUM>. As shown in cross-sectional view <NUM> when the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is mated with the mating recess <NUM> of the fluid delivery device <NUM>, an IV set (e.g., at least an upstream fluid line <NUM>, an tube <NUM>, and a downstream fluid line <NUM>; <FIG>) is centered along a longitudinal axis such that the IV set cannot twist, entangle, or kink. Further, the positioning of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> within the mating recess <NUM> of the fluid delivery device <NUM> and its ability to rotate about the longitudinal axis reduces the number of unintentional pulls or forces experienced by the IV set.

<FIG> illustrates a view of a door of a fluid delivery device, in accordance with some implementations. View <NUM> shows a fluid delivery device (e.g., infusion pump <NUM>; <FIG>) including a door <NUM>, a mating recess <NUM>, a pocket <NUM>, and an IV tubing fitment <NUM> mated to the mating recess <NUM> of the fluid delivery device <NUM> as described above in reference to <FIG>. The door <NUM> is an example of the door <NUM> described above in reference to <FIG>.

In some implementations, the door <NUM> forms another portion of the mating recess and pocket of the fluid delivery device (e.g., additional mating recess <NUM> and additional pocket portion <NUM>). In some implementations, when the door <NUM> is closed while the IV tubing fitment <NUM> (<FIG>) is mated with the mating recess <NUM> (<FIG>), the additional mating recess <NUM> also mates with the IV tubing fitment <NUM>. In some implementations, for the door <NUM> to close, the additional mating recess <NUM> must also be mated with the IV tubing fitment <NUM>. For example, if either the additional mating recess <NUM> or the mating recess <NUM> are not mated with the substantially hemispherical surface <NUM> of the IV tubing fitment <NUM>, the door <NUM> is prevented from closing as described above. Similarly, if the first end <NUM> of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is not received within the additional pocket portion <NUM> the door <NUM> is also prevented from closing. In this way, the IV tubing fitment <NUM> is not misloaded.

In some implementations, the door <NUM> includes one or more coupling members <NUM> configured to engage with a portion of the IV tubing fitment <NUM>. In some implementations, the coupling members <NUM> include teeth, hooks, clasps, levers, etc. In some implementations, the one or more coupling members <NUM> of the door <NUM> are configured to engage with an outer rim <NUM> of the IV tubing fitment <NUM>. In some implementations, if one or more coupling members <NUM> of the door <NUM> are unable to engage with the outer rim <NUM> of the IV tubing fitment <NUM>, the door <NUM> is prevented from closing. In some implementations, the one or more coupling members <NUM> engage with the outer rim <NUM> of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> such that a portion of the IV tubing fitment <NUM> (e.g., at least the substantially hemispherical surface <NUM> and the first end of the IV tubing fitment <NUM>) is enclosed by fluid delivery device <NUM> (<FIG>). More specifically, the one or more coupling members <NUM> form a lid or an enclosure with narrower diameter (with respect to a diameter of the substantially hemispherical surface <NUM>) such that the IV tubing fitment <NUM> cannot be pulled from the fluid delivery device <NUM> while still allowing an IV set (<FIG>) to rotate about a longitudinal axis.

<FIG> illustrates a flow diagram of a method for loading an IV set to a fluid delivery device, in accordance with some implementations. Method <NUM> can be performed using any IV tubing fitment and fluid delivery device described above in reference to <FIG>. The method <NUM> includes while a door of a fluid delivery device is in an open position, receiving (<NUM>) an IV tubing fitment at a mating recess of the fluid delivery device such that a substantially hemispherical surface of an IV tubing fitment is uniformly mated with a substantially identical surface of the mating recess. The method <NUM> further includes closing (<NUM>) the door such that the door couples with the body of the fluid delivery device and forms an enclosure that configured to surrounds at least a portion of the IV tubing fitment. The enclosure restricts the lateral and longitudinal movement of an IV tubing fitment within the fluid delivery device while also allowing the IV tubing fitment to rotate about the longitudinal axis.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes disclosed is an illustration of example approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged. Some of the steps may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

In one aspect, the subject technology may be implemented without utilizing some of the components, elements, functions or operations described herein. In one aspect, the subject technology may be implemented utilizing additional components, elements, functions or operations.

A phrase such as an "implementation" does not imply that such implementation is essential to the subject technology or that such implementation applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an implementation may apply to all implementations, or one or more implementations. An implementation may provide one or more examples. A phrase such an implementation may refer to one or more implementations and vice versa.

In one aspect, the term "coupled," or the like may refer to being directly coupled. In another aspect, the term "coupled," or the like may refer to being indirectly coupled.

Terms such as "top," "bottom," "front," "rear" and the like if used in this disclosure should be understood as referring to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, and a rear surface may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference.

Various items may be arranged differently (e.g., arranged in a different order, or partitioned in a different way) all without departing from the scope of the subject technology.

Claim 1:
An intravenous, IV, tubing fitment (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a unitary body (<NUM>) configured to couple with a fluid delivery device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) including a body (<NUM>) forming, in part, a mating recess (<NUM>) and a door (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the door (<NUM>, <NUM>) forms part of the mating recess (<NUM>), the unitary body (<NUM>) comprising:
a first end (<NUM>) configured to couple to a first portion (<NUM>) of a tubing,
a substantially hemispherical surface (<NUM>) adjacent to the first end (<NUM>), and
a cylindrical body (<NUM>) adjacent to the substantially hemispherical surface (<NUM>), the cylindrical body (<NUM>) including a plurality of wings (<NUM>) and configured to receive a second portion (<NUM>) of the tubing; and
wherein the unitary body (<NUM>) is configured to be received into the mating recess (<NUM>) of the fluid delivery device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) such that:
the substantially hemispherical surface (<NUM>) is configured to be uniformly mated with a substantially identical surface of the mating recess (<NUM>),
the cylindrical body (<NUM>) is configured to be positioned outside of the mating recess (<NUM>),
when the door is moved to a closed position from an open position while the unitary body is not mated with the mating recess, the door is prevented from coupling with the body of the fluid delivery device, and
when the door (<NUM>, <NUM>) is moved to the closed position from the open position while the unitary body (<NUM>) is mated with the mating recess (<NUM>), the unitary body (<NUM>) is configured to be enclosed in a pocket (<NUM>) of the fluid delivery device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).