Patent Description:
Endoscopy procedures that use typical endoscopes for both therapeutic and diagnostic cases usually have some common functionalities available to an operator. One of the common functionalities includes the ability to insufflate a patient by passing a fluid, such as air or carbon dioxide, through the endoscope in a controlled manner into a target luminal space. Another of the common functionalities includes the ability to flush water across the imaging lens to clear the field of view. Yet another of the common functionalities includes the ability to irrigate the lumen to clean surfaces and aid in flushing/suctioning debris during a procedure. Oftentimes, these common functionalities, among others, are facilitated by one or more fluid containers and/or fluid sources. For example, an air pump or carbon dioxide source for insufflation, a water bottle for lens cleaning, and/or a sterile water bottle for irrigation. In some cases, a hybrid tubing set may be used for both lens cleaning and irrigation from a sterile water bottle. The one or more fluid containers and/or sources, each potentially with a different size and/or configuration, must be attached to the tubing set of the endoscope.

<CIT>discloses a sheathing assembly and endoscopic tool combination for endoscope, having a proximal end of the sleeve engaging shaft of the tool so that as the tool is withdrawn the sleeve unfurls from dispenser and covers the shaft of the tool.

It is with all of the above considerations in mind that the improvements of the present disclosure may be useful.

This summary of the disclosure is given to aid understanding, and one of skill in the art will understand that each of the various features of the disclosure may advantageously be used separately in some instances, or in combination with other features of the disclosure in other instances. No limitation as to the scope of the claimed subject matter is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, or the like in this summary.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an enclosure system for a fluid container. For example, an enclosure system for enclosing a fluid container may include a plug having an outer diameter larger than an opening of a neck of the fluid container, a first plug end and a second plug end may be arranged on opposing sides of the plug, the plug may be configured to deform responsive to pressure to reduce the outer diameter to fit the first plug end through the opening and into the neck of the fluid container, and a sleeve forming a hollow flexible cylinder extending from the second plug end, the sleeve having a first sleeve end coupled to the second plug and a second sleeve end arranged opposite the first sleeve end, the first sleeve end may be configured to fold at least a portion of the sleeve outward and down toward the second plug end to arrange at least a portion of the sleeve over an outer neck surface of the neck when the first plug end is installed within the neck.

In some embodiments of the enclosure system, the first plug end may be configured to expand to engage an inner surface of the neck to form a seal responsive to removal of the pressure.

In various embodiments of the enclosure system, an outer sleeve surface of the sleeve may be configured to engage the outer neck surface when the sleeve is folded over the outer neck surface to form a seal between the sleeve and the neck.

In some embodiments of the enclosure system, the at least one opening may be formed in the second plug end for at least one tube of a tube set to extend through the plug to access a fluid arranged with the fluid container.

In various embodiments of the enclosure system, the enclosure system may include at least one liner arranged within the at least one opening to maintain a shape of opening when the plug is deformed.

In exemplary embodiments of the enclosure system, the enclosure system may include a plunger having a plunger rod extending through the sleeve and the plug, the plunger rod may include a first plunger end anchored to the first plug end and a second plunger end arranged opposite the first plunger end, the second plunger end may include a plunger handle.

In various embodiments of the enclosure system, the plunger handle may be configured to move in a direction toward the first plug end responsive to a force to cause the first plunger end to pull on the first plug end to stretch the plug and reduce the outer diameter to fit the first end in the opening of the neck.

In some embodiments of the enclosure system, the first plug end may be configured to expand to engage an inner surface of the neck to form a seal responsive to removal of the force.

In various embodiments of the enclosure system, the plunger rod may be removably coupled to the anchor.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an enclosure system for a fluid container. For example, an enclosure system for enclosing a fluid container may include a cap comprising at least one protrusion extending from an internal side of a base portion of the cap, the at least one protrusion may be configured to engage an outer neck surface of an opening of the neck of the fluid container as the cap is being pressed down onto the neck to cause the base portion to expand to allow the at least one protrusion to engage at least one thread on the outer surface of neck, the base portion may be biased toward the neck to hold the cap on the neck, and a sealing material may be arranged within a top internal portion of the cap, the sealing material may be configured to contact at least a portion of the outer neck surface to form a seal between the enclosure system and the neck.

In some embodiments of the enclosure system, the sealing material may be formed of a malleable material comprising at least one of a polymer, silicone, a wax, or a combination thereof.

In various embodiments of the enclosure system, the at least one protrusion may be or may include at least one hook.

In exemplary embodiments of the enclosure system, the at least one protrusion may be or may include at least one ridge extending circumferentially around at least a portion of the internal surface.

In some embodiments of the enclosure system, the cap may be configured to withstand a pressure of about <NUM> psi when installed on the fluid container.

In various embodiments of the enclosure system, at least one opening may be formed in the cap for at least one tube of a tube set to extend through the cap to access a fluid arranged with the fluid container.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an enclosure system for a fluid container. For example, an enclosure system may include a plug having an outer diameter larger than an opening of a neck of the fluid container, a first plug end and a second plug end arranged on opposing sides of the plug, the plug may be configured to deform responsive to pressure to reduce the outer diameter to fit the first plug end through the opening and into the neck of the fluid container, and a sleeve forming a hollow flexible cylinder extending from the second plug end, the sleeve having a first sleeve end coupled to the second plug and a second sleeve end arranged opposite the first sleeve end, the first sleeve end configured to fold at least a portion of the sleeve outward and down toward the second plug end to arrange at least a portion of the sleeve over an outer neck surface of the neck when the first plug end is installed within the neck.

In some embodiments of the enclosure system, at least one opening may be formed in the second plug end for at least one tube of a tube set to extend through the plug to access a fluid arranged with the fluid container.

In some embodiments of the enclosure system, the enclosure system may include a plunger having a plunger rod extending through the sleeve and the plug, the plunger rod having a first plunger end anchored to the first plug end and a second plunger end arranged opposite the first plunger end, the second plunger end having a plunger handle.

In exemplary embodiments of the enclosure system, the plunger handle may be configured to move in a direction toward the first plug end responsive to a force to cause the first plunger end to pull on the first plug end to stretch the plug and reduce the outer diameter to fit the first end in the opening of the neck.

In various embodiments of the enclosure system, the first plug end may be configured to expand to engage an inner surface of the neck to form a seal responsive to removal of the force.

In some embodiments of the enclosure system, the plunger rod may be removably coupled to the anchor.

In various embodiments of the enclosure system, the cap may be configured to withstand a pressure of about <NUM> psi when installed on the fluid container.

In some embodiments of the enclosure system, at least one opening may be formed in the cap for at least one tube of a tube set to extend through the cap to access a fluid arranged with the fluid container.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus. For example, an apparatus may include a fluid container, a tube set arranged and configured to access fluid within the fluid container, the tube set coupled to an endoscope for use during an endoscopic procedure, an enclosure system configured to enclose the fluid container, the enclosure system configured to enclose fluid containers having an opening of about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the enclosure system may include a plug having an outer diameter larger than an opening of a neck of the fluid container, a first plug end and a second plug end arranged on opposing sides of the plug, the plug configured to deform responsive to pressure to reduce the outer diameter to fit the first plug end through the opening and into the neck of the fluid container, and a sleeve forming a hollow flexible cylinder extending from the second plug end, the sleeve having a first sleeve end coupled to the second plug and a second sleeve end arranged opposite the first sleeve end, the first sleeve end configured to fold at least a portion of the sleeve outward and down toward the second plug end to arrange at least a portion of the sleeve over an outer neck surface of the neck when the first plug end is installed within the neck.

In various embodiments of the apparatus, the enclosure system may include a plunger having a plunger rod extending through the sleeve and the plug, the plunger rod having a first plunger end anchored to the first plug end and a second plunger end arranged opposite the first plunger end, the second plunger end having a plunger handle.

In exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, the enclosure system may include a cap comprising at least one protrusion extending from an internal side of a base portion of the cap, the at least one protrusion configured to engage an outer neck surface of an opening of the neck of the fluid container as the cap is being pressed down onto the neck to cause the base portion to expand to allow the at least one protrusion to engage at least one thread on the outer surface of neck, the base portion biased toward the neck to hold the cap on the neck, and a sealing material arranged within a top internal portion of the cap, the sealing material to contact at least a portion of the outer neck surface to form a seal between the enclosure system and the neck.

In some embodiments of the apparatus, the sealing material may be formed of a malleable material comprising at least one of a polymer, silicone, a wax, or a combination thereof.

Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are schematic and not intended to be drawn to scale. The accompanying drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only, and the dimensions, positions, order, and relative sizes reflected in the figures in the drawings may vary. For example, devices may be enlarged so that detail is discernable, but is intended to be scaled down in relation to, e.g., fit within a working channel of a delivery catheter or endoscope. In the figures, identical or nearly identical or equivalent elements are typically represented by the same reference characters, and similar elements are typically designated with similar reference numbers differing in increments of <NUM>, with redundant description omitted. For purposes of clarity and simplicity, not every element is labeled in every figure, nor is every element of each embodiment shown where illustration is not necessary to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure.

The Detailed Description will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters represent like elements, as follows:.

The following Detailed Description should be read with reference to the drawings, which depict illustrative embodiments. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments described, as such may vary. All apparatuses and systems and methods discussed herein are examples of apparatuses and/or systems and/or methods implemented in accordance with one or more principles of the present disclosure. Each example of an embodiment is provided by way of explanation and is not the only way to implement these principles but are merely examples. Thus, references to elements or structures or features in the drawings must be appreciated as references to examples of embodiments of the present disclosure, and should not be understood as limiting the present disclosure to the specific elements, structures, or features illustrated. Other examples of manners of implementing the disclosed principles will occur to a person of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the present subject matter covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

The described technologies are generally directed to fluid container enclosures configured to be coupled to a fluid container, for example, to seal the fluid container while enabling access to the contents of the fluid container, such as from an endoscopic system via a tubing set. A fluid container may be or may include a bottle or reservoir (see for example, reservoir <NUM>). The fluid container enclosures may be configured as a cap, lid, or other enclosure component capable of sealing a fluid container. In some embodiments, the fluid container enclosures may include openings, lumens, holes, or other elements capable of allowing tubing access to the contents of the fluid container while maintaining a seal. Fluid container enclosures according to some embodiments are configured to operate with fluid containers of various properties, such as size, neck configuration, thread configuration, and/or the like. Accordingly, fluid container enclosures according to some embodiments may operate as universal enclosures that are able to be used with a wide array of fluid container configurations, including fluid contains made by different manufacturers and fluid containers having different shapes, sizes, neck configurations, and/or the like.

Some challenges in coupling with a fluid container and gaining access to the contents of the fluid container may include having a fluid container enclosure that is compatible with the fluid container. For example, a fluid container enclosure may include a screw cap with one or more tubes extending therethrough. In such examples, the screw cap may couple to corresponding threads on a neck of the fluid container with the one or more tubes extending therethrough enabling the endoscopic system to access the contents of the fluid container. However, there are many different types of fluid container manufacturers that offer different fluid container designs. Further, manufacturers may offer different fluid container designs and/or periodically change or update fluid container designs. For instance, manufacturers may offer designs with different thread patterns or neck sizes around the world based on regional preferences or demands. This presents a challenge for manufacturers of tubing sets by requiring them to offer multiple products with customized fluid container enclosures for each design. Further, product acquisition and stocking by health care facilities is complicated by necessitating that they ensure that tubing sets have a fluid container enclosure that is compatible with an available fluid container.

Accordingly, various embodiments of the present disclosure include fluid container enclosures that widen the scope of compatibility to a variety of different fluid container designs. In many embodiments, one or more fluid container enclosures of the present disclosure may provide an efficient, safe, and effective way to couple with and gain access to the contents of a multitude of fluid container designs. Enabling fluid container enclosures to be compatible with different fluid container designs allows manufacturers of tubing sets to offer products that are more adaptable and appeal to a broader market. Further, enabling fluid container enclosures to be compatible with different fluid container designs can simplify product acquisition and stocking by health care facilities.

For example, enclosure systems according to some embodiments may be used with a wide variety of fluid container opening or neck dimensions, such as an opening diameter and/or thread configuration (for instance, Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) thread finish or "H" dimension). In some embodiments, an enclosure system may include a cap capable of being used to seal a fluid container having an opening size of about <NUM> centimeters (cm), about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, and any value or range between any two of these values (including endpoints). In some embodiments, an enclosure system may include a cap capable of being used to seal a fluid container having a GPI thread finish of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and any value or range between any two of these values (including endpoints). The described embodiments may provide additional advantages that would be known to those of skill in the art.

It may be understood that the disclosure included herein is exemplary and explanatory only and is not restrictive. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "example," rather than "ideal. " Although endoscopes and endoscopic systems are referenced herein, reference to endoscopes, endoscopic systems, or endoscopy should not be construed as limiting the possible applications of the disclosed features. For example, the disclosed features may be used in conjunction with duodenoscopes, bronchoscopes, ureteroscopes, colonoscopes, catheters, diagnostic or therapeutic tools or devices, or other types of medical devices or systems.

Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purpose of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the novel embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. The intention is to cover all modification, equivalents, and alternatives within the scope of the claims.

With reference to <FIG>, an exemplary endoscope <NUM> and system <NUM> is depicted that may comprise an elongated shaft 100a that is inserted into a patient. A light source <NUM> feeds illumination light to a distal portion 100b of the endoscope <NUM>, which may house an imager (e.g., CCD or CMOS imager) (not shown). The light source <NUM> (e.g., lamp) is housed in a video processing unit <NUM> that processes signals that are input from the imager and outputs processed video signals to a video monitor (not shown) for viewing. The video processing unit <NUM> also serves as a component of an air/water feed circuit by housing a pressurizing pump <NUM>, such as an air feed pump, in the unit.

The endoscope shaft 100a may include a distal tip 100c provided at the distal portion 100b of the shaft 100a and a flexible bending portion <NUM> proximal to the distal tip 100c. The flexible bending portion <NUM> may include an articulation joint (not shown) to assist with steering the distal tip 100c. On an end face 100d of the distal tip of the endoscope <NUM> is a gas/lens wash nozzle <NUM> for supplying gas to insufflate the interior of the patient at the treatment area and for supplying water to wash a lens covering the imager. An irrigation opening <NUM> in the end face 100d supplies irrigation fluid to the treatment area of the patient. Illumination windows (not shown) that convey illumination light to the treatment area, and an opening <NUM> to a working channel <NUM> extending along the shaft 100a for passing tools to the treatment area, also may be included on the face 100d of the distal tip 100c. The working channel <NUM> extends along the shaft 100a to a proximal channel opening <NUM> positioned distal to an operating handle <NUM> of the endoscope <NUM>. A biopsy valve <NUM> may be utilized to seal the channel opening <NUM> against unwanted fluid egress.

The operating handle <NUM> may be provided with knobs <NUM> for providing remote <NUM>-way steering of the distal tip via wires connected to the articulation joint in the bendable flexible portion <NUM> (e.g., one knob controls up-down steering and another knob control for left-right steering). A plurality of video switches <NUM> for remotely operating the video processing unit <NUM> may be arranged on a proximal end side of the handle <NUM>. In addition, the handle is provided with dual valve wells <NUM> that receive a gas/water valve <NUM> for operating an insufflating gas and lens water feed operation. A gas supply line 240a and a lens wash supply line 245a run distally from the gas/water valve <NUM> along the shaft 100a and converge at the distal tip 100c proximal to the gas/wash nozzle <NUM> (<FIG>). The other valve well <NUM> receives a suction valve <NUM> for operating a suction operation. A suction supply line 250a runs distally from the suction valve <NUM> along the shaft 100a to a junction point in fluid communication with the working channel <NUM> of the endoscope <NUM>.

The operating handle <NUM> is electrically and fluidly connected to the video processing unit <NUM>, via a flexible umbilical <NUM> and connector portion <NUM> extending therebetween. The flexible umbilical <NUM> has a gas (e.g., air or CO2) feed line 240b, a lens wash feed line 245b, a suction feed line 250b, an irrigation feed line 255b, a light guide (not shown), and an electrical signal cable. The connector portion <NUM> when plugged into the video processing unit <NUM> connects the light source <NUM> in the video processing unit with the light guide. The light guide runs along the umbilical <NUM> and the length of the endoscope shaft 100a to transmit light to the distal tip 100c of the endoscope <NUM>. The connector portion <NUM> when plugged into the video processing unit <NUM> also connects the air pump <NUM> to the gas feed line 240b in the umbilical <NUM>.

A water reservoir <NUM> (e.g., water bottle) is fluidly connected to the endoscope <NUM> through the connector portion <NUM> and the umbilical <NUM>. A length of gas supply tubing 240c passes from one end positioned in an air gap <NUM> between the top <NUM> (e.g., bottle cap or enclosure) of the reservoir <NUM> and the remaining water <NUM> in the reservoir to a detachable gas/lens wash connection <NUM> on the outside of the connector portion <NUM>. The gas feed line 240b from the umbilical <NUM> branches in the connector portion <NUM> to fluidly communicate with the gas supply tubing 240c at the detachable gas/lens wash connection <NUM>, as well as the air pump <NUM>. A length of lens wash tubing 245c, with one end positioned at the bottom of the reservoir <NUM>, passes through the top (e.g., a cap or enclosure) <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM> to the same detachable connection <NUM> as the gas supply tubing 240c on the connector portion <NUM>. In other embodiments, the connections may be separate and/or separated from each other. The connector portion <NUM> also has a detachable irrigation connection <NUM> for irrigation supply tubing (not shown) running from a source of irrigation water (not shown) to the irrigation feed line 255b in the umbilical <NUM>. In some embodiments, irrigation water is supplied via a pump (e.g., peristaltic pump) from a water source independent (not shown) from the water reservoir <NUM>. In other embodiments, the irrigation supply tubing and lens wash tubing 245c may source water from the same reservoir. The connector portion <NUM> may also include a detachable suction connection <NUM> for suction feed line 250b and suction supply line 250a fluidly connecting a vacuum source (e.g., hospital house suction) (not shown) to the umbilical <NUM> and endoscope <NUM>.

The gas feed line 240b and lens wash feed line 245b are fluidly connected to the valve well <NUM> for the gas/water valve <NUM> and configured such that operation of the gas/water valve in the well controls supply of gas or lens wash to the distal tip 100c of the endoscope <NUM>. The suction feed line 250b is fluidly connected to the valve well <NUM> for the suction valve <NUM> and configured such that operation of the suction valve in the well controls suction applied to the working channel <NUM> of the endoscope <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an exemplary operation of an endoscopic system <NUM>, including an endoscope such as endoscope <NUM> above, is explained. Air from the air pump <NUM> in the video processing unit <NUM> is flowed through the connection portion <NUM> and branched to the gas/water valve <NUM> on the operating handle <NUM> through the gas feed line 240b in the umbilical <NUM>, as well as through the gas supply tubing 240c to the water reservoir <NUM> via the connection <NUM> on the connector portion <NUM>. When the gas/water valve <NUM> is in a neutral position, without the user's finger on the valve, air is allowed to flow out of the valve to atmosphere. In a first position, the user's finger is used to block the vent to atmosphere. Gas is allowed to flow from the valve <NUM> down the gas supply line 240a and out the distal tip 100c of the endoscope <NUM> in order to, for example, insufflate the treatment area of the patient. When the gas/water valve <NUM> is pressed downward to a second position, gas is blocked from exiting the valve, allowing pressure of the air passing from the air pump <NUM> to rise in the water reservoir <NUM>. Pressurizing the water source forces water out of the lens wash tubing 245c, through the connector portion <NUM>, umbilical <NUM>, through the gas/water valve <NUM> and down the lens wash supply line 245a, converging with the gas supply line 240a prior to exiting the distal tip 100c of the endoscope <NUM> via the gas/lens wash nozzle <NUM>. Air pump pressure may be calibrated to provide lens wash water at a relatively low flow rate compared to the supply of irrigation water.

The volume of the flow rate of the lens wash is governed by gas pressure in the water reservoir <NUM>. When gas pressure begins to drop in the water reservoir <NUM>, as water is pushed out of the reservoir <NUM> through the lens wash tubing 245c, the air pump <NUM> replaces lost air supply in the reservoir <NUM> to maintain a substantially constant pressure, which in turn provides for a substantially constant lens wash flow rate. In some embodiments, a filter (not shown) may be placed in the path of the gas supply tubing 240c to filter-out undesired contaminants or particulates from passing into the water reservoir <NUM>. In some embodiments, outflow check valves or other <NUM>-way valve configurations (not shown) may be placed in the path of the lens wash supply tubing to help prevent water from back-flowing into the reservoir <NUM> after the water has passed the valve.

A relatively higher flow rate compared to lens wash is typically required for irrigation water, since a primary use is to clear the treatment area in the patient of debris that obstructs the user's field of view. Irrigation is typically achieved with the use of a pump (e.g., peristaltic pump), as described. In embodiments with an independent water source for irrigation, tubing placed in the bottom of a water source is passed through the top of the water source and threaded through the head on the upstream side of the pump. Tubing on the downstream side of the pump 255c is connected to the irrigation feed line 255b in the umbilical <NUM> and the irrigation supply line 255a endoscope <NUM> via the irrigation connection <NUM> on the connector portion <NUM>. When irrigation water is required, fluid is pumped from the water source by operating the irrigation pump, such as by depressing a footswitch (not shown), and flows through the irrigation connection <NUM>, through the irrigation feed line 255b in the umbilical, and down the irrigation supply line in the shaft 100a of the endoscope to the distal tip 100c. In order to equalize the pressure in the water source as water is pumped out of the irrigation supply tubing, an air vent (not shown) may be included in the top (e.g., a cap or enclosure) <NUM> of the water reservoir <NUM>. The vent allows atmospheric air into the water source preventing negative pressure build-up in the water source, which could create a vacuum that suctions undesired matter from the patient back through the endoscope toward the water source. In some embodiments, outflow check valves or other <NUM>-way valve configurations (not shown), similar to the lens wash tubing 245c, may be placed in the path of the irrigation supply tubing to help prevent back-flow into the reservoir after water has passed the valve.

<FIG> illustrates various features of an embodiment of an enclosure system according to the present disclosure. In particular, <FIG> depicts a side perspective view and <FIG> depicts a top view of a plug-based enclosure system <NUM> having a plug <NUM> with a first (inserted or anterior) end <NUM> arranged to be inserted into a fluid container (see, for example, <FIG> and <FIG>) and a second (non-inserted or posterior) end <NUM> having a flexible sleeve <NUM> extending therefrom. In some embodiments, sleeve <NUM> may be hollow, for example, formed the same or similar to a flexible cylinder.

In various embodiments, enclosure system <NUM> may be formed as a single piece. For example, plug <NUM> may be formed of a first material (for instance, rigid silicone) that transitions into sleeve <NUM> (for instance, a more flexible form of silicone). In other embodiments, enclosure system <NUM> may be formed of separate plug <NUM> and sleeve <NUM> portions coupled together, for example, via an adhesive, fastener, or other coupling component.

In various embodiments, plug <NUM> may be formed of a rigid yet deformable material. In some embodiments, plug <NUM> may be formed of a polymer, an elastomer, silicone, rubber, cork, a wax, variations thereof, and/or combinations thereof. In various embodiments, plug <NUM> may be formed of silicone. In some embodiments, plug <NUM> may be formed of a rigid form of silicone, for example, with a durometer scale of between about 55A to about 100A. Plug <NUM> may be deformed such that its diameter (for example, outer diameter) decreases in order to fit within a neck (or other inlet/outlet port) of a fluid container, such as a bottle.

In exemplary embodiments, one or more holes or openings <NUM> may be formed in plug <NUM> to accommodate, for instance, tubing <NUM> configured to extend into the fluid container to access the contents thereof. In some embodiments, openings <NUM> may include or may be associated with a liner or insert configured to maintain the size and/or shape of openings <NUM> when plug <NUM> is being deformed to fit within a neck of a fluid container. For example, a rigid material, including, without limitation, silicone or a polymer, may be arranged within at least a portion of openings <NUM> to prevent or reduce the deformation of openings <NUM>. Accordingly, tubes <NUM> extending through openings <NUM> may not be closed off due to the deformation of plug <NUM>, allowing the flow of fluid and/or gas from/to the fluid container.

In various embodiments, sleeve <NUM> may be formed of a material capable of allowing sleeve <NUM> to be deformed to fold down over the neck of the fluid container after plug <NUM> has been installed (see, for example, state <NUM> of <FIG>). In this manner, sleeve <NUM> may operate to provide or enhance the sealing properties of enclosure system <NUM>. In some embodiments, sleeve may be formed of a polymer, an elastomer, silicone, rubber, variations thereof, and/or combinations thereof. In various embodiments, sleeve <NUM> may be formed of silicone. In some embodiments, sleeve <NUM> may be formed of a highly-flexible form of silicone, for example, silicone on a low-durometer scale (for instance, between about 5OO to about 50A).

In one embodiment, to install enclosure system <NUM> in a fluid container, a user may apply pressure to a portion of plug <NUM>, such as by squeezing plug <NUM> at or near first end <NUM>, to decrease a diameter of plug <NUM> to fit into the neck of the fluid container. The user may move first end <NUM> into the neck of the fluid container and remove the pressure to allow the diameter of plug <NUM> at the deformed portion to expand to create a seal against the inner walls or surfaces of the neck of the fluid container. Enclosure system <NUM> may be further secured to the fluid container by rolling sleeve <NUM> over at least a portion of the neck of the fluid container. In some embodiments, the sizing and/or flexibility of sleeve <NUM> may facilitate sleeve <NUM> tightly conforming and/or locking with any threads on an outside surface of the neck of the fluid container (for instance, regardless of the particular thread size, shape, or other configuration).

<FIG> illustrates various features of an embodiment of an enclosure system according to the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, plug-based enclosure system <NUM> may include a plunger <NUM> having a plunger rod <NUM> extending axially through plug <NUM> and a stem <NUM> for engaging fingers of a user when pressing down on plunger rod <NUM>. An anchor <NUM> may be arranged on first end <NUM> of plug <NUM> to affix plunger rod <NUM> to plug <NUM>. For example, movement of plunger rod <NUM> may push or pull on first end <NUM> of plug. In <FIG>, enclosure system <NUM> is depicted in an initial inactive state prior to installation in a fluid container.

<FIG> illustrates various features of installation of the enclosure system of <FIG> on a fluid container. As shown in step <NUM>, applying a force to plunger <NUM>, for instance, by pushing on handle <NUM> (e.g., using a thumb of a user similar to using a plunger of a syringe to expel fluid from the syringe), to move plunger rod <NUM> in direction A while maintaining plug <NUM> in the same or substantially the same position (for instance, through an opposing force by fingers engaging stem <NUM>) may cause plug <NUM> (and sleeve <NUM>) to deform, for example, to stretch and become longer and decrease an outer diameter of plug <NUM>. Once deformed by forcing plunger <NUM> to a sufficient diameter, plug <NUM> may be moved into a neck <NUM> of a fluid container <NUM> (for example, a bottle). Referring to step <NUM>, once plug <NUM> is positioned as desired within neck <NUM>, the user may release the force on plunger <NUM>, causing plunger rod <NUM> to move in direction B (for example, as deformed plug <NUM> attempts to move back to its original, relaxed shape). The outer diameter of plug <NUM> expands, and an outer surface of plug <NUM> may press against an inner surface of neck <NUM> to affix plug <NUM> within neck <NUM>. In some embodiments, plug <NUM> may form a water-tight, gas-tight, hermetic, or other type of seal with neck <NUM>.

Referring to step <NUM>, once plug <NUM> has expanded within neck <NUM> and created a seal, the user can roll sleeve <NUM> over the outer surface of neck <NUM>, for example, to provide for additional sealing and/or holding of enclosure system <NUM> and fluid container <NUM>. In addition, enclosure system may allow a user to secure enclosure system <NUM> via plunger <NUM> using one hand (for instance, allowing the user to steady fluid container <NUM> bottle with their other hand if desired).

In some embodiments, once installed, plunger <NUM> or plunger rod <NUM> may be removed from plug <NUM>. For example, plunger rod <NUM> may be threaded to mate with anchor <NUM>. In another example, plunger rod <NUM> may form snap-fit, friction fit, or other type of removable physical connection with anchor <NUM>. To remove an installed plug <NUM>, plunger rod <NUM> may be re-connected with anchor <NUM> and then pushed in direction A to reduce an outer diameter of plug.

Although a plunger <NUM> is used in the illustrative example depicted in <FIG>, embodiments are not so limited. For instance, enclosure system <NUM> may use any type of component capable of deforming plug <NUM> to fit within neck <NUM>, for example, a releasable and/or removable clamp, vise, sleeve, and/or the like. In another instance, enclosure system <NUM> may not use a separate component to deform plug, instead, for instance, relying on manual pressure by a user to deform and/or push plug <NUM> into neck to an adequate position.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of an enclosure system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, a clamp-based enclosure system <NUM> may include an enclosure <NUM> and a clamp <NUM>. In some embodiments, enclosure <NUM> may be or may include a tube or tube portion. In various embodiments, enclosure <NUM> may be formed of a flexible material, such as a polymer, silicone, an elastomer, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a polyolefin, polyethylene, polyurethane, variations thereof, and/or combinations thereof. In various embodiments, clamp <NUM> may include a spring-based clamp or clip having handles <NUM> and a clamp (spring) portion <NUM>. In general, squeezing handles <NUM> together may cause clamp portion <NUM> to open (for instance, increase an inner diameter of the spring), releasing handles <NUM> may cause clamp portion to close (for instance, decrease the inner diameter of the spring). In general, clamp <NUM> may be biased toward the closed position.

<FIG> depicts enclosure system <NUM> installed on a neck <NUM> of a fluid container <NUM>. In some embodiments, the original cap or other enclosure that comes with bottle would be removed and replaced with enclosure <NUM> configured to be fed over at least a portion of neck <NUM>. Inside of the tube formed by enclosure <NUM>, tubing <NUM> may extend into fluid container <NUM> to allow tubing <NUM> to access the contents of fluid container <NUM>. In some embodiments, enclosure <NUM> may be sized to form a friction fit with neck <NUM>. In addition, clamp <NUM> may be arranged around a portion of enclosure <NUM> covering neck to secure or further secure enclosure <NUM> to neck <NUM> and/or to form or enhance a seal between enclosure <NUM> and neck <NUM>.

To install enclosure system <NUM> on fluid container <NUM> as depicted in <FIG>, enclosure <NUM> may be forced or otherwise positioned around neck <NUM>. Clamp <NUM> may be initially positioned around neck <NUM> in an open configuration and enclosure <NUM> passed down through enclosure, or clamp may be passed down along enclosure <NUM> from a top portion (e.g., distal from neck <NUM>) to the bottom portion of enclosure <NUM> that will be positioned around neck <NUM>. Once enclosure <NUM> is positioned around neck <NUM>, the opening force on clamp <NUM> may be released to cause clamp portion <NUM> to clamp around enclosure <NUM> and neck <NUM>.

Although a spring clamp is used in the example depicted in <FIG>, embodiments are not so limited. For instance, various other clamp or clamp-like components may be used instead of or in combination with claim <NUM>, such as a hose clamp, a collar, a barbell collar-like mechanism, a clip, and/or the like.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an embodiment of an enclosure system according to the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a ball bearing (or quick disconnect) based enclosure system <NUM> may include a set of ball bearings <NUM> arranged within an enclosure <NUM>, such as a flexible tube. For example, ball bearings <NUM> may be arranged within a wall of a tube forming enclosure <NUM>. The enclosure <NUM> may be fed over a neck <NUM> of a fluid container <NUM>, with ball bearings <NUM> floating freely (or relatively freely) over threads <NUM>. Once enclosure <NUM> is in position over neck <NUM>, a sleeve <NUM> may be forced over enclosure <NUM>, forcing ball bearings <NUM> into a position that compresses them against neck <NUM>. In some embodiments, ball bearings <NUM> may be spaced so that ball bearings are arranged between threads <NUM>. In various embodiments, enclosure <NUM> may be formed of a flexible material, such as a polymer, silicone, an elastomer, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a polyolefin, polyethylene, polyurethane, variations thereof, and/or combinations thereof.

In various embodiments, sleeve <NUM> may be biased to move in direction C, for example, by a spring or other biasing element (not shown). Accordingly, enclosure <NUM> may be pushed onto neck <NUM> while sleeve <NUM> is being held in position above enclosure. Once enclosure <NUM> is in proper position about neck <NUM>, sleeve <NUM> may be released, causing sleeve <NUM> to move in direction C, over enclosure <NUM> portion around neck <NUM>. In this manner, enclosure system <NUM> may have portions that act the same or similar to a quick connect coupling, for instance, sleeve <NUM> may operate the same or similar as a spring-biased female coupling component of a quick connect coupling.

In some embodiments, tubing <NUM> may extend into fluid container <NUM> through enclosure system <NUM> to allow tubing <NUM> to access the contents of fluid container <NUM>. For example, enclosure system <NUM> may include a conduit <NUM> for providing a passage for tubing <NUM> to extend into fluid container <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an embodiment of an enclosure system according to the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a ball bearing-based enclosure system <NUM> may include an enclosure <NUM> configured to be positioned about neck <NUM> of fluid container <NUM>. Enclosure <NUM> may be formed of a flexible material, including, without limitation, a polymer, silicone, rubber, and combinations thereof. In various embodiments, enclosure <NUM> may form a friction fit with neck <NUM>. In some embodiments, enclosure system <NUM> may have a sleeve <NUM> biased in direction D, for instance, by a spring or other biasing element. While enclosure <NUM> is being positioned about neck <NUM> by a user, sleeve <NUM> may be held in a downward position toward neck <NUM> against the biasing force.

Referring to <FIG>, when enclosure <NUM> is suitably positioned about neck <NUM>, sleeve <NUM> may be released, causing sleeve to move in direction E. In some embodiments, sleeve <NUM> may move a specified distance, for example, due to a stop or a limitation of the biasing force. When sleeve <NUM> slides up in direction E, an inner surface of sleeve <NUM> may engage ball bearings <NUM> and force ball bearings to be seated in a groove <NUM> or other structure of a mating element <NUM>. In some embodiments, mating element <NUM> may be the same or similar to a male quick connect or fast-action coupler element, for example, as depicted in <FIG>. Tubing <NUM> may extend through mating element <NUM> into container <NUM>.

When enclosure system <NUM> is in the installed state, enclosure <NUM> may form a seal with neck <NUM> alone or in combination with tube <NUM> and/or mating element <NUM>. Engagement of mating element <NUM> via ball bearings <NUM> may operate to maintain the coupling between enclosure system <NUM> and fluid container <NUM>. Pushing down on sleeve <NUM> (for example, in a direction toward fluid container <NUM>) may allow ball bearings <NUM> to unseat from groove <NUM> to allow for release of enclosure system <NUM> from fluid container <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of an enclosure system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> shows an external view of a sheath-based enclosure system <NUM> that includes an enclosure, hood, or cap <NUM> configured to be arranged about a neck <NUM> of a fluid container <NUM>. In some embodiments, cap <NUM> may have a conical or substantially conical shape. In various embodiments, cap <NUM> may be biased to a given inner diameter by an external semiflexible sheath that will give under force while maintaining a constant radial pressure. Cap <NUM> may be configured to have one or more tubes <NUM> extend therethrough to access contents of fluid container <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a sectional view of enclosure system <NUM> showing cap in an uninstalled state. As shown in <FIG>, cap <NUM> may include internal features, such as protrusions or a ridge <NUM> extending from an internal bottom or base portion of cap. For example, in some embodiments, protrusions <NUM> may include one or more hooks, teeth, or other elements extending from an internal surface of cap <NUM>. In various embodiments, protrusions <NUM> may be configured to catch or otherwise engage distended features on the external surface of neck <NUM>, such as threads <NUM>.

In some embodiments, cap <NUM> and/or protrusions <NUM> may be formed of a flexible material, such as a polymer, rubber, silicone, and/or the like. In various embodiments, protrusions could be any material that is acceptable from a biocompatibility perspective while maintaining the ability to adhere to the features on neck <NUM> of fluid container <NUM>. In some embodiments, protrusions <NUM> may extend circumferentially or substantially circumferentially around an inner portion of cap, for instance, forming a ridge, boss, or shoulder. In various embodiments, a ridge, a protrusion, or a portion of protrusions <NUM> may be formed at a base or bottom portion of cap <NUM>. In other embodiments, a ridge, a protrusion, or a portion of protrusions <NUM> may be formed further up the inner side wall or surface of cap <NUM>.

In various embodiments, a sealing material <NUM> may be arranged on an underside of cap <NUM>, for example, on upper top and/or side surfaces of cap <NUM>. In some embodiments, sealing material <NUM> may be formed of various malleable materials, such as a polymer, silicone, (malleable) wax, variations thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In various embodiments, sealing material <NUM> may be formed of a low durometer polymer or silicone, such as a material with a durometer scale of about 5A to about 50A. In some embodiments, sealing material <NUM> may have a stickiness or tackiness characteristic. In exemplary embodiments, sealing material <NUM> may circumferentially fill a top portion of cap <NUM> to create a seal when cap <NUM> is pressed onto neck <NUM> (see, for example, <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, to install cap <NUM> on neck <NUM>, cap <NUM> may be pressed down onto neck <NUM> and/or ratcheted around neck <NUM>. The flexible material of cap <NUM> may allow protrusions <NUM> to expand outward from neck <NUM> to allow cap <NUM> to be pressed downward onto neck <NUM>. For example, cap <NUM> may be pushed down on neck <NUM>, expanding out beyond threads <NUM>. Because protrusions <NUM> are biased toward neck <NUM>, protrusions <NUM> may become seated within grooves between threads <NUM> when in the area of grooves <NUM>. In some embodiments, the flexible material of cap <NUM> and shape of protrusions <NUM> (for instance, a hook or hook-like shape) may allow biased protrusions <NUM> to ride or ratchet around grooves formed between threads <NUM> such that cap <NUM> may be rotated onto necks <NUM> of various shapes, dimensions, and other physical characteristics by riding through the grooves between threads <NUM> to become seated as depicted in <FIG>. Cap <NUM> may be pressed down and/or threaded down around neck to allow sealing material <NUM> to form a seal with neck. In some embodiments, cap <NUM> may be installed on neck <NUM> to maintain a certain pressure, for example, a pressure required by fluid container <NUM> during operation (for instance, about <NUM> psi to move fluid out of fluid container <NUM>).

Once cap <NUM> is installed, movement of cap <NUM> away from fluid container <NUM> may be prevented due to engagement of protrusions <NUM> with threads <NUM>. In addition, sealing material <NUM> may act the same or similar to an adhesive, particularly a weak, temporary adhesive, to affix cap <NUM> to neck <NUM> and form a water-tight, gas-tight, or hermetic seal between cap <NUM> and neck <NUM>.

The foregoing discussion has broad application and has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. It will be understood that various additions, modifications, and substitutions may be made to embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that principles of the present disclosure may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the scope, or characteristics thereof. For example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more features, embodiments, or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, it should be understood that various features of the certain features, embodiments, or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate features, embodiments, or configurations. While the disclosure is presented in terms of embodiments, it should be appreciated that the various separate features of the present subject matter need not all be present in order to achieve at least some of the desired characteristics and / or benefits of the present subject matter or such individual features. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure may be used with many modifications or modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, materials, components, and otherwise, used in the practice of the disclosure, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, the size or dimensions of the elements may be varied. Similarly, while operations or actions or procedures are described in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such particular order, or that all operations or actions or procedures are to be performed, to achieve desirable results. Additionally, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the claimed subject matter being indicated by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description or particular embodiments or arrangements described or illustrated herein. In view of the foregoing, individual features of any embodiment may be used and can be claimed separately or in combination with features of that embodiment or any other embodiment, the scope of the subject matter being indicated by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description.

In the foregoing description and the following claims, the following will be appreciated. The phrases "at least one", "one or more", and "and/or", as used herein, are openended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. The terms "a", "an", "the", "first", "second", etc., do not preclude a plurality. For example, the term "a" or "an" entity, as used herein, refers to one or more of that entity. All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, counterclockwise, and/or the like) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and/or serve to distinguish regions of the associated elements from one another, and do not limit the associated element, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of this disclosure. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. Identification references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to connote importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another. The following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claim 1:
An enclosure system (<NUM>) for enclosing a fluid container (<NUM>), comprising:
a plug (<NUM>) having an outer diameter larger than an opening of a neck of the fluid container, a first plug end (<NUM>) and a second plug end (<NUM>) arranged on opposing sides of the plug, the plug configured to deform responsive to pressure to reduce the outer diameter to fit the first plug end through the opening and into the neck (<NUM>) of the fluid container (<NUM>); and
a sleeve (<NUM>) forming a hollow flexible cylinder extending from the second plug end (<NUM>), the sleeve having a first sleeve end coupled to the second plug end (<NUM>) and a second sleeve end arranged opposite the first sleeve end, the first sleeve end configured to fold at least a portion of the sleeve (<NUM>) outward and down toward the second plug end (<NUM>) to arrange at least a portion of the sleeve (<NUM>) over an outer neck surface of the neck (<NUM>) when the first plug end (<NUM>) is installed within the neck (<NUM>).