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Publication Number
US-12558294-B2
Publication Date
2026-02-24
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention relates to a fitting for an enteral feeding line, comprising: attachment means configured to connect the fitting to a complementary fitting, a tapered tip coaxial with an axis and a flange extending around the tip and coaxial with the tip, the flange extending away from the tip and delimiting with the tip an annular space configured to receive the complementary fitting, the attachment means being disposed at the annular space, the annular space comprising a first portion comprising the attachment means and a second portion not provided with attachment means, the second portion having an axial length along the axis and the tip having a predetermined diameter at an interface I between the first portion and the second portion, a ratio of the predetermined diameter to the axial length being greater than or equal to 1.0 and less than or equal to 2.0.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an enteral feeding-line coupling comprising fixing means configured to connect the coupling to a complementary coupling. The coupling includes a tapered tip coaxial with an axis and a flange extending around the tapered tip and coaxial with the tapered tip, the flange extending at a distance from the tapered tip and delimiting an annular space configured to receive the complementary coupling, with the fixing means disposed in the annular space.
The annular space comprises a first portion comprising the fixing means and a second portion devoid of fixing means. The second portion has an axial length along the axis, and the tapered tip has a first diameter at an interface between the first portion and the second portion. A ratio between the first diameter and the axial length is constrained to be greater than or equal to 1.0 and less than or equal to 2.0.
The description further characterizes structural geometry intended to improve mechanical integrity and manufacturing appearance during assembly and disassembly, including constraining a predetermined tip diameter/axial-length ratio and defining dimensional ranges for axial length, tip thickness, and taper. It also describes atraumatic features including limited gripping fin protrusion and smooth or ovoid outer surfaces for cleaning and asepsis, as well as a protruding annular border configured to axially block a fixing ring.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim defines the coupling geometry and its annular-space structure, including an interface diameter to axial-length ratio constrained to 1.0–2.0, with fixing means disposed in a first portion of the annular space and a second portion devoid of fixing means.
Annular-space coaxial tapered tip and flange with fixed-position fixing means
A coupling for an enteral nutrition line including fixing means configured to connect the coupling to a complementary coupling; a tapered tip coaxial with an axis; and a flange extending around the tapered tip and coaxial with the tapered tip, the flange extending at a distance from the tapered tip and delimiting with the tapered tip an annular space configured to receive the complementary coupling, the fixing means being disposed at the annular space; the annular space comprising a first portion comprising the fixing means and a second portion devoid of fixing means.
Diameter-to-axial-length ratio constraint at the interface
The second portion having an axial length along the axis and the tapered tip having a first diameter at an interface between the first portion and the second portion; wherein a ratio between the first diameter and the axial length is greater than or equal to 1.0 and less than or equal to 2.0.
The claim coverage centers on an enteral nutrition coupling with an annular space between a coaxial tapered tip and a coaxial flange, with fixing means limited to a first annular-space portion, and a constrained geometric relationship between a diameter at the interface and the axial length of the second portion.
Stated Advantages
Improves resistance to mechanical rupture during assembly and disassembly.
Maintains radial clearance.
Reduces manufacturing shrink marks.
Provides atraumatic handling through limited gripping fin protrusion.
Enables cleaning and asepsis via smooth or ovoid outer surfaces.
Axially blocks a fixing ring using a protruding annular border.
Documented Applications
Used as an enteral feeding-line coupling for connection in an enteral nutrition tube/nutrient container and medical liquid transmission.
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