Sherwood Medical Company

Sherwood Services Ag

James B Prichard

Raymond O Bodicky

The present invention is generally directed to a strain relief device which assists in resisting bending and/or torsional forces while at the same time resisting axial pull forces to avoid separation of the strain relief device from the catheter tube during use. By way of example, the strain relief device of the present invention preferably includes an elongate body formed of an elastomeric material having a lumen formed therethrough along its entire length. The strain relief device lumen may be generally divided into proximal, central and distal portions which may each be of varying and/or different diameters. The strain relief device is preferably placed about a selected portion of the catheter tube, and the proximal and distal portions are bonded to the catheter tube. The inner diameter of the proximal portion may be approximately equal to the inner diameter of the distal portion and the central section has an inner diameter which is significantly larger than the inner diameter of either the distal or proximal portion of the strain relief device. Additionally, the inner diameter of the distal and proximal portions of the strain relief device are only slightly larger than the outer diameter of the catheter tube, and each of the distal and proximal portions includes one or more vent areas to allow air to escape from the central section while the bonding material flows into the proximal and distal portions of the strain relief device.

Catheter strain relief device

A fluidic connector with a leak proof connection site that includes a first larger diameter portion, a second smaller diameter portion and a deformable buckling region that forms a part of both the first and second diameter portions where the two portions join. The first larger diameter portion forms a separate inner surface for receiving a plug to securely seal off the connection site from fluid communication therethrough while the second smaller diameter portion is adapted to receive and securely seal different sizes of male adapters used for attaching a lumen. The deformable buckling region forms a structural buffer between the first and second diameter portions in order to maintain the diameter of the first larger diameter portion when the second smaller diameter portion is stretched out by prolonged insertion of a nonconforming male adaptor. In addition, an adapter is provided which permits flexibility in use and provides a redundant fluid seal, without exhibiting creep.

Leak proof tube connection site

A catheter is disclosed which includes a mechanical connection between the strain relief thereof and the hub. The strain relief operates both to secure the catheter tube to the hub and to provide strain relief for the catheter tube. The strain relief connection is assisted in gripping the catheter tube by intentional overstressing of the catheter hub during manufacture thereof to expand the hub wall and generate residual hoop stresses therein which assist in securing the catheter tube within the hub.

Method of manufacturing a catheter/hub strain relief

Catheter/hub strain relief and method of manufacture thereof

A strain relief device for use at a tube/hub junction of a tubular device such as a catheter. The strain relief device forms a lumen which may have a reduced diameter at a distal section thereof which can cooperate with the outer diameter of a catheter tube to form a wicking surface. The wicking cavity is formed to allow bonding material to be added thereto which, through capillary action, forms a uniform and controlled bond pattern between the strain relief device and the catheter tube. A catheter including the strain relief device of the invention is manufactured by inserting the strain relief device over a catheter tube/hub junction and permanently bonding the proximal end of the strain relief device to the hub in a conventional manner. The distal end of the strain relief device is then bonded to the catheter tube. The stain relief device of the present invention resists axial pulling forces, as well as bending forces, which may be applied to the catheter.

Growing community of inventors

St. Peters, MO, United States of America

James B Prichard