Tube connection joint and method of forming same

Abstract

A connection joint ( 20 ) is described that is formed by inserting a plastic connector ( 10 ) into the end of a silicone tube ( 14 ). The connector includes a plurality of barbs ( 12 ). A reinforcing agent ( 16 ) is placed between each of the barbs ( 12 ) of the connector ( 10 ). An adhesive ( 18 ) is injected between the tube ( 14 ), the reinforcing agents ( 16 ) and the connector ( 10 ). The adhesive ( 18 ) is then cured at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time in order to solidify the connection joint ( 20 ).

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:  
     
         1 . A connection joint comprising: 
 a female receptacle;    a male connector having a groove defined therein, the male connector inserted into the female receptacle, wherein one of the female receptacle and the male connector is made of plastic and the other is made of silicone;    a reinforcing agent placed in the groove; and    a silicone adhesive injected into the groove surrounding the reinforcing agent.    
     
     
         2 . The connection joint of  claim 1 , wherein the male connector comprises a first end and a barb and wherein the groove of the male connector is defined between the barb and the first end of the connector.  
     
     
         3 . The connection joint of  claim 2 , wherein the reinforcing agent is placed in the groove between the barb and the first end of the connector.  
     
     
         4 . The connection joint of  claim 1 , wherein the male connector comprises a plurality of barbs and wherein a groove is defined between each pair of barbs.  
     
     
         5 . The connection joint of  claim 4 , wherein a reinforcing agent is placed in a groove between at least one pair of barbs.  
     
     
         6 . The connection joint of  claim 1 , wherein a durometer of the reinforcing agent is about greater than or equal to a durometer of the adhesive.  
     
     
         7 . The connection joint of  claim 6 , wherein the reinforcing agent is made of silicone.  
     
     
         8 . A connection joint comprising: 
 a tube;    a connector having a plurality of barbs inserted into the tube;    a reinforcing agent placed between at least one pair of the barbs; and    an adhesive injected in between the tube, the connector and the reinforcing agent.    
     
     
         9 . The connection joint of  claim 8 , wherein the durometer of the reinforcing agent is greater than or equal to about that of the adhesive.  
     
     
         10 . The connection joint of  claim 9 , wherein the reinforcing agent is of a durometer greater than about 70 shore A.  
     
     
         11 . The connection joint of  claim 10 , wherein the durometer of the adhesive is less than about 60 shore A.  
     
     
         12 . The connection joint of  claim 9 , wherein the reinforcing agent comprises an O-ring.  
     
     
         13 . The connection joint of  claim 9 , wherein the reinforcing agent comprises a plurality of particles suspended in the adhesive injected in between the tube, the connector, and the reinforcing agent.  
     
     
         14 . The connection joint of  claim 9 , wherein the reinforcing agent and the adhesive are made of silicone.  
     
     
         15 . The connection joint of  claim 8 , wherein a reinforcing agent is placed between each pair of the barbs.  
     
     
         16 . A method for connecting a tube to a connector having a plurality of barbs, the method comprising: 
 placing a reinforcing agent between at least two of the barbs of the connector;    inserting the connector into the tube; and    injecting an adhesive between the tube, the connector, and the reinforcing agent.    
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising curing the adhesive at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein a durometer of the reinforcing agent is greater than or equal to about that of the adhesive.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the reinforcing agent is made of silicone.  
     
     
         20 . A connection joint comprising: 
 a tube;    a connector inserted into the tube, the connector having a first end and a barb spaced apart from the first end;    a reinforcing agent placed between the barb and the first end of the connector; and    a adhesive injected between the tube, the connector, and the reinforcing agent.    
     
     
         21 . The connection joint of  claim 20 , wherein the connector further comprises a plurality of barbs spaced apart from each other.  
     
     
         22 . The connection joint of  claim 21 , wherein the reinforcing agent is placed between at least two of the barbs.  
     
     
         23 . The connection joint of  claim 20 , wherein the reinforcing agent comprises a plurality of particles suspended in the adhesive injected between the silicone tube, the connector, and the reinforcing agent.  
     
     
         24 . The connection joint of  claim 20 , wherein the reinforcing agent comprises an O-ring.  
     
     
         25 . The connection joint of  claim 20 , wherein the reinforcing agent is of a durometer greater than or equal to a durometer of the adhesive injected between the tube, the connector, and the reinforcing agent.  
     
     
         26 . The connection joint of  claim 20 , wherein the reinforcing agent is of a durometer greater than about 70 shore A.  
     
     
         27 . The connection joint of  claim 20 , wherein the adhesive is of a durometer of less than about 60 shore A.  
     
     
         28 . The connection joint of  claim 25 , wherein the reinforcing agent is made of silicone.  
     
     
         29 . The connection joint of  claim 25 , wherein the adhesive is a silicone adhesive.