In-line tube junctions

Claim 1

An in-line tube junction for joining a first flexible tube to a lateral tube, said in-line tube junction comprising: an open-ended, tubular socket member having a socket passage extending longitudinally therethrough, said socket member being formed of resilient material and having a longitudinal slit, the width of the slit being sized so that the first flexible tube when flattened can be inserted into the socket passage of the tubular socket member through the slit at least when the slit is increased in width by flexing the tubular socket member; a hollow spike joined to the tubular socket member and projecting inwardly thereof, said spike being arranged to pierce the first flexible tube or to engage in an aperture in the first flexible tube to thereby place the hollow of the spike into communication with the interior of the first flexible tube; a hollow take-off projecting outwardly from the tubular socket member adjacent said spike, the hollow of said take-off communicating with the hollow of the spike; means for coupling the lateral tube to the take-off whereby fluid can flow from the first tube to the lateral tube through the spike and the take-off; a removable keeper; and means on the socket member adjacent said slit for cooperating with said removable keeper to prevent removal of the first tube from the socket member through the slit.