U.S. patent application number 11/435334 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-14 for valved male luer connector having sequential valve timing.
Invention is credited to Mark C. Doyle.
Application Number | 20060202146 11/435334 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35966970 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060202146 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Doyle; Mark C. |
September 14, 2006 |
Valved male luer connector having sequential valve timing
Abstract
A male Luer connector that attaches to a standard female Luer
connector to open a medical fluid flow channel between the two
connectors. The male connector has two internal valves and a
vacuum-generating structure. The two valves and the
vacuum-generating structure are configured to draw back into the
male connector any fluid residing on the interface between the male
and female connectors during their disengagement from one another
and to then seal the distal tip of the male connector. One valve is
located at the proximal end of the male connector while another is
located at the distal, interface end of the male connector. Both
valves are opened by an actuator plug that is moved to open and
close the valves by contact with the front surface of the female
connector. A resilient member biases the male valves to the closed
position and includes a variable internal volume that creates the
partial vacuum upon disengagement of the male and female
connectors. The male valves are timed to a particular sequence with
the closing of an internal female connector valve so that the
partial vacuum generated by the male connector will have the most
fluid drawback effect.
Inventors: |
Doyle; Mark C.; (San Diego,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FULWIDER PATTON
6060 CENTER DRIVE
10TH FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90045
US
|
Family ID: |
35966970 |
Appl. No.: |
11/435334 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11010096 |
Dec 10, 2004 |
7044441 |
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11435334 |
May 15, 2006 |
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10389652 |
Mar 13, 2003 |
6964406 |
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11010096 |
Dec 10, 2004 |
|
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09927109 |
Aug 10, 2001 |
6745998 |
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10389652 |
Mar 13, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
251/149.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2039/261 20130101;
A61M 39/26 20130101; F16K 15/185 20130101; F16L 29/04 20130101;
A61M 39/10 20130101; A61M 2039/268 20130101; A61M 39/045 20130101;
A61M 39/14 20130101; A61M 2039/263 20130101; A61M 2039/267
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
251/149.1 |
International
Class: |
F16K 51/00 20060101
F16K051/00 |
Claims
1. A male Luer connector for connection with a female Luer
connector for medical fluid flow, the female connector having a
front contact surface and an internal valve, the male Luer
connector comprising: a tubular housing having a distal end and a
proximal end, the distal end configured to engage the female Luer
connector and establish an interface; and vacuum means for creating
a partial vacuum at the distal end of the tubular housing during
disengagement of the male connector from the female connector
during a time period when the female valve is closed; whereby the
vacuum means draws fluid residing at the interface away from the
interface during disengagement of the male and female
connectors.
2. The male Luer connector of claim 1 wherein the vacuum means is
located within the tubular housing.
3. The male Luer connector of claim 1 wherein the vacuum means
comprises a first valve controlling the flow of fluid through the
proximal end of the tubular housing.
4. The male Luer connector of claim 1 wherein the vacuum means
comprises a second valve controlling the flow of fluid through the
distal end of the tubular housing.
5. The male Luer connector of claim 1 wherein: the vacuum means
comprises a first valve controlling the flow of fluid through the
proximal end of the tubular housing; the vacuum means comprises a
second valve controlling the flow of fluid through the distal end
of the tubular housing; and the vacuum means is also for
controlling the second valve to remain open while the vacuum means
creates the partial vacuum.
6. The male Luer connector of claim 5 wherein the vacuum means is
also for controlling the first valve to close first, and
controlling the second valve to remain open after the female
connector valve closes during disengagement of the female connector
from the male connector.
7. The male Luer connector of claim 5 wherein: the vacuum means
comprises an actuator that controls the opening and closing of the
first and second valves; the vacuum means further comprises an
actuation surface disposed so as to be moveable by the front
contact surface of the female connector to control the actuator to
open and close the first and second valves.
8. The male Luer connector of claim 7 wherein: the first valve
comprises a proximal valve disposed at the proximal end of the
tubular housing; the second valve comprises a distal valve disposed
at the distal end of the tubular housing; and the actuator is
disposed within the tubular housing to open and close both the
proximal and distal valves.
9. The male Luer connector of claim 8 wherein the vacuum means
further comprises a resilient member disposed to bias the actuator
to close both the proximal and distal valves.
10. The male Luer connector of claim 9 wherein the resilient member
has an inner variable-volume cavity through which fluid flows, the
cavity having a first volume when the proximal and distal valves
are closed, the cavity having a second volume smaller than the
first volume when the distal valve is open; whereby the resilient
member creates a partial vacuum when moving from the second volume
to the first volume during closure of the distal valve.
11. The male Luer connector of claim 10 wherein: the cavity has the
second volume when the male and female connectors are engaged; and
the cavity moves to the first volume thereby creating the partial
vacuum when the male and female connectors are being
disengaged.
12. The male Luer connector of claim 11 wherein: the resilient
member forms a valve seat for the distal valve and a valve seat for
the proximal valve; the actuator provides a distal valve member for
the distal valve that fits into the distal valve seat to close the
distal valve and provides a proximal valve member for the proximal
valve that fits into the proximal valve seat to close the proximal
valve.
13. The male Luer connector of claim 12 wherein: the resilient
member provides the actuation surface; the actuator is disposed
within the resilient member in contact with the resilient member;
movement of the resilient member due to engagement with the front
contact surface of the female connector causes corresponding
movement of the actuator to open and close the distal and proximal
valves.
14. A male connector for connection with a female connector to
establish a path for medical fluid flow, the female connector
having a front contact surface and an internal valve, the male
connector comprising: a tubular housing having a distal end and a
proximal end, the distal end configured to engage the female Luer
connector and establish an interface; a first valve seat disposed
for use in controlling the flow of fluid through the distal end of
the tubular housing; an internal plug disposed within the tubular
housing, the internal plug having a first valve member that engages
the first valve seat to prevent the flow of fluid past the first
valve seat; and a resilient member disposed within the tubular
housing so as to bias the internal plug to engage the first valve
seat, the resilient member having an inner variable-volume cavity
through which fluid flows, the cavity having a first volume when
the first valve is closed, the cavity having a second volume
smaller than the first volume when the first valve is open; wherein
the resilient member is disposed so that engagement of the female
connector with the male connector causes the resilient member
cavity to move to the second volume and disengagement of the female
connector from the male connector causes the cavity to move from
the second volume to the first volume thereby creating a partial
vacuum.
15. The male connector of claim 14 wherein the first valve seat is
disposed at the proximal end of the housing; whereby moving the
resilient member cavity from the second volume to the first volume
creates the partial vacuum at the distal end of the tubular housing
to draw away medical fluid existing at an interface between the
male and female connectors during disengagement.
16. The male connector of claim 15 wherein the resilient member is
disposed so that the cavity moves to the first volume during a time
period after the valve of the female connector has closed whereby
the partial vacuum draws away medical fluid existing at an
interface between the male and female connectors during
disengagement.
17. The male connector of claim 16 wherein the first valve seat is
a distal valve seat disposed for use in controlling the flow of
fluid through the distal end of the tubular housing; the male
connector further comprising a proximal valve seat disposed for use
in controlling the flow of fluid through the proximal end of the
tubular housing; wherein the first valve member is a distal valve
member that engages the distal valve seat to prevent the flow of
fluid past the distal valve seat, and further comprising a proximal
valve member that engages the proximal valve seat to prevent the
flow of fluid past the proximal valve seat; and wherein the
resilient member biases the internal plug to engage both the distal
valve seat and the proximal valve seat, the first volume of the
cavity existing when the proximal and distal valves are closed, the
second volume of the cavity existing when the distal valve is
open.
18. A method for disengaging a male connector from a female
connector, the male connector including a distal end engaged with
the female connector, a proximal end, and an internal valve and the
female connector including a proximal end engaged with the male
connector, a distal end, and an internal valve, the method
comprising: closing a first valve in the male connector at the
proximal end of the male connector to isolate an interface between
the male connector and the female connector from fluid at the
proximal end of the male connector; and creating a partial vacuum
at the interface of the male connector and female connector to draw
fluid at the interface away from the interface.
19. The method of claim 18 further comprising the step of closing
the internal valve of the female connector before the step of
creating a partial vacuum.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising the step of closing a
valve at the distal end of the male connector after the step of
creating a partial vacuum.
21. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of creating a partial
vacuum comprises creating a partial vacuum within the male
connector and drawing fluid at the interface into the male
connector.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO OTHER APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 10/389,652 filed Mar. 13, 2003, having a publication no.
of 2003/0136932 A1, which is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 09/927,109, filed on Aug. 10, 2001, having a publication
no. of 2003/0032940, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,745,998 A1.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This invention relates to an improved male luer connector
device that attaches to a female luer valve to open a flow channel
through the male luer. Once the engagement of the luers has been
established, these valves are used to make connections in hospitals
for intravenous (IV) devices in order to be used in medical liquid
flow applications.
[0003] Luer devices are used in particular in a variety of medical
applications where there is a desire to interconnect together male
and female connector parts onto tubing material that is connected
to an IV. The most common types of IV fluid exchanges use a syringe
fitted with a nozzle that is designed to be received into a
corresponding receiver attached to the IV device. The receiver
often has a hollow tubular cannula or post that routes fluid into a
line inserted into the IV extending into the patient's veins.
[0004] Typical luer connections utilize a male luer connector that
is inserted into a female luer connector. The male luer connector
is threaded onto corresponding threads of the female luer connector
to engage the two so that fluid may be passed between them without
escaping or leaking from the connection. Because these connections
are subject to coming loose or disengaging, there is always a
possibility that fluid being passed within these tubes can escape.
When using hazardous drugs, such as those used for chemotherapy
treatments, the possibility of escaping fluids can be a dangerous
problem. Additionally, even if the fluid does not leak when the
connectors are engaged, once they are disengaged, the residual
amount of fluid remaining on the tip of the connectors can still be
harmful. While this amount may be less than an amount escaping from
the connectors, it can still be significant enough to cause harm to
any person exposed.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a luer connection that
securely contains the fluid materials included therein when luers
are engaged to one another. There is also a need for a luer
connection that seals off the male luer connector in a male-female
connection so that users of the connector are protected from
hazardous drugs that remain on the luer tip surface when
disengaged.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Briefly, and in general terms, the invention is directed to
a male valved connector that creates a partial vacuum upon
disengagement from a female connector to draw fluid disposed at an
interface between the male and female connectors away from the
interface.
[0007] In accordance with aspects of the present invention, there
is provided a male Luer connector for connection with a female Luer
connector for medical fluid flow, the female connector having a
front contact surface and an internal valve, the male Luer
connector comprising a tubular housing having a distal end and a
proximal end, the distal end configured to engage the female Luer
connector and establish an interface and vacuum means for creating
a partial vacuum at the distal end of the tubular housing during
disengagement of the male connector from the female connector
during a time period when the female valve is closed, whereby the
vacuum means draws fluid residing at the interface away from the
interface during disengagement of the male and female connectors.
In more detailed aspects, the vacuum means is located within the
tubular housing, and comprises a first valve controlling the flow
of fluid through the proximal end of the tubular housing. The
vacuum means also comprises a second valve controlling the flow of
fluid through the distal end of the tubular housing and the vacuum
means is also for controlling the second valve to remain open while
the vacuum means creates the partial vacuum.
[0008] In further detailed aspects in accordance with the
invention, the vacuum means is also for controlling the first valve
to close first, and controlling the second valve to remain open
after the female connector valve closes during disengagement of the
female connector from the male connector. The vacuum means
comprises an actuator that controls the opening and closing of the
first and second valves and further comprises an actuation surface
disposed so as to be moveable by the front contact surface of the
female connector to control the actuator to open and close the
first and second valves. The first valve comprises a proximal valve
disposed at the proximal end of the tubular housing, the second
valve comprises a distal valve disposed at the distal end of the
tubular housing, and the actuator is disposed within the tubular
housing to open and close both the proximal and distal valves.
[0009] In yet further aspects, the vacuum means further comprises a
resilient member disposed to bias the actuator to close both the
proximal and distal valves. The resilient member has an inner
variable-volume cavity through which fluid flows, the cavity having
a first volume when the male connector is disengaged from the
female connector, the cavity having a second volume smaller than
the first volume when the male connector is engaged with the female
connector, whereby the resilient member creates a partial vacuum
when moving from the second volume to the first volume during
closure of the distal valve occurring when the female and male
connectors are being disengaged. In more detail, the cavity has the
second volume when the male and female connectors are engaged and
the cavity moves to the first volume thereby creating the partial
vacuum when the male and female connectors are being
disengaged.
[0010] In even further detailed aspects, the resilient member forms
a valve seat for the distal valve and a valve seat for the proximal
valve and the actuator provides a distal valve member for the
distal valve that fits into the distal valve seat to close the
distal valve and provides a proximal valve member for the proximal
valve that fits into the proximal valve seat to close the proximal
valve. The resilient member provides the actuation surface, the
actuator is disposed within the resilient member in contact with
the resilient member, and movement of the resilient member due to
engagement with the front contact surface of the female connector
causes corresponding movement of the actuator to open and close the
distal and proximal valves.
[0011] In other aspects, there is provided a male connector for
connection with a female connector to establish a path for medical
fluid flow, the female connector having a front contact surface and
an internal valve, the male connector comprising a tubular housing
having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end configured
to engage the female Luer connector and establish an interface, a
first valve seat disposed for use in controlling the flow of fluid
through the distal end of the tubular housing, an internal plug
disposed within the tubular housing, the internal plug having a
first valve member that engages the first valve seat to prevent the
flow of fluid past the first valve seat, and a resilient member
disposed within the tubular housing so as to bias the internal plug
to engage the first valve seat, the resilient member having an
inner variable-volume cavity through which fluid flows, the cavity
having a first volume when the first valve is closed, the cavity
having a second volume smaller than the first volume when the first
valve is open, wherein the resilient member is disposed so that
engagement of the female connector with the male connector causes
the resilient member cavity to move to the second volume and
disengagement of the female connector from the male connector
causes the cavity to move from the second volume to the first
volume thereby creating a partial vacuum.
[0012] In accordance with aspects of a method in accordance with
the invention, there is provided a method for disengaging a male
connector from a female connector, the male connector including a
distal end engaged with the female connector, a proximal end, and
an internal valve and the female connector including a proximal end
engaged with the male connector, a distal end, and an internal
valve, the method comprising closing a first valve in the male
connector at the proximal end of the male connector to isolate an
interface between the male connector and the female connector from
fluid at the proximal end of the male connector, and creating a
partial vacuum at the interface of the male connector and female
connector to draw fluid at the interface away from the interface.
In further more detailed aspects, the method further comprises the
step of closing the internal valve of the female connector during
the step of creating a partial vacuum. The method also further
comprises the step of closing a valve at the distal end of the male
connector after the step of creating a partial vacuum. The method
wherein the step of creating a partial vacuum comprises creating a
partial vacuum within the male connector and drawing fluid at the
interface into the male connector.
[0013] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments which, taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, illustrate by way of example the
principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The present invention will be better understood from the
following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which like reference numerals refer to like parts and in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a side view of the two components of the male to
female luer connection of the luer fitting;
[0016] FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 2-2 of
FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, with the components
partially engaged;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, with the components
fully engaged;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a view similar to a portion of FIG. 2, showing an
alternative integrated spring member;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, showing an alternative
single stage valve;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, showing the valve
opened;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 5, showing a ball type
valve;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing an alternative slide
actuated valve;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9, showing the valve
opened;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 9, showing an alternative
slide actuated valve;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 10, showing an alternative
valve for use with a female luer valve that does not have a cannula
or post;
[0027] FIG. 13 is an illustration of a male luer valve that does
not contain a housing element;
[0028] FIGS. 14 and 15 are views similar to FIG. 11 illustrating a
male luer which does not contain a sleeve and showing the movement
from a closed position (FIG. 14) to an open position (FIG. 15) for
the male luer during contact with a female luer having no core rod
or cannula;
[0029] FIGS. 16 and 17 are views similar to FIGS. 14 and 15
illustrating a male luer having a central sealing member internally
of the resilient member and showing the movement from a closed
position (FIG. 16) to an open position (FIG. 17) for the male luer
during contact with a female luer having no core rod or
cannula;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 11 illustrating a male
luer which has a peripheral flange incorporated into the resilient
member which upon contact with the contract surface of a female
luer (which has no core rod or cannula) is urged backwards causing
the resilient member to retract and open;
[0031] FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 illustrate appearance and operation of
male luers which have resilient members with smooth outer contact
surfaces which upon contact with the contract surface of a female
luer (which has no core rod or cannula) provide a sufficiently
frictional connection such that the resilient member is urged
backwards causing it to retract and open;
[0032] FIGS. 22 and 23 are views similar to FIGS. 16 and 17
illustrating a male luer having a central sealing member internally
of the resilient member which has a radially extending portion
which protrudes into the wall of the resilient member and extends
it outward, allowing it to extend into or through a guide in the
housing of the male luer, which guide is engaged by a contact
surface of a female luer having no core rod or cannula, such
engagement causing the resilient member to retract and open to
permit fluid flow between and through the luers; and
[0033] FIGS. 24, 25, 26 and 27 are side elevation views (FIGS. 24
and 26) and end elevation view (FIGS. 25 and 27) of another
embodiment of a resilient member of a male luer which has a
slightly bulbous tip with a slit opening, which slit is compressed
and opened during contact with the interior surface of a female
luer with a generally conical contact recess;
[0034] FIG. 28 is a cutaway perspective view of multi-valved male
Luer connector in accordance with aspects of the invention for use
in obtaining sequential valve timing and generating a partial
vacuum at the male Luer connector end to remove excess fluid from
the tip during separation from a female connector;
[0035] FIG. 29 is a side, cross-sectional view of the male
connector of FIG. 28 showing it aligned with a compatible female
valved connector prior to engagement;
[0036] FIG. 30 is a view similar to FIG. 29 except that the male
and female connectors have become partially engaged to the point
where a distal valve of the male connector has opened while the
proximal valve of the male connector and the valve of the female
connector remain closed;
[0037] FIG. 31 is a view similar to FIG. 30 except that the male
and female connectors have become further partially engaged to the
point where the distal valve of the male connector has opened and
the valve of the female connector has opened while the proximal
valve of the male connector remains closed; and
[0038] FIG. 32 is a view similar to FIG. 31 except that the male
and female connectors have become fully engaged and both distal and
proximal valves of the male connector are open and the valve of the
female connector is also open for complete fluid flow through both
connectors.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] FIG. 1 is a side view of the two components of the male to
female luer connection of the luer fitting. The fitting is
comprised of a male luer 10 that is intended to engage with a
female luer that has an existing flush top female luer valve. The
female luer 24 is not limited to a particular type but an exemplar
luer is illustrated here. The female luer illustrated here is one
where the valve shuts off. This female luer 24 contains a housing
element 28 with a cannula or post 26. On the outer surface of the
forward end of the housing 28 there are threads 30 that permit
engagement of the female luer 24 with the male luer 10. In this
embodiment the male luer 10 is comprised of a housing element 12.
The inner wall of the housing 12 contains threads 32 that engage
the complimentary threads 30 of the female luer connector. Housing
12 has an inner tubular portion 16 of reduced diameter that
projects forwardly that has a first necked area 36 and a second
necked area 38 (See FIG. 2). The inner tubular portion defines an
internal chamber 13 with a forward opening 33 (See FIG. 2). A valve
member 18 is biased into an extended position sealing opening 33 by
resilient member or spring 14. Spring 14 acts between distal end of
chamber 13 and valve member 18. (As used herein, "distal" is the
rearward end of the male luer and "proximal" is the forward end,
i.e., the left and right ends in the views as illustrated in FIGS.
1 and 2). Valve member 18 includes a resilient portion 20 and a
forward tip member 22. FIG. 1 illustrates the two luers 10, 24 in
the unengaged position. Other types of female luer valves that do
not contain a cannula or post. By way of example, U.S. Pat. No.
5,676,346 by Leinsing and U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,816 by Werschmidt
illustrate these types of luer valves.
[0040] FIGS. 2 to 5 illustrate the male luer 10 and the female luer
24 as they become engaged with one another. FIG. 2 illustrates the
two luers 10, 24 when they are completely unengaged. The cannula or
post 26 may have an opening 40 for entrance and exit of fluid
between the two luers. Other duct systems (not shown) are possible
and may be used. The cannula or post 26 is mounted in a chamber
within a sleeve 34. This sleeve 34 can be made of rubber or any
other suitable resilient material and serves as a valve member
stopper. Sleeve 34 has a forward end opening 35 which is sealed
shut in the unengaged position of FIG. 2. The male luer has a
forward end that has a first necked area 36 and a second necked
area 38 spaced rearwardly from the first necked area 36. FIG. 3
illustrates the male luer 10 beginning to be inserted into the
female luer 24. Once the threads 30, 32 begin to engage, the
forward end 33 of housing 12 pushes the sleeve 34 back until the
opening 35 is forced to open over the end of the cannula 26. The
cannula or post 26 then comes into contact with the tip of valve
member 18 and begins to push it rearwardly so that the cannula or
post 26 displaces the valve element front section 22. This movement
begins to separate the seal surface of the first necked area 36
from its seat. As the tip member 22 begins to be pushed back, the
second resilient portion 20 is collapsed, compressing the valve
element cavity 19. This unseals the first necked area 36 and
displaces the liquid contained within the cavity 19. This displaced
liquid flows temporarily into the female luer valve 24. As this
pressure is applied, the valve member is compressed and pushed
further inwardly into chamber 13.
[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates the positioning of the luer members when
the female 24 and male 10 luers have been even further engaged. The
cannula or post 26 begins to push even more onto the tip member 22
and collapse the first resilient member 14 so that the second
necked area 38 is unsealed. At this point, more liquid is displaced
by the further insertion of the cannula or post into the vacuum
section 21 of the male luer as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 4.
The opening 40 on the cannula or post 26 permits fluid to pass into
and out of the female luer 24. This displaced liquid creates the
volume which will be refilled when the action is reversed.
[0042] Upon disconnection of the male luer 10 valve from the female
luer valve 24, the volume of liquid that was displaced during the
connection of the two valves is restored to the original positions,
thus creating a relative vacuum. When the female luer 24 is removed
from the male luer 10, the main seal created by the second necked
area 38 makes contact with its seat. This isolates the vacuum
section 21 from the upstream liquid. As the cannula or post 26 is
withdrawn, cavity 19 is restored as resilient portion 20 resiles to
its uncollapsed natural shape. As this restoration occurs, liquid
is drawn into cavity 19. Because the second necked area 38 is
closed, this liquid will be drawn from the interface between the
male luer 10 and the female luer 24. This effect is enhanced by the
volume represented by the cannula or post 26, which must be
replaced as the cannula or post 26 is withdrawn. The relative
vacuum created will attempt to draw liquid into the vacuum section
until the seal surface of the first necked area 36 again contacts
its seat.
[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates the same type of dual stage valve as
above only that it is formed with the spring 14 integrally
connected to the valve member 42. The housing 12 contains the inner
sleeve 16 and positioned inside of the inner sleeve 16 is an inner
chamber 13. The function of this embodiment is the same as the
previously described embodiments with the exception that the spring
14 can be comprised of elastomeric or other types of material that
are integrally connected with the valve member 42.
[0044] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a male luer according to another
embodiment of the present invention. This apparatus is a single
stage luer valve with an integral resilient member. In this
embodiment, the male luer has a housing 12 with threads 32 on the
inner wall of the housing for engagement to the complimentary
threads on the female luer 30. The inner chamber 13 is sealed by a
valve member 42 that is integrally formed with the resilient member
and the tip. This new valve member 42 therefore functions as in the
previous embodiment except that all members are formed in one
piece, rather than including a separate resilient member. This
embodiment demonstrates a single stage luer valve in that once the
female luer engages with the valve member 42, the member 42 moves
as a single piece rather than as several different pieces as
described above. FIG. 7 illustrates the luer of FIG. 6 engaged with
a female luer 24 and permitting fluid flow. Once the two luers 10,
24 are engaged, the cannula or post 26 of the female luer 24
collapses the valve member 42 and permits fluid flow via the
opening 40 in the cannula or post 26 and also via an opening 44 in
the rear end of the valve member 42.
[0045] FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, the housing 12 of the male luer is
similar to the previous embodiments. Additionally, contained within
the inner sleeve 16 is a resilient member or spring 14. However, in
this embodiment, the valve contained on the end of the resilient
member is shown as a ball 46. This ball may be made of various
types of materials as for example, elastomeric material.
Additionally, the forward end opening of chamber 13 is exemplified
as a part-spherical seat 47 to accommodate for ball valve 46. Those
skilled in the art will recognize that the valve contained on the
end of the resilient member or spring 14 can be of a variety of
shapes. However, the shape of the tip of the male luer 10 needs to
be one that corresponds to the shape of the tip of the female luer
24.
[0046] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a modified connector according to
yet another embodiment of the present invention, in which a
modified male luer is releaseably securable to the female luer 24
of the previous embodiments. The modified male luer comprises a
housing with a cylindrical outer wall 52 and an inner tubular
support 54 which projects into the cylindrical housing from rear
end 53 and extends along part of the length of the housing. Outer
wall 52 has internal threads 32 for engaging the female luer
threads 30 and a larger diameter than the inner support 54 which
extends from the rear end 53 of the housing and projects out of the
forward end of the housing. A resilient sleeve or bladder member 56
is secured between the tubular member 55 and support 54 at its rear
end, and projects forwardly within tubular member 55 to its forward
end opening 57. Bladder member 56 has a forward end opening 58
which is sealed shut by the inwardly tapered end portion of the
tubular member 55 when in the extended, unconnected position of
FIG. 9. The forward end portion 58 of bladder member 56 acts as a
valve to seal the end opening 57 of the male luer in the position
illustrated in FIG. 9.
[0047] Tubular member 55 of the male luer is of smaller diameter
than the inner cylindrical wall 52 of the housing, to leave an
annular gap between the member 55 and inner wall 52. A sliding
sleeve 60 is slidably mounted over the tubular member 55 in this
annular gap. Sleeve 60 has diametrically opposed openings 62, and
the tubular member 55 has opposing elongate, axially extending
slots 64. Oppositely directed guided portions 65 (e.g., tabs, wings
or fins) on the inner bladder or sleeve member 56 project radially
outwardly through the slots 64 and into the openings 62. Thus, when
the sleeve is in the fully extended position of FIG. 9, it will
pull the sliding sleeve forwardly into the illustrated position.
The corrugated portion 66 of bladder member 56 acts as a spring to
bias the forward end of the bladder member 56 and the sliding
sleeve 60 into the extended position.
[0048] FIG. 10 illustrates a female luer 24 connected to male luer
50. As the forward end of the female luer housing is threaded into
the cylindrical wall of the male housing, it will engage the
forward end 67 of the sliding sleeve 60, urging the sleeve, and
thus the bladder member 56, rearwardly and moving the forward end
portion of the bladder member out of sealing engagement with the
forward end opening of tubular member 55. This permits the forward
end opening 58 to spring open, as indicated. At the same time, the
forward end of tubular member 55 will force the sleeve 34 in the
female luer rearwardly so that it passes over the end of cannula
26, which then extends into the open forward end of the tubular
member. This allows fluid flow through the two luers, via the inner
tubular support, open end 58 of the bladder member 56, and the
openings 40 in the cannula 26. When the luers are disconnected, the
compressed corrugated portion 66 of the bladder member 56 urges the
forward end portion to move back into sealing engagement with the
forward end of the tubular member 55, preventing any fluid
leakage.
[0049] FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 9, showing an alternative
slide actuated valve except that the resilient sleeve or bladder
member 56 does not have a corrugated portion and instead has a
separate spring member 68. The spring member 68 can any type as for
example, those made of metal or elastomeric material. The function
of the male luer valve is the same; it is merely the spring member
68 that replaces the previous corrugated member.
[0050] FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 10, showing an alternative
valve for use with a female luer valve that does not have a cannula
or post. The outer surface of the forward end of the housing 28
engages and compresses the forward end 67 of the sliding sleeve 60
of the male luer valve. As the forward end of the female luer valve
housing 28 continues to further displace the sliding sleeve 60, the
bladder member 56, continues to move rearwardly and moves the
forward end portion of the bladder member out of sealing engagement
with the forward end opening of the tubular member 55. This permits
the forward end opening 58 to spring open. This allows fluid flow
through the two luers, via the inner tubular support, open end 58
of the bladder member 56. Once the luers are disconnected, the
sealing engagement as previously described once again occurs.
[0051] FIG. 13 is an illustration of a male luer valve that does
not contain a housing element. This view is similar to FIG. 2
except that the male luer valve is not contained within a housing
element and instead can be self-sustained. However, the function of
the male luer valve is the same as that explained for FIG. 2 only
that the engagement with the female luer housing does not occur
with the male luer housing.
[0052] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate an embodiment of a male luer 100
which does not contain a sliding sleeve 60. The luer housing 102
has a tubular projecting conduit 118 over which is positioned
resilient sleeve or member 106. The base 114 of resilient member
106 is butted against the interior end wall 112 of housing 102 and
secured in place by the inner end of tubular projecting member 104.
The resilient member 106 has one or more laterally projecting fins
108 which are disposed respectively in slots 110 in the tubular
portion of member 104. When the male luer is closed (FIG. 14) the
opening at the tip 116 of resilient member 106 is closed, sealing
off the open end 120 of the male luer 100. When the male luer is
engaged by a female luer 128 which has a contact surface 126 but no
central core rod or cannula (FIG. 15) the surface 126 engages the
fins 128 and movement of the male luer into the female luer causes
the fins to move backward into housing 102 as indicated by arrow
107 with the fins 108 guided within the slots 110 as shown at 108'
to compress the bellows portion of the resilient member as shown at
106'. This opens the tip as shown at 116' to allow fluid flow
through opening 120 into the flow channels 124 and 122 of conduit
118 and housing 102 respectively. The peripheral projections 132
function as O-ring seals and when the luers are engaged the
projecting front edge 130 of the resilient member 106 engages the
inner sloped surface 134 of member 104 to provide a sealing or
"stopper" effect and keep the O-ring seal area free of the fluid
flow and dry.
[0053] For simplicity in a number of the Figures the female luer
128 is not itself shown and only the movement of elements of the
male luer 100 is illustrated. It will be understood that such
movement is the result of the male/female luer engagement in the
manner illustrated in other Figures such as (but not limited to)
FIGS. 2, 3, 12 and 15. Similarly, threads or other securing devices
to retain the male and female luers in their engaged positions
during flow of fluid through them are also for simplicity not shown
in all Figures, but it will understood that such are present as
illustrated in (but not limited to) FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 10 and 12.
[0054] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate an embodiment similar to that of
FIGS. 14 and 15, but in which there is an internal plug 138 within
the conduit 118 with channels 148 past the plug 138. These channels
can be formed in the wall of conduit 118 or can be formed by having
plug 138 mounted on spaced apart supports (not shown) connected to
conduit 118, or in any other convenient manner. The peripheral
surface 142 of plug 138 contacts radial land 144 on the inner
surface of resilient member 106 as shown at 140 when the male luer
is closed (FIG. 16). When the male luer enters the female luer the
contact surface 126 contacts the fins 108 and pushes them backward
as shown at 108' in FIG. 17, thus compressing the resilient member
as shown at 106' and displacing the land 144 from contact with the
surface 142 of the fixed plug 138. Compression of the resilient
member also opens tip 116 of the resilient member as shown at 116'.
Fluid flow through opening 120 into conduit 124 and around plug 138
through channels 148 as shown by arrows 146 is also permitted. The
axial position and width of land 114 can be varied to determine
when contact with the plug edge 142 is made or lost, thus
determining when the luer opens or closes, and also to provide a
vacuum effect to prevent or minimize backflow of fluid.
[0055] FIGS. 18-21 illustrate embodiments of a "soft" male luer 100
in which the engagement with the female luer 128 results in the
contact area 126 of the female luer being the interior surface of
the luer which is in contact directly with the exterior surface 152
of the resilient member 106, as illustrated in FIG. 21. In FIG. 18
two optional elements are shown: shoulder 150 and projections 109
which can be fins such as 108, a peripheral flange, protruding
structure which can engage the contact surface of the female luer.
The shoulder 150 can be a continuous radial shoulder within the
portion 102' of the housing 102 or it can consist of spaced-apart
projections aligned radially within portion 102'. (Portion 102' is
shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 as a member separate but attached to the
rest of housing 102, but it can also be integral with the rest of
housing 102). Shoulder 150 serves as a limiting device to engage
contact surface 126 of the female luer 128 and stop the relative
movement of the two luers, thus limiting the depth to which the
male and female luers can be engaged. Projections 109 can assist
the compressions of the resilient member 106 by sharing engagement
with the contact surface 126 with the surface 152 of the member
106. The tip area 116 of the member 106 can be thickened as shown
in FIGS. 18 and 19 to provide some expansion into the engaging neck
of the female luer and thus create an additional sealing
effect.
[0056] In FIGS. 20 and 21 the soft male luer 100 is illustrated as
having an optional extended housing 102, such that engagement of
the surface 152 of member 106 in contact with surface 126 provides
the entire engagement of the male and female luers. That engagement
and the compression of member 106 over the rigid conduit 118 allow
opening of tip 116 and flow through end 120.
[0057] Additional embodiments are shown in FIGS. 22-27. In the
embodiment of FIGS. 22 and 23, an internal plug 154 similar in
function to that of valve member 42 is shown. The plug 154 has a
integral fins or radial flange 158 which is inserted into a radial
pocket 156 in resilient member 106. Engagement with the female luer
causes the female luer's contact surface to push the resilient
member 106, its pocket 156 and fins or flange 158 backward as shown
as 106', 156' and 158' respectively, thus withdrawing plug head 160
of plug 154 to the position shown at 160' thus opening end 120 for
flow into conduit 124.
[0058] FIGS. 24-27 show a shaped resilient member 106a which has a
slit 162 in its tip 116''. When contacted by the female luer 128,
frictional engagement of the outer surface 152 of the resilient
member 106a with the contact surface 126 of the female luer causes
the resilient member 106a to deform as shown in the Figures, thus
opening slit 162 as shown at 162' to allow fluid flow into conduit
124.
[0059] Referring now to FIGS. 28 through 32, a male connector 200
in accordance with aspects of the invention and a female connector
202 are shown in various configurations of engagement to
demonstrate the sequential valve timing in accordance with aspects
of the invention.
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 28, the male connector 200 is shown in
a cutaway perspective form and includes a resilient member 210
having an internal cavity 212. The resilient member is uncollapsed
and the internal cavity has a first internal volume. The resilient
member is mounted within a housing 214 and within a tubular
projecting member 216. The base 218 of the resilient member is
butted against the interior wall 220 of the housing and secured in
place by the proximal end 222 of the tubular projecting member. An
internal plug 224 is mounted within the resilient member. The plug
includes a distal valve member 226 that mates with a valve seat 228
provided by the distal end 230 of the resilient member. The
internal plug includes a proximal valve member 232 that mates with
a proximal valve seat 234 provided by the resilient member, which
in this embodiment, results in a type of poppet valve 208. The
internal plug includes integral fins or radial flanges 236 that are
inserted into radial pockets 238 formed in the resilient member.
The resilient member provides a biasing force in the distal
direction and tends to return itself and the internal plug to the
configuration shown in FIG. 28 unless opposing forces in the
proximal direction cause partial collapse or compression of the
resilient member, as is discussed below.
[0061] FIG. 29 depicts the two luer connectors 200 and 202 just
separated. In this position, a valve 204 in the female luer
connector 202 is closed, and a first distal valve 206 and a second
proximal valve 208 in the male luer connector 200 are closed. Flow
through either connector is prevented because the respective valves
are closed.
[0062] Reviewing the male connector 200 in more detail, the
connector includes a resilient member 210 having an internal cavity
212. In FIG. 28, the resilient member is uncollapsed and the
internal cavity has a first internal volume. The resilient member
is mounted within a housing 214 and within a tubular projecting
member 216. The base 218 of the resilient member is butted against
the interior wall 220 of the housing and secured in place by the
proximal end 222 of the tubular projecting member. An internal plug
224 is mounted within the resilient member. The plug includes a
distal valve member 226 that mates with a valve seat 228 provided
by the distal end 230 of the resilient member. The internal plug
includes a proximal valve member 232 that mates with a proximal
valve seat 234 provided by the resilient member, which in this
embodiment, results in a type of poppet valve 208. The internal
plug includes integral fins or radial flanges 236 that are inserted
into radial pockets 238 formed in the resilient member. The
resilient member provides a biasing force in the distal direction
and tends to return itself and the internal plug to the
configuration shown in FIG. 28 unless opposing forces in the
proximal direction cause compression of the resilient member, as is
discussed below.
[0063] Referring to both FIGS. 28 and 29, engagement of the male
connector 200 with a female connector 202 causes the female
connector's contact surface 240 to push the actuation surface 244
of the resilient member in the proximal direction, which causes the
resilient member's contact surface 244, pockets 238, and the fins
236 and internal plug 224 to also move in the proximal direction.
Upon the occurrence of enough proximal direction movement, the plug
will disengage from the distal valve seat 228 thus opening the
distal valve 206 and will disengage from the proximal valve seat
234 thus opening the proximal valve 208, as is described in more
detail below. The tubular projecting member 216 includes slots 242
through which the actuation surface 244 of the resilient member
projects so that it may contact the female connector contact
surface 240. The tubular projecting member 216 is formed in the
shape of a standard Luer in this embodiment, although other shapes
are possible. The housing 214 may include internal threads 246 with
which to engage threads 248 of the female connector for more secure
locking of the two together.
[0064] The female connector 202 includes an internal piston 250
having an opening at its proximal end 252 that forms the female
valve 204. As the piston is moved into the housing 254 of the
female connector by a certain distance, it will open to thereby
open the female valve and permit the flow of fluid through the
female connector.
[0065] Turning now to FIG. 30, there is depicted the male 200 and
female 202 connectors partially joined together. In this position,
the forward contact surface 240 of the female luer connector has
driven the actuation surface 244 of the male luer connector in the
proximal direction far enough to open the first distal valve 206
while the second proximal valve 208 in the male connector remains
closed. The cavity 212 of the resilient member in this position is
now slightly collapsed and has an internal volume that is less than
the first volume of the cavity shown in FIG. 28. The distal end 256
of the tubular projecting member or male luer portion 216 has
driven the piston 250 of the female luer connector 202 a partial
distance in the distal direction. The valve 204 of the female Luer
connector is still closed, despite the displacement of the
piston.
[0066] Thus in this FIG. 30, as the two connectors 200 and 202 are
being engaged with one another, the distal valve 206 of the male
connector has first opened while the proximal valve 208 of the male
connector and the female connector valve 204 remain closed. This is
due to the relative distances of movement and sizes of the various
parts. The proximal valve seat 234 in the male connector resilient
member 210 is designed to be long enough such that its valve 208
does not open until after the plug 224 has moved by a distance
longer than the distance required to open the distal valve 206. The
length of movement of the proximal valve required for opening is
longer than the length of movement of the distal valve to achieve
opening. Similarly, the distance of movement of the plug to open
the distal valve of the male connector is selected to be less than
the distance of movement of the piston 250 of the female connector
that is required to open the female connector valve.
[0067] FIG. 31 depicts the male 200 and female 202 luer connectors
further joined together than in FIG. 30. In this configuration, the
distal end 256 of the male luer connector has driven the piston 250
of the female connector farther in the distal direction, so much so
that the female connector valve 204 has now opened and fluid flow
through the female connector may now occur. The contact surface 240
of the female connector has further driven the actuation surface
244 of the resilient member 210 further in the proximal direction
further opening the distal valve 206; however, the proximal valve
208 is still closed. Thus, two valves of the three valves between
the male and female connectors are now open. Fluid flow through the
female connector can now occur but fluid flow through the male
connector remains prevented due to the continuing closure of the
proximal, or upstream, valve 208. As is apparent, the length of
movement of the proximal valve required for opening is longer than
the length of movement of the distal valve 206 of the male
connector 200, and the length of movement to the female connector's
valve 204 to achieve opening. Thus in this embodiment, the distance
of movement of the internal plug 224 to open the distal valve of
the male connector is selected to be less than the distance of
movement of the piston 250 of the female connector that is required
to open the female connector valve 204, yet more to open the
proximal valve 208 than to open the female connector's valve.
[0068] FIG. 32 depicts the complete operative engagement of the
male 200 and female 202 Luer connectors such that all three
depicted valves are open and fluid flow can occur between and
through both connectors. In this configuration, the female
connector contact surface 240 has driven the actuation surface 244
of the male connector far enough in the proximal direction to open
the proximal valve 208. The compressible collapsible cavity 212 of
the resilient member 210 is fully collapsed having now an even
smaller internal volume that that shown in the preceding FIGS. 28
through 31. Thus on engagement of the male connector having two
valves, a distal or downstream valve and a proximal or upstream
valve in accordance with aspects of the invention, with a female
connector having an internal valve, the first valve that opens is
the distal male connector valve. The second valve to open is the
female connector valve, and the last valve to open is the proximal
male connector valve. Fluid can now flow from the upstream line
260, through the male connector 200, through the female connector
202, and out through the downstream line 262. In this case, both
upstream and downstream lines are shown as medical tubing, although
other devices may be used. Additionally, the upstream connecting
device 258 of the male connector 200 is shown as a Luer female
connector but other types of coupling devices may be used.
Similarly, the downstream coupling device 264 of the female
connector 202 is shown as a male Luer connector but other types of
coupling devices may be used.
[0069] Disengagement or disconnection of the male connector 200 and
the female connector 202 from each other will result in a sequence
of valve closure that is opposite the sequence of valve opening as
discussed above. As just discussed in detail, the connectors are
shown fully operatively engaged together in FIG. 32 and fluid flow
through both valves can occur. A first stage of valve closure upon
disengagement is shown in FIG. 31. As the separation of the male
and female luer connectors begins, movement of the contact surface
240 of the female luer connector in the distal direction permits
the actuation surface 244 of the resilient member 210 of the male
Luer connector to also move in the distal direction due to the
biasing force provided by the resilient member. As is shown in FIG.
31, the proximal valve 208 of the male connector has closed
although the distal valve 206 of the male connector and the female
connector valve 204 remain open. Thus, in the configuration of FIG.
31, the male connector is now closed to any fluid existing in an
upstream line such as may be connected to the male connector's
proximal female connector 258. The upstream line 260 is shown in
exaggerated form in FIG. 31. In this configuration then, the
internal components of the male connector, and consequently the
female connector, are isolated from any upstream fluids.
[0070] FIG. 30 depicts the second stage of valve closure upon
disconnection of the male connector 200 and female connector 202.
As the separation of the male and female luer connectors further
continues, the distal end of the male luer connector 256 has
retreated moving in the proximal direction which has allowed the
piston 250 of the female luer connector to resile also in the
proximal direction thereby closing the female connector valve 204.
Fluid flow through the female connector is now prevented. Thus both
the male and female connectors are now isolated from any fluids in
the upstream line 260 and in the downstream line 262.
[0071] As the male connector 200 moves from the configuration of
FIG. 30 to the configuration of FIG. 29 during which the resilient
member 210 moves in the distal direction to close the distal valve
206, a partial vacuum is created within the male connector. This is
because the cavity 212 of the resilient member 210 is increasing in
internal volume as the resilient member resiles to the
configuration of FIG. 29 from the configuration of FIG. 30. As soon
as the internal volume of the resilient member begins increasing, a
partial vacuum forms which may be used to draw fluid into the male
connector. By proper sequencing of the valves of the connector in
conjunction with each other and with the valve of the female
connector, the force of this partial vacuum is directed to the
interface between the male connector and the female connector 202
to thereby draw fluid residing on that interface into the male
connector.
[0072] Because the valves have been sequenced so that the only
valve remaining open at this time is the distal valve 206 of the
male connector, the existence of this partial vacuum will draw any
fluid remaining at the interface between the two connectors 200 and
202 and on the distal tip or end 230 of the resilient member 210
into the male connector before the distal valve 206 closes. As the
connectors are further separated, the cavity 212 of the resilient
member further expands, drawing more fluid from the interface of
the two connectors, until the distal valve 206 eventually closes as
is shown in the configuration of FIG. 29. Thus in the configuration
of FIG. 29, both the upstream line 260, having the male connector
200 at its distal end, and the downstream line 262, having the
female connector 202 at its proximal end, are sealed by the
respective connectors, each of which has at least one internal
valve to isolate the line. In the case of isolation of the upstream
line 260, the male connector 200 will seal the distal end of the
line, and even withdraws excess fluid from the distal end of the
connector upon disengagement or disconnection from the female
connector 202. This is an especially useful feature in the case
where caustic fluids may have been conducted by the upstream line
and some of that fluid may have reached surfaces at the interface
between the female and male connectors. If these connectors were
fully separated and such caustic fluid remained on their surfaces,
that caustic fluid may be transferred to the clinician handling the
connectors. Such fluids may cause injury to health care workers and
patients if applied to skin surfaces thus their containment in the
upstream line by means of this vacuum, draw-back feature is
especially useful.
[0073] Although shown with tubing 260 and 262 at the ends of the
connectors in FIGS. 28 through 32, this is for example purposes
only and is not meant to be restrictive. Various conductive,
container, or other components may be used in place of the tubing
shown. For example, the male connector 200 may form the nozzle end
of a syringe instead of being connected to tubing. The female
connector 202 may form part of a vial adapter or vial access device
so that liquid from the syringe connected to the male connector may
be injected into a vial of medical substance, mixed and then
withdrawn back into the syringe, as an example. Other applications
are possible.
[0074] The various embodiments of the male luer described above
provide for automatic sealing of the end opening in the male luer
as the male and female luers are disconnected, reducing the risk of
an operator coming into contact with the potentially hazardous
fluid flowing through the connector.
[0075] Although some exemplary embodiments of the invention have
been described above by way of example only, it will be understood
by those skilled in the field that modifications may be made to the
disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the
invention, which is defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *