U.S. patent application number 11/818299 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-18 for modified luer fittings for feeding tube adapter.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sabin Corporation. Invention is credited to Geoffrey P. Grant.
Application Number | 20080312640 11/818299 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40133028 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080312640 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grant; Geoffrey P. |
December 18, 2008 |
Modified luer fittings for feeding tube adapter
Abstract
A method and apparatus provide a luer fitting connector/adapter
that acts as a modified-to-standard size converter piece. The
adapter may complete a fluid tight medical system. The adapter may
have one end having at least one non-standard sized luer fitting
dimension. The non-standard end of the adapter may sealingly
interconnect with a luer fitting member having a corresponding
non-standard sized dimension. As a result, the adapter and luer
fitting member may be directly interconnected with one another
while remaining incompatible with standard sized luer fittings.
Using the adapter may facilitate preventing the inadvertent direct
interconnection of standard sized luer fitting members intended for
different purposes, such as the delivery of a feed paste or a
medication to a desired location within a patient. The adapter may
be directly or indirectly interconnected with a syringe nozzle to
facilitate flushing the medical system or a portion thereof.
Inventors: |
Grant; Geoffrey P.;
(Bloomington, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE/CHICAGO/COOK
PO BOX 10395
CHICAGO
IL
60610
US
|
Assignee: |
Sabin Corporation
Bloomington
IN
|
Family ID: |
40133028 |
Appl. No.: |
11/818299 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/533 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2039/1077 20130101;
A61M 2039/1094 20130101; A61J 15/0026 20130101; A61J 2205/20
20130101; A61M 39/10 20130101; A61J 15/00 20130101; Y10T 29/49963
20150115; Y10T 29/49947 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/533 |
International
Class: |
A61M 25/18 20060101
A61M025/18 |
Claims
1. A luer fitting adapter, the adapter having a first end being
configured to have a first dimension and a second dimension, the
first dimension being sized in accordance with a standard luer
fitting sizing convention and the second dimension being sized in
accordance with a non-standard luer fitting sizing convention.
2. The luer fitting adapter of claim 1, wherein the first dimension
is a standard outer diameter for luer fittings, and the second
dimension is a non-standard inner diameter for luer fittings.
3. The luer fitting adapter of claim 2, wherein the first dimension
is further associated with a standard sized thread set and the
second dimension is further configured as a female tapered bore
operable to sealingly engage a corresponding non-standard sized
exterior taper of a male end of a luer fitting member.
4. The luer fitting adapter of claim 3, wherein the luer fitting
member is a syringe operable to flush the adapter and the male end
is a nozzle of the syringe, the nozzle having a non-standard sized
exterior taper.
5. The luer fitting adapter of claim 3, wherein the adapter has a
second end having a surface operable to sealingly engage with a
second luer fitting member.
6. The luer fitting adapter of claim 1, wherein the first end has a
coarse external thread set operable to interconnect with a
corresponding coarse internal thread set of a first luer fitting
member, the adapter further having a second end having a fine
external thread set operable to interconnect with a corresponding
fine internal thread set of a second luer fitting member.
7. The luer fitting adapter of claim 6, wherein the second luer
fitting member is interconnected with a feeding tube that is
operable to deliver feed paste to a desired location.
8. A luer fitting adapter, the adapter being configured to have a
first end with a first exterior thread set and a second end with a
second exterior thread set, wherein the first end has a
non-standard sized interior tapered bore, the interior tapered bore
being non-standard sized with respect to an industry sizing
convention for luer fittings.
9. The luer fitting adapter of claim 8, wherein the first and
second ends have standard sized outer diameters, the outer
diameters being standard sized with respect to the industry sizing
convention for luer fittings.
10. The luer fitting adapter of claim 8, wherein the non-standard
sized interior tapered bore is operable to sealingly engage a
corresponding exterior tapered body of a first luer fitting
member
11. The luer fitting adapter of claim 10, wherein the first
exterior thread set is operable to interconnect with a
corresponding interior thread set of the first luer fitting
member.
12. The luer fitting adapter of claim 10, wherein the first luer
fitting member is associated with a catheter.
13. The luer fitting adapter of claim 8, wherein the adapter is
operable to interconnect with a luer fitting member interconnected
with a feeding tube to deliver feed paste to a desired
location.
14. A method of interconnecting luer fitting members, the method
comprising: sealingly interconnecting a first non-standard
dimension of a luer fitting adapter with a second non-standard
dimension of a first luer fitting member, the first and second
non-standard dimensions being non-standard in the sense that the
first and second non-standard dimensions are incompatible with luer
fittings configured in accordance with an industry luer fitting
sizing convention.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first non-standard
dimension corresponds to a non-standard sized interior tapered bore
of the adapter and the second non-standard dimension corresponds to
a non-standard sized exterior tapered body of the first luer
fitting member.
16. The method of claim 15, the method comprising sealingly
interconnecting the adapter with a second luer fitting member, the
adapter having a first standard sized dimension that corresponds to
a second standard sized dimension of the second luer fitting
member.
17. The method of claim 16, the method comprising flushing a
medical tube associated with the second luer fitting member.
18. The method of claim 16, the method comprising delivering a
medicine to a desired location via a system formed by the
interconnection of the adapter with the first and second luer
fitting members.
19. The method of claim 16, the method comprising delivering a feed
paste to a desired location via a system formed by the
interconnection of the adapter with the first and second luer
fitting members.
20. The method of claim 16, the method comprising physically
distinguishing at least one of the first and the second luer
fitting members from luer fittings associated with a different type
of medical system.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to luer fitting
connector assemblies. More particularly, the invention relates to a
method and apparatus for a luer fitting connector/adapter for
interconnecting luer fitting members.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Luer fitting or luer lock connections are utilized in fluid
flow conduits having medical or surgical applications. Typically, a
male member has a slightly tapered body and is connected in fluid
communication with a female member, which has a similarly tapered
bore for receiving the male member, such as those described in ISO
594/1-1986(E) and ISO 594-2:1998(E). A coupling device or locking
member may be mounted upon the body of the male member. The locking
member may have an internally threaded collar and operate to
prevent fluid leakage between the male and female members. Another
purpose of the locking member may be to maintain the connection
between the male and female members. Exemplary luer fitting members
are disclosed by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,452,473, 4,735,441, 5,176,415,
5,286,067, 5,549,583, 5,611,576, 5,702,374, 6,332,633, 6,344,033,
6,402,207, 4,629,455, 5,047,021, 5,620,427, 5,651,776, and
5,984,373, and International Publication Number WO 2005/097253 A1,
which are all incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties.
[0003] However, typical luer fitting members may be associated with
tubing or medical systems having different purposes. For instance,
one system may be directed toward the delivery of feed paste to the
stomach of a patient, while another system may be directed toward
the intravenous delivery of medication.
[0004] Conventional luer fitting members may all be sized in
accordance with an industry standard, regardless of intended use.
As a result, a male luer fitting member associated with the
delivery of feed paste may be inadvertently interconnected with a
female luer fitting member associated with the intravenous delivery
of medication, or vice versa. The inadvertent interconnection of
portions of different types of systems may lead to system
cross-contamination and/or erroneous medical fluid delivery.
[0005] The present invention alleviates one or more of the
shortcomings described above.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] The present invention provides a method and apparatus
associated with a luer fitting connector/adapter. The luer fitting
adapter may sealingly interconnect two luer fitting members to
complete a medical system, such as a medical system associated with
the delivery of feed paste or medication to a desired location
within a patient. The first luer fitting member may have at least
one dimension sized other than in accordance with an industry
standard sizing convention for luer fittings. As a result, the
first luer fitting member may be directly incompatible with
standard sized luer fitting members and may not be properly
interconnected with a second luer fitting member without the luer
fitting adapter. Accordingly, the luer fitting adapter may
facilitate alleviating the inadvertent interconnection of luer
fitting members associated with different medical systems/uses. The
luer fitting adapter also may facilitate a seal tight
interconnection between a portion of a medical system with either a
standard or a non-standard tapered syringe nozzle to permit
flushing the medical system.
[0007] In one aspect, a luer fitting adapter has a first end being
configured to have a first dimension and a second dimension, the
first dimension being sized in accordance with a standard luer
fitting sizing convention and the second dimension being sized in
accordance with a non-standard luer fitting sizing convention.
[0008] In another aspect, a luer fitting adapter is configured to
have a first end with a first exterior thread set and a second end
with a second exterior thread set. The first end also has a
non-standard sized interior tapered bore, the interior tapered bore
being non-standard sized with respect to an industry sizing
convention for luer fittings.
[0009] In yet another aspect, a method of interconnecting luer
fitting members is described. The method includes sealingly
interconnecting a first non-standard dimension of a luer fitting
adapter with a second non-standard dimension of a first luer
fitting member. The first and second non-standard dimensions are
non-standard in the sense that the first and second non-standard
dimensions are incompatible with luer fittings configured in
accordance with an industry luer fitting sizing convention.
[0010] Advantages of the present invention will become more
apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description
of the preferred embodiments of the invention which have been shown
and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the
invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its
details are capable of modification in various respects.
Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as
illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal view of an exemplary luer fitting
system of an adapter interconnected with a non-standard luer
fitting and a standard luer fitting;
[0012] FIG. 1A is a longitudinal view of an exemplary luer fitting
adapter interconnected with a standard luer fitting;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an
exemplary modified luer fitting having a non-standard
dimension;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal view of the exterior of the
exemplary modified luer fitting member of FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal view of another exemplary modified
luer fitting having a non-standard dimension;
[0016] FIGS. 5 and 6 are longitudinal cross-sectional views of
exemplary luer fitting adapters having at least one non-standard
dimension;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal view of the exterior of the
exemplary luer fitting adapter of FIG. 6;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an
exemplary standard luer fitting; and
[0019] FIG. 9 is an exemplary method of interconnecting a
non-standard luer fitting with a standard luer fitting via a
modified-to-standard luer fitting adapter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED
EMBODIMENTS
[0020] The method and apparatus provided may sealingly interconnect
luer fitting members to complete a medical system. The luer fitting
members may be interconnected to complete various medical systems,
such as medical systems associated with the delivery of feed paste
to the stomach area of a patient or medication/prescribed drugs to
veins or arteries, such as via intravenous (IV) lines.
[0021] Conventional luer fitting members may be sized in accordance
with an industry standard, such as an ISO (International Standard
Organization) or ANSI (American National Standards Institute)
standard. However, configuring luer fittings associated with
different types of medical systems in accordance with the same
sizing convention may permit the inadvertent interconnection of
those luer fittings. As one example, a male or other luer fitting
member associated with the delivery of feed paste may be
erroneously interconnected with a female or other luer fitting
member associated with the intravenous delivery of medication. The
inadvertent interconnection of luer fitting members associated with
different types of medical systems may lead to system
cross-contamination and/or the delivery of an inappropriate medical
mixture to an area within a patient.
[0022] Accordingly, the embodiments described herein provide for
distinguishing luer fitting members associated with different types
of medical systems. For instance, luer fitting members associated
with different types of medical systems may be configured to have
differently sized inner diameters, outer diameters, lengths, thread
sets, and/or other dimensions to prohibit their inadvertent
interconnection.
[0023] More specifically, a first medical system may employ luer
fitting members sized in accordance with an industry standard, such
as the ANSI/ISO standard for luer fittings. A second medical system
may employ at least one modified luer fitting member having a
dimension sized in accordance with a second standard that is
different than the industry standard. As a result, the luer fitting
members of the first medical system and the modified luer fitting
member are sized in accordance with different sizing conventions,
such as being sized to have at least one different corresponding
dimension such that they are directly incompatible and may not be
inadvertently interconnected.
[0024] Rather than modify two luer fittings associated with the
second medical system, it may be desirable to only modify a single
luer fitting to be incompatible with a standard luer fittings. A
luer fitting adapter may be configured to have one end operable to
sealingly engage the modified luer fitting member sized in
accordance with a non-standard luer sizing convention. The adapter
may have a second end operable to sealing engage a standard sized
luer fitting member. Therefore, the adapter may function as a
modified-to-standard converter piece.
[0025] In one aspect, the modified luer fitting member may be
configured to have at least one standard sized dimension and at
least one non-standard sized dimension. For instance, the modified
luer fitting may have a non-standard sized exterior male body
tapered surface intended for sealing engagement with a
corresponding interior female bore tapered surface. The female bore
tapered surface may be located within one end of the adapter and
sized to correspond with the non-standard sized male exterior of
the modified luer fitting member.
[0026] The exterior tapered surface may have an exterior diameter
or slope configured in accordance with a non-standard sizing
convention. The modified luer fitting member may have a locking
device having either standard or non-standard sized threads. The
modified luer fitting member may have other non-standard, as well
as standard, dimensions. The non-standard dimension of the modified
luer fitting prevents the modified luer fitting from being
inadvertently directly connected with a standard luer fitting.
However, the luer fitting adapter as described herein may operate
as a modified-to-standard sized converter piece that permits
indirect sealing engagement between the modified and standard luer
fittings sized in accordance with different sizing conventions.
[0027] In one aspect, the luer fitting adapter may directly or
indirectly sealingly interconnect a feeding tube with a catheter,
the feeding tube and catheter may have associated luer fitting
members sized in accordance with different sizing conventions. In
another aspect, the luer fitting adapter may be configured to
either directly or indirectly (via a luer member) sealingly
interconnect with a hard syringe to permit flushing of a medical
system and/or associated tubing before, during, or after use. The
flushing of the medical system may extend the life of at least a
portion of the medical system, such as medical tubing connected to
either a male or female (or modified or standard) luer fitting
member. The flushing may involve rinsing the medical system with a
high pressure fluid, such as for cleaning and sterilization
purposes.
[0028] For example, a standard luer fitting member may be
interconnected with a medical feed tube. A luer fitting adapter may
be configured to directly or indirectly sealingly interconnect the
standard luer fitting member with a either a modified luer fitting
member or a non-standard sized syringe nozzle to facilitate
flushing the medical tubing attached to the standard luer fitting
member.
I. Exemplary Luer Fitting System
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an
exemplary luer fitting system 100. The system 100 may include a
non-standard or modified luer fitting member 102, a luer fitting
adapter 104, a standard sized luer fitting member 106, and a
medical tubing 108. The system may include additional, fewer, or
alternative components.
[0030] The non-standard sized modified member 102 may have an
internal fluid flow conduit. The modified member 102 may have a
non-standard sized male luer fitting tapered exterior bore, for
instance, the non-standard sized bore may have either a larger or
smaller outer diameter than standard sized bores. The modified
member 102 may have a locking device. The locking device may have a
standard sized internal coarse thread set with a standard sized
inner diameter. The modified member may have additional, fewer, or
alternate non-standard and standard dimensions.
[0031] For instance, the modified member may have a standard sized
male exterior bore and a non-standard interior thread set. The
non-standard interior thread set may have either a non-standard
diameter or length, or both.
[0032] The adapter 104 may have a first end and a second end. The
first end may have a standard sized external thread set with a
standard outer diameter. The standard sized external thread set of
the first end may be a coarse thread set. As a result, the standard
sized thread sets of the modified member 102 and adapter 104 may be
sealingly interconnected.
[0033] The first end of the adapter 104 may have a non-standard
sized interior female tapered bore. The non-standard interior
tapered bore of the adapter 104 may be sized in accordance with the
same non-standard sizing convention of the non-standard male
portion of the modified member 102. As a result, the non-standard
portions of the adapter 104 and the modified member 102 may
sealingly engage for a seal tight connection.
[0034] The second end of the adapter 104 also may have a standard
sized external thread set with a standard outer diameter. The
standard sized external thread set of the second end may be a fine
or very fine thread set, making the second end of the adapter 104
compatible with a corresponding fine interior luer fitting thread
set. The standard outer diameter may be sized in accordance with an
industry standard for luer fittings. The adapter may have
additional, fewer, or alternate standard and non-standard
dimensions.
[0035] The standard luer fitting member 106 may have a standard
inner diameter and a standard sized internal thread set. The
standard internal thread set may be fine or very fine. The standard
dimensions of the standard luer fitting member 106 may be
configured for seal tight engagement with the adapter 104, as shown
in FIG. 1. The standard luer fitting member 106 may have
additional, fewer, or alternate standard dimensions.
[0036] The standard luer fitting member 106 may be interconnected
with a medical tubing 108. The interconnection with the medical
tubing 108 may be permanent or temporary. In one aspect, the
standard luer fitting member 106 may be disconnected from the
medical tubing 108 during use. The medical tubing 108 may be
operable to deliver feed paste or medication to a desired
location.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the modified member 102, the adapter
104, and the standard member 106 may all be interconnected to
complete a seal tight fluid flow conduit. For instance, once
interconnected, the system components may permit delivery of a feed
paste from the modified member 102 to the feed tube 108.
[0038] FIG. 1A illustrates a longitudinal view of the exemplary
luer fitting adapter 104 interconnected with the standard luer
fitting member 106 associated with a feed tube 108 of FIG. 1. As
shown in FIG. 1A, the luer fitting adapter 104 has a first thread
set that is coarse and a second thread set that is fine, both of
which may have standard outer diameters.
II. Exemplary Modified Luer Fitting Member
[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an
exemplary modified luer fitting member 200. The modified member 200
may include a first end 202, a second end 204, a locking member
206, and a fluid flow conduit 208. In one embodiment, the modified
member 200 has a longitudinal length of approximately 19.4 mm. The
modified member may include additional, fewer, or alternate
components.
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary first end 202 of the
modified member 200. The exemplary first end 202 shown is
configured for use with a "snap-on" luer fitting member or tube. A
connecting portion of the medical system to be interconnected with
the luer fitting adapter 200 may be snapped on by sliding the
connecting portion over the expanding conical surface of the first
end 202. Eventually, a collar or rim associated with the connecting
portion may be slid over the protruding edge of the first end 202
and held in place. In one aspect, a tubular cap is snapped onto the
first end 202 to prevent system fluid leakage.
[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the second end 204 of the standard
member 200 may be configured similar to a male luer fitting member
and have a slightly tapered exterior body for insertion into and
sealing engagement with a corresponding slightly tapered female
bore of the luer fitting adapter. The slightly tapered exterior
body of the modified member 200 may be tapered at an angle
corresponding to the taper angle of the slightly tapered female
bore of the adapter. The exterior surface of the slightly tapered
exterior body may uniformly mate with the slightly tapered bore.
The result of the union between the slightly tapered exterior body
and the slightly tapered bore may be a tight seal or connection
that prevents the leakage of fluid from the fluid flow conduit 208
during use.
[0042] The second end 204 may have an associated locking member
206. The locking member 206 may have an approximately circular
exterior. The locking member 206 may have standard sized internal
threads for locking engagement with corresponding threads or a
collar on the interconnected adapter. In one embodiment, the
longitudinal length of the locking member 206 is approximately 7.0
mm, the longitudinal length of the internal threaded area of the
locking member 206 is approximately 5.6 mm, and the diameter of the
circular exterior is approximately 9.7 mm or greater.
[0043] The standard member 200 may have a cylindrical fluid flow
conduit 208. Interconnecting the second end 204 with a luer fitting
adapter may complete a medical system and permit the flow of
medical fluid via the fluid flow conduit 208 without leakage from
one portion of the system to another. In one embodiment, the fluid
flow conduit 208 may have an inner diameter of approximately 2.9
mm.
[0044] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal view of the exterior of the
exemplary modified luer fitting member 200 shown in FIG. 2. As
shown in FIG. 3, the locking member may have grooves 312 that
comprise a grip on the exterior of the standard member 200. The
grooves 312 may facilitate the proper handling and operation of the
standard member 200. Alternate exteriors and grips may be used.
[0045] FIG. 4 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of
another exemplary modified member 400 having at least one
non-standard sized dimension. The modified member 400 may include a
first end 412, a secondary thread 414, a locking member 206, a
second end 204, and a fluid flow conduit 208. In one embodiment,
the modified member 400 may have a longitudinal length of
approximately 20.4 mm. The modified member may include additional,
fewer, or alternate components.
[0046] Again, the second end 204 of the modified member 400 may be
configured to be shaped similarly to a male luer fitting member and
have a slightly tapered exterior body for insertion into a tapered
bore of an adapter, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 2.
Conversely, the first end 412 of the modified member 400 may be
configured similar to that of a female luer fitting member and have
a slightly tapered bore for acceptance of and seal tight engagement
with a standard sized slightly tapered exterior male body, such as
a male end of a luer fitting or a male-like syringe nozzle. The
surface of the tapered bore may uniformly mate with the tapered
exterior body. The result of the union between the tapered exterior
body and the tapered bore may be a fluid tight connection that
prevents leakage from the fluid flow conduit 208. In one
embodiment, a syringe nozzle or a male luer fitting member
configured in accordance with the current industry standard may
sealingly interconnect with the interior of the first end 412.
[0047] For example, a standard sized syringe (not shown) may be
configured to be accepted by the first end 412 of the modified
member 400. Alternatively, the syringe may have a nozzle with a
non-standard sized tapered exterior for direct sealingly engagement
with one end of the luer fitting adapter. The second end 204 of the
modified member 400 may be indirectly interconnected (via an
adapter and a standard member) with a catheter, a needle, other
medical device, or luer fitting member. The syringe may facilitate
flushing the catheter, the needle, the medical device, or medical
tubing.
[0048] The modified member 400 may include an optional secondary
thread 414. The secondary thread 414 may enhance the strength of
the interconnection between the modified member 400 and the medical
system to facilitate certain applications, such as procedures
involving the delivery of medical fluids at a pressure. In one
embodiment, the secondary thread 414 may have a longitudinal length
of approximately 1.4 mm. Other secondary threads may be used.
III. Exemplary Luer Fitting Adapters
[0049] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary luer fitting adapter 500
operable to interconnect a modified luer fitting with a standard
luer fitting. The luer fitting adapter 500 may include a first end
502, a second end 504, a first thread set 506, a handle 508, a
second thread set 510, and a fluid flow conduit 512. In one
embodiment, the luer fitting adapter 500 may have a longitudinal
length of approximately 24.3 mm. The luer fitting adapter may
include additional, fewer, or alternate components.
[0050] The fluid flow conduit 512 may include a first portion 514,
an expansion surface 516, and a second portion 518. The fluid flow
conduit may include additional, fewer, or alternate components.
[0051] The first portion 514 may be a tubular or circular fluid
flow conduit having a first uniform diameter. In one embodiment,
the first uniform diameter may be approximately 3.2 mm.
[0052] The second portion 518 may be a conical fluid flow conduit
having a second expanding diameter or a tapered surface. In one
embodiment, the second portion 518 may have a longitudinal length
of approximately 12.6 mm and a largest second diameter of
approximately 5.1 mm.
[0053] The expansion surface 516 may provide for the expansion of
the fluid flow conduit from the smaller first diameter to the
larger second diameter. The expansion surface 516 may expand at a
thirty degree or other angle. The first portion, expansion surface,
and second portion may have other diameters, lengths, angles, and
dimensions.
[0054] The first thread set 506 may operate to lockingly engage the
luer fitting adapter 500 with a modified luer fitting member. The
modified member may have a slightly tapered male portion or body
for seal tight engagement with the second portion 518, as indicated
by FIG. 5. In one embodiment, the first thread set 506 may have a
longitudinal length of approximately 6.9 mm. The first thread set
may strengthen the interconnection between the luer fitting adapter
and the modified member.
[0055] As shown, the first thread set 506 may be a standard coarse
thread set. The first thread set 506 may have a standard sized
outer diameter. The first thread set 506 may sealingly interconnect
with the standard interior thread set 206 of the modified member
200 (shown in FIG. 2). The thread sets 506, 206 may have
corresponding thread sizes, such as being coarse, and corresponding
outer and inner diameters. The luer fitting adapter and modified
member may have other corresponding non-standard and/or standard
dimensions that provide for sealingly engagement.
[0056] The second thread set 510 may operate to lockingly engage
the luer fitting adapter 500 with a standard luer fitting member.
The standard luer fitting member may be configured for seal tight
engagement with the second end 504. In one embodiment, the second
thread set 510 may have a longitudinal length of approximately 9.1
mm. The second thread set may strengthen the interconnection
between the luer fitting adapter and a standard luer fitting
member.
[0057] As shown, the second thread set 510 may be a standard fine
thread set. The second thread set 510 may have a standard sized
outer diameter. Alternatively, the second thread set 510 may have a
non-standard thread set or non-standard sized outer diameter for
interconnection with corresponding non-standard dimensions on the
"standard" luer fitting member.
[0058] The second thread set 510 may sealingly interconnect with
the thread set of the standard luer fitting member 106 (shown in
FIG. 1). The thread sets may have corresponding thread sizes, such
as being fine or very fine, and corresponding outer and inner
diameters. The luer fitting adapter and standard member may have
other corresponding standard, as well as non-standard, dimensions
that provide for sealingly engagement.
[0059] The handle 508 may provide an exterior grip to enhance
control and handling of the luer fitting adapter 500 during use. In
one embodiment, the handle 508 may have a longitudinal length of
approximately 4.4 mm. Alternate handles may be used.
[0060] FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary luer fitting adapter
500 operable to interconnect a modified fitting with a standard
luer fitting member. The luer fitting adapter 500 may include a
first end 502, a second end 504, a first thread set 506, a handle
508, a second thread set 510, and a fluid flow conduit 512. In one
embodiment, the luer fitting adapter may have a longitudinal length
of approximately 19.7 mm. The luer fitting adapter may include
additional, fewer, or alternate components.
[0061] The outer diameter of the first end 502 may be standard
sized. The first thread set 506 may be a standard thread set. The
outer diameter of the second end 504 also may be standard sized.
The second thread set 510 also may be a standard thread set.
However, the interior tapered bore 524 of the first end 502 may be
incompatible with standard male tapers and only sealingly engage
with a modified male body of a modified fitting.
[0062] As a result, the luer fitting adapter may operate to
sealingly interconnect a modified luer fitting member with a
standard luer fitting member. In other words, the luer fitting
adapter may operate as a modified-to-standard sized adapter. The
luer fitting adapter may be used to adapt/convert various modified
luer fitting dimensions, including exterior and interior diameters,
to a standard sizing convention. Other dimensions may be adapted
from a modified to a standard sizing convention.
[0063] The fluid flow conduit 512 may include a first portion 520,
an expansion surface 522, and a second portion 524. The fluid flow
conduit may include additional, fewer, or alternate components.
[0064] The first portion 520 may include a tubular or circular
fluid flow conduit having a first uniform diameter. In one
embodiment, the first portion 520 may have a longitudinal length of
approximately 1.9 mm and a first uniform diameter of approximately
1.8 mm.
[0065] The second portion 524 may be a conical fluid flow conduit
having a second expanding diameter or tapered surface comprising an
interior tapered bore. In one embodiment, the second portion 524
may have a longitudinal length of approximately 8.4 mm and a
largest interior diameter of approximately 5.1 mm.
[0066] The expansion surface 522 may provide for the expansion of
the fluid flow conduit from the first to the second diameter. The
expansion surface 522 may expand the fluid flow conduit 512 at an
eight degree or other angle. The first portion, the second portion,
and the expansion surface may have other diameters, lengths,
angles, and dimensions.
[0067] FIG. 7 illustrates a longitudinal view of the exterior of
the exemplary luer fitting adapter 500 of FIG. 6. As shown, the
exterior of the exemplary luer fitting adapter 500 may include a
first thread set 506, a handle 508, a second thread set 510, and a
seal surface 530. The seal surface 530 may be configured to
sealingly engage a surface on a standard luer fitting member. In
one embodiment, the first thread set 506, the handle 508, the
second thread set 510 may have longitudinal lengths of
approximately 6.2 mm, approximately 4.5 mm, and approximately 7.4
mm, respectively. The luer fitting adapter may include additional,
fewer, or alternate exterior components.
IV. Exemplary Standard Luer Fitting Member
[0068] FIG. 8 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an
exemplary standard sized luer fitting member 800. The standard
member 800 may include an exterior 802, internal threads 804, and a
distal end 806. The standard member may include additional, fewer,
or alternate components.
[0069] The internal threads 804 may be fine, very fine, and/or
standard sized. The internal threads 804 may sealingly engage the
second standard thread set 510 on the adapter 500. The inner
diameter associated with the standard member 800 may be standard
sized in accordance with a standard sizing convention. The inner
diameter of the standard member 800 may correspond to the standard
outer diameter of the second standard thread set 510 for seal tight
engagement. The standard member and the adapter may have other
corresponding standard dimensions.
[0070] In one aspect, the distal end 806 of the standard member 800
may be interconnected with a medical tube (such as the medical tube
108 shown in FIG. 1) with an internal fluid flow conduit operable
to deliver a medical mixture to a desired location, such as a feed
paste or medication. In one embodiment, the standard member may
have a longitudinal length of approximately 14.1 mm.
[0071] In another aspect, the distal end 806 may be solid and the
standard member 800 may operate as a cap used to prevent fluid
leakage from one end of a luer fitting adapter interconnected at
the other end with a modified luer fitting member. For instance,
during use, when the adapter is interconnected with only one luer
fitting member it may be desirable to affix the cap to the adapter
to prevent fluid leakage.
[0072] The exterior 802 of the standard member 800 may be smooth,
or have grooves, notches, or another type of grip. The exterior 802
may have a tubular shape and a uniform diameter. In one embodiment,
the uniform diameter may be approximately 11.1 mm. Alternate
exteriors may be used.
[0073] The standard member 800 may have one or more seal surfaces
830 configured to sealingly engage corresponding surfaces on the
adapter to form seal tight systems.
V. Exemplary Method of Interconnecting Luer Fitting Members
[0074] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary method of interconnecting
luer fitting members. The method may include providing a first luer
fitting member 902, providing a second luer fitting member 904,
interconnecting the first and second members via an adapter to
complete a medical system 906, and performing an operation via the
system formed 908. The method may include additional, fewer, or
alternate actions.
[0075] The method may include providing a first luer fitting member
902. The first luer member may be a standard male, female, or other
luer fitting member, or other medical connector, such as a
connector associated medical tubing or a medical device, including
catheters, needles, or syringes. The first luer fitting member may
have diameters, lengths, surfaces, thread sets, cavities, and/or
other dimensions sized in accordance with a first standard for luer
fittings, such as an industry standard. Other first luer fitting
members may be provided.
[0076] The method may include providing a second luer fitting
member 904. The second luer member may be a modified male, female,
or other luer fitting member, or other medical connector, such as a
connector associated medical tubing or a medical device, including
catheters, needles, and syringes. Unlike the first luer fitting
member, the second luer fitting member may be sized other than in
accordance with the first (or industry) standard for luer fittings
such that the first and second fittings are directly incompatible.
Other second luer fitting members may be provided.
[0077] The method may include indirectly interconnecting the first
and second members via a luer fitting adapter to complete a fluid
tight medical system 906. The luer fitting adapter may be a
modified-to-standard converter piece such that the adapter may
sealingly interconnect first and second luer fittings configured in
accordance with different sizing standards. Without the adapter
piece, two distinct portions of the medical system associated with
the first and second luer fittings, respectively, may not be
interconnected.
[0078] Either the first or the second luer fitting member, or both,
may belong to a specific type of medical system and may be
distinguished from luer fittings associated with different types of
systems, as discussed herein. For instance, the first and second
luer fittings, as well as the adapter, may be physically, aurally,
and/or visually distinguished from luer fittings associated with
other types of medical systems to prevent inadvertent cross
contamination of the systems. The physical distinction of the luer
fittings and/or adapter may include the fore-mentioned different
sizing conventions for one or more dimensions. Alternatively, the
physical distinction may involve altering the touch and feel of the
exterior of luer fittings and/or adapter associated with one system
from other luer fittings as discussed further below. Other
distinctions may be made between luer fittings associated with
different systems.
[0079] The method may include performing an operation via the
completed medical system 908. For instance, the completion of the
medical system by interconnecting two portions of the system, such
as two pieces of medical tubing or one piece of tubing with a
medical device, may permit the delivery of a medical fluid to a
desired location within the patient. The medical fluid may be a
feed paste or a medication. Alternatively, the first or second luer
fitting may be a hard syringe, or interconnected with a hard
syringe, that facilitates flushing of the medical system, such as
with pressurized water to cleanse the system. Other medical systems
may be used.
[0080] Instead of or in addition to manufacturing physical
incompatibilities between potential interconnecting members, luer
fitting members associated with different types of medical systems
may be distinguished in other manners, such as visually, aurally,
or by feel. For instance, luer fitting members associated with
different types of systems may be color coded. A color scheme may
be selected and employed to distinguish the different types of
medical systems. In one embodiment, a system associated with the
intravenous delivery of a medical mixture may include a standard
member, an adapter, and a non-standard member all colored white,
and another system associated with the delivery of a feed paste may
include a standard member, an adapter, and a non-standard member
all colored red. Other color schemes may be used.
[0081] Luer fitting members associated with different types of
medical systems may be distinguished aurally during operation. Luer
fitting members may have one or more associated rotary or other
locking devices. As a locking device/member is tightened/fastened
onto a standard member, an adapter, or a non-standard member, an
audible sound may be generated. Different sounds may be produced
depending upon the type of medical system associated with the
locking device and/or corresponding members and adapter.
[0082] A medical system associated with the intravenous delivery of
a medical mixture may include a locking device operable to generate
a "clicking" sound as the locking device is turned with respect to
a standard member, an adapter, or a non-standard member. On the
other hand, a second medical system associated with the delivery of
feed paste may include a locking device operable to generate a
different type of sound or no sound at all as the locking device is
turned with respect to one of the pieces. Alternatively, the second
medical system may have a "snap on" locking device instead of a
rotary locking device, which also may generate a unique sound
during use. As a result, during operation, if an operator hears an
unexpected audible sound, or does not hear an expected audible
sound, when interconnecting the pieces via the locking device, the
operator may be alerted that the pieces are associated with
different types of medical systems and not intended to be
interconnected.
[0083] Luer fitting members associated with different types of
medical systems may be distinguished by touch or feel. Luer fitting
members may have associated exterior grips, grooves, notches, or
other exteriors. Standard and non-standard members (such as a
standard male and a non-standard female fitting members) associated
with a specific medical system may have similar exteriors. If an
operator inadvertently grabs two luer fitting members associated
with different types of medical systems and having different
exteriors, the operator may be alerted that the two luer fitting
members belong to different systems and are not intended to be
interconnected. Other manners of distinguishing luer fitting
members associated with different medical systems may be used.
[0084] While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been
described, it should be understood that the invention is not so
limited and modifications may be made without departing from the
invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended
claims, and all devices that come within the meaning of the claims,
either literally or by equivalence, are intended to be embraced
therein.
[0085] It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed
description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and
that it be understood that it is the following claims, including
all equivalents, that are intended to define the spirit and scope
of this invention.
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