U.S. patent application number 16/586086 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-26 for high-flow enteral feeding syringe assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to KPR U.S., LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is KPR U.S., LLC. Invention is credited to DAVID RORK SWISHER.
Application Number | 20200093705 16/586086 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57614467 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-26 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200093705 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SWISHER; DAVID RORK |
March 26, 2020 |
HIGH-FLOW ENTERAL FEEDING SYRINGE ASSEMBLY
Abstract
An enteral feeding connector facilitates an increased flow rate
into and through the connector to accommodate feeding fluids
requiring higher flow rates for delivery. The connector includes a
male connector portion including an inlet, a fluid passage in fluid
communication with the inlet, and at least one connector projection
at the inlet. The connector projection defines a cross-sectional
area of the inlet configured to facilitate delivering feeding fluid
requiring higher flow rates through the connector.
Inventors: |
SWISHER; DAVID RORK; (ST.
CHARLES, MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KPR U.S., LLC |
Mansfield |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
KPR U.S., LLC
MANSFIELD
MA
|
Family ID: |
57614467 |
Appl. No.: |
16/586086 |
Filed: |
September 27, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15367687 |
Dec 2, 2016 |
10434036 |
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16586086 |
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62264070 |
Dec 7, 2015 |
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62263585 |
Dec 4, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J 15/0026 20130101;
A61M 39/10 20130101; A61M 2039/1088 20130101; A61M 2206/20
20130101; A61M 2039/1033 20130101; A61M 39/26 20130101; A61M
2039/1038 20130101; A61J 15/0015 20130101; A61J 15/0076 20150501;
A61M 2039/1094 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61J 15/00 20060101
A61J015/00; A61M 39/26 20060101 A61M039/26; A61M 39/10 20060101
A61M039/10 |
Claims
1. An enteral feeding syringe assembly comprising: a syringe
including a barrel and a connector portion having a syringe fluid
passage in fluid communication with the barrel and extending
through the connector portion to an port of the syringe, the
syringe fluid passage including a main portion defining a
centerline of the syringe fluid passage and a constricted portion,
the constricted portion including a first axially facing blocking
surface of the connector portion defining at least a portion of a
boundary of the constricted portion of the syringe fluid passage, a
second axially facing surface located on a diametrically opposite
side of the centerline from the first axially facing surface and
defining at least a portion of the boundary of the constricted
portion, and a third axially facing surface angularly offset about
the centerline from the first axially facing surface and defining
at least a portion of the boundary of the constricted portion, the
third axially facing surface being spaced from the centerline a
distance greater than at least one of the first and second axially
facing surfaces; and a connector configured for attachment to the
syringe to connect the syringe in fluid communication with a fluid
containment device, the connector comprising a male connector
portion receivable in the fluid passage of the syringe connector
portion, the male connector having a connector fluid passage
extending through the connector, the connector fluid passage
including a main portion defining a centerline of the connector
fluid passage and a constricted portion, the constricted portion
including a first axially facing blocking surface of the connector
portion defining at least a portion of a boundary of the
constricted portion of the connector fluid passage, a second
axially facing surface located on a diametrically opposite side of
the centerline from the first axially facing surface and defining
at least a portion of the boundary of the constricted portion, and
a third axially facing surface angularly offset about the
centerline from the first axially facing surface and defining at
least a portion of the boundary of the constricted portion, the
third axially facing surface being spaced from the centerline a
distance greater than at least one of the first and second axially
facing surfaces.
2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the connector portion of the
syringe further comprises a connector projection of the connector
portion extending toward the centerline of the syringe fluid
passage, the first axial surface being defined on the connector
projection.
3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the connector projection of the
syringe extends laterally across the syringe fluid passage of the
connector portion of the syringe.
4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the connector projection of the
syringe comprises a first connector projection of the syringe, the
syringe further comprising a second connector projection disposed
on an opposite side of the centerline, the second connector
projection extending laterally across the syringe fluid passage of
the connector portion of the syringe, the second axially facing
surface being defined on the second connector projection.
5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the distance between the first
and second axially facing surfaces is about 2.90 mm (0.11 in.) or
less.
6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the male connector portion of
the connector comprises a connector projection extending toward the
centerline of the connector fluid passage, the first axial surface
of the male connector portion being defined in the connector
projection.
7. The assembly of claim 6 wherein the connector projection of the
male connector portion of the connector extends laterally across
the fluid passage of the connector, the connector projection of the
male connector portion is configured to extend into the syringe
fluid passage of the connector portion of the syringe and make a
sealing connection with the connector portion of the syringe when
the connector is attached to the syringe.
8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the connector projection of the
connector comprises a first connector projection of the connector,
the connector comprising a second connector projection disposed on
an opposite side of the fluid passage of the connector, the second
connector projection of the connector extending laterally across
the fluid passage of the connector, the second axially facing
surface being defined on the second connector projection.
9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein a distance between the first
and second axially facing surfaces of the male connector portion of
the connector is about 2.90 mm (0.11 in.) or less.
10. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the connector projection of
the connector extends laterally across the fluid passage of the
connector from one side of the fluid passage to the diametrically
opposite side of the fluid passage.
11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector projection of
the connector includes a first portion extending away from the male
connector portion at an angle toward a central longitudinal axis of
the male connector portion, and a second portion extending from the
first portion generally perpendicular to the central longitudinal
axis of the male connector portion.
12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the male connector portion
includes at least one cutout in the male connector portion, the
cutout providing an augmented area portion enhancing fluid flow in
the passage of the male connector portion.
13. An enteral feeding syringe facilitating an increased flow rate
out of the syringe to accommodate feeding fluids requiring higher
flow rates for delivery, the syringe comprising: a body having an
interior chamber and an outlet; a female connector portion attached
to the body, the female connector portion including a syringe fluid
passage in fluid communication with the interior chamber and a pair
of connector projections at the outlet, the connector projections
extending laterally across the outlet into the syringe fluid
passage of the female connector portion, the connector projections
defining a cross-sectional area of the outlet configured to
facilitate delivering feeding fluid requiring higher flow rates
through the syringe.
14. The syringe of claim 13, wherein the connector projections
define an outlet diameter in conformity with ISO standards 80369-3
and 80369-20 to prevent misconnection of the syringe with an
unauthorized connector.
15. The syringe of claim 13, wherein the outlet diameter is not
larger than about 2.90 mm (0.11 in.).
16. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the outlet has a
cross-sectional area of about 18.35 mm.sup.2 (0.03 in..sup.2)
enhancing fluid flow out of the outlet to facilitate delivering
feeding fluid requiring higher flow rates through the syringe.
17. An enteral feeding connector facilitating an increased flow
rate into and through the connector to accommodate feeding fluids
requiring higher flow rates for delivery, the connector comprising:
a male connector portion including an inlet, a fluid passage in
fluid communication with the inlet, and at least one connector
projection at the inlet, the connector projection defining a
cross-sectional area of the inlet configured to facilitate
delivering feeding fluid requiring higher flow rates through the
connector; and a tube connector portion attached to the male
connector portion.
18. The connector of claim 17, wherein the at least one connector
projection defines an inlet diameter in conformity with ISO
standards 80369-3 and 80369-20 to prevent misconnection of the
connector with an unauthorized connector.
19. The connector of claim 18, wherein the inlet diameter is not
larger than about 2.90 mm (0.11 in.).
20. The connector of claim 17, wherein the inlet has a
cross-sectional area of about 12.09 mm.sup.2 (0.02 in..sup.2)
enhancing fluid flow into the inlet to facilitate delivering
feeding fluid requiring higher flow rates through the
connector.
21. The connector of claim 17, further comprising a pair of
connector projections disposed on opposite sides of the inlet.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 119 to U.S. Patent Application No. 62/263,585, titled
HIGH-FLOW ENTERAL FEEDING SYRINGE ASSEMBLY, which was filed on Dec.
4, 2015, and U.S. Patent Application No. 62/264,070, titled
HIGH-FLOW ENTERAL FEEDING SYRINGE ASSEMBLY, which was filed on Dec.
7, 2015, and which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a high-flow
enteral feeding syringe assembly. In a medical environment, many
devices have tubing or other fluid conduits adapted for manual
connection in order to provide a fluid connection between devices
or between a device and a patient including enteral feeding pumps
and enteral feeding lines. For example, enteral feeding or delivery
of medicines to the gastrointestinal tract may be accomplished by
connecting an enteral feeding connector to an oral syringe. Some
patients, such as home healthcare patients, desire nutritional
fluid that is relatively thick. For instance, patients may desire
the delivery of blended fruits, vegetables, and other foods via
enteral feeding.
[0003] FIG. 1 shows a conventional enteral feeding connector
assembly including a male enteral feeding connector 1 and a female
enteral feeding connector 3, included as part of a syringe barrel,
configured to be connected to one another for use in connecting the
syringe barrel to medical tubing 5. The female enteral feeding
connector 3 receives a male connector portion 7 of the male enteral
feeding connector 1 within an interior space 9 of the female
connector. An exterior surface of the male connector portion 7
engages and seals with an interior surface of the female enteral
feeding connector 3 to achieve a fluid-tight connection placing an
interior of the syringe barrel in fluid communication with a
passage in the medical tubing 5. Fluid is typically delivered from
the female connector 3 to the male connector 1. A barrel outlet 11
is located adjacent an inlet 13 of the male enteral feeding
connector 1 and communicates with a flow passage 15 in the male
connector. The barrel outlet 11 and connector inlet 13 are sized
and arranged to comply with ISO standards 80369-3 (proposed) and
80369-20 to prevent misconnection of the connectors 3, 1 with
unauthorized connectors. An example of an unauthorized connector is
an IV tube or IV connector. However, to achieve this purpose, the
barrel outlet 11 has a reduced diameter section 17 that can choke
fluid flow exiting the syringe barrel. Additionally, the inlet 13
and diameter of the flow passage 15 in the male connector 1 may
also choke fluid flow into and through the enteral feeding
connector assembly.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present disclosure is directed to a high-flow enteral
feeding syringe assembly complying with ISO standards to prevent
misconnection with unauthorized connectors.
[0005] In one aspect, a An enteral feeding syringe assembly
comprises a syringe including a barrel and a connector portion
having a syringe fluid passage in fluid communication with the
barrel and extending through the connector portion to an port of
the syringe. The syringe fluid passage includes a main portion
defining a centerline of the syringe fluid passage and a
constricted portion. The constricted portion includes a first
axially facing blocking surface of the connector portion defining
at least a portion of a boundary of the constricted portion of the
syringe fluid passage, a second axially facing surface located on a
diametrically opposite side of the centerline from the first
axially facing surface and defining at least a portion of the
boundary of the constricted portion, and a third axially facing
surface angularly offset about the centerline from the first
axially facing surface and defining at least a portion of the
boundary of the constricted portion. The third axially facing
surface is spaced from the centerline a distance greater than at
least one of the first and second axially facing surfaces. A
connector configured for attachment to the syringe to connect the
syringe in fluid communication with a fluid containment device
comprises a male connector portion receivable in the fluid passage
of the syringe connector portion. The male connector has a
connector fluid passage extending through the connector. The
connector fluid passage includes a main portion defining a
centerline of the connector fluid passage and a constricted
portion. The constricted portion including a first axially facing
blocking surface of the connector portion defining at least a
portion of a boundary of the constricted portion of the connector
fluid passage, a second axially facing surface located on a
diametrically opposite side of the centerline from the first
axially facing surface and defining at least a portion of the
boundary of the constricted portion, and a third axially facing
surface angularly offset about the centerline from the first
axially facing surface and defining at least a portion of the
boundary of the constricted portion. The third axially facing
surface being spaced from the centerline a distance greater than at
least one of the first and second axially facing surfaces.
[0006] In some embodiments, the connector portion of the syringe
further comprises a connector projection of the connector portion
extending toward the centerline of the syringe fluid passage, the
first axial surface being defined on the connector projection.
[0007] In certain embodiments, the connector projection of the
syringe extends laterally across the syringe fluid passage of the
connector portion of the syringe.
[0008] In some embodiments, the connector projection of the syringe
comprises a first connector projection of the syringe. The syringe
further comprises a second connector projection disposed on an
opposite side of the centerline. The second connector projection
extends laterally across the syringe fluid passage of the connector
portion of the syringe, and the second axially facing surface is
defined on the second connector projection.
[0009] In certain embodiments, the distance between the first and
second axially facing surfaces is about 2.90 mm (0.11 in.) or
less.
[0010] In some embodiments, the male connector portion of the
connector comprises a connector projection extending toward the
centerline of the connector fluid passage. The first axial surface
of the male connector portion is defined in the connector
projection.
[0011] In certain embodiments, the connector projection of the male
connector portion of the connector extends laterally across the
fluid passage of the connector. The connector projection of the
male connector portion is configured to extend into the syringe
fluid passage of the connector portion of the syringe and make a
sealing connection with the connector portion of the syringe when
the connector is attached to the syringe.
[0012] In some embodiments, the connector projection of the
connector comprises a first connector projection of the connector.
The connector comprises a second connector projection disposed on
an opposite side of the fluid passage of the connector. The second
connector projection of the connector extends laterally across the
fluid passage of the connector, and the second axially facing
surface is defined on the second connector projection.
[0013] In certain embodiments, the distance between the first and
second axially facing surfaces of the male connector portion of the
connector is about 2.90 mm (0.11 in.) or less.
[0014] In some embodiments, the connector projection of the
connector extends laterally across the fluid passage of the
connector from one side of the fluid passage to the diametrically
opposite side of the fluid passage.
[0015] In certain embodiments, the connector projection of the
connector includes a first portion extending away from the male
connector portion at an angle toward a central longitudinal axis of
the male connector portion, and a second portion extending from the
first portion generally perpendicular to the central longitudinal
axis of the male connector portion.
[0016] In some embodiments, the male connector portion includes at
least one cutout in the male connector portion. The cutout provides
an augmented area portion enhancing fluid flow in the passage of
the male connector portion.
[0017] In another aspect, an enteral feeding syringe facilitating
an increased flow rate out of the syringe to accommodate feeding
fluids requiring higher flow rates for delivery generally comprises
a body having an interior chamber and an outlet. A female connector
portion attached to the body includes a syringe fluid passage in
fluid communication with the interior chamber and a pair of
connector projections at the outlet. The connector projections
extend laterally across the outlet into the syringe fluid passage
of the female connector portion and define a cross-sectional area
of the outlet configured to facilitate delivering feeding fluid
requiring higher flow rates through the syringe.
[0018] In certain embodiments, the connector projections define an
outlet diameter in conformity with ISO standards 80369-3 and
80369-20 to prevent misconnection of the syringe with an
unauthorized connector.
[0019] In some embodiments, the outlet diameter is not larger than
about 2.90 mm (0.11 in.).
[0020] In certain embodiments, the outlet has a cross-sectional
area of about 18.35 mm.sup.2 (0.03 in..sup.2) enhancing fluid flow
out of the outlet to facilitate delivering feeding fluid requiring
higher flow rates through the syringe.
[0021] In yet another aspect, an enteral feeding connector
facilitating an increased flow rate into and through the connector
to accommodate feeding fluids requiring higher flow rates for
delivery generally comprises a male connector portion including an
inlet, a fluid passage is in fluid communication with the inlet,
and at least one connector projection at the inlet. The connector
projection defines a cross-sectional area of the inlet configured
to facilitate delivering feeding fluid requiring higher flow rates
through the connector. A tube connector portion is attached to the
male connector portion.
[0022] In some embodiments, the at least one connector projection
defines an inlet diameter in conformity with ISO standards 80369-3
and 80369-20 to prevent misconnection of the connector with an
unauthorized connector.
[0023] In certain embodiments, the inlet diameter is not larger
than about 2.90 mm (0.11 in.).
[0024] In some embodiments, the inlet has a cross-sectional area of
about 12.09 mm.sup.2 (0.02 in..sup.2) enhancing fluid flow into the
inlet to facilitate delivering feeding fluid requiring higher flow
rates through the connector.
[0025] In certain embodiments, the enteral feeding connector
further comprises a pair of connector projections disposed on
opposite sides of the inlet.
[0026] Embodiments can include one or more of the following
advantages.
[0027] In some embodiments, an increased flow rate of feeding fluid
through the assembly is achieved.
[0028] In other embodiments, relatively thick nutritional fluid can
be delivered through the assembly without significant backup in the
assembly.
[0029] In some embodiments, misconnection with unauthorized
connectors is prevented.
[0030] Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent
from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 is a fragmentary longitudinal section of a prior art
enteral feeding syringe assembly.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary longitudinal section of an enteral
feeding syringe assembly constructed according to the principles of
the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal section of
the enteral feeding assembly of FIG. 2 taken in a plane
perpendicular to section shown in FIG. 2.
[0034] FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal section of a
syringe of the enteral feeding syringe assembly of FIG. 2.
[0035] FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal section of
the syringe taken in a plane perpendicular to the section shown in
FIG. 4.
[0036] FIG. 6 is an end view of the syringe.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration comparing an opening of
the syringe to a syringe opening of the prior art.
[0038] FIG. 8 is a perspective of a connector of the enteral
feeding syringe assembly of FIG. 2.
[0039] FIG. 9 is longitudinal section of the connector of FIG.
8.
[0040] FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal section of
the connector of FIG. 8.
[0041] FIG. 11 is an end view of the connector.
[0042] FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration comparing an opening of
the connector to a connector opening of the prior art.
[0043] FIG. 13A is a fragmentary perspective of the male connector
portion of the connector of the enteral feeding syringe
assembly.
[0044] FIG. 13B is section of the male connector portion of FIG.
13A taken through line 13B-13B.
[0045] FIG. 13C is section of the male connector portion of FIG.
13A taken through line 13C-13C.
[0046] FIG. 14A is a fragmentary perspective of another embodiment
of a male connector portion of the connector of the enteral feeding
syringe assembly.
[0047] FIG. 14B is section of the male connector portion of FIG.
14A taken through line 14B-14B.
[0048] FIG. 14C is section of the male connector portion of FIG.
14A taken through line 14C-14C.
[0049] FIG. 15A is a fragmentary perspective of another embodiment
of a male connector portion of the connector of the enteral feeding
syringe assembly.
[0050] FIG. 15B is section of the male connector portion of FIG.
15A taken through line 15B-15B.
[0051] FIG. 15C is section of the male connector portion of FIG.
15A taken through line 15C-15C.
[0052] FIG. 16A is a fragmentary perspective of another embodiment
of a male connector portion of the connector of the enteral feeding
syringe assembly.
[0053] FIG. 16B is section of the male connector portion of FIG.
16A taken through line 16B-16B.
[0054] FIG. 16C is section of the male connector portion of FIG.
16A taken through line 16C-16C.
[0055] FIG. 17A is a fragmentary perspective of another embodiment
of a male connector portion of the connector of the enteral feeding
syringe assembly.
[0056] FIG. 17B is section of the male connector portion of FIG.
17A taken through line 17B-17B.
[0057] FIG. 17C is section of the male connector portion of FIG.
17A taken through line 17C-17C.
[0058] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an enteral feeding syringe
assembly is generally indicated at 21. The syringe assembly is
configured to fluidly connect to a fluid conduit (e.g., feeding
tube 23) or a reservoir (e.g., medical tubing, bottle, nutrient
bag, etc.) for retrieving fluid from the fluid reservoir or
delivering fluid to a subject through the fluid conduit. The
syringe assembly 21 comprises a syringe 25 including a barrel 26
and a female connector 27 on a distal end of the syringe. The
assembly 21 further comprises a male enteral feeding connector 29
including a male connector portion 31 for providing a sealed
connection with the female connector 27 on the syringe 25 when the
enteral feeding connector is secured (e.g., threaded via threads 32
and 34 on the male connector 29 and female connector 27,
respectively) onto the female connector of the syringe. When the
enteral feeding connector 29 is properly secured to the syringe 25,
a tube connector portion 33 of the enteral feeding connector can be
connected to a fluid conduit (e.g., feeding tube 23) or reservoir
to fluidly connect the syringe to the fluid conduit or reservoir. A
fluid conduit and a reservoir may each be broadly considered a
"fluid containment device" for purposes of the present description.
A plunger (not shown) can be used to discharge fluid from the
syringe 25 and to draw fluid into the syringe. In the illustrated
embodiment, the female connector 27 is formed as one piece of
material with a remainder of the syringe 25 including the barrel
26. However, the female connector 27 could be formed separately
from the syringe 25 and suitably attached to the syringe.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the enteral feeding syringe assembly
21 is configured to permit relatively thick nutritional fluid,
which may even include bits of solid food, to be delivered through
the assembly while protecting against improper connections. In
particular, the enteral feeding syringe assembly 21 allows for
fluid to pass through the assembly at an increased flow rate, even
under gravity feed. The enteral feeding syringe assembly also
reduces the opportunity for occlusion. The female connector 27
receives the male connector portion 31 of the male enteral feeding
connector 29 within an interior space 35 of the female connector.
An exterior surface of the male connector portion 31 engages and
seals with an interior surface of the female enteral feeding
connector 27 to achieve a fluid-tight connection placing an
interior of the syringe 25 in fluid communication with a passage in
the feeding tube 23. A barrel outlet 37 is located adjacent an
inlet 39 of the enteral feeding connector 29 and communicates with
a flow passage 41 in the male connector portion 31. The barrel
outlet 37 has an augmented area section 43 (FIG. 7) that enhances
fluid flow exiting the syringe barrel as compared to the barrel
outlet 11 (FIG. 1) of the female connector 3 of the prior art. The
inlet 39 of the enteral feeding connector 29 also has an augmented
area section 45 (FIG. 12) as compared to the inlet 13 (FIG. 1) of
the male connector 1 of the prior art that enhances fluid flow into
the enteral feeding connector. Additionally, flow passage 41 has a
larger cross-sectional area than the flow passage 15 of the male
connector 1 of the prior art which enhances fluid flow through the
enteral feeding connector. Enhancing the fluid flow through the
enteral feeding connector assembly 21 facilitates delivering
relatively thick nutritional fluid through the assembly.
[0061] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, (first and second) connector
projections 51 extend from the barrel outlet 37 into the interior
space 35 of the female connector 27. The connector projections 51
provide an opening diameter 53 (FIG. 6) that conforms to ISO
standards 80369-3 (proposed) and 80369-20 to prevent misconnection
of the female connector 27 with an unauthorized connector. In one
embodiment, the opening diameter 53 is not larger than about 2.90
mm (0.11 in.). It will be appreciated that the projections 51
somewhat constrict the cross-sectional area of the interior space
35 (see, FIG. 4). Referring particularly to FIG. 6, the opening of
the interior space 35 at the location of the projections 51 is
considered to be the constricted portion of the interior space.
Each of the connector projections 51 defines an axially facing
surface 51A. A third axially facing surface is defined at 37A by
the end of the barrel outlet 37. The radially inner edges of these
(first and second) axially facing surfaces 51A define opposite
edges of part of the boundary of the constricted portion of the
interior space 35. The radially inner edge of the axially facing
surface 37A defines another part of the boundary of the constricted
portion. It may be seen in FIG. 6, that the axially facing surface
37A is spaced from a centerline C (seen end on, as a point in FIG.
6) a distance greater than both of the axially facing surfaces 51A.
The axially facing surface 37A is also offset along the centerline
C from the axially facing surfaces 51A. As a result of this
configuration of the constricted portion, the overall
cross-sectional area of the interior space 35 at the constricted
portion remains relatively large as schematically illustrated by
section 43 in FIG. 7. Section 43 is juxtaposed in FIG. 7 with a
section 55 showing the area of the barrel outlet 11 of the prior
art. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the cross-sectional area of the
barrel outlet 37 (section 43) is significantly larger than the
cross-sectional area of the barrel outlet 11 (section 55). In one
embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the augmented area section
43 is about 18.4 mm.sup.2 (0.03 in..sup.2) and the cross-sectional
area of section 55 is about 6.6 mm.sup.2 (0.01 in..sup.2). In one
embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the augmented area section
43 is over 270% larger than the cross-sectional area of section 55.
Thus, the increased cross-sectional area for the barrel outlet 37
of the assembly 21 allows for passage of liquid that is thick and
may include bits of solid, such as from ground fruit. The greater
area also permits a greater flow rate to be generated at the barrel
outlet than can be generated with the cross-sectional area of the
barrel outlet 11 of the prior art. In the illustrated embodiment,
there are two connector projections 51 disposed on opposite sides
of the female connector 27. It is envisioned, however, that any
number of connector projections can be utilized. Additionally,
other components for producing the opening diameter 53 in
conformity of ISO standards 80369-3 (proposed) and 80369-20 are
envisioned. For instance, cross ribs, bridges, and other
projections disposed at different angles could be used to
accomplish the increased flow rate and reduced potential for
occlusion while still conforming to the ISO standards.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 8-12, (first and second) connector
projections 61 at the inlet 39 of the enteral feeding connector 29
extend from the male connector portion 31. When the enteral feeding
connector 29 is connected to the female connector 27, the connector
projections 61 extend into the interior space 35 of the female
connector. The connector projections 61 provide an opening diameter
63 (FIG. 11) that conforms to ISO standards 80369-3 (proposed) and
80369-20 to prevent misconnection of the enteral feeding connector
29 with an unauthorized connector. In one embodiment, the opening
diameter 63 is not larger than about 2.90 mm (0.11 in.). The
diameter 63 also represents a constricted portion of the flow
passage 41. Each of the connector projections 61 defines an axially
facing surface 61A. The projections 61 somewhat constrict the
cross-sectional area of the flow passage 41 (see, FIG. 9). The
radially inner edges of the (first and second) axially facing
surfaces 61A define the boundary of the constricted portion 63 of
the flow passage 41. However, the overall constriction of the flow
passage 41 is limited by the configuration of the male connector
29. A third axially facing surface 31a is defined at the end of the
male connector portion 31. The radially inner edge of the axially
facing surface 31A also defines a portion of the cross sectional
area of the flow passage 41. It may be seen in FIG. 11, that the
axially facing surface 31A is spaced from a centerline C (seen end
on, as a point in FIG. 11) a distance greater than both of the
axially facing surfaces 61A. The cross section of the flow passage
41 remains relatively large as schematically illustrated in FIG. 12
by section 45. A section 57 showing the cross-sectional area of the
inlet 13 of the male enteral feeding connector 1 of FIG. 1 is
juxtaposed with the section 45 in FIG. 12. As can be see, the
cross-sectional area of the inlet 39, as illustrated by section 45,
is significantly larger than the cross-sectional area of the inlet
13, illustrated by section 57. In one embodiment, the
cross-sectional area of the augmented area section 45 is about 12.1
mm.sup.2 (0.02 in..sup.2) and the cross-sectional area of section
57 is about 6.6 mm.sup.2 (0.01 in..sup.2). In one embodiment, the
cross-sectional area of the augmented area section 43 is over 180%
larger than the cross-sectional area of section 57. Thus, the
increased cross-sectional area for the inlet 39 of the assembly 21
allows passage of liquid that is thick and may include bits of
solid, such as from ground fruit. The greater area also permits a
greater flow rate to be generated into the enteral feeding
connector 29 than can be generated with the cross-sectional area of
the inlet 13 of the prior art, particularly under gravity feed. In
the illustrated embodiment, there are two connector projections 61
disposed on opposite sides of the male connector portion 31 of the
enteral feeding connector 29. It is envisioned, however, that any
number of connector projections can be utilized. Other components
for producing the opening diameter 63 in conformity of ISO
standards 80369-3 (proposed) and 80369-20 are envisioned. For
instance, cross ribs, bridges, and other projections disposed at
different angles could be used to accomplish the increased flow
rate and occlusion reduction while still conforming to the ISO
standards.
[0063] In use, the enteral feeding syringe assembly 21 places the
syringe 25 in fluid communication with the feeding tube 23 to
deliver fluid through the feeding tube. The augmented area section
43 at the outlet 37 of the syringe 25, the augmented area section
45 at the inlet 39 of the enteral feeding connector 29, and the
increased diameter of the flow passage 41 in the male connector
portion 31 create increased cross-sectional areas which provide
less constriction allow for a greater flow rate to be generated in
these areas of the enteral feeding syringe assembly 21 than can be
achieved with the syringe assembly shown in FIG. 1. Accordingly,
the assembly 21 of the present invention is capable of
accommodating thicker enteral feeding fluids that may include bits
of solid food.
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 13A-17C, some alternative configurations
for the male connector portion 31 are disclosed. FIGS. 13A-13C show
male connector portion 31 and connector projection 61 described
above. FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate a connector projection 61B
extending across inlet 39B of male connector portion 31B. The areas
to the sides of the connector projection 61B produce an augmented
area portion of the inlet 39B. A distal portion of the connector
projection 61B maintains the proposed 80369-3 ISO standard to
prevent misconnection of the male connector portion 31B. FIGS.
15A-15C show a connector projection 61C that extends partially
around inlet 39C of male connector portion 31C. A recess 65C is
formed in the male connector portion 31C and extends around a
remainder of the inlet 39C and down a side of the male connector
portion. The recess 65C produces an augmented area portion at the
inlet 39C. A distal portion of the connector projection 61C
maintains the proposed 80369-3 ISO standard to prevent
misconnection of the male connector portion 31C.
[0065] A male connector portion 31D having a single connector
projection 61D extending partially across inlet 39D of male
connector portion, is shown in FIGS. 16A-16C. The area around of
the connector projection 61D is an augmented area portion at the
inlet 39D. The connector projection 61D includes a first portion
62D extending away from the connector portion 31D and toward a
longitudinal axis of the connector portion, and a second portion
64D extending laterally across the inlet 39D generally
perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the connector portion 31D.
A distal portion of the connector projection 61D maintains the
proposed 80369-3 ISO standard to prevent misconnection of the male
connector portion 31D. For example, a distance between the free end
of the projection 61D and the opposed edge of the inlet 39E may be
less than 2.9 mm. FIGS. 17A-17C disclose cutouts 65E in male
connector portion 31E. The cutouts 65E are disposed adjacent an
inlet 39E of the male connector portion 31E. The cutouts 65E
produce an augmented area portion allowing for a greater flow rate
to be generated near the inlet 39E. In the embodiment of FIGS.
17A-17C, the male connector portion 31E seals with a female
connector (e.g., female connector 27) at a location below the
bottoms of the cutouts 65E. Thus, liquid may flow around the free
end of the male connector portion 31E and into the cutouts 65E. A
distal portion of the male connector portion 31E maintains the
proposed 80369-3 ISO standard to prevent misconnection of the male
connector portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutouts 65E
have a trapezoidal shape. However, the cutouts 65E can have other
shapes without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0066] Having described embodiments of the invention in detail, it
will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible
without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the
appended claims.
[0067] When introducing elements of the present invention or the
preferred embodiments thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the" and
"said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the
elements. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are
intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional
elements other than the listed elements.
[0068] As various changes could be made in the above constructions,
products, and methods without departing from the scope of the
invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above
description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *