MXPA96001469A - Connector for med tube - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a male component connected to a first length of the pipe, and a female component having a first end and a second end defining an interior, wherein the female component is connected at a second length of the pipe at the first end, and wherein the female component is selectively coupled to the male component from the second end, providing communication between the first of the pipe and the second length of the pipe, the component strand has a hinged closure proximate the second end, which provides selective access to the interior of the female component, wherein the hinged closure is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to a length of the female component, and extending through the hinge closure

Description

CONNECTOR FOR MEDICAL TUBE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to a connector assembly connecting a first length of pipe to a second length of pipe. More specifically, the present invention relates to a connector assembly having a hinged closure integrally formed with a component of the connector assembly. In a variety of industries, and for a variety of applications, it is necessary to create and provide a flow path. In many situations, more specifically in the medical industry, it is necessary to create sterile fluid flow paths. Of course, it is generally known to provide fluid distribution to a patient for a variety of purposes, such as the distribution of a medicament, the provision of nutrition, and peri-ton dialysis and the like. Such distribution of fluids in many cases necessitates the creation of sterile flow paths. Some such procedures require that the sterile flow paths be disconnected and reconnected. For example, it is known to use a cannula or needle to inject a solution into a patient through the use of a length of the tubing which is further connected to a container housing the solution. Frequently, an adapter or other connector is provided to enable fluid communication between the container and the patient, through the tube. For example, a connector may be provided in a gate on the container, to connect one end of the length of the pipe to the container. It is also known to provide solutions to a patient, such as for peritoneal dialysis. In peritoneal dialysis, a dialysis solution is introduced into the peritoneal cavity, using a catheter. After a sufficient period of time, an exchange of solutes between the dialysate and the blood is achieved. The elimination of the fluid is achieved by the provision of an adequate osmotic gradient from the blood to the dialysate, to allow outward flow of water from the blood. The proper balance of acid-base electrolyte and fluid is achieved to be returned to the blood, and the dialysis solution is simply drained from the body cavity through the catheter. This procedure is generally repeated three or four times a day for such a patient. Therefore, repeated connections and disconnections are required in the system. Furthermore, such a patient is frequently interrupted during the administration of the solution in the body which requires disconnection from the system. At least three problems arise with respect to the disconnection and reconnection of a sterile flow path, such as that used for peritoneal dialysis. A requirement is that the system must provide a quick and simple disconnection of the system. It is also required that a sterile environment be kept free of contaminants after disconnection. In addition, the system must provide the means for a simple reconnection to the system. If the complete dismantling of the equipment is required, a patient in general will not allow the interruption and will continue to receive the solution ignoring the interruption. On the other hand, if the disconnection and / or reconnection can not be carried out without contaminating the system, the contaminated components of the system or the complete system must be replaced. In the alternative, the contaminated components of the system must be sterilized before reusing the system. Again, therefore, the patient will ignore the interruption and continue with the administration of the solution from the system. 1 Sometimes, however, interruptions, such as emergencies, will require disconnection from the system. Therefore, there is a need for an improved system to simplify disconnection and reconnection without r) contamination of system components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a connector Q assembly and a method of connecting a pair of connectors, to provide fluid communication between a first length of pipe and a second length of pipe. The connector assembly incorporates a hinged closure that provides connection and disconnection sella¬ days of assembly in the connection of the connectors. For this purpose, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a connector assembly comprising a male component connected to a first length of pipe, and a female component connected to a second length of pipe. The female component is selectively coupled to the male component providing communication between the first length of the pipe and the second length of the pipe. The female component comprises a hinged closure that provides selected access to an orifice of the female component.

In one embodiment, the hinged closure of the connector assembly includes a spring for maintaining a seal of the hinged closure. In one embodiment, the hinged closure of the connector assembly includes a pressure retainer or lock to maintain a seal of the hinged closure. In one embodiment, the connector assembly further comprises a longitudinal member within the male component, wherein the longitudinal member is capable of opening the hinged closure of the female component. In one embodiment, the connector assembly further comprises a tubular member within the male component, the tubular member extends such that, when the male component is coupled with the female component, the hole of the female component is in fluid communication with the tubular member. . In one embodiment, the orifice of the female component includes a ring 0. In yet another embodiment, the female component orifice has a conical Luer-type union. In yet another embodiment, the connector assembly further comprises a clip at one end of the male component or the female component, the clip selectively occludes the flow through the tube. The clamp can be rotatable about a defined axis along a length of the pipe. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided to provide fluid communication between a first length of the pipe and a second length of the pipe. The connector assembly comprises a first component having a hinged closure connected to the first length of the pipe. A second component has means for opening the hinged closure, and is connected to the second length of the pipe where the connection of the first component to the second component opens the hinged closure and provides fluid communication between the first length of the pipe and the second. length of the pipe. In one embodiment, the connector assembly further comprises the occluder means that selectively prevents and allows flow through one of the first lengths of the tubing. The occluder means may be rotatable about an axis defined by the length of the pipe. In one embodiment, a dough is integrally formed on a lower side of the hinged closure, the dough sealing an opening of the first component. In one embodiment, the dough is antimicrobially impregnated.

In one embodiment, the connector assembly further comprises a spring that applies tension to the hinged closure. In one embodiment, the first component and the second component are constructed and accommodated to prevent misalignment. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method provides fluid communication between a first length of the tubing connected to a patient, and a second length of tubing connected to a fluid source. The method comprises the steps of: the provision of a first connector; the provision of an integrally formed closure with the first connector; the provision of a second connector; the provision of a means to open the integrally formed closure with the second connector; and connecting the first connector to the second connector that provides fluid communication between the first length of the pipe and the second length of the pipe, wherein the means for opening the second connector forces the closure to open with the connection. In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of providing an occluder to selectively prevent fluid communication. In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of rotating an occluder about an axis defined by a length of the pipe, to selectively prevent fluid communication. It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide a system and method for connecting and disconnecting an assembly that provides fluid communication between a source and a patient. Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a system and method for the repeated connection and disconnection of a connector that provides fluid communication between a source and a patient. Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a simple connector that can easily connect and disconnect a first length of pipe from a second length of pipe, in a sealed manner. A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a system and method for connecting and disconnecting a connector between two pipe lengths, which can be easily carried out either by a patient or by another administrator. Furthermore, an advantage of the present invention is to provide a system and method for connecting and disconnecting a connector between two pipe lengths, the system requiring a few steps. 1 Another additional advantage of the present invention is to provide a system and method for connecting and disconnecting a connector without requiring an antimicrobial liquid. r) And, another advantage of the present invention is to provide an ergonomic and compact system for connecting and disconnecting a connector between two pipe lengths. The additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments, and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 illustrates an environmental view of a connector of the present invention in its disconnected state between a fluid source and a patient.

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the female component of the connector of the present invention, with a hinged closure in its sealed position.

Figure 3 illustrates a partial perspective view of the female component of the connector of the present invention, with the hinged closure in its open position. r) Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the male component of the connector of the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates a transverse sectional view of the connector assembly, immediately before the connection between its male component and its female component.

Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of the present invention, with the male component and the female component connected.

Figure 7 illustrates an end view of the 2Q sleeve portion or sleeve of the female component of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CURRENTLY PREFERRED MODALITIES The present invention provides a connector between two lengths of pipe or other conduit, to selectively connect and disconnect the lengths of the pipe. When connected, fluid communication is provided between a fluid source and a patient. However, fluid can be prevented from flowing when connected by using an integrally formed occluder with the connector. Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates an environmental view of a system employing the connector of the present invention. The connector is generally illustrated in one that includes a female component 10 and a male component 12. As illustrated in Figure 1, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the female component 10 is connected to a conduit 14 that is attached via a catheter 15 to a patient 2. The male component 12, on the other hand, in a preferred embodiment, can be connected to a Y-shaped device generally illustrated at 18. The Y-shaped device 18 includes two flexible containers 20a, 20b. Typically, for peri-tone dialysis, one of the flexible containers, for example, the flexible container 20a, is filled with a dialysate, and the other flexible container 20b is empty. The flexible containers 20a and 20b are attached to the male component 12 through a length of the conduit 22, forming a portion of the Y-shaped device 18. The clamps 24 can be provided at any point along the length of the conduit 22 , to control the dialysate flow, as desired. In yet another embodiment, the male component 12 of the connector 1 can have clips integrated into its housing. Referring now to Figures 2, 3 and 4, the female component 10 of the connector 1 is illustrated. The female component 10 has an outer dimension designed to fit within an opening 26 of the male component 12. The female component includes a hinged door 28 rotatable about a hinge 30. The hinge 30 allows the door 28 to rotate approximately 90 ° toward the position shown in Figure 3. As mentioned, the exterior of the female component 10 is designed to fit within the opening of the male component. 12 in sliding coupling. In addition, the exterior of the female component 10 is designed such that only an orientation of the female component 10 can be received within the opening 26 of the male component 12. The female component 10 further includes a sleeve 32 capable of axial rotation about the conduit 14. In the position illustrated in Figure 2, the duct 14 is closed by tightening by a pair of arms within the sleeve 32, which will be described hereinafter with reference to Figures 5, 6 and 7. With reference now to Figure 4, the male component 12 is illustrated having a longitudinal member 34 extending within the opening 26, and a tubular member 36 extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal member 34 within the opening 26. The longitudinal member 34, during the connection of the male component 12 to the component female 10, forces the rotation of the door 28 around the hinge 30. The tubular member 36 is guided within the opening 38 (see Figure 3) of the female component 10, providing fluid communication through the male component 12 and the component 10. The door 28 maintains a seal against a surface 40, including the opening 38 via a spring 42. The spring 42 provides tension to maintain the door 28 in the position illustrated in FIG. Figure 2. The insertion of the female component 10 into the male component 12 acts against the tension in the spring 42 of the door 28, causing the door 28 to open allowing the tubular member 36 to be inserted into the opening 38 of the component 10. In still another embodiment of the present invention, a pressure retainer 39 can replace the spring 42 or supplement the spring 42 to maintain the hinged door 28 in the position shown in Figure 2. The pressure retainer 39 is generally known in the art. In the present invention, the pressure retainer 39 is circumferentially formed as a flange about the internal circumference of the female component 10. The flange is formed at a point within the female component 10, where the door 28 is snapped into a closed position. In addition, the door 28 can be impregnated with an antimicrobial agent to improve the aseptic procedure during the opening and closing of the door 28. As the female component 10 and the male component 12 are further coupled after the opening of the door 28, - The tubular member 36 of the male component 12 is sealingly engaged within the opening 38 of the female component 10. For this purpose, the opening 38 may be a conical Luer-type connection, to assist in the hermetic coupling thereof. In yet another embodiment, the opening 38 may include a ring 0 to maintain the seal therebetween. Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, connector 1 is shown immediately before the connection of the female component 10 to the male component 12 (Figure 5) and after the connection between these (Figure 6). The distinction between the connection and disconnection of the female component 10 and the male component 12 is more clearly evident from the position of the door 28. In the closed position, the door 28 is substantially parallel to an end face of the female component 10, and it covers in an airtight manner the opening 38 to which the tubular component 34 is connected in fluid communication. The opening 26 or the reservoir of the male component 12 separates the tubular member 36 from the longitudinal member 34. When the connection of the male component 12 with the female component 10 is desired, the male component 12 is slidably coupled around the female component 12, allowing the longitudinal member 34 forced the door 28 to rotate around the 30. When the male component 12 is secured on the female component 10 as shown in Figure 6, the door 28 is perpendicularly positioned with respect to an end face of the same. The opening 26 or reservoir is constructed and accommodated to allow clearance for the door 28 to oscillate therein, as shown in Figure 6. After connection of the male component 12 to the female component 10, fluid communication is achieved. between the Y-shaped device 18 and the patient. The female component 10 further includes a sleeve 44 partially rotatable about an axis parallel to a length of the conduit 14., between the female component 10 and the patient 2. Within the sleeve 44 are a pair of longitudinal members 46. The sleeve 44 rotates about the axis, whereby the position of the longitudinal members 46 is deflected in a compressed position of the conduit and a flow position. To this end, an opening 50 is provided on one end face of the sleeve 44, as shown in Figure 7. The end face is constructed and accommodated such that in one position the end of the longitudinal members 46 is compressed, thereby the conduit 14 is compressed and, in another rotated position, the longitudinal members 46 are fully expanded towards the opening 50, allowing fluid to flow through the conduit 14. In one embodiment, the opening 50 is rectangular as illustrated in the Figure 7. The duct 14 is, therefore, compressed as shown with the opening 50 in the illustrated position. When the sleeve 4 is rotated 90 °, the opening 50 rotates 90 ° as well. Leg 46 expands with this toward the length of rectangular opening 50, allowing fluid to flow through conduit 14. It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the currently preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, described in the present. Such changes and modifications must be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and without diminishing its advantages in question. Therefore, it is intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Having described the invention as above, the content of the following is claimed as property:

Claims (20)

1. A connector assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a male component connected to a first length of pipe; and a female component connected to a second length of pipe, wherein the female component selectively engages with the male component, providing communication between the first length of the pipe and the second length of the pipe, the female component comprises a hinged closure that provides selective access to a hole in the female component.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the hinged closure includes a spring for maintaining a seal of the hinged closure.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the hinged closure includes a pressure retainer or lock to maintain a seal of the hinged closure.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a longitudinal member within the male component, the longitudinal member is capable of opening the hinged closure of the female component.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a tubular member within the male component, the tubular member extends such that, when the male component is coupled with the female component, the female component orifice is in communication of fluid with the tubular member.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the hole of the female component includes a ring 0.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the hole of the female component has a conical Luer-type connection.

8. The connector assembly according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises: a clamp at one end of the male component of the female component, the clamp selectively occluding the flow through the pipe.

9. The connector assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the clip is rotatable about a defined axis along a length of the pipe.

10. A connector assembly for providing fluid communication between a first length of pipe and a second length of pipe, the assembly is characterized in that it comprises: a first component having a hinged closure and connected to the first length of pipe; and a second component having a means for opening the hinged closure, and connected to a second length of pipe, wherein the connection of the first component to the second component opens the hinged closure and provides fluid communication between the first length of the pipe and the second length of the pipe. - li ¬ l i.

The connector assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises: the occluder means that selectively prevents and allows flow through one of the first lengths of the pipe.

12. The connector assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the occluder means is rotatable about an axis defined by the first length of pipe.

13. The connector assembly according to claim 10, further characterized in that it comprises: a mass integrally formed on an inner side of the hinged closure, the mass seals an opening of the first component.

14. The connector assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that the mass is impregnated with antimicrobial agent.

15. The roller assembly according to claim 10, further characterized in that it comprises: a spring that applies tension to the hinged closure.

16. The connector assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the first component and the second component are constructed and arranged to prevent misalignment.

17. A method for providing fluid communication between a first length of tubing connected to a patient, and a second length of tubing connected to a fluid source, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: the provision of a first connector; the provision of an integrally formed closure with the first connector; the provision of a second connector; the provision of a means for opening the closure integrally formed with the second connector; and connecting the first connector to the second connector, providing fluid communication between the first length of pipe and the second length of pipe, wherein the means for opening the second connector forces the closure Will open with the connection.

18. The method according to claim 17, further characterized in that it comprises the step of: the provision of an occluder to selectively prevent fluid communication.

19. The method according to claim 17, further characterized in that it comprises the step of: rotating an occluder around an axis defined by a length of the pipe, to selectively prevent fluid communication.

20. The method according to claim 17, further characterized in that it comprises the step of: retaining the closure in a closed position before the connection of the first connector and the second connector.