UNIVERSAL CONNECTOR.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a universal connector for devices typically used by physicians, although it may be used in any desired field. The connector is capable of reliable, hermetically sealed connection with (1) known mandrel adapters, (2) externally threaded connectors such as mandrel-lock connectors, and (3) ferrule connectors in which a hollow ferrule enters a sleeve in hermetically sealing relationship therewith. In my medical field, for example in the field of peritoneal dialysis, there are many different alternative ways of working to perform a particular procedure. In continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (C6|PD), the patient generally carries with him at all times a transfer kit that connects at one end to a catheter that in turn communicates with the patient's peritoneal cavity, and the transfer kit has a tip connector at its other end. Additionally, some common continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis machines use a threaded connector called a titanium adapter which is supported at the end of the peritoneal catheter. It may be desirable to connect directly to the titanium adapter or another screw-type connector. Finally, many medical devices make connections via a simple mandrel connector, the well-known tapered tube that fits into a tapered seat or mandrel adapter to create a friction-tight, durable seal. In the fields of continuous cyclic peritoneal dialysis (CCPD), intermittent peritoneal dialysis (IPD), or similar, it may be desirable in various cases to use multiple systems featuring different types of connectors. To allow this, manufacturers of equipment for dialysis and other medical procedures should <fno costretti a mantenere a magazzino un gran numero di tipi diversi di attrezzature o corredi medici, ciascuno portante un diverso tipo di connettere: un connettore a vite, un mandrino, o un connettore a puntale in qualità di elemento ricevitore p«j:r adattarsi alle varie necessità e ai desideri d<f:i pazienti e dei loro medici curanti. Ciò da luogd ad una grande proliferazione di codici di prodotte) 1 per la vendita e di tipi di prodotto, provocando cgsì una potenziale confusione, e aumentando in modo siignificativo il costo complessivo dei prodotti, a cjjusa della complessa amministrazione della grande varietà di codici c una riduzione dei rendimenti volumetrici in ogni singolo codice di prodotto. In accordance with the present invention, a universal connector is proposed that is capable of performing the function of several different types of connectors, for example, for connection to catheters for chronic patients or catheters for patients suffering from acute disease. As a result, the number of product types and part numbers can be reduced to one-third or less by the manufacturer, resulting in savings in product costs and avoiding confusion in orders, inventory movements, shipping, and the like. Consequently, with the present invention, a patient undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis may be able to connect to a kit featuring the universal connector of the present invention by connecting the tip provided on his transfer kit to the connector.In the same t <mpo, il connettore è suscettibile di collegamento diretto con un adattatore al titanio in relazione di bloccaggio a mandrino, mediante filettatura. However, the connector is also capable of connection to a simple mandrel adapter, or to an open end of the catheter. Consequently, the patient has great flexibility of operation through the use of the universal connector of the present invention, being able to switch his dialysis treatment mode with great ease from ambulatory continuous peritoneal dialysis to cyclic continuous peritoneal dialysis and back again to primary dialysis, for example, depending on his desire or needs. As prior art, the following patent applications under consideration relate to spindle locking connectors having a locking sleeve with a twisting or tearing action to assist in decoupling the spindle when desired: U.S. Pat. No. 223,072 to Tom Mittleman, filed January 6, 1981 and Titled LUER LOOK CONNECTION; application <Jji brevetto no.409.276 a nome Kersten, depositata August 18, 1982, cd entitled LUER lijOCK ADAPTER SYSTEM; patent application no. φA.571 in the name of Ruschke filed on July 26, 1932, and entitled: LUER CONNECTION EijiSTEM ; and patent application no.d01,572 in the name Rpschke, filed July 26, 1932, entitled LUER CONNECTION SYSTEM WITH RESILIENT RING“ U.S. Patent No. 4,346,703 discloses a locking connector having internal threads on a sleeve, which are spaced from the free end of the sleeve so as to define an annular sealing area between the threads and the free end. (DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION ί......... ' I· I. - Il ..ni I — .1 -........ II . The In accordance with the present invention, a universal connector for a conduit is described. THE - 7. Fluid supply. The connector comprises a tubular connector for attachment at one end to the fluid supply or flow conduit, said tubular connector defining a mandrel-shaped tube portion at its other end to make the connection to a mandrel adapter in a substantially conventional manner. A sleeve is supported by the mandrel-tapered portion of tubing and the fluid supply conduit in longitudinal relative motion with respect to it. The sleeve has internal threads for a locking connection to another connector; therefore, the sleeve is capable of providing a locking connection to another externally threaded connector, such as the well-known titanium adapter commonly used by patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. A tubular member having external threads at one end is also provided! external pleasures being connected by screwing f separably, with the internal threads of the sleeve. The tubular member defines an opening at its other end to hermetically seal a pin connector. [The structure described above may be part of a kit, catheter, or container to facilitate connection to a variety of different types of other connectors. For example, the universal connector of the present intention can be carried by a kit for performing continuous cyclic peritoneal dialysis or intermittent peritoneal dialysis. If you wish to connect to the universal connector with a ferrule connector, you can simply insert the ferrule through the opening at the other end of the tubing, where it forms a leak-proof ferrule connection. If you wish to connect with a stylet-lock connector, such as the titanium adapter used in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, simply remove the tubing by unscrewing it from its threaded connection with the sleeve, readying the universal connector to receive the stylet-lock connector. If you wish to simply connect to a stylet, or to one end of the catheter, you can slide the sleeve back to expose the tapered portion of the stylet to create this type of connection. The tubular member carried by the universal connector may support a polygonal flange, such as a hexagonal flange positioned transversely on the tubular member. This flange is typically positioned adjacent to the external threads to protect them when the tubular member is handled. In general, it is important to keep the external threads clean and free of contamination when breaking or making the connection, and the polygonal flange helps provide this protection. Additionally, the polygonal flange prevents the tubular member from rolling when placed on a surface that is not perfectly horizontal, whereas the tubular member with a circular flange would tend to roll on an uneven table. a second flange may also be provided adjacent to the other end of the tubular member to provide protection against a hand slipping over that end and depositing contaminating material at or near it and also to permit the attachment of a guard or cover for the connection. The sleeve may define a flat free end, the internal thread being spaced from the free end so as to define an annular sealing area between the thread and 1 11 free end. The free end may then enter into sealing relationship with an annular enlargement of the structure to which it connects, to provide an annular sealing area in a manner similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 346,703. Description of the drawings In the drawings, FIG. 1 is an elevational view, partly in longitudinal section, of the universal connector of the present invention in its form capable of making a connection with a pin-type connector. Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of Figure 1. (Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1. Figure 4 is an elevational view, partly in longitudinal section, of the universal connector of Figure 1 in its configuration suitable for connection with a spindle-lock type connector. Figure 5 is an elevational view, partly in longitudinal section, of the universal connector of Figure 1 in its configuration permitting connection with a simple mandrel-type connector. Specific embodiments described with reference to Figures 1-3, a universal connector 10 is described. The connector includes a tubular connector 12 which is secured at one end to the fluid supply conduit 14 and defines a mandrel-shaped portion of tubing 16 at its other end. Tubing 14 may be connected to any desired equipment or container, for example, a peritoneal dialysis solution container or a communication kit with the peritoneal cavity of a patient undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, intermittent peritoneal dialysis, or continuous cyclic peritoneal dialysis to restrict flow between the peritoneal cavity and the peritoneal dialysis solution containers. Alternatively, the connector of the present invention may be used in any other desired field, particularly the medical field for the dispensing or administration of medical solutions to a patient for feeding from one sterile container to another. The sleeve 18 is supported by a first mandrel-tapered tubing portion 16 and surrounds in a first position such portion 16 as illustrated particularly in Figures 1 and 2. The sleeve 18 is longitudinally movable and typically is rotatable with relative movement relative to the tubular connector 12 and the mandrel-tapered portion 16. The sleeve 18 defines internal threads 20 which are provided for a thread-lock connection with another connector, particularly the tubular connector. 22, defining a terminal tubular section having external threads 24 which are in separable threaded locking connection relationship with the internal threads 20. The tubular member 22 defines at its other end an opening 26 suitable for hermetically sealing a pin connector through the opening. - 13 tpra 26 in sealing relationship with respect to 4 a universal connector 10 when it supports the tubular member 22. The member 22 may be constructed of molded plastic material. The tubular member 22 also defines, in this embodiment, a pair of flanges 36, 37 to provide protection for the ends of the tubular member 22 against accidental contamination when a person grasps the member 22, the flanges serving to keep the fingers away from the ends. Furthermore, the flange 36, for example, may be constructed in a polygonal shape as illustrated in FIG. 3 for the purpose of preventing the tubular member 22 from rolling on a slightly unlevel table or other surface when separated from the remainder of the connector 12. The flange 37 may be gripped with a connection guard (Connection Guard) sold by Traivenol Laboratories to lock the tip in connection therewith. 111 sleeve 18 defines stop organs 28 which serve to limit the advancement of the sleeve When they rest against the flange 30 of the tubular connector 12, so that the sleeve 1 S:| cannot be removed by pushing forward. Between the flanges 28 there is a pair of slots 32 into which protrusions 34 of the connector 12 can be inserted when the sleeve 18 is retracted as illustrated in figure 5. Home has been illustrated in the embodiment of figure 1, the universal connector 10 is inserted for connection with a plug connector, which can pass hermetically sealed within 1 opening 26. In this way it can connect to a tip provided on the end of the transfer kit of a patient undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Alternatively, it can connect to a tip from any other kit or to a solution container, as desired. Referring to Figure 4, in this configuration of use, the universal connector 10 has its tubular, attached member 22 removed. This enables the universal connector 10 to receive a mandrel-lock connector, for example, a mandrel-lock connector 38 which may be a titanium adapter of the type commonly used on the end of a peri-catheter. - 15 tpneal 40 from patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal diesis. The mandrel-lock connector 38 defines a series of anterior external threads 42 sized to mate with the internal threads 20 of the movable sleeve 18. Consequently, the mandrel-lock connector may be threaded into a sealing relationship with the sleeve 18. The sleeve 18 is held in position by the pressure of the members 28 against the flange 30, and the forward end of the connector may also press against the flange 30 to provide a sealing relationship. Furthermore, another sealing arrangement may be provided by the unthreaded free ends 44, which may telescopically press against the annular projection 46 of the mandrel-lock connector 38 in a manner similar to that illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,000,000. 4,346,703. This provides a second hermetic seal above and beyond the hermetic seal naturally provided between the tapered mandrel portion 16 and the corresponding tapered bore of the mandrel adapter 38, which provides a first internal hermetic seal in the conventional manner provided by a mandrel seal. - 16 Thus, with the simple expedient of removing the tubular organ 22, the universal connector 1l0 can be made adaptable with the Von connection a spindle lock type connector. 'Referring to Figure 5, the connector of the present invention is shown in its configuration suitable for connection to a simple mandrel connector 40. The mandrel connector 48 may be connected to the peritoneal catheter 30, to a CDPD solution power supply kit, or to any other desired conduit containing a mandrel connector. As shown in Fig. 4, the sleeve 18 can slide rearward, with the projections 34 provided on the tubular connector 12 passing within the slots 32 of the sleeve 18, so that the tapered portion 16 of the mandrel is no longer surrounded by the sleeve 18. This therefore provides a space to accommodate the tapered portion 16 of the mandrel and the mandrel connector, even if the mandrel connector 4|; does not fit into sleeve 18, Additionally, the engaging projections 34 provide rotational rigidity to the sleeve 18 to assist in the decoupling action of the mandrel connection, when this is desired. Consequently, the connector of the present invention provides an economical possibility of connection with at least three different types of connectors. Devices, kits, solution containers, or other devices using the universal connector of the present invention have much greater flexibility of use, being connectable with different types of connectors to obtain important advantages of use, and allow the manufacturer of medical implants to simplify the inventory of kits, containers, and the like. The above invention is offered for illustrative purposes only and is not to be construed as a limitation of the scope of the inventions of this application, which is defined in the claims that follow. RI VSHDICATION 1. Universal connector for a fluid flow line, comprising: a tubular connector for attachment at one end to the fluid flow conduit and defining a mandrel-tapered tube portion at its other end; a sleeve carried by and surrounding said mandrel-tapered tube portion for possible longitudinal movement therewith, said sleeve defining internal threads for a screw-lock connection to another connector; and a tubular member having external threads at one end, said external threads being in a screw-lock connection removable by screwing with said internal threads, said tubular member defining at its other end an opening for hermetically sealing with a pin connector. 2. The connector of claim 1 wherein the said tubular member defines a polygonal flange provided adjacent said external threads to protect said external threads when the tubular member is handled and to prevent rolling of the tubular member when it is placed on a surface that is not perfectly horizontal. 3. The connector of claim 1 wherein said sleeve defines a free annular end, said internal threads being spaced from the free end to define an annular sealing area between the threads and the free end. 4. Connector according to claim 1 wherein said tubular member defines a polygonal flange. 5. The connector of claim 4 wherein said polygonal flange is adjacent one end of the tubular member and a second flange is positioned at a point adjacent the other end of the tubular member. 6. The connector of claim 1 wherein said tubular connector defines a retaining flange spaced from the tapered portion of the mandrel and said sleeve defines internal ridge means disposed further from the mandrel tapered portion than other non-ridged portions of said sleeve, said ridge means being sized to limit advancement of said sleeve by engagement of said retaining flange to prevent removal by pushing the sleeve forward relative to the tubular connector. 7. Universal connector for a fluid flow conduit, which includes: a tubular connector for attachment at one end to a fluid flow conduit and defining a tapered mandrel portion at its other end; a sleeve supported by said tubular connector and surrounding the same for possible longitudinal movement therewith, said sleeve defining internal threads for a threaded locking connection with another connector; and a tubular member having external threads at one end, said external threads being in a separable, screw-type, locked connection with 5.said internal threads, said tubular member defining at its other end an opening for hermetically sealing a ferrule connector; said tubular member also defining a polygonal flange adjacent to said external threads to protect said external threads when handling the tubular member and to prevent rolling of the tubular member when placed on a surface that is not perfectly horizontal; said sleeve defining a free annular end, said internal threads being spaced from the free end for the purpose of defining an annular sealing area between the threads and the free end. |:J. The connector of claim 6, wherein a second flange is disposed on said tubular member adjacent its other end with respect to the end having the external threads. 1". The connector of claim 8, wherein said tubular connector defines the retaining flange spaced from the tapered portion at mai);. <drino, e il detto manicotto definisce un mezzo a rij|ulto interno disposto in posizione piu' lontana rispetto alla parte rastremata a mandrino che non le altre porzioni prive di risalti del detto manicotto, il detto mezzo a risalto essendo dimensionato in modo da limitare 1'avanzamento di detto manicotto mediante l'impegno con la detta flangia di trattenuta, allo scopo di impedire la rimozione mediante spinta del manicotto in ovanti rispetto al connettore tubolare. 10. Tubular member for making connections, said tubular member defining external threads at one end and a polygonal flange disposed adjacent to said external threads for the purpose of protecting said external threads when the tubular member is handled and to prevent rolling of the tubular member - 22 when it is placed on a surface that is not perfectly horizontal. they spin, 376 6 A / 84 dQ / A / 13096 37 6 8 A / 84 Ir. in the name and on behalf of the Company: BAXTER TRAVENOL LABORATORIES,INC. (a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the state of Delaware, USA) with headquarters at: on? g axter Parkway, Deerfield, Illinois 6OO15(USA) cenine Patent Application Holder: Universal connector claiming priority of patent application in: USA No. 556.504 of November 30, 1983 the undersigned Authorized Representative hereby announces that Mr. has been designated as Inventor:

Claims

1) Rajph DAVIS of American nationality at:3S2Jj !:1 87th Street,Burlington,Visconsin 531O5(USA); 2) Vigliala J.SCHNELL of United States nationality at: 1100 Grane Blvd^Libertyvi. Ile, Illinois 60048(USA); 3) Arthur LUEDERS of United States nationality at:272 Dalton Ave»,Mundelein, Illinois 6OO6O(USA); 4) Rocker W. HARVEY of American nationality at: 27 iMontebello Drive, Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061 (USA)