Protective seal

Abstract

To reduce possibility of contamination by bacterium on the surface of the valve body of a non-connected female connector, and to reduce possibility of bacterium mixture inside a female connector by the wrong stab of a male Luer.SOLUTION: A protective seal 1 has a principal part 11 that is applied to the top surface 142 of a female connector 100. The principal part 11 has a reinforcement area 13 arranged to oppose to the valve body 110 that is exposed to an opening 143 which is provided on the top surface when the principal part 11 is applied to the top surface 142, and has a peripheral area 14 that surrounds the reinforcement area 13. A surface on the opposite side to the top surface 142 of the female connector 100 of the peripheral area 14 is provided with adhesiveness. The reinforcement area 13 has strength higher than the peripheral area 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective seal that can be detachably attached to a female connector provided with a self-closing valve body having a slit.

Background Art

[0002] In the medical field, flow paths (lines) are used to transport various liquids such as chemical solutions, infusions, and blood. Flow paths are generally formed by connecting containers, various instruments, tubes, and the like. In order to connect different members, a connector including a male connector and a female connector is used.

[0003] As a female connector used in such a field, a closed female connector provided with a self-closing valve body is known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 5). The valve body is a circular plate-like object made of a soft material having rubber elasticity, and a slit penetrating the valve body in the thickness direction is formed at the center thereof. The valve body is covered with a cap. An opening is provided at the center of the circular top surface of the cap, and the central region of the valve body including the slit is exposed to the outside through the opening. When a cylindrical male luer having no sharp tip is pushed into the opening, the valve body is deformed by the male luer and the slit opens. As a result, the female connector and the male luer communicate with each other. Thereafter, when the male luer is pulled out from the opening, the valve body immediately elastically returns to its initial state and the slit is closed. The male luer can be repeatedly inserted into and removed from the female connector.

[0004] In the conventional female connector described above, when the male Luer is not connected (or inserted), the valve body's slit closes, preventing external bacteria from entering the female connector. However, in the disconnected state, the area including the valve body's slit remains exposed within the cap's opening. As a result, the exposed surface of the valve body can become contaminated with bacteria. When a male Luer is connected to a female connector in this state, the valve body's slit opens, allowing bacteria attached to the valve body's surface to enter the female connector, potentially leading to infection in the patient.

[0005] Patent Document 5 describes a protective seal that can be affixed to a female connector when it is not connected. The protective seal can be affixed to the female connector so as to cover the area of ​​the valve body exposed within the opening on the top surface. By affixing the protective seal to the female connector, it is possible to prevent bacteria from adhering to the surface of the valve body when the female connector is not connected. Therefore, the protective seal is advantageous in reducing the possibility of bacteria entering the female connector. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-197254 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-252165 [Patent Document 3] WO2019 / 181743 [Patent Document 4] WO2014 / 049811 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-136200 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, there is a possibility of operational error (accidental puncture) occurring when attempting to insert a male luer into a female connector with a protective seal attached, without realizing that a protective seal is present on the female connector. Depending on the force with which the male luer is inserted, it may penetrate the protective seal and even be inserted into the female connector. In this case, if the outer surface of the protective seal is contaminated with bacteria, bacteria may enter the female connector.

[0008] The first object of the present invention is to reduce the possibility of bacterial contamination of the surface of the valve body of a female connector when it is not connected. The second object of the present invention is to reduce the possibility of bacteria entering the female connector due to accidental puncture by a male Luer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The protective seal of the present invention can be peelably attached to a female connector having a self-closing valve body with a slit formed through it in the thickness direction, and a top surface having an opening that exposes the region of the valve body including the slit. The protective seal comprises a main portion that is attached to the top surface of the female connector. The main portion comprises a reinforcing region positioned to face the valve body exposed at the opening when the main portion is attached to the top surface, and a peripheral region surrounding the reinforcing region. The side of the peripheral region facing the top surface of the female connector is adhesive. The reinforcing region is stronger than the peripheral region. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the peripheral region of the main part is adhesive. Therefore, the peripheral region can be attached to the top surface. This is advantageous in preventing the surface of the valve body inside the opening on the top surface from being contaminated with bacteria.

[0011] The reinforced area of ​​the main section is stronger than the surrounding area. Therefore, even if someone attempts to accidentally puncture a female connector with a protective seal attached using a male luer, it is difficult for the male luer to penetrate the reinforced area. This is advantageous in reducing the possibility of bacteria entering the female connector due to accidental puncture by a male luer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1A is a perspective view of the protective seal according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, as seen from the side that is attached to the female connector. Figure 1B is an exploded perspective view of the protective seal. Figure 1C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the base sheet constituting the protective seal, along the thickness direction. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is a perspective view of an example of a female connector to which the protective seal of the present invention can be attached. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the female connector shown in Figure 2A. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the state immediately before the protective seal according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is attached to the female connector. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a perspective view showing a protective seal according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention attached to a female connector. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the female connector and protective seal shown in Figure 4A. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the protective seal according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, as seen from the side that is attached to the female connector. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a protective seal according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention attached to a female connector. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A is a perspective view of a male connector that can be connected to the female connector shown in Figure 2A. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the male connector shown in Figure 7A. [Figure 8]FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the protective seal according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, as viewed from the side surface to be attached to the female connector. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the protective seal in a plane along the thickness direction. [Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0013] (1) The protective seal of the present invention can be detachably attached to a female connector including a self-closing valve body formed with a slit penetrating in the thickness direction and a top surface provided with an opening for exposing a region including the slit of the valve body. The protective seal includes a main portion to be attached to the top surface of the female connector. The main portion includes a reinforcing region arranged to face the valve body exposed in the opening when the main portion is attached to the top surface, and a peripheral region surrounding the reinforcing region. The surface of the peripheral region facing the top surface of the female connector has adhesiveness. The reinforcing region has higher strength than the peripheral region.

[0014] (2) In the protective seal of the above item (1), the surface of the reinforcing region facing the valve body may have non-adhesiveness. According to such an aspect, after the protective seal is peeled off from the female connector, the adhesive does not adhere to the surface of the valve body in the opening of the top surface. Therefore, thereafter, even when the male lure is connected to the female connector, the possibility of the adhesive or foreign matter being mixed into the female connector can be reduced.

[0015] (3) In the protective seal of the above item (1) or the above item (2), the reinforcing region may be thicker than the peripheral region. According to such an aspect, a reinforcing region having higher strength than the peripheral region can be easily configured.

[0016] (4) The protective seal according to any one of the above items (1) to (3) may include a base material sheet having a base material layer and an adhesive layer provided on one side of the base material layer. Such an aspect is advantageous for simplifying the structure of the protective seal and facilitating manufacturing.

[0017] (5) In the protective seal described in item (4) above, a reinforcing layer may be provided on the adhesive layer in the reinforcing region. According to this embodiment, a reinforcing region with relatively high strength can be easily constructed. This is advantageous for simplifying the structure of the protective seal and facilitating its manufacture.

[0018] (6) In any one of the protective seals described in item (1) to (5) above, the reinforcing area may be larger than the opening of the female connector. This configuration is advantageous, firstly, in preventing accidental puncture of the female connector to which the protective seal is attached with a male luer, and secondly, in preventing the adhesive in the peripheral area from adhering to the surface of the valve body in the opening on the top surface.

[0019] (7) The protective seal according to any one of the above items (1) to (6) may further include a projection that abuts against the top surface of the female connector so as to separate the reinforcing area from the valve body. According to this embodiment, even if foreign matter such as dirt is attached to the surface of the reinforcing area or the surface of the reinforcing area is contaminated with bacteria, the possibility of foreign matter or bacteria adhering to the valve body can be reduced.

[0020] (8) In any one of the protective seals described in item (1) to (7) above, the peripheral region may be flexible so as to deform along the top surface when the main portion is attached to the top surface of the female connector. This embodiment facilitates the close contact of the peripheral region with the top surface without any gaps. This is advantageous in reducing the possibility of bacterial contamination of the surface of the valve body inside the opening when the protective seal is attached to the female connector.

[0021] (9) In the protective seal according to any one of the above items (1) to (8), when the main part is attached to the top surface of the female connector, the main part does not have to protrude from the top surface. According to this embodiment, when the main part is attached to the top surface of the female connector, the possibility of foreign matter such as dust adhering to the adhesive layer in the surrounding area can be reduced.

[0022] (10) The protective seal described in any one of the above items (1) to (9) may further comprise at least one tab protruding from the main part.

[0023] (11) In the protective seal of item (10) above, a non-adhesive area having non-adhesive properties may be provided on at least a portion of the surface of at least one tab facing the female connector. In this embodiment, the tab can be used as a "handle" for the worker to grasp the protective seal when applying and removing the protective seal from the female connector.

[0024] (12) In the protective seal of item (10) above, an adhesive area may be provided on the surface of at least one tab facing the female connector. In this embodiment, the tab can be attached to the outer surface of the female connector.

[0025] (13) The female connector may further include an engagement groove into which an engagement structure provided on a male connector connected to the female connector engages. In the protective seal of item (10) or item (12) above, the at least one tab may be configured to be attached to the female connector such that when the main part is attached to the top surface of the female connector it covers at least a portion of the engagement groove. Such an embodiment is advantageous in preventing accidental puncture of the protective seal with a male luer.

[0026] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to preferred embodiments. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. The drawings referenced in the following description are simplified representations of the main components constituting the embodiments of the present invention for the sake of clarity. Therefore, the present invention may include any components not shown in the following drawings. Furthermore, within the scope of the present invention, the components shown in the following drawings may be modified or omitted. In the drawings referenced in the description of each embodiment, components corresponding to components shown in the drawings referenced in a prior embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in the drawings of the prior embodiment. For such components, redundant explanations have been omitted, and the descriptions of the prior embodiments should be considered as appropriate.

[0027] In this invention, the "axis" of a component (e.g., protective seal, female connector, male connector, etc.) refers to the central axis of the component. The "axis" passes through the center of a circle contained within the component and / or coincides with the central axis of a cylinder or cone (taper) contained within the component. In the drawings shown below, the "axis" is not shown for the sake of simplicity. The direction along a straight line perpendicular to the axis is called the "radial direction". In the radial direction, the side closer to the axis is called the "inside" side, and the side further from the axis is called the "outside" side. The direction of rotation around the axis is called the "circumferential direction".

[0028] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1A is a perspective view of a protective seal 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The protective seal 1 comprises a substantially circular main portion 11 and a tab 15 projecting outward radially from the outer peripheral end of the main portion 11. The main portion 11 comprises a central reinforcing region 13 and a peripheral region 14 surrounding the reinforcing region 13. The reinforcing region 13 is substantially circular and concentric with the main portion 11. The peripheral region 14 is continuous in an annular manner along the circular outer peripheral end of the main portion 11. The tab 15 has a non-adhesive region 19 in the region including its tip (the end furthest from the main portion 11) (tip region).

[0029] Figure 1B is an exploded perspective view of the protective seal 1. The protective seal 1 comprises a base sheet 20 and a reinforcing layer 23 and a non-adhesive layer 29 provided on one side of the base sheet 20. Figure 1C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the base sheet 20 in a plane along the thickness direction. The base sheet 20 comprises a base layer 21 having a constant thickness and an adhesive layer 22 provided on the entire surface of one side of the base layer 21. The adhesive layer 22 is adhesive. On the other hand, the base layer 21, the reinforcing layer 23, and the non-adhesive layer 29 are non-adhesive.

[0030] As can be easily understood from Figures 1A to 1C, in the reinforced area 13, the reinforced layer 23 is provided on the base layer 21 via the adhesive layer 22. In the non-adhesive area 19, the non-adhesive layer 29 is provided on the base layer 21 via the adhesive layer 22. On the side of the protective seal 1 where the reinforced layer 23 and non-adhesive layer 29 are provided, the adhesive layer 22 is exposed in the areas where the reinforced layer 23 and non-adhesive layer 29 are not provided. That is, the adhesive layer 22 is exposed in the peripheral area 14 of the main part 11. Also, in the area of ​​the tab 15 other than the non-adhesive area 19, the adhesive layer 22 is exposed, similar to the peripheral area 14. The area where the adhesive layer 22 is exposed is called the "adhesive area" in contrast to the non-adhesive area 19.

[0031] The base layer 21 is not limited, but may be made of a resin sheet. The material constituting the base layer 21 is not limited, but may be a polymer resin material such as polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, or polyethylene terephthalate. The base layer 21 does not need to be a single layer, and may have a multilayer structure with multiple layers laminated together. The multilayer structure may have any configuration, such as multiple layers being integrally laminated by co-extrusion, or multiple layers being laminated with an adhesive layer or the like in between. Printing or coloring may be applied to the side of the base layer 21 opposite to the adhesive layer 22. Preferably, the base layer 21 has adequate mechanical strength so that the protective seal 1 does not tear when the protective seal 1 is attached to the female connector 100 (see Figures 2A and 2B described later) or when the protective seal 1 is peeled off from the female connector 100. Furthermore, it is preferable that the base material layer 21 has appropriate flexibility so that it can deform along the curved surface of the female connector 100 (for example, the top surface 142 of the female connector 100 (see Figures 2A and 2B described later) or the outer surface of the female connector 100 (see Figure 6 described later)) when the protective seal 1 is attached to the female connector 100.

[0032] The adhesive layer 22 is not limited, but can be made of known adhesives such as silicone-based, acrylic-based, or rubber-based adhesives. The adhesive layer 22 is provided on the entire surface of one side of the base layer 21 with a substantially uniform thickness. It is preferable that the adhesive layer 22 is configured so that the protective seal 1 can be peeled off the female connector 100 relatively easily after being attached to the female connector 100, and so that no adhesive remains on the female connector 100 after peeling. This is because adhesive remaining on the female connector 100 makes the female connector 100 unsanitary.

[0033] The reinforcing layer 23 is for forming a relatively high-strength region (reinforcing region 13) on the base sheet 20. The non-adhesive layer 29 is for forming a non-adhesive region (non-adhesive region 19) on the side of the base sheet 20 (or tab 15) facing the female connector 100 by covering the adhesive layer 22 of the base sheet 20. The reinforcing layer 23 and the non-adhesive layer 29 are not limited, but both can be made of resin sheets. There are no restrictions on the materials that make up the reinforcing layer 23 and the non-adhesive layer 29, but the polymer resin materials exemplified as the material for the base layer 21 can be used. The materials of the reinforcing layer 23 and the non-adhesive layer 29 may be the same as or different from the material for the base layer 21. Also, the reinforcing layer 23 and the non-adhesive layer 29 may be made of the same material or different materials. The reinforcing layer 23 and the non-adhesive layer 29 preferably each have a certain thickness, but their thicknesses may be the same or different. The reinforcing layer 23 and / or non-adhesive layer 29 do not need to be a single layer, but may have a multilayer structure in which multiple layers are laminated. The multilayer structure can have any configuration, such as multiple layers being integrally laminated by co-extrusion, or multiple layers being laminated with an adhesive layer or the like in between.

[0034] Figure 2A is a perspective view of the female connector 100 to which the protective seal 1 can be attached. Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the female connector 100 along a plane including the axis of the female connector 100 (not shown).

[0035] As can be seen from Figure 2B, the female connector 100 comprises a valve body (sometimes called a "septum") 110, a female connector body (hereinafter referred to as the "body") 120, and a cap 140. The body 120 and the cap 140 clamp and secure the valve body 110 in the vertical direction.

[0036] The valve body 110 has a circular, thin plate shape overall. A linear slit (notch) 111 is formed in the center of the valve body 110, penetrating it in the thickness direction (vertical direction in Figure 2B). The valve body 110 is made of a flexible material (so-called elastomer) that is elastic (or pliable) so that it can be deformed relatively easily by external force and immediately return to its pre-deformation state (initial state) when the external force is removed. There are no restrictions on the flexible material that can be used, but examples include flexible polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic elastomers such as styrene-based elastomers, olefin-based elastomers, and polyurethane-based elastomers, and rubbers such as isoprene rubber, silicone rubber, and butyl rubber. The valve body 110 can be manufactured integrally as a single part using the above materials.

[0037] The upper part of the main body 120 has a double-cylinder structure comprising an inner cylinder 121 and an outer cylinder 125. Both the inner cylinder 121 and the outer cylinder 125 have a substantially cylindrical shape. The outer cylinder 125 is positioned radially outward from the inner cylinder 121, spaced apart from the inner cylinder 121, and coaxial with the inner cylinder 121. The inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 125 is provided with a fitting structure 126 consisting of convex ridges (annular ribs) and / or concave ridges (annular grooves) extending along the circumferential direction. A substantially cylindrical connecting portion 130 is provided on the lower side of the main body 120. The lumen of the inner cylinder 121 and the lumen of the connecting portion 130 are in communication via a flow path 135. A male plug (not shown) is connected to the connecting portion 130. The male plug may be provided, for example, at the end of a flexible tube. The tube may constitute a flow path through which a liquid (e.g., blood, drug solution, saline solution, etc.) flows. Alternatively, the male plug may be provided at the tip of a syringe.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2A, a pair of engagement grooves 127 (only one engagement groove 127 is visible in Figure 2A) are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 125 of the main body 120, symmetrically with respect to the axis (not shown) of the female connector 100. The engagement groove 127 comprises a guide portion 128 extending diagonally (or substantially spirally) downward from the upper end of the outer cylinder 22, and a locking portion 129 extending circumferentially from the lower end of the guide portion 128, and as a whole has a substantially "L" (or "J") shape (or hook shape). The engagement groove 127 (especially the guide portion 128) is open upward.

[0039] Returning to Figure 2B, the cap 140 comprises a disc-shaped top plate 141 and a cylindrical peripheral wall 145 extending from or near the outer edge of the top plate 141. A circular opening (through hole) 143 is formed in the center of the top plate 141. The top surface 142, which is the upper (or outer) surface of the top plate 141, is not limited, but in this embodiment 1, it is a concave conical surface with a gentle slope that descends as it approaches the opening 143. The lower surface of the top plate 141 is provided with a substantially cylindrical rib 144 that protrudes downward. The rib 144 is arranged radially inward from the peripheral wall 145, spaced apart from the peripheral wall 145, and coaxial with the peripheral wall 145. The outer surface of the peripheral wall 145 is provided with a fitting structure 146 consisting of circumferentially continuous convex ridges (annular ribs) and / or concave ridges (annular grooves).

[0040] The main body 120 and the cap 140 are preferably made of a rigid material. Specifically, resin materials such as polyacetal, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyamide, polypropylene, and rigid polyvinyl chloride can be used. The main body 120 and the cap 140 can each be manufactured as a single component by injection molding or the like using these resin materials.

[0041] The female connector 100 is assembled in general as follows: The valve body 110 is placed on the upper end of the inner cylinder 121. Next, the peripheral wall 145 of the cap 140 is inserted into the gap between the outer cylinder 125 and the inner cylinder 121. The valve body 110 is housed within the peripheral wall 145. The fitting structure 126 provided on the outer cylinder 125 of the main body 120 and the fitting structure 146 provided on the peripheral wall 145 of the cap 140 are fitted together. The upper end of the inner cylinder 121 and the lower end of the rib 144 clamp the peripheral portion of the valve body 110 in the thickness direction (i.e., vertical direction). The central region of the valve body 110, including the slit 111, is exposed within the opening 143 formed in the top plate 141 (see Figure 2A).

[0042] A hollow, cylindrical male Luer connector without a sharp tip (see, for example, the male Luer 210 in Figures 7A and 7B described later) is inserted into the opening 143 of the top surface 142 and pressed against the valve body 110, causing the valve body 110 to deform and the slit 111 to open. Thus, the lumen of the inner cylinder 121 of the female connector 100 and the male Luer connector are in communication. Any liquid (e.g., blood, medicine, saline solution, etc.) can be passed between the female connector 100 and the male Luer connector. Since the valve body 110 is tightly sealed against the male Luer connector, no liquid leaks out from between the valve body 110 and the male Luer connector. When the male Luer connector is withdrawn from the female connector 100 (especially its opening 143), the valve body 110 immediately elastically returns to its initial state, and the slit 111 is closed liquid-tight and airtight. In this way, the valve body 110 has resealability. The male Luer connector can be repeatedly inserted into and removed from the female connector 100. The valve body 110 functions as a self-closing valve that prevents liquid from unintentionally leaking from the female connector 100 to the outside when the male Luer connector is not connected to the female connector 100.

[0043] The method for using the protective seal 1 on the female connector 100 will be explained.

[0044] A male Luer connector (not shown; see, for example, the male Luer connector 210 in Figures 7A and 7B described later) is connected (or inserted) to the female connector 100, and a liquid (e.g., drug solution, intravenous fluid, blood, etc.) is passed between the female connector 100 and the male Luer connector. After that, the male Luer connector is separated from the female connector 100. Liquid may adhere to the surface of the valve body 110 exposed in the opening 143 and the top surface 142 surrounding the opening 143. This liquid is wiped away and cleaned with clean cotton wool (the cotton wool may contain a disinfectant).

[0045] Next, as shown in Figure 3, the main part 11 of the protective seal 1 is positioned opposite the top surface 142 of the female connector 100. More specifically, the side of the protective seal 1 with the reinforcing layer 23 and adhesive layer 22 (see Figure 1A) is positioned opposite the female connector 100.

[0046] Next, as shown in Figure 4A, the main part 11 of the protective seal 1 is attached to the top surface 142 of the female connector 100. The protective seal 1 can be easily attached by pinching the tab 15 (especially the non-adhesive area 19) with your fingers.

[0047] Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of Figure 4A. In Figure 4B, for the sake of simplifying the drawing, the base sheet 20 is shown as a single layer without distinguishing between the base layer 21 and the adhesive layer 22 (see Figure 1C). The adhesive layer 22 (see Figure 1A) of the peripheral region 14 of the main part 11 is attached to the top surface 142. By pressing the main part 11 toward the female connector 100 with a finger, the main part 11 (especially the peripheral region 14) can be curved in a concave shape to conform to the concave conical surface of the top surface 142. The reinforcing layer 23 (or reinforcing region 13, see Figure 1A) faces the valve body 110 exposed in the opening 143. Since the peripheral region 14 is in close contact with the top surface 142 around its entire circumference, the valve body 110 in the opening 143 is sealed by the protective seal 1 (especially the main part 11).

[0048] The outer diameter of the main part 11 of the protective seal 1 is set to be the same as, or slightly smaller than, the outer diameter of the top surface 142 of the female connector 100. Therefore, the main part 11 does not protrude radially outward beyond the outer edge of the top surface 142. The tab 15 protrudes radially outward beyond the outer edge of the top surface 142 and further than the outer cylinder 125 (see Figure 4A). The female connector 100 is left with the protective seal 1 attached, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, until the male luer is subsequently reinserted.

[0049] The protective seal 1 is peeled off the female connector 100 immediately before reconnecting the male luer to the female connector 100. Specifically, the protective seal 1 can be easily peeled off the female connector 100 by pinching and pulling the tab 15 (especially the non-adhesive area 19) with your fingers. If necessary, the top surface 142 and the surface of the valve body 110 inside the opening 143 may be wiped clean with clean cotton wool (the cotton wool may contain a disinfectant). After that, the male luer (not shown) is inserted into the opening 143 and connected to the female connector 100. The protective seal 1 peeled off from the female connector 100 is discarded.

[0050] As described above, the protective seal 1 of this embodiment 1 includes a main part 11 that can be attached to the top surface 142 of the female connector 1. The main part 11 is attached to the top surface 142 when the female connector 100 is in a disconnected state and the male luer is not connected (see Figures 4A and 4B). The main part 11 covers the valve body 110 exposed in the opening 143 of the top surface 142. The protective seal 1 prevents bacteria from adhering to the valve body 110 of the female connector 100 when it is disconnected. Therefore, even if the protective seal 1 is subsequently peeled off from the female connector 100 and the male luer is then connected to the female connector 100, the possibility of bacteria entering the female connector 100 is low.

[0051] When the main part 11 is attached to the top surface 142, the reinforcing region 13 faces the valve body 110 exposed in the opening 143 (see Figure 4B). The reinforcing region 13 is strengthened by laminating a reinforcing layer 23 onto the base sheet 20. Therefore, even if someone tries to mistakenly insert a male Luer into a female connector 100 with the protective seal 1 attached (see Figures 4A and 4B) without realizing that the protective seal 1 is attached to the female connector 100, it is difficult for the male Luer to penetrate the reinforcing region 13.

[0052] Conventional protective seals (see Patent Document 5) do not have the reinforcing region 13 of this embodiment 1, and the strength of the protective seal is uniform throughout its entire surface. Therefore, if a male luer is accidentally inserted into a female connector to which a protective seal has been attached, the male luer may pierce the protective seal and open the slit of the valve body. In this case, if the outer surface of the protective seal is contaminated with bacteria, those bacteria may enter the female connector. It is possible to prevent accidental insertion by making the protective seal thicker. However, a thick protective seal is less flexible, making it difficult to bend and deform the protective seal to conform to the concave top surface 142 of the female connector 100, and making it difficult to attach the protective seal tightly to the top surface 142. This increases the possibility that the surface of the valve body 110 inside the opening 143 will be contaminated with bacteria.

[0053] In contrast, the protective seal 1 of this embodiment 1 has a reinforcing region 13 located opposite the valve body 110 within the opening 143. The reinforcing region 13 resists the male luer if an attempt is made to accidentally puncture the female connector 100 to which the protective seal 1 is attached. It is difficult for the male luer to penetrate the reinforcing region 13. Therefore, even if the outer surface of the protective seal 1 (the side opposite to the side facing the female connector 100) is contaminated with bacteria, the possibility of those bacteria entering the female connector 100 is low.

[0054] In this invention, the "strength" of the protective seal (or reinforcement area) refers to its resistance (tolerance) to accidental puncture by the male luer. Specifically, the "strength" of the protective seal (or reinforcement area) is the maximum force with which the male luer can resist the male luer when it is thrust perpendicularly against the protective seal (or reinforcement area) without the protective seal (or reinforcement area) being punctured by the male luer. Generally, "strength" correlates with the breaking load.

[0055] The reinforcing region 13 is provided only in the central region of the main portion 11, not the entire region of the main portion 11. The main portion 11 is provided with an adhesive peripheral region 14 surrounding the reinforcing region 13. Therefore, the peripheral region 14 can be attached to the top surface 142 surrounding the opening 143 of the female connector 100. The peripheral region 14 is relatively weaker than the reinforcing region 13 and preferably flexible. Therefore, if the top surface 142 has a curved surface (e.g., a concave cone), the peripheral region 14 can be deformed along the top surface 142 (e.g., curved deformation) to adhere tightly to the top surface 142 without any gaps. This is advantageous in reducing the possibility of bacterial contamination of the surface of the valve body 110 in the opening 143 through the space between the peripheral region 14 and the top surface 142 when the protective seal 1 is attached to the female connector 100 (see Figures 4A and 4B).

[0056] In this invention, the surface of the reinforcing region 13 facing the valve body 110 (facing surface) may be adhesive, similar to the surrounding region 14. However, preferably, as in Embodiment 1, the surface of the reinforcing region 13 facing the valve body 110 is non-adhesive. Unlike Embodiment 1, if the facing surface of the reinforcing region 13 is adhesive, adhesive may adhere to the surface of the valve body 110 inside the opening 143 after the protective seal is peeled off from the female connector 100. Foreign matter such as dirt easily adheres to adhesive. Subsequently, when the male luer is connected to the female connector 100, adhesive and foreign matter attached to the valve body 110 may enter the female connector 100. In Embodiment 1, since no adhesive layer is provided on the facing surface of the reinforcing region 13, even if the male luer is connected to the female connector 100 after the protective seal 1 is peeled off from the female connector 100, the possibility of adhesive and foreign matter entering the female connector 100 is low.

[0057] In this invention, there are no restrictions on the size of the reinforcing region 13. For example, the reinforcing region 13 may be smaller than the opening 143 of the female connector 100. However, it is preferable that the reinforcing region 13 is the same size as or larger than the opening 143 of the female connector 100, and more preferably larger than the opening 143 of the female connector 100. In this embodiment 1, the opening 143 is circular, and the reinforcing region 13 is circular with a diameter larger than the opening diameter of the opening 143. Therefore, when the protective seal 1 is attached to the female connector 100, the reinforcing region 13 covers the opening 143 and extends radially outward from the opening 143 (see Figure 4B). The outer peripheral end of the reinforcing region 13 faces the top surface 142 in the axial direction. This has the following effects. Firstly, even if someone tries to accidentally puncture the female connector 100 with the protective seal 1 attached with a male luer, the possibility of the male luer piercing the protective seal 1 is further reduced. Secondly, the possibility of the adhesive constituting the adhesive layer 22 in the peripheral region 14 adhering to the surface of the valve body 110 inside the opening 143 is reduced.

[0058] In this invention, there are no restrictions on the size of the main part 11 (excluding the tab 15). For example, the main part 11 may be larger than the top surface 142. However, preferably, as in this embodiment 1, when the main part 11 is attached to the top surface 142 of the female connector 100, the main part 11 does not protrude radially outward from the top surface 142 (see Figures 4A and 4B). Unlike this embodiment 1, if the main part 11 protrudes from the top surface 142, foreign matter such as dirt can adhere to the adhesive layer 22 of the main part 11 (peripheral region 14) that protrudes from the top surface 142, making the adhesive layer 22 and the top surface 142 prone to becoming unsanitary. In this embodiment 1, when the main part 11 is attached to the top surface 142 of the female connector 100, the adhesive layer 22 of the main part 11 (peripheral region 14) is not exposed to the outside world, so there is a low possibility that foreign matter such as dirt will adhere to the adhesive layer 22. In this embodiment 1, the front view shape of the top surface 142, when viewed along the axis of the female connector 100, is circular. The main part 11 is circular in shape, having a diameter equal to or smaller than the diameter of the top surface 142.

[0059] In this invention, the reinforced region 13 is constructed to be stronger than the surrounding region 14. There are no restrictions on the construction of the high-strength reinforced region 13. For example, the reinforced region 13 may be constructed of a material with higher strength than the surrounding region 14, and an annular surrounding region 14 of the same thickness may be integrated into the reinforced region 13 by a method such as two-color molding. In this case, the main part 11 is constructed to be of a constant thickness throughout its entire area. However, preferably, as in this embodiment 1, the reinforced region 13 is constructed to be thicker than the surrounding region 14. This makes it easy to construct a reinforced region 13 that is stronger than the surrounding region 14.

[0060] In this invention, the reinforced region 13 may be constructed not by laminating a reinforcing layer 23, which is a separate component from the base layer 21, onto the base sheet 20 as in this embodiment 1, but by making the base layer 21 thicker in the reinforced region 13. Alternatively, unlike this embodiment 1, the reinforcing layer may be laminated on the surface of the base sheet 20 opposite to the surface facing the female connector 100 via an adhesive to construct the reinforced region 13. However, preferably, as in this embodiment 1, the reinforcing layer 23, which is a separate component from the base sheet 20, is provided on the adhesive layer 22 of the base sheet 20. This makes it easy to construct a reinforced region 13 with higher strength than the surrounding region 14 simply by laminating the reinforcing layer 23 onto the base sheet 20. Furthermore, it is easy to make the surface of the reinforced region 13 facing the valve body 110 non-adhesive. The reinforcing layer 23 may have higher or lower strength than the base sheet 20 (or base layer 21). Even if a reinforcing layer 23 having lower strength than the base sheet 20 is laminated on the base sheet 20 (or base layer 21), the region where the reinforcing layer 23 is laminated has higher strength than the surrounding region 14 where the reinforcing layer 23 is not laminated, and therefore can function as a reinforcing region of the present invention. Another layer may be interposed between the reinforcing layer 23 and the base sheet 20, or another layer may be provided on the side of the reinforcing layer 23 opposite to the base sheet 20. In any of these cases, the other layer forms a reinforcing region 13 that has higher strength than the surrounding region 14, and can therefore be considered to constitute a part of the reinforcing layer of the present invention.

[0061] Furthermore, in the reinforced region 13, a separate reinforcing layer (second reinforcing layer) may be laminated via adhesive on the surface of the base sheet 20 opposite to the surface facing the female connector 100, thereby improving the strength of the reinforced region 13.

[0062] In the present invention, there are no restrictions on the layers constituting the protective seal. However, preferably, as in this embodiment 1, a base sheet 20 having a base layer 21 having a certain thickness and an adhesive layer 22 provided on the entire surface of one side of the base layer 21 with a certain thickness extends over the entire area of ​​the protective seal 1. With this preferred configuration, the reinforced area 13 can be easily constructed by providing the reinforced layer 23 on the adhesive layer 22. Similarly, the non-adhesive area 19 of the tab 15 can be easily constructed by providing the non-adhesive layer 29 on the adhesive layer 22. Since the adhesive layer 22 where the reinforced layer 23 and non-adhesive layer 29 are not provided is exposed, an adhesive peripheral area 14 can be easily formed around the reinforced area 13. Therefore, the protective seal 1 of this embodiment 1 has a simple structure and can be easily manufactured.

[0063] The protective seal of the present invention may not have a tab 15 and may consist only of a main part 11 that is attached to the top surface 142. However, preferably, as in this embodiment 1, the protective seal 1 has a tab 15 protruding from the main part 11. The tab 15 can be used as a "handle" for the worker to grasp the protective seal when attaching the protective seal 1 to the female connector 100 or peeling it off the female connector 100. This has the following effects: Firstly, it facilitates the attachment and removal of the protective seal 1 from the female connector 100. Secondly, since the possibility of the worker's fingers touching the main part 11 (especially the side facing the female connector 100) is reduced, the possibility of bacterial contamination of the valve body 110 and the top surface 142 of the female connector 100 via the main part 11 is reduced.

[0064] In this invention, the tab 15 does not necessarily have a non-adhesive area 19. That is, the adhesive layer 22 may be exposed over the entire surface of the tab 15 facing the female connector 100. However, preferably, as in this embodiment 1, a non-adhesive area 19 is provided on the surface of the tab 15 facing the female connector 100. This preferred configuration has the following effects. Firstly, when attaching the protective seal 1 to or removing it from the female connector 100, the worker can grasp the protective seal 1 using the non-adhesive area 19. Since the adhesive layer 22 does not stick to the fingers, attaching and removing the protective seal 1 from the female connector 100 is easy. Secondly, when the protective seal 1 is attached to the female connector 100, the non-adhesive area 19 cannot be attached to the female connector 100 (see Figure 4A). Therefore, when removing the protective seal 1 from the female connector 100, the tab 15 can be easily grasped with the fingers.

[0065] The non-adhesive area 19 may be provided over the entire area of ​​the tab 15, or it may be provided over only a part of the tab 15. When the non-adhesive area 19 is provided over only a part of the tab 15, it is preferable to provide the non-adhesive area 19 in the area including the tip of the tab 15 (tip area), as in Embodiment 1. With this preferred configuration, when the protective seal 1 is attached to the female connector 100, the tip area of ​​the tab 15 where the non-adhesive area 19 is provided will not be attached to the female connector 100. Therefore, the tab 15 can be easily grasped with fingers.

[0066] In the present invention, there are no restrictions on the configuration of the non-adhesive region 19. For example, in the non-adhesive region 19, the adhesive layer 22 may not be formed on the base layer 21. However, preferably, as in this embodiment 1, the non-adhesive region 19 is configured by providing a non-adhesive layer 29 on the adhesive layer 22. Such a configuration is advantageous for facilitating the manufacture of the protective seal 1 provided with the non-adhesive region 19.

[0067] The shape of the tab 15 is arbitrary. In this embodiment 1, the tab 15 has a shape composed of a pair of straight lines parallel to and flanking a straight line extending radially from the center of the main part 11, and a semicircle connecting the pair of straight lines. However, the shape of the tab in the present invention is not limited to this. For example, to improve the grip of the tab 15, a widened portion may be provided at the tip of the tab 15 (the end furthest from the main part 11).

[0068] The number of tabs 15 provided with a non-adhesive area 19 is not limited to one, but may be two or more. In this case, the two or more tabs 15 may have the same shape and size, or they may be different.

[0069] (Embodiment 2) Figure 5 is a perspective view of a protective seal 2 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The protective seal 2 differs from the protective seal 1 of Embodiment 1 in that it comprises a pair of tabs (second tabs) 17 projecting outward radially from the outer peripheral edge of the main part 11. The pair of tabs 17 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the center of the main part 11. More specifically, the direction connecting the pair of tabs 17 is perpendicular to the direction connecting the center of the main part 11 and the tab (first tab) 15. Unlike the tab 15, the tab 17 does not have a non-adhesive area 19. The adhesive layer 22 is exposed over the entire surface of the tab 17 facing the female connector 100.

[0070] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the protective seal 2 attached to the female connector 100. The female connector 100 is the same as the female connector 100 described in Embodiment 1 (see Figures 2A and 2B). As can be seen by comparing Figure 6 with Figure 4A described in Embodiment 1, the tab 17 of the protective seal 2 is bent downwards and attached to the outer surface of the female connector 100. The tab 17 covers at least a portion of the engagement groove 127 (see Figure 2A) provided on the outer surface of the female connector 100.

[0071] The effects of Tab 17 are explained below.

[0072] Figure 7A is a perspective view of the male connector 200 connected to the female connector 100. Figure 7B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the male connector 200 along a plane containing the axis (not shown) of the male connector 200. The male connector 200 comprises a straight, elongated rod-shaped male luer 210 and a hood 220 surrounding the male luer 210. The male luer 210 has a hollow, substantially cylindrical shape. The hood 220 has a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole. The hood 220 surrounds the male luer 210, is coaxial with the male luer 210, and is radially spaced away from the male luer 210. A pair of engaging protrusions (engaging structures) 227 (only one engaging protrusion 227 is visible in Figures 7A and 7B) are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the hood 220 symmetrically with respect to the axis of the male connector 200 (or male luer 210). The engaging projection 227 protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the hood 220 toward the male luer 210. A substantially cylindrical connecting portion 230 is provided on the upper side of the male connector 200 (opposite the hood 220). The lumen of the male luer 210 and the lumen of the connecting portion 230 are in communication via a flow path 235. A male plug (not shown) is connected to the connecting portion 230. The male plug may be provided, for example, at the end of a flexible tube. The tube may constitute a flow path through which a liquid (e.g., blood, drug solution, saline solution, etc.) flows. Alternatively, the male plug may be provided at the tip of a syringe.

[0073] The male connector 200 can be repeatedly connected to and disconnected from the female connector 100 (see Figures 2A and 2B) that does not have the protective seal of the present invention attached. When connecting the male connector 200 to the female connector 100, the male luer 210 is inserted into the opening 143 of the female connector 100, the female connector 100 is inserted into the hood 220 of the male connector 200, and the engaging projection 227 is inserted into the engaging groove 127 (particularly its guide portion 128) of the female connector 100. The male luer 210 is inserted further into the opening 143 while rotating the male connector 200 relative to the female connector 100. The engaging projection 227 descends within the guide portion 128 of the engaging groove 127. When the male luer 210 deforms the plug 110 and opens the slit 111, the engaging projection 227 reaches the deepest (or lowest) part of the guide portion 128. Subsequently, when the male connector 200 is rotated further relative to the female connector 100, the engaging projection 227 moves to the locking portion 129. Since the engaging projection 227 engages with the locking portion 129 in the axial direction, the male connector 200 is prevented from unintentionally separating from the female connector 100 even when axial tension is applied. In this way, the engaging groove 127 of the female connector 100 and the engaging projection 227 of the male connector 200 function as a "locking mechanism" to stably maintain the connection between the female connector 100 and the male connector 200.

[0074] As can be seen from the above, when an operator connects the male connector 200 to the female connector 100, it is necessary to align the male connector 200 with respect to the female connector 100 in the rotational direction around its axis so that the engaging projection 227 of the male connector 200 enters the engaging groove 127 of the female connector 100. At this time, if at least a part of the engaging groove 127 is blocked by the tab 17 as shown in Figure 6, the operator will notice that a protective seal 2 is attached to the female connector 100 and will interrupt the connection work. Therefore, the protective seal 2 of this embodiment 2 is advantageous in preventing the operator from accidentally puncturing the protective seal 2 with the male luer 210 when attempting to forcibly connect the male connector 200 to the female connector 100 without noticing the protective seal 2.

[0075] Furthermore, even if the worker fails to notice the protective seal 2, the tab 17 prevents the engaging projection 227 of the male connector 200 from entering the engaging groove 127 of the female connector 100. From this perspective as well, the protective seal 2 is advantageous in preventing accidental puncture of the protective seal 2 by the male Luer 210.

[0076] If the tab 17 covers at least a portion of the engagement groove 127 (for example, only one of the guide portion 128 and the locking portion 129), it is possible to prevent accidental puncture by the male Luer 210. However, it is preferable to attach the protective seal 2 to the female connector 100 such that the tab 17 covers the guide portion 128, and more preferably, as shown in Figure 6, the tab 17 covers the open end (upper end) of the engagement groove 127 facing upward.

[0077] Furthermore, a "locking mechanism" consisting of mutually engaging grooves and engaging structures (engaging projections) for stably maintaining the connection between a female connector and a male connector is well known. The engaging groove 127 provided in the female connector 100 of this embodiment 2 has substantially the same structure as that provided in the female connector of Patent Document 3. However, the engaging groove of the female connector is not limited to this. The protective seal 2 of this embodiment 2 can also be applied to female connectors equipped with a helical groove (or male screw) as the engaging groove (see, for example, Patent Document 4).

[0078] In this second embodiment, the protective seal 2 had two tabs 17 to block the engagement groove 127 of the female connector 100, but the number of tabs 17 is not limited to this in the present invention. The number of tabs 17 can be set arbitrarily depending on or independently of the number of engagement grooves. Similarly, the position of the tabs 17 can also be set arbitrarily, not limited to this second embodiment. If the female connector has multiple engagement grooves, it is sufficient that at least one of the multiple engagement grooves is blocked by the tabs 17 of the protective seal. The shape of the tabs 17 is also arbitrary and not limited to this second embodiment.

[0079] In this second embodiment, the entire surface of the tab 17 facing the female connector 100 is adhesive. This is advantageous for firmly attaching the tab 17 to the outer surface of the female connector 100. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a non-adhesive area may be provided on a part of the surface of the tab 17 facing the female connector. For example, a non-adhesive area similar to the non-adhesive area 19 of the tab 15 may be provided in the area including the tip of the tab 17 (the end furthest from the main part 11) (tip area). The non-adhesive area of ​​the tab 17 facilitates the removal of the tab 17 from the female connector 100.

[0080] The protective seal 2 of this second embodiment does not necessarily have to have a tab 15. In this case, the tab 17 may be used as a "handle" for the worker to grasp the protective seal 2 when attaching and removing the protective seal 2 from the female connector 100.

[0081] This second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except as described above. The description of the first embodiment applies to this second embodiment as appropriate.

[0082] (Embodiment 3) Figure 8A is a perspective view of the protective seal 3 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of the protective seal 3. In Figure 8B, for the sake of simplicity, the base sheet 20 is shown as a single layer without distinguishing between the base layer 21 and the adhesive layer 22 (see Figure 1C). The protective seal 3 differs from the protective seal 1 of Embodiment 1 in that a projection 24 is provided in the reinforcing region 13. The projection 24 is an annular rib with a low profile and cylindrical shape along the circular outer edge of the reinforcing layer 23 (or reinforcing region 13). The height (axial dimension) of the projection 24 is not limited, but is preferably constant in the circumferential direction. The inner diameter of the annular projection 24 is not limited, but is preferably the same as or larger than the inner diameter of the opening 143 (see Figures 2A and 2B) formed in the top surface 142 of the female connector 100. In this Embodiment 3, the projection 24 and the reinforcing layer 23 are formed simultaneously and integrally as a single part using the same material. However, the projection 24 of the present invention is not limited to this, and a projection 24 formed separately from the reinforcing layer 23 may be fixed to the reinforcing layer 23 using an adhesive or the like.

[0083] Although not shown in the illustration, the protective seal 3 is attached to the female connector 100 (see Figures 2A and 2B) in the same way as the protective seal 1 in Embodiment 1 (see Figures 4A and 4B). When the protective seal 3 is attached to the female connector 100, the projection 24 abuts against the top surface 142 of the female connector 100 in the axial direction. As a result, the projection 24 separates the reinforcing region 13 (or reinforcing layer 23) surrounded by the projection 24 from the valve body 110 exposed in the opening 143. For example, even if the main part 11 is pressed toward the female connector 100 with a finger to make the adhesive layer 22 of the peripheral region 14 adhere to the top surface 142, the possibility of the reinforcing region 13 (or reinforcing layer 23) coming into contact with the valve body 110 is low. Also, even if the male luer is pressed against the main part 11 without realizing that the protective seal 3 is attached to the female connector 100, the possibility of the reinforcing region 13 (or reinforcing layer 23) coming into contact with the valve body 110 is low. Even if foreign matter such as dirt is attached to the surface of the reinforced area 13 (or reinforced layer 23), or if the surface of the reinforced area 13 (or reinforced layer 23) is contaminated with bacteria, the possibility of foreign matter or bacteria transferring to the valve body 110 is low. Therefore, even if the protective seal 3 is peeled off from the female connector 100 and the male luer is connected to the female connector 100, the possibility of foreign matter or bacteria entering the female connector 100 is low.

[0084] In this third embodiment, the annular projection 24 was provided on the reinforcing layer 23 (or reinforcing region 13), but the projection of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an annular projection formed separately from the reinforcing layer 23 may be provided on the adhesive layer 22 of the base sheet 20 such that the reinforcing layer 23 (or reinforcing region 13) is housed inside it. Even in this case, the annular projection can separate the reinforcing region 13 from the valve body 110 of the female connector 100 when the protective seal 3 is attached to the female connector 100.

[0085] In this third embodiment, the projection 24 was a circumferentially continuous annular rib, but the projections of the present invention are not limited to this. For example, multiple projections may be discretely arranged along a circle concentric with the circular reinforcing region 13 (or reinforcing layer 23).

[0086] This third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except as described above. The description of the first embodiment applies to this third embodiment as appropriate. The projection that allows the reinforcing region 13 to be separated from the valve body 110, as described in this third embodiment, can be applied to the protective seal of the second embodiment.

[0087] The protective seal of the present invention can be attached to any female connector equipped with a self-closing valve body having a slit formed therein. The female connector 100 in the above embodiments 1 to 3 is configured to be provided at the end of a flexible tube or at the tip of a syringe, but the female connector to which the protective seal of the present invention is attached is not limited to these. The female connector may be a so-called injection port provided in the middle of a tube through which liquid flows, as described in, for example, Figure 2 of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 4, or it may be a female connector provided on a three-way stopcock, as described in Figure 7A of Patent Document 4. Alternatively, the female connector may constitute a port of a container in which liquid is stored. [Industrial applicability]

[0088] The present invention can be used in any field in which a female connector equipped with a self-closing valve body having a slit is used. The protective seal of the present invention is preferably applied to medical female connectors, in particular female connectors that constitute closed systems where it is necessary to prevent drug exposure or bacterial infection, such as fluids or blood infusions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 1,2,3 Protective seals 11 Main parts 13 Reinforcement Areas 14 Peripheral area 15 tabs (Tab 1) 17 Tabs (Second Tab) 19 Non-adhesive area 20 Base sheet 21 Base material layer 22 Adhesive layer 23 Reinforcement layer 24 protrusions 29 Non-adhesive layer 100 Female Connectors 110 Valve body 111 Slits 127 Engagement groove 128 Information Department 129 Locking part 141 Top plate 142 Top surface 143 Aperture 200 Male Connectors 210 Male Lures 227 Engagement protrusion (engagement structure)

Claims

1. A protective seal that can be peelably attached to a female connector comprising a self-closing valve body having a slit formed through it in the thickness direction, and a top surface having an opening that exposes the region of the valve body including the slit, The protective seal comprises a main portion that is affixed to the top surface of the female connector, The main part comprises a reinforcing region positioned to face the valve body exposed in the opening when the main part is attached to the top surface, and a peripheral region surrounding the reinforcing region. The surface of the female connector in the peripheral region facing the top surface is adhesive. The reinforced region has higher strength than the surrounding region. The protective seal is characterized by further comprising a projection that is provided along the outer peripheral edge of the reinforcing region so as to separate the reinforcing region from the valve body and that abuts against the top surface of the female connector.

2. The protective seal according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the reinforcing region facing the valve body is non-adhesive.

3. The protective seal according to claim 1, wherein the reinforced region is thicker than the surrounding region.

4. The protective seal according to claim 1, comprising a base sheet having a base layer and an adhesive layer provided on one side of the base layer.

5. The protective seal according to claim 4, wherein in the reinforced region, the reinforcing layer is provided on the adhesive layer.

6. The protective seal according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcement region is larger than the opening of the female connector.

7. The protective seal according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral region is flexible so that it can be deformed along the top surface when the main part is attached to the top surface of the female connector.

8. The protective seal according to claim 1, wherein when the main part is attached to the top surface of the female connector, the main part does not protrude from the top surface.

9. The protective seal according to claim 1, further comprising at least one tab protruding from the main portion.

10. The protective seal according to claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the at least one tab facing the female connector is provided with a non-adhesive area having non-adhesive properties.

11. The protective seal according to claim 9, wherein an adhesive area is provided on the surface of at least one tab facing the female connector.

12. The female connector further comprises an engagement groove into which an engagement structure provided on a male connector connected to the female connector engages. The protective seal according to claim 9, wherein the at least one tab can be attached to the female connector such that when the main part is attached to the top surface of the female connector, it covers at least a portion of the engagement groove.

Images