Needleless connector with check valve having a lip seal

Abstract

A needleless connector having a check valve with a lip seal is disclosed. Specifically, a valve member for a connector is disclosed that includes a head portion, a body portion, and a circumferential lip seal extending radially outward from an outer surface of the head portion. The head portion includes a top segment defining a first seal portion. The body portion extends longitudinally from the head portion and defines a second seal portion at a proximal end thereof. The second seal portion is disposed distally of the first seal portion. The circumferential lip seal is disposed between the first seal portion and the second seal portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to needleless connectors, and more particularly to needleless connectors with valve members having sealing lips. BACKGROUND

[0002] Medical therapy often involves the infusion of medical fluids (e.g., saline or liquid medications) to a patient using an intravenous (IV) catheter connected to a fluid source, such as an IV bag, through an arrangement of flexible tubing and fittings, generally referred to as an "IV set." Certain needleless connectors can be used in IV sets and can have a self-sealing port to prevent fluid leakage when a mating medical implement is disengaged from such needleless connectors. In addition, needleless connectors can include a mechanical valve, such as a collapsible valve comprising a flexible material, to provide the self-sealing port and control the flow of fluid within the IV set.

[0003] Due to the nature of the currently existing and / or prior art needleless valve geometries, fluid is often deposited on the surface of the valve head upon removal of the medical implement (e.g., a mating male luer) used to apply an axial force to place the valve member in an open position. In these currently existing needleless valves, the fluid deposited on the valve head occasionally becomes detached from the valve member and flows into the fluid path used to administer medication to the patient, causing anxiety and potentially blood flow disorders.

[0004] The description provided in the background section should not be taken as an admission that the subject matter described in the background section is prior art merely by virtue of its mention in the background section. The background section can include information that describes one or more aspects of the subject technology. SUMMARY

[0005] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a valve member for a connector can include a head portion including a top segment defining a first sealing portion and a body portion extending longitudinally from the head portion and defining a second sealing portion at a proximal end thereof. The second sealing portion can be disposed distally of the first sealing portion. The valve member can further include a circumferential lip seal extending radially outward from an outer surface of the head portion. The circumferential lip seal can be disposed between the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a needleless connector can include a housing having a proximal end defining an inlet port of the housing, a distal end including a base defining an outlet port of the housing, and an inner surface defining an internal chamber extending between the inlet port and the outlet port. The needleless connector can further include a resilient valve disposed within at least a portion of the internal chamber and movably retained within the housing. The resilient valve can include a head portion including a top segment and a body portion extending distally from the head portion, and a circumferential lip seal extending radially outwardly from an outer surface of the head portion and disposed between the top segment and the body portion. In an open state of the resilient valve, there is a gap between the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the head portion, and the circumferential lip seal can engage at least a portion of the inner surface of the housing to block fluid flow from the internal chamber toward and onto the top segment of the head portion.

[0007] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are intended to provide further explanation of the subject technology as claimed. It should be further understood that other aspects can be utilized and that changes can be made without departing from the scope of the subject technology. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] The following drawings are included to illustrate certain aspects of the embodiments and are not intended to be exclusive embodiments. The disclosed subject matter can be substantially modified in both form and detail without departing from the scope thereof and additional aspects can be employed.

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a partially sectioned housing of a needleless connector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure with a resilient valve installed therein.

[0010] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an example of a resilient valve of a needleless connector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a partially sectioned housing of a needleless connector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure with a compressible valve installed therein. Figure 1 is a partially cross-sectional view of an assembled needleless connector housing and compressible valve according to some embodiments of the present disclosure in a closed position.

[0012] Figure 4 is a partially cross-sectional view of a housing of a needleless connector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure with a compressible valve installed therein, with an axial force applied to place the valve in an open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The detailed description set forth below describes various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology can be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. Accordingly, the descriptions set forth regarding certain aspects can be provided as non-limiting examples. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the subject technology can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form, in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology.

[0014] It should be understood that the present disclosure includes examples of the subject technology and does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Various aspects of the subject technology will now be disclosed, according to specific but non-limiting examples. The various embodiments described in this disclosure can be implemented in different ways and variations and according to the desired application or implementation.

[0015] Various embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a self-sealing needleless connector that includes a resiliently compressible valve disposed within a housing of the connector, where the resilient valve has a circumferential lip seal that acts as a wiper or dam that engages an inner surface (inner diameter) of the housing to prevent fluid from moving from a chamber of the housing via an impromptu gap created between the valve and the housing toward a top of the valve when the valve is tilted, rolled, depressed, or otherwise compressed.

[0016] More specifically, various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a needleless connector having a housing and a compressible valve configured such that when subjected to an axial force, a roll of a head portion of the compressible valve, which creates a fluid flow path in existing needleless connectors, is eliminated.

[0017] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, when the axial force is removed, the resilient valve begins to expand to return to its position within the housing in a sealed configuration. As the resilient valve expands, the circumferential lip seal engages the inner surface of the housing and flips or otherwise bends over, thereby acting as a wiper or dam that prevents fluid from moving from a chamber of the housing via the impromptu gap toward the valve face. Thus, the configuration of the valve member having the circumferential lip seal of the various embodiments described herein is advantageous because it prevents the pooling of droplets of fluid on the top surface of the valve by blocking the movement of fluid from the chamber via the impromptu gap to the top surface. Since the circumferential lip seal minimizes the fluid that is able to deposit on the valve face, it advantageously prevents anxiety as well as potential blood flow disorders that are typically associated with fluid deposited on the valve face (top surface) of the valve head.

[0018] While the description below is directed to the administration of medical fluid to a patient using the disclosed needleless connector by medical personnel, it should be understood that this description is merely an example of use and does not limit the scope of the claims.

[0019] Figure 1 is a partial cutaway perspective view of a housing 110 of a needleless connector 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure with an elastomeric valve installed therein. As shown, the housing 110 can have a proximal end 105 defining an inlet port 112 of the housing 110 and a distal end 120 including a base portion 160 defining an outlet port 123 of the housing 110. In some embodiments, the housing 110 can further include an inner surface 130 defining an internal chamber 133 extending at least partially between the proximal end 105 and the distal end 120 of the housing 110. The housing 110 can be formed from a body portion 115 coupled to or otherwise integral with the base portion 160. However, in some embodiments, the housing 110 can be formed from a combination of other workpieces or parts of similar dimensions to accommodate the elastomeric valve 200 therein. In operation, for example, a fluid path can be established through the needleless connector 100 from the inlet port 112 to the outlet port 123. As referred to herein, proximal refers to an orientation toward the inlet port 112 of the housing 110, while distal refers to an orientation toward the base portion 160 or bottom of the housing 100, opposite the inlet port 112.

[0020] As shown, the housing 110 can further include an opening 155 for connection with the base 160 of the housing 110, in addition to the inlet port 112 of the housing 110 for interfacing with a medical implement, such as a male luer 300 (as shown), for example. Figure 4 As shown, the body portion 115 of the housing 110 can include one or more fluid flow channels 144 and one or more internal support posts (not shown). A lower section of the body portion 115 (e.g., a section proximate to the opening 155) can have an increased diameter and include one or more internal contact tabs (not shown). When assembled in the needleless connector 100, the one or more internal contact tabs can provide a radial force substantially normal to a central longitudinal axis XI of the housing 110 onto a flange portion of the elastomeric valve 200 disposed on a valve mounting portion of the base portion 160.

[0021] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the inlet port 112 can include a top port surface 114 and a passageway defined in the internal chamber 133. The inlet port 112 can include an engagement feature 135 for coupling to another device (e.g., a fluid delivery assembly). For example, the engagement feature 135 can include mating mechanical elements such as internal or external threads, detents, bayonet-type locking elements, and other surface configurations such as tapered luer surfaces for frictional engagement. In some embodiments, the inlet port 112 can define a female luer fitting with luer lock threads 135. The inner surface 130 and the internal chamber 133 defined therein can extend longitudinally from an opening of the top port surface 114 of the inlet port 112 into the body portion 115 of the housing 110.

[0022] In some embodiments, an internal sealing rim 122 can be defined on the inner surface 130 of the housing 110. The internal sealing rim 122 can be a circumferential rim and is configured to retain the resilient valve 200 within the internal chamber 133 of the assembled needle-free connector 100. In operation, the internal sealing rim 122 can be arranged to provide a barrier to fluid flow in conjunction with the primary sealing portion 225 of the compressible valve 200.

[0023] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a resilient valve of a needle-free connector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 The example resilient valve 200 is shown separately. The resilient valve 200 can include a head portion 220 and a body portion 230 extending distally from the head portion 220. In certain embodiments, the head portion 220 includes a cylindrical section 218, which can define an axial center X2 of the resilient valve 200. When assembled in the needle-free connector housing 100, the axial center X2 can substantially correspond to the central longitudinal axis XI of the needle-free connector housing in a closed state of the resilient valve 200. In an inactive state (e.g., separately, or within the connector but not displaced by a medical implement), the axial center X2 can extend longitudinally through the head portion 220 and the body portion 230 of the compressible valve 200 (as shown). In the aforementioned state, the body portion 230 of the compressible valve 200 can have the same axial center as the head portion 220 or other portions of the compressible valve 200. However, as described in further detail below, in an activated state (e.g., when an axial force is applied to the compressible valve 200 using a medical implement such as the male luer fitting 300), the axial center X2 of the resilient valve 200 can change and pivot relative to the central longitudinal axis XI as the resilient valve 200 is activated by the medical implement. Figure 1 The example resilient valve 200 is shown separately. The resilient valve 200 can include a head portion 220 and a body portion 230 extending distally from the head portion 220. In certain embodiments, the head portion 220 includes a cylindrical section 218, which can define an axial center X2 of the resilient valve 200. When assembled in the needle-free connector housing 100, the axial center X2 can substantially correspond to the central longitudinal axis XI of the needle-free connector housing in a closed state of the resilient valve 200. In an inactive state (e.g., separately, or within the connector but not displaced by a medical implement), the axial center X2 can extend longitudinally through the head portion 220 and the body portion 230 of the compressible valve 200 (as shown). In the aforementioned state, the body portion 230 of the compressible valve 200 can have the same axial center as the head portion 220 or other portions of the compressible valve 200. However, as described in further detail below, in an activated state (e.g., when an axial force is applied to the compressible valve 200 using a medical implement such as the male luer fitting 300), the axial center X2 of the resilient valve 200 can change and pivot relative to the central longitudinal axis XI as the resilient valve 200 is activated by the medical implement.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the head portion 220 can include a top segment 212 that defines a first or secondary sealing portion 214 of the resilient valve 200. The body portion 230 can further define a second or primary sealing portion 225 at a proximal end of the body portion 230. As shown, the primary sealing portion 225 can be disposed distal of the secondary sealing portion 214.

[0025] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the head portion 220 can further include a circumferential lip seal 215 that extends radially outward from an outer surface of the head portion 220. As shown, the circumferential lip seal 215 can protrude radially outward from the outer surface of the head portion 220 toward the inner surface 130 of the housing 110. The circumferential lip seal 215 can be a thin, flexible member that engages the inner surface 130 of the housing 110 of the connector 100. For example, as will be discussed in further detail below, the circumferential lip seal 215 can form a thin seal (approximately 0.0005-0.005 inches) that will prevent fluid from flowing from the interior chamber 133 to the valve face (i.e., the top surface 216) during removal of a medical implement (e.g., the syringe 300). Thus, during removal of the medical implement 300, the circumferential lip seal 215 can act to prevent a majority of the fluid flowing from the interior chamber from reaching the top surface 216 of the valve 200. The aforementioned thin and flexible construction of the circumferential lip seal 215 is advantageous because the circumferential lip seal 215 is thin enough to invert during syringe insertion and to slide with minimal resistance during syringe removal. Thus, the circumferential lip seal 215 can allow fluid to move in one direction. For example, the circumferential lip seal 215 can allow fluid to flow or otherwise be expelled from a first chamber 145 formed between the circumferential lip seal 215 and the secondary sealing portion 214 toward a second chamber 165 formed between the circumferential lip seal 215 and the primary sealing portion 225.

[0026] In some embodiments, the circumferential lip seal 215 can extend radially outward from the outer surface of the head portion 220 a distance H1 that is less than or shorter than a distance H2 between the circumferential lip seal 215 and the first (secondary) sealing portion 214. The aforementioned construction allows the circumferential lip seal 215 to bend or otherwise deflect upward toward the secondary sealing portion without the risk of breaking or otherwise getting stuck between the inner surface of the housing 130 as the valve 200 expands from an open state to a closed state.

[0027] In some embodiments, a circumferential lip seal 215 may be disposed between a first (secondary) sealing portion 214 and a second (primary) sealing portion 225. Specifically, as shown, the circumferential lip seal 215 may be disposed closer to the secondary sealing portion 214 than the primary sealing portion 225. For example, a distance or height H2 may be defined between the circumferential lip seal 215 and the secondary sealing portion 214. Similarly, a distance or height H3 may be defined between the circumferential lip seal 215 and the primary sealing portion 225. In some embodiments, the distance or height H2 may be shorter or smaller than the distance or height H3. The aforementioned configuration is advantageous in order to minimize the volume of fluid that may accumulate in the first chamber 145.

[0028] The top section 212 may include a top flat surface 216 oriented perpendicular to the axial center X2 of the columnar section 218. In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the circumferential lip seal 215 can be oriented parallel to and / or concentrically arranged relative to the top planar surface 216. However, the various embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the configurations mentioned above. In other embodiments, the circumferential lip seal 215 can be oriented at a non-parallel angle relative to the top planar surface 216. In these embodiments, during syringe insertion, when the head portion 220 is subjected to an axial force F (such as...), Figure 4 As shown, when the head portion 220 is tilted, bent, or otherwise deflected as illustrated, the circumferential lip seal 215 can be oriented such that it is parallel to the top port surface 114. This configuration can be advantageous because the largest periphery or the entire periphery of the circumferential lip seal 215 can simultaneously contact the inner surface 130 of the housing. Therefore, the sealing capability of the circumferential lip seal 215 can be optimized when the entire periphery of the circumferential lip seal 215 engages the inner surface 130 of the housing 110.

[0029] As previously stated above, and as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the cylindrical section 218 can define an axial center X2 of the head portion 220, and the circumferential lip seal 215 can be oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to the axial center X of the head portion. The above-mentioned configuration allows for the circumferential lip seal 215 to be maximally exposed and engaged with the inner surface 130 of the housing when the resilient valve is in the closed position. However, in other embodiments, the circumferential lip seal 215 can be oriented at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the axial center of the head portion. For example, in some embodiments, the circumferential lip seal 215 can be oriented at an angle such that when the head portion 220 is subjected to an axial force F causing the head 220 to tilt, bend, or otherwise deflect, the circumferential lip seal 215 can be oriented such that the maximum or entire perimeter of the circumferential lip seal 215 can simultaneously contact the inner surface 130 of the housing. Thus, the sealing capacity of the circumferential lip seal 215 can be optimized when the entire perimeter of the circumferential lip seal 215 engages the inner surface 130 of the housing 110.

[0030] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the head portion 220 can include at least one notch 210 disposed along an outer surface of the cylindrical section 218. As Figure 2 As shown, the cylindrical section 218 can have a generally solid cylindrical section. With Figure 3 As can be seen in the longitudinal cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, the at least one notch 210 can be in the form of an arcuate-shaped recess within the cylindrical section 218. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the notch 210 can include various shapes and sizes, such as but not limited to notches having a triangular or various geometric cross-sections.

[0031] In some embodiments, the head portion 220 of the resilient valve 200 can not include notches, but can have a discontinuous section disposed on the cylindrical section 218. For example, one side or a portion of one side of the cylindrical section can be formed from a different material (or the same material having a different hardness value) than the remaining portion of the cylindrical section. Further, one side or a portion of one side of the cylindrical section can be hollow, while the other side or the remaining portion of the cylindrical section can be solid. Thus, an effective change in resilience to head movement can result (similar to the removal of a notch or the effective change in volume of a removed volume). It should be appreciated that while the notches 210 are shown as being generally opposite one another on the cylindrical section 218, other arrangements of the at least one notch 210 on the cylindrical section 218, including three or more notches, are also contemplated.

[0032] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the elastomeric valve 200 can include any of a variety of materials used to produce mechanical valves for needleless connectors and other medical devices. In some implementations, the head portion 220 can include an elastomeric material, such as but not limited to a silicone compound. Further, the main seal portion 225 and the lower portion 230 can include an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, all or portions of the flexible valve can be formed from a liquid silicone rubber.

[0033] Further, according to various embodiments, the elastomeric material of the head portion 220 can have a higher durometer value than the elastomeric material of the lower portion 230. For example, the constricting function of the lower portion 230 associated with facilitating a fluid flow path in the needleless connector 100 can benefit from a more pliable material or composition property for operation, while the head portion 220 and the main seal portion 230 can require a more rigid structure to disengage the main seal 225.

[0034] According to some embodiments, and referring again to Figure 1 and Figure 2 the main seal portion 225 can have a cross-sectional area that is greater than a cross-sectional area of the cylindrical segment 218 of the head portion 220. For example, the main seal portion 225 can be in the form of a frustoconical surface 222 for engagement with an internal seal rim 122 of the connector housing 110. The frustoconical shape of the main seal portion 225 can be configured such that a first cross-sectional area of the main seal portion 225 proximate the head portion 220 is less than a second cross-sectional area of the main seal portion 225 distal from the head portion 210. In other words, the main seal portion 225 can be narrower toward the head portion 220 and wider toward the lower portion 230.

[0035] In some embodiments, the lower portion 230 can be in the form of an elongated tubular member 231 having a closed end proximate the main seal portion 225 and an open end distal from the main seal portion 225. In this way, an internal air space can be defined within the interior of the elastomeric valve 200. According to some aspects, the elastomeric valve 200 can be collapsible when in operation with a needleless connector assembly. In these embodiments, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the lower portion 230 can include various dimples and / or cutouts to facilitate the appropriate collapsing function. Further, while the head portion 220 of the elastomeric valve 200 can have a generally cylindrical characteristic, allowing it to operate with a male luer taper tip or similar interconnection device of a medical instrument, the lower portion 230 can be in the form of a variety of shapes, sizes, and features associated with the function and operation of the elastomeric valve in conjunction with the needleless connector device with which it is used. In some embodiments, when the lower portion 230 has a tubular segment 231, the segment 231 can include a variety of tubular shapes, such as but not limited to a cylindrical, rectangular, hexagonal, tubular shape.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an assembled needleless connector 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein, prior to insertion of a medical device, Figure 1 The housing 110 and the compressible valve 200 are in the closed position. (Refer to...) Figure 3 Meanwhile, continue to refer to Figure 1 ,like Figure 3 The assembled pinless connector 100 shown is in a sealed configuration such that any fluid from the interconnected fluid path coupled to the outlet port 123 is sealed by the inlet port 112. In some embodiments, the pinless connector 100 may be assembled such that the flange portion 240 of the compressible valve 200 is coupled, snapped, or otherwise attached to the valve mounting portion of the base portion 160.

[0037] The internal chamber 133 of the housing 110 can be arranged on top of the compressible valve 200 connected to the base portion 160, such that the head portion 220 of the compressible valve 200 is aligned and disposed within the inlet port 112. During assembly, when the head portion 220 engages within the inlet port 112 of the housing 110, the top surface 216 of the head portion 220 of the compressible valve 200 can have a plane substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis X2 or axial center of the columnar section 218 of the head portion 220. Additionally, one or more internal contact protrusions (not shown) disposed on the lower section of the body portion 115 of the housing 110 can surround and pressurize the sidewall of the flange portion 240 to secure and / or anchor the compressible valve 200 within the housing 110. In operation, when the axial force F (in Figure 4 When applied to the top surface 216 of the compressible valve 200 (as shown in the figure), the resilient valve 200 of the pinless connector can be compressed, contracted, tilted and / or folded, and when the axial force is removed, the resilient valve expands and realigns, which will be described in further detail below.

[0038] Therefore, one or more internal contact protrusions (not shown) can provide radial forces substantially orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis X2 on the sidewalls of the flange portion 240. In this regard, when an axial force F is applied to the top surface 216 of the head portion 220 of the compressible valve 200, the effect of any final axial force applied by the compressible valve 200 to the base portion 120 of the housing 100, even if not eliminated, will be reduced. Such a final axial force applied to the base portion 120 can adversely affect or damage, for example, the fusion joint between the base portion 120 and the body portion 115, and may adversely lead to fusion joint breakage and / or separation over time.

[0039] Figure 4is a partial cutaway cross-sectional view of a housing of a needleless connector having a compressible valve mounted therein in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein an axial force is applied to place the valve in an open position. Figure 4 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the needleless connector 100 is provided, showing the resilient valve 200 when the medical implement 300 is initially entered into the inlet port 112. As the medical implement 300 (e.g., a syringe) is initially inserted into the inlet port 112 of the needleless connector 100, an axial force F is applied to the resilient valve 200, causing the resilient valve to displace distally, resulting in the frustoconical surface 222 of the main sealing portion 225 to separate from the inner sealing rim 122.

[0040] As the axial force F continues to be applied, the medical implement 300 can be further lowered into the inlet port 112, and the head portion 220 of the valve 200 can be further compressed, collapsed, tilted, and / or folded. As one of the notches 210 is folded or collapsed, another notch 210 can open or expand, such that the top surface 216 can tilt downward (distally), as shown in Figure 4 Accordingly, an interim gap can be formed between the inner surface 130 of the housing 110 and the head portion 220 of the resilient valve 200. In this regard, a fluid path can be established from the medical implement 300 in the inlet port 112 through the interior of the needleless connector 100 to the outlet port 123. For example, a fluid path can be established between the inlet port 112 and the outlet port 123 via the interior chamber 133.

[0041] As the medical implement 50 is removed from the first port 252, the resilient valve 100 can begin to expand to return to its position within the housing in a sealed configuration as shown in Figure 3 As the resilient valve expands, the circumferential lip seal 215 engages the inner surface 130 of the housing 110 and flips or otherwise bends over, thereby acting as a wiper or dam that prevents fluid from moving from the chamber 133 via the interim gap toward the top surface 216 of the valve 200. Accordingly, the configuration of the valve member having the circumferential lip seal 215 of the various embodiments described herein is advantageous in that it prevents droplets of fluid from collecting on the top surface 216 of the valve 200 by preventing fluid from moving from the chamber 133 via the interim gap to the top surface 216.

[0042] For convenience, the various examples of aspects of the present disclosure are described in terms of numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.). These are provided as examples only, and do not limit the subject technology. The identification of the figures and the drawings, and the identification of the components in the figures, are provided merely for the sake of convenience and are in no way limiting to the subject technology. The clauses are not limited by the identification of the clauses.

[0043] Clause 1 : A valve member for a connector, the valve member comprising: a head portion comprising a top segment defining a first seal portion; a body portion extending longitudinally from the head portion and defining a second seal portion at a proximal end thereof, wherein the second seal portion is disposed distally of the first seal portion; and a circumferential lip seal extending radially outwardly from an outer surface of the head portion, the circumferential lip seal disposed between the first seal portion and the second seal portion.

[0044] Clause 2: The valve member of clause 1, wherein the circumferential lip seal comprises a flexible member configured to engage an inner surface of the connector and deflect as the valve member reciprocates within the connector.

[0045] Clause 3: The valve member of clause 1, wherein a distance between the circumferential lip seal and the first seal portion is less than a distance between the circumferential lip seal and the second seal portion.

[0046] Clause 4: The valve member of clause 1, wherein the circumferential lip seal extends radially outwardly from the outer surface of the head portion a distance that is less than the distance between the circumferential lip seal and the first seal portion.

[0047] Clause 5: The valve member of clause 1, wherein the top segment comprises a top flat surface and the circumferential lip seal is oriented parallel to the top flat surface.

[0048] Clause 6: The valve member of clause 1, wherein the top segment comprises a top flat surface and the circumferential lip seal is oriented at a non-parallel angle relative to the top flat surface.

[0049] Clause 7: The valve member of clause 1, wherein the head portion further comprises a cylindrical segment defining an axial center of the head portion and the circumferential lip seal is oriented substantially perpendicular relative to the axial center of the head portion.

[0050] Clause 8: The valve member of clause 1, wherein the head portion further comprises a cylindrical segment defining an axial center of the head portion and the circumferential lip seal is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the axial center of the head portion.

[0051] Clause 9: The valve member of clause 1, wherein the head portion further comprises a cylindrical segment defining an axial center of the head portion, the cylindrical segment further defining at least one notch disposed along an outer surface of the head portion.

[0052] Clause 10: The valve member of clause 1, wherein at least one of the head portion or the circumferential lip seal comprises an elastomeric material.

[0053] Clause 11: The valve member of clause 1, wherein the circumferential lip seal comprises a silicone silicone compound.

[0054] Clause 12: A needle-free connector comprising: a housing having a proximal end defining an inlet port of the housing, a distal end comprising a base defining an outlet port of the housing, and an inner surface defining an internal chamber extending between the inlet port and the outlet port; and a resilient valve disposed within at least a portion of the internal chamber and movably retained within the housing, the resilient valve comprising: a head portion comprising a top segment and a body portion extending distally from the head portion, and a circumferential lip seal extending radially outwardly from an outer surface of the head portion and disposed between the top segment and the body portion, wherein, in an open state of the resilient valve, there is a gap between the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the head portion, the circumferential lip seal engages at least a portion of the inner surface of the housing to resist fluid flow from the internal chamber toward and onto the top segment of the head portion.

[0055] Clause 13: The needle-free connector of clause 12, wherein the body portion defines a primary seal portion at a proximal end thereof, the top segment of the head portion defines a secondary seal portion, and the circumferential lip seal comprises a seal positioned between the primary seal portion and the secondary seal portion.

[0056] Clause 14: The needle-free connector of clause 13, wherein a distance between the circumferential lip seal and the secondary seal portion is less than a distance between the circumferential lip seal and the primary seal portion.

[0057] Clause 15: The needle-free connector of clause 13, wherein the circumferential lip seal extends radially outwardly from the outer surface of the head portion a distance that is less than the distance between the circumferential lip seal and the secondary seal portion.

[0058] Clause 16: The needle-free connector of clause 12, wherein a diameter of the circumferential lip seal is greater than a diameter of the inner surface at the inlet port.

[0059] Clause 17: The needle-free connector of clause 16, wherein the circumferential lip seal comprises a flexible member that engages the inner surface of the housing at the inlet port to deflect into an inverted shape as the valve member reciprocates within the housing between the open state and the closed state.

[0060] Clause 18: The needle-free connector of clause 12, wherein the top segment comprises a top planar surface, and the circumferential lip seal is oriented parallel to the top planar surface.

[0061] Clause 19: The pinless connector according to Clause 12, wherein the top section includes a top flat surface and the circumferential lip seal is oriented at a non-parallel angle relative to the top flat surface.

[0062] Clause 20: The pinless connector according to Clause 12, wherein the head portion further includes a columnar section defining an axial center of the head portion, and the circumferential lip seal is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the axial center of the head portion.

[0063] Clause 21: The pinless connector according to Clause 12, wherein the head portion further includes a columnar section defining an axial center of the head portion, and the circumferential lip seal is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the axial center of the head portion.

[0064] This disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. This disclosure provides various examples of the subject matter, and the subject matter is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects.

[0065] Unless otherwise specified, references to singular elements are not intended to mean "one and only one," but rather "one or more." Unless otherwise specified, the term "some" refers to one or more. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter pronouns (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Titles and subtitles (if any) are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

[0066] The term “exemplary” as used herein means “serving as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as being better or more advantageous than other aspects or designs. In one aspect, the various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0067] As used herein, the phrase “at least one” preceding a series of items (where any item is separated by the term “or”) modifies the list of items as a whole, rather than each item listed. The phrase “at least one” does not require the selection of at least one item; rather, it allows for the inclusion of at least one of any of the items, and / or at least one of any combination of items, and / or at least one of each item. For example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, or C” can refer to: only A, only B, or only C; or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0068] Phrases such as “aspect” do not imply that a particular aspect is essential to the subject technology, or that the subject technology requires all aspects to be utilized. Disclosures relating to one aspect can apply to all or a subset of the aspects, or one or more aspects. An aspect can provide one or more examples. Phrases such as “aspect” can refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. Phrases such as “embodiment” do not imply that a particular embodiment is essential to the subject technology, or that the subject technology requires all embodiments to be utilized. Disclosures relating to one embodiment can apply to all or a subset of the embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment can provide one or more examples. Phrases such as “embodiment” can refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. Phrases such as “configuration” do not imply that a particular configuration is essential to the subject technology, or that the subject technology requires all configurations to be utilized. Disclosures relating to one configuration can apply to all or a subset of the configurations, or one or more configurations. A configuration can provide one or more examples. Phrases such as “configuration” can refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0069] In one aspect, unless otherwise indicated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification are approximate, not exact. In one aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art, while

[0070] It should be understood that a particular order or hierarchy of steps or operations within the disclosed processes or methods are an example of exemplary approaches. Based upon implementation preferences or scenarios, a particular order or hierarchy of steps, operations or processes can be re-arranged. Some of the steps, operations or processes can be performed or undertaken concurrently. In some implementation preferences or scenarios, certain operations can or can not be performed. Some or all of the steps, operations or processes can be performed automatically, without the need for user intervention. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps, operations or processes in the example order for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limited to the precise order or hierarchy presented.

[0071] All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed as a means plus function unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for." Furthermore, to the extent that the term "comprising" is used in the detailed description and claims, it is intended to be equivalent to the term "including" in that it permits the inclusion of extra elements or steps without departing from the underlying claim. The title, background, summary, brief description of drawings, and abstract of the disclosure are hereby incorporated into this disclosure and provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, but are not limiting in description. The application is filed based on the understanding that they are not used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the detailed description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples, and for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure, various features are grouped together in various embodiments. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are explicitly recited in each claim. Rather, inventive subject matter is directed to less than all of the features of any single disclosed configuration or operation. The claims are thus hereby incorporated into the detailed description, where each claim stands as a separate claimed subject matter from all other claims and from the disclosure as a whole.

[0072] The title, background, summary, brief description of drawings, and abstract of the disclosure are hereby incorporated into this disclosure and provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, but are not limiting in description. The application is filed based on the understanding that they are not used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the detailed description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples, and for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure, various features are grouped together in various embodiments. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are explicitly recited in each claim. Rather, inventive subject matter is directed to less than all of the features of any single disclosed configuration or operation. The claims are thus hereby incorporated into the detailed description, where each claim stands as a separate claimed subject matter from all other claims and from the disclosure as a whole.

[0073] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, and to cover all legal equivalents thereof. However, no claim is intended to be construed as covering any subject matter outside the full scope of the claims, or to be otherwise limited than as defined by the language of the claims.

Claims

1. A valve member for a connector, the valve member comprising: a head portion including a top segment, a lateral surface, and a circumferential lip seal, the top segment defining a first sealing portion extending radially outward from the lateral surface, and the circumferential lip seal including a flexible member extending radially outward from the lateral surface; and a body portion extending longitudinally from the head portion and defining a second sealing portion at a proximal end thereof, wherein the second sealing portion is disposed distally of the first sealing portion; wherein the circumferential lip seal is disposed between the first and second sealing portions, and the circumferential lip seal includes an outer periphery extending radially from the lateral surface of the head portion that is continuous around an entire circumference of the head portion such that the circumferential lip seal is deflectable toward or away from the first sealing portion.

2. The valve member of claim 1, wherein, A distance between the circumferential lip seal and the first sealing portion is less than a distance between the circumferential lip seal and the second sealing portion.

3. The valve member of claim 1, wherein, A distance by which the circumferential lip seal extends radially outward from the lateral surface of the head portion is less than the distance between the circumferential lip seal and the first sealing portion.

4. The valve member of claim 1, wherein, The top segment includes a top planar surface, and the circumferential lip seal is oriented parallel to the top planar surface.

5. The valve member of claim 1, wherein, The top segment includes a top planar surface, and the circumferential lip seal is oriented at a non-parallel angle relative to the top planar surface.

6. The valve member of claim 1, wherein, The head portion further includes a cylindrical segment defining an axial center of the head portion, and the circumferential lip seal is oriented substantially perpendicular relative to the axial center of the head portion.

7. The valve member of claim 1, wherein, The head portion further includes a cylindrical segment defining an axial center of the head portion, and the circumferential lip seal is oriented at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the axial center of the head portion.

8. The valve member of claim 1, wherein, The head portion further includes a cylindrical segment defining an axial center of the head portion, the cylindrical segment further defining at least one notch disposed along an outer surface of the head portion.

9. The valve member of claim 1, wherein, At least one of the head portion or the circumferential lip seal includes an elastomeric material.

10. The valve member of claim 1, wherein, The circumferential lip seal includes a silicone compound.

11. The valve member of claim 1, wherein, The body portion is shaped as an elongated tubular member having an open end at a distal end of the body portion and a closed end proximate the second sealing portion of the body portion.

12. A needleless connector, comprising: a housing having a proximal end defining an inlet port of the housing, a distal end including a base defining an outlet port of the housing, and an inner surface defining an internal chamber extending between the inlet port and the outlet port; and a resilient valve disposed within at least a portion of the internal chamber and movably retained within the housing, the resilient valve including: a head portion including a top segment, a lateral surface, and a circumferential lip seal, the top segment defining a first sealing portion extending radially outward from the lateral surface; and a body portion extending longitudinally from the head portion, the body portion forming a second seal portion at a proximal end of the body portion and distal of the first seal portion; the circumferential lip seal extending radially outward from an outer surface of the head portion and disposed between the first seal portion and the second seal portion, wherein, in a closed state of the resilient valve, an entire outer circumference of the first seal portion and the circumferential lip seal engages an inner surface of the housing, and in an open state of the resilient valve, a gap is formed between the inner surface of the housing and the first seal portion of the head portion, and the circumferential lip seal engages at least a portion of the inner surface of the housing to prevent fluid flow from the interior chamber toward and onto a top section of the head portion, wherein the circumferential lip seal is deflected toward the inlet port of the housing as the resilient valve moves from the closed state to the open state.

13. The needle-free connector of claim 12, wherein, a distance between the circumferential lip seal and the first seal portion is less than a distance between the circumferential lip seal and the second seal portion.

14. The needle-free connector of claim 12, wherein, a distance by which the circumferential lip seal extends radially outward from an outer surface of the head portion is less than a distance between the circumferential lip seal and the first seal portion.

15. The needle-free connector of claim 12, wherein, a diameter of the circumferential lip seal is greater than a diameter of the inner surface of the housing at the inlet port.

16. The needle-free connector of claim 15, wherein, the circumferential lip seal is deflected into an inverted shape as the resilient valve reciprocates within the housing between the open state and the closed state.

17. The needle-free connector of claim 12, wherein, the top section includes a top flat surface, and the circumferential lip seal is oriented parallel to the top flat surface.

18. The needle-free connector of claim 12, wherein, the top section includes a top flat surface, and the circumferential lip seal is oriented at a non-parallel angle with respect to the top flat surface.

19. The needle-free connector of claim 12, wherein, the head portion further includes a cylindrical section defining an axial center of the head portion, and the circumferential lip seal is oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to the axial center of the head portion.

Images