Needleless connector with valve pivot support

Abstract

A needleless connector includes a housing having a body portion and a base portion with a central longitudinal axis. The body portion includes an inner surface forming an internal cavity and a first port forming a first fluid passageway to the housing cavity. The base portion includes a top end segment and a bottom end segment. The top end segment has a protrusion and the bottom end segment has a second port forming a second fluid passageway to the housing cavity. The needleless connector further includes a valve having a wall with an inner surface forming a valve cavity. The valve is coupled with the housing such that the protrusion is positioned in the valve cavity and a proximal end of the protrusion is spaced apart from a proximal end of the valve cavity.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to needleless connectors, and in particular to needleless connectors with valve members having a protrusion that allows the valve to tilt and pivot away from the face of the syringe when the valve is pushed down by the syringe, thereby allowing fluid to flow between the syringe and the housing cavity of the needleless connector. BACKGROUND

[0002] Medical treatment often involves the infusion of medical fluids (e.g., saline solution or liquid medication) to a patient using an intravenous (IV) catheter connected to a fluid source, such as an IV bag, through a flexible tube and fitting assembly commonly 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 disconnected from such needleless connectors. In addition, needleless connectors can include a mechanical valve, such as a collapsible valve comprising a flexible material, for providing the self-sealing port and controlling fluid flow within the IV set.

[0003] Due to the nature of the currently existing and / or prior art needleless valve geometries, when a medical implement (such as a mating male luer or a syringe) used to apply an axial force to place the valve member in an open position is removed, fluid is typically deposited on the face of the valve head. In these currently existing needleless valves, the fluid deposited on the valve head will occasionally separate from the valve member and flow into the fluid path for administration to the patient, thus causing concern with potential blood stream illness.

[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. The background section can include information that was obtained from public sources. SUMMARY

[0005] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, a needleless connector can include a housing having a central longitudinal axis, a body portion, and a base portion. The body portion can include an inner surface forming an inner cavity and a first port forming a first fluid passageway to the inner cavity. The base portion can include a top end segment and a bottom end segment. The top end segment can include a protrusion, and the bottom end segment can include a second port forming a second fluid passageway to the inner cavity. The needleless connector can further include a valve having a wall with an inner surface forming a valve cavity. The valve can be coupled with the housing such that the protrusion is positioned in the valve cavity and a proximal end of the protrusion is spaced apart from a proximal end of the valve cavity.

[0006] According to various aspects of this disclosure, a pinless connector may include a housing having a central longitudinal axis, a body portion, and a base portion. The body portion may include an inner surface forming a housing cavity and a first port forming a first fluid passage to the housing cavity. The base portion may include a top end segment and a bottom end segment. The top end segment may include a protrusion, and the bottom end segment may include a second port. The pinless connector may further include a valve having a first end portion, a second end portion, and an inner surface forming a valve cavity. The valve may have a closed configuration and an open configuration, in which the first fluid passage is blocked by the second end portion of the valve, and in an open configuration, the valve is compressed toward the base portion such that the first fluid passage is not blocked. When the valve moves from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the first end portion of the valve may abut against the protrusion, causing the second end portion of the valve to move in a direction extending laterally along the central longitudinal axis.

[0007] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed subject matter technology. It should also be understood that other aspects may be utilized, and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the subject matter technology. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the various embodiments and should not be considered as exclusive embodiments. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and those who benefit from this disclosure, the disclosed subject matter is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function.

[0009] Figure 1A This is a cross-sectional view of a housing of a pinless connector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, having a compressible valve installed therein.

[0010] Figure 1B This is a perspective view illustrating an example of a compressible valve with a pinless connector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the inner surface of the housing of the pinless connector of FIG1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3A It is in a closed position according to some embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 1A Cross-sectional view of the assembled pinless connector housing and compressible valve.

[0013] Figure 3B Based on some embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the assembled needleless connector housing and compressible valve during initial syringe insertion.

[0014] Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view of an assembled needleless connector housing and compressible valve during initial removal of a syringe in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view of an assembled needleless connector housing and compressible valve during further insertion of a syringe.

[0015] Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of an assembled needleless connector housing and compressible valve during initial removal of a syringe in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view of an assembled needleless connector housing and compressible valve during further insertion of a syringe.

[0016] Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of an assembled needleless connector housing and compressible valve during initial removal of a syringe in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view of an assembled needleless connector housing and compressible valve during further insertion of a syringe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] 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 some aspects can, in some instances, be repeated regarding other aspects, for the sake of brevity. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate the

[0018] 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, by way of specific but non-limiting examples. The various embodiments described in this disclosure can be made in different ways and variations, and in accordance with the desired application or implementation.

[0019] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to a self-sealing needleless connector that incorporates a resilient compressible valve disposed within a connector housing, where the compressible valve has a housing that includes a base that includes a protrusion extending toward an inlet port of the housing. The protrusion impedes the valve from traveling down on one side, and when the valve is pushed further down, allows the valve to pivot down and away from a face of a syringe inserted into the needleless connector, thereby allowing fluid to flow from the syringe into a cavity of the housing.

[0020] In some embodiments, the valve can be designed with two different spring rates: a higher spring rate for the primary seal region, and a lower spring rate for the secondary seal region. The housing can further include a fluid channel positioned on an inner surface of the housing at a location between the inner seal edge of the housing and the top surface of the inlet port. In conjunction with the flow channel, the two different spring rates help to prevent droplet formation. In particular, to prevent droplet formation upon disconnection, the primary seal will seal first due to the higher spring rate when the syringe is pulled out of the connector. As the syringe continues to be removed, the secondary seal of the valve travels up, creating a vacuum between the primary seal and the secondary seal. The vacuum advantageously pulls out any remaining fluid on the tip of the syringe or on the top surface of the valve through the fluid channel. This helps to prevent droplet formation when the syringe is disconnected from the needleless connector. More advantageously, to prevent fluid retention and to improve flushability, the valve is designed to collapse like a bellows in multiple regions, including but not limited to at least one of the head portion and the body portion of the valve. In some embodiments, therefore, at least one of the head portion or the body portion of the compressible valve can include recesses or notches positioned on an outer surface thereof.

[0021] Because the housing and valve of the needleless connector of the various embodiments described herein minimize the amount of fluid that can be deposited on the valve face, potential blood flow disease concerns associated with fluid typically deposited on the valve face (top surface) of the valve head are advantageously prevented.

[0022] While the following description is directed to administration of medical fluid to a patient using the disclosed needleless connector by a medical practitioner, it should be understood that this description is merely an example of use and does not limit the scope of the claims.

[0023] Figure 1Ais a cross-sectional view of a housing 110 having a needleless connector 100 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, with a compressible valve 200 mounted therein. As shown, the housing 110 can have a proximal end 105 defining an inlet port 112 of the housing 110, a distal end 120 including a base portion 160 defining an outlet port 123 of the housing 110, and a central longitudinal axis X1 extending through the proximal end 105 and the distal end 120. In some embodiments, the housing 110 can further include an inner surface 130 defining an internal cavity 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 integrally formed with the base portion 160. In some embodiments, however, the housing 110 can be formed from a combination of other workpieces or parts of similar dimensions to accommodate the compressible valve 200 therein. In operation, a fluid path can be established from the inlet port 112 to the outlet port 123, for example, through the needleless connector 100. As referred to herein, proximal refers to an orientation toward the inlet port 112 of the housing 110, and distal refers to an orientation toward the base portion 160 or bottom of the housing 110, opposite the inlet port 112.

[0024] As shown, the housing 110 can further include an opening 155 for connection with the base portion 160 of the housing 110, in addition to the inlet port 112 of the housing 110 for engagement with a medical implement 300. 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 the central longitudinal axis X1 of the housing 110 onto a flange portion of the compressible valve 200 disposed on a valve seat of the base portion 160.

[0025] In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the inlet port 112 can include a top port surface 114 and a passageway defined in the internal cavity 133. The inlet port 112 can include an engagement feature 135 for coupling to another device (e.g., a fluid transfer assembly). For example, the engagement feature 135 can include cooperating mechanical elements such as internal or external surface threads, detents, bayonet lock elements, and the like, as well as other surface configurations such as tapered luer interface surfaces for frictional engagement. In some embodiments, the inlet port 112 can define a female luer interface fitting with luer lock threads 135. The inner surface 130 and the internal cavity 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.

[0026] In some embodiments, the internal sealing edge 122 may be defined on the inner surface 130 of the housing 110. The internal sealing edge 122 may be a circumferential edge and is configured to retain the compressible valve 200 within the cavity 133 of the assembled pinless connector 100. In operation, the internal sealing edge 122 may be positioned to contact the main sealing portion 225 of the compressible valve 200 (e.g., Figure 2 (As shown) This combination provides a barrier to fluid flow.

[0027] According to various aspects of this disclosure, the base portion 160 may have a top portion 165 and a bottom portion 167 located at the distal end of the top portion 165. As shown, a protrusion 255 may be provided on the top portion 165 and extend proximally from the top portion. The protrusion 255 may be in the form of a longitudinal body extending at an angle from the central portion of the base top portion 165 toward the proximal end 105 of the housing 110. As will be described in further detail below, refer to Figure 2 And continue to refer to Figure 1A When the valve member is subjected to an axial force F during insertion of the syringe 300, the protrusion can act as a valve pivot to tilt the head portion 220 of the valve 200. In some embodiments, the bottom end section 167 can define an outlet port 123 that forms a second fluid passage 170 leading to the inner cavity 133.

[0028] Figure 1B This is a perspective view illustrating an example of a compressible valve 200 of a pinless connector 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the compressible valve 200 may include a head portion 220 and a body portion 230 extending distally from the head portion 220. In some embodiments, the head portion 220 includes a compressible post segment 218 and may be in an inactive state (before an applied axial force F causes the head portion 220 to tilt, such as...) Figure 3C (As shown) defines the axial center X2 of the compressible valve 200. When the compressible valve 200 is assembled in the pinless connector housing 110 in the closed state, the axial center X2 can substantially correspond to the central longitudinal axis X1 of the pinless connector housing. In the inactive state (e.g., isolated or within the connector but not displaced by a medical device), the axial center X2 can extend longitudinally through the head portion 220 and the body portion 230 of the compressible valve 200 (as shown). Figure 1AIn the above 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 the activated state (e.g., when the axial force F is applied to the compressible valve 200 using the medical implement or syringe 300), the axial center X2 of the compressible valve 200 can change and pivot relative to the central longitudinal axis X1 when the compressible valve 200 is activated by the medical implement or syringe 300.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the head portion 220 can include a top segment 212 that defines a secondary seal portion 214 of the compressible valve 200. The body portion 230 can further define a second or primary seal portion 225 at a proximal end of the body portion 230. As shown, the primary seal portion 225 can be disposed distally of the secondary seal portion 214.

[0030] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the valve 200 can have a wall 231 that includes an inner surface 235 that defines a valve lumen 242. As shown, the valve 200 can be coupled with the housing 110 such that the protrusion 255 is positioned in the valve lumen 242. The protrusion 255 and the valve lumen 242 can each have a distal end. A proximal end 257 of the protrusion 255 can be spaced apart from a proximal end 262 of the valve lumen 242. In particular, in an unactivated or closed state of the valve 200, a distance or space Dl can be defined between the proximal end 257 of the protrusion 255 and the proximal end 262 of the valve lumen 242.

[0031] In some embodiments, the valve 200 can further include a first end portion 202 and a second end portion 204 extending distally relative to the first end portion 202. For example, the first end portion can define a secondary portion 202 of the valve 200, and the second end portion can define a primary portion 204 of the valve. Further in some embodiments, the valve lumen 242 can extend proximally through the primary portion 204 of the valve and into the secondary portion 202 of the valve. Thus, the valve lumen 242 can include a first valve lumen 245 and a second valve lumen 250 in fluid communication with the first valve lumen. As shown, the first valve lumen 245 can extend through the first end portion (secondary portion) 202 of the valve 200 toward the second end portion (primary portion) 204 of the valve 200. The second valve lumen 250 can extend from the first valve lumen 245 into the second end portion (primary portion) 204 of the valve 200. In the assembled state of the housing 110 and the valve 200, the proximal end 257 of the protrusion can be positioned in the first valve lumen 245, spaced apart longitudinally from the second valve lumen 250 by a distance Dl.

[0032] The first valve cavity 245 can have a first cross-sectional width W1 and the second valve cavity 250 can have a second cross-sectional width W2. In some embodiments, the second cross-sectional width W2 can be less than the first cross-sectional width W1. As will be described in further detail below, the above-described configuration is advantageous in that it allows the primary portion 204 to be compressed or collapsed until the point at which the protrusion (also referred to as a valve pivot support) contacts the inner surface 235 of the valve 200 before the secondary portion 202 of the compression valve 200 is compressed or collapsed. Displacing the valve 200 of the various embodiments described herein to an open position can therefore require less axial force F compared to current existing needleless valves. Due to the different cross-sectional widths of the first and second valve cavities 245 and 250, a ridge 260 can be defined between the first and second valve cavities. As shown, in a closed or inactivated state, the proximal end 257 of the protrusion 255 can be longitudinally aligned and spaced apart from the ridge 260 by a distance D. As will be described in further detail below, when the secondary portion 202 of the valve is activated by the axial force F and the primary portion 204 is compressed or collapsed distally toward the base portion 160, the ridge 260 abuts against the proximal end 257 of the protrusion 255. As a result, the secondary portion 202 of the valve can be translated distally within the inner lumen 133. When the second end portion (primary portion) 204 of the valve is retracted, the valve 200 can abut against the protrusion 255 such that the first end portion (secondary portion) 202 of the valve can move in a direction that extends laterally relative to the longitudinal axis X1 of the housing 110.

[0033] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the wall 231 of the valve 200 can have a greater flexibility along the first end portion (secondary portion) 202 of the valve 200 than along the second end portion (primary portion) 204. For example, the wall 231 of the valve 200 can have a lower spring rate along the first end portion (secondary portion) 202 of the valve 200 than along the second end portion (primary portion) 204. The above-described configuration can be achieved in part due to the different cross-sectional widths W1 and W2 of the corresponding valve cavities 250 and 245 defined in the corresponding secondary valve portion 202 and primary valve portion 204.

[0034] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the wall 231 of the valve 200 can include first and second recesses or notches 210 and 215, and the proximal end 257 of the protrusion 255 can be positioned between the first and second recesses 210 and 215 and the proximal end 262 of the valve cavity 242. The above configuration is advantageous to further reduce the spring rate of the second end portion (main portion) 204 of the valve 200. It should be appreciated that while the notches 210 and 215 are generally shown as being opposite each other on the wall 231 of the body portion 230, other arrangements of at least one notch 210 on the post section 218 including three or more notches are also contemplated. For example, the recesses 210 and 215 can be disposed on opposite sides of the inner wall 231 and at different locations in the longitudinal direction. Moreover, the size and shape of each inner recess 210 and 215 can be distinguished. In certain embodiments, the first inner recess 210 can be larger than the second inner recess 215.

[0035] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the inner surface 130 of the housing 110 of the needle-free connector 100 of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the housing 110 can further include a plurality of fluid channels 172 positioned on the inner surface 130 between the inner sealing edge 122 and the top surface 114 of the inlet port 112. In particular, the fluid channels 172 can be positioned above the inner sealing edge 122 and below the top surface 114 of the inlet port 112. The above configuration is advantageous in that, in operation, the fluid channels 172 draw fluid away from the top section 212 defining the secondary sealing portion 214 of the valve 200 and the syringe face 312 to prevent the formation of droplets once the syringe 300 is fully decoupled from the needle-free valve connector 100.

[0036] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the compressible valve 200 can include any of a variety of materials used to produce mechanical valves for needle-free 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. Moreover, the main sealing portion 225 and the lower portion 230 can include an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, all or some of the flexible valve can be formed from a liquid silicone rubber.

[0037] According to some embodiments and with reference again to Figure 1AThe cross-sectional area of the primary sealing portion 225 can be greater than the cross-sectional area of the post section 218 of the head portion 220. For example, the primary sealing portion 225 can be in the form of a frustoconical surface 222 for engagement with the internal sealing edge 122 of the connector housing 110. The frustoconical shape of the primary sealing portion 225 can be configured such that a first cross-sectional area of the primary sealing portion 225 proximate the head portion 220 is less than a second cross-sectional area of the primary sealing portion 225 distal from the head portion 220. In other words, the primary sealing portion 225 can be narrower toward the head portion 220 and wider toward the lower portion 230.

[0038] In some embodiments, the lower portion 230 can be in the form of an elongated tubular member 231 having a closed end proximate the primary sealing portion 225 and an open end distal from the primary sealing portion 225. In this way, an internal air space can be defined within the interior of the compressible valve 200. According to some aspects, the compressible valve 200 can be collapsible when operated with a needleless connector assembly. In these embodiments, the lower portion 230 can include recesses 210 and 215 and / or cutouts to facilitate proper collapsing functionality according to different embodiments of the present disclosure. Further, while the head portion 220 of the compressible valve 200 can have a generally cylindrical nature allowing it to operate with the tapered tip of a male luer interface of a medical instrument or similar interconnection device, the lower portion 230 can be in the form of having a variety of shapes, sizes, and features associated with the functionality and operation of the needleless connector assembly with which the compressible valve is used. In some embodiments, when the lower portion 230 has a tubular section 231, the section 231 can include a plurality of tubular shapes such as, but not limited to, cylindrical, rectangular, hexagonal, tubular shapes.

[0039] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of the assembled needleless connector 100 of FIG. 1 with the housing 110 and the compressible valve 200 in a closed position prior to insertion of a medical instrument according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 3A and with continued reference to FIG. 1, as Figure 3A the assembled needleless connector 100 is shown in a sealed configuration such that any fluid from an interconnection fluid path coupled to the outlet port 123 is sealed from the inlet port 112. In some embodiments, the needleless connector 100 can be assembled such that the flange portion 240 of the compressible valve 200 is coupled, snapped, or otherwise attached to the valve seat of the base portion 160.

[0040] The inner cavity 133 of the housing 110 can be disposed on top of the compressible valve 200 coupled to the base portion 160 such that the head portion 220 of the compressible valve 200 is disposed in alignment within the inlet port 112. Upon assembly, when the head portion 220 is engaged 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 resulting plane that is substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis X2 of the head portion 220 or the axial center of the post segment 218. Further, one or more internal contact tabs (not shown) disposed on a lower segment of the body portion 115 of the housing 110 can surround and apply pressure to the sidewall of the flange portion 240 to secure and / or anchor the compressible valve 200 in the housing 110. In operation, when an axial force F (shown in FIG. 1 10) is applied to the top surface 216 of the compressible valve 200, the needleless connector's compressible valve 200 can compress, collapse, buckle, and / or fold, and when the axial force F is removed, the needleless connector's compressible valve expands and realigns, which will be described in further detail below. Figure 3B

[0041] Accordingly, the one or more internal contact tabs (not shown) can provide a radial force on the sidewall of the flange portion 240 that is substantially orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis X2. In this regard, when the axial force F is applied to the top surface 216 of the head portion 220 of the compressible valve 200, the effects of any axial resultant force applied by the compressible valve 200 to the base portion 120 of the housing 100 are reduced, if not eliminated. Such axial resultant force applied to the base portion 120 can counter or weaken, for example, a fusion connection between the base portion 120 and the body portion 115, and over time can disadvantageously cause the fusion connection to crack and / or separate.

[0042] Figure 3B is according to some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1A ​FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an assembled needle-free connector housing and compressible valve. When the medical implement 300 (e.g., a syringe) is initially inserted into the inlet port 112 of the needle-free connector 100 and an axial force F is applied to the compressible valve 200 causing the compressible valve to displace distally, the frustoconical surface 222 of the primary sealing portion 225 is caused to separate from the inner sealing rim 122. As briefly described above, because the second cross-sectional width W2 can be less than the first cross-sectional width Wl, the primary portion 204 of the valve 200 collapses or compresses before the secondary portion 202 of the valve 200 compresses or collapses. This occurs up to the point where the protrusion 255 (also referred to as a valve pivot support) contacts the inner surface 235 of the valve 200. When the secondary portion 202 of the valve is activated by the axial force F and the primary portion 204 is compressed or collapsed distally toward the base portion 160, the ridge 260 abuts the proximal end 257 of the engagement protrusion 255. Thus, the secondary portion 202 of the valve can translate distally within the inner lumen 133. When the first end portion (secondary portion) 202 of the valve 200 collapses, the valve 200 can abut the engagement protrusion 255 such that the first end portion (secondary portion) 202 of the valve can move in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis Xl of the housing 110.

[0043] Figure 3C FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an assembled needle-free connector housing and compressible valve during further insertion of the syringe, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1A FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an assembled needle-free connector housing and compressible valve during further insertion of the syringe, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As the axial force F is continued to be applied, the medical implement 300 can be further lowered into the inlet port 112 to allow fluid to flow from the syringe 300 into the lumen 133. The secondary portion 202 of the valve 200 can further compress, collapse, and tilt. As the secondary portion 202 folds or collapses, the top surface 216 can tilt downward (distally, as shown) due to the presence of the protrusion 255 (valve pivot support). Figure 3C

[0044] Figure 4A FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an assembled needle-free connector housing and compressible valve during initial removal of the syringe, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1A ​FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled needle-free connector housing and compressible valve of FIG. 2. When the syringe 300 is removed from the inlet port 212, the compressible valve 200 can begin to expand to return to its position within the housing in the sealed configuration, as shown in FIG. 3. In particular, as described above, because the wall 231 of the valve 200 is lower in spring rate along the first end portion (secondary portion) 202 of the valve 200 than along the second end portion (primary portion) 204, the primary portion 204 of the valve 200 travels faster, allowing the primary sealing portion 225 of the valve 200 to contact the inner sealing edge 122 first. As the compressible valve 200 expands further, the secondary portion 202 of the valve continues to move proximally, creating a vacuum between the secondary sealing portion 214 and the primary sealing portion 225 of the compressible valve 200. Due to the vacuum, any remaining fluid at the tip of the syringe 300 or on the top surface 216 of the valve is pulled out through the fluid passageway 172 on the inner surface 130 of the housing 110. Thus, a droplet can be prevented from forming on the top surface of the valve 216 when the syringe 300 is disconnected from the connector 100.

[0045] For convenience, the various examples of aspects of the present invention are described as numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.). These are provided as examples only, and not limitation of the subject technology. The identification of the figures and the drawing figures are provided below as examples for illustrative purposes only, and the clauses are not limited to these identifications.

[0046] Clause 1 : A needle-free connector comprising: a housing having a central longitudinal axis, a body portion having an inner surface forming an inner cavity and a first port forming a first fluid passageway to the inner cavity, and a base portion having a top end segment and a bottom end segment, the top end segment having a protrusion and the bottom end segment having a second port forming a second fluid passageway to the inner cavity; and the needle-free connector having a valve having a wall having an inner surface forming a valve cavity, wherein the valve is coupled with the housing such that the protrusion is positioned in the valve cavity and a proximal end of the protrusion is spaced apart from a proximal end of the valve cavity.

[0047] Clause 2: The needle-free connector of clause 1, wherein the inner cavity is formed between the first and second ports.

[0048] Clause 3: The needle-free connector of clause 1, wherein the proximal end of the protrusion is positioned between the central longitudinal axis and the inner surface of the valve.

[0049] Clause 4: The needle-free connector of clause 1, wherein the valve has a first end portion and a second end portion, and the valve cavity includes a first valve cavity and a second valve cavity, the first valve cavity extending through the first end portion of the valve toward the second end portion of the valve, and the second valve cavity extending from the first valve cavity into the second end portion of the valve.

[0050] Clause 5: The needle-free connector of clause 4, wherein the proximal end of the protrusion is positioned in the first valve cavity.

[0051] Clause 6: The needle-free connector of clause 4, wherein the wall of the valve along the first end portion has a lower spring rate than the wall of the valve along the second end portion.

[0052] Clause 7: The needle-free connector of clause 4, wherein the valve has a ridge between the first valve cavity and the second valve cavity, and the proximal end of the protrusion is longitudinally aligned with the ridge.

[0053] Clause 8: The needle-free connector of clause 7, wherein the ridge abuttingly engages the protrusion when the valve is compressed toward the base portion.

[0054] Clause 9: The needle-free connector of clause 4, wherein the first valve cavity has a first cross-sectional width and the second valve cavity has a second cross-sectional width, wherein the second cross-sectional width is less than the first cross-sectional width such that a ridge is formed between the first and second valve cavities.

[0055] Clause 10: The needle-free connector of clause 4, wherein the first end portion of the valve collapses before the second end portion of the valve when the valve is compressed toward the base portion.

[0056] Clause 11: The needle-free connector of clause 4, wherein the valve abuttingly engages the protrusion when the first end portion of the valve collapses such that the second end portion of the valve moves in a direction extending laterally relative to the central longitudinal axis.

[0057] Clause 12: The needle-free connector of clause 1, wherein the wall of the valve has first and second recesses, and the proximal end of the protrusion is between the first and second recesses and the proximal end of the valve cavity.

[0058] Clause 13: The needle-free connector of clause 1, wherein the outer surface of the valve has a primary sealing portion and a secondary sealing portion, and the primary sealing portion is spaced apart from the secondary sealing portion.

[0059] Clause 14: The needle-free connector of clause 13, wherein the primary sealing portion is configured to abuttingly engage the inner surface of the body portion to form a primary seal therebetween, and the secondary sealing portion is configured to abuttingly engage the inner surface of the body portion to form a secondary seal therebetween.

[0060] Clause 15: The needle-free connector of clause 14, wherein the inner surface of the body portion has a sealing edge between the first port and the base portion.

[0061] Clause 16: The needle-free connector of clause 15, wherein the inner surface of the body portion has a fluid channel extending between the first port and the sealing edge.

[0062] Clause 17: A needle-free connector comprising: a housing having a central longitudinal axis, a body portion having an inner surface forming a housing cavity and a first port forming a first fluid passageway to the housing cavity, and a base portion having a top end segment and a bottom end segment, the top end segment having a protrusion and the bottom end segment having a second port; and the needle-free connector having a valve having a first end portion, a second end portion, and an inner surface forming a valve cavity, the valve having a closed configuration in which the first fluid passageway is obstructed by the second end portion of the valve and an open configuration in which the valve is compressed toward the base portion such that the first fluid passageway is unobstructed, wherein, as the valve moves from the closed configuration toward the open configuration, the first end portion of the valve abuts the protrusion such that the second end portion of the valve moves in a direction extending transversely relative to the central longitudinal axis.

[0063] Clause 18: The needle-free connector of clause 17, wherein, as the valve moves from the closed configuration toward the open configuration, the inner surface of the valve abuts a distal end of the protrusion.

[0064] Clause 19: The needle-free connector of clause 17, wherein, as the valve moves from the closed configuration toward the open configuration, the second end portion begins to collapse after the first end portion begins to collapse.

[0065] Clause 20: The needle-free connector of clause 17, wherein an outer surface of the valve has a primary sealing portion and a secondary sealing portion, and, as the valve moves from the open configuration toward the closed configuration, the second end portion expands longitudinally such that the secondary sealing portion and the primary sealing portion move away from each other to form a vacuum between the outer surface of the valve and the inner surface of the body portion.

[0066] Clause 21: The needle-free connector of clause 20, wherein the inner surface of the body portion has a fluid channel configured to permit fluid to move between the secondary sealing portion and the inner surface of the housing into an area between the secondary sealing portion and the primary sealing portion.

[0067] This disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects.

[0068] The reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather "one or more." The term "some" refers to one or more unless specifically stated otherwise. The term "positive" includes the negative and the neutral, and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the application.

[0069] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. In one aspect, various alternative configurations and operations can be considered to be at least equivalent.

[0070] The phrase "at least one of" preceding a series of items, with the term "or" used to join the items, modifies the list as a whole rather than each item in the list. The phrase "at least one of" does not require selection of at least one of the items; rather, the phrase allows for inclusion of any one of the items, and / or inclusion of at least one of each item, and / or inclusion of each item individually. By way of example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, or C" can mean A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C.

[0071] Phrases such as "aspect" do not indicate that a particular aspect is essential to the subject technology, or that the subject technology cannot be practiced without the particular aspect, or used in all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosures relating to one aspect can apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. 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 indicate that a particular embodiment is essential to the subject technology, or that the subject technology cannot be practiced without the particular embodiment, or used in all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosures relating to one embodiment can apply to all 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 indicate that a particular configuration is essential to the subject technology, or that the subject technology cannot be practiced without the particular configuration, or used in all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosures relating to one configuration can apply to all 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.

[0072] 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 be within reasonable range of the given value considering variations in the manufacturing process, measuring process, and other factors that can cause a deviation of the measured value from the exact given value.

[0073] It should be understood that the particular order in which steps or operations have been presented in the disclosed processes or methods is merely illustrative. Based on the implementation preferences or scenarios, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations or processes can be re-arranged. Some steps, operations or processes can be performed simultaneously. In some implementation preferences or scenarios, certain operations can not be performed. Some or all of the steps, operations or processes can be performed automatically, without user intervention. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps, operations or processes in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the particular order or hierarchy presented.

[0074] 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 under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited in the claim as “means plus function.” Furthermore, to the extent that the term “comprising” is used in the detailed description and claims, it is intended to be

[0075] 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 and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Submission of this application is based on the belief that it will not be used to unfairly prejudice the competitive position of the applicant in this or other patent applications. Furthermore, as will be apparent from the detailed description, the description provides illustrative examples and, for purposes of economy and brevity, various features are grouped together in various embodiments. The method of this disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires a greater scope of features than is explicitly recited in each claim. To the contrary, subsequent claims are hereby incoiporated into this detailed description, where each claim stands as a separate application by itself, as reflecting a particular combination of features according to the inventor’s present understanding of the claimed subject matter.

[0076] 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 of the claims, and to cover all legal equivalents thereof. Regardless of, and without waiving the foregoing, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of the Patent Code.

Claims

1. A pinless connector, comprising: A housing having a central longitudinal axis, a main body portion, and a base portion, the main body portion having an inner surface forming an inner cavity and a first port forming a first fluid passage to the inner cavity, the base portion having a top section and a bottom section, the top section having a protrusion extending at an angle from the center of the top section of the base portion toward the proximal end of the inner cavity, and the bottom section having a second port forming a second fluid passage to the inner cavity; and A valve having a wall having an inner surface forming a valve cavity, wherein the valve is coupled to the housing such that a protrusion is positioned in the valve cavity and the proximal end of the protrusion is spaced apart from the proximal end of the valve cavity.

2. The pinless connector according to claim 1, wherein, The cavity is formed between the first port and the second port.

3. The pinless connector according to claim 1, wherein, The proximal end of the protrusion is positioned between the central longitudinal axis and the inner surface of the valve.

4. The pinless connector according to claim 1, wherein, The valve has a first end portion and a second end portion, and the valve cavity includes a first valve cavity and a second valve cavity, the first valve cavity extending through the first end portion of the valve toward the second end portion of the valve, and the second valve cavity extending from the first valve cavity into the second end portion of the valve.

5. The pinless connector according to claim 4, wherein, The proximal end of the protrusion is positioned within the first valve cavity.

6. The pinless connector according to claim 4, wherein, The valve has a lower spring ratio along the wall of the first end portion than the valve has a lower spring ratio along the wall of the second end portion.

7. The pinless connector according to claim 4, wherein, The valve includes a ridge between the first valve chamber and the second valve chamber, and the proximal end of the protrusion is longitudinally aligned with the ridge.

8. The pinless connector according to claim 7, wherein, When the valve is compressed toward the base portion, the ridge abuts against the protrusion.

9. The pinless connector according to claim 4, wherein, The first valve chamber has a first cross-sectional width, and the second valve chamber has a second cross-sectional width, wherein the second cross-sectional width is smaller than the first cross-sectional width, such that a ridge is formed between the first valve chamber and the second valve chamber.

10. The pinless connector according to claim 4, wherein, When the valve is compressed toward the base portion, the first end portion of the valve collapses before the second end portion of the valve.

11. The pinless connector according to claim 4, wherein, When the first end portion of the valve collapses, the valve abuts against the protrusion, causing the second end portion of the valve to move in a direction extending laterally relative to the central longitudinal axis.

12. The pinless connector according to claim 1, wherein, The valve wall has first and second recesses, and the proximal end of the protrusion is located between the first and second recesses and the proximal end of the valve cavity.

13. The pinless connector according to claim 1, wherein, The outer surface of the valve has a main sealing portion and a secondary sealing portion, and the main sealing portion and the secondary sealing portion are spaced apart.

14. The pinless connector according to claim 13, wherein, The primary sealing portion is configured to abut against the inner surface of the body portion to form a primary seal therebetween, and the secondary sealing portion is configured to abut against the inner surface of the body portion to form a secondary seal therebetween.

15. The pinless connector according to claim 14, wherein, The inner surface of the main body portion has a sealing edge between the first port and the base portion.

16. The pinless connector according to claim 15, wherein, The inner surface of the main body has a fluid channel extending between the first port and the sealing edge.

17. A pinless connector, comprising: A housing having a central longitudinal axis, a main body portion and a base portion, the main body portion having an inner surface forming a housing cavity and a first port forming a first fluid passage to the housing cavity, the base portion having a top end portion and a bottom end portion, the top end portion having a protrusion extending at an angle from the center of the top end portion of the base portion toward the proximal end of the housing cavity, and the bottom end portion having a second port; as well as A valve having a first end portion, a second end portion, and an inner surface forming a valve cavity, the valve having a closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein in the closed configuration a first fluid passage is blocked by the second end portion of the valve, and in the open configuration the valve is compressed toward the base portion such that the first fluid passage is not blocked; When the valve moves from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the first end portion of the valve abuts against the protrusion, causing the second end portion of the valve to move in a direction extending laterally relative to the central longitudinal axis.

18. The pinless connector according to claim 17, wherein, When the valve moves from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the inner surface of the valve abuts against the distal end of the engaging protrusion.

19. The pinless connector according to claim 17, wherein, When the valve moves from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the second end portion begins to collapse after the first end portion begins to collapse.

20. The pinless connector according to claim 17, wherein, The outer surface of the valve has a primary sealing portion and a secondary sealing portion, and when the valve moves from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the second end portion expands longitudinally, causing the secondary sealing portion and the primary sealing portion to move away from each other to create a vacuum between the outer surface of the valve and the inner surface of the main body portion.

21. The pinless connector according to claim 20, wherein, The inner surface of the main body portion has fluid channels configured to allow fluid to move between the sub-stage seal portion and the inner surface of the housing into the region between the sub-stage seal portion and the main seal portion.

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