Luer holding device

Abstract

The invention discloses a Luer holding device. The Luer holding device provides an increased holding force between a bearing and a syringe tip. The luer holding device includes a male luer and a female luer. The male luer includes a syringe tip and the female luer includes a bearing that receives the syringe tip. The female luer includes at least one barb extending from the bearing for engaging the syringe tip. The male luer and the female luer are in fluid communication when the bearing receives the syringe tip.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to luer retainer devices and, in some embodiments, to sliding luer retainers. Background Art

[0002] Needleless connectors (including neutral displacement needleless connectors) provide a solution for supplying medical fluids to patients. In an exemplary embodiment, a needleless connector assembly facilitates fluid transfer between a medical fluid supply source and a tubing line. The medical fluid supply source and the tubing line are fixed to corresponding Luer pieces, which are fixed to a connector body. To transfer fluid, the Luer piece connected to the medical supply source is inserted into the connector body and overlaps the center column of the Luer piece connected to the tubing line.

[0003] Overlap between the Luer and the center post can cause problems. For example, movement of the Luer relative to the center post (or vice versa) can cause contact between the Luer and the center post, leading to an increased risk of cracking or breaking the center post. When this happens, the damaged area causes fluid to leak, leading to fluid loss and contamination.

[0004] Additionally, the needle-free access valve may inadvertently push the sliding luer out. Disconnection of the sliding luer and the syringe tip may cause the valve to close. This may occur when a compression member disposed within the luer generates a force on the syringe tip. When this force is greater than the bearing friction, the syringe may be ejected. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to at least some embodiments disclosed herein, it is recognized that components used with a sliding luer and a syringe tip may become disconnected during use, which may result in a valve being restricted or closed and reduce medical delivery to a patient. When the sliding luer and syringe tip become disconnected, it may not be easy to present to a medical professional that the components have separated, resulting in a delayed response time. Therefore, a needleless access valve with improved sliding luer retention is desired. This may be achieved by including a locking hub to secure the sliding luer and the bearing.

[0006] Thus aspects of the present disclosure provide a Luer retention device comprising: a male Luer member having a syringe tip; a female Luer member having a bearing for receiving the syringe tip; and at least one barb extending from the bearing for engaging the syringe tip, wherein the male Luer member and the female Luer member are in fluid communication when the bearing receives the syringe tip. Some examples of the present disclosure provide an inner surface of the bearing. In some aspects, the barb extends around at least a portion of the inner surface. In some aspects, the barb extends around the entire inner surface.

[0007] In some aspects, the barb extends around the bearing in a substantially spiral shape. In some aspects, the syringe tip can be rotated relative to the bearing to control the engagement of the syringe tip and the bearing. In some aspects, rotation of the syringe tip in a first direction tightens the engagement of the bearing and the syringe tip. In some aspects, rotation of the syringe tip in the first direction locks the bearing relative to the syringe tip. In some aspects, rotation of the syringe tip in a second direction loosens the engagement of the bearing and the syringe tip.

[0008] In some aspects, the syringe tip includes threads on an outer surface. In some aspects, the threads extend around the syringe tip in a substantially spiral shape. In some aspects, the threads are configured to align with the barbs. In some aspects, the barbs include a first material and the syringe tip includes a second material. In some aspects, the first material is harder than the second material. In some aspects, the bearing includes a plurality of barbs. In some aspects, the plurality of barbs are evenly spaced on the bearing. In some aspects, the bearing includes at least one row of barbs.

[0009] Additional features and advantages of the subject technology will be described in the following description, and in part will become clear from the description, or can be understood through the practice of the subject technology. The advantages of the subject technology will be realized and obtained through the structures particularly pointed out in the written description and its embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0010] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the subject technology. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of embodiments of the apparatus, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings of exemplary embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0012] In the attached picture:

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an IV set coupled to a patient according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a fluid connector device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A top perspective cross-sectional view of a second Luer piece of a fluid connector device;

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 a bottom perspective cross-sectional view of a second luer piece of a fluid connector device; and

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of a second Luer piece of a fluid connector device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In the following detailed description, many specific details are set forth to provide a full understanding of the subject technology. It should be understood that the subject technology can be implemented without these specific details. In other cases, well-known structures and technologies are not shown in detail to avoid blurring the subject technology.

[0019] Furthermore, while this specification sets forth specific details of various embodiments, it should be understood that this specification is illustrative only and should not be construed as limiting in any way. Additionally, it is contemplated that although specific embodiments of the present disclosure may be disclosed or illustrated in the context of an intravenous ("IV") kit, these embodiments may be used in other fluid delivery systems. Furthermore, various applications of these embodiments and modifications thereof that may occur to those skilled in the art are also included in the general concepts described herein.

[0020] Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout, Figure 1-Figure 5 An apparatus, generally designated 100 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.

[0021] Now referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 An IV set 1 coupled to a patient 10 is shown in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The IV set 1 includes a medication bag 12, a drip chamber 14, and tubing 22. The tubing 22 extends between the drip chamber 14 of the IV set 1 and the fluid connector device 100. To prevent the tubing 16 or tubing 18 from being inadvertently dislodged or disconnected from the patient, a tape 26 is placed on the tubing 16 and tubing 18 such that the tape 26 engages the tubing 16, tubing 18, and the patient 10.

[0022] like Figure 2As shown, the fluid connector device 100 may include a first Luer 102 and a second Luer 104. When the first Luer 102 is received in the second Luer 104, the first Luer 102 and the second Luer 104 may be in fluid communication. The first Luer 102 may be a male Luer including a syringe tip 106. The first Luer 102 may be referred to as a sliding Luer. The syringe tip may include a fluid channel 107 defined therein to allow medical fluid to flow therethrough. The second Luer 104 may be a female Luer including a bearing 108, which is shaped and sized to receive the syringe tip 106. The bearing 108 may be defined between an edge 120 and a flange 122 of the second Luer 104. The bearing 108 may be substantially cylindrical in shape. In some embodiments, the bearing 108 may be tapered to receive the syringe tip 106. The second Luer 104 may include a cavity 110 and a column 112 defined therein. When the first luer 102 is received in the second luer 104 , the post 112 may be received in the fluid passage 107 of the syringe tip 106 .

[0023] The second luer 104 may include a compressible member 114 disposed around the post 112. The compressible member 114 may be movable between a compressed position and a decompressed position. When the compressible member 114 is in the decompressed position, the compressible member 114 may block the fluid inlet on the post 112. When the compressible member 114 is in the decompressed position, the compressible member 114 may prevent air, dust, and medical fluid from entering the syringe tip. When the first luer 102 is received in the second luer 104, the compressible member 114 may be moved to the compressed position. When the compressible member 114 is in the decompressed position, the first luer 102 and the second luer 104 may be in fluid communication. When the compressible member 114 is in the decompressed position, the compressible member 114 may generate a force opposite to the first luer 102. If the force from the compressible member 114 acting on the first luer 102 is greater than the friction between the syringe tip 106 and the bearing 108, the first luer 102 may be disconnected from the second luer 104.

[0024] Therefore, it may be necessary to counteract the forces acting on the first Luer 102 to prevent the first Luer 102 from separating from the second Luer 104. Figure 2-Figure 5As shown, bearing 108 may include an inner surface 109 from which at least one barb 116 extends. Barb 116 may extend from inner surface 109 between 0.001-0.005 inches. In some embodiments, barb 116 extends from inner surface 109 between 0.0015-0.0045 inches, between 0.002-0.004 inches, or between 0.0025-0.0035 inches. Barb 116 may extend at least 0.001 inches from inner surface 109. In some embodiments, barb 116 extends at least 0.002, 0.003, 0.004, or 0.005 inches from inner surface 109. Barb 116 may have a substantially triangular cross-section. Barb 116 may extend from inner surface 109 near flange 122. In some embodiments, barb 116 may extend from inner surface 109 at a point between edge 120 and flange 122. Barb 116 can have a first side and a second side. The first side can be closer to flange 122 on inner surface 109 than the second side. The first side can extend a greater distance from inner surface 109 than the second side. In some embodiments, the second side can extend a greater distance from inner surface 109 than the first side. In some embodiments, the first side and the second side can extend about the same distance from inner surface 109. In some embodiments, barb 116 can have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0025] The barbs 116 can be molded onto the inner surface 109 during production of the second Luer 104. The inner surface 109 can include a first material, and the barbs 116 can include a second material. The second material can be less deformable or harder than the first material. The barbs 116 can have a substantially helical configuration on the inner surface 109. In some embodiments, the barbs 116 can be linear or non-helical. The barbs 116 can extend around at least a portion of the bearing 108. In some embodiments, the barbs 116 extend around the entire bearing 108. The bearing 108 can include a plurality of barbs 116.

[0026] like Figure 5As shown, the bearing 108 may include at least two barbs 116. The two barbs 116 may be evenly spaced relative to the other barb 116 on the inner surface 109. The two barbs 116 may be located in a single row relative to the edge 120 and the flange 122 on the inner surface 109. In some embodiments, the bearing 108 may include more than one row of barbs 116 (not shown) between the edge 120 and the flange 122. In some embodiments, the syringe tip 106 may include a receiving thread shaped and sized to receive the barbs 116. In some embodiments, the syringe tip 106 includes a deformable outer surface that engages the barbs 116. The barbs 116 may engage the outer surface of the syringe tip 106. The outer surface of the syringe tip 106 may include a third material. The second material may be less deformable or harder than the third material. The spiral configuration of the barbs 116 on the inner surface 109 may allow the syringe tip 106 to be tightened or loosened relative to the bearing 108 by rotating the syringe tip 106.

[0027] The syringe tip 106 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the bearing 108 to tighten or loosen the engagement of the first luer 102 and the second luer 104. Rotation of the syringe tip 106 relative to the bearing 108 in a first direction can tighten the engagement of the first luer 102 and the second luer 104. Rotation of the syringe tip 106 relative to the second luer 104 in a first direction can lock the first luer 102. Rotation of the syringe tip 106 relative to the bearing 108 in a second direction can loosen the engagement of the first luer 102 and the second luer 104. The direction of rotation can be determined by the configuration of the barbs 116 on the inner surface 109.

[0028] For example, the subject technology is illustrated according to the various aspects described below. For convenience, various examples of various aspects of the subject technology are described below. These are provided only as examples and do not limit the present technology.

[0029] A luer retention device includes a male luer member having a syringe tip; a female luer member having a bearing for receiving the syringe tip; and at least one barb extending from the bearing for engaging the syringe tip, wherein the male and female luer members are in fluid communication when the bearing receives the syringe tip.

[0030] Also included is the inner surface of the bearing.

[0031] wherein the barb extends around at least a portion of the inner surface.

[0032] Therein, the barbs extend around the inner surface of the bearing.

[0033] Therein, the barb extends around the bearing in a substantially helical shape.

[0034] Therein, the syringe tip is rotatable relative to the bearing to control the engagement of the syringe tip and the bearing.

[0035] Therein, rotation of the syringe tip in a first direction tightens the engagement of the bearing and the syringe tip.

[0036] Therein, rotation of the syringe tip in a first direction locks the bearing relative to the syringe tip.

[0037] Therein, rotation of the syringe tip in a second direction loosens the engagement of the bearing and the syringe tip.

[0038] Therein, the syringe tip includes threads on an outer surface.

[0039] Therein, the threads extend in a substantially helical shape around the syringe tip.

[0040] Therein, the threads are configured to align with the barbs.

[0041] wherein the barb comprises a first material and the syringe tip comprises a second material.

[0042] Wherein, the first material is harder than the second material.

[0043] Wherein, the bearing comprises a plurality of barbs.

[0044] Therein, a plurality of barbs are evenly spaced apart on the bearing.

[0045] Wherein, the bearing comprises at least one row of barbs.

[0046] A luer retention device comprising: a male luer member having a syringe tip; a female luer member having a bearing for receiving the syringe tip; and at least one barb extending from the bearing for engaging the syringe tip, wherein the male and female luer members are in fluid communication when the bearing receives the syringe tip, wherein the barb extends in a substantially helical shape around the bearing, and wherein the syringe tip is rotatable relative to the bearing to control engagement of the syringe tip and the bearing.

[0047] Therein, rotation of the syringe tip in a first direction tightens the engagement of the bearing and the syringe tip.

[0048] Therein, rotation of the syringe tip in a second direction loosens the engagement of the bearing and the syringe tip.

[0049] In some embodiments, any one of the clauses of this article can be subordinate to any one of the independent clauses or any one of the dependent clauses. In one aspect, any clause (e.g., a dependent or independent clause) can be combined with any other one or more clauses (e.g., a dependent or independent clause). In one aspect, a claim may include some or all of the words (e.g., steps, operations, devices, or parts) quoted in a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one aspect, a claim may include some or all of the words quoted in one or more clauses, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs. In one aspect, some words in each clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph can be removed. In one aspect, additional words or elements can be added to a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one aspect, the subject technology can be implemented without utilizing some parts, elements, functions, or operations described herein. In one aspect, the subject technology can be implemented utilizing additional parts, elements, functions, or operations.

[0050] The present disclosure is provided to allow any person skilled in the art to implement the various aspects described herein. The present disclosure provides various examples of subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be clear to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applicable to other aspects.

[0051] Unless expressly specified otherwise, elements referred to in the singular are not intended to mean "one and only one," but rather "one or more." Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "some" refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and sub-headings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

[0052] 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 superior to other aspects or designs. In one aspect, the various alternative configurations and operations described herein can be considered to be at least equivalent.

[0053] Phrases such as "aspects" do not mean that such aspects are essential to the subject technology, or that such aspects apply to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure related to aspects can be applied to all configurations or one or more configurations. An aspect can provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect can refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. Phrases such as "embodiments" do not mean that such embodiments are essential to the subject technology, or that such embodiments apply to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure related to embodiments can be applied to all embodiments or one or more embodiments. An embodiment can provide one or more examples. Phrases such as "embodiments" can refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. Phrases such as "constructions" do not mean that such constructions are essential to the subject technology, or that such constructions apply to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure related to constructions can be applied to all configurations or one or more configurations. A construction can provide one or more examples. Phrases such as a construction can refer to one or more constructions, and vice versa.

[0054] In one aspect, unless otherwise indicated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, sizes, dimensions, and other specifications in this specification, including those set forth in the appended claims, are approximate and not exact. In one aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the functions to which they are related and with the customary practices in the art to which they belong.

[0055] In one aspect, the term "couple" or the like may refer to a direct connection. In another aspect, the term "couple" or the like may refer to an indirect connection.

[0056] Terms such as "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", etc., if used in this disclosure, should be understood to refer to an arbitrary reference frame, not the ordinary gravitational reference frame. Thus, the top surface, bottom surface, front surface, and rear surface can extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in the gravitational reference frame.

[0057] Without departing from the scope of the present technology, various items may be arranged differently (e.g., arranged in a different order, or divided in a different manner). All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described throughout the present disclosure are known to or will be known to those of ordinary skill in the art in the future, and are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. In addition, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly stated in the claims, the content disclosed herein is not intended to be committed to the public. A claim element will not be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.C. §112 unless the element is explicitly stated using the phrase "device for...", or in the case of a method claim, the element is stated using the phrase "step for...". Further, insofar as the terms "including", "having", etc. are used, such terms are intended to be open-ended, in a manner similar to the term "including", as "including" is interpreted when it is adopted as a transitional word in a claim.

[0058] The title, background technology, summary of the invention, description of the drawings and abstract of the present disclosure are incorporated into the present disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the present disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. Submitting this application is based on such an understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the specific implementation, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples, and various features are combined together in various embodiments, with the purpose of making the present disclosure concise. This disclosure method should not be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the subject matter claimed for protection requires more features than those explicitly stated in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the attached claims, the subject matter of the invention lies in all features of less than a single disclosed structure or operation. The attached claims are thus incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim is independently a subject matter claimed for protection.

[0059] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but should be given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and encompassing all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, no claim is intended to encompass subject matter that does not satisfy the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §101, 102, or 103, nor should they be interpreted in such a manner.

Claims

1. A Luer retaining device, comprising: a male Luer having a syringe tip; a female Luer having a bearing for receiving the syringe tip; as well as at least one barb extending from the bearing for engaging the syringe tip, wherein the male and female Luer members are in fluid communication when the bearing receives the syringe tip.

2. The Luer retainer device of claim 1 further comprising an inner surface of the bearing.

3. The Luer retainer device according to claim 2, wherein: The barb extends around at least a portion of the inner surface.

4. The Luer retainer device according to claim 2, wherein: The barbs extend around an inner surface of the bearing.

5. The Luer retainer device according to claim 1, wherein: The barb extends in a substantially helical shape around the bearing.

6. The Luer retainer device according to claim 5, wherein: The syringe tip is rotatable relative to the bearing to control engagement of the syringe tip and the bearing.

7. The Luer retainer device according to claim 6, wherein: Rotation of the syringe tip in a first direction tightens the engagement of the bearing and syringe tip.

8. The Luer retainer device according to claim 7, wherein: Rotation of the syringe tip in the first direction locks the bearing relative to the syringe tip.

9. The Luer retainer device according to claim 6, wherein: Rotation of the syringe tip in a second direction loosens the engagement of the bearing and the syringe tip.

10. The Luer retainer device of claim 5, wherein: The syringe tip includes threads on an outer surface.

11. The Luer retainer device of claim 10, wherein: The threads extend in a generally helical shape around the syringe tip.

12. The Luer retainer device of claim 11, wherein: The threads are configured to align with the barbs.

13. The Luer retainer device of claim 1, wherein: The barb comprises a first material and the syringe tip comprises a second material.

14. The Luer retainer device of claim 13, wherein: The first material is harder than the second material.

15. The Luer retainer device of claim 1, wherein: The bearing includes a plurality of barbs.

16. The Luer retainer device of claim 15, wherein: The plurality of barbs are evenly spaced apart on the bearing.

17. The Luer retention device of claim 1, wherein: The bearing includes at least one row of barbs.

18. A Luer retaining device comprising: a male Luer having a syringe tip; a female Luer having a bearing for receiving the syringe tip; as well as at least one barb extending from the bearing for engaging the syringe tip, wherein when the bearing receives the syringe tip, the male and female Luer pieces are in fluid communication, wherein the barb extends in a substantially helical shape around the bearing, and Wherein, the syringe tip is rotatable relative to the bearing to control the engagement of the syringe tip and the bearing.

19. The Luer retainer device of claim 18, wherein: Rotation of the syringe tip in a first direction tightens the engagement of the bearing and syringe tip.

20. The Luer retention device of claim 18, wherein: Rotation of the syringe tip in a second direction loosens the engagement of the bearing and the syringe tip.

Images