Needleless connector with valve pivot support

Abstract

A needleless connector includes a housing having a central longitudinal axis, a body portion, and a base portion. The body portion includes an inner surface forming an inner cavity and a first port forming a first fluid passage to the housing cavity. The base portion includes a top end section and a bottom end section. The top end section has a protrusion and the bottom end portion has a second port forming a second fluid passage to the housing cavity. The needleless connector further includes a valve having a wall having 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 from a proximal end of the valve cavity.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on September 28, 2021, with application number 202111144167.1 and invention title "Pinless Connector with Valve Pivot Support". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to needleless connectors, and more particularly to needleless connectors with a valve member having a protrusion that allows the valve to tilt and pivot away from the syringe face 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 Technology

[0003] Medical procedures typically involve infusing medical fluids (e.g., saline solutions or liquid medications) into a patient using an intravenous (IV) catheter connected to a fluid source, such as an IV bag, via a flexible tubing and fitting assembly commonly referred to as an "IV kit." Certain needle-free connectors can be used in IV kits and may have self-sealing ports to prevent fluid leakage when a mated medical device is disengaged from such a needle-free connector. Furthermore, needle-free connectors may include mechanical valves, such as retractable valves incorporating flexible materials, to provide self-sealing ports and control fluid flow within the IV kit.

[0004] Due to the nature of the geometry of existing and / or prior art needleless valves, fluid often deposits on the face of the valve head when the medical device (e.g., a mating male Luer connector or syringe) used to apply axial force to place the valve member in the open position is removed. In these existing needleless valves, the fluid deposited on the valve head may occasionally separate from the valve member and flow into the fluid path for patient administration, thus raising concerns about potential blood flow disorders.

[0005] The descriptions provided in the Background section should not be considered prior art simply because they are mentioned in or associated with the Background section. The Background section may include information describing one or more aspects of the subject matter art. Summary of the Invention

[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 an inner cavity and a first port forming a first fluid passage to the inner 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 forming a second fluid passage to the inner cavity. The pinless connector may further include a valve having a wall having an inner surface forming a valve cavity. The valve may be coupled to the housing such that the protrusion is positioned within the valve cavity, and the proximal end of the protrusion is spaced apart from the proximal end of the valve cavity.

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] Figure 2This 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] Figure 3C Based on some embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the assembled needleless connector housing and compressible valve during further insertion of the syringe.

[0016] Figure 4A Based on some embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A Cross-sectional view of the assembled needleless connector housing and compressible valve during initial syringe removal.

[0017] Figure 4B Based on some embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the assembled needleless connector housing and compressible valve after syringe removal. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The detailed description below describes various configurations of the subject matter and is not intended to imply that only these configurations can be used to practice the subject matter. For the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject matter, the detailed description includes specific details. Therefore, dimensions regarding certain aspects may be provided as non-limiting examples. However, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the subject matter can be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject matter.

[0019] It should be understood that this disclosure includes examples of the subject matter and does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Various aspects of the subject matter will now be disclosed based on specific, but not limiting, examples. The various embodiments described in this disclosure may be carried out in different ways and variations, and are suited to desired applications or implementations.

[0020] Various embodiments of this disclosure generally point to a self-sealing needleless connector incorporating a resilient, compressible valve disposed within a connector housing. The compressible valve has a housing including a base with a protrusion extending toward an inlet port of the housing. This protrusion impedes downward travel of the valve on one side and, when the valve is pushed further downward, allows it to pivot downward and away from the face of a syringe inserted into the needleless connector, thereby allowing fluid to flow from the syringe into a cavity within the housing.

[0021] In some embodiments, the valve may be designed with two different spring ratios: a higher spring ratio for the primary sealing region and a lower spring ratio for the secondary sealing region. The housing may further include a fluid passage positioned on the inner surface of the housing between the inner sealing edge of the housing and the top surface of the inlet port. Combined with the flow passage, the two different spring ratios help prevent droplet formation. In particular, to prevent droplet formation upon disconnection, the primary seal seals first due to the higher spring ratio when the syringe is pulled out of the connector. As the syringe continues to be removed, the secondary seal of the valve travels upward, thereby creating a vacuum between the primary and secondary seals. This vacuum advantageously draws any remaining fluid from the tip of the syringe or the top surface of the valve through the fluid passage. This helps prevent droplet formation when the syringe is disconnected from the needleless connector. More advantageously, to prevent fluid retention and improve flushability, the valve is designed to collapse like a bellows in multiple regions, including but not limited to at least one of the valve head and body portions. Therefore, in some embodiments, at least one of the head portion or body portion of the compressible valve may include a recess or notch located on its outer surface.

[0022] Because the housing and valve of the needleless connectors of the various embodiments described herein minimize the amount of fluid that can be deposited on the valve face, concerns about potential blood flow disorders that are typically associated with fluid deposited on the valve face (top surface) of the valve head are advantageously prevented.

[0023] While the following description refers to a licensed physician administering medical fluids to a patient using the disclosed needleless connector, it should be understood that this description is merely an example of use and does not limit the scope of the claims.

[0024] Figure 1AThis is a cross-sectional view of a housing 110 with a pinless connector 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, having a compressible valve 200 mounted therein. As shown, the housing 110 may have a proximal end portion 105 defining an inlet port 112 of the housing 110, a distal end portion 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 portion 105 and the distal end portion 120. In some embodiments, the housing 110 may further include an inner surface 130 defining a cavity 133 extending at least partially between the proximal end portion 105 and the distal end portion 120 of the housing 110. The housing 110 may be formed from a body portion 115 coupled to or otherwise integrally formed with the base portion. However, in some embodiments, the housing 110 may 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 from inlet port 112 to outlet port 123 can be established, for example, via pinless connector 100. As mentioned herein, proximal end refers to orientation toward inlet port 112 of housing 110, and distal end refers to orientation toward base portion 160 or bottom of housing 100, opposite to inlet port 112.

[0025] As shown in the figure, in addition to including an inlet port 112 for engagement with the medical device 300, the housing 110 may further include an opening 155 for connection with a base portion 160 of the housing 110. A lower section of the body portion 115 (e.g., the section near the opening 155) may have an increased diameter and include one or more internal contact tabs (not shown). When assembled in the pinless connector 100, one or more internal contact tabs may provide a radial force substantially orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis X1 of the housing 110 to a flange portion of the compressible valve 200 disposed on a valve support of the base portion 160.

[0026] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, inlet port 112 may include a top port surface 114 and a channel defined in an inner cavity 133. Inlet port 112 may include engagement features 135 for coupling to another device, such as a fluid transfer assembly. For example, engagement features 135 may include cooperating mechanical elements, such as internal or external surface threads, pawls, bayonet locking elements, and other surface configurations, such as a tapered Luer interface surface for frictional engagement. In some embodiments, inlet port 112 may define a female Luer interface fitting with Luer locking threads 135. The inner surface 130 and the inner cavity 133 defined therein may extend longitudinally from the opening of the top port surface 114 of inlet port 112 into the body portion 115 of housing 110.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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 portion 167 of the housing 110 can define an outlet port 123 that forms a second fluid passage 170 leading to the inner cavity 133.

[0029] 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 1A(As shown). In the above-described state, the main body portion 230 of the compressible valve 200 may 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 an axial force F is applied to the compressible valve 200 using a medical device or syringe 300), when the compressible valve 200 is activated by the medical device or syringe 300, the axial center X2 of the compressible valve 200 may change and pivot relative to the central longitudinal axis X1.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the head portion 220 may include a top section 212 defining a secondary sealing portion 214 of the compressible valve 200. The body portion 230 may further define a second or primary sealing portion 225 at its proximal end. As shown, the primary sealing portion 225 may be located at the distal end of the secondary sealing portion 214.

[0031] According to various aspects of this disclosure, valve 200 may have a wall 231 including an inner surface 235 defining a valve cavity 242. As shown, valve 200 may be coupled to housing 110 such that a protrusion 255 is positioned in valve cavity 242. Protrusion 255 and valve cavity 242 may each have a distal end. Proximal end 257 of protrusion 255 may be spaced apart from proximal end 262 of valve cavity 242. In particular, in the inactive or closed state of valve 200, a distance or space D1 may be defined between proximal end 257 of protrusion 255 and proximal end 262 of valve cavity 242.

[0032] In some embodiments, valve 200 may 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 may define a sub-stage portion 202 of valve 200, and the second end portion may define a main portion 204 of valve. Furthermore, in some embodiments, valve cavity 242 may extend proximally through the main portion 204 of valve and into the sub-stage portion 202 of valve. Therefore, valve cavity 242 may include a first valve cavity 245 and a second valve cavity 250 in fluid communication with the first valve cavity. As shown, the first valve cavity 245 may extend through the first end portion (sub-stage portion) 202 of valve 200 toward the second end portion (main portion) 204 of valve 200. The second valve cavity 250 may extend from the first valve cavity 245 into the second end portion (main portion) 204 of valve 200. With the housing 110 and valve 200 assembled, the proximal end 257 of the protrusion can be positioned in the first valve cavity 245, longitudinally spaced from the second valve cavity 250 by a distance D1.

[0033] The first valve chamber 245 may have a first cross-sectional width W1, and the second valve chamber 250 may have a second cross-sectional width W2. In some embodiments, the second cross-sectional width W2 may be smaller than the first cross-sectional width W1. As will be described in further detail below, the above configuration is advantageous because it allows the main portion 204 to be compressed or collapsed before the secondary portion 202 of the valve 200 is compressed or the secondary portion is collapsed, until the protrusion (also referred to as the valve pivot support) contacts the point of contact of the inner surface 235 of the valve 200. Therefore, shifting the valve 200 of the various embodiments described herein to the open position may require a smaller axial force F compared to currently available needleless valves. Due to the difference in cross-sectional widths of the first and second valve chambers 245 and 250, a ridge 260 may be defined between the first and second valve chambers. As shown, in the closed or inactive state, the distal end 257 of the protrusion 255 may be longitudinally aligned and spaced apart from the ridge 262 by a distance D. As will be described in further detail below, when the secondary stage portion 202 of the valve is activated by the axial force F and the main portion 204 is compressed or collapsed distally toward the base portion 160, the ridge 260 abuts against the distal end 257 of the engagement protrusion 255. Therefore, the secondary stage portion 202 of the valve can be translated distally within the cavity 133. When the first end portion (secondary stage portion) 202 of the valve contracts, the valve 200 can abut against the engagement protrusion 255, allowing the second end portion (main portion) 204 of the valve to move in a direction extending laterally relative to the longitudinal axis X1 of the housing 110.

[0034] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the wall 231 of valve 200 may have greater flexibility along the first end portion (sub-stage portion) 202 of valve 200 than along the second end portion (main portion) 204. For example, the wall 231 of valve 200 may have a lower spring ratio along the first end portion (sub-stage portion) 202 of valve 200 than along the second end portion (main portion) 204. The above configuration may be achieved in part due to the different cross-sectional widths W1 and W2 of the corresponding valve chambers 250 and 245 defined in the corresponding sub-stage valve portion 202 and main valve portion 204.

[0035] According to various aspects of this disclosure, the wall 231 of valve 200 may include first and second recesses or notches 210 and 215, and the proximal end 257 of protrusion 255 may be positioned between the first and second recesses 210 and 215 and the proximal end 262 of valve cavity 242. This configuration facilitates a further reduction in the spring ratio of the second end portion (main portion) 204 of valve 200. It should be understood that while notches 210 and 215 generally appear opposite each other on the wall 231 of the main portion 230, other arrangements of at least one notch 210 on the column section 218, including three or more notches, are also conceivable. For example, recesses 210 and 215 may be provided on opposite sides of the inner wall 231 and located at different positions in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the size and shape of each recess 210 and 215 may be distinguishable. In some embodiments, the first recess 210 may be larger than the second recess 215.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the inner surface 130 of the housing 110 of the needleless connector 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the housing 110 may 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 may be positioned above the inner sealing edge 122 and below the top surface 114 of the inlet port 112. This configuration is advantageous because, in operation, the fluid channels 172 draw fluid away from the top segment 212 of the sub-stage sealing portion 214 of the defining valve 200 and the syringe face 312 to prevent droplet formation once the syringe 300 is fully disengaged from the needleless valve connector 100.

[0037] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the compressible valve 200 may comprise any of a variety of materials used in the manufacture of mechanical valves for needle-free connectors and other medical devices. In some embodiments, the head portion 220 may comprise an elastomeric material, such as, but not limited to, a silicone compound. Furthermore, the main sealing portion 225 and the lower portion 230 may comprise an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, all or some of the flexible valves may be formed from liquid silicone rubber.

[0038] According to some embodiments and again referencing Figure 1AThe cross-sectional area of ​​the main sealing portion 225 can be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the columnar segment 218 of the head portion 220. For example, the main sealing portion 225 can be in the form of a truncated conical surface 222 for engaging with the inner sealing edge 122 of the connector housing 110. The truncated conical shape of the main sealing portion 225 can be configured such that the first cross-sectional area of ​​the main sealing portion 225 near the head portion 220 is smaller than the second cross-sectional area of ​​the main sealing portion 225 away from the head portion 210. In other words, the main sealing portion 225 can be narrower toward the head portion 220 and wider toward the lower portion 230.

[0039] In some embodiments, the lower portion 230 may be in the form of an elongated tubular member 231 having a closed end near the main sealing portion 225 and an open end away from the main sealing portion 225. This allows internal air space to be confined within the compressible valve 200. According to some aspects, the compressible valve 200 may be collapsible when operating with a needleless connector assembly. In these embodiments, according to different embodiments of the present disclosure, the lower portion 230 may include recesses 210 and 215 and / or cutouts to facilitate proper collapse functionality. Furthermore, while the head portion 220 of the compressible valve 200 may have a generally cylindrical characteristic, allowing it to operate with the tapered tip of a male Luer interface of a medical device or similar interconnect device, the lower portion 230 may be in a variety of shapes, sizes, and characteristics associated with the function and operation of the needleless connector instrument in which the compressible valve is used. In some embodiments, when the lower portion 230 has a tubular segment 231, the segment 231 may include multiple tubular shapes, such as, but not limited to, columnar, rectangular, hexagonal, and tubular shapes.

[0040] Figure 3A This is a cross-sectional view of the needleless connector 100 of FIG1, assembled with a housing 110 and a compressible valve 200, in a closed position before medical device insertion, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. (See also: FIG1) Figure 3A And continue to refer to Figure 1, as follows Figure 3A 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 from 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 support of the base portion 160.

[0041] The inner cavity 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 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 of the head portion 220 or the axial center of the column section 218. Furthermore, one or more internal contact pieces (not shown) provided on the lower section of the body portion 115 of the housing 110 can surround and press against 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 ( Figure 3B When the axial force F is applied to the top surface 216 of the compressible valve 200 (as shown in the diagram), the compressible valve 200 of the pinless connector can be compressed, collapsed, tilted and / or folded, and when the axial force F is removed, the compressible valve of the pinless connector expands and realigns, which will be described in further detail below.

[0042] Therefore, one or more internal contact tabs (not shown) can provide a radial force substantially orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis X2 on the sidewall of the flange portion 240. In this respect, the effect of any axial resultant force applied to the base portion 120 of the housing 100 by the compressible valve 200, if not eliminated, will be reduced when an axial force F is applied to the top surface 216 of the head portion 220 of the compressible valve 200. Such an axial resultant force applied to the base portion 120 can counteract or weaken, for example, the fusion joint between the base portion 120 and the body portion 115, and may adversely cause the fusion joint to break and / or separate over time.

[0043] Figure 3B During the initial insertion of the syringe, according to some embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1AA cross-sectional view of the assembled needleless connector housing and compressible valve. When the medical device 300 (e.g., a syringe) is initially inserted into the inlet port 112 of the needleless connector 100 and an axial force F is applied to the compressible valve 200 causing it to shift distally, the truncated conical surface 222 of the main sealing portion 225 separates from the inner sealing edge 122. As briefly described above, because the second cross-sectional width W2 can be smaller than the first cross-sectional width W1, the main portion 204 of the valve 200 collapses or compresses before the secondary portion 202 of the valve 200 is compressed or collapsed. This occurs up to the point where the protrusion 255 (also referred to as the 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 main portion 204 is compressed or collapsed distally toward the base portion 160, the ridge 260 abuts against the distal end 257 of the engaging protrusion 255. Therefore, the secondary portion 202 of the valve can be translated distally within the cavity 133. When the first end portion (secondary portion) 202 of the valve collapses, the valve 200 can abut against the engagement protrusion 255, allowing the second end portion (main portion) 204 of the valve to move in a direction extending laterally relative to the longitudinal axis X1 of the housing 110.

[0044] Figure 3C During further insertion of the syringe, according to some embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the assembled needleless connector housing and compressible valve. As the axial force F continues to be applied, the medical device 300 can be further lowered into the inlet port 112 to allow fluid to flow from the syringe 300 into the cavity 133. The main portion 202 of the valve 200 can be further compressed, collapsed, and tilted. When the main portion 202 is folded or collapsed, the top surface 216 can tilt downwards (towards the distal end) due to the presence of the protrusion 255 (valve pivot support). Figure 3C (As shown).

[0045] Figure 4A During the initial removal of the syringe according to some embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1AA cross-sectional view of the assembled needleless connector housing and compressible valve. 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 Figure 3. Specifically, as described above, because the spring ratio of the wall 231 of the valve 200 along the first end portion (sub-stage portion) 202 of the valve 200 is lower than the spring ratio along the second end portion (main portion) 204, the main portion 204 of the valve 200 travels faster, allowing the main sealing portion 225 of the valve 200 to contact the inner sealing edge 122 first. As the compressible valve 200 expands further, the sub-stage portion 202 of the valve continues to move proximally, creating a vacuum between the sub-stage sealing portion 214 and the main 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 drawn out through the fluid passage 172 on the inner surface 130 of the housing 110. Therefore, when the syringe 300 is disconnected from the connector 100, droplets can be prevented from forming on the top surface of the valve 216.

[0046] For convenience, various examples of aspects of the invention are described as numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.). These are provided by way of example and do not limit the subject matter. Identification marks and reference numerals in the drawings are provided below by way of example only for illustrative purposes, and the clauses are not limited by these markings.

[0047] Clause 1: A pinless connector comprising: a housing having a central longitudinal axis, a body portion and a base portion, the 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 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 passage to the inner cavity; and the pinless connector having a valve having a wall having an inner surface forming a valve cavity, wherein the valve is coupled to 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.

[0048] Clause 2: The pinless connector of Clause 1, wherein an inner cavity is formed between the first and second ports.

[0049] Clause 3: The pinless 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.

[0050] Clause 4: The pinless 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.

[0051] Clause 5: The pinless connector of Clause 4, wherein the proximal end of the protrusion is positioned in the first valve chamber.

[0052] Clause 6: The pinless connector of Clause 4, wherein the wall of the valve along the first end portion has a lower spring ratio than the wall of the valve along the second end portion.

[0053] Clause 7: The pinless connector of Clause 4, wherein the valve has a ridge between a first valve chamber and a second valve chamber, and the proximal end of the protrusion is longitudinally aligned with the ridge.

[0054] Clause 8: The pinless connector of Clause 7, wherein when the valve is compressed toward the base portion, the ridge abuts against the engaging protrusion.

[0055] Clause 9: The pinless connector of Clause 4, wherein a first valve chamber has a first cross-sectional width and a 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 and second valve chambers.

[0056] Clause 10: The pinless connector of Clause 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.

[0057] Clause 11: The pinless connector of Clause 4, wherein when the first end portion of the valve collapses, the valve abuts against the engaging protrusion, causing the second end portion of the valve to move in a direction extending laterally relative to the central longitudinal axis.

[0058] Clause 12: The pinless connector of Clause 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.

[0059] Clause 13: The needleless 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 and the secondary sealing portion are spaced apart.

[0060] Clause 14: The pinless connector of Clause 13, wherein a primary sealing portion is configured to abut against the inner surface of a mating body portion to form a primary seal therebetween, and a secondary sealing portion is configured to abut against the inner surface of a mating body portion to form a secondary seal therebetween.

[0061] Clause 15: The pinless connector of Clause 14, wherein the inner surface of the body portion has a sealing edge between the first port and the base portion.

[0062] Clause 16: The pinless 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.

[0063] Clause 17: A pinless connector comprising: a housing having a central longitudinal axis, a body portion and a base portion, the 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 segment and a bottom end segment, the top end segment having a protrusion and the bottom end segment having a second port; and the pinless 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 and an open configuration, wherein in the closed configuration the 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 unblocked, wherein, when the valve moves from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the first end portion of the valve abuts against an engagement protrusion such that the second end portion of the valve moves in a direction extending laterally relative to the central longitudinal axis.

[0064] Clause 18: The pinless connector of Clause 17, wherein, when the valve moves from a closed configuration to an open configuration, the inner surface of the valve abuts against the distal end of the engagement protrusion.

[0065] Clause 19: The pinless connector of Clause 17, wherein, when the valve moves from a closed configuration to an open configuration, the second end portion begins to collapse after the first end portion begins to collapse.

[0066] Clause 20: The needleless connector of Clause 17, wherein the outer surface of the valve has a primary sealing portion and a secondary sealing portion, and when the valve moves from an open configuration to a closed configuration, a second end portion expands longitudinally such that the secondary sealing portion and the primary sealing portion move away from each other to create a vacuum between the outer surface of the valve and the inner surface of the body portion.

[0067] Clause 21: The pinless connector of Clause 20, wherein the inner surface of the body portion has a fluid channel configured to allow fluid to move between the sub-seal portion and the inner surface of the housing into the region between the sub-seal portion and the main seal portion.

[0068] This disclosure is provided to enable anyone 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] The term “exemplary” is used in this document to mean “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 respect, the various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0071] The phrase "at least one" preceding a series of terms, separated by the term "or," as used herein, modifies the entirety of the listed entries, not each term in each of the listed entries. The phrase "at least one" does not require the selection of at least one term; rather, it allows for the inclusion of at least one of any term, and / or at least one combination of any of the terms, and / or at least one of each term. 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.

[0072] For example, phrases such as "aspect" do not imply that such an aspect is necessary for the subject matter art, or that such an aspect can be applied to all configurations of the subject matter art. Disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. For example, phrases such as "aspect" may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. For example, phrases such as "embodiment" do not imply that such an embodiment is necessary for the subject matter art, or that such an embodiment can be applied to all configurations of the subject matter art. Disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. For example, phrases such as "embodiment" may refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. For example, phrases such as "configuration" do not imply that such a configuration is necessary for the subject matter art, or that such a configuration can be applied to all configurations of the subject matter art. Disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. For example, phrases such as "configuration" may refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0073] In one respect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, numerical values, ratings, positions, grades, sizes, and other specifications set forth in this specification (including in the following claims) are approximate, not precise. In another respect, they are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the functions they address and with the custom of the art to which they pertain.

[0074] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps or operations in the disclosed process or method is an illustration of an exemplary method. Depending on implementation preferences or scenarios, it should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes can be rearranged. Some steps, operations, or processes may be performed simultaneously. In some implementation preferences or scenarios, some operations may be performed or not. Some or all steps, operations, or processes can be performed automatically without user intervention. The appended method claims present elements of various steps, operations, or processes in a sample order and are not intended to limit one to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0075] All structural and functional equivalents of elements throughout the various aspects described herein, known or to be known by one of ordinary skill in the art, are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be exclusive to the public, whether or not such disclosure is expressly stated in the claims. No claim element may be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless it is expressly stated using the phrase “means for…” or, in the case of a method claim, using the phrase “steps for…”. Furthermore, with regard to the use of terms such as “comprising,” “having,” etc., such terms are intended to be included in a manner similar to the term “including,” as interpreted when “comprising” is used as a transitional word in a claim.

[0076] The title, background art, summary of the invention, brief description of the drawings, and abstract of this disclosure are hereby incorporated into this disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples rather than limiting descriptions. This application is filed on the understanding that they are not intended to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, as will be apparent from the detailed description, which provides illustrative examples, various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of simplification. The method disclosed should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than expressly stated in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive subject matter lies in all features of fewer than those in a single disclosure configuration or operation. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim exists independently as a separate claimed subject matter.

[0077] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but rather to conform to the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and to cover all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, none of the claims are intended to include subject matter that fails to meet the requirements of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of Title 35 of the United States Code, nor should they be interpreted in this manner.

Claims

1. A pinless connector (100), comprising: A housing (110) comprising a main body portion (115), a base portion (160), an inner surface (130) forming an inner cavity (133) between the main body portion and the base portion, and a first port (112) extending through the main body portion to the inner cavity. The base portion (160) includes a top segment (165), a second port (123), and a protrusion (155) extending from the top segment of the base portion along a first direction toward the first port (112) to a proximal end (257) of the protrusion. A valve (200) includes a first end portion (202), a flange portion (240), a second end portion (204) extending from the first end portion to the flange, and an inner surface (235) forming a ridge (260) and a valve cavity (242), wherein the flange portion of the valve is coupled to the base portion such that the protrusion (155) is positioned within the valve cavity (242) and the proximal end (257) of the protrusion is longitudinally aligned with the ridge (260).

2. The pinless connector according to claim 1, wherein, The second end portion (204) of the valve includes the ridge (260), and the valve cavity extends from the ridge (260) to the flange portion (240) of the valve.

3. The pinless connector according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion (155) extends from the top segment (165) of the base portion along a first direction, the first end portion (202) of the valve is movable toward the base portion (160) along a second direction, and the first end portion of the valve is configured to be biased along a third direction, wherein the third direction is different from the first direction and the second direction.

4. The pinless connector according to claim 1, wherein, When the first end portion (202) of the valve moves toward the base portion (160), a portion of the ridge (260) abuts against the proximal end (257) of the engagement protrusion.

5. The pinless connector according to claim 1, wherein, A fluid path passes through the cavity (133) and extends between the first port (112) through the main body and the second port (123) formed by the base.

6. The pinless connector according to claim 5, wherein, The fluid path extends between the outer surface of the valve (200) and the inner surface (130) of the housing.

7. The pinless connector according to claim 1, wherein, The proximal end (257) of the protrusion is positioned between the central longitudinal axis (X1) of the housing and the inner surface (235) of the valve.

8. The pinless connector according to claim 7, wherein, The protrusion (155) extends only partially around the central longitudinal axis (X1).

9. The pinless connector according to claim 1, wherein, The inner surface (130) of the main body includes an inner sealing edge (122) between the first port (112) and the base portion (160), the valve includes a main sealing portion (225) between the first end portion (202) and the second end portion (204), and wherein the main sealing portion (225) is configured to abut against the inner sealing edge (122).

10. The pinless connector according to claim 1, wherein, The valve (200) includes a closed configuration and an open configuration, in which the first port (112) is blocked by the first end portion (202) of the valve, and in the open configuration, the first end portion (202) of the valve is displaced toward the base portion (160) such that the first port (112) is not blocked, and wherein, as the valve (200) moves from the closed configuration to the open configuration, a portion of the ridge (260) abuts against the proximal end (257) of the engagement protrusion such that further movement of the first end portion (202) of the valve toward the base portion is prevented, and the first end portion (202) of the valve is laterally offset relative to the central longitudinal axis (X1).

11. The pinless connector according to claim 10, wherein, In the closed configuration of the valve, the proximal end (257) of the protrusion is spaced apart from the ridge (260).

12. A method for providing a pinless connector, comprising: A housing is provided, the housing comprising a main body portion, a base portion (160), and an inner surface forming an inner cavity (133) between the main body portion and the base portion (160); and A valve (200) is provided, the valve being positioned within the inner cavity, and a protrusion (155) of the base portion extending within a valve cavity formed by the inner surface (235) of the valve, a flange portion (240) of the valve being coupled to the base portion (160), and a proximal end (257) of the protrusion being longitudinally aligned with a ridge (260) formed by the inner surface of the valve.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, When the first end portion (202) of the valve moves toward the base portion (160), a portion of the ridge (260) abuts against the proximal end (257) of the engagement protrusion.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising providing a fluid path through the cavity (133) between the first port (112) of the body and the second port (123) formed by the base.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising providing a closed configuration in which the first port (112) of the body is blocked by the first end portion (202) of the valve, and the proximal end portion (257) of the protrusion is spaced apart from the ridge (260).

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