Luer holding device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a Luer retaining device. The Luer retaining device provides increased retaining force between a bearing and the tail end of a syringe. 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 retention devices, and in some embodiments, to a sliding luer retainer. BACKGROUND

[0002] Needleless connectors, including neutral displacement needleless connectors, provide a solution for supplying medical fluid to a patient. In example embodiments, a needleless connector assembly facilitates fluid transfer between a medical fluid supply and a tubing line. The medical fluid supply and the tubing line are affixed to respective luer fittings that are affixed to a connector body. To transfer fluid, the luer fitting connected to the medical supply is inserted into the connector body and overlaps a central post of the luer fitting connected to the tubing line.

[0003] Overlap between the luer fitting and the central post can cause problems. For example, movement of the luer fitting relative to the central post (or vice versa) can cause contact between the luer fitting and the central post, resulting in an increased risk of the central post cracking or breaking. When this occurs, the damaged area causes fluid to leak, resulting in fluid loss and contamination.

[0004] Additionally, a needleless access valve can inadvertently push the sliding luer fitting out. Disconnection of the sliding luer fitting and the syringe tip can cause the valve to close. This can occur when a compression member disposed within the luer fitting creates a force on the syringe tip. When this force is greater than the bearing friction, the syringe can be ejected. SUMMARY

[0005] According to at least some embodiments disclosed herein, it is recognized that components used with a sliding luer fitting and a syringe tip can disconnect during use, which can cause the valve to be restricted or closed and reduce medical delivery to a patient. When the sliding luer fitting and the syringe tip disconnect, it can not be readily apparent to a medical professional that the components have separated, resulting in a delayed response time. Accordingly, there is a need for a needleless access valve with improved sliding luer retention. This can be achieved by including a locking hub to affix the sliding luer fitting and a bearing.

[0006] Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure provide a luer retention device comprising a male luer fitting having a syringe tip, a female luer fitting 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 fitting and the female luer fitting 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 barbs extend around the bearing in a substantially helical shape. In some aspects, the syringe tip is rotatable relative to the bearing to control engagement of the syringe tip and the bearing. In some aspects, rotation of the syringe tip in a first direction tightens engagement of the bearing and the syringe tip. In some aspects, rotation of the syringe tip in a second direction loosens 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 helical 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 apart on the bearing. In some aspects, the bearing includes at least one row of barbs.

[0009] Additional features and advantages of the present subject matter will be set forth in the description below, and in part will be apparent from the description, or can be learned by practice of the present subject matter. The advantages of the present subject matter will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended 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 present subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

[0012] In the drawings:

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an IV set coupled to a patient in accordance with an example embodiment of the present application;

[0014] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a fluid connector device in accordance with an example embodiment of the present application;

[0015] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a top perspective cross-sectional view of a second luer of the fluid connector device of

[0016] Figure 4 is Figure 2 a bottom perspective cross-sectional view of a second luer of the fluid connector device of

[0017] Figure 5 is Figure 2 a side cross-sectional view of a second luer of the fluid connector device of DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject technology. It will be understood, however, that the subject technology can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the subject technology.

[0019] Furthermore, although the present specification sets forth various specific details, it should be understood that the specification is only exemplary and that it should not be construed as limiting in any way. Additionally, it should be understood that the implementations of the technology herein disclosed can be used in other fluid delivery systems, although the specific embodiments disclosed herein can be in the context of an intravenous (“IV”) set. Furthermore, various applications of the technology disclosed herein, as well as the modifications thereto, are possible. Such applications and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure.

[0020] Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like components throughout the several figures, in which: Figures 1-5 An apparatus according to example embodiments of the present application is shown in FIG. 1, generally designated 100.

[0021] Referring now to the 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 a tubing set 22. The tubing set 22 extends between the drip chamber 14 and the fluid connector device 100 of the IV set 1. To prevent the tubing set 16 or tubing 18 from being inadvertently displaced or disconnected from the patient, a tape 26 is placed over the tubing set 16 and tubing 18 such that the tape 26 engages the tubing set 16, tubing 18, and the patient 10.

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

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

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

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

[0026] As Figure 5As shown, the bearing 108 can include at least two barbs 116. The two barbs 116 can be evenly spaced apart on the inner surface 109 relative to the other barb 116. The two barbs 116 can be located on a single row on the inner surface 109 relative to the edge 120 and the flange 122. In some embodiments, the bearing 108 can 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 can 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 can engage the outer surface of the syringe tip 106. The outer surface of the syringe tip 106 can include a third material. The second material can be less deformable or harder than the third material. The helical configuration of the barbs 116 on the inner surface 109 can 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 and second luer 102, 104. Rotation of the syringe tip 106 relative to the bearing 108 in a first direction can tighten the engagement of the first and second luer 102, 104. Rotation of the syringe tip 106 relative to the second luer 104 in the 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 and second luer 102, 104. The direction of rotation can be determined by the configuration of the barbs 116 on the inner surface 109.

[0028] The subject technology is illustrated, for example, in accordance with various aspects described below. For convenience, various examples of aspects of the subject technology are described below. These are provided as examples only, and are not limiting of the technology.

[0029] A luer retaining device comprising: a male luer having a syringe tip; a female luer 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 and the female luer are in fluid communication when the bearing receives the syringe tip.

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

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

[0032] wherein the barb extends around the inner surface of the bearing.

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

[0034] wherein rotation of the syringe tip in the first direction tightens the engagement of the bearing and the syringe tip.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0041] wherein the barbs comprise 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 includes a plurality of barbs.

[0044] wherein the plurality of barbs are evenly spaced on the bearing.

[0045] wherein the bearing includes at least one row of barbs.

[0046] A luer retaining device comprising: a male luer having a syringe tip; a female luer 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 and the female luer are in fluid communication when the bearing receives the syringe tip, wherein the barbs extend 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.

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

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

[0049] In some embodiments, any of the clauses herein may be subordinate to any of the independent clauses or any of the dependent clauses. In one aspect, any clause (e.g., a dependent or independent clause) may be combined with any other one or more clauses (e.g., dependent or independent clauses). In one aspect, a claim may include some or all of the words (e.g., step, operation, device, or component) referenced in a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one aspect, a claim may include some or all of the words referenced in one or more clauses, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs. In one aspect, some words may be removed from each clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one aspect, additional words or elements may be added to a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one aspect, the subject matter may be implemented without utilizing some of the components, elements, functions, or operations described herein. In one aspect, the subject matter may be implemented using additional components, elements, functions, or operations.

[0050] This disclosure is provided to allow any person skilled in the art to implement 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 may be applied to other aspects.

[0051] Unless otherwise expressly stated, elements referred to in the singular are not intended to mean "one and only one," but rather "one or more." Unless otherwise specifically stated, the term "some" means one or more. Pronouns in the masculine sense (e.g., his) include those in the feminine and neutral senses (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. The use of titles and subtitles (if any) is for convenience only and does not limit the scope of this invention.

[0052] The term "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 respect, the various alternative constructions and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0053] Phrases such as “aspect” do not imply that a particular aspect is essential to the subject technology, or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure relating to an aspect can apply to all or one or more aspects. An aspect can provide one or more examples. Phrases such as “in an aspect” can refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. Phrases such as “embodiment” do not imply that a particular embodiment is essential to the subject technology, or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure relating to an embodiment can apply to all 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 “configuration” do not imply that a particular configuration is essential to the subject technology, or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure relating to a configuration can apply to all 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.

[0054] In one aspect, unless otherwise indicated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the accompanying claims, are approximate, not exact. In one aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range commensurate with the functions to which they relate and with ordinary

[0055] In one aspect, the term “coupled” or the like can mean directly coupled. In another aspect, the term “coupled” or the like can mean indirectly coupled.

[0056] Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” etc., if used in this disclosure, should be understood as referring to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to an ordinary gravitational reference frame. Thus, a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, and a back surface can extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational reference frame.

[0057] Various items can be rearranged (e.g., permuted), divided, or otherwise distinguished in various ways. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later become known are expressly incorporated by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, no limitation on the scope of the aspects should be implied by the description of a select aspect, a dependent claim, or a statement that can have been made in connection therewith. No limitation can be implied by the description appearing in any of the included drawings (if any) that is included herewith, or in the Common Glossary, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. The complete scope of the aspects disclosed herein will now be set forth in the following claims, in which a depiction of one aspect can be used in writing the claims to common effect. Additionally, no inference should be drawn from the conception of one claimed aspect (or a single claim) that an unrelated aspect (or claim) is incoiporated by reference unless a clear expression of that intent is expressly set forth in the referred-to description.

[0058] The title, background, brief summary, abstract, and drawings of the disclosure are hereby incorporated into this disclosure and provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure and are not intended to be limiting. The present application is filed based on the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the DETAILED DESCRIPTION, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and that various features are combined in various embodiments to make the disclosure more simple. The disclosed method should not be interpreted as reflecting an intent that the claimed subject matter require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the appended claims, the utility subject matter is in less than all the features of a single disclosed construction or operation. The appended claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, where each claim is independently read as a separate claimed subject matter.

[0059] 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 the language employed, however, no limitation of any claim can be construed as implying that the subject matter described in that claim is not integral to the application or indispensable for the practice of the application.

Claims

1. A luer retaining device, characterized by, It includes: a male luer having a syringe tip; a female luer 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 luers are in fluid communication when the bearing receives the syringe tip. Also included is an inner surface of the bearing.

2. The luer retaining device of claim 1, wherein, The barb extends around at least a portion of the inner surface.

3. The luer retaining device of claim 2, wherein, The barb extends around the inner surface of the bearing.

4. The luer retaining device of claim 2, wherein, The barb extends around the bearing in a substantially helical shape.

5. The luer retaining device of claim 1, wherein, The syringe tip is rotatable relative to the bearing to control engagement of the syringe tip and bearing.

6. The luer retaining device of claim 5, wherein, Rotation of the syringe tip in a first direction tightens engagement of the bearing and syringe tip.

7. The luer retaining device of claim 6, wherein, Rotation of the syringe tip in the first direction locks the bearing relative to the syringe tip.

8. The luer retaining device of claim 7, wherein, Rotation of the syringe tip in a second direction loosens engagement of the bearing and syringe tip.

9. The luer retaining device of claim 6, wherein, The syringe tip includes threads on an outer surface.

10. The luer retaining device of claim 5, wherein, The threads extend around the syringe tip in a substantially helical shape.

11. The luer retaining device of claim 10, wherein, The threads are configured to align with the barb.

12. The luer retaining device of claim 11, wherein, The barb includes a first material and the syringe tip includes a second material.

13. The luer retaining device of claim 1, wherein, The first material is harder than the second material.

14. The luer retaining device of claim 13, wherein, The bearing includes a plurality of barbs.

15. The luer retaining device of claim 1, wherein, The plurality of barbs are evenly spaced on the bearing.

16. The luer retaining device of claim 15, wherein, The bearing includes at least one row of barbs.

17. The luer retaining device of claim 1, wherein, It includes:

18. A luer retaining device, characterized by, a male luer having a syringe tip; a female luer 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 luers are in fluid communication when the bearing receives the syringe tip, wherein the barb extends around the bearing in a substantially helical shape, and wherein the syringe tip is rotatable relative to the bearing to control engagement of the syringe tip and bearing. Rotation of the syringe tip in a first direction tightens engagement of the bearing and syringe tip. Rotation of the syringe tip in a second direction loosens engagement of the bearing and syringe tip.

19. The luer retaining device of claim 18, wherein, ​ 20. The luer retaining device of claim 18, wherein, ​

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