Fluid container adapters
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025002764
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-09-28
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-08
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-14
Smart Images
Figure 2025036762000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to adapters for fluid containers, and more particularly to a universal fluid container adapter for an endoscopic system. [Background technology]
[0002] An endoscopic procedure using a typical endoscope has several general functions available to the operator. Some include the ability to insufflate the patient by passing a fluid, such as air or carbon dioxide, through the endoscope in a controlled manner into the target luminal space. Another includes the ability to apply a stream of water to the imaging lens to sharpen the view. Yet another general function includes the ability to irrigate the lumen to clean surfaces and help flush or aspirate debris during the procedure. Often these general functions are performed during the procedure by one or more fluid containers and / or sources, among others. For example, an air pump or carbon dioxide source for insufflation, a water bottle for lens cleaning, and / or a sterile water bottle for irrigation. In some cases, a hybrid tube set may be used to operate both lens cleaning and irrigation from a sterile water bottle. In either case, one or more fluid containers and / or sources must be attached to the tube set of the endoscope. It is in view of all of the above considerations that the improvements of the present disclosure may be useful. Summary of the Invention
[0003] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a fluid container adapter comprising a shell and a resilient member. The shell may include an internal cavity configured to mate with the fluid container. The resilient member may be disposed within the internal cavity. The resilient member may have a cylindrical shape and be configured to mate with an external threaded portion of the fluid container.
[0004] In some embodiments, the resilient member is configured to seal an outer portion of the fluid enclosure. In various embodiments, the resilient member comprises a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness. In various such embodiments, the second portion is configured to flex more than the first portion. In some such embodiments, the second thickness is less than the first thickness. In one or more such embodiments, the second portion comprises an adjustable thread. In many embodiments, the shell comprises one or more through holes. In many such embodiments, the one or more through holes are configured to be disposed in communication with the tubeset and the interior portion of the fluid enclosure. Some embodiments include a gap between the resilient member and a portion of the shell, the resilient member configured to displace into at least a portion of the gap when mated with the exterior portion of the fluid enclosure. In some embodiments, the resilient member comprises a shape memory elastomer. In various embodiments, the resilient member is disposed within the interior cavity by overmolding. In many embodiments, the shell comprises one or more slides, and at least one carriage is disposed within each of the one or more slides. In many such embodiments, at least a portion of the resilient member is disposed within each of the one or more carriages. In some embodiments, the resilient member comprises one or more of rubber and silicone. In some embodiments, the resilient disk is disposed on a flat surface within the interior cavity. In some such embodiments, the resilient disk is configured to seal a top of the fluid container.
[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system including a fluid container, a fluid container adaptor, and a set of one or more tubes. The fluid container adaptor may include a shell and a resilient member. The shell may include an internal cavity and may be coupled to the fluid container. The resilient member may be disposed within the internal cavity. The resilient member may have a cylindrical shape and be configured to mate with an external threaded portion of the fluid container. The set of one or more tubes may extend through the shell of the fluid container adaptor and communicate with an interior of the fluid container.
[0006] In some embodiments, the shell comprises one or more slides, and at least one carriage is disposed within each of the one or more slides. In some such embodiments, at least a portion of the resilient member is disposed within each of the one or more carriages. In various such embodiments, the resilient member is configured to seal an outer portion of the fluid enclosure. In various such embodiments, the outer portion of the fluid enclosure comprises an external thread.
[0007] In yet another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method, which may include one or more of the steps of forming a shell having an internal cavity and one or more holes extending through the shell into the internal cavity, and disposing a resilient member within the internal cavity, the resilient member having a cylindrical shape and configured to seal an external threaded portion of the fluid enclosure. In some embodiments, the method includes disposing the resilient member within the internal cavity by overmolding. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0008] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are schematic and are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component shown is typically represented by a single numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every drawing, and not every component of each embodiment is shown unless illustration is necessary to enable a person skilled in the art to understand the present disclosure. The drawings are as follows: [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a fluid container adapter in conjunction with a neck of a fluid container, according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates a fluid container adapter in conjunction with a fluid container according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 3A] 1 illustrates various aspects of a fluid container adapter in conjunction with a fluid container according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 3B]Same as above. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a fluid container adapter in conjunction with a fluid container according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 5A] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a fluid container adapter in conjunction with a fluid container, according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. [Figure 5B] Same as above. [Figure 5C] Same as above. [Figure 5D] Same as above. [Figure 5E] Same as above. [Figure 5F] Same as above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0009] Various embodiments are generally directed to a fluid container adapter that mates with a fluid container to facilitate access to the contents of the fluid container, such as by an endoscopic system via a tube set. Some embodiments are specifically directed to a fluid container adapter that can mate with a variety of fluid containers and that places one or more tubes in communication with the interior of any particular one of the various fluid containers. In one embodiment, for example, the fluid container adapter may include a shell having an interior cavity configured to mate with the fluid container. In such an embodiment, the fluid container adapter may include a resilient member disposed within the interior cavity of the shell. The resilient member may have a cylindrical shape and be configured to mate with an exterior portion of the fluid container. These and other embodiments are described and claimed.
[0010] Some challenges in mating with a fluid container and gaining access to the contents of the fluid container include having a fluid container adapter that fits the fluid container. For example, the fluid container adapter may include a screw cap with one or more tubes extending therethrough. In such an example, the screw cap may be mated to a corresponding fixed thread on the neck of the fluid container with one or more tubes extending therethrough, allowing an endoscopic system to access the contents of the fluid container. However, there are many different types of fluid container manufacturers that offer different fluid container designs. Additionally, manufacturers may offer different fluid container designs and / or may change or update the fluid container designs periodically. For example, a manufacturer may offer designs with different thread patterns around the world based on regional preferences or demand. This presents a challenge to the tube set manufacturer by requiring them to offer multiple products with customized fluid container adapters for each design. Additionally, by requiring that the tube set have a fluid container adapter that fits the available fluid containers, product acquisition and storage by medical facilities is complicated.
[0011] Thus, various embodiments of the present disclosure include fluid container adapters that broaden the range of compatibility with a variety of different fluid container designs. In many embodiments, one or more fluid container adapters of the present disclosure may mate with multiple fluid container designs to provide an efficient, safe, and effective method for gaining access to the contents thereof. Allowing a fluid container adapter to be compatible with a number of different fluid container designs allows medical device companies (e.g., tube set manufacturers) to offer more adaptable products and appeal to a broader market. Additionally, allowing a fluid container adapter to be compatible with a number of different fluid container designs can simplify product acquisition and storage by medical facilities.
[0012] It is to be understood that the disclosure contained herein is exemplary and explanatory only, and not limiting. As used herein, the terms "comprise," "comprising," or other variations thereof are intended to encompass the inclusions in a non-exclusive manner, such that a process, method, article, or device that includes a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or other elements inherent to such process, method, article, or device. The term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "example" rather than "ideal." Although endoscopes and endoscopic systems are referenced herein, reference to endoscopes, endoscopic systems, or endoscopy should not be construed as limiting the possible applications of the disclosed embodiments. For example, the disclosed embodiments may be used in conjunction with duodenoscopes, bronchoscopes, ureteroscopes, colonoscopes, catheters, diagnostic or therapeutic tools or devices, or other types of medical devices or systems.
[0013] Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It will be apparent, however, that novel embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate the description. The intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the scope of the claims.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a fluid container adapter 100 with a tube set 106 and a fluid container 116 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, components of the fluid container adapter may couple to a fluid container and interoperate to facilitate access to the contents of the fluid container via a tube set, such as a tube set for an endoscopic system. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid container adapter 100 is coupled to the fluid container 116 and positioned such that one or more tubes 106-1, 106-2, 106-n of the tube set 106 communicate with an interior 134 of the fluid container 116. Additionally, at least a portion of each tube of the set 106 is on an exterior 132 of the fluid container 116. In some embodiments, the fluid container adapter 100 may couple to and / or seal to a portion of the fluid container 116. The components of FIG. 1 are oriented to have a top 105 and a bottom 115. In some embodiments, FIG. 1 may include one or more components that are the same or similar to one or more other components of the present disclosure. 1, or aspects thereof, may be incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments are not limited in this context.
[0015] Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a fluid container adapter that mates with a fluid container to allow access to the contents of the fluid container, such as by an endoscopic system via a tube set. Some embodiments are particularly directed to a fluid container adapter that can mate with the openings of various fluid containers and place one or more tubes in communication with the interior of any particular one of the various fluid containers. In one or more embodiments, the fluid container adapter 100 may allow the tube set 106 to be used in conjunction with multiple types and designs of fluid containers. The fluid container adapter 100 may include one or more passages 109-1, 109-2, 109-n to allow a tube to be placed in communication with the interior 134 of the fluid container 116.
[0016] Generally, the fluid enclosure 116 includes a neck 124, a shoulder 126, and a body 128. Additionally, the fluid enclosure 116 may include an opening, such as at the top of the neck 124 (see, e.g., FIG. 4 ). In various embodiments, the fluid enclosure adapter 100 may couple to one or more portions of the fluid enclosure 116, such as the neck 124. In various such embodiments, the fluid enclosure adapter 100 may block and / or seal the opening of the fluid enclosure 116. The fluid enclosure adapter 100 may couple to and / or seal with an interior and / or exterior portion of the fluid enclosure 116. For example, a portion of the fluid enclosure adapter 100 may be inserted into the fluid enclosure 116.
[0017] Fluid container adapter 100 may be constructed from a variety of materials and / or components. For example, fluid container adapter 100 may include portions constructed from one or more materials having one or more properties, such as flexible, rigid, semi-rigid, semi-flexible, deformable, malleable, sealing, shape memory, elastomeric, polymeric, etc. In some embodiments, one or more materials may be permanently deformed. For example, fluid container adapter 100 may include a permanently deformable material that creates a permanent negative mold of a first fluid container inserted into fluid container adapter 100. In other embodiments, the deformation may be non-permanent. In many embodiments, fluid container adapter 100 may include one or more layers of material. For example, fluid container adapter 100 may include a backbone layer of a rigid material and a skin layer of a sealing material.
[0018] As discussed above, the fluid container adapter 100 may include one or more passages 109-1, 109-2, 109-n to allow a tube to be placed in communication with the interior 134 of the fluid container 116. The passages 109 may be placed in communication with the interior 134 of the fluid container 116 in a variety of ways. For example, the passage 109-1 may extend from the top to the bottom of the fluid container adapter 100. In another example, the passage 109-2 may include protrusions, such as one or more Luer lock barbs, to which the tube 106-2 mates. In yet another example, the passages 109-n may extend partially through the fluid container adapter 100.
[0019] In some embodiments, one or more of the passages 109 may couple the tubes of the tube set 106 with another tubular member. In some such embodiments, the other tubular member may extend from the bottom of the passage. For example, the other tubular member may include a straw coupled to the bottom end of the passage 109-n. In various embodiments, the other tubular member may include different properties than the tubes of the tube set 106. The other tubular member may be configured to interface with the contents within the fluid container. For example, the other tubular member may be more flexible than the tubes of the tube set 106 to facilitate efficient movement of the pickup (e.g., an orifice for drawing / discharging fluid from the tube) to the lowest point within the fluid container. In another example, the other tubular member may be more rigid than the tubes of the tube set 106 to prevent kinking or curling.
[0020] In some embodiments, the fluid container adapter 100 may form a seal with one or more tubes of the tube set 106, such as by extending a tube through the passageway or coupling a tube with the passageway. For example, the passageway 109-1 may include a lining that forms a slidable seal with the tube 106-1. In some embodiments, the passageway 109-1 may form a fluid-tight seal with the outside of the tube 106-1, a protrusion of the passageway 109-2 may form a fluid-tight seal with the inside of the tube 106-2, and the passageway 109-n may form a fluid-tight seal with the outside of the tube 106-n. In some such embodiments, the fluid-tight seal may be maintained as one or more of the tubes 106-1, 106-n are slid up and down within the passageway 109-1, 109-n, respectively.
[0021] Thus, in some embodiments, the fluid container adapter 100 may place the tubing set 106 in communication with the interior 134 of the fluid container 116 while keeping the interior 134 of the fluid container 116 sealed from the exterior 132. In some embodiments, the fluid container adapter 100 may maintain a slidable seal on the outside of one or more tubes of the tubing set 106. For example, the fluid container adapter 100 may maintain a fluid seal on the outside of the tubes as the tubes are inserted through the fluid container adapter 100 and into the interior 134 of the fluid container 116.
[0022] In various embodiments, the tube set 106 may be used to remove fluid from and / or introduce fluid into the interior 134 of the fluid container 116. For example, the tube 106-2 may be used to pump gas (e.g., air, carbon dioxide, etc.) into the fluid container 116, and the tube 106-1 may allow liquid (e.g., water, saline, etc.) to exit the fluid container 116 as a result of the gas being pumped into the fluid container 116. In another example, the tube 106-1 may be used to aspirate liquid from the fluid container 116, and the tube 106-2 (or a valve incorporated into the fluid container adapter 100) may allow the air pressure in the fluid container 116 to equalize with the atmosphere. In such other examples, a one-way valve and / or a pressure relief valve may be utilized to equalize with the atmosphere. In various embodiments, one or more tubes of the tube set 106 may comprise an irrigation line for an endoscope system.
[0023] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the tubes 106-1, 106-2, 106-n may extend various lengths into the fluid container 116. In many embodiments, the length of each tube may be determined based on the function of the tube. For example, on the one hand, a vent tube may terminate proximate the top 105 or may be coupled to a passageway having a fitting that protrudes to the exterior 132 of the fluid container adapter 100. On the other hand, a tube for removing contents, such as a liquid, from the fluid container 116 may extend to the bottom 115 of the fluid container 116. In many cases, a first tube of the tube set 106 may be disposed in communication with a first fluid (e.g., gas) in the interior 134 of the fluid container 116, and a second tube of the tube set 106 may be disposed in communication with a second fluid (e.g., liquid) in the interior 134 of the fluid container 116.
[0024] In one or more embodiments, the fluid container adapter 100 may include one or more valves (e.g., one-way valves, pressure relief valves, two-way valves, etc.) to control the flow of fluid into and / or out of the fluid container 116. For example, a one-way valve may be utilized to prevent backflow into the fluid container 116. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more tubes may be coaxial. For example, a tube may be coaxially disposed with a second tube member having a larger diameter, resulting in an inner tube and an outer tube. In some such examples, the inner tube and the outer tube may extend through a single passageway of the fluid container adapter 100.
[0025] For this and other reasons, in many embodiments, the number of passages 109 may not directly correspond to the number of tubes in the tube set 106. For example, different endoscopic systems may require different numbers of tubes in communication with the interior of the fluid container. Thus, one or more passages may be blocked or unblocked (e.g., with a plug or cap) and / or one or more tubes may be removed or added to accommodate different endoscopic systems or endoscopic systems of different configurations. In other words, the fluid container adapter may accommodate different tube configurations and / or tube sets via various types of passages (e.g., passages 109-1, 109-2, 109-n), etc.
[0026] The components of the fluid container adapters disclosed herein may be comprised of a variety of material types and compositions, including one or more of polymers, elastomers, metals, alloys, shape memory materials, rubber, silicon, plastics, composites, ceramics, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), high density polyethylene (HDPE), nylon, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), thermoplastics, stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, and the like. In some embodiments, the different portions and / or components may include one or more materials of different types, compositions, or constructions. For example, the shell of the fluid container adapter may be comprised of a first type of polymer and the elastic member of the fluid container adapter may be comprised of a second type of polymer having a lower durometer than the first type of polymer. In some embodiments, one or more components and / or portions of the fluid container adapter may include multiple material layers and / or embeddings, such as a semi-rigid skeletal structure.
[0027] In some embodiments, a method for utilizing one or more fluid container adapters (e.g., fluid container adapter 100) disclosed herein may proceed with one or more of the following steps: a first end of one or more tubes may be coupled to an endoscopic device or system, and a second end of one or more tubes may be coupled to a prong and / or extend through one or more passages of the fluid container adapter. The fluid container adapter may couple to the fluid container and position the one or more tubes in communication with the interior of the fluid container. In some embodiments, the fluid container adapter may seal the tubes and / or the interior of the fluid container from the external environment. In many embodiments, the fluid container adapter may couple to the fluid container proximate to an opening of the fluid container (e.g., the opening of the fluid container when a cap is removed). In many such embodiments, the one or more tubes may extend into the fluid container through the opening. In some embodiments, the fluid container adapter may attach to, cover, or seal the opening of the fluid container. One or more fluids may be introduced into and / or removed from the interior of the fluid container via the tube set when the fluid container adapter is coupled to the fluid container.
[0028] In some embodiments, a method for manufacturing one or more fluid container adaptors disclosed herein (e.g., fluid container adaptor 100) may proceed with one or more of the following steps: forming a shell having an internal cavity and one or more holes extending through the shell into the internal cavity, and disposing a resilient member within the internal cavity, the resilient member having a cylindrical shape and configured to seal an outer portion of the fluid container. In some embodiments, the resilient member is disposed within the internal cavity by overmolding.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a fluid container adapter 200 with a fluid container 216 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid container adapter 200 is positioned to couple to a neck 224 of the fluid container 216 and communicate one or more tubes with the interior of the fluid container, such as by extending one or more tubes through a passageway 209. The fluid container adapter 200 may utilize a resilient member 204 to couple to the neck 224 of the fluid container. In some embodiments, FIG. 2 may include one or more components that are the same as or similar to one or more other components of the present disclosure. Additionally, one or more components of FIG. 2, or aspects thereof, may be incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the resilient member 204 may be incorporated into the fluid container adapter 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The components of FIG. 2 are oriented to have a top 205 and a bottom 215. The embodiments are not limited in this context.
[0030] The fluid container adapter 200 includes a shell 210 having a passageway 209 and an internal cavity 212. The shell may include one or more of plastic and metal. In the embodiment shown, the internal cavity 212 is mostly closed by a neck 224 of the fluid container 216. In various embodiments, the passageway 209 may be configured to receive or extend through a tube disposed in communication with the interior of the fluid container. The passageway 209 may be the same as or similar to one or more of the passageways disclosed herein, such as passageways 109-1, 190-2, 109-n, etc. The fluid container may include a neck 224 having a threaded portion 208.
[0031] In one or more embodiments, the elastic member 204 may be disposed within the internal cavity 212 of the shell 210. The elastic member 204 may include one or more of a rubber, a silicone, an elastomer, or a shape memory material. In some embodiments, the elastic member may be disposed within the internal cavity 212 by overmolding. In other embodiments, the elastic member 204 may be disposed within the internal cavity 212 by a snap fit between corresponding features (see, for example, channel 560 and channel member 562 in FIGS. 5C-5F). The elastic member 204 may be configured to interface with an outer portion of the fluid container 216. For example, the elastic member 204 may be configured to mate, conform, and / or seal with the threaded portion 208 of the neck 224. Meanwhile, the shell 210 may be rigid relative to the elastic member. In some embodiments, the shell 210 may provide a rigid support structure for the elastic member 204. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic member 204 may mate, match, and seal with male threads included in the threaded portion 208 of the neck 224. In some embodiments, the elastic member 204 may include a cylindrical shape. In one or more embodiments, the elastic member 204 may include a shape memory material, such as a shape memory elastomer. In various embodiments, the elastic member 204 may include a cylindrical shape having a smooth inner surface. In other embodiments, the elastic member 204 may include a cylindrical shape having an inner surface with one or more indentations and / or protrusions. For example, the elastic member 204 may include an indentation that includes a starter thread.
[0032] 3A and 3B show various aspects of a fluid container adapter 300 in conjunction with a fluid container 316 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically, FIG. 3A shows a fluid container adapter 300 with adjustable threads 314-1, 314-2 (or adjustable threads 314) in conjunction with a fluid container 316, and FIG. 3B shows a detailed view of adjustable thread 314-1 mating with a neck 324 of the fluid container 316. In some embodiments, FIG. 3A and / or 3B may include one or more components that are the same as or similar to one or more other components of the present disclosure. Additionally, one or more components, or aspects thereof, of FIG. 3A and / or 3B may be incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, shell 310 may be the same as or similar to shell 210. The components of FIG. 3A and 3B are oriented to have a top 305 and a bottom 315. The embodiments are not limited in this context.
[0033] In the embodiment shown, the fluid container adapter 300 may include a shell 310 having a flat surface 334 and adjustable threads 314-1, 314-2. It will be appreciated that the adjustable threads 314-1, 314-2 may be part of a continuous helix adjustable thread. In various embodiments, the adjustable threads 314 may conform to a threaded portion 308 on a neck 324 of a fluid container 316. More generally, the fluid container adapter 300 may include one or more adjustable threads that can mate, match, and / or seal with a variety of different thread types that may be disposed, such as by overmolding, within the internal cavity 312 of the shell 310. For example, when the adjustable threads 314 encounter differences in pitch and / or different outer diameters, the adjustable threads 314 may deform to accommodate the threads of the fluid container. In many embodiments, the adjustable threads 314 may be capable of conforming to a wider range of male threads on the fluid container than the elastic member 204. On the other hand, the resilient member 204 can accommodate a wider range of female threads than the adjustable threads 314. In some embodiments, the adjustable threads 314 may include or be referred to as a resilient member.
[0034] Flat surface 334 of shell 310 may comprise the top of fluid container adapter 300. In some embodiments, flat surface 334 may comprise one or more passageways. Flat surface 334 may be a circular member (e.g., a disk) and / or may comprise a circular portion. In some embodiments, a resilient disk may be disposed on flat surface 334 within interior cavity 312. In some such embodiments, the resilient disk may contact and / or seal with an upper exterior surface of neck 324 (see, e.g., resilient disk 551 in FIG. 5B ).
[0035] In one or more embodiments, the adjustable threads 314 may be disposed within the internal cavity 312 of the shell 310. The adjustable threads 314 may include one or more of a rubber, silicone, elastomer, or shape memory material. In various embodiments, the adjustable threads 314 may be disposed within the internal cavity 312 by overmolding. In other embodiments, the adjustable threads 314 may be disposed within the internal cavity 312 by a snap fit between corresponding features (see, for example, channel 560 and channel member 562 in FIGS. 5C-5F). The adjustable threads 314 may be configured to interface with an outer portion of the fluid enclosure 316. For example, the adjustable threads 314 may be configured to mate, conform, and / or seal with the threaded portion 308 of the neck 324. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable threads 314 may mate, conform, and seal with male threads included in the threaded portion 308 of the neck 324. In some embodiments, the adjustable thread 314 may include one or more of a cylindrical, helical, circular, and curved shape. In one or more embodiments, the adjustable thread 314 may include a shape memory material, such as a shape memory elastomer. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, in some embodiments, the adjustable thread 314 may include a tapered portion on the bottom side. In other embodiments, the tapered portion may result from deformation of the adjustable thread 314 by mating with the threaded portion 308.
[0036] 3B, the internal cavity 312 of the fluid container adapter 300 may include gaps 330-1, 330-2 above and below the adjustable thread 314-1. When the adjustable thread 314-1 is mated with the thread 308-1, the adjustable thread 314-1 may deform and / or bend. Furthermore, the adjustable thread 314-1 is configured to displace into at least a portion of the gap 330-1 when mated with an outer portion (e.g., thread 308-1) of the fluid container 316. In many embodiments, the adjustable thread 314-1 may spiral around the internal cavity 312. In some embodiments, another adjustable thread may be disposed below the thread 308-1. For example, the thread 308-1 may be sandwiched between an upper adjustable thread (e.g., adjustable thread 314-1) and a lower adjustable thread. In some such examples, the upper and lower adjustable threads may comprise deformable internal threads.
[0037] Adjustable thread 314-1 may include portions of differing flexibility. In some embodiments, the differing flexibility may result from varying the thickness of the adjustable thread. For example, taper 332 at the end of adjustable thread 314-1 may be more flexible than other portions of adjustable thread 314-1. In one or more embodiments, the varying flexibility of adjustable thread 314-1 may facilitate fluid container adapter 300 being used with different types of fluid containers.
[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a fluid container adapter 400 with a fluid container 416 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid container adapter 400 is disposed to couple to the neck 424 of the fluid container 416 over the opening 422 and communicate one or more tubes with the interior of the fluid container via one or more passages (not shown) in the shell 410. The fluid container adapter 400 may couple to the neck 424 of the fluid container 416 utilizing one or more carriages (e.g., carriages 440-1, 440-2) that travel along a tapered thread 442. In some embodiments, FIG. 4 may include one or more components that are the same as or similar to one or more other components of the present disclosure. Additionally, one or more components of FIG. 4, or aspects thereof, may be incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the shell 410 may be incorporated into the fluid container adapter 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The components of FIG. 4 are oriented to have a top 405 and a bottom 415. The embodiments are not limited in this context.
[0039] The fluid container adapter 400 includes a shell 410 having an internal cavity 412 with a tapered thread 442, and carriages 440-1, 440-2 having gripping surfaces 444-1, 444-2, respectively. In various embodiments, friction between the gripping surface 444 and a feature (e.g., external threads) of the neck 424 may advance the carriage 440 toward the top of the tapered thread 442 in response to rotation in a first direction. As the carriage 440 advances toward the top of the tapered thread 442, a radial force applied by the gripping surface 444 to the neck 424 may increase. In this manner, the fluid container adapter 400 may mate, conform, and / or seal with the fluid container 416.
[0040] Similarly, rotation in the second direction can move carriage 440 toward the bottom of tapered threads 442, and as carriage 440 moves toward the bottom of tapered threads 442, the radial force exerted by gripping surfaces 444 on neck 424 decreases, ultimately allowing fluid container adapter 400 to be removed from fluid container 416. In some embodiments, gripping surfaces 444 may be disposed on carriage 440 by overmolding. In other embodiments, gripping surfaces 444-1, 444-2 may be disposed on carriages 440-1, 440-2, respectively, by a snap fit between corresponding features (see, e.g., channel 560 and channel member 562 in FIGS. 5C-5F).
[0041] 5A-5F illustrate various aspects of a fluid container adapter 500 with a fluid container 516, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically, FIG. 5A illustrates a side perspective view of a shell 510 of the fluid container adapter 500. FIG. 5B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the shell 510 of the fluid container adapter 500. FIG. 5C illustrates a perspective view of a carriage of the fluid container adapter 500. FIG. 5D illustrates a resilient member 504-1 of the fluid container adapter 500. FIG. 5E illustrates a perspective view of the fluid container adapter 500 with the shell 510 removed and with a fluid container 516. FIG. 5F illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fluid container adapter 500 with the fluid container 516. In some embodiments, FIGS. 5A-5F may include one or more components that are the same or similar to one or more other components of the present disclosure. Additionally, one or more components of FIGS. 5A-5F, or aspects thereof, may be incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, carriage 552 may be the same as or similar to carriage 440. In another example, one or more of passages 109-1, 109-2, 109-n may be incorporated into fluid container adapter 500 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The components in Figures 5A-5F are oriented to have a top 505 and a bottom 515. The embodiments are not limited in this context.
[0042] 5A, fluid container adapter 500 may include a shell 510 having a passageway 509. Often, shell 510 may include one or more ergonomic features. For example, shell 510 may include one or more surface features (e.g., vertical channels in shell 510) to improve the user experience. In various embodiments, the surface features may include contours, protrusions, channels, ridges, bumps, hatches, and the like.
[0043] 5B, the shell 510 may include an opening of a passageway 509 in a flat surface 534, a number of slides 550-1, 550-2, 550-3, and a resilient disk 551 disposed on the flat surface. The passageway 509 may extend from an outer surface of the shell 510 to an inner surface of the shell 510 (e.g., inside the internal cavity 512). In some embodiments, the resilient disk 551 may be disposed on the flat surface 534 within the internal cavity 512. In some such embodiments, the resilient disk may contact and / or seal with an upper outer surface of the fluid container 516 (see, e.g., outer surface 575 in FIG. 5E). The slide 550 may comprise a channel recessed into the wall of the internal cavity 512. As described in more detail below, the carriage may move along the slide 550 in a manner similar to the carriage 440 of the fluid container adapter 400 moving along a tapered thread 442. The slides 550 may be offset from one another. For example, in the embodiment shown, the slides 550 are offset from one another by 120°. The interior cavity 512 may be tapered, for example, decreasing in diameter towards the top of the shell 510.
[0044] 5C shows a carriage 552-1. The carriage 552-1 may move along one of the slides 550 with a portion of the carriage 552-1 disposed therein. The carriage 552-1 may include a guide shoe 556 having a detent 554 and a mount 558 having channels 560-1, 560-2. The guide shoe 556 may be disposed within one of the slides 550. The taper of the internal cavity 512 may cause the carriage 552-1 to move toward a central longitudinal axis of the internal cavity 512 as the carriage 552-1 is moved along the slide 550-1 toward the top of the shell 510. The guide shoe 556 may include a shape that corresponds to the slide. In some embodiments, the corresponding shape between the guide shoe 556 and the slide may be configured to restrict the carriage 552-1 to linear movement. As described in more detail below, detents 554 may be configured to hold carriage 552-1 in a predetermined position along one of slides 550. In some embodiments, holding carriage 552-1 in a predetermined position along one of slides 550 may prevent fluid container adapter 500 from being used more than once.
[0045] 5D shows elastic member 504-1. Elastic member 504-1 includes channel members 562-1, 562-2 and gripping surface 544. In some embodiments, gripping surface 544 may be the same as or similar to gripping surfaces 444-1, 444-2. Elastic member 504-1 may be disposed in carriage 552-1 by a snap fit or the like. For example, channel members 562-1, 562-2 of elastic member 504-1 may be received by channels 560-1, 560-2 of carriage 552-1.
[0046] The fluid container adapter 500 may include one or more carriages having one or more resilient members. In many embodiments, each of the one or more carriages and / or each of the one or more resilient members may be the same or similar. For example, carriage 552-1 may be the same as carriages 552-2, 552-3. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5E, the fluid container adapter 500 includes three carriages 552-1, 552-2, 552-3, each having a resilient member 504-1, 504-2, 504-3. The gripping surface of the resilient member 504 contacts the neck 524 of the fluid container 516. As with the fluid container adapter 400, as the carriages move upward along their respective slides, the radial force of the resilient member 504 on the fluid container 516 increases due to the taper of the internal cavity 512. As shown in FIG. 5E, the resilient member 504-3 contacts the external male threads 564 of the fluid container 516. Some embodiments may include an interface that allows the carriage to be manually positioned. For example, a lever may extend through the shell to allow manual movement of the carriage. In many embodiments, the ability to manually adjust the position of the carriage may facilitate the use of fluid container adapters with a wider range of fluid container designs (e.g., a larger range of outer diameters).
[0047] FIG. 5F illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fluid container adapter 500 including the taper of the internal cavity 512 with the fluid container 516. Additionally, FIG. 5F includes a slide 550-1 having a catch 566 and a carriage 552-1 having a detent 554. As previously discussed, the detent 554 may be configured to hold the carriage 552-1 in a predetermined position along one of the slides 550. In some embodiments, holding the carriage 552-1 in a predetermined position along one of the slides 550 may prevent the fluid container adapter 500 from being used multiple times. Thus, when the carriage 552-1 moves away toward the top of the slide 550-1, the detent 554 may be received by the catch 566. In such an embodiment, when the detent 554 is received by the catch 566, the carriage 552-1 may be prevented from returning to the bottom of the slide 550-1. In other such embodiments, detents 554 received by catches 566 can reversibly lock fluid container adapter 500 onto fluid container 516. In various embodiments, detents 554 and catches 566 may provide tactile feedback, such as to indicate when carriage 552-1 cannot move further upward.
[0048] As previously discussed, various embodiments of the present disclosure include fluid container enclosures that provide a wide range of compatibility with a variety of different fluid container designs and / or functionality types, such as insufflation and irrigation. In many embodiments, one or more fluid container enclosures of the present disclosure may be coupled with multiple fluid container designs to provide an efficient, safe, and effective method for gaining access to the contents thereof. Allowing a fluid container enclosure to be compatible with multiple different fluid container designs allows tube set manufacturers to provide a more adaptable product. Additionally, allowing a fluid container enclosure to be compatible with multiple different fluid container designs can simplify product acquisition and storage by medical facilities.
[0049] For example, enclosure systems according to some embodiments may be used with a wide variety of fluid container port, opening, or neck dimensions, such as opening diameter and / or thread configuration (e.g., Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) thread finish, "H" size, thread distance, thread size, etc.), thread pitch, outer diameter (OD) of the port or neck (OD port), OD of the thread (OD thread), thread width, etc. Additionally, enclosure systems according to some embodiments may be used with fluid containers made by a variety of manufacturers.
[0050] For example, in some embodiments, the enclosure system may include a single cap that is adapted to be placed on a container having an opening size (e.g., thread-free neck OD) of about 10 mm, about 20 mm, about 30 mm, about 40 mm, about 50 mm, about 100 mm, about 200 mm, and any value or range between any two of these values (including the endpoints). In some embodiments, the enclosure system may include a single cap that is adapted to be placed on a container having an opening size (e.g., thread-free neck OD) of about 30 mm, about 30.4 mm, about 31 mm, about 32 mm, about 32.2 mm to about 32.9 mm, about 33 mm, about 33.6 mm, about 34 mm, about 35 mm, about 40 mm, and any value or range between any two of these values (including the endpoints).
[0051] In some embodiments, the enclosure system may include a single cap that allows for installation onto a container having a total opening size (e.g., neck OD including threads) of about 10 mm, about 20 mm, about 30 mm, about 40 mm, about 50 mm, about 100 mm, about 200 mm, and any value or range between any two of these values (including the endpoints). In some embodiments, the enclosure system may include a single cap that allows for installation onto a container having a total opening size (e.g., neck OD including threads) of about 30 mm, about 31 mm, about 32 mm, about 33 mm, about 33.2 mm, about 34 mm, about 35 mm, about 35.75 mm, about 36 mm, about 36.26 mm, about 40 mm, and any value or range between any two of these values (including the endpoints).
[0052] In some embodiments, the enclosure system may include a single cap that allows for installation onto a container having a thread width of about 0.5 mm, about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 10 mm, and any value or range between any two of these values (including the endpoints). In some embodiments, the enclosure system may include a single cap that allows for installation onto a container having a thread width of about 1 mm, about 1.83 mm, about 2 mm, about 2.4 mm, about 2.66 mm, about 3 mm, and any value or range between any two of these values (including the endpoints).
[0053] In some embodiments, the enclosure system may include a single cap that allows for installation onto a container having a thread pitch of about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, and any value or range between any two of these values (including the endpoints). In some embodiments, the enclosure system may include a single cap that allows for installation onto a container having a thread pitch of about 3 mm, about 3.94 mm, about 4 mm, about 4.23 mm, about 4.25 mm, about 5 mm, and any value or range between any two of these values (including the endpoints).
[0054] In some embodiments, the enclosure system may include a single cap adapted to be installed onto a fluid container having a GPI thread finish of 350, 400, 410, 415, 425, 430, 450, and any value or range between any two of these values (including the endpoints).
[0055] In various embodiments, the enclosure system may include a single cap that is adapted to be installed over a plurality of different types of fluid container openings or necks. For example, the caps of the enclosure system according to some embodiments may be installed over (and form a seal with) fluid container openings / necks having dimensions that are different from one another. In some embodiments, the enclosure system may include a single cap that is adapted to be installed over a plurality of fluid container necks having an OD thread difference (ΔOD threads) (i.e., the difference between the OD threads of the smallest OD thread neck and the OD threads of the largest OD thread neck) of about 0.25 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 1 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 10 mm, and any value or range between any two of these values (including the end points). In various embodiments, the enclosure system may include a single cap adapted to be placed over multiple fluid container openings having an OD opening difference (ΔOD opening) (i.e., the difference between the OD opening of the neck having the smallest OD opening and the OD opening of the port having the largest OD opening) of about 0.25 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 1 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 10 mm, and any value or range between any two of these values (including endpoints).
[0056] All of the devices and / or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. Although the devices and methods of the present disclosure have been described with respect to preferred embodiments, it may be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes may be applied to the devices and / or methods of the present disclosure, and in the steps or sequence of steps of the methods of the present disclosure, without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the present disclosure. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. 1. A fluid container adapter for mating with a fluid container to facilitate access to the contents of the fluid container, comprising: A shell, an elastic disc, and an elastic member are included. The shell is an internal cavity having a bottom, a top, a flat surface, and a tapered wall, the diameter of the internal cavity decreasing from the bottom to the top, the internal cavity configured to mate with the fluid container; one or more slides disposed on the tapered wall from the bottom to the top of the shell; and at least one carriage disposed on each of the one or more slides; the resilient disk is disposed on the planar surface within the interior cavity and configured to seal a top of the fluid enclosure; A fluid container adapter, wherein the resilient member is disposed within the internal cavity and configured to mate with an external threaded portion of the fluid container, at least a portion of the resilient member being disposed on each of the one or more carriages.
2. The fluid container adapter of claim 1 , wherein the shell includes one or more through holes configured to place a tubing set in fluid communication with an interior portion of the fluid container.
3. The fluid container adaptor of claim 1 or 2, wherein the resilient member comprises a shape memory elastomer.
4. The fluid container adapter of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the resilient member is disposed within the internal cavity by overmolding.
5. The fluid container adaptor of any preceding claim, wherein the resilient member comprises one or more of rubber and silicone.