Needleless connector with support member

Abstract

To provide a needleless connector.SOLUTION: A needleless connector comprises: a body including a first port at the top of the body and an inner surface forming an interior cavity; a base including a rim having a top surface, a second port at the bottom of the base, a recess extending from the rim toward the bottom, a support member extending from the rim, and an air passage extending through the recess; and a valve element including a valve wall having a distal end contacting the rim, wherein the valve element is disposed at least partially within the interior cavity, the distal end of the valve element is captured between the body and the base, and the support member resists extension of the valve element toward the recess of the base.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to connectors, and more particularly to needleless connectors. [Background technology]

[0002] Medical care often involves the infusion of medical fluids (e.g., saline or liquid medications) into a patient using an intravenous (IV) catheter, which is connected to a fluid source, e.g., an IV bag, via a flexible tubing and fittings system commonly referred to as an "IV set." Certain needleless connectors may be used with IV sets and may have self-sealing ports to prevent fluid from leaking when a mating medical device is separated from such a needleless connector. In addition, the needleless connector may include a mechanical valve, e.g., a collapsible valve that provides a self-sealing port and includes a flexible material to control the flow of fluid within the IV set. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2013 / 099261 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0028914 [Patent Document 3] European Patent Application Publication No. 2075032 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a needleless connector is used with an IV set but is not accessed (i.e., a mating medical device is not coupled to the auto-sealing port), the needleless connector may experience backpressure from fluid flow within the IV set. For example, backpressure may be caused by the patient's blood pressure, an infusion performed at another connector in the IV set, or a pump utilized in the IV set. Backpressure applied to the needleless connector may cause the auto-sealing port to break the seal. If the backpressure causes the seal of an unaccessed needleless connector to be broken, medical fluid from the IV set may undesirably pool in the neck of the auto-sealing port or be expelled from the system. Patent Document 1 is an intermediate document and discloses a needleless connector. A hollow elastic body with a bottom and a cylindrical shape that opens toward the outlet side of a liquid medicine flow path is accommodated in a storage section formed in a housing. Furthermore, a central protrusion is provided from the center of the bottom wall of the hollow elastic body toward the inlet side of the liquid medicine flow path. Patent document 2 discloses a collapsible valve comprising a first portion having at least one dimple on a side thereof and a second portion, the second portion being narrower than the first portion and disposed along the axial dimension of the first portion, the second portion having a notch. US Patent No. 5,399,633 discloses a cap assembly for use with a lock solution delivery device. The cap assembly includes a housing defining a receptacle and having an inlet end and an outlet end. A plunger is axially movable within the receptacle from a retracted position to an advanced position and is rotatably supported within the receptacle from a first position to a second position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The disclosed subject matter relates to a connector with support members for a collapsible valve. In one embodiment, a needleless connector is disclosed that includes a body, a valve element disposed at least partially within the body, the valve element including a cylindrical portion having an outwardly extending flange at a distal end, the flange having a bottom surface divided into an outer section and an inner section, the outer section and the inner section being aligned, a rim having a top surface in contact with at least a portion of the outer section of the flange of the valve element, the rim defining a recess with the bottom surface distally spaced from the top surface of the rim, and a base including at least one support member extending laterally from the rim toward the recess to contact the inner section of the bottom surface of the flange, the base further including an air channel extending from the bottom surface of the recess through the base to the surrounding environment.

[0006] In one embodiment, a housing includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, a female fitting with a port at the proximal end, a base having a male fitting at the distal end, and an internal cavity, and a connector disposed within the internal cavity and having a smiley cut. a valve element having a proximal portion having a recess (a recessed cut), a cylindrical portion coupled to a distal end of the proximal portion, and a valve element having an outwardly extending flange coupled to the distal end of the cylindrical portion, the flange having a bottom surface divided into an outer region and an inner region, the outer region and the inner region being aligned; a rim having a top surface in contact with at least a portion of the outer region of the bottom surface of the flange of the valve element, the rim defining a recess in the base having a bottom surface distally spaced from the top surface of the rim; and a base including a plurality of projections each extending from the rim toward the recess to contact the inner region of the bottom surface of the flange, the base further including an air channel extending from the bottom surface of the recess through the base to the surrounding environment, wherein the proximal portion of the valve element blocks a port when the female fitting of the needleless connector is not mated with a matching male connector.

[0007] It is understood that various configurations of the subject technology will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure, and various configurations of the subject technology are shown and described herein by way of example. As will be understood, the subject technology is capable of other and different configurations, and its several details are capable of modification in various other respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the summary, drawings, and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not restrictive.

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding, and which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate disclosed embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional needleless connector. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional needleless connector. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the base of the conventional connector shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 1D] 1B is a cross-sectional view of the conventional connector shown in FIG. 1A when mated with a matching male connector. [Figure 1E] FIG. 1D is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. [Figure 1F] 1B is a cross-sectional view of the conventional connector shown in FIG. 1A when the conventional connector is in a fluidly coupled but unaccessed state. [Diagram 2] 1 is an exploded view of an exemplary needleless connector according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the base shown in FIG. 2 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a top view of another example of a base according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a top view of another example of a base according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A]3 is a cutaway perspective view of the assembled needleless connector shown in FIG. 2 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] 6B is a cutaway perspective view of a complete connector in the position shown in FIG. 6A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6C] 6B is a cutaway perspective view of a complete connector in the position shown in FIG. 6A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6D] 6B is a cutaway perspective view of a complete connector in the position shown in FIG. 6A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 3 illustrates a cross-section of the exemplary needleless connector shown in FIG. 2 when the exemplary needleless connector is in a fluidly connected but unaccessed state, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The disclosed self-sealing needleless connector includes a flexible collapsible valve disposed within the body of the connector. A bottom surface of the collapsible valve contacts a base support member that supports the collapsible valve to prevent the collapsible valve from deforming toward the base when back pressure is applied to the needleless connector. By preventing the collapsible valve from deforming toward the base, the back pressure deforms the collapsible valve in a manner that further improves sealing of the needleless connector when in an unaccessed state.

[0011] The following detailed description is intended to be a description of various configurations of the subject technology, and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of obtaining a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. For ease of understanding, similar components are shown with the same element numbers. While reference numbers are generally referenced by the same numbers without a letter suffix, they may have a letter suffix added to indicate separate instances of the common elements.

[0012] While the following description is directed to the administration of medical fluids to a patient by a medical professional using the disclosed needleless connectors, it should be understood that this description is merely illustrative of the uses and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Various aspects of the disclosed needleless connectors may be used in any application in which it is desirable to prevent a valve from breaching a primary seal when the connector is not accessed.

[0013] The disclosed needleless connector overcomes several problems found with certain conventional connectors. One problem with certain conventional needleless self-sealing connectors is that the primary seal can be breached when the self-sealing connector experiences back pressure from fluid flow within an IV set. Such breaching of the primary seal is undesirable as it can lead to malfunction of the connector and failure to administer the medical fluid.

[0014] It would therefore be advantageous in accordance with the present disclosure to provide a needleless connector as described herein that eliminates or substantially reduces backpressure related problems that may arise within the needleless connector during use without unduly restricting the air channels of the needleless connector.The disclosed needleless connector provides a support member on the base that substantially prevents the flexible valve from extending into the recess in the base.

[0015] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a cross section of a conventional needleless connector 100. The connector 100 includes a housing 120 having a female luer fitting 101 at a proximal end, a base 130 having a male luer fitting 102 at a distal end, and a valve element 103. The valve element 103 is located inside the housing portion 120 and on top of the base 130. The proximal portion of the valve element 102 has a "smiley cut" 106. An air channel 172 passes from an internal cavity 104 of the valve element 103 through the base 130 and into the space around the male luer fitting 102. The valve element 103 has a shoulder 107 that continuously contacts a ridge 122 on the interior of the housing 120 to form a primary seal that prevents fluid in the fluid flow channel 174 from exiting the needleless connector 100 via the female luer fitting 101 when the needleless connector 100 is not accessed (i.e., a mating medical instrument is not coupled to the self-sealing port).

[0016] The cross section shown in Figure 1B is taken perpendicular to the cross section shown in Figure 1A. In this view, two dimples 106 formed in the exterior surface of the valve element 103 are visible. A fluid flow channel 174 passes from the cavity 22 inside the housing 120, through the base 130, and into the flow passage 132 inside the male Luer fitting 102.

[0017] Figure 1C is a perspective view of the base 130 of the conventional connector 100 shown in Figure 1A. The base 130 has a rim 150 that surrounds a recess 140 with a bottom surface 160. The valve base 105 (not shown in Figure 1C) of the valve element 102 fits over the rim 150. An entrance to an air channel 172 can be seen inside the cavity 140. An entrance to one of the fluid flow channels 174 can be seen on the side of the base 130.

[0018] FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of the conventional connector 100 shown in FIG. 1A when mated with a matching male connector 20. In operation, when the female fitting 101 of the connector 100 is accessed by the male fitting 20, the valve element 103 has sufficient elasticity to bend out of the way to allow fluid flow and return to its original shape after the male fitting 20 is separated. The collapsible valve element 103 is shown in a collapsed position after the male connector 20 is inserted into the female fitting 101. Fluid can flow from the male connector 20 around the collapsed valve element 103 into channels, including the fluid flow channel 174 in the base 130, and into the male luer fitting 102 to exit the connector 100. The valve base 105 of the valve element 103 deforms under the pressure of the male connector 20, undergoing deformations that will be described in more detail with respect to FIG. 1E.

[0019] Connector 100 is a positive displacement device. When a new connection is made at female fitting 101, internal cavity 104 shrinks and connector 100 draws in fluid through fluid channel 222, either through female fitting 101 or through male fitting 102 of base 130. When a separation occurs at female luer fitting 101, connector 100 expels fluid from fluid channel 222, effectively flushing connector 100 and preventing the drawing of blood into the lines attached to fittings 101 or 102, if one of these is connected to a patient.

[0020] FIG. 1F illustrates a cross-section of the conventional connector 100 shown in FIG. 1A when the male connector 20 (shown in FIG. 1D) is removed and back pressure 134 is applied to the valve element 103 from a fluid channel 222 that is fluidly connected to a line (not shown) attached to the male fitting 102 of the base 130. When back pressure 134 is applied inside the housing 120, the generally cylindrical shape of the valve element 103 is deformed into a generally elliptical tubular shape. Proximal force 136 and distal force 138 result from deformation of the valve element 103 due to its flexible and collapsible nature. When the distal force 138 substantially counteracts the proximal force 136, the shoulder 107' may lose contact with the ridge 122 inside the housing 120, thereby causing a breach of the primary seal of the needleless connector 100. As similarly described with respect to the force applied by the male connector 20 in FIG. 1C, the valve base 105 of the valve element 103 deforms under the pressure of a distal force 138 caused by the backpressure 134 of fluid entering the flow path 132, with deformation being described in more detail with respect to FIG. 1E.

[0021] Figure 1E is an enlarged view of a portion of Figures 1D and 1F. The compressive load from the male fitting 20 (see Figure 1D), or the distal force 138 (see Figure 1F) caused by the back pressure 134, is transmitted by the walls of the valve element 103 to the valve base 105 and then to the rim 150. However, due to the flexible nature of the valve element 103, the internal corners 110 of the valve base 105 may deform and protrude into the cavity 140, as seen in Figure 1E.

[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Here, examples of needleless connectors are described that eliminate or substantially reduce undesirable deformation of valve elements during use.

[0023] 2 is an exploded view of an exemplary needleless connector 200 according to various aspects of the disclosure. The connector 200 includes a body 220 having a female fitting 201 defining an internal cavity 204, a flexible valve element 203 having a cylindrical portion with an internal volume 213 and a flange 205 extending outwardly at a distal end of the cylindrical portion 204, and a base 230. The base 230 has a rim 250 defining the recess 240 with two air passages 272 passing from the recess 240 through the body 230 to the surrounding environment around the male fitting (not visible in FIG. 2), and one or more support members 280 extending laterally from the rim 250 toward the recess 240. When assembled, the top surface of the rim 250 contacts the valve base or flange 105. The recess 240 has a bottom surface 260 spaced distally from the top surface of the rim 250. Two passageways 274 (only one visible in FIG. 2) pass through base 230 and are configured similarly to passageways 174 in FIGS. 1B and 1C.

[0024] In one embodiment, the base 230 comprises a polycarbonate material. However, the base 230 and body 220 of the connector 100 may comprise one or more materials including, but not limited to, polyester, polyethylene, and / or other thermoplastics. Additionally, one or both of the base 230 and body 220 may be transparent or translucent, thereby allowing partial visualization of the fluid within the connector 200. In one embodiment, the flexible valve element 203 comprises silicone.

[0025] In some embodiments, needleless connector 200 may have certain similar characteristics and functionality similar to that of conventional connector 100. For example, in some embodiments, needleless connector 200 includes certain aspects that differ from connector 100, such as a shorter overall length, smaller port diameters, smaller fluid path channels, smaller overall diameters, different valving, different material compositions, etc. For example, in some embodiments, base 230 is smaller than base 130. In this regard, some embodiments benefit from a base having a support member.

[0026] As shown, the recess 240 in the base 230 is adapted to interact with the interior volume 213 of the flexible valve element 203 upon assembly. Embodiments of the support member 280 provide a mechanism for eliminating or substantially reducing intrusion of the flexible valve element 203 into the recess 240. Various example configurations of the support member 280 are described with respect to Figures 3-5. When assembled, the flange 205 of the flexible valve element 203 is captured between the body 220 and the base 230, as described in more detail with respect to Figure 6.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a top view of the base 230 shown in FIG. 2 according to various aspects of the disclosure. In this exemplary embodiment, six protrusions 282A-F are disposed along a portion of the rim 250 and extend longitudinally toward the recess 240. In some embodiments, there may be more or fewer protrusions 280. In some embodiments, the protrusions 282A-F have rounded tips as shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the protrusions 282A-F may have sharp corners or straight edges. One or more of the protrusions 282A-F may be disposed above the bottom surface 260. In the example shown in FIG. 3, all six protrusions 282A-F are completely above the bottom surface 260, i.e., no portion of the protrusions 282A-F protrudes above any of the channels 272. In this regard, the protrusions 280A-F are positioned to support the flange 205 of the valve member 203 while not reducing or blocking the cross-sectional area of ​​the air passages 272. Blocking or reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the air passages 272 may degrade the performance of the valve member 203 in some embodiments, such as when air needs to quickly flow out of or into the interior volume 213 of the valve member 203 during folding or unfolding, respectively. In some embodiments, one or more of the protrusions 280 may extend partially or completely over one of the air passages 272. The support of the flange 205 provided by the protrusions 280A-F is described in more detail with respect to FIG. 6D.

[0028] 4 and 5 are top views of other embodiments of a base 231, 232 according to various aspects of the disclosure. Figure 4 shows another example base 231 having protrusions 282A-C disposed on a portion of the rim 250 on one side of the central axis 301 and no protrusions on the other side of the axis 301. Providing protrusions 282A-C on only one side can provide, for example, improved control of the folding of the flexible valve element 203.

[0029] 5 illustrates another example base 232. According to one embodiment, base 232 includes one or more support ribs 285A-C. In this example, each of ribs 285A-C extends across recess 240 from a first portion of rim 250 to a second portion of rim 250. In some embodiments, ribs 285A-C run the full height of rim 250 and are continuous along the entire length of each rib 285A-C. In other embodiments, one or more of ribs 285A-C may have an open portion proximal to bottom surface 260 to facilitate the passage of air across bottom surface 260 between two openings 272. In some embodiments, each rib 285A-C may be integral with wall 250 and / or bottom 260 of base 230.

[0030] In some embodiments, the support members 280, e.g., the protrusions 282 shown in FIG. 3 and / or the ribs 285 shown in FIG. 5, may extend 0.01 inch to 0.15 inch above the rim 250. In some embodiments, the support members 280 may extend 0.05 inch above the rim 250. In some embodiments, the support members 280 may extend the same length in the longitudinal direction. In other embodiments, the support members 280 may have different lengths in the longitudinal direction. In some embodiments, the support members 280 may have various portions that are recessed below the top surface of the rim 250, are flush with the top surface of the rim 250, or are elevated above the top surface of the rim 250.

[0031] 6A is a cutaway perspective view of the needleless connector 200 shown in FIG. 2 assembled according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The flange 205 engages the rim 250 of the base 230, and the body 220 is placed over the flexible valve element 203 and sealingly joined to the body 230, thereby capturing a portion of the flange 205 between the body 220 and the base 230. Different portions BB, CC, and DD are shown in FIGS. 6B-6D, respectively. The top opening to one of the air channels 272 is visible adjacent the bottom surface 260. This embodiment of the valve element 203 has an internal dimple 215 that extends over a portion of the circumference of the surface of the internal volume 213.

[0032] 6B-6D are cutaway perspective views of the complete connector 200 in the position shown in FIG. 6A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B is cut away above the flange 205 and shows the cylindrical portion of the valve element 203 disposed within the body 220. The interior volume 213 is visible within the valve element 203, while the fluid channel 222 is visible formed within the interior wall of the body 220 and on the exterior of the valve element 203.

[0033] 6C shows a cross section taken at the bottom surface of flange 205. The outer diameter of flange 205 extends radially outward while maintaining an inner diameter that fits into interior volume 213. A lower portion of fluid channel 222 is visible, which provides a fluid flow path around flange 205. Dashed circle 216 indicates the protrusion of the outer surface of cylindrical portion 204 above the surface of the cross section. In one embodiment, circle 216 divides the bottom surface of flange 205 into inner section 207A and outer section 207B.

[0034] 6D shows a cross section taken through the protrusions 280A-F just below the bottom surface of the flange 205. It can be seen how the protrusions 280A-F extend inwardly beyond the inner section 207A and beyond the inner diameter of the flange 205, thereby fully supporting the flange 205 and preventing the deformation seen in conventional connectors 100, such as that shown in FIG. 1E. In some embodiments, the protrusions 280A-F may be positioned or oriented in a defined relationship relative to the dimple 215 of the valve element 203. In some embodiments, one or more of the protrusions 280A-F may not extend beyond the inner diameter of the flange 205.

[0035] 7, an exemplary needleless connector 200 is shown when the needleless connector 200 is in a fluidly connected but unaccessed state. As shown, the needleless connector 200 is subjected to back pressure 234 applied to the valve element 203 from a fluid channel 322 that is fluidly connected to a line (not shown) attached to the male fitting 202 of the base 230. The base 230 has protrusions 280A-F that support the valve element 203, and in particular the flange 205, when back pressure 234 is applied to the valve element 203 within the body 220. In this manner, the protrusions 280A-F of the base 230 eliminate or substantially prevent deformation of the flange 205 toward the recess 240 of the base 230. 1F , the proximal force 236 caused by the backpressure 234 is increased and the distal force 238 is eliminated or substantially reduced. Movement of the valve element 203 thus occurs in a proximal direction toward the female fitting 201, thereby further enhancing the primary seal of the needleless connector 200 between the shoulder 307 of the valve element 203 and the internal ridge 323 of the body 220 when subjected to the backpressure 234 in a fluidly coupled but unaccessed state.

[0036] This disclosure is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. This disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications of these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0037] Reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather means "one or more." The term "several" refers to one or more unless specifically stated. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and are not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0038] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. In one aspect, various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0039] The use of a phrase such as "aspect" does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure of an aspect may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. A phrase such as "embodiment" does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure of an embodiment may apply to all configurations, or to one or more examples. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an embodiment may refer to one or more examples, and vice versa. A phrase such as "configuration" does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure of a configuration may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as a configuration may refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0040] In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all dimensions, values, rates, locations, scales, sizes, and other specifications set forth herein, including the claims that follow, are approximate and not exact, and are intended in one aspect to have a reasonable range consistent with their relevant functions and what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0041] In one aspect, "coupled" or the like can refer to being directly coupled. In another aspect, "coupled" or the like can refer to being indirectly coupled.

[0042] The terms "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," and the like, as used in this disclosure, should be understood to refer to any perspective, rather than the normal perspective of gravity. Thus, the top, bottom, front, and rear surfaces can extend upwards, downwards, diagonally, or horizontally in the perspective of gravity.

[0043] Various items may be arranged differently (e.g., arranged in a different order or divided in a different manner) without departing from the scope of the subject technology at all. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or that later become known to those of skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made available to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly set forth in the claims. No element of a claim should be construed as including or including in any manner unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for" or, in the case of a method claim, using the phrase "step for". Furthermore, to the extent that "comprises," "having," or similar terms are used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising," as "comprising" is interpreted when used as a transitional term in the claims.

[0044] The title, background, summary, brief description of the drawings, and abstract of the present disclosure are hereby incorporated into the present disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples, and not as limiting descriptions of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or spirit of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description, it is understood that the description provides illustrative examples, and that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The method of disclosure should not be interpreted as indicating an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of each disclosed structure or operation. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as separately claimed subject matter.

[0045] The claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the claims language and are intended to encompass all legal equivalents.

Claims

1. a body including a first port at an upper portion of the body and an inner surface defining an interior cavity; a base including a rim having an upper surface, a second port at a bottom of the base, a recess extending from the rim toward the bottom, a support member extending from the rim, and an air passage extending through the recess; a valve element including a valve wall having a distal end contacting the rim, the valve element being at least partially disposed within the interior cavity, the distal end of the valve element being captured between the body and the base, and the support member resisting extension of the valve element toward the recess in the base; A needleless connector comprising:

2. The needleless connector of claim 1 , wherein the valve element includes a flange that projects radially outwardly in a direction away from the valve wall.

3. The needleless connector of claim 2 , wherein the flange is coupled to the distal end of the valve wall.

4. The needleless connector of claim 2 , wherein the top surface of the rim is engaged against the flange.

5. The needleless connector of claim 1 , wherein the valve wall includes a dimple formed in an inner surface of the valve element.

6. The needleless connector of claim 1 , wherein the recess is between the rim and the second port.

7. 2. The needleless connector of claim 1, wherein the base includes a fluid passage extending through an outer surface of the base between the rim and the bottom of the base, the fluid passage extending through the second port.

8. The needleless connector of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the support member has a height that extends above the rim.

9. The needleless connector of claim 1 , wherein the recess in the base is in communication with an interior volume of the valve element.

10. The needleless connector of claim 1 , wherein the air passage extends from the recess through the base to the surrounding environment.

11. The needleless connector of claim 1 , wherein the inner surface of the body defines a fluid channel that provides a fluid flow path around the distal end of the valve element.

12. The needleless connector of claim 1 , wherein a proximal portion of the valve element blocks the first port when the first port is not mated with a matching connector.

13. The needleless connector of claim 1 , wherein the base includes a male luer fitting forming the second port at a bottom of the base.

14. The needleless connector of claim 1 , wherein the body includes a female luer fitting defining the first port.

15. The needleless connector of claim 1 , wherein the upper surface of the rim defines a plane transverse to a central longitudinal axis of the base.

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