Fluid Connector System

Abstract

A fluid connector system may include first and second valve assemblies connectable together to form a fluid pathway through the fluid connector system when the first and second valve assemblies are connected together, and capable of resisting fluid flow through each of the first and second valve assemblies when the first and second valve assemblies are separated from one another, wherein the first and second valve assemblies may include a compressible element or post disposed within the channel configured to resist fluid flow through each of the first or second valve assemblies in a first position and to reduce resistance to fluid flow through the first or second valve assembly in a second position, and wherein the first and second valve assemblies include a sleeve and one or more arms configured to engage with one another to form a snap fit feature capable of resisting separation therebetween.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 328,701, filed April 7, 2022, entitled "FLUID CONNECTOR SYSTEM," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to medical fluid connectors, and more particularly to a fluid connector system having valve assemblies coupled together to form a fluid pathway. [Background technology]

[0003] Medical connections are used widely in fluid delivery systems such as intravenous (IV) fluid lines, blood access, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, enteral nutrition, drug vial access, and systems used in connection with other procedures.

[0004] In some cases, medical connection devices may become unintentionally detached or disconnected. For example, medical tubing of an IV set connected to a catheter may become detached when an unintended or unexpected force is applied to the catheter that may exceed the design limits of the catheter securement method. Unintended or unexpected forces may be applied to the tubing and / or catheter when a patient moves or turns in bed, when another part of the tubing or IV set gets caught on a part of the bed such as a railing, or when a patient has a panic attack, becomes confused, or restless to such an extent that the medical tubing becomes unintentionally or intentionally pulled away from the patient or from the medical equipment to which the tubing is connected. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In accordance with at least some embodiments, the present disclosure is based on the recognition that unintentional removal or disconnection of a medical connection device, such as a medical fluid line, can result in injury to the patient or caregiver, such as by preventing the patient from receiving medication, increasing the likelihood of patient infection, and exposing the caregiver to harmful medications.

[0006] Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure provide a fluid connector system, the fluid connector system comprising: a first valve assembly, the first valve assembly comprising: a housing having a first port, a second port, an inner surface forming a channel extending between the first port and the second port, and a sleeve, the sleeve extending from an outer surface of the housing and having an inner surface with a ridge extending in a direction towards the housing; and a valve element having a base and a head, the valve element being disposed within the channel such that when the first valve assembly is in a closed configuration, the head blocks the channel through the first port, and when the first valve assembly is in an open configuration, the head is moved in a direction away from the first port and towards the second port to enable fluid flow through the channel; and the fluid connector system further comprising: a second valve assembly, the second valve assembly comprising: a first port, a second port, an inner surface forming a channel extending between the first port and the second port, and one or more a body having a number of arms, with one or more arms extending from the body, the body having an outer surface with a protrusion extending in a direction away from the outer surface of the body; a post disposed in the channel and movable between the first port and the second port; and a biasing element disposed between the post and the second port, the post being configured such that when the second valve assembly is in a closed configuration, the post is biased towards the first port to block the channel through the first port, and when the second valve assembly is in an open configuration, the post is moved away from the first port towards the second port to compress the biasing element to allow fluid flow through the channel, wherein when the first and second valve assemblies are coupled together, the one or more arms are disposed between an inner surface of the sleeve and an outer surface of the body, and the protrusion is disposed between the protrusion and the second port of the first valve assembly, such that engagement of the protrusion with the protrusion resists separation of the first and second valve assemblies.

[0007] In some examples, the present disclosure provides a fluid connector system comprising a first valve assembly comprising a housing having a first port, a second port, an inner surface forming a channel extending between the first port and the second port, and a sleeve extending along and spaced from an outer surface of the housing, and a valve disposed in the channel and configured to block a portion of the channel through the first port, the fluid connector system further comprising a second valve assembly comprising a first port, a second port, an inner surface forming a channel extending between the first port and the second port, and a body having one or more arms, the one or more arms extending from the body and having an outer surface with a protrusion extending in a direction away from the outer surface of the body.

[0008] In some examples, the disclosure provides a method of providing a fluid connector system, the method including providing a first valve assembly comprising a housing having a first port, a second port, an inner surface forming a channel extending between the first port and the second port, and a sleeve, the sleeve extending from an outer surface of the housing; providing a second valve assembly comprising a body having the first port, the second port, an inner surface forming a channel extending between the first port and the second port, and one or more arms, the one or more arms extending from the body; and moving the first and second valve assemblies toward each other such that the first port of the first valve assembly engages against the first port of the second valve assembly and the one or more arms of the body are inserted between the outer surface of the housing and the sleeve.

[0009] Thus, the present application addresses several operational challenges faced by conventional fluid connection devices and provides a number of improvements that enable users to achieve fluid connections more easily and accurately while improving safety and effectiveness.

[0010] Additional features and advantages of the subject technology will be set forth in the following description or may be learned by the practice of the subject technology. The advantages of the subject technology will be realized and attained by the structures illustrated in the following description and the illustrative embodiments of the technology as well as the accompanying drawings.

[0011] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the subject technology.

[0012] Various features of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system for storing a computer-implemented programmable logic circuit for a computer-implemented system; [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a fluid connector system in use with an IV set connected to a patient, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a fluid connector system according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fluid connector system of FIG. 2 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first valve assembly of a fluid connector system according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a second valve assembly of a fluid connector system according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid connector system of FIG. 3 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid connector system of FIG. 2 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] A detailed view showing a snap-fit ​​feature of a fluid connector system according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B]A detailed view showing a snap-fit ​​feature of a fluid connector system according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 8C] A detailed view showing a snap-fit ​​feature of a fluid connector system according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject technology. It should be understood that the subject technology may be practiced without some of these specific details. Also, detailed descriptions of well-known structures and techniques are omitted so as not to obscure the subject technology.

[0015] Furthermore, although the following description provides specific details of various embodiments, this description is merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting. In addition, although certain embodiments of the present disclosure may be disclosed or illustrated in the context of an IV set, these embodiments may also be used in other fluid delivery systems. Furthermore, various applications of the embodiments and modifications thereof as would occur to one skilled in the art are also encompassed by the general concepts described herein.

[0016] In some embodiments, the present application discloses various features and advantages of a fluid connector system that can provide efficient and safe maintenance of a fluid connection device, such as a connection device used to transfer medical fluids to or away from a patient. The fluid connector system can maintain a fluid pathway by resisting unintentional disconnection when a pulling or tension force is applied to the fluid connector system, such as when the patient moves or when medical tubing is pulled away from the patient.

[0017] The fluid connector system may also prevent injury to a patient or caregiver by allowing for a disconnection or separation between portions of the connector system when a tensile or tension force exceeds a threshold. The fluid connector system may also prevent injury to a patient or caregiver by interrupting a fluid path when a disconnection or separation occurs between portions of the connector system. Additionally, the fluid connector system may provide for efficient and safe re-establishment of a fluid path by allowing for reassembly of portions of the system following a disconnection or separation.

[0018] 1 illustrates an example of a fluid connector system in use according to aspects of the present disclosure. Fluid connector system 100 is connected to tubing of an IV set that is being used to direct fluid to a patient 10. The IV set may include a medication bag 12, a drip chamber 14, tubing 16, and an IV catheter 18.

[0019] The fluid connector system 100 couples the tubing 16 to the IV catheter 18 such that fluid can travel between the tubing 16 and the IV catheter 18 by flowing through the fluid connector system 100. Although the fluid connector system 100 is shown coupled along the fluid path of an IV set between the medication bag 12 and the patient 10, it should be understood that the fluid connector system 100 may be connected within other fluid paths, such as between a patient and an IV pump or between a patient and a dialysis machine. The fluid connector system 100 may also be connected along other portions of a fluid path. For example, the fluid connector system 100 may be connected along a proximal portion of a fluid path, such as between the tubing 16 and the medication bag 12 or other infusion therapy device.

[0020] The fluid connector system 100 includes a first valve assembly 110 and a second valve assembly 210, as shown in Figure 2. The first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 may be coupled together by inserting a portion of the second valve assembly 210 into the first valve assembly 110. When the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 are coupled together, a fluid pathway is formed through the fluid connector system 100.

[0021] The first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 resist unintentional separation from one another. However, the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 may become separated from one another if one of the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 becomes separated from the other, such as when a tensile or tension force on the fluid connector system 100 exceeds a threshold force. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the threshold force for separating the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 is about 22.2 Newtons (5 pounds) or greater.

[0022] 3, when the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 are separated from one another, the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 can each resist fluid flow therethrough. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 can each resist fluid flow by blocking a fluid passage through the respective assembly.

[0023] The first valve assembly 110 includes a housing 112 having a first port, a second port, and an inner surface forming a channel extending between the first and second ports. A valve element 114 is disposed within the channel of the first valve assembly 110 to resist or allow fluid flow through the channel. When the first valve assembly 110 is not coupled to a second valve assembly 210 or other mating connector as shown in at least FIG. 4, the valve element 114 is in a first position. In the first position, the channel through the first valve assembly 110 is blocked by the valve element 114 to resist fluid flow through the first valve assembly 110.

[0024] When the first valve assembly 110 is coupled to the second valve assembly 210 as shown in at least Figures 2 and 7, the valve element 114 is moved to a second position in which the channel through the first valve assembly 110 is unblocked to reduce resistance to fluid flow through the channel of the first valve assembly 110.

[0025] Second valve assembly 210 includes a body 212 having a first port, a second port, and an inner surface forming a channel extending between the first and second ports. A post 214 is disposed within the channel of second valve assembly 210. When second valve assembly 210 is not coupled to first valve assembly 110 or another mating connector, the channel through second valve assembly 210 is blocked by post 214.

[0026] When the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 are connected together, a portion of the first valve assembly 110 moves or biases the post 214 of the second valve assembly 210 to fluidly connect a channel through the first valve assembly 110 to a channel through the second valve assembly 210, at least as shown in FIG. 7.

[0027] To resist unintentional separation of the first and second valve assemblies 110 and 210 from one another, one of the first and second valve assemblies 110 and 210 includes an arm configured to engage a portion of the other of the first and second valve assemblies 110 and 210. When the first and second valve assemblies 110 and 210 are pulled or moved away from one another, the arm engages a portion of the first and second valve assemblies 110 and 210 to resist separation of the valve assemblies.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first valve assembly 110 includes a sleeve 113 extending from an outer surface of the housing, the sleeve 113 forming a passage between the outer surface of the housing and an inner surface of the sleeve. The passage is configured to receive a portion of the second valve assembly 210 when the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 are coupled together. In some embodiments, the second valve assembly 210 includes one or more arms 213 extending from the body. The one or more arms 213 are configured to be inserted into the passage of the first valve assembly 110 when the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 are coupled together. When the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 are pulled or moved away from each other, at least a portion of the one or more arms 213 engage a portion of the sleeve 113 to resist separation of the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210.

[0029] 6 and 7, cross-sectional views of the fluid connector system 100 are shown. The first valve assembly 110 includes a housing 112 having a first end 116 and a second end 118. The first end 116 of the housing defines a first port 128, the second end 118 of the housing defines a second port 130, and an inner surface 117 of the housing defines a channel 119 extending between the first port 128 and the second port 130. The channel 119, the first port 128, and the second port 130 define a fluid passageway through the first valve assembly 110.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first end 116 of the body defines a male luer structure 142 extending away from the second end 118 and fluidly coupled to the channel 119. The male luer structure 142 forms at least a portion of a fluid passageway through the first valve assembly 110. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first end 116 of the first valve assembly 110 can include any of a bond pocket, a female luer, and / or a male luer.

[0031] The sleeve 113 extends from the housing outer surface 120 and is configured to engage the second valve assembly 210. The sleeve includes a proximal end 121 coupled to the housing 112 and a distal end 122 opposite the proximal end 121. The sleeve 113 extends in a direction toward the first valve assembly second end 118 such that a cavity is formed between the inner surface of the sleeve 113 and the housing outer surface 120. The cavity between the inner surface of the sleeve 113 and the housing outer surface 120 is configured to receive a portion of the second valve assembly 210 when the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 are coupled together.

[0032] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the proximal end 121 of the sleeve is disposed between the first end 116 and the second end 118 of the housing, and the distal end 122 is adjacent to the second end 118 of the housing. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the distal end 122 of the sleeve is disposed between the first end 116 and the second end 118 of the housing, although it is contemplated that the distal end 122 of the sleeve can extend beyond or through the second end 118 of the housing.

[0033] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the width of the sleeve 113 extends around the circumference of the outer surface of the housing 112. The width of the sleeve can be such that the sleeve 113 extends around the entire circumference of the housing 112. In some embodiments, the sleeve 113 is discontinuous around the circumference of the housing 112, such that one or more sleeves 113 extend from the housing 112.

[0034] In some aspects of the disclosure, the circumference of the sleeve 113 extending along the distal end 122 of the sleeve 113 is discontinuous. The discontinuous circumference of the sleeve 113 may be formed by a notch 124 extending in a direction through the distal end 122 toward the proximal end 121 of the sleeve. The discontinuous circumference of the sleeve 113 may allow the distal end 122 of the sleeve to be biased or moved toward and / or away from the outer surface of the housing 112.

[0035] The sleeve 113 includes a ridge 126 configured to engage a portion of the second valve assembly 210 and resist unintentional separation of the first valve assembly 110 from the second valve assembly 210. The ridge 126 extends from the sleeve toward the housing outer surface 120 to form the innermost surface of the sleeve.

[0036] The innermost surface of the sleeve at the ridge 126 defines a cross-sectional width CW1 of the sleeve 113. The cross-sectional width CW1 of the sleeve 113 may be selected such that engagement of the ridge 126 with the second valve assembly 210 biases or moves a portion of the sleeve 113 away from the housing 112. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the distal end 122 of the sleeve is configured to move relative to the housing outer surface 120 in a direction toward and / or away from a longitudinal axis A1 defined between the first end 116 and the second end 118 of the housing.

[0037] The ridges 126 may be formed by either continuous or discontinuous ridges extending from the surface of the housing. In some aspects, the ridges 126 may be formed by channels or grooves extending along the inner surface of the sleeve. In other aspects, the ridges may extend from the inner surface of the sleeve 113 in a direction toward the longitudinal axis A1 and / or from the outer surface of the sleeve 113 in a direction away from the longitudinal axis A1.

[0038] A compressible element 114 is disposed within the cavity, and is configured to resist fluid flow through the fluid passageway through the first valve assembly 110 when in the first position. Fluid flow through the fluid passageway through the first valve assembly 110 is resisted by a portion of the compressible element 114 disposed within the second port 130. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, when the compressible element 114 is in the first position, a head portion 115 of the compressible element is disposed within the second port 130.

[0039] The compressible element 114 includes a proximal portion forming a valve base 132 and a distal portion forming a valve head 134. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the valve base 132 is configured to bend or fold when the valve head 134 is displaced from the second port 130 into the channel 119. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the valve base 132 comprises a wall having an inner surface that forms a cavity within the compressible element 114. The cavity extends through an outer surface of the bendable valve 114 at the proximal portion in a direction toward the valve head 134.

[0040] According to some embodiments, an exterior surface of the housing 112 proximal to the second end 118 includes threads 123 extending along the exterior surface of the housing 112. The threads 123 may allow for the first valve assembly 110 to be coupled to another device to allow for the injection or removal of fluid into or from the first valve assembly 110. In some examples, the threads 123 may allow for the first valve assembly to be coupled to a needleless syringe, a fluid line, or another valve assembly.

[0041] The second valve assembly 210 includes a body 212 having a first end 216 and a second end 218. The housing first end 216 forms a first port 228, the body second end 218 forms a second port 230, and the housing inner surface 217 forms a channel 219 extending between the first port 228 and the second port 230. The channel 219, the first port 228, and the second port 230 define a fluid passageway through the second valve assembly 210.

[0042] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the second end 218 of the body defines a male luer structure 242 configured to be disposed within the second port 130 of the first valve assembly 110 when the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 are connected together.

[0043] A distal end of male luer structure 242 forms a second port 230, and channel 219 of the second valve assembly extends through first port 228, channel 219, and second port 230. When first valve assembly 110 and second valve assembly 210 are coupled together, channel 119 of first valve assembly 110 and channel 219 of the second valve assembly are fluidly coupled together.

[0044] A post 214 is disposed within the channel 219, the post 214 configured to resist fluid flow through the fluid passage through the second port 230. The post 214 is movable toward and away from the second port 230 such that in a closed configuration, the post 214 blocks the second port 230 and in an open configuration, the post 214 is moved away from the second port 230 to allow fluid flow therethrough.

[0045] To bias the post 214 toward the second port 230, the second valve assembly 210 includes a biasing element 232 disposed between the post 214 and the first port 228. When the second valve assembly 210 is moved toward the first valve assembly 110, a portion of the post 214 is configured to engage the first valve assembly 110 to move or displace the post in a direction away from the second port 230. When the post is moved in a direction away from the second port 230, the biasing element 232 is compressed. The biasing element 232 may be formed by any structure configured to bias the post 214 in a first direction and to be biased or compressed in a second direction different from the first direction. In some examples, the biasing element 232 may be a bellows or a spring.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an inner surface of the post 214 can form a fluid passageway extending through the post. In a closed configuration, the fluid passageway of the post 214 is isolated from the second port 230, and in an open configuration, the fluid passageway of the post 214 is fluidly coupled to the second port 230, such that fluid can travel between the first port 228 and the second port 230 by traveling through the channel 219 and the fluid passageway of the post 214.

[0047] One or more arms 213 extend from the body 212 and are configured to engage with the first valve assembly 110 to form a snap-fit ​​feature. The one or more arms 213 include a proximal end 221 coupled to the body 212 and a distal end 222 opposite the proximal end 221. The one or more arms 213 extend away from the first end 216 to form a second end 218 of the second valve assembly. When the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 are coupled together, the one or more arms 213 are received within a cavity formed between an inner surface of the sleeve 113 of the first valve assembly 110 and an outer surface 120 of the housing.

[0048] The one or more arms 213 may be shaped such that at least a distal end 222 is cantilevered from the body 212. The cantilevered portion of the one or more arms 213 extends in a first direction from the body 212 to define a length L2. The one or more arms 213 further include a width W2 extending in a direction transverse to the width W2.

[0049] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a first direction defining a length L1 of one or more arms is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis A2 extending between the first port 228 and the second port 230, and a second direction defining a width W2 of one or more arms is transverse to the longitudinal axis A2.

[0050] Length L2 can generally be between about 5 mm (0.19 inches) and about 8 mm (0.31 inches). In some embodiments, length L2 is about 8 mm (0.31 inches). Width W2 can be between about 2 mm (0.07 inches) and about 5 mm (about 0.19 inches). In some embodiments, width W2 is about 1.5 mm (0.06 inches).

[0051] The one or more arms 213 include a protrusion 226 configured to engage against the ridge 126 of the first valve assembly 110 and to resist unintentional separation of the first valve assembly 110 from the second valve assembly 210.

[0052] The protrusion 226 extends from the one or more arms 213 in a direction away from the longitudinal axis A2. The protrusion 226 extends from the one or more arms 213 to define a protrusion height H2. The height H2 can be between about 1 mm (0.39 inches) and about 2 mm (0.08 inches). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the height H2 is about 1 mm (0.39 inches).

[0053] A cross-sectional width CW2 of the one or more arms 213 may be defined between the distal ends of the first and second arms. The cross-sectional width CW2 of the arms 213 may be approximately equal to or greater than the cross-sectional width of the sleeve 113 such that engagement of the protrusion 226 of the second valve assembly with the ridge 126 of the first valve assembly urges or moves the sleeve 113 away from the housing 112 and / or urges or moves the one or more arms 213 towards the body 212.

[0054] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 coupled together.

[0055] To couple the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 together, the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 are both moved toward one another. As the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 are moved toward one another, the male luer structure 242 of the second valve assembly may engage against the compressible element 114 and displace or compress the compressible element 114. Additionally, the post 214 may engage against the first valve assembly 110 and move or displace the post 214.

[0056] When the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 are connected together, the compressible element 114 of the first valve assembly is moved or compressed away from the second port 130 to open a fluid passage through the first valve assembly 110, and the post 214 of the second valve assembly is moved or displaced away from the second port 230.

[0057] As the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 are moved toward one another, the one or more arms 213 of the second valve assembly may engage against the sleeve 113 of the first valve assembly. Further movement of the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 toward one another may urge or move the one or more arms 213 and the sleeve 113 together away from one another, thereby allowing the one or more arms 213 to be received within a cavity formed between an inner surface of the sleeve 113 of the first valve assembly 110 and the outer surface 120 of the housing.

[0058] When the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 are connected together, the protrusion 226 is positioned between the ridge 126 and the proximal end 121 of the sleeve, and the ridge 126 is positioned between the protrusion 226 and the proximal end 221 of each arm 213.

[0059] The first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 are held together by the engagement of the sleeve 113 and the one or more arms 213 relative to one another, thereby creating a snap-fit ​​feature. When the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 are pulled together away from one another, the ridges 126 and the protrusions 226 may engage one another to resist separation of the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210. If a threshold force on either the ridges 126 and the protrusions 226 is exceeded, the sleeve 113 and / or the one or more arms 213 may be biased or moved away from one another.

[0060] Detailed views of the arm or arms 213 and sleeve 113 are shown, for example, in Figures 8A-8C. As the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 are moved toward one another in a first direction D, the arm or arms 213 of the second valve assembly approach the sleeve 113 of the first valve assembly, as shown in Figure 8A.

[0061] When the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 are moved relative to one another, the one or more arms 213 and the sleeve 113 may engage relative to one another, as shown in FIG. 8B. When the one or more arms 213 contact or engage the sleeve 113, the one or more arms 213 may be biased or urged to move in a second direction D2 transverse to the first direction D1. It should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that when the one or more arms 213 engage the sleeve 113, the one or more arms 213 and the sleeve 113 may both be biased or urged to move away from one another.

[0062] After the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 have been moved toward one another so that the protrusion 226 is positioned over or past the ridge 126, one or more arms 213 can be de-energized and moved back to the neutral position, as shown in FIG. 8C.

[0063] When the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 are moved away from each other in a third direction D3 that is different from or substantially opposite to the first direction D1, the protrusion 226 can engage the ridge 126 to deflect or urge one or more of the arms 213 and the sleeve 113 together and move away from each other.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the protrusion 226 can include a first end surface 234 and a second end surface 236, where the first end surface 234 and the second end surface 236 are configured to engage with the sleeve 113 or with a portion of the sleeve, such as the ridge 126 of the sleeve.

[0065] The first end surface 234 and the second end surface 236 are oriented opposite one another and extend away from the one or more arms 213. The first end surface 234 is configured to engage a first portion of the sleeve 113, such as the ridge 126, when the first and second valve assemblies 110 and 210 are moved toward one another for assembly. The second end surface 236 is configured to engage a second portion of the sleeve 113, different from the first portion, when the first and second valve assemblies 110 and 210 are moved away from one another or separated.

[0066] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the first end surface 234 extends at a first angle A3 in a direction away from the one or more arms 213, and the second end surface 236 extends at a second angle A4 in a direction away from the one or more arms 213. The first angle A3 and the second angle A4 can be approximately equal to each other or different from each other. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first angle A3 and the second angle A4 are about 40 degrees to 70 degrees relative to the direction of the length L2 of the respective one or more arms 213. In some examples of the present disclosure, the first angle A3 of the first end surface 234 and the second angle A4 of the second end surface 236 are about 40 degrees.

[0067] The first angle A3 and the second angle A4 of the protrusion 226 may be configured to increase resistance to movement of the one or more arms 213 relative to the sleeve 113 in one of the first direction D1 or the third direction D3 in the other of the first direction D1 or the third direction D3. The first angle A3 and the second angle A4 of the protrusion 226 may be configured to increase or have a different resistance to movement of the one or more arms 213 when the first angle A3 is different from the second angle A4. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second angle A4 is greater than the first angle A3, such that the resistance to movement of one or more arms 213 in the third direction D3 (e.g., when the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 are moved away from each other) is greater than the resistance to movement of the one or more arms 213 in the first direction D1 (e.g., when the first valve assembly 110 and the second valve assembly 210 are moved towards each other).

[0068] Although the present disclosure includes examples in which a first valve assembly includes a sleeve and an example in which a second valve assembly includes one or more arms, it should be understood that any one of the first valve assemblies can include a sleeve and / or one or more arms configured to engage with a sleeve and / or one or more arms of the second valve assembly.

[0069] Features of the present disclosure provide first valve assemblies that can be coupled together to form a fluid pathway therebetween. Features of the present disclosure resist unintentional separation between the first valve assemblies when coupled together. However, if the first valve assemblies are unintentionally or intentionally separated, the fluid pathways of each of the first valve assemblies are closed or blocked, thereby preventing fluid loss from the pathways. Features of the present disclosure further allow for cleaning and disinfecting either valve assembly when the first and second valve assemblies are separated, and for the first and second valve assemblies to be recoupled together to form a fluid pathway therebetween.

[0070] Sections illustrating the subject technology The subject technology is exemplified by various aspects described below, for example. Various examples of aspects of the subject technology are described as numbered paragraphs (paragraph 1, paragraph 2, paragraph 3, etc.) for convenience. These paragraphs are illustrative and do not limit the subject technology. Please note that any combination of any of the dependent paragraphs is possible and may be separated into respective independent paragraphs, such as paragraph 1 or paragraph 5. The same applies to the other paragraphs.

[0071] Item 1. A fluid connector system, comprising: a first valve assembly, the first valve assembly comprising a housing having a first port, a second port, an inner surface forming a channel extending between the first port and the second port, and a sleeve, the sleeve extending from an outer surface of the housing and having an inner surface with a ridge extending in a direction toward the housing; and a valve element having a base and a head, the valve element being disposed within the channel such that when the first valve assembly is in a closed configuration, the head blocks the channel through the first port, and when the first valve assembly is in an open configuration, the head is moved away from the first port in a direction toward the second port to allow fluid flow through the channel; the fluid connector system further comprises a second valve assembly, the second valve assembly comprising a body having a first port, a second port, an inner surface forming a channel extending between the first port and the second port, and one or more arms. a body having an outer surface with one or more arms extending from the body and with a protrusion extending in a direction away from the outer surface of the body; a post disposed in the channel and movable between the first port and the second port; and a biasing element disposed between the post and the second port, the post being configured such that when the second valve assembly is in a closed configuration, the post is biased toward the first port to block the channel through the first port, and when the second valve assembly is in an open configuration, the post is moved away from the first port toward the second port to compress the biasing element to allow fluid flow through the channel, wherein when the first and second valve assemblies are coupled together, the one or more arms are disposed between an inner surface of the sleeve and an outer surface of the body, and the protrusion is disposed between the protrusion and the second port of the first valve assembly, such that engagement of the protrusion with the protrusion resists separation of the first and second valve assemblies.

[0072] Item 2. The fluid connector system of item 1, wherein an outermost surface of the one or more arms has a first cross-sectional width and an innermost surface of the sleeve has a second cross-sectional width, the first cross-sectional width being greater than the second cross-sectional width.

[0073] Item 3. A fluid connector system according to any one of items 1 and 2, wherein the sleeve has a distal end having a discontinuous circumference.

[0074] Item 4. The fluid connector system of item 3, wherein the discontinuous circumference of the sleeve is formed by a notch extending through the sleeve at a distal end of the sleeve.

[0075] Item 5. A fluid connector system according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the outer surface of the housing is provided with threads proximal to the first port.

[0076] Item 6. A fluid connector system as described in any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the raised portion of the sleeve is formed by a groove extending into the inner surface of the sleeve in a direction away from a longitudinal axis defined between the first port and the second port of the housing.

[0077] Clause 7. A fluid connector system as described in any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the one or more arms include a first arm and a second arm, the first and second arms being circumferentially spaced apart about a longitudinal axis defined between the first port and the second port of the body.

[0078] Item 8. A fluid connector system as described in any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the protrusion has a height from the outer surface of the body to the distal end of the protrusion, the height being from about 1 mm (0.39 inches) to about 2 mm (0.08 inches).

[0079] Item 9. The fluid connector system of item 8, wherein the height of the protrusion is about 1 mm (0.39 inches).

[0080] Item 10. A fluid connector system described in any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the protrusion has a first end surface and a second end surface, either of the first and second end surfaces extending in a direction away from the arm at an angle of approximately 40 degrees to 70 degrees relative to the arm.

[0081] Item 11. A fluid connector system as described in Item 10, wherein either the first or second end surface extends in a direction away from the arm at an angle of approximately 40 degrees relative to the arm.

[0082] Clause 12. A fluid connector system as described in any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the one or more arms have a length from the body to the distal end of the one or more arms, the length being from about 5 mm (0.19 inches) to about 8 mm (0.31 inches).

[0083] Item 13. The fluid connector system of item 12, wherein the length of the one or more arms is approximately 8 mm (0.31 inches).

[0084] Clause 14. A fluid connector system as described in any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the one or more arms have a width extending circumferentially around a longitudinal axis defined between the first port and the second port of the body, the width being from about 2 mm (0.07 inches) to about 5 mm (0.19 inches).

[0085] Item 15. The fluid connector system of item 14, wherein the width of the one or more arms is about 1.5 mm (0.06 inches).

[0086] Item 16. A fluid connector system comprising a first valve assembly, the first valve assembly comprising a housing having a first port, a second port, an inner surface forming a channel extending between the first port and the second port, and a sleeve, the sleeve extending along and spaced from an outer surface of the housing, and a valve disposed in the channel and configured to block a portion of the channel through the first port, the fluid connector system further comprising a second valve assembly, the second valve assembly comprising a body having a first port, a second port, an inner surface forming a channel extending between the first port and the second port, and one or more arms, the one or more arms extending from the body, the body having an outer surface with a protrusion extending in a direction away from the outer surface of the body.

[0087] Item 17. The fluid connector system of item 16, wherein the sleeve includes a ridge extending toward a longitudinal axis defined between the first port and the second port of the housing.

[0088] Clause 18. A fluid connector system as described in any one of clauses 16 and 17, wherein an outermost surface of the one or more arms has a first cross-sectional width and an innermost surface of the sleeve has a second cross-sectional width, the first cross-sectional width being greater than the second cross-sectional width.

[0089] Item 19. A fluid connector system according to any one of items 16 to 18, wherein the sleeve has a distal end having a discontinuous circumference.

[0090] Clause 20. A fluid connector system as described in any one of clauses 16 to 19, wherein the one or more arms include a first arm and a second arm, the first and second arms being circumferentially spaced apart about a longitudinal axis defined between the first port and the second port of the body.

[0091] Item 21. A method of providing a fluid connector system, the method comprising: providing a first valve assembly comprising a housing having a first port, a second port, an inner surface forming a channel extending between the first port and the second port, and a sleeve, the sleeve extending from an outer surface of the housing; providing a second valve assembly comprising a body having a first port, a second port, an inner surface forming a channel extending between the first port and the second port, and one or more arms, the one or more arms extending from the body; and moving the first and second valve assemblies toward each other such that the first port of the first valve assembly engages against the first port of the second valve assembly and such that the one or more arms of the body are inserted between the outer surface of the housing and the sleeve.

[0092] Item 22. The method of item 21, further comprising moving the first and second valve assemblies toward each other until a protrusion of the one or more arms is positioned between the raised portion of the sleeve and the second port of the housing.

[0093] Additional considerations In some examples, any of the sections herein may be dependent on any one of the independent claims or any one of the dependent claims. In an aspect, any of the sections (e.g., dependent or independent) may be combined with any other one or more sections (e.g., dependent or independent). In an aspect, a claim may include some or all of the terms (e.g., steps, operations, means, or components) recited in a section, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In an aspect, a claim may include some or all of the terms recited in one or more sections, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs. In an aspect, some of the terms in each section, sentence, phrase, or paragraph may be omitted. In an aspect, additional terms or elements may be added to a section, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In an aspect, the subject technology may be implemented without utilizing some of the components, elements, functions, or operations described herein. In an aspect, the subject technology may be implemented utilizing additional components, elements, functions, or operations.

[0094] 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 to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0095] Reference to a singular element is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically stated otherwise, but rather "one or more." The term "some" means one or more, unless specifically stated otherwise. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) also include feminine or neuter (e.g., her or its), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, where present, are used merely for convenience and do not limit the invention.

[0096] 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.

[0097] A phrase such as "an aspect" does not imply that the aspect is essential to the subject technology or that the aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. Such a phrase can mean one or more aspects, and vice versa. A phrase such as "an embodiment" does not imply that the embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that the embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all configurations or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. Such a phrase can mean one or more embodiments, and vice versa. A phrase such as "an embodiment" does not imply that the embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that the embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. Such a phrase can mean one or more embodiments, and vice versa.

[0098] In one aspect, unless otherwise specified, all measurements, values, orders, positions, sizes, dimensions, and other specifications set forth in this specification, including the following claims, are approximate and not precise, and in one aspect are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the relevant function or with practices in the relevant art.

[0099] In one aspect, a term such as "coupled" can mean directly coupled. In another aspect, a term such as "coupled" can mean indirectly coupled.

[0100] Terms such as "top," "bottom," "front," and "rear" as used in this disclosure should be understood to refer to any coordinate system other than the usual gravitational coordinate system. Thus, the top, bottom, front, and rear surfaces can extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in the gravitational coordinate system.

[0101] Various items may be arranged in a variety of ways (e.g., arranged in a different order or partitioned in a different way) without departing from the scope of the subject technology. All structural or functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments 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, what is disclosed herein is not intended to be made available to the public, regardless of whether the disclosure is expressly recited in the claims. A claim element is not to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for" or, in the case of a method claim, unless the element is recited using the phrase "step for." Moreover, to the extent that terms such as "comprise" or "have" are used, these terms are intended to be inclusive, as is "comprise" when employed as a transitional term in the claims.

[0102] The title, background, summary, brief description of the drawings, and abstract of this disclosure are provided in this disclosure as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as limiting descriptions. They are presented with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, it will be appreciated that the detailed description provides illustrative examples, and that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires features other than those expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed structure or operation. The following claims are incorporated into the detailed description, where each claim stands on its own as separately claimed subject matter.

[0103] The claims are not intended to be limited to only the embodiments described herein, but are intended to be accorded the full scope consistent with the appended claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. However, no claim is intended to encompass subject matter that fails to meet the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §§ 101, 102, or 103, and no claim should be construed as failing to meet the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §§ 101, 102, or 103.

Claims

1. 1. A fluid connector system comprising: a first valve assembly, the first valve assembly comprising: a housing having a first port, a second port, an inner surface forming a channel extending between the first port and the second port, and a sleeve, the sleeve extending from an outer surface of the housing and having an inner surface with a ridge extending in a direction towards the housing; a valve element having a base and a head; the valve element is positioned within the channel such that when the first valve assembly is in a closed configuration, the head blocks the channel through the first port and when the first valve assembly is in an open configuration, the head is moved in a direction away from the first port toward the second port to allow fluid flow through the channel; The fluid connector system further comprises: a second valve assembly, the second valve assembly comprising: a body having a first port, a second port, an inner surface forming a channel extending between the first port and the second port, and one or more arms extending from the body and having an outer surface with a protrusion extending away from the outer surface of the body; a post disposed within the channel and movable between the first port and the second port; a biasing element disposed between the post and the second port, the post being configured to be biased toward the first port to block the channel through the first port when the second valve assembly is in a closed configuration and to move the post in a direction away from the first port toward the second port to compress the biasing element and allow fluid flow through the channel when the second valve assembly is in an open configuration; when the first and second valve assemblies are coupled together, the one or more arms are positioned between the inner surface of the sleeve and the outer surface of the body and the protrusion is positioned between the ridge and the second port of the first valve assembly, such that engagement of the protrusion with the ridge resists separation of the first and second valve assemblies.

2. 2. The fluid connector system of claim 1, wherein an outermost surface of the one or more arms has a first cross-sectional width and an innermost surface of the sleeve has a second cross-sectional width, the first cross-sectional width being greater than the second cross-sectional width.

3. The fluid connector system of claim 1 , wherein the sleeve comprises a distal end having a discontinuous circumference.

4. The fluid connector system of claim 3 , wherein the discontinuous circumference of the sleeve is defined by a notch extending through the sleeve at the distal end thereof.

5. The fluid connector system of claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of the housing comprises threads proximal to the first port.

6. 2. The fluid connector system of claim 1, wherein the ridge of the sleeve is formed by a groove extending into the inner surface of the sleeve in a direction away from a longitudinal axis defined between the first port and the second port of the housing.

7. 2. The fluid connector system of claim 1, wherein the one or more arms include a first arm and a second arm, the first and second arms being circumferentially spaced apart about a longitudinal axis defined between the first and second ports of the body.

8. 2. The fluid connector system of claim 1, wherein the protrusion has a height from the outer surface of the body to a distal end of the protrusion, the height being from about 1 mm (0.39 inches) to about 2 mm (0.08 inches).

9. 9. The fluid connector system of claim 8, wherein the height of the protrusion is approximately 1 mm (0.39 inches).

10. 2. The fluid connector system of claim 1, wherein the protrusion has a first end surface and a second end surface, either of the first and second end surfaces extending in a direction away from the arm at an angle of approximately 40 degrees to 70 degrees relative to the arm.

11. 11. The fluid connector system of claim 10, wherein either said first or second end surface extends away from said arm at an angle of approximately 40 degrees relative to said arm.

12. 2. The fluid connector system of claim 1, wherein the one or more arms have a length from the body to a distal end of the one or more arms, the length being from about 5 mm (0.19 inches) to about 8 mm (0.31 inches).

13. 2. The fluid connector system of claim 1, wherein the one or more arms have a width extending circumferentially about a longitudinal axis defined between the first and second ports of the body, the width being from about 2 mm (0.07 inches) to about 5 mm (0.19 inches).

14. 1. A fluid connector system comprising: a first valve assembly, the first valve assembly comprising: a housing having a first port, a second port, an inner surface forming a channel extending between the first port and the second port, and a sleeve, the sleeve extending along and spaced from an outer surface of the housing; a valve disposed in the channel and configured to block a portion of the channel through the first port; The fluid connector system further comprises: a second valve assembly, the second valve assembly comprising: a body having a first port, a second port, an inner surface forming a channel extending between the first port and the second port, and one or more arms extending from the body and having an outer surface with a protrusion extending away from an outer surface of the body; Fluid Connector System.

15. The fluid connector system of claim 14 , wherein the sleeve comprises a ridge extending toward a longitudinal axis defined between the first and second ports of the housing.

16. 15. The fluid connector system of claim 14, wherein an outermost surface of the one or more arms has a first cross-sectional width and an innermost surface of the sleeve has a second cross-sectional width, the first cross-sectional width being greater than the second cross-sectional width.

17. The fluid connector system of claim 14 , wherein the sleeve comprises a distal end having a discontinuous circumference.

18. 15. The fluid connector system of claim 14, wherein the one or more arms include a first arm and a second arm, the first and second arms being circumferentially spaced apart about a longitudinal axis defined between the first and second ports of the body.

19. 1. A method of providing a fluid connector system, comprising: providing a first valve assembly comprising a housing having a first port, a second port, an inner surface forming a channel extending between the first port and the second port, and a sleeve, the sleeve extending from an outer surface of the housing; providing a second valve assembly comprising a body having a first port, a second port, an inner surface forming a channel extending between the first port and the second port, and one or more arms extending from the body; moving the first and second valve assemblies toward one another such that the first port of the first valve assembly engages the first port of the second valve assembly and such that the one or more arms of the body are interposed between the outer surface of the housing and the sleeve; A method comprising:

20. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising moving the first and second valve assemblies toward each other until a protrusion of the one or more arms is disposed between a ridge of the sleeve and the second port of the housing.

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