Medical Connectors

Abstract

The breakaway medical connector can include a housing with an engagement feature that interacts with a corresponding engagement feature on the breakaway member such that the breakaway member is attached to the housing. The second connector can couple to the breakaway member and provide a fluid connection between the first connector and the second connector. When a force above a threshold is applied that pulls the second connector away from the breakaway connector, the engagement feature can be overcome and the breakaway member can be removed from the housing. The second connector can be removed from the first connector along with the breakaway member. The connector can have a valve that closes the fluid path upon separation of the breakaway member from the housing. In some embodiments, the breakaway member can be reattached to the housing, such as to reestablish fluid communication between the breakaway medical connector and the second medical connector.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 326,612, entitled "MEDICAL CONNECTORS," filed April 1, 2022. The contents of each of the above-identified patent applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and are made a part of this specification for all that they disclose.

[0002] Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to medical connectors. [Background technology]

[0003] Although a variety of medical connectors exist, a need remains for improved medical connectors. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,866 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Pat. No. 9,168,366 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 9,933,094 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Each innovation described herein has several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the claims, some key aspects of the disclosure will now be briefly described.

[0006] Various aspects may relate to a breakaway medical connector, which may include a base portion, a protrusion extending distally from the base portion, a distal opening at a distal end of the protrusion, a proximal end with a proximal opening, and a fluid pathway extending between the distal and proximal openings. The fluid pathway may extend inside the protrusion. A valve may be disposed inside the protrusion and may have a closed configuration that closes the distal opening of the fluid pathway and an open configuration that opens the distal opening of the fluid pathway. The connector may have an outer wall extending distally beyond the distal end of the protrusion. A cavity may be formed between the protrusion and the outer wall. The connector can have one or more first engagement features and a breakaway member disposed in the cavity between the protrusion and the outer wall, and the breakaway member can include one or more second engagement features configured to engage with the first engagement features to retain the breakaway member in the cavity. The breakaway member can have a coupling interface configured to couple to the second medical connector when the second engagement feature is engaged with the first engagement feature and to position the second medical connector when the second medical connector is coupled to the breakaway member to open the valve and establish fluid communication between the second medical connector and the fluid pathway. The first and second engagement features can be configured to disengage when a force above a threshold pulls the breakaway member distally, thereby providing a breakaway disconnection.

[0007] The breakaway medical connector can include a face seal disposed on an exterior side of the prong. The face seal can have a first configuration with a distal end of the face seal substantially flush with a distal end of the prong and / or substantially flush with a distal end of the valve. Connecting the second medical connector can move the face seal to a second configuration with the face seal displaced proximally from the distal end of the prong. The face seal can be configured to form a seal with a proximal end of the second connector when the second connector is coupled to the breakaway member. The prong can include a widened portion, and the proximal portion of the face seal can be configured to engage the widened portion of the prong. Connecting the second connector to the breakaway member can move the proximal end of the face seal in a proximal direction. The breakaway medical connector can include an actuating member, and the actuating member can be configured to move proximally with proximal movement of the proximal end of the face seal. The actuating member can be configured to pull the valve proximally to open the valve. The actuating member can be biased distally. The actuating member can be configured to push the valve distally to close the valve upon breakaway disconnection of the second connector. The base portion can include an opening, and the actuating member can include a body portion on a first side of the base portion and a post extending through the opening in the base portion.

[0008] The breakaway member can be configured to be reattached after a breakaway disconnection to re-establish fluid communication between the second medical connector and the fluid pathway of the breakaway medical connector. The outer wall can define an opening large enough to allow swabbing of the distal end of the prong and the distal end of the valve prior to reattachment. The coupling interface on the breakaway member can include internal threads, and the internal threads can be configured to engage the threads of a standard female Luer lock. The breakaway medical connector can be configured to form a seal with the second connector without the use of a standard Luer taper connection. The valve can be a dual mode valve configured to open when either i) a prong of the second medical connector is inserted into a distal opening of the prong of the breakaway connector and pushes the valve proximally, or ii) a housing of the second medical connector pushes an actuation member proximally when the actuation member is coupled to the valve, thereby pulling the valve proximally. The valve can include a flexible shaft. The outer wall can have a distal opening formed by a continuous distal surface without a slit. The distal opening can be configured to allow the breakaway member to pass through the distal opening. The outer wall can have no openings connecting the cavity to an area outside the connector other than the distal opening. The outer wall can have a distal opening having a first shape, and the breakaway member can have a second shape keyed to the first shape to prevent rotation of the breakaway member relative to the outer wall and / or to align the second engagement feature with the first engagement feature.

[0009] Various aspects of the disclosure may relate to a medical connector, which may include a housing having an outer wall, a first opening, a second opening, a fluid pathway between the first opening and the second opening, and a hollow protrusion defining an internal cavity forming a portion of the fluid pathway. The protrusion may be disposed inwardly of the outer wall to form the cavity between the protrusion and the outer wall. The valve may be disposed inwardly of the protrusion. The valve may have a closed position with an end of the valve substantially flush with an end of the protrusion to close the fluid pathway, and an open position with an end of the valve recessed inwardly of the protrusion to open the fluid pathway. The connector may include a cover disposed in the cavity between the protrusion and the outer wall. The cover may have a first configuration with the cover disposed substantially flush with an end of the valve and substantially flush with an end of the protrusion.

[0010] The medical connector can include a breakaway member configured to removably couple to the housing and configured to receive the second medical connector to establish fluid communication between the second medical connector and the fluid pathway. The breakaway member can be configured to disengage from the housing when a threshold amount of force pulls the breakaway member or the second medical connector away from the medical connector. The breakaway member can be configured to reengage with the housing after disengagement to reestablish fluid communication between the second medical connector and the fluid pathway of the breakaway medical connector. The end of the valve, the end of the protrusion, and the end of the cover can provide swabbing surfaces that are substantially coplanar when disengaged. The outer wall can have an opening that is at least about 6 mm wide to provide access to the swabbing surfaces. The cover can be configured to be pushed along an exterior of the protrusion when the second medical connector is coupled to the medical connector. The cover can be configured to form a seal with the housing of the second medical connector. The medical connector can include an actuating member configured to move with the cover. The actuating member can be configured to pull the valve to an open position. The actuating member can be biased such that upon breakaway disconnection from the second connector, the actuating member is configured to push the valve to a closed position. The medical connector can include a hub dividing an interior of the connector into a first portion and a second portion, the hub can include one or more openings. The actuating member can include a body portion on a first side of the hub and one or more posts extending through the openings in the hub. The fluid path can extend through the actuating member. The valve can include a shaft made of a resilient material. Pressing an end of the shaft can cause the shaft to bend such that the end of the shaft is recessed into the protrusion to open the valve.

[0011] Various aspects of the disclosure may relate to a method of using a breakaway medical connector. The method may include accessing a first medical connector, the first medical connector including a main body with a fluid pathway and a breakaway member attached to the main body, and coupling a second medical connector to the breakaway member. Coupling the second medical connector to the breakaway member may establish fluid communication between the second medical connector and the fluid pathway of the main body. The method may include detaching the breakaway member and the second medical connector from the main body of the first medical connector by pulling the second connector away from the first connector. The breakaway member may remain coupled to the second medical connector after detachment. In some implementations, the method can include reattaching the breakaway member to the main body portion of the first medical connector, such as without the need for the use of a tool, by, for example, pushing the breakaway member into the main body portion of the first medical connector to reestablish fluid communication between the second medical connector and the fluid pathway of the main body portion of the first medical connector.

[0012] The method may include swabbing the main body of the first medical connector with a disinfectant prior to the reattaching step. The main body of the first connector may include a protrusion, a valve inside the protrusion, and a face seal outside the protrusion. An end of the protrusion, an end of the valve, and an end of the face seal may be substantially flush after the detaching step. The main body of the first medical connector may include an outer wall that creates a cavity. The protrusion, the valve, and the face seal may be recessed into the cavity. The cavity may have an opening that is at least about 6 mm wide to facilitate swabbing. The method may include moving an actuating member within the first medical connector by a housing of the second medical connector when the second medical connector is attached to the first medical connector, the actuating member may pull the valve to an open position to open the fluid path. The actuation member can be biased such that the actuation member closes the valve upon removal of the second medical connector from the main body of the first medical connector. Coupling the second medical connector to the breakaway member can include rotating the second medical connector relative to the breakaway member such that threads on the second medical connector engage threads on the breakaway member. The connector can include any combination of the various connector features disclosed herein.

[0013] Various aspects of the disclosure may relate to a breakaway connector system that may include a first connector having a first housing, the first housing having a first opening (e.g., at a first end), a second opening (e.g., at a second end), and a fluid pathway between the first and second openings. The first connector may include a first engagement structure. The second connector may include a second housing having a first opening (e.g., at a first end), a second opening (e.g., at a second end), and a fluid pathway between the first and second openings. An adapter or breakaway member may be coupled to the second housing (e.g., by a threaded or non-threaded interface). The adapter may include a second engagement structure, the second engagement structure may be configured to engage the first engagement structure to couple the second connector to the first connector. The first and second engagement structures can be configured to decouple the second connector from the first connector, such as when a force (e.g., greater than a decoupling threshold force) pulls the first and second connectors apart.

[0014] The adapter can be configured to remain coupled to the second connector after decoupling. The adapter can be configured to be coupled to the first connector before the first connector and the second connector are connected. The first valve can be configured to automatically close the fluid path of the first connector upon decoupling of the first connector from the second connector.

[0015] The first connector can have a first valve, the first valve can have a closed configuration that closes the fluid path and an open configuration that opens the fluid path. The first valve can be configured to automatically close the fluid path of the first connector upon decoupling of the first connector from the second connector. The second connector can have a second valve, the second valve can have a closed configuration that closes the fluid path and an open configuration that opens the fluid path. The second valve can be configured to automatically close the fluid path of the second connector upon decoupling of the first connector from the second connector.

[0016] The first and second engagement features can be configured to decouple the second connector from the first connector without rotation of the first connector relative to the second connector. The decoupling threshold force can be between about 0.5 pounds and about 15 pounds, between about 2 pounds and about 8 pounds, or various other values ​​or ranges as disclosed. The second connector can include exposed threads that can be inserted into the first housing of the first connector without engaging the first connector. The second connector can include a "twist-to-connect" engagement structure and the adapter can be configured to convert the second connector to a "push-to-connect" engagement. In some embodiments, the adapter can have threads for engaging the threads of the second connector. The second connector can include a standard female Luer taper, and the first connector can be configured to form a seal with the second connector without using (e.g., without sealing against) a standard female Luer taper. The second connector housing can seal against a face seal of the first connector, and it can be disposed outside the protrusion. The protrusion can include an opening to the fluid pathway, and a valve inside the protrusion can selectively open and close (e.g., at the opening) the fluid pathway.

[0017] In some implementations, the adapter can include a body portion that can circumferentially surround a second housing of the second connector. The body portion can abut a first outer surface of the second housing to prevent the adapter from moving in a first direction relative to the second housing. The adapter can include one or more arms extending from the body portion, the one or more arms can abut a second surface on the second housing to prevent the adapter from moving in a second direction relative to the second housing. The adapter can include a first tapered surface that decreases in width along the first direction and a second tapered surface that decreases in width along the second direction. The one or more arms can be configured to bend outward. The first tapered surface and the second tapered surface can be on the body portion. The first tapered surface and the second tapered surface can be on the one or more arms. The first engagement structure of the first connector can include one or more protrusions that abut the first tapered surface of the adapter, such as to couple the first connector to the second connector. The one or more protrusions can be configured to flex outwardly when a threshold disconnect force is applied to allow the first tapered surface of the adapter to move past the one or more protrusions. The first connector can include a shroud positioned outwardly of the first housing. In some implementations, the shroud can be movable relative to the first housing between an advanced position and a retracted position. In some embodiments, the shroud can be stationary relative to the first housing. The shroud can include the first engagement structure. The shroud can be an outer wall or an outer housing portion. The biasing structure can be configured to bias the shroud to the advanced position. The connector can include a locking mechanism, and the locking mechanism can be configured to lock the shroud in the advanced position when the locking mechanism is engaged.The locking mechanism may be configured to allow movement of the shroud to a retracted position when disengaged.

[0018] Various aspects of the disclosure may relate to a medical connector, which may include a housing having a first opening (e.g., at a first end), a second opening (e.g., at a second end), and a fluid pathway between the first and second openings. The connector may include a valve having a closing configuration that closes the fluid pathway and an opening configuration that opens the fluid pathway. The connector may include a shroud, which in some implementations may be movable relative to the housing between an advanced position and a retracted position, and in some cases the shroud may be stationary relative to the housing or may be a portion of the housing (e.g., an outer wall portion). The shroud may have an engagement structure configured to provide a breakaway connection to another connector. For example, the engagement structure may be configured to disengage from the other connector in response to a force that pulls the other connector away from the medical connector.

[0019] The medical connector can include a biasing structure, which can be configured to bias the shroud to the advanced position. The connector can include a locking mechanism, which can be configured to lock the shroud in the advanced position when the locking mechanism is engaged. The locking mechanism can be configured to allow movement of the shroud to the retracted position when disengaged. The housing can be recessed into the shroud by at least about 5 mm (e.g., for a movable shroud implementation, when the shroud is in the advanced position). The distal end of the shroud can be at least sufficiently recessed to be flush with the distal end of the housing when the shroud is in the retracted position (e.g., for a movable shroud implementation). The housing can be recessed into the shroud (e.g., by less than about 5 mm) when the shroud is in the retracted position. In some cases, the shroud can have an opening wide enough (e.g., at least about 6 mm, about 8 mm, about 10 mm, or other value or range discussed herein) to allow for, for example, swabbing of the inside of the connector (e.g., of a protrusion, valve, and / or face seal) without, for example, movement of the shroud.

[0020] The shroud can include a sidewall portion and a ring portion coupled to the sidewall portion by a neck portion. The ring portion can include a first protrusion extending inwardly from a first location on the ring portion and a second protrusion extending inwardly from a second location on the ring portion substantially opposite the first location. A first gap can be disposed between the first location on the ring portion and the sidewall portion. A second gap can be disposed between the second location on the ring portion and the sidewall portion. In some implementations, the shroud or outer wall can have no lateral openings. In some implementations, the shroud or outer wall can have no openings other than an opening (e.g., a distal opening) that receives the second connector and / or breakaway member or adapter. The shroud or outer wall can be configured to flex or deform to enable breakaway decoupling without a slit in the shroud or other wall.

[0021] The first and second protrusions can include angled distal surfaces such that compressing the distal surfaces longitudinally can cause the first and second protrusions to be displaced laterally outward. The connector can include a hollow protrusion defining an internal cavity that forms a portion of the fluid path. The valve can include a shaft disposed inside the protrusion. The shaft can be made of a resilient material, an end of the shaft being substantially flush with an end of the protrusion when the valve is in a closed configuration, and compressing the end of the shaft causes the shaft to bend such that the end of the shaft is recessed into the protrusion to open the valve. The valve can include a flange extending laterally from the shaft, the flange can include one or more openings, which in some cases can form a portion of the fluid path. In some implementations, the flange can abut a portion of the housing when the valve is in a closed configuration to prevent fluid from flowing through the opening in the flange. The flange can be spaced away from a portion of the housing when the valve is in an open configuration to allow fluid to flow through an opening in the flange. In some cases, the fluid path through the flange can be open whether or not the valve is open and / or whether or not the second connector is attached to the first connector.

[0022] The housing may include an outer wall, with a cavity formed between the protrusion and the outer wall. The connector may include a cover disposed in the cavity between the protrusion and the outer wall, where the cover may have a first configuration with the cover disposed substantially flush with an end of the protrusion and / or an end of the outer wall. The cover may have a second configuration with the cover recessed into the cavity. The connector may include a biasing structure configured to bias the cover toward the first configuration.

[0023] Various aspects of the disclosure may relate to a medical connector, which may include a housing, a first opening, a second opening, and a fluid pathway between the first opening and the second opening. The connector may have a hollow protrusion defining an internal cavity forming a portion of the fluid pathway. A valve including a shaft may be disposed inside the protrusion. The shaft may have a closed position with an end of the shaft substantially flush with an end of the protrusion, e.g., to close the fluid pathway, and an open position with the end of the shaft recessed inside the protrusion to open the fluid pathway. The connector may have a cover outside the protrusion. The cover may have a first configuration with the cover disposed substantially flush with an end of the shaft and an end of the protrusion. The cover may have a second configuration with the cover retracted along the protrusion.

[0024] In some implementations, the housing can have an outer wall. The protrusion can be disposed inwardly of the outer wall to form a cavity between the protrusion and the outer wall. The cover can be disposed in the cavity between the protrusion and the outer wall. In some implementations, the cover can be flush with an end of the outer wall in a first configuration. The cover can be recessed into the cavity in a second configuration.

[0025] The shaft can be made of a resilient material. Pressing the end of the shaft can cause the shaft to bend such that the end of the shaft is recessed into the protrusion to open the valve. The valve can include a flange extending laterally from the shaft. The flange can include one or more openings. In some implementations, the flange can abut a portion of the housing when the shaft is in a closed configuration to prevent fluid from flowing through the openings in the flange. The flange can be spaced away from a portion of the housing when the shaft is in an open configuration to allow fluid to flow through the openings in the flange.

[0026] The connector can include a biasing structure configured to bias the cover toward a first configuration. The connector can include an engagement structure configured to provide a breakaway connection to another connector and configured to disengage from the other connector in response to a force pulling the other connector away from the connector. The connector can include a shroud, which in some implementations can be movable between a first position and a second position. The end of the shaft, the end of the protrusion, the end of the outer wall, and / or the cover (or any combination thereof) can be recessed inwardly of the shroud by a first distance (e.g., for a movable shroud implementation, when the shroud is in the first position). The end of the shaft, the end of the protrusion, the end of the outer wall, and / or the cover (or any combination thereof) can be recessed inwardly of the shroud by a second distance less than the first distance (e.g., for a movable shroud implementation, when the shroud is in the second position). The end of the shaft, the end of the protrusion, the end of the outer wall, and / or the cover (or any combination thereof) may be positioned flush with the end of the shroud (e.g., for a movable shroud implementation, when the shroud is retracted in the second position) or may extend beyond the end of the shroud.

[0027] Various aspects of the disclosure can relate to a medical connector that can include a housing, the housing can have a first opening, a second opening, and a fluid pathway between the first opening and the second opening. An adapter can be configured to couple to the housing. The adapter can include an engagement structure, the engagement structure can be configured to engage an engagement structure of another connector to couple the connector to the other connector and to provide a breakaway connection to the other connector.

[0028] In some cases, the engagement structure can be configured to release from the other connector in response to a force pulling the other connector away from the medical connector. In some cases, the adapter can be configured to release from the medical connector in response to a force pulling the other connector away from the medical connector and to remain attached to the other connector. In some cases, the valve can have a closed configuration that closes the fluid path and an open configuration that opens the fluid path. The adapter can be spaced apart from the first end of the housing and spaced apart from the second end of the housing in some implementations. The engagement structure can be configured to decouple the other connector from the medical connector without rotation of the other connector relative to the medical connector. The connector can include a female luer lock fitting with external threads configured to couple to a male luer lock fitting. The adapter can provide an alternative engagement mechanism to bypass the external threads to couple to the other connector. The adapter can include a body portion circumferentially surrounding at least a portion of the housing of the connector. The body portion, in some cases, can abut a first outer surface of the second housing to prevent the adapter from moving in a first direction relative to the second housing. The one or more arms can extend from the body portion. The one or more arms can abut a second surface on the second housing to prevent the adapter from moving in a second direction relative to the second housing. The adapter can have a first tapered surface that decreases in width along the first direction and a second tapered surface that decreases in width along the second direction. The one or more arms can be configured to bend outward. The first tapered surface and the second tapered surface can be on the body portion. The first tapered surface and the second tapered surface can be on the one or more arms.

[0029] Various aspects of the disclosure may relate to an adapter for use with a medical connector. The adapter may include a body portion, which may be configured to circumferentially surround at least a portion of a housing of the connector. One or more arms may extend longitudinally from the body portion. The one or more arms may be configured to bend laterally outward. The adapter may include a first tapered surface that decreases in width along a first direction and a second tapered surface that decreases in width along a second direction opposite the first direction. The first tapered surface and the second tapered surface may be on the body portion. The first tapered surface and the second tapered surface may be on the one or more arms.

[0030] Various aspects of the present disclosure can relate to a medical connector, which can include at least one engagement structure configured to provide a breakaway connection to another connector. The breakaway connection can be configured to release the connector from the other connector in response to a force pulling the other connector away from the connector. The medical connector can include any combination of the various aspects and features disclosed herein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a first connector. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the exemplary first connector of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 illustrates the cover in an activated configuration and the valve in an open configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a valve shown from top to bottom in a distal to proximal direction. [Diagram 5]14A-14D illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a valve, also shown from top to bottom in a distal to proximal direction. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of a connector with a valve in a closed configuration. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of a connector with a valve in an open configuration. [Figure 8] 13A illustrates a cross-section of another exemplary embodiment of a connector with the valve in a closed configuration. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of a connector with a valve in an open configuration. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a first connector. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the exemplary first connector of FIG. [Figure 12] 1A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a first connector including a biasing mechanism configured to bias a shroud toward an advanced or distal position. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a first connector. [Figure 14A] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a connector with the shroud in a locked, forward, or distal position. [Figure 14B] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a connector with a shroud in an unlocked, retracted, or proximal position. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector. [Figure 16A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary connector. [Figure 16B] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment with a threaded engagement between the shroud and the housing. [Figure 18] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a shroud; [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a shroud; [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a shroud. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a shroud. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an adapter, the adapter being capable of being configured for use with a second connector. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the second connector without the adapter coupled thereto. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a second connector with an adapter coupled thereto. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the second connector with the adapter connected thereto. [Figure 26] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first connector coupled to a second connector (eg, using an adapter). [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an adapter. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a second connector, the second connector being capable of being coupled to the first connector using an adapter. [Figure 29] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the connector with the adapter connected thereto. [Diagram 30] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first connector coupled to a second connector using an adapter. [Diagram 31] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an adapter. [Diagram 32] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary connector, which may be compatible with a threaded adapter. [Diagram 33] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a connector that can have a breakaway engagement feature incorporated into the housing of the connector. [Diagram 34]1A-1C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a first connector that may have a manual release mechanism. [Diagram 35] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the first connector. [Diagram 36] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the first connector. [Figure 37] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the first connector. [Figure 38] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the first connector. [Figure 39] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the first connector. [Diagram 40] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an IV delivery system that can be used for fluid communication with a patient. [Diagram 41] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment with a first connector and a second connector. [Diagram 42] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the first connector. [Diagram 43] FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the exemplary first connector of FIG. 42. [Diagram 44] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an exemplary first connector. [Diagram 45] FIG. 2 is another exploded view of the exemplary first connector. [Figure 46] FIG. 2 shows a first housing part. [Figure 47] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first housing portion. [Figure 48] FIG. 13 is a view of the third housing portion from the distal end. [Figure 49] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a third housing portion. [Figure 50] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a breakaway member. [Figure 51] FIG. [Figure 52]FIG. 13 illustrates a second connector coupled to the breakaway members, which are shown disconnected from the remainder of the first connector. [Figure 53] FIG. [Figure 54] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an activator member. [Figure 55] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the first connector with the breakaway member in an engaged state and the second connector in an unconnected state. [Figure 56] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first connector and a second connector coupled together. [Figure 57] FIG. 13 shows the second connector detached from the main first connector but still connected to its breakaway member portion. [Figure 58] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first connector with a breakaway member in an engaged state and a second, separate connector in an unconnected state. [Figure 59] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first connector and another second connector coupled together. [Figure 60] FIG. 13 shows another second connector detached from the main first connector but still connected to its breakaway member portion. [Figure 61] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the first connector. [Figure 62] FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the exemplary first connector of FIG. 61. [Figure 63] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an exemplary first connector. [Figure 64] FIG. 2 is another exploded view of the exemplary first connector. [Figure 65] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a first housing portion. [Figure 66] FIG. [Figure 67] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an activator member. [Figure 68] FIG. [Figure 69] FIG. [Figure 70] FIG. [Figure 71] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the first connector with the breakaway member in an engaged state and the second connector in an unconnected state. [Figure 72] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first connector and a second connector coupled together. [Figure 73] FIG. 13 shows the second connector detached from the main first connector but still connected to its breakaway member portion. [Figure 74] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a housing portion and a breakaway member. [Figure 75] FIG. 13 shows the distal side of the housing portion. [Figure 76] FIG. 13 shows the distal side of the breakaway member. [Figure 77] FIG. 13 is another exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of the housing portion and the breakaway member. [Figure 78] 13 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a breakaway member and housing. [Figure 79] FIG. 13 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a breakaway member. [Figure 80] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a housing portion and a breakaway member. [Figure 81] 13 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a housing portion and a breakaway member. [Figure 82] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of another exemplary embodiment of a connector. [Figure 83] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a connector with a second connector position partially inserted into the housing. FIG. [Figure 84]FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a starting member. [Figure 85] 1A-1C show examples of actuation members with overmolded seals. [Figure 86] FIG. 1 shows an example of a valve with a washer. [Figure 87] FIG. 13 shows another example of a valve with a washer. [Figure 88] FIG. 13 shows an example of a valve with a thickened region for interacting with an actuation member. [Figure 89] FIG. 13 is a partial view of a connector having an O-ring and a face seal for sealing an actuation member. [Figure 90] FIG. 13 is a partial view of a connector having two O-rings for sealing the actuation member. [Figure 91] 1 is another example of a connector having two O-rings for sealing the actuation member. [Figure 92] 1A-1D illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a valve in an as-molded or undeformed state. [Figure 93] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a valve in an assembled state. [Figure 94] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a distal end of an exemplary embodiment of a breakaway member. [Figure 95] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a proximal end of an exemplary embodiment of a breakaway member. [Figure 96] FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a breakaway member; [Figure 97] 1 illustrates an exemplary breakaway member engaged with a remaining portion of a corresponding first connector. [Figure 98] FIG. 97 illustrates a second connector coupled to a first connector using the breakaway member of FIGS. 94-96. [Figure 99] 1 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a medical connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Various features and advantages of the systems, devices, and methods of the technology described herein will become more fully apparent from the following description of examples illustrated in the figures. These examples are intended to illustrate the principles of the disclosure, and the disclosure should not be limited to merely the illustrated examples. Features of the illustrated examples can be modified, combined, removed, and / or substituted as will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the principles disclosed herein.

[0033] Various embodiments disclosed herein may relate to a breakaway fluid connector, which may be a medical connector configured to transport medical fluids, such as blood or other bodily fluids, medications, saline, parenteral nutrition, and the like.

[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a first connector 100. FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the exemplary first connector 100 of FIG. 1. The first connector 100 can have a housing 102. The housing 102 can include a first (e.g., distal) housing portion 104 and a second (e.g., proximal) housing portion 106, which can be coupled together, such as by, for example, sonic welding, threaded engagement, snap-fit ​​engagement, friction engagement, or any other suitable coupling mechanism. The housing 102 (e.g., first housing portion 104) can have a first (e.g., distal) opening 108. The housing 102 (e.g., second housing portion 106) can have a second (e.g., proximal) opening 110. A fluid pathway 112 can connect the first opening 108 to the second opening 110. A first portion 112a of the fluid path can extend through the first housing portion 104, and a second portion 112b of the fluid path can extend through the second housing portion 106. The connector 100 can include a valve 114, which can have a closed configuration that closes the fluid path 112 and an open configuration that opens the fluid path 112, as discussed herein.

[0035] The connector 100 (e.g., the housing 102 (e.g., the first housing portion 104) etc.) can have a protrusion 116 that can extend distally from a base portion 118 of the housing 102. The protrusion 116 can be hollow, and an interior of the protrusion 116 can form a portion 112a of the fluid path through the connector 100. An end of the protrusion 116 can have a first opening 108. The protrusion 116 can have a generally cylindrical shape. The protrusion 116 can have a sidewall. The thickness of the sidewall can, for example, increase toward the distal end of the protrusion 116 such that an interior diameter of the protrusion 116 can decrease at the distal end. The internal protrusion 116 can be inwardly tapered or sloped at the distal end. The distal end of the prong 116 can be configured to guide the valve 114 into a closed configuration in some embodiments. The prong 116 can have a proximal portion that can have a substantially uniform inner diameter that can be larger than the inner diameter along the distal end. The prong 116 can have a substantially uniform outer diameter. The outer surface of the prong can be configured such that it does not provide a luer connection (e.g., with a standard female luer device). In other configurations, the prong can be a male luer fitting that can be configured to couple to a female luer of another connector. For example, the outer surface of the prong 116 can be tapered, e.g., with a standard luer taper.

[0036] The housing 102 (e.g., the first housing portion 104) can have an outer wall 120, which can extend distally from a base portion 118. A distal end of the outer wall 120 and a distal end of the protrusion 116 can be substantially aligned along the same plane. The outer wall 120 and the protrusion 116 can extend distally from the base portion 118 by substantially the same distance. The outer wall 120 can be spaced radially outward from the protrusion 116 to form a cavity 122 therebetween. The base portion 118 can extend between the outer wall 120 and the protrusion 116, e.g., such that the cavity 122 is closed at its proximal end. The cavity 122 can be open at its distal end. Connector 100, in some cases, can be configured to receive a portion of another connector 200 into cavity 122, such that protrusions 116 are inserted into the portion of the other connector 200. Protrusions 116 can be male protrusions for male / female connector engagement.

[0037] A cover 124 can be disposed inside the cavity 122 between the protrusion 116 and the outer wall 120. The cover 124 can be configured to cover the exterior of the protrusion 116 when in its default configuration. The cover 124 can be movable between a default configuration and an actuated configuration. When a portion of another connector 200 is inserted into the cavity 122, the portion of the other connector 200 can compress or displace the cover 124 proximally, such as to transition the cover 124 from its default configuration to its actuated configuration. The cover 124 can be biased to return to its default configuration when the other connector 200 is removed or detached from the connector 100.

[0038] Figures 1 and 2 show the cover 124 in a default configuration and the valve 114 in a closed configuration. Figure 3 shows the cover 124 in an actuated configuration and the valve 114 in an open configuration. Another connector 200 can move the valve 114 to the open configuration and / or move the cover 124 to the actuated position when the other connector 200 is coupled to the connector 100. The other connector 200 is not shown in Figure 3 for simplicity.

[0039] The cover 124 can include a distal portion, which can extend from the protrusion 116 to the outer wall 120. The distal portion of the cover 124 can be a wiper 126, which can be configured to wipe the exterior of the protrusion 116 and / or the interior of the outer wall 120 as the wiper 126 moves between an actuated configuration and a default configuration. The cover 124 can have a biasing structure 128. The biasing structure 128 can be an elastic sleeve that at least partially surrounds the protrusion 116. The elastic sleeve 128 can buckle, bend, compress, or otherwise deform when the wiper 124 is displaced proximally. The elastic sleeve 128 can resiliently return to its undeformed shape to return the wiper 124 to its default position. As the wiper 124 moves distally, the wiper 124 can wipe fluid from the exterior of the protrusion 116 and / or the interior of the outer wall 120, which can prevent microbial growth or other contaminants within the connector 100. When in the default position, the cover 124 can prevent contamination of the interior of the connector 100 (e.g., the cavity 122, the exterior of the protrusion 116, and / or the inside of the outer wall 120). A variety of biasing structures can be used, such as a coil spring, a compression spring, another type of spring, a resiliently compressible O-ring, and the like. The cover 124 can have a base portion 130, which can extend between the protrusion 116 and the outer wall 120. The base portion 130 of the cover can be disposed at a proximal end of the cavity 122 or can be disposed next to the base portion 118 of the first housing portion 104. The cover 124 can be coupled to the housing 102, such as to prevent the cover 124 from being pulled out of the cavity 122. A base portion 130 of the cover 124 can be compressed between the outer wall 120 and the protrusion 116, such as to form a friction fit.The cover 124 can be made from silicone or any other suitable elastomeric or resilient material. The cover 124 (e.g., the base portion 130) can be coupled to the housing 102 by an adhesive or in any other suitable manner. In some embodiments, the cover 124 can be omitted.

[0040] FIGURE 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of valve 114, shown from top to bottom from distal to proximal. FIGURE 5 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of valve 114, also shown from top to bottom from distal to proximal. FIGURE 6 illustrates a cross section of an exemplary embodiment of connector 100 with valve 114 in a closed configuration. FIGURE 7 illustrates a cross section of an exemplary embodiment of connector 100 with valve 114 in an open configuration. In FIGURES 6 and 7, the shroud and cover 124 have been omitted from the figures.

[0041] The valve 114 can have a shaft 132 and a flange 134, where the shaft 132 can extend axially and the flange 134 can extend laterally from a proximal end of the shaft 132. The valve 114 (e.g., the flange 134) can be coupled to the housing 102. The flange 134 can have a coupling portion 136, where the coupling portion 136 can be a radially outer portion of the flange 134 (e.g., outside the dashed line in FIG. 4). The coupling portion 136 of the flange 134 can be pressed between the first housing portion 104 and the second housing portion 106. The first housing portion 104 can have a wall portion 138 (e.g., a proximal wall portion) extending proximally from the base portion 118. The wall 138 can be coupled (e.g., by sonic welding, adhesive, or any other suitable coupling) with a corresponding wall 140 (e.g., a distal wall portion) of the second housing portion 106. The wall 140 on the second housing portion 106 can have a greater thickness than the wall 138 on the first housing portion 104. A gap can be formed between a proximal side of the base portion 118 and a portion of the wall 140 that extends further inward than the wall 138. The height of the gap can be defined by a longitudinal height of the wall 138. The height of the gap can be less than a thickness of the flange 134 in an uncompressed state. The coupling portion 136 of the flange 134 can be compressed between the base portion 118 and the wall 140, such as to secure the valve 114 to the housing 102.

[0042] The flange 134 can have one or more openings 142 that can allow fluid to pass through the flange 134. Although FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment with eight openings 142, any suitable number of openings can be used (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20 openings, or any value or range therebetween). In some embodiments, the one or more openings 142 can be positioned on the flange 134 such that when the flange is in a closed configuration (e.g., has a default or undeformed shape and / or position), as shown in FIG. 6, the base portion 118 covers the one or more openings 142, which can prevent fluid from flowing through the openings 142 in the flange 134. FIG. 7 illustrates an open configuration of the valve 114, in which the flange 134 can be displaced (e.g., bent or elastically deformed) such that one or more openings 142 are spaced apart from the base portion 118, which can allow fluid to flow through the openings 142 in the flange 134. Various configurations for the openings 142 are possible. The openings 142 can be circular or generally wedge-shaped in shape. With reference to FIG. 5, for example, the flange 134 can include openings 142 that extend from the coupling portion 136 to the shaft 132. In some cases, one or more spokes 144 can separate the openings 142. The one or more openings 142 can cover about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90% or more of the area of ​​the flange 134 between the connecting portion 136 and the shaft 132, or any value or range between any of these values ​​(e.g., between about 20% and 70%), although other configurations are possible.In some embodiments, at least some portions of the openings 142 are uncovered when the flange 134 contacts the base portion 118. For example, a portion of one or more openings can extend inwardly beyond the base portion 118.

[0043] The shaft 132 can extend distally from the flange 134, such as along a longitudinal axis of the connector 100. The shaft 132 can be positioned inside the protrusion 116, such as inside the first portion 112a of the fluid path. The shaft 132 can have a diameter or thickness that is smaller than the diameter or width of the first portion 112a of the fluid path or the inner hollow of the protrusion 116. The distal end of the first portion 112a of the fluid path can be narrowed to accommodate the distal tip of the shaft 132 such that the shaft 132 can close or seal the fluid path 112 (e.g., at the distal opening 108) when in a closed (e.g., default or undeformed) configuration. The narrowed distal end of the first portion 112a of the fluid path can have the same diameter or width as the diameter or thickness of the distal tip of the shaft 132.

[0044] The shaft 132 (e.g., at least its distal tip) can be displaced proximally when another connector 200 is coupled to the connector 100, which can open the distal opening 108. As shown in FIG. 7, the other connector 200 can include a protrusion 214 (e.g., an inner cannula) that can be inserted into the opening 108 at the distal end of the protrusion 116 when the connector 200 is coupled to the connector 100. The protrusion 214 can push the distal end of the shaft 132 proximally and open the opening 108, such as to allow fluid to flow to or from the first connector 100. The shaft 132 can be flexible or elastic such that it can buckle, bend, compress, or otherwise deform such that the distal end of the shaft 132 can disengage from the opening 108. The shaft 132 can be elastic and can return to a closed position (e.g., a default or undeformed position) when the other connector 200 is removed. The valve 114 can be made of silicone or any other suitable elastomeric or resilient material. The first portion 112a of the fluid path in the protrusion 116 having a larger diameter or width than the shaft 132 can allow the shaft to bend or buckle. In some embodiments, the shaft 132 can have sufficient rigidity to push a portion of the flange 134 proximally when the connectors 100, 200 are coupled. For example, a portion of the flange 134 at or near the junction with the shaft 132 (e.g., a central portion) can be pushed proximally by the shaft 132 when the protrusion 214 presses against the shaft 132. The flange 134 can be moved to disengage the flange 134 from the base portion 118 to open an opening 142 through the flange 134.

[0045] In some embodiments, the shaft 132 can deform without moving the flange 134, and the opening 142 can be exposed (e.g., extending inwardly beyond the base portion 118 of the housing) to allow fluid to flow through the connector 100. In some embodiments, the flange 134 can be omitted from the valve 114. The valve 114 can have two sealing stages, one formed by the shaft sealing the opening 108 and the other formed by the opening sealing against the housing (e.g., the base portion 118). In some embodiments, the connector 100 can include a valve with only one of the sealing stages. In some embodiments, the shaft 132 can be rigid so that it does not bend or deform when it is opened. The rigid shaft 132 can be pushed proximally enough to disengage the shaft from the opening 108 to open the fluid pathway 112. The rigid shaft 132 can push the flange 134 proximally, opening one or more openings 142. The shaft 132 and / or the distal opening 108 can have a circular cross-sectional shape, although other cross-sectional configurations can be used (e.g., square, rectangular, oval, hexagonal, or other polygonal). Many other suitable valve configurations can be used to open and close the connector 100.

[0046] The protrusion 214 can be tapered, with its diameter or width decreasing along the proximal direction. The outer surface of the protrusion 214 can abut against the opening 108 (e.g., against the inner narrowing of the protrusion 116), which can form a fluid seal between the connector 100 and the connector 200, although the fluid seal can be formed elsewhere and various other configurations are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the outer surface of the protrusion 116 can be tapered (e.g., with a standard male luer taper, 6%, or any other suitable configuration). The inner surface of the housing 202 can be tapered (e.g., with a standard female luer taper, 6%, or any other suitable configuration) to provide a sealing engagement with the protrusion 116. A portion of the housing 202 of the connector 200 can be inserted into the cavity 122 between the protrusion 116 and the outer wall 120. In some embodiments, the housing 202 can actuate (e.g., press or move) the cover 124, which is omitted from the view in FIG. 7. The protrusion 116 of the first connector 100 can be inserted into the housing 202 of the second connector 200. The protrusion 214 can include a fluid path 212 and one or more openings 216, which can allow fluid to flow to or from the fluid path 212. The protrusion 214 can be inserted such that the one or more openings 216 can be inside the protrusion 116 (e.g., can be in the fluid path 112 of the first connector 100). The second connector 200 can include a valve 218, which can have an open configuration (e.g., shown in FIG. 7) and a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the valve 218 may cover the opening 216 on the protrusion 214 such that fluid is prevented from flowing to or from the connector 200 .The protrusion 116 of the first connector 100 can push the valve 218 (e.g., at least its proximal end) distally when the connectors 100, 200 are coupled, such that the opening 216 is exposed to permit fluid flow. When the connectors 100, 200 are uncoupled, the valve 218 can resiliently return to its closed configuration. Many other suitable valve configurations can be used to open and close the connector 200.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 7, when the connectors 100, 200 are coupled, fluid can flow from the second connector 200 to the first connector 100 (e.g., to withdraw bodily fluids from the patient). Fluid can flow through the fluid path 212 of the second connector 200, through the opening 216, into the first portion 112a of the fluid path in the protrusion 116. Fluid can flow around the shaft 132, through the opening 142 in the flange 134, through the second portion 112b of the fluid path in the second housing portion 106, and out the opening 110. In some embodiments, a catheter, tubing, another connector, or other medical implement can be attached to the proximal end of the connector 100 (e.g., to receive fluid exiting the opening 100). Fluid can flow in the other direction as well (e.g., to inject medication or other fluids into the patient).

[0048] When the connectors 100, 200 are disconnected, the valve 114 can resiliently return to the closed configuration and prevent fluid from entering or exiting the first connector 100, which can prevent contaminants from entering the fluid, loss of fluid, unintentional exposure to the fluid, etc. The inner surface of the protrusion 116 can be tapered inwardly at the distal end, for example, to guide the tip of the shaft 132 as it moves distally to the closed configuration. When the connectors 100, 200 are disconnected, the valve 218 can resiliently return to the closed configuration and prevent fluid from entering or exiting the second connector 200, which can prevent contaminants from entering the fluid, loss of fluid, unintentional exposure to the fluid, etc.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first connector 100 may be interchangeable with another second connector 200 that does not include the protrusion 214. FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-section of another exemplary embodiment of the connector 100 with the valve 114 in a closed configuration. FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of the connector 100 with the valve 114 in an open configuration. In FIGS. 8 and 9, the shroud and cover 124 are omitted from the figures. The embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 can be similar to other embodiments disclosed herein, except as described. The valve 114 can include one or more posts 146, which can extend distally from the flange 134. The posts 146 can extend substantially parallel to the shaft 132 of the valve 114. The shaft 132 can extend distally further than the one or more posts 146. 8 and 9 show two posts 146, any suitable number of posts 146 can be used (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 posts or more, or any value or range between any of these values). The posts 146 can extend through holes in the base portion 118 of the housing 102 into the cavity 122. When the second connector 200 is coupled to the first connector 100, a portion of the housing 202 of the second connector 200 can be inserted into the cavity 122 such that the portion of the housing 202 pushes the post 146 proximally, which can push the flange 134 such that at least a portion of the flange 134 is displaced proximally. The proximal displacement of the flange 134 can open the opening 142 through the flange 134. Proximal displacement of flange 134 can pull shaft 132 proximally, which can cause shaft 132 to disengage from opening 108 and open connector 100. When second connector 200 is disconnected from first connector 100, valve 114 can return to its default or undeformed configuration.The flange 134 can be moved distally to its default position and the post or posts can be pushed distally to its starting position. In some embodiments, the shaft 132 can be rigid, although a resilient material can also be used.

[0050] When the connector 100 is in the closed configuration, the distal ends of the outer wall 120, the cover 124, the protrusion 116, the valve 114, or any combination thereof, are substantially flush with one another, which can, for example, facilitate swabbing of the closed connector surface before and / or after use (e.g., with alcohol or other disinfectant).

[0051] The connector 100 can include a connection fitting 148, such as at the proximal end or second portion 106 of the housing 102. The connection fitting 148 can be configured to connect to tubing, some other conduit, or other medical implement, which can be used to transport fluids (e.g., medical fluids). The tubing or other device can be coupled to the connection fitting 148 by a clamp, a friction fitting, adhesive, threading, or any other suitable coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, the connection fitting 148 can be configured to couple to an additional connector that is configured to engage with the connection fitting 148. For example, the connection fitting 148 can be a female Luer connection fitting that can be configured to engage a male Luer fitting on the additional connector. Although not shown, the connection fitting 148 can have threads (e.g., external threads) for coupling to another connector, such as for a Luer lock engagement. In some configurations, the connector 100 can be added to existing fluid lines and connectors to add a breakaway connection feature to a system.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first connector 100 can include a shroud 150. The shroud 150 can be configured to move (e.g., axially) relative to the housing 102, such as between an advanced (e.g., distal) position and a retracted (e.g., proximal) position. FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 show the connector 100 with the shroud 150 in the advanced position. FIGS. 10 and 11 show the connector 100 with the shroud 150 in the retracted position. In the advanced or distal position, the shroud 150 can surround a distal end of the housing 102 and can prevent contaminants from reaching the housing 102 (e.g., the valve 114, the protrusion 116, the cover 124, and / or the outer wall 120). For example, in some instances, when the connectors 100, 200 are disconnected (e.g., when the connectors 100, 200 are pulled apart by the movement of a patient and / or a fluid supply container, etc.), the first connector 100 (e.g., which may be coupled at the end of a fluid delivery tube) may fall onto the floor or other non-sterile surface. When the shroud 150 is in the advanced or distal position, the shroud may tend to contact the floor or other non-sterile surface, thereby insulating the distal portion of the housing 102 from contaminants. In some cases, the distal end of the shroud 150 may extend distally beyond the distal ends of the housing 102, the valve 114, the protrusion 116, the cover 124, and / or the outer wall 120 by about 5 mm, about 7 mm, about 10 mm, about 12 mm, about 15 mm, about 17 mm, about 20 mm, about 25 mm, about 30 mm, or any value therebetween, or a range between any of these values, although other configurations are possible.

[0053] When the shroud 150 is in the retracted or proximal position, the distal end of the housing 102 (e.g., the valve 114, the protrusions 116, the cover 124, and / or the outer wall 120) can be exposed for disinfection, such as by swabbing with alcohol or some other disinfectant. In some cases, after disconnection of the connectors 100, 200, the user can retract the shroud 150, disinfect the connector 100, and reconnect the connectors 100, 200. In some cases, the second connector 200 can be connected to a catheter and can remain connected to the catheter upon disconnection from the connector 100, which can prevent the connector 200 from falling onto a floor or other unsterile surface. However, the second connector 200 can be disinfected (e.g., by swabbing) before reconnection to the first connector 100.

[0054] In some implementations, the shroud 150 can be configured to be fully retracted proximal to the distal end of the housing 102. The distal ends of the housing 102, valve 114, protrusion 116, cover 124, and / or outer wall 120 can be disposed distal to or flush with the distal end of the shroud 150 when the shroud is in the retracted or proximal position. In some cases, the distal end of the shroud 150 can extend distally beyond the distal ends of the housing 102, valve 114, protrusion 116, cover 124, and / or outer wall 120 by a small amount (e.g., about 5 mm, about 4 mm, about 3 mm, about 2 mm, about 1 mm, or less, or any value or range therebetween) that still allows a user to perform swabbing or other disinfection actions.

[0055] The shroud 150 can have a generally cylindrical shape. The sidewall 152 can define a cavity that can accommodate at least a portion of the housing 102. The cavity can be open at a proximal side and / or open at a distal side. The interior of the cavity can be configured to be slidable relative to an exterior surface (e.g., exterior wall 120) of the housing 102. In some embodiments, the shroud 150 can include recesses (e.g., grooves) or protrusions that can engage corresponding protrusions or recesses (e.g., grooves) on the housing 102 to prevent rotation between the shroud 150 and the housing 102 while allowing axial movement between the shroud 150 and the housing 102. In some embodiments, the shroud 150 can be allowed to rotate relative to the housing 102 (e.g., about the longitudinal axis of the connector 100). The shroud 150 may include engagement structures configured to provide a breakaway connection to the second connector 200, as discussed herein.

[0056] In some embodiments, the shroud 150 can be biased toward an advanced or distal position (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1-3). FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the first connector 100 with a biasing mechanism 154 configured to bias the shroud 150 toward the advanced or distal position. The biasing mechanism 154 can be a coil spring, although any suitable biasing mechanism can be used, such as, for example, a resiliently compressible O-ring or other member, a compression spring, a tension spring, or another type of spring.

[0057] 12, the housing 102 can have a ledge 156 that extends laterally outward (e.g., beyond the outer wall 120). For example, the wall 140 at the distal end of the second housing portion 106 can extend laterally outward beyond the proximal end of the first housing portion 104. Various other configurations are also possible. For example, the ledge 156 can be formed as an external ridge of the outer wall 120 on the first housing portion 104. The inside of the shroud 150 can have a step 158 that can form a proximally facing surface. The spring 154 can be received between the step 158 and the ledge 156. When the force moves the shroud 150 proximally, the step 158 can move toward the ledge 156, which can compress the spring 154. When the force is removed, the spring 154 can push the shroud 150 distally relative to the housing 102 back to the advanced or distal position. The spring 154 can be contained within a cavity between the outer wall 120 of the housing 102 and the side wall 152 of the shroud 150. The shroud 150 can include at least one protrusion 160, which can extend laterally inward from the side wall 152. The protrusion 160 can be a ridge that can extend around an inner periphery of the side wall 152. In some embodiments, two, three, four, or any suitable number of protrusions 160 can be spaced around the circumference of the shroud 150. The protrusions 160 can have a distal side configured to abut a proximal side of the ledge 156, e.g., to limit movement of the shroud 150 relative to the housing 102 in a distal direction. The spring 154 can be held in a partially compressed state when the shroud 150 is in its distal-most position, with the protrusions 160 abutting the ledge 156.In some embodiments, a first end of spring 154 can be secured to shroud 150 (e.g., at step 158) and a second end of spring 154 can be secured to housing 102 (e.g., at ledge 156). Moving shroud 150 proximally relative to housing 102 can stretch spring 150. When shroud 150 is released, spring 154 can pull the shroud distally. In some embodiments, the spring can be replaced by a resilient or elastic member.

[0058] The shroud 150 can be biased forward by a resilient member. The shroud 150 can be pushed back temporarily to expose the male luer for sterilization, which can stretch or compress the resilient member. The resilient member can return the shroud 150 to its forward position when the shroud 150 is no longer pushed back.

[0059] The proximal side of the projection 160 can have a surface where a line perpendicular to the surface can extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The distal side of the projection can be angled or tapered, which can facilitate assembly of the shroud 150 and the housing 102. A line perpendicular to the proximal side of the projection can be angled relative to the longitudinal axis by about 30 degrees, about 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, or any value therebetween, or a range between any of these values ​​(e.g., between about 30 degrees and 60 degrees), although other configurations are possible. By way of example, the shroud 150 can be started to be removed from the housing 102, and the housing 102 can be inserted into the proximal side of the shroud 150 until the projection 160 contacts the ledge 156. Pressing the housing 102 distally and / or pressing the shroud 150 proximally can cause the protrusions 156 to deform or bend apart so that the protrusions 160 can move over the ledge 156. Once the protrusions 160 clear the ledge 156, the protrusions 160 can snap back inward. An angled or tapered surface on the proximal side of the protrusions 160 can, for example, facilitate a snap-fit ​​engagement.

[0060] In some embodiments, the shroud 150 may be lockable in an advanced or distal position. The shroud 150 can be locked forward until sterilization is to be performed. A user can unlock the shroud 150, move the shroud 150 to a retracted or proximal position, perform the sterilization procedure, move the shroud 150 back to the advanced or distal position, and relock the shroud 150 relative to the housing 102.

[0061] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the first connector 100. The connector 100 can have a detent or snap-engagement feature that can lock the shroud 150 in an advanced or distal position until a threshold amount of force is applied, which can disengage the detent or snap-engagement to allow the shroud 150 to move (e.g., proximally) relative to the housing 102, such as to facilitate disinfection as discussed herein. In FIG. 13, the housing 102 (e.g., the second housing portion 106) can have at least one recess 162, which can be a groove extending around the periphery of the connector 100, or multiple recesses 162 spaced apart around the periphery, or a single recess 162 can be used. The recess 162 can be formed on an outer surface of the housing 102 (e.g., on the wall 140). The shroud 150 may include at least one protrusion 164, which may be a ridge extending around the circumference of the shroud 150, or multiple protrusions 164 may be spaced around the circumference, or a single protrusion 164 may be used. The at least one protrusion 164 may be formed on an inner surface of the shroud 150. The at least one protrusion 164 may be configured to engage with the at least one recess 162, such as to form a snap-fit ​​engagement when the shroud 150 is in an advanced or distal position. The engagement of the at least one protrusion 164 and the at least one recess 162 may lock the shroud 150 against axial movement relative to the housing 102 until a force above a threshold is applied. The threshold force may be higher than the typical force that would be experienced by dropping the connector 100 on the ground (e.g., upon unintentional disconnection from another connector 200).For example, the threshold force for releasing the shroud 150 can be about 0.5 pounds, about 1 pound, about 2 pounds, about 3 pounds, about 4 pounds, about 5 pounds, about 6 pounds, about 7 pounds, about 8 pounds, about 10 pounds, about 12 pounds, about 15 pounds, or about 20 pounds of force, or any value therebetween, or any range between any pair of these values ​​(e.g., between about 2 pounds and about 8 pounds), although other configurations are possible. When a force above the threshold is applied, the at least one protrusion 164 can disengage from the at least one recess 162, allowing the shroud 150 to move (e.g., proximally) relative to the housing 102. A force (e.g., above the threshold) can be applied to reengage the at least one protrusion 164 with the at least one recess 162. The at least one recess 162 and the at least one protrusion 164 can be replaced. In some embodiments, the shroud 150 can have at least one recess 162 and the housing 102 can have at least one protrusion 164. The detent or snap-fit ​​engagement between the shroud 150 and the housing 102 can be formed in a variety of other suitable locations, such as, for example, on the exterior of the outer wall 120.

[0062] In some embodiments, the shroud 150 can be axially locked relative to the housing 102 by a taper lock. FIG. 14A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the connector 100 with the shroud 150 in a locked, forward, or distal position. FIG. 14B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the connector 100 with the shroud 150 in an unlocked, retracted, or proximal position. The exterior surface of the outer wall 120 of the housing 102 can be tapered. The outer diameter of the outer wall 120 can increase moving distally. The inner surface of the side wall 152 of the shroud 150 can have a corresponding tapered shape. The inner diameter of the side wall 152 can increase moving distally. When the tapered surfaces are engaged (e.g., with the shroud 150 in the forward position), a force greater than a threshold value is required to move the shroud 150 axially relative to the housing 102. The threshold force can be greater than that which would typically be experienced by dropping the connector 100 on the ground (e.g., upon unintentional disconnection). To unlock the shroud 150 from the housing 102, a user can rotate the shroud 150 relative to the housing 102, breaking the engagement between the tapered surfaces. Rotating the shroud 150 relative to the housing 102 can overcome the static friction of the engaged tapered surfaces. Once unlocked, the shroud 150 can be retracted (e.g., proximally), such as to facilitate disinfection. The shroud 150 can be returned to the locked configuration by moving the shroud 150 distally to reengage the taper lock between the tapered surfaces.

[0063] In some embodiments, the shroud 150 can have a stepped portion 166 that can abut a stepped portion 168 on the housing 102 to limit (e.g., distal) movement of the shroud 150 relative to the housing 102. The connector 100 can be configured such that the stepped portions 166, 168 can engage one another to prevent further distal movement of the shroud 150 relative to the housing 102 at substantially the same time or location that the tapered surfaces engage to prevent further distal movement of the shroud 150 relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the tapered surfaces can be omitted and the stepped portions 166, 168 can limit distal movement of the shroud 150 relative to the housing 102. In some embodiments, the stepped portions 166, 168 can be omitted, for example, as shown in FIG. 15. In some embodiments, the tapered surfaces may be omitted and the steps 166, 168 (or other protrusions or engagement structures on the shroud 150 and housing 102) may abut or otherwise engage to limit distal movement of the shroud 150 relative to the housing 102.

[0064] 16A and 16B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a connector 100 that can have a bayonet-style mechanism for controlling movement between a shroud 150 and a housing 102. The shroud 150 can include a J-shaped slot 170. The housing 102 can include a protrusion 172 that can be configured to fit into the slot 170. The slot 170 can have a first portion 170a that is longer than a second portion 170b, and an intermediate (e.g., curved) portion of the slot can connect the first portion 170a to the second portion 170b. As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, when the protrusion 172 is positioned at a first end of the slot 170 (e.g., at the end of the second portion 170b), the shroud 150 can be positioned in an advanced position, a distal position, or a locked position. In this position, pushing the shroud 150 proximally will not move the shroud 150 because the protrusion 172 will abut the end of the second portion 170b of the slot. To move the shroud to the retracted or proximal position, the shroud 150 is first moved distally and rotated so that the protrusion 172 transitions from the second portion 170b through the intermediate (e.g., curved) portion 170c to the first portion 170a. The first portion 170a of the slot may extend further distally than the second portion 170b of the slot such that the shroud 150 may be moved further proximally when the protrusion 172 is in the first portion 170a than when the protrusion 172 is in the second portion 170b of the slot. The protrusion may abut the distal end of the first slot portion 170a when the shroud is in the retracted or proximal position. A user can move the shroud 150 distally, rotate the shroud 150 (e.g., in a first direction), and then move the shroud 150 proximally to expose the distal end of the housing 102 for disinfection.The user can move the shroud 150 distally, rotate the shroud 150 (e.g., in a second direction opposite the first direction), and then move the shroud 150 proximally and move the shroud 150 back to the locked position or advanced position.

[0065] In some embodiments, the shroud 150 and the housing 102 can be threaded together. Rotating the shroud 150 relative to the housing 102 can move the shroud 150 axially relative to the housing 102, such as between an advanced or distal position and a retracted or proximal position. FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary embodiment with a threaded engagement between the shroud 150 and the housing 102. The inside of the shroud 150 can have threads 174. The exterior of the outer wall 120 can have threads 176 that are configured to engage with the threads 174 on the shroud 150. In FIG. 17, the shroud 150 is shown semi-transparent to facilitate illustration. When the shroud 150 is rotated relative to the housing 102 in a first direction as far as the threads 174 and / or 176 allow, the shroud 150 can be in an advanced or distal position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 17 ). When the shroud 150 is rotated relative to the housing 102 in a second direction as far as the threads 174 and / or 176 allow, the shroud 150 can be in a retracted or proximal position, which can facilitate a sterilization procedure, as discussed herein. In some embodiments, a detent can be used to lock the shroud 150 in the advanced or distal position unless a sufficient amount of force is applied to disengage the detent. The detent configuration can be similar to the embodiment of FIG. 13 , for example. In some embodiments, the detent engagement can provide tactile feedback that the shroud 150 is locked in the advanced or distal position, which can be configured to prevent contamination, as discussed herein. In some embodiments, a detent feature can be built into the threads.The threads can have narrow or wide sections that resist threaded engagement unless an increased turning force is applied, which can cause the narrow or wide sections of the threads to engage or disengage, which can provide tactile feedback of engagement in the locked position, which can resist unintentional movement of the shroud 150 away from the locked position.

[0066] In some embodiments, the outer wall 120 can have one or more protrusions 176 that engage threads on the shroud 150 and are not threaded on both sides. In some cases, the protrusions 176 can form partial threads. The threads 174 on the shroud 150 can be formed as grooves. Many variations are possible regarding the threaded engagement. The threads 174 on the shroud can be protrusions that engage recesses (e.g., recessed threads) on the housing 102.

[0067] The shroud 150 can include a breakaway engagement feature configured to couple the first connector 100 to the second connector 200 in a manner that allows the connectors 100, 200 to be decoupled when a sufficient force is applied to pull the connectors 100, 200 apart (e.g., longitudinally). FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the shroud 150. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the shroud 150. The shroud 150 can have a sidewall 152 that can define an interior cavity. The sidewall 152 can be generally cylindrical. The shroud 150 can have one or more protrusions 178 that can extend laterally inward. The one or more protrusions 178 can engage corresponding structures on the second connector 200 to couple the connectors 100, 200. When the connectors 100, 200 are pulled apart, the one or more protrusions 178 can be displaced (e.g., laterally outward) and disengage from corresponding structures on the second connector 200 to allow decoupling of the first connector 100 from the second connector 200. In some embodiments, the shroud 150 can include two protrusions 178, which can be disposed generally on opposite sides of the shroud 150. The two protrusions 178 can be between about 150 degrees and 210 degrees apart, or between about 170 degrees and about 190 degrees apart, or about 180 degrees apart, although various other values ​​or ranges therebetween can be used and other configurations are possible.

[0068] The protrusions 178 can be disposed on a ring 180, which can be configured to bend or deform to allow for displacement of one or more of the protrusions 178. The ring 180 can be coupled to the sidewall 152 by one or more neck portions 182. The shroud 150 can include two neck portions 182, which can be disposed generally opposite one another. The two neck portions 182 can be between about 150 degrees and 210 degrees apart, or about 170 degrees and about 190 degrees apart, or about 180 degrees apart, although various other values ​​or ranges therebetween can be used and other configurations are also possible. At least a portion of the ring 180 can be separated from the sidewall 152 by one or more gaps 184. The gap 184 may facilitate bending of the ring 180, such as by allowing the ring 180 to deform substantially independent of the sidewall 152. In some embodiments, the shroud 150 may have two gaps 184. Each protrusion 178 may have a separate gap 184. One or more gaps 184 may be disposed between one or more protrusions 178 and the sidewall 152 of the shroud 150. The gaps 184 may be separated by a neck portion 182. The gaps 184 may be generally L-shaped. A longitudinal portion of the gap 184 may extend adjacent the neck portion 182 (e.g., from the sidewall 152 to the ring 180) and a circumferential portion of the gap 184 may extend along the periphery of the shroud 150 and may extend under the corresponding protrusion 178.

[0069] The ring 180 can have a substantially circular shape by default (e.g., when not bent or deformed). When the protrusion 178 is pushed outward, the circular shape of the ring 180 can change to have an oblong (e.g., generally elliptical or oval) shape. When the ring is bent or deformed, the distance between the sides of the ring 180 next to the protrusion 178 can be greater than the distance between the sides of the ring 180 next to the neck portion 182. The neck portion 182 can be offset from the protrusion 178 by about 70 degrees to about 110 degrees, or by about 80 degrees to 100 degrees, or by about 90 degrees, or by any other value or range between these values, although other configurations are possible. The ring 180 can be thinner than the sidewall portion 152, for example, to facilitate deformation of the ring 180. The neck portion 182 can also be thinner than the sidewall portion 152. The sidewall portion 152 can be about 1.5 times, about 2 times, about 2.5 times, about 3 times, about 4 times, or about 5 times thicker than the ring 180 and / or neck portion 182, or more, or any value or range therebetween, although other configurations are possible.

[0070] The protrusion 178 can have a proximal side 186 and a distal side 188. The proximal side 186 can be flat (e.g., extending laterally). A line perpendicular to the proximal side or surface 186 can extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connector or at an angle of about 2 degrees, about 5 degrees, about 10 degrees, or any value or range therebetween, although other configurations are possible. The distal side or surface 188 can be angled inwardly by an angle of about 30 degrees, about 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, or any value therebetween, or a range between any of these values ​​(e.g., between about 30 degrees and 60 degrees), although other configurations are possible. When the second connector 200 is coupled to the first connector 100, a structure on the second connector 200 can press the distal surface 188 proximally, and the angled surface can encourage the protrusion 178 to displace outward as the structure slides along the distal surface 188. When the structure on the second connector 200 clears the protrusion 178, the protrusion 178 can move inward (e.g., to its unbent position), which can couple the connectors 100, 200. The proximal side or surface 186 can abut a portion of the second connector 200 and prevent the second connector 200 from moving proximally away from the connector 100 (e.g., unless a force sufficient to implement a breakaway disconnect feature is applied that can push the protrusion 178 outward to release the second connector 200 from the first connector 100).

[0071] 20 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the shroud 150. The shroud 150 can have one or more protrusions 178 on one or more arms 190 that can extend longitudinally from the sidewall 152 of the shroud 150. The arms 190 can be configured to bend such that the protrusions 178 can be displaced (e.g., laterally outward), such as during connection or disconnection to the second connector 200. The arms 190 can be thinner than the sidewall 152. The sidewall 152 can be about 1.5 times, about 2 times, about 2.5 times, about 3 times, about 4 times, or about 5 times, or more, thicker than the ring 180 and / or the arms 190, or any value or range therebetween, although other configurations are possible. The shroud can include four arms 190 and protrusions 178, which can be spaced about the shroud 150 (e.g., offset from each other by about 90 degrees), although any suitable number of arms 190 and protrusions 178 can be used (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, etc.). Because the protrusions 178 in the embodiment of FIG. 20 are not interconnected by a ring 180, the protrusions 178 can be independently displaced, which can allow for the use of more protrusions 178, which can more evenly distribute forces during connection and / or disconnection. The sidewall 152 can be formed with a sufficient longitudinal height into which the housing 102 can be recessed proximally to insulate the housing 102 from contaminants.

[0072] FIG. 21 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the shroud 150. The shroud 150 can have a sidewall 152 that extends distally to or beyond the protrusion 178. In some implementations, the sidewall 152 can have no openings or slots proximal to the protrusion. This configuration can provide improved resistance to contaminants entering the connector 100. The protrusion 178 can be disposed on a flexible member (e.g., an arm 190 as shown, or a ring 180). One or more cavities 192 can be formed laterally outwardly of the one or more protrusions 178 and / or the one or more flexible members 190. The cavities 192 can provide space for the protrusions 178 and / or the flexible members 190 to be displaced outwardly, such as during connection to or disconnection from the second connector 200. In some embodiments (such as that shown in FIG. 21 ), a single protrusion 178 can be used, although any suitable number can be used as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the protrusion 178 can be configured to deform to allow connection and / or disconnection to the second connector 200.

[0073] In some embodiments, the second connector 200 can include an adapter 250. FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an adapter 250 that can be configured for use with the second connector 200. The adapter 250 can be configured to add a breakaway connection feature to the connector. FIG. 23 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the second connector 200 with the adapter 250 uncoupled. FIG. 24 illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the second connector 200 with the adapter 250 coupled. FIG. 25 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the second connector 200 with the adapter 250 coupled. FIG. 26 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first connector 100 coupled to the second connector 200 (e.g., using the adapter 250).

[0074] The second connector 200 can be a Clave® connector manufactured by ICU Medical, Inc. of San Clemente, Calif. The connector 200 can include various features disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2000023363, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. A variety of other suitable connectors can be used with the second connector 200. The second connector 200 can be a needleless connector. The second connector 200 can have a female luer fitting, such as at its proximal end. The second connector 200 can have a male luer fitting, such as at its distal end. In some cases, the distal end of the second connector 200 can be connected to a catheter, another fluid line, or some other medical implement.

[0075] The second connector 200 may have a housing 202, which may include a first (e.g., proximal) housing portion 204 and a second (e.g., distal) housing portion 206, which may be coupled together, such as by, for example, sonic welding, threaded engagement, snap-fit ​​engagement, friction engagement, or any other suitable coupling mechanism. The housing 202 (e.g., first housing portion 204) may have a first (e.g., proximal) opening 208. The housing 202 (e.g., second housing portion 206) may have a second (e.g., distal) opening 210. A fluid pathway 212 may connect the first opening 208 to the second opening 210. The connector 200 (e.g., the second housing portion 206) can have a protrusion 214 that can extend distally from a base portion 220 of the housing 202. The protrusion 214 can be hollow, and an interior of the protrusion 214 can form a portion of a fluid path 212 through the connector 100. The protrusion 214 can have one or more openings 216 that can allow fluid to pass out of or into the fluid path portion inside the protrusion 214. The one or more openings 216 can be formed in a side of the protrusion 214. The tip or proximal end of the protrusion 214 can be solid and does not include an opening. The exterior of the protrusion 214 can be tapered, having a narrowing diameter or width moving proximally.

[0076] The connector 200 can include a valve 218, which can have a closed configuration that closes the fluid pathway 212 and an open configuration that opens the fluid pathway 212. The valve 218 can cover one or more openings 216 and / or fill the proximal opening 208 in the closed configuration. When the connectors 100, 200 are connected, the protrusion 116 of the connector 100 can push the valve 218 (e.g., its proximal end) distally (e.g., out of the opening 208) to open the valve 218. The valve 218 can be pushed over some or all of the one or more openings 216 in the open configuration. The closed configuration of the valve 218 is shown in FIG. 25. The open configuration of the valve 218 is shown in FIG. 26. When the connectors 100, 200 are disconnected (e.g., pulled apart), the valve 218 may return to a closed configuration, e.g., to prevent fluid from leaking out of the connector 200 and / or to prevent contaminants from entering the fluid path 212. The valve 218 may include a biasing structure 222, which may bias the valve 218 toward the closed configuration. The valve 218 and / or the biasing structure 222 may be made from silicone or any other suitable elastomeric or resilient material.

[0077] An exterior of the housing 202 (e.g., first housing portion 204) can have at least one protrusion 224 (e.g., a ridge that can extend partially or completely around the circumference of the connector 200). The exterior of the housing 202 (e.g., first housing portion 204) can be tapered and have an increasing diameter or width moving distally from the protrusion 224. In some implementations, the adapter 250 can be retained between the protrusion 224 (e.g., a circumferential ridge) and the tapered housing to couple the adapter 250 to the connector 200.

[0078] The adapter 250 may have a generally cylindrical shape. The adapter 250 may have a body portion 252. The body portion 252 may be annular with an opening through the center. One or more arms 254 may extend proximally from the body portion 252. The arms 254 may be separated by gaps 256 (e.g., slits). The arms 254 may be coupled to the body portion 252 at their distal ends. The arms 254 may include free proximal ends. In FIG. 22, the adapter 250 includes nine arms 254, although any suitable number of arms 254 may be used (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12, 15, or 20 arms 254, or any value or range of arms 254 therebetween, although other configurations are possible). The arms 254 can be configured to flex (eg, laterally outward), such as to allow the adapter 250 to be coupled to the connector 200 .

[0079] The proximal end of the connector 200 can be inserted into the distal end of the adapter 250. The opening through the body portion 250 can have a diameter or width greater than the diameter or width of the connector 200 at the protrusion 224, allowing the protrusion 224 to pass through the body portion 252 of the adapter 250. The arms 254 can be angled inward. The diameter or distance between the proximal ends of the opposing arms 254 can be less than the diameter of the width of the opening through the body portion 252 and / or less than the diameter or width of the connector at the protrusion 224. When the adapter 250 moves distally relative to the connector 200, the protrusion 224 can push the arms 254 outward. When the protrusion 224 moves proximally past the arms 254, the arms 254 can move inward (e.g., to provide a snap-fit ​​engagement). 24 and 25, the proximal ends of the arms 254 can abut the projections 224, preventing the adapter 250 from moving proximally from the connector 200. The adapter 250 can move distally relative to the connector 200 until the body portion 252 abuts the tapered exterior of the housing 202. The size (e.g., longitudinal length) of the adapter 250 can be configured such that the adapter 250 can fit snugly between the projections 224 and the tapered housing 202 or can fit with little to no longitudinal movement (e.g., less than about 3 mm, less than about 2 mm, less than about 1.5 mm, less than about 1 mm, less than about 0.75 mm, less than about 0.5 mm, less than about 0.3 mm, less than about 0.2 mm, less than about 0.1 mm, or less, or any value or range therebetween, etc.), although other configurations are possible.

[0080] In some embodiments, the connector 200 can have multiple protrusions 224 that can be spaced around the circumference of the connector 200 rather than a continuous ridge. In some embodiments, the housing 202 can have a step from a proximal portion having a larger diameter or width to a distal portion having a smaller diameter or width that can retain the adapter 250 on the connector 200. In some embodiments, a distal end or portion of the adapter 250 can abut a step or at least one protrusion on the exterior of the housing 202 rather than a tapered housing to limit further movement of the adapter 250 in the distal direction.

[0081] The adapter 250 can include an engagement structure configured to provide a breakaway connection to the first connector 100. The adapter 250 (e.g., body portion 252) can have an angled breakaway surface 258. The surface 258 can face generally distally. The surface 258 can be a distal surface, such as, for example, at a distal end of the adapter 250. As can be seen in FIG. 26 , when the connectors 100, 200 are connected, the surface 258 can abut against one or more protrusions 178 and prevent the adapter 250 (and the second connector 200) from moving distally away from the first connector 100. The engagement between the surface 258 and the at least one protrusion 178 can keep the connectors 100, 200 connected (e.g., until a sufficient axial force pulls the connectors 100, 200 apart).

[0082] The breakaway connection can allow the connectors 100, 200 to be decoupled when the first connector 100 is pulled proximally and / or the second connector is pulled distally with sufficient force. As the connectors 100, 200 are pulled apart, the angled surface 258 can push one or more of the protrusions 178 laterally outward until the adapter 250 can move distally past the protrusions 178 to decouple the connectors 100, 200. The breakaway interface can be configured to be decoupled when a pulling force above a threshold amount is applied. The threshold force can be defined by at least the angle of the surface 258 on the adapter, the angle of the proximal side 186 of the protrusion 178, and the flexibility of the flexible member (e.g., ring 180 or arm 190) on the shroud 150. A steeper angle on the surface 258 on the adapter and / or on the surface 186 of the protrusion 178 can provide a lower breakaway force threshold, and a flatter angle on the surface 258 or surface 186 can provide a higher breakaway force threshold. A shroud member having a higher flexibility can provide a lower breakaway force threshold, and a shroud member having a lower flexibility can provide a higher breakaway force threshold. For example, the breakaway force threshold can be about 0.5 pounds, about 1 pound, about 2 pounds, about 3 pounds, about 4 pounds, about 5 pounds, about 6 pounds, about 7 pounds, about 8 pounds, about 10 pounds, about 12 pounds, or about 15 pounds of force, or any value therebetween, or any range between any pair of these values ​​(e.g., between about 2 pounds and about 8 pounds), although other configurations are possible.

[0083] Surface 258 and / or surface 186 can be angled such that a line normal to the surface is offset from a line parallel to the longitudinal axis by an angle of about 20 degrees, about 30 degrees, about 35 degrees, about 40 degrees, about 45 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 55 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 70 degrees, or any value or range between these values ​​(e.g., between about 30 degrees and about 60 degrees), although other configurations can be used. In some embodiments, surface 258 or surface 178 can be substantially flat or lateral, or can have a line normal that is offset from a line parallel to the longitudinal axis by an angle of about 20 degrees, about 15 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 5 degrees, about 3 degrees, about 2 degrees, about 1 degree, or less, or about 0 degrees, or any value or range between these values, although other configurations can be used. In FIG. 26, for example, surface 186 is flat and surface 258 is angled. The angled surface 258 can ride along a corner at the end of surface 186, which can reduce friction between surfaces 258 and 186 compared to when they are flush with one another. In some configurations, surface 258 can be flat and surface 186 can be angled, or surfaces 258 and 186 can be angled at different angles. Surfaces 258 and 260 can be angled or tapered in opposite directions. Surface 258 can decrease in width as one moves distally. Surface 260 can decrease in width as one moves proximally.

[0084] The adapter 250 (e.g., body portion 252) can have an angled connecting surface 260 that can be used during connection of the connectors 100, 200. The surface 260 can generally face proximally. The surface 260 can be a proximal surface, such as, for example, on a proximal side of the body portion 252. The surface 260 can be formed on an outwardly facing side of the arm 254. The second connector 200 can be inserted into a distal end of the shroud 150. The surface 260 can abut a distal side 188 of the protrusion 178. When sufficient force is applied to press the connectors 100, 200 together, the surface 260 can press against the protrusion 178 (e.g., laterally outward) such that the surface 260 can move past the protrusion 178. The protrusions 178 can then move (e.g., radially inward) behind the surfaces 260 to hold the connectors 100, 200 together. Thus, the connectors 100, 200 can have a "push to connect" interface and / or a "pull-to-disconnect" interface.

[0085] The connection interface can be configured to connect the connectors 100, 200 when a pushing force above a threshold amount is applied. The threshold force can be defined by at least the angle of the surface 260 on the adapter, the angle of the distal side 188 of the protrusion 178, and the flexibility of the flexible members (e.g., ring 180 or arm 190) on the shroud 150. A steeper angle on the surface 260 on the adapter and / or on the surface 188 of the protrusion 178 can provide a lower connection force threshold, and a flatter angle on the surface 260 or surface 188 can provide a higher connection force threshold. A flexible shroud member with higher flexibility can provide a lower connection force threshold, and a shroud member with lower flexibility can provide a higher connection force threshold. For example, the threshold force for coupling the connectors 100, 200 can be about 0.5 pounds, about 1 pound, about 2 pounds, about 3 pounds, about 4 pounds, about 5 pounds, about 6 pounds, about 7 pounds, about 8 pounds, about 10 pounds, about 12 pounds, or about 15 pounds of force, or any value therebetween, or any range between any pair of these values ​​(e.g., between about 2 pounds and about 8 pounds), although other configurations are possible. In some embodiments, the threshold decoupling force can be higher than the threshold connect force. In other configurations, the threshold decoupling force can be lower than the threshold connect force.

[0086] Surface 260 and / or surface 188 can be angled such that a line normal to the surface is offset from a line parallel to the longitudinal axis by an angle of about 20 degrees, about 30 degrees, about 35 degrees, about 40 degrees, about 45 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 55 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 70 degrees, or any value or range between these values ​​(e.g., between about 30 degrees and about 60 degrees), although other configurations can be used. In some embodiments, surface 260 or surface 188 can be substantially flat or lateral, or can have a line normal that is offset from a line parallel to the longitudinal axis by an angle of about 20 degrees, about 15 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 5 degrees, about 3 degrees, about 2 degrees, about 1 degree, or less, or about 0 degrees, or any value or range between these values, although other configurations can be used. In FIG. 26, for example, surface 188 and surface 260 are both angled. In some configurations, the angled surface 260 or 188 can ride along a corner at the end of the flat surface 188 or 260, which can reduce friction between the surfaces 260 and 188 compared to when they are flush with one another.

[0087] The adapter 250 can have a tip between the surface 258 and the surface 260. The tip can be the laterally outermost part of the adapter 250. The tip can be steep, rounded, or somewhat flattened. When the connectors 100, 200 are mated, the tip of the adapter can be disposed in the gap 184 (e.g., a circumferential portion of the gap 184).

[0088] The shroud 150 can be prevented from moving to a second position (e.g., a retracted position or a proximal position) when the adapter 250 and / or connector 200 is coupled to the first connector 100. When the shroud is in the second position (e.g., a retracted position or a proximal position), the second connector 200 and / or the adapter 250 can be prevented from connecting to the first connector 100.

[0089] The first connector 100 and the second connector 200 can be configured such that when the connectors 100, 200 are coupled together, a substantially fluid-tight seal can be formed between the connectors. For example, when the adapter 250 moves proximally to engage the protrusion 178 and mechanically couple the connectors 100, 200, the protrusion 214 can move proximally to engage the protrusion 116 and form a seal. The adapter 250 can be positioned on the connector 200 in a suitable location such that a fluid seal is formed at substantially the same longitudinal position as the mechanical coupling between the connectors 100, 200. A particular adapter 250 can be configured for use with a particular type of second connector 200 such that multiple types of connectors can be made compatible with the same first connector 100.

[0090] FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an adapter 250. FIG. 28 illustrates a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a second connector 200, which can be coupled to a first connector 100 using an adapter 250. FIG. 29 illustrates the connector 200 with the adapter 250 coupled. FIG. 30 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first connector 100 coupled to a second connector 200 using the adapter 250. The first connector 100, second connector 200, and adapter 250 can be similar to other embodiments disclosed herein, except as discussed herein.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 27, the adapter 250 can have a body portion 252 and one or more arms 254 extending proximally from the body portion 252 with a gap 256 between the arms 254. The arms can bend laterally outward to allow for coupling of the adapter 250 to the second connector 200. The second connector 200 can have a housing 202 with a step 225. The step 225 can be formed by a transition from the first housing portion 204 to the second housing portion 206. The second housing portion 206 is shown semi-transparent in FIGS. 28 and 29. The second housing portion 206 can be inserted into the first housing portion 204 to form the step 225. The housing 202 can include a distal step 227, which can be disposed distally from the step 225. Distal step 227 can be angled or tapered, although a flat step can be used. Adapter 250 is configured (e.g., sized) so that a proximal end or portion of adapter 250 abuts step 225 and a distal end or portion of adapter 250 abuts step 227 to hold adapter 250 in the proper place relative to housing 202 of connector 200. Adapter 250 can fit snugly onto housing 202, or adapter 250 can fit onto housing 202 with little play, for example, as discussed in other embodiments.

[0092] The adapter 250 can have an angled breakaway surface 258 and an angled connecting surface 260, which can be positioned at a proximal end or portion of the adapter 250. The angled breakaway surface 258 and / or the angled connecting surface 260 can be disposed on the arm 254. The proximal end of the arm 254 can have an outward protrusion forming the surfaces 258, 260. The surface 258 can provide a breakaway disconnect feature similar to other embodiments discussed herein. The surface 258 can provide a "pull to disconnect" configuration. When a sufficient axial force is applied to pull the connectors 100, 200 apart, the surface 258 can displace the protrusion 178 outwardly such that the adapter 250 can pass by the protrusion 178 and the second connector 200 is disconnected from the first connector 100. The surface 260 can provide a "push to connect" feature. When sufficient axial force is applied to press the connectors 100, 200 together, the surface 260 can displace the protrusions 178 outwardly, allowing the protrusions on the adapter 250 to pass by the protrusions 178 on the shroud 150 of the connector 100.

[0093] The first connector 100 can include a post 146, which can function similarly to the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9. When the second connector 200 is inserted into the cavity 122, the post 146 can be displaced proximally, which can displace at least a portion of the flange 134 proximally, which can pull the shaft 132 proximally, which can open the valve 114 and allow fluid flow into or out of the connector 100. In some embodiments, the shaft 132 can be rigid (e.g., because the shaft 132 does not need to bend to open the valve 114), but a flexible shaft 132 can be used (e.g., integrally formed with the flexible flange 134). When the second connector 200 enters the cavity 122, the cover 124 can be displaced proximally by the end of the connector 200. In some embodiments, a portion of the cover 124 (e.g., a distal portion or wiper 126) can be between the one or more posts 146 and the second connector 200. The second connector 200 can push the portion of the cover 124 proximally, and the portion of the cover 124 can push the one or more posts 146 distally. In some embodiments, the biasing structure 128 can be disposed radially outward of the one or more posts 146. The biasing structure 128 can be disposed adjacent to the outer wall 120. Positioning the one or more posts 146 laterally inward of the biasing structure 128 can allow the post 146 to displace a portion of the flange 134 that is unconstrained between the housing portion 104 and the housing portion 106 and spaced apart from the housing portion 104, 106. Other configurations are possible. For example, the one or more posts 146 can be positioned outward of the biasing structure 128. The biasing structure 128 may be adjacent to the protrusion 116 .

[0094] The connector 200 can have a female luer fitting 226, such as at its proximal end. An interior wall of the female luer fitting 226 can be tapered, such as according to a standard luer taper (e.g., 6%). The female luer fitting 226 can be a female luer lock fitting, which can be configured to engage a male luer lock fitting. The housing 202 can have external threads 228. When the second connector 200 mates with the first connector 100, the external threads 228 do not engage with the first connector 100. The female luer fitting 226 (e.g., a female luer lock fitting) can be bypassed when mating the connectors 100, 200. The adapter 250 can allow the second connector 200 to couple to another connector without engaging the female luer lock fitting 226 and / or without engaging the threads 228. The adapter 250 can convert the second connector 200 from a "twist to connect" to a "push to connect" for mating with another connector.

[0095] The connector 200 can have, for example, a male luer fitting 230 at its distal end. The outer wall of the male luer fitting 230 can be tapered, for example, according to a standard luer taper (e.g., 6%). The male luer fitting 230 can be a male luer lock fitting, which can be configured to engage with a female luer lock fitting. The housing 202 can have a shroud 232 with internal threads, which can at least partially surround the protrusion of the male luer fitting 230. Many variations are possible. For example, the female and male luer fittings can be interchanged, or other non-luer fittings can be used.

[0096] In some embodiments, the adapter 250 can couple to the second connector 200 without using the threads 228 of the second connector. The adapter 250 can be configured to fit over a particular shape of the connector 200, as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the adapter 250 can be configured to couple to the connector 200 using the threads 228, which can be the external threads of the female luer lock fitting 226. FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an adapter 250, which can be configured for threaded engagement with a variety of differently shaped connectors. FIG. 32 shows an exemplary connector 200, which can be compatible with a threaded adapter 250. The threaded adapter 250 can be compatible with the connectors of FIGS. 23 and 28, and in some embodiments, can be compatible with a variety of other connectors as well. The adapter 250 can be configured to engage a standard female luer lock on the connector 200. The adapter can convert the threads to a "push to connect" engagement feature, which can be compatible with connector 100 as discussed herein.

[0097] The adapter 250 can have a body portion 252, which can be generally cylindrical in shape. The body portion 252 can be annular with an opening through the center. The adapter 250 can have threads 262 (e.g., one or more internal threads, etc.), which can be configured to engage with the external threads 228 on the connector 200. The adapter 250 can have a stop 264, such as an inner step or ledge of the body portion 252. When the adapter 250 is threaded onto the connector 200, the stop 264 can limit further threading of the adapter 250 onto the connector 200. For example, the proximal end of the housing 202 can abut against the inner ledge or ledge of the adapter. The stop 264 can position the adapter 250 at a particular axial location on the connector 200 that can promote sealing engagement with the first connector 100, such as when the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 (e.g., and the adapter 250) are pressed together as discussed herein.

[0098] The adapter 250 can have one or more engagement features for providing a breakaway connection with the first connector 100, as discussed herein. The adapter 250 can have at least one protrusion 266, such as a ridge or tab. The protrusion 266 can have a proximal side or connecting surface 260 that can be used to displace one or more features on the first connector 100 during connection of the adapter 250 (e.g., and the second connector 200) to the first connector 100. The surface 260 can be flat or angled (e.g., depending on whether surface 188 is angled or flat), as discussed herein. The protrusion 266 can have a distal side or release surface 258 that can be used to displace one or more features on the first connector 100 during breakaway release of the adapter 250 (e.g., and the second connector 200) from the first connector 100. The surface 258 can be flat or angled (e.g., depending on whether surface 186 is angled or flat) as discussed herein.

[0099] The threaded adapter 250 can be compatible with connectors 200 that do not include the protrusion 224 or the stepped portion 225. The connector 200 of FIG. 32 can be similar to the connector of FIG. 23, for example, except that the protrusion 224 is omitted. In some embodiments, the adapter 250 can add a protrusion 266 to a connector 200 that does not include the protrusion 224 integrated into the housing, which can function similarly to the protrusion 224 discussed in connection with other embodiments. For example, the threaded adapter 250 of FIG. 31 can add a protrusion 266, which can be used to couple a second adapter (e.g., the adapter 250 of FIG. 22) to the connector 200. Alternatively, the distal end of the adapter 250 can form a stepped portion (e.g., similar to the stepped portion 225), which can be used to couple the second adapter 250 to the connector 200 (e.g., similar to FIGS. 29 and 30). The arms 254 of the second adapter 250 can snap inwardly behind a protrusion 266 or step at the distal end of the first adapter 250. This configuration can be beneficial for positioning the engagement features (e.g., surfaces 258 and / or 260) at a location spaced distally from the external threads 228.

[0100] FIG. 33 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a connector 200 that can have a breakaway engagement feature incorporated into the housing 202 of the connector 200. The connector 200 can have a “push to connect” feature and / or a “pull to disconnect” feature incorporated into the housing 202. The housing 202 can have at least one protrusion 266 (e.g., a ridge or tab) that can extend laterally outward from the exterior of the housing 202. The protrusion 266 can have a proximal side or connection surface 260 that can facilitate connection to the first connector 100, such as by displacing the protrusion 178 on the connector 100, as discussed herein. The surface 260 can be flat or angled (e.g., depending on whether the surface 188 is angled or flat) as discussed herein. The angle used for surface 260 and / or surface 188 can at least partially define the connection threshold force. Protrusion 266 can have a distal side or release surface 258 that can facilitate release of connector 200 from connector 100, such as when a sufficient force pulls connectors 100, 200 apart, as discussed herein. Surface 258 can be flat or angled (e.g., depending on whether surface 186 is angled or flat), as discussed herein. The angle used for surface 258 and / or surface 186 can at least partially define the breakaway threshold force.

[0101] FIG. 34 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a first connector 100. The connector 100 can have a manual release mechanism, such as, for example, one or more clips. The clip can be part of the outer wall 120 of the housing 102 in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 34. The clip can be part of the shroud 150 in other embodiments. The connector 100 can have one or more protrusions 178 positioned on one or more arms 190. The connector 100 can have one or more tabs 194 that can be manipulated (e.g., pressed inward) to displace the corresponding one or more arms 190 and protrusions 178. A joint 196 can be positioned between the arm 190 and the tab 194. The joint 196 can connect the corresponding arm 190 and tab 194 to the outer wall 120 (or the shroud 150 or other portions of the housing 102). The joint 196 can provide a fulcrum or pivot point for the corresponding arm 190 and tab 194. When a tab is pressed laterally inward, the corresponding arm 190 can move laterally outward. A gap or opening can surround the arm 190 except where the arm 190 is joined to the joint 196 (e.g., at a proximal end of the arm 190). The gap or opening can surround the tab 194 except where the tab 194 is joined to the joint 196 (e.g., at a distal end of the tab 194).

[0102] In some embodiments, one or more arms 190 can bend outward (e.g., during connection to or disconnection from the second connector 200, as discussed herein). In some embodiments, the arms 190 pivot such that the protrusion 178 is displaced outward (e.g., without substantial bending of the arms 190). The protrusion 178 can have a first surface 186 (e.g., a proximal surface) that can hold the second connector 200 engaged with the first connector 100 until a threshold disconnect force is applied that pulls the connectors 100, 200 apart. The surface 186 can be flat or angled, as discussed herein. When the threshold disconnect force is applied, the protrusion 178 can move laterally outward such that a structure on the second connector 200 (e.g., surface 258) can move past the protrusion 178 to disconnect the connectors 100, 200. As the protrusion 178 is displaced outward, the arm 190 and tab 194 can pivot about a joint 196. The arm can pivot outward and the tab can pivot inward. A user can press the tab 194 inward, causing the arm 190 and protrusion 178 to move outward such that a structure on the second connector 200 (e.g., surface 258) can move past the protrusion 178 to decouple the connectors 100, 200 with less than a decoupling threshold amount of force.

[0103] The protrusion 178 can have a second surface 188 (e.g., a distal surface). The surface 188 can be flat or angled as discussed herein. When a threshold connection force is applied that presses the connectors 100, 200 together, the protrusion 178 can move laterally outward such that a structure on the second connector 200 (e.g., surface 260) can move past the protrusion 178 to connect the connectors 100, 200. When the protrusion 178 is displaced outward, the arm 190 and the tab 194 can pivot about the joint 196. The arm can pivot outward and the tab can pivot inward. A user can press tab 194 inwardly, moving arm 190 and protrusion 178 outwardly, allowing structure on second connector 200 (e.g., surface 260) to move over protrusion 178 to connect connectors 100, 200 with less than the connection threshold amount of force.

[0104] In some embodiments, the shroud 150 can be omitted from the connector 100, for example, as shown in FIG 34. Connection features (e.g., protrusions 178) can be incorporated into the outer wall 120 or other housing 102 portions in other embodiments as well. Although FIG 34 shows the first housing portion 104 being connected to the second housing portion 106 using a clamp 129 or snap fit mechanism, any suitable connection structure can be used.

[0105] FIG. 35 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the first connector 100. The connector 100 can be similar to other first connector 100 embodiments disclosed herein, except as described herein. The connector 100 can include a collapsible fluid path. The shaft 132 of the valve 114 can be coupled to the collapsible fluid path such that the shaft 132 is pulled to an open position when the fluid path is collapsed. The post 146 can push or otherwise move the collapsible fluid path to the collapsed configuration, which can open the valve 114. The flange 134 of the valve 114 can be coupled to the flexible sidewall 131. The sidewall 131 can be generally cylindrical in shape. The flange 134 can be coupled to an inner surface of the flexible sidewall 131. A distal portion of the sidewall 131 can extend distally from the flange 134. A distal end or portion of the sidewall 131 can be coupled to one or more posts 146, such as, for example, by adhesive, a clamp, a friction fitting, or any other suitable coupling mechanism. The post 146 can have an L-shaped configuration. A longitudinal portion of the post 146 can extend through an opening in the base portion 118 of the housing 102. A lateral portion of the post (e.g., at a proximal end) can be coupled to the flexible sidewall 131. A proximal portion of the sidewall 131 can extend proximally from the flange 134. A proximal end or portion of the sidewall 131 can be coupled to the housing 102 (e.g., to the proximal housing portion 106), such as, for example, near the proximal connection fitting 148, by adhesive, a clamp, a friction fitting, or any other suitable coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, the sidewall 131 can be integrally formed with the shaft 132 and flange 134 of the valve 114. The sidewalls 131 may be made from silicone or some other elastomeric or resilient material.The flange 134 can include one or more openings 142 to allow fluid to pass through the flange 134. The lumen 143 can extend proximally into a distal portion of the sidewall 131. The lumen 143 can extend proximally from, for example, the base portion 118 of the housing 102. The lumen 143 can provide a guide surface for the sidewall 131 and / or one or more posts 146. The lumen 145 can extend distally into a proximal portion of the sidewall 131. The lumen 145 can provide a support or guide surface for the sidewall 131. When the sidewall is folded, the lumen 145 and / or the lumen 143 can facilitate shortening or collapsing of the sidewall 131 while preventing the sidewall 131 from folding over (which could block a fluid path through the sidewall 131). The sidewalls 131 may be corrugated or ribbed, which may facilitate the folding of the sidewalls 131 and / or the resilient return of the sidewalls 131 to an unfolded configuration.

[0106] When the second connector 200 is coupled to the first connector 100, the second connector 200 can press one or more posts 146 proximally, as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the connector 200 can press the cover 124, which can press the post 146 proximally. When the post 146 moves proximally, the longitudinal length of the sidewall 131 can shorten, the flange 134 can move proximally, and / or the shaft 132 of the valve 114 can move proximally, which can open the valve 114 (e.g., at the distal opening 108). In the open configuration, fluid can flow from the proximal opening 110, through a proximal portion of the collapsible fluid pathway (e.g., formed by the sidewall 131), through the opening 142 in the flange 134, through a distal portion of the collapsible fluid pathway (e.g., formed by the sidewall 131), through the protrusion 116, and out the distal opening 108. Fluid can flow in the opposite direction in some implementations. Upon decoupling of the connectors 100, 200, the sidewall 131 can return to its original or unfolded configuration. The shaft 132 of the valve 114 can move distally to a closed configuration to close the valve 114. The valve 114 can be actuated without the protrusion 214 on the second connector 200.

[0107] FIG. 36 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the first connector 100. The connector 100 of FIG. 36 can be similar to the connector 100 of FIG. 35 or other embodiments disclosed herein, except as described. A distal portion or end of the sidewall 131 can be coupled to a proximal end of the lumen 143, for example, by adhesive, clamp, friction fitting, or the like. A proximal portion or end of the sidewall 131 can be coupled to a distal end of the lumen 145, for example, by adhesive, clamp, friction fitting, or the like. One or more posts 146 can be coupled to an exterior of the sidewall 131, for example, by adhesive, clamp, friction fitting, or the like. For example, the exterior of the sidewall 131 can have one or more protrusions 147, which can extend laterally outward from the exterior of the sidewall 131. The protrusion 147 can fit into a connecting member 149 on the post 146 (e.g., at the proximal end of the post). The connecting member 149 can have a narrowed neck region that can engage a narrowed neck region on the protrusion 147 in some configurations. A variety of other connecting mechanisms can be used. The protrusion 147 and connecting member 149 can be longitudinally aligned with the flange 134 in some configurations. A transverse plane can intersect the flange 134 and the protrusion 147. The protrusion 147 can be constructed as an extension of the flange 134.

[0108] When the second connector 200 is coupled to the first connector 100, the second connector 200 can press one or more posts 146 proximally, as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the connector 200 can press the cover 124, which can press the post 146 proximally. When the post 146 moves proximally, the protrusion 147 and / or the flange 134 on the sidewall 131 can be pressed proximally. The proximal portion of the sidewall 131 can be compressed, while the distal portion of the sidewall 131 can be stretched, for example. The shaft 132 of the valve 114 can move proximally, which can open the valve 114 (e.g., at the distal opening 108). In the open configuration, fluid can flow from the proximal opening 110, through a proximal portion of the fluid path formed by the sidewall 131, through the opening 142 in the flange 134, through a distal portion of the fluid path formed by the sidewall 131, through the protrusion 116, and out the distal opening 108. Fluid can flow in the opposite direction in some implementations. Upon disconnection of the connectors 100, 200, the sidewall 131 can return to its original configuration. The shaft 132 of the valve 114 can move distally to a closed configuration to close the valve 114.

[0109] FIG. 37 shows a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the first connector 100, which may be similar to other embodiments disclosed herein, except as described. The shaft 132 of the valve 114 may be coupled to the movable fluid path such that the shaft 132 is pulled to an open position when the fluid path moves from a first position to a second position. The post 146 may push or otherwise move the fluid path to the second position, which may open the valve 114. The movable sidewall 121 may define the movable fluid path. The sidewall 121 may be generally cylindrical in shape with an opening through the center, which may define the movable fluid path. The sidewall 121 may be an elastic, flexible, or rigid material. In some embodiments, the sidewall 121 may be integrally formed with the shaft 132 and the flange 134 of the valve 114. The flange 134 can be coupled to an inner surface of the sidewall 121. A distal portion of the sidewall 121 can extend distally from the flange 134. A proximal portion of the sidewall 121 can extend proximally from the flange 134. The flange 134 can include one or more openings 142 to allow fluid to flow through the flange 134. A protrusion 147 can extend laterally outward from the sidewall 121 and can engage a connecting member 149 to connect the sidewall 121 to the post 146. The biasing mechanism 123 (e.g., a spring) can bias the sidewall 121 to the first position or the distal position. The biasing mechanism 123 can be a metal coil spring, an elastomeric spring that is compressed upon actuation, a tension spring, or any other suitable biasing structure. The sidewall 121 can be a tube or a lumen. Sidewall 121 can be moved proximally to a second or proximal position, which can compress biasing mechanism 123. A proximal portion of sidewall 121 can be disposed inside lumen 145.A proximal portion of the sidewall 121 can include an external O-ring 125 or protrusion that can seal against the inside of the lumen 145 as the sidewall 121 moves between the first and second positions. The proximal portion of the sidewall 121 can be disposed outside the lumen 145, with the O-ring or protrusion on the inside of the sidewall to seal against the outside of the lumen 145. A distal portion of the sidewall 121 can be disposed inside the lumen 143. The distal portion of the sidewall 121 can include an external O-ring 127 or protrusion that can seal against the inside of the lumen 143 as the sidewall 121 moves between the first and second positions. A distal portion of sidewall 121 can be disposed outside of lumen 143 with an O-ring or protrusion on the inside of the sidewall to seal against the exterior of lumen 143 .

[0110] When the second connector 200 is coupled to the first connector 100, the second connector 200 can press one or more posts 146 proximally, as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the connector 200 can press the cover 124, which can press the post 146 proximally. When the post 146 moves proximally, the sidewall 121 can move from its first or distal position to its second or proximal position. The flange 134 can move with the sidewall 121. The shaft 132 of the valve 114 can move proximally with the sidewall 121, which can open the valve 114 (e.g., at the distal opening 108). In the open configuration, fluid can flow from the proximal opening 110, through a proximal portion of the fluid path formed by the sidewall 121, through the opening 142 in the flange 134, through a distal portion of the fluid path formed by the sidewall 121, through the protrusion 116, and out the distal opening 108. Fluid can flow in the opposite direction in some implementations. Upon decoupling of the connectors 100, 200, the biasing mechanism 123 can return the sidewall 121 to the first or distal position. The shaft 132 of the valve 114 can move distally to the closed configuration to cause the valve 114 to close.

[0111] FIG. 38 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the first connector 100, which may be similar to other embodiments disclosed herein, except as described. At least a portion of the shaft 132 may be hollow. The fluid path 111 may extend through at least a portion of the shaft 132. The distal end of the shaft 132 may be closed. The distal end and / or portion of the shaft 132 may close the distal opening 108 when the shaft is in the first position (e.g., the closed position or the distal position). The shaft 132 may include one or more openings 113 through the side of the shaft 132, which may allow fluid to flow between the fluid path 111 inside the shaft 132 and the interior of the protrusion 116. The shaft 132 may include an opening 115 at a proximal end or portion of the shaft 132. The protrusion 147 can extend laterally outward from the exterior of the shaft 132, and one or more posts 146 can be connected to the protrusion 147, such as by a connecting member 149, although adhesive or any other connecting manner can be used to connect the post to the protrusion 147. The protrusion 147 can be a flange, and the connecting member 149 can have a recess to receive the flange, with an opening narrower than the flange, such that the flange can snap or fit into the recess and be retained therein. In some embodiments, the posts 146 can be integrally formed with the shaft 132. The posts 146 can be connected together, such as by a flange 117 or other structure, such that they move longitudinally together. An opening through the flange 117 or other structure can allow the shaft 132 (or sidewall 121 or 131) to pass therethrough. A proximal portion of the shaft 132 can be disposed inside the lumen 145.A proximal portion of the shaft 132 can include an external O-ring 125 or protrusion that can seal against the inside of the lumen 145 as the shaft 132 moves between the first and second positions. A distal portion of the shaft 132 can be disposed inside the lumen 143. A distal portion of the shaft 132 can include an external O-ring 127 or protrusion that can seal against the inside of the lumen 143 as the shaft 132 moves between the first and second positions. The biasing mechanism 123 can bias the shaft 132 to the first position (e.g., the closed position or the distal position).

[0112] When the second connector 200 is coupled to the first connector 100, the second connector 200 can press one or more posts 146 proximally, as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the connector 200 can press the cover 124, which can press the post 146 proximally. When the post 146 moves proximally, the shaft 132 of the valve 114 can move proximally from a first position (e.g., a closed or distal position) to a second position (e.g., an open or proximal position), which can open the valve 114 (e.g., at the distal opening 108). In the open configuration, fluid can flow from the proximal opening 110 through the opening 115 into the fluid pathway 111 in the shaft 132, through the shaft 132 out of the opening 113, and out of the distal opening 108. Fluid can flow in the opposite direction in some implementations. Upon disconnection of the connectors 100, 200, the biasing mechanism 123 can return the shaft 132 to the first or distal position to cause the valve 114 to close.

[0113] 39 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the first connector 100, which may be similar to the embodiment of FIG. 28 or other embodiments disclosed herein, except as described. The shaft 132 may have a distal portion that does not include the fluid pathway 111 (e.g., it is solid and not hollow) and a proximal portion that includes the fluid pathway 111. The proximal portion of the shaft 132 may be wider than the distal portion of the shaft 132. The shaft 132 may include an opening 113 at a transition between the proximal and distal portions of the shaft 132, which may allow fluid to flow into or out of the fluid pathway 111. At least one protrusion 147 may extend outward from the exterior of the shaft 132. The post 146 can push the protrusion 147 proximally when the post is moved proximally, which can move the shaft 132 to open the valve 114. The biasing member 123 can be an elastomeric extension member that connects the protrusion 147 and / or the shaft 132 to a portion of the housing 102 that is located distal to the connection to the shaft 132 or the protrusion 147. When the shaft 132 is moved proximally, the elastomeric extension member can be stretched to bias the shaft 132 distally (e.g., to a closed configuration). The elastomeric extension member can have one or more resilient arms or resilient diaphragms, which can be coupled to the housing 102 by adhesive, clamps, friction fittings, etc. In some cases, the ends of the elastomeric extension member can be sandwiched between parts of the proximal housing portion 106 and the distal housing portion 104 (e.g., similar to the flange 134 discussed herein). The elastomeric member may be anchored internally or externally to the connector 100 .

[0114] Many variations are possible. In some embodiments, the connector 100 of FIGS. 34-39 can have a shroud 150, as can other embodiments disclosed herein. The connectors disclosed herein can utilize various features disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,363, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. The connectors disclosed herein can utilize various features disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,363, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, various connector closure mechanisms or valves are disclosed in these references, as are other features (e.g., interlocking structures, etc.) that may be used by the connectors disclosed herein.

[0115] The connectors 100, 200 disclosed herein can be used for a variety of fluid transfer activities. For example, fluid can be transferred from an IV bag, through the first connector 100, through the second connector 200, through a catheter, to a patient (e.g., into the patient's vascular system). In some implementations, blood or other bodily fluids can be drawn through the second connector 200 and the first connector 100. In some implementations, fluid can be transferred between a first container and a second container (e.g., without directly involving a patient), such as to fill an IV bag.

[0116] By way of example, FIG. 40 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an IV delivery system that can be used for fluid communication with a patient 302. The first connector 100 can be attached to an IV bag 304, which can be filled with a medical fluid. The fluid bag 304 can be suspended from a pole stand 306. A section of tubing 308 can be attached to the bottom of the bag 304. The opposite end of the tubing 308 can be connected to the first connector 100 (e.g., at its proximal side). A closure mechanism (e.g., on the distal end) of the luer connector 100 can prevent fluid contained in the bag 304 from flowing through the tubing 308 and leaking out of the connector 100 as long as the connector 100 remains in a closed configuration. The catheter 310 can be inserted into the arm or other body part of the patient 302. The catheter 310 can penetrate the skin of the patient 302 and can be fluidly connected to the patient's bloodstream. The catheter 310 can be connected to a length of tubing 312, which can be attached to a second connector 200 (e.g., a female medical connector). A distal end of the second connector 200 can be connected to the tubing 312. A closure mechanism (e.g., on a proximal end) of the second connector 200 can prevent fluid contained within the tubing 312 from leaking out of the connector 200 as long as the connector 200 remains in a closed configuration. The closure mechanism can also prevent contaminants from entering the tubing 312.

[0117] The first connector 100 can be engaged with the second connector 200. When the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are engaged, fluid can be allowed to flow from the IV bag 304 into the patient 302. The second connector 200 can include an adapter 250 as discussed herein. The adapter 250 can provide a "push to connect" interface with the first connector 100. A user can axially press the connectors 100, 200 together with sufficient force that the adapter 250 engages the first connector 100. In some embodiments, a user can retract the shroud 150 on the first connector 100, the user can swab or otherwise disinfect the connector 100 (e.g., its distal end), and / or the user can swab or otherwise disinfect the second connector 200 (e.g., its proximal end) before connecting the connectors 100, 200.

[0118] The connectors 100, 200 can be configured to provide a breakaway connection that can decouple the first connector 100 from the second connector 200 when a sufficient axial force is applied that pulls the connectors 100, 200 away from one another. For example, the patient 302 can be moved away from the IV bag 304 without first decoupling the connectors 100, 200 (e.g., when transporting a hospital bed), or the IV bag 304 (e.g., and pole stand 306) can be moved away from the patient 302, or a person can trip over a fluid line. Various other situations can apply an axial force that pulls on one or both of the connectors 100, 200. The threshold axial force for decoupling the connectors 100, 200 can be lower than a force that would pull the catheter 310 out of the patient 302 and / or lower than a force that would tip the pole stand 306 over, etc. When the connectors 100, 200 are disconnected, the closure mechanism of the first connector 100 can close to prevent fluid from leaking out of the first connector 100 and / or to prevent contaminants from entering the fluid line. Upon disconnection, the closure mechanism of the second connector 200 can close to prevent fluid from leaking out of the second connector 200 and / or to prevent contaminants from entering the fluid line. The connectors 100, 200 can be disconnected by axial force without twisting the connectors 100, 200 relative to one another.

[0119] In some cases, the first connector 100 may fall to the ground upon unintentional disconnection from the connector 200. In some configurations, the fluid line 312 may be shorter than the fluid line 308. When the connectors 100, 200 are disconnected, in some circumstances the connector 200 may fall onto the patient's bed and the first connector 100 may fall onto the ground or onto another non-sterile surface. The shroud 150 of the first connector 100 may cover the fluid connection portion of the connector 100 and prevent the connector 100 from being contaminated upon accidental disconnection. A user may reconnect the connectors 100, 200 after disconnection. In some embodiments, a user can retract the shroud 150 on the first connector 100, the user can swab or otherwise disinfect the connector 100 (e.g., its distal end), and / or the user can swab or otherwise disinfect the second connector 200 (e.g., its proximal end) before reconnecting the connectors 100, 200.

[0120] The adapter can be first coupled to either the first connector 100 or the second connector 200. Referring to FIG. 41, in some embodiments, the adapter 250 can be coupled to the first connector 100 without the second connector 200. For example, the adapter 250 can be inserted into the distal end of the connector 100. A surface 258 on the adapter 250 can displace the protrusion 178 outwardly such that an engagement portion of the adapter 250 can move past the protrusion 178. The protrusion 178 can move inwardly behind the engagement portion of the adapter 250, holding the adapter 250 on the connector 100. The adapter 250 can be coupled to the first connector by a "push to connect" engagement. The second connector 200 can then be coupled to the adapter 250 using, for example, a second "push to connect" engagement, or the like. The connector 200 can be inserted into the adapter 250 such that the arms 254 of the adapter 250 bend outwardly to move the ridges 224 of the connector 200 over the arms 254. The arms 254 can move inwardly behind the ridges 224, retaining the connector 200 on the adapter 250. When an axial force is applied to separate the connectors 100, 200, the adapter 250 can be removed from the first connector 100 and remain attached to the second connector 200. Once attached to the second connector 200, the adapter 250 can be substantially permanently coupled to the second connector 200. In some embodiments, the adapter 250 does not have a release mechanism to remove it from the second connector 200 once attached to the second connector 200. The adapter 250 can be pre-assembled on the second connector 200 or on the first connector 100.

[0121] FIG 42 illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the first connector 100. FIG 43 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the exemplary first connector 100 of FIG 42. FIG 44 illustrates an exploded view of the exemplary first connector 100. FIG 45 illustrates another exploded view of the exemplary first connector 100. The connector 100 can be similar to other first connector 100 embodiments disclosed herein, except as described herein.

[0122] The first connector 100 can have a housing 102. The housing 102 can include a first (e.g., distal) housing portion 104 and a second (e.g., proximal) housing portion 106, which can be coupled together, such as by, for example, sonic welding, threaded engagement, snap-fit ​​engagement, frictional engagement, adhesive, or any other suitable coupling mechanism. By way of example, the first housing portion 104 can have a protrusion 105 (e.g., one, two, or more) configured to engage a corresponding recess or opening 107 (e.g., one, two, or more) on the second housing portion 106 to provide a snap-fit ​​engagement. In some embodiments, the first housing portion 104 can have a recess or opening 107 and the second housing portion 106 can have a protrusion 105. Various other engagement mechanisms can be used. The housing 102 can include a third (e.g., outer) housing portion 101, which can at least partially surround the first housing portion 104 and / or the second housing portion 106. The third housing portion 101 may be referred to herein as a shroud 150. The third housing portion 101 can be fixedly coupled to the first housing portion 104 and / or the second housing portion 106, such as by, for example, sonic welding, threaded engagement, snap-fit ​​engagement, frictional engagement, adhesive, or any other suitable coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, the third housing portion 101 can be movable relative to the first housing portion 104 and / or the second housing portion 106, as described herein with respect to some implementations of the shroud 150, while in other embodiments the third housing portion 101 does not move relative to the first housing portion 104 and / or the second housing portion 106.

[0123] The housing 102 (e.g., first housing portion 104) can have a first (e.g., distal) opening 108. The housing 102 (e.g., second housing portion 106) can have a second (e.g., proximal) opening 110. A fluid pathway 112 can connect the first opening 108 to the second opening 110. A first portion 112a of the fluid pathway can extend through the first housing portion 104 and a second portion 112b of the fluid pathway can extend through the second housing portion 106. The connector 100 can include a valve 114, which can have a closed configuration that closes the fluid pathway 112 and an open configuration that opens the fluid pathway 112, as discussed herein.

[0124] The first housing portion 104 can be a hub piece that can interconnect other portions of the connector 100. FIG. 46 shows the first housing portion 104, and FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the first housing portion 104. The first housing portion 104 can have a base portion 118, such as a flange, that can extend laterally. A protrusion 116 can extend distally from the base portion 118 of the housing 102. The protrusion 116 can be hollow, and an interior of the protrusion 116 can form a portion 112a of the fluid path through the connector 100. An end of the protrusion 116 can have a first opening 108. The protrusion 116 can have a generally cylindrical shape. The exterior of the protrusion 116 can be tapered distally by, for example, about 0.25 degrees, about 0.5 degrees, about 0.75 degrees, about 0.9 degrees, about 1 degree, about 1.1 degrees, about 1.25 degrees, about 1.5 degrees, about 1.75 degrees, about 2 degrees, about 2.5 degrees, about 3 degrees, about 4 degrees, about 5 degrees, or any value or range between any of these values ​​(e.g., between about 0.5 degrees and about 1.5 degrees). The taper of the protrusion 116 can be different (e.g., less than) a standard male luer taper such that the protrusion 116 does not function as a standard male luer and does not form a fluid seal with a standard female luer. The interior of the protrusion 116 can be tapered or sloped inwardly distally, for example, by the same angles or ranges discussed in connection with the exterior. In some cases, the protrusion 116 can have a substantially uniform inner diameter and / or a substantially uniform outer diameter or shape (e.g., no taper, etc.). The inner, distal end of the protrusion can have a narrowed or tapered section in some embodiments, such as, for example, such that the distal end of the protrusion 116 can be configured to guide the valve 114 into a closed configuration. The first housing portion 104 can have a protrusion 119 that can extend proximally from the base portion 118.The proximal protrusion 119 can be an extension of the distal protrusion 116, such as by extending the same shape (eg, taper) of the interior and / or exterior of the distal protrusion 116.

[0125] The first housing portion 104 can have an outer wall 120, which can have a distal wall portion 120a extending distally from the base portion 118 and / or a proximal wall portion 120b extending proximally from the base portion 118. The distal wall portion 120a can be shorter than the protrusion 116. The protrusion 116 can extend distally farther than the distal wall portion 120a. The distal outer wall portion 120a can be spaced radially outward from the protrusion 116 to form a gap or first (e.g., distal) cavity 122a therebetween. The proximal outer wall portion 120b can be spaced radially outward from the protrusion 119 to form a gap or second (e.g., proximal) cavity 122b therebetween. The base portion 118 can include fingers 135 extending between the outer wall 120 and the protrusion 116. The base portion 118 can include one or more openings 137, such as between the fingers 135. The distal cavity 122a can be connected with the proximal cavity 122b through the one or more openings 137. The connector 100 can have four fingers 135 defining four openings 137, although any suitable number can be used (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, etc.). One or more protrusions 105 can be formed on an outer surface of the outer wall 120. In some cases, the base portion 118 can include a flange extending laterally beyond the side wall 120. The flange may have a gap that may align with a corresponding protrusion or ridge 139 on the inside of the third housing part 101, for example, to prevent the third housing part 101 from rotating relative to the first housing part 104 and / or to facilitate alignment during assembly.

[0126] The second housing portion 106 can include a base portion 141. The second housing portion 106 can include a connection fitting 148, which can extend proximally from the base portion 141. The connection fitting 148 can be configured to couple to tubing, some other conduit, or other medical implement that can be used to transport fluids (e.g., medical fluids). The tubing or other device can be coupled to the connection fitting 148 by a clamp, a friction fitting, adhesive, threading, or any other suitable coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, the connection fitting 148 can be configured to couple to an additional connector that is configured to engage the connection fitting 148. For example, the connection fitting 148 can be a female Luer connection fitting that can be configured to engage a male Luer fitting on the additional connector. The connection fitting 148 can have threads (e.g., external threads) for coupling to another connector, such as, for example, a luer lock engagement. In some configurations, the connector 100 can be added to existing fluid lines and connectors to add a breakaway connection feature to the system. The second housing portion 106 can include one or more walls 140 that can extend distally from the base portion 141. The walls 140 can include a recess or opening 107 (or other engagement feature) that couples the second housing portion 106 to the first housing portion 104. A flange 151 can extend laterally outwardly of the one or more walls 140. The proximal end of the third housing portion 101 can engage a flange 151 (or other structure) to couple the third housing portion 101 to the second housing portion 106 (e.g., by ultrasonic welding, adhesive, or any other suitable coupler).The second housing portion 106 may form a cap on the proximal side of the connector 100 .

[0127] The third housing portion 101 can form an outer body portion of the connector 100. The third housing portion 101 can surround a distal end of the first housing portion 104 and can prevent contaminants from reaching the first housing portion 104 or other internal components (e.g., valve 114, protrusion 116, cover 124, etc.). For example, in some instances, when the connectors 100, 200 are disconnected, the first connector 100 can fall onto a floor or other non-sterile surface. The third housing portion 101 can tend to contact the floor or other non-sterile surface, thereby insulating the internal components from contaminants. In some cases, the distal end of the third housing portion 101 can extend distally beyond the distal ends of the first housing portion 104, the valve 114, the protrusions 116, and / or the cover 124, such as, for example, about 5 mm, about 7 mm, about 10 mm, about 12 mm, about 15 mm, about 17 mm, about 20 mm, about 25 mm, about 30 mm, or any value therebetween, or a range between any of these values, although other configurations are possible. The third housing portion 101 can have a generally cylindrical shape and include a distal opening 153 at the distal end and / or a proximal opening at the proximal end. The distal opening 153 can be wide enough to allow a practitioner to reach into the connector 100 (e.g., to access the valve 114, the protrusions 116, the cover 124, etc.) for disinfection, such as by swabbing with alcohol or some other disinfectant. In some cases, after disconnecting the connectors 100, 200, a user can disinfect the connector 100 and reconnect the connectors 100, 200. The distal opening can have a diameter or width of about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 18 mm, about 20 mm, about 22 mm, about 25 mm, or more, or any value or range between any of these values, although other configurations are possible.The interior of connector 100 from distal opening 153 to the distal ends of protrusions 116, valve 114, and cover 124 (e.g., which can form substantially coplanar swabbing surfaces) can have a diameter or width of about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 18 mm, about 20 mm, about 22 mm, about 25 mm, or more, or any value or range between any of these values, although other configurations are possible.

[0128] The third housing portion 101 can include one or more engagement features 133, which can be ridges or protrusions, that are configured to engage with one or more corresponding engagement features on the first housing portion 104, such as, for example, an outer portion of the base member 118. The third housing portion 101 can be pushed proximally against the first housing portion 104 (e.g., which can already be attached to the second housing portion 106) until the engagement features 133 snap onto (or otherwise move past) a portion of the base member 118. The third housing portion 101 can include two engagement members, which can be on opposing sides, although any suitable number can be used (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, etc.). When the third housing part 101 is engaged, the third housing part 101 can cover the engagement between the engagement feature 105 and the engagement feature 107 (e.g., the protrusion and the opening), which can prevent the first housing part 104 and the second housing part 106 from disengaging. The outer wall 152 can prevent the wall 140 from bending outward, which can prevent the protrusion 105 from disengaging from the opening 107. The third housing part 101 can lock the engagement between the first housing part 104 and the second housing part 106.

[0129] The connector can be assembled by first attaching the first housing portion 104 to the second housing portion 106, such as by engaging a first snap-fit ​​connection (e.g., between the protrusion 105 and the opening 107). For example, components such as the valve 114, the actuation member 169, the valve spring 183, etc. can be disposed or captured between the housing portion 104 and the housing portion 106. The third housing portion 101 can then be assembled onto the assembly, such as by a second snap-fit ​​connection (e.g., between the structure 133 and the base portion 118). The breakaway member 155 can be attached to the third housing portion 101, such as by a third snap-fit ​​connection, either before or after the third housing portion 101 is coupled to the assembly.

[0130] The distal end of the housing (e.g., of the third housing portion) can have a substantially continuous edge, e.g., without slits, discontinuities, gaps, or the like. The proximal opening can receive the first housing portion 104 therein during assembly and can engage with a flange 151 and / or an engagement feature 133 or other structure on the first housing portion 104 and / or the second housing portion 106 as discussed herein. The third housing portion 101 can have a generally cylindrical shape. The sidewall 152 can define a cavity, which can accommodate at least a portion of the first housing portion 104 and / or the second housing portion 106. In some embodiments, the sidewall or outer wall 152 of the housing 102 can have no holes or openings other than the opening 153 that connect the internal cavity to the surrounding environment. This can prevent contaminants and / or debris from entering the connector 100. The opening 153 can be a continuous (e.g., annular) shape. The opening 153 can lie substantially on a single plane. The opening 153 and / or the outer wall 152 do not include slits or other openings to facilitate deformation of the outer wall 152. Rather, deformation of the outer wall 152 (e.g., for a breakaway feature) can be provided and adjusted based on the material used for the outer wall 152 and / or the thickness and / or shape of the outer wall 152. The third housing portion 101 can include an engagement structure configured to provide a breakaway connection with a breakaway member 155 that can be coupled to the second connector 200, as discussed herein.The connector 100 can include a breakaway engagement feature configured to couple the first connector 100 to the second connector 200 via the breakaway member 155 in a manner that allows the breakaway member 155 and the connector 200 to be decoupled from the remainder of the first connector 100 when a sufficient force is applied to pull the connectors 100, 200 apart (e.g., longitudinally). FIG. 48 is a view of the third housing portion 101 from the distal end. FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the third housing portion 101. The third housing portion 101 can have one or more protrusions 178, which can extend laterally inward. In some cases, two protrusions 178 can be used and the two protrusions 178 can be positioned opposite each other, for example, offset by about 180 degrees. Other designs are possible, such as, for example, three protrusions 178 (which can be offset by about 120 degrees) or four protrusions (which can be offset by about 90 degrees). In some cases, a single protrusion 178 can be used for the engagement mechanism. The distance between the protrusions can be less than the diameter of the distal opening 153. The third housing portion 101 can bend or deform when the breakaway engagement features engage, which can create a removable snap engagement between the third housing portion 101 and the breakaway member 155. The one or more protrusions 178 can engage a corresponding structure on the breakaway member 155 to keep the breakaway member 155 in contact with the third housing portion 101 until a breakaway force sufficient to overcome the engagement is applied.When the connectors 100, 200 are pulled apart, the one or more protrusions 178 can be displaced (e.g., laterally outward) to disengage from corresponding structure on the breakaway member 155, allowing decoupling of the breakaway member 155 and second connector 200 from the third housing portion 101 (e.g., and the remainder of the connector 100).

[0131] The protrusion 178 can have a proximal side 186 and a distal side 188. The proximal side 186 can be flat (e.g., extending laterally). A line perpendicular to the proximal side or surface 186 can extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connector or within about 2 degrees, within about 5 degrees, within about 10 degrees, or any value or range therebetween, although other configurations are possible, such as, for example, having a different angle that can adjust the breakaway force that disengages the connector 100, 200. The distal side or surface 188 can be angled. A line perpendicular to the distal side or surface 188 can be angled inwardly by an angle of about 30 degrees, about 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, or any value therebetween or range between any of these values ​​(e.g., between about 30 degrees and 60 degrees), although other configurations are possible. The breakaway member 155 can be formed and then attached to the third housing portion 101. When the breakaway member 155 is coupled to the third connector portion 101, a structure on the breakaway member 155 can press the distal surface 188 proximally, and the angled surface can encourage the protrusion 178 to displace outward as the structure slides along the distal surface 188. When the structure on the breakaway member 155 clears the protrusion 178, the protrusion 178 can move inward (e.g., to its unbent position), which can couple the breakaway member 155 to the third housing portion 101. The proximal side or surface 186 can abut a portion of the breakaway member 155 and prevent the breakaway member 155 from moving distally away from the connector 100 (e.g., unless sufficient force is applied to implement a breakaway disconnect feature that can push the protrusion 178 outward to release the breakaway member 155 from the remainder of the first connector 100).The third housing portion 101 can include one or more protrusions 157, which can engage with recesses 159 on the breakaway member 155, as discussed herein. The breakaway member 155 can be formed from polycarbonate or various other polymers, or any other suitable (e.g., substantially rigid) material.

[0132] A variety of housing configurations can be used. In some cases, two or more housing portions can be combined into a single portion, or the portions can be divided into additional housing portions. Features disclosed in relation to a particular housing portion can be considered features of the general housing 102, or features of other housing components of different configurations. The housing 102 (e.g., the first housing portion 104, the second housing portion 106, and / or the third housing portion 101) can be made of polycarbonate or various other polymers, or any other suitable (e.g., substantially rigid) material.

[0133] The first connector 100 can include a breakaway member 155, which can be configured to engage the second connector 200 and provide a breakaway connection (e.g., similar to the embodiments of the adapter 250 disclosed herein). The breakaway member 155 can be part of the first connector 100. When the second connector 200 is coupled to the first connector 100, the second connector can engage the breakaway member 155. If sufficient force is applied, the breakaway member 155 can separate from the rest of the first connector 100 and can remain coupled to the second connector 200 after breakaway disengagement. The breakaway member 155 can be a collar that surrounds a portion of the housing of the second connector 200. FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of the breakaway member 155. The breakaway member 155 can have a generally cylindrical shape. The breakaway member 155 can have a body portion 161. The body portion 161 can be annular with an opening through the center. The breakaway member 155 can have threads 163 (e.g., one or more internal threads, etc.), which can be configured to engage external threads 228 on the connector 200. For example, the second connector 200 can have a threaded female luer fitting, for example, at its proximal end.

[0134] The breakaway member 155 can include an engagement structure that can be configured to provide a breakaway connection to the remainder of the first connector 100. The breakaway member 155 (e.g., body portion 161) can have one or more protrusions 165 that can be configured to engage with a protrusion 178 on the housing 102. The protrusions 165 can be positioned proximal to the protrusions 178 such that the breakaway member 155 does not move distally unless a force sufficient to overcome the engagement of the protrusions 165 with the protrusions 178 is applied, such as by deforming one or both of the housing 102 and the breakaway member 155. In some cases, two protrusions 165 can be used and can be positioned on opposite sides of the breakaway member 155, such as offset by about 180 degrees. Other designs are possible, such as, for example, three lobes 165 (which can be offset by approximately 120 degrees) or four lobes 165 (which can be offset by approximately 90 degrees).

[0135] When the first connector 100 is pulled proximally and / or the second connector 200 is pulled distally with sufficient force while coupled to the breakaway member 155, the breakaway connection can allow the second connector 200 and the breakaway member 155 to decouple from the first connector 100, similar to other embodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 52 shows the second connector 200 coupled to the breakaway member 155, which decouples from the remainder of the first connector, such as after a breakaway disengagement. The threshold breakaway force can be defined by at least the number, size, and shape (e.g., surface angle) of the protrusions 165 and / or protrusions 178, as discussed herein. For example, the breakaway force threshold can be about 0.5 pounds, about 1 pound, about 2 pounds, about 3 pounds, about 4 pounds, about 5 pounds, about 6 pounds, about 7 pounds, about 8 pounds, about 10 pounds, about 12 pounds, or about 15 pounds, or any range of forces between any value therebetween or any pair of these values ​​(e.g., between about 2 pounds and about 8 pounds), although other configurations are possible. The one or more protrusions 165 can have an angled distal surface, which can affect the threshold breakaway force, similar to other embodiments disclosed herein. The one or more protrusions 165 can have an angled proximal surface, which can facilitate assembly of the breakaway member 155 with the remainder of the connector 100 and / or facilitate re-engagement of the second connector 200 and the breakaway member 155 with the remainder of the first connector 100, such as, for example, to reconnect after an unintentional disconnection. The surface angles and other disclosures provided herein with respect to adapter embodiment 250 may be applied to breakaway member 155 .

[0136] The connection interface can be configured to connect the breakaway member 155 to the housing 102 when a pushing force above a threshold amount is applied. The threshold force can be defined by at least the surface angle, size, and number of the protrusions 165 and 178, as discussed herein. For example, the threshold force for coupling the engagement member 155 to the housing 102 can be a force of about 0.5 pounds, about 1 pound, about 2 pounds, about 3 pounds, about 4 pounds, about 5 pounds, about 6 pounds, about 7 pounds, about 8 pounds, about 10 pounds, about 12 pounds, or about 15 pounds, or any value therebetween, or any range between any pair of these values ​​(e.g., between about 2 pounds and about 8 pounds), although other configurations are possible. In some embodiments, the threshold disconnect force can be higher than the threshold connect force. In other configurations, the threshold disconnect force can be lower than the threshold connect force. The surface angle and other disclosures provided herein with respect to the adapter embodiment 250 can be applied to the breakaway member 155.

[0137] In some embodiments, outer wall 152 can be somewhat flexible, such as to allow it to flex or otherwise deform to permit engagement and / or disengagement of the breakaway engagement features (e.g., protrusion 178 and protrusion 165). For example, as protrusion 165 moves past protrusion 178, outer wall 152 can flex or deform to allow protrusion 178 to move outward. The substantially circular opening 153 and / or the cross-sectional shape of wall 152 at the location of protrusion 178 can temporarily flex or deform, such as into an oblong shape. In some embodiments, the outer wall 152 (or the entire third housing portion 101) can be made from a less rigid (e.g., more flexible) material than the first housing portion 104, the second housing portion 106, and / or the breakaway member 155, such as a polyurethane material or a thermoplastic material (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer), or various other polymers or other suitable materials.

[0138] The force that causes the breakaway features to disengage can be adjusted by adjusting any combination of various parameters, such as, for example, the material of sidewall 152, the thickness of sidewall 152, the shape of sidewall 152, the size of opening 153, the number, size, and / or shape of engagement features (e.g., protrusions 178 and / or protrusions 165), the angle of the engagement surfaces, etc. In some embodiments, outer wall 152 (or third housing portion 101) requires a force of 5 Newtons (kg*m / s) to push the opposing sides outward. 2), the opposing sides can be configured to be displaced apart a distance of about 0.075 mm, about 0.1 mm, about 0.125 mm, about 0.15 mm, about 0.175 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.25 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.35 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.45 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 0.9 mm, about 1 mm, about 1.25 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 1.75 mm, about 2 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 2.75 mm, about 3 mm, about 3.25 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 4 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 5 mm, about 5.5 mm, about 6 mm, or more, or any value or range between any of these distances, although other configurations are possible.

[0139] The breakaway member 155 can include one or more recesses 159 that can engage one or more corresponding protrusions 157 on the housing 102. Although four recesses 159 and four protrusions 157 are shown, any suitable number can be used (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, etc.). The recesses 159 can extend to a proximal end of the breakaway member 155 such that when the breakaway member 155 is inserted into the housing 102, the protrusions 157 can slide into the recesses, which can serve to align the breakaway member 155 such that the protrusions 165 align to engage with the protrusions 178 on the housing 102. Additionally, the protrusions 157 and recesses 159 can prevent the breakaway member 155 (e.g., and the second connector 200 (when the second connector 200 is coupled to the breakaway member 155)) from rotating relative to the housing 102. In some embodiments, the protrusions 157 and recesses 159 can be interchanged or various other alignment and / or fastening structures can be used.

[0140] The first connector 100 can include a cover 124, which can be similar to the cover 124 of other embodiments disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the cover 124 can be a face seal, which can be configured to provide a substantially fluid-tight seal with the second connector 200 (e.g., a proximal face of the second connector 200, etc.), as discussed herein. FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view of the cover 124. The cover 124 can be disposed around at least a portion of the protrusion 116. In some embodiments, a portion of the cover 124 (e.g., a proximal end thereof) can be disposed in a cavity 122a formed between the protrusion 116 and the outer wall portion 120a. In some cases, the proximal end of the cover 124 can be spaced apart from the base portion 118 (e.g., such that the cover 124 does not extend to the base of the protrusion 116) when the valve 114 is closed (e.g., when the connectors 100 and 200 are disengaged). The cover 124 can be configured to cover a majority of the exterior of the protrusion 116 when in its default configuration. The cover 124 can be movable between a default configuration and an actuated configuration. When a portion of the second connector 200 is inserted into a cavity formed between the protrusion 116 and the third housing member 101, a portion of the second connector 200 (e.g., its proximal face) can compress or displace the cover 124 proximally, such as to transition the cover 124 from its default configuration to its actuated configuration. The cover 124 may be biased such that the cover 124 returns to its default configuration when the second connector 200 is removed or detached from the connector 100 .

[0141] The cover 124 can have a generally cylindrical shape. The cover 124 can include a narrowed distal portion, which can provide a wiper 126 that can be configured to wipe the exterior of the protrusion 116 as the protrusion 116 moves between the activated configuration and the default configuration. The distal end of the cover 124 can have a lip extending laterally outward from the body portion, which can facilitate sealing to the housing of the second connector 200. In some embodiments, the distal end of the cover 124 (e.g., the wiper 126) does not extend laterally outward relative to the housing portion as in some of the other embodiments. The radially outward side of the cover 124 can be spaced apart from the housing 102, for example, forming a cavity between the cover 124 and the outer housing (e.g., the third housing portion 101). The cover 124 can have a biasing structure 128. The biasing structure 128 can be an elastic sleeve that at least partially surrounds the protrusion 116. The elastic sleeve 128 can buckle, bend, compress, or otherwise deform when the wiper 126 or face seal is displaced proximally. The elastic sleeve 128 can elastically return to its undeformed shape to return the cover 124 to its default position. As the wiper 126 moves distally, the wiper 126 can wipe fluid from the exterior of the protrusion 116, which can prevent microbial growth or other contaminants within the connector 100. A variety of biasing structures can be used, such as a coil spring, a compression spring, another type of spring, an elastically compressible O-ring, and the like. The cover 124 can have a plurality of ridges 167 or protrusions on its inside, which can reduce friction as the cover 124 slides along the protrusion 116.The ridges 167 can contact the protrusions 116, while an intermediate portion of the cover 124 between the ridges 167 can be spaced apart from the protrusions 116. The cover 124 can be made from silicone or any other suitable elastomeric or resilient material.

[0142] The first connector 100 can have a valve 114, which can be used to open and close a fluid path through the connector 100. FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the valve 114. The valve 114 can have a shaft 132, which can extend axially, and a flange 134, which can extend laterally from a proximal end of the shaft 132. The valve 114 (e.g., the flange 134) can be coupled to the housing 102. The flange 134 can have a coupling portion 136, which can be a radially outer portion of the flange 134. The coupling portion 136 of the flange 134 can be pressed between the first housing portion 104 (e.g., the wall portion 120b) and the second housing portion 106 (e.g., the base 141). A mating portion 136 of the flange 134 may be compressed between the housing portions, for example, to secure the valve 114 to the housing 102 .

[0143] The flange 134 can have one or more openings 142 that can allow fluid to pass through the flange 134. Although three openings are shown, any suitable number of openings can be used (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20 openings, or any value or range therebetween). In some embodiments, the openings can fluidly connect the first fluid path portion 112a to the second fluid path portion 112b regardless of whether the valve 114 is open or closed. The openings 142 can be circular or generally wedge-shaped in shape. In some cases, one or more spokes 144 can separate the openings 142. The flange 134 portion can provide a resilient force that can bias the valve 114 into a closed configuration. When the valve 114 is opened, the flange 134 can be deformed, and when the connectors 100 and 200 are disconnected, the flange 134 can return to its initial position, which can advance the shaft 132 of the valve 114 distally so that it can close the distal opening 108. The flange 134 can act as a diaphragm spring.

[0144] The shaft 132 can extend distally from the flange 134, such as along a longitudinal axis of the connector 100. The shaft 132 can be positioned inside the protrusion 116 (e.g., inside the first portion 112a of the fluid path). The shaft 132 can have a diameter or thickness that is smaller than the diameter or width of the first portion 112a of the fluid path or the inner hollow of the protrusion 116. The distal end of the first portion 112a of the fluid path can be narrowed to accommodate the distal tip of the shaft 132 such that when in a closed (e.g., default or undeformed) configuration, the shaft 132 can close or seal the fluid path 112 (e.g., at the distal opening 108). The narrowed distal end of the first portion 112a of the fluid path can have substantially the same diameter or width as the diameter or thickness of the distal tip of the shaft 132. The shaft 132 (e.g., at least its distal tip) can be displaced proximally when the second connector 200 is coupled to the connector 100, which can open the distal opening 108, as discussed herein.

[0145] Connector 100 can include an activator member 169. FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional perspective view of activator member 169. Activator member can have a body portion 171, which can be annular and include an opening (e.g., through the center). Seal 173 can be formed on or coupled to an outer surface of body portion. For example, seal 173 can be an O-ring. Body portion 171 can include a recess, and the O-ring can be seated in the recess. Seal 175 can be formed on or coupled to an inner surface of body portion 171. For example, seal 175 can be an O-ring, and the O-ring can be seated in a recess on the inner surface of body portion 171. In some cases, one or both of seals 173 and 175 can be overmolded or otherwise formed on or coupled to body portion 171. The activator member 169 can include one or more posts 146 that can extend distally from the body portion 171. Although four posts are shown, any suitable number can be used (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc.). The posts 146 can be separated by gaps.

[0146] Activator member 169 can be inserted into proximal cavity 122b of first housing portion 104. Post 146 can extend through opening 137 into distal cavity 122a. The proximal end of cover 124 can sit in contact with or adjacent to the distal end of post 146. Pressing cover 124 proximally can move post 146 (and the remainder of activator member 169) proximally, such as when installing connectors 100 and 200, as discussed herein. When activator member 169 moves distally, post 146 can push cover distally. Cover 124 and post 146, as well as other components, can be sized and configured such that the distal end of cover 124 can be substantially flush with the distal end of protrusion 116 when activator member 169 is in its distal position. Flange 134 of valve 114 may bias activator member 169 distally. A proximal end of body portion 171 may abut flange 134. Body portion 171 may abut fingers 135 on base portion 118 of first housing member 104, which may prevent activator member 169 from moving further distally.

[0147] An outer seal 173 on activator member 169 can seal against an inner surface of proximal wall portion 120b. An inner seal 175 can seal against a proximal protrusion 119 portion, which can extend through an opening in body portion 171. Activator portion 169 can slide longitudinally along the cavity between protrusion 119 and wall portion 120b.

[0148] The connector 100 can be compatible with multiple types of second connectors 200 (e.g., female luer connectors). FIGS. 55-57 show the use of the first connector 100 with the second connector 200, which can be, for example, a Clave® connector as discussed herein. FIGS. 58-60 show the use of the first connector 100 with a different female luer connector that does not include an internal protrusion 214. FIG. 55 shows a cross-sectional view of the first connector 100 with the breakaway member 155 in an engaged state and the second connector 200 in an unconnected state. FIG. 56 shows a cross-sectional view of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 coupled together. The second connector 200 can be inserted through the opening 153 in the housing 102, and the first connector 200 and / or the first connector 100 can be rotated to engage one or more threads 163 on the breakaway member 155 with one or more threads 228 on the connector 200. The internal diameter and threads of the breakaway member 155 can be configured to receive a standard female luer lock fitting 226. The second connector 200 can include a protrusion 214 (e.g., an inner cannula), which can be inserted into the opening 108 at the distal end of the protrusion 116 when the connector 200 is coupled to the connector 100. The protrusion 214 can push the distal end of the shaft 132 proximally, opening the opening 108, such as to allow fluid to flow to or from the first connector 100. The shaft 132 may be flexible or resilient such that it can buckle, bend, compress, or otherwise deform such that the distal end of the shaft 132 can disengage from the opening 108.The shaft 132 can be elastic and can return to a closed position (e.g., a default or undeformed position) when the second connector 200 is removed (see, e.g., FIG. 56). The valve 114 can be made of silicone or any other suitable elastomeric or elastic material. The first portion 112a of the fluid path in the protrusion 116 having a larger diameter or width than the shaft 132 can allow the shaft to bend or buckle. In some embodiments, the shaft 132 can have sufficient rigidity to push a portion of the flange 134 proximally when the connectors 100, 200 are coupled. For example, a portion (e.g., a central portion) of the flange 134 at or near the junction with the shaft 132 can be pushed proximally by the shaft 132 when the protrusion 214 presses against the shaft 132. The flange 134 can provide a biasing force that promotes closing of the valve 114 when the second connector 200 is removed.

[0149] The protrusion 116 of the first connector 100 can be inserted into the housing 202 of the second connector 200. The protrusion 214 of the second connector 200 can include a fluid path 212 and one or more openings 216, which can allow fluid to flow to or from the fluid path 212. The protrusion 214 can be inserted such that the one or more openings 216 can be inside the protrusion 116 (e.g., in the fluid path 112 of the first connector 100). The second connector 200 can include a valve 218, which can have an open configuration (e.g., shown in FIG. 7) and a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the valve 218 can cover the opening 216 over the protrusion 214, such that fluid is prevented from flowing to or from the connector 200. The protrusion 116 of the first connector 100 can push the valve 218 (e.g., at least its proximal end) distally when the connectors 100, 200 are coupled, such that the opening 216 is exposed to permit fluid flow. A distal surface or portion of the protrusion 116 can, in some embodiments, engage the seal 218 (e.g., its proximal surface) to form a substantially fluid-tight seal. When the connectors 100, 200 are disconnected, the valve 218 can resiliently return to its closed configuration. Many other suitable valve configurations can be used to open and close the connector 200, and in some cases can seal against the protrusion 116.

[0150] When the second connector 200 is coupled to the first connector 100, a proximal face of the housing 202 of the second connector 200 can contact a distal end of the cover 124 or face seal, pushing the cover 124 proximally. The engagement between the cover 124 or face seal and the second connector housing 202 (e.g., its proximal face surface) can provide a substantially fluid-tight seal. In some embodiments, multiple seal locations can cooperate to seal the fluid path between the connector 100 and the connector 200.

[0151] As the cover 124 is pushed proximally, it can push the post 146 of the activator member 169 proximally as well, causing the activator member 169 to move proximally to the position shown in FIG. 56. The activator member 169 can push the valve flange 134 proximally, which can pull the shaft 132 of the valve 114 proximally, causing a distal portion of the shaft 132 to disengage from the end of the protrusion 116, thereby opening a fluid path through the opening 108. In the embodiment of FIGS. 55 and 56, the valve 114 can be opened by the protrusion 214 pushing the shaft 132 proximally and the second connector housing 202 pushing the activator member 169 proximally to pull the valve shaft 132 proximally. In the embodiment of Figures 58 and 59, the second connector 200 does not have a protrusion 214 that would push the shaft 132 of the valve 114 into the open configuration, and therefore this embodiment opens the valve 114 solely by the housing 202 of the second connector 200 pushing the cover 124 and actuation member 169 proximally such that the valve shaft 132 is pulled proximally to the open configuration.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 56 and FIG. 59, when the connectors 100, 200 are coupled, fluid can flow from the second connector 200 to the first connector 100 (e.g., to withdraw bodily fluids from the patient, etc.). Fluid can flow through the fluid path 212 of the second connector 200, through the opening 108, into the first portion 112a of the fluid path in the protrusion 116. Fluid can flow around the shaft 132, through the opening 142 in the flange 134, through the second portion 112b of the fluid path in the second housing portion 106, and out the opening 110. In some embodiments, a catheter, tubing, another connector, or other medical implement can be attached to the proximal end of the connector 100 (e.g., to receive fluid exiting the opening 110). Fluid can flow in the other direction as well (e.g., to inject medication or other fluids into the patient, etc.). In some embodiments, the flange 134 of the valve 114 can be in the fluid path. Fluid can fill the area proximal to flange 134, and fluid can also enter the space just distal to flange 134. Outer seal 173 can seal against wall 120b, and inner seal 175 can seal against the outer wall of protrusion 119, for example, to form a barrier to a fluid path. The fluid path can contact portions of actuating member 169 proximal to seals 173 and 175. In some cases, the fluid path does not contact portions of actuating member 169 distal to seals 173 and 175. As actuating member 169 moves, seals 173 and 175 can slide over wall 120b and protrusion 119 to maintain a seal.

[0153] 57 and 60 show a respective second connector 200 being detached (e.g., but still connected to its breakaway member portion 155) from the main first connector 100, such as, for example, after a breakaway disconnection event. When sufficient force is applied, one or more protrusions 165 on the breakaway member 155 can move past the housing protrusion 178, such that the breakaway member 155 and the second connector 200 can disengage from the main body portion of the first connector 100. In some embodiments, at least the third housing portion 101 can bend or deform such that the protrusion 178 can move to enable the breakaway disengagement. When the connectors 100, 200 are disconnected, the valve 114 can elastically return to a closed configuration, preventing fluid from entering or exiting the first connector 100. When the connectors 100 , 200 are disconnected, the valve 218 can resiliently return to a closed configuration and prevent fluid from entering or exiting the second connector 200 .

[0154] In some embodiments, the second connector 200 and breakaway member 155 can be reattached to the main body of the first connector 100, such as by pressing the breakaway member 155 (e.g., with the second connector 200 attached thereto) into an opening at the distal end of the connector 100. A user can align the breakaway member 155 so that the recess 159 on the breakaway member 155 aligns with the protrusion 157 on the housing 102 and / or so that the breakaway member protrusion 165 aligns with a corresponding protrusion 178 on the housing. The connectors 100 and 200 can have a "twist-to-connect" feature, can have a "pull-to-disconnect" feature, and / or can have a "push-to-reconnect" feature. In some embodiments, the breakaway member 155 (and second medical connector 200) can be reattached to the main portion of the first connector 100 without the use of tools. The user can simply push the breakaway member 155 into the housing 102 (e.g., after proper alignment) and the breakaway features can reengage to reconnect the connectors 100, 200.

[0155] When the connector 100 is in the closed configuration, the distal ends of the cover 124 or face seal, the protrusion 116, the valve 114, or any combination thereof, may be substantially flush with one another, for example, to facilitate swabbing of the closed connector surface (e.g., with alcohol or other disinfectant). For example, a user may swab the first connector before reconnecting with the second connector 200 or before initial mating.

[0156] In some embodiments, the second connector 200 can be removed from the first connector 100 in two ways. First, pulling the connectors 100 and 200 apart can remove the connectors 100 and 200 via a breakaway connection. The breakaway member 155 can remain attached to the second connector 200 and can be separated from the first connector 100 as shown in FIG. 57 and FIG. 60. Thus, a piece or portion of the first connector 100 can remain attached to the second connector 200 after removal. Second, by rotating the second connector 200 relative to the first connector 100 (e.g., in a loosening direction, which can be counterclockwise), the first connector 100 can be unscrewed from the threading 163 of the first connector 100 (e.g., on the breakaway member 155). The second connector 200 can then be removed from the first connector 100 (e.g., transitioning back to the configuration of FIG. 55 or FIG. 58 ) while leaving the breakaway member 155 coupled to the first connector 100. When the connectors 100 and 200 are disengaged (e.g., by either approach), the valve 114 can close the fluid pathway 112 on the first connector and / or the valve 218 can close the fluid pathway 212 on the second connector 200. The connectors 100 and 200 can have a “pull-to-detach” disengagement and a “twist-to-detach” disengagement.

[0157] FIG 61 illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the first connector 100. FIG 62 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the exemplary first connector 100 of FIG 61. FIG 63 illustrates an exploded view of the exemplary first connector 100. FIG 64 illustrates another exploded view of the exemplary first connector 100. This connector 100 may be similar to other first connector 100 embodiments disclosed herein, except as described and shown herein, and the disclosure relating to FIGS. 42 through 60 may be equally applicable to this first connector 100, except as described.

[0158] The connector 100 can have a housing 102, which can include a first housing portion 104, a second housing portion 106, and a third housing portion 101. FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the first housing portion. The protrusion 116 can have a first widened portion 177, which can have a greater width than a portion of the protrusion 116 distal to the widened portion 177. A step or tapered portion can transition from the main protrusion portion to the first widened portion 177. The first widened portion 117 can be configured to engage the cover 124 or the base 130 of a face seal, as discussed herein. The protrusion 116 can have a second widened portion 179 that can have a greater width than a portion of the protrusion 116 distal to the second widened portion 179 (e.g., including the first widened portion 177). A step or tapered portion can transition from the first widened portion 177 to the second widened portion 179. The second widened portion 179 can be configured to fill a space to reduce the size of the gap between the protrusion 116 and the post 146, which can prevent the cover 124 or face seal from getting stuck in the gap, such as during a transition between a closed and an open state for the connector 100. The gap between the radially inward side of the post 146 and the radially outward side of the second widened portion 179 of the protrusion 116 can be about 0.5 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.15 mm, about 0.1 mm, about 0.07 mm, about 0.05 mm, or less, or any value or range between any of these distances, although other configurations are possible. In some cases, one or more of the posts 146 can be adjacent to or touch (e.g., slide relative to) the second widened portion 179.

[0159] The transition to the first widened portion 177 and / or the transition to the second widened portion 179 can have a taper angle of about 5 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 15 degrees, about 18 degrees, about 20 degrees, about 22 degrees, about 25 degrees, about 30 degrees, about 35 degrees, about 40 degrees, or any value or range between any of these values, although other designs are possible. The tapered transition can facilitate movement of the cover 124 along the protrusion without sticking or binding. The thickness of the protrusion sidewall can be thicker at the first widened portion 177 than at the protrusion portion distal to the widened portion 177, such as, for example, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, or any value or range between any of these values, although other designs are possible. The thickness of the protrusion sidewalls can be, for example, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70% or more thicker at the second widened portion 179 than at the protrusion portions distal to the widened portions 177 and 179, although other designs are possible. In some cases, the first widened portion 177 and the second widened portion 179 can be combined into a single widened portion, for example, with a single transition (e.g., tapered). One or both of the widened portions 177 and 179 can be omitted.

[0160] The first housing portion 104 can omit the outer wall 120a and the outer wall 120b. The connector 100 can include a sheet member 183, which can form a structure similar to the outer wall 120b, as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the first housing portion 104 can have the outer wall 120b (e.g., similar to FIG. 47). The first housing portion 104 can have a base portion 118, which can extend laterally from the protrusion 116. The proximal side of the base portion 118 can have a step 181 around its periphery, which can be used to engage the sheet member 183, as discussed herein. The base portion 118 can have a protrusion 105 that can be used to engage a structure (e.g., an opening 107) on the second housing portion 106 to connect the first housing portion 104 to the second housing portion 106, such as by a snap-fit ​​engagement.

[0161] A proximal protrusion 119 can extend proximally from the base portion 118. The proximal protrusion 119 can be a continuation of the distal protrusion 116 forming a continuous inner lumen. A seal 175 can be disposed on the protrusion 119. For example, the seal 175 can be an O-ring and the protrusion 119 can include an annular recess configured to receive the O-ring. In some embodiments, the seal 175 can be internal to the actuation member 169 and in some cases, the seal 175 can be external to the protrusion 119.

[0162] 66 is a cross-sectional view of the cover 124, which can be similar to other cover or face seal embodiments disclosed herein. The cover 124 can include a base portion 130, such as at its proximal end. The base portion 130 can be thicker than the sidewalls of the cover 124. The base portion 130 can provide a tighter engagement with the protrusion 116, such as with the first widened portion 177 of the protrusion 116. The distal face of the cover 124 can be configured to seal against the housing of the second connector 200, similar to other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0163] FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the activator member 169. The actuation member 169 can have a body portion 171 and can be generally cylindrical in shape. The distal end of the body portion 171 can be open so that the protrusion 119 can be received therein. A seal 175 can seal against an inner surface of the body portion 171 of the activator member 169. The body portion 171 can have a wall disposed laterally across its interior. The body portion 171 can have an engagement structure 185 for engaging the valve 114, as discussed herein. The engagement structure 185 can be a hole or opening through the wall, which can receive a portion of the valve 114, as discussed herein. The wall can include an additional opening 187, which can allow fluid to pass through the wall and travel through a channel through the interior of the actuation member 169. Any suitable number of openings 187 can be used (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, etc.). The body portion 171 can extend proximally of the lateral wall. A seal 173 (e.g., an O-ring, etc.) can be coupled to a proximal part of the body portion 171, such as by being seated in an annular recess. The seal 173 can seal against a side wall on the second housing portion 106. The exterior of the actuating member 169 can include an annular recess 189, which can be used to engage a valve spring 195, as discussed herein. The actuating member 169 can include a post 146, as in other embodiments discussed herein.

[0164] FIG. 68 shows a side view of the valve 114. The valve 114 can have a shaft 132, which can be flexible as in other embodiments and can deform when the valve 114 is opened. In some embodiments, the valve 114 can have a step, which can define a narrower distal tip portion of the shaft 132. The valve 114 can have an engagement structure configured to couple the valve 114 to the actuation member 169 such that movement of the actuation member 169 causes movement of the valve 114. The valve 114 can have fingers 193, which can extend from a proximal end of the shaft 132. The fingers 193 can be narrower than the shaft 132. The fingers 193 can include a notch or narrower portion and a bulbous or wider portion proximal to the notch or narrower portion. The bulb can be tapered proximally, which can facilitate feeding of the fingers 193 through the opening 185. The bulb portion can be pulled once exposed to the proximal side of the opening 185, which can stretch the valve and allow the bulb portion to pass through the opening 185. The notch portion can engage the opening. The shaft 132 can be wider and does not fit through the opening 185. Once released, the bulb portion of the fingers 193 can have a width greater than the opening 185, which can prevent the valve from being pulled out of engagement with the actuation member 169.

[0165] The fingers 193 can anchor the valve to the actuation member 169. A variety of other coupling mechanisms or approaches can be used to couple the valve 114 to the actuation member 169, such as, for example, adhesives, clamps, clips, friction fittings, between housing portions or other components, screws or other fasteners, knots, overmolded portions, etc.

[0166] The flange 134 portion of the valve may be omitted. Instead, the connector 100 may include a biasing member that is a separate component from the valve 114. The connector 100 may include a valve spring 195. FIG. 69 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the valve spring 195. The valve spring 195 may be configured to bias the actuation member 169 and / or the valve 114 distally. The valve spring 195 may have an opening through the center. The valve spring 195 may be a diaphragm spring, although various types of springs may be used. An inner portion 197 of the valve spring 195 may fit into the annular recess 189, which may couple the valve spring 195 to the actuation member 169. An outer portion 198 of the valve spring 195 may be secured to the housing 102, such as by being clamped or sandwiched between two housing portions or other components. The inner and outer portions 197, 198 of the valve spring may be coupled with flexible walls that may bend, bow, or otherwise deform to store energy that may provide a resilient biasing force. The valve spring 195 may be made from silicone or any other suitable elastomeric or resilient material.

[0167] FIG. 70 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the seat member 183. The connector 100 can include the seat member 183, which can be used to seat the valve spring 195 or biasing member. The seat member 183 can be generally cylindrical in shape. The inside of the seat member 183 can have an annular ridge 199, which can form a step that can engage with a step 181 on the first housing portion 104, for example, to secure, align, or support the seat member 183, etc. The seat member 183 can be formed from polycarbonate, or various other polymers, or any other suitable (e.g., substantially rigid) material. When the first housing portion 104 is coupled to the second housing portion 106 (e.g., by a snap-fit ​​engagement or otherwise), the seat member 183 can be positioned such that a proximal end of the seat member 183 can engage an outer portion 198 of the valve spring 195. The outer portion 198 can be sandwiched between the seat member 183 and a wall 140 or other portion of the second housing portion 106, as can be seen in FIG. 62. In some embodiments, the housing 102 can include an outer wall portion (e.g., extending proximally from the base portion 118), which can function similarly to the seat member 183, but can be formed integrally with other housing components. The various housing and other components can be combined or subdivided into additional subcomponents.

[0168] The valve spring 195 may be positioned outside of the fluid flow path through the connector 100. The seal 173 may seal between the outside of the actuation member 169 and the sidewall of the second housing portion 106, which may prevent fluid from reaching a proximal side of the valve spring 195. The seal 175 may seal between the inside of the actuation member 169 and the protrusion 119 on the first housing portion 104, which may prevent fluid from reaching a distal side of the valve spring 195.

[0169] FIG. 71 shows a cross-sectional view of the first connector 100 with the breakaway member 155 in an engaged state and the second connector 200 in an unconnected state. FIG. 72 shows a cross-sectional view of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 coupled together. FIG. 73 shows the second connector 200 detached from the main first connector 100 but still connected to its breakaway member 155 portion. When coupled to the second connector 200, the first connector 100 can operate similarly to other embodiments disclosed herein. Although not shown in the figures, a different type of second connector 200 can be used that does not have a protrusion 214 and that can engage the post 146 (e.g., similar to FIGS. 68-70) to displace the activator member 169 and open the valve 114.

[0170] Many variations are possible. For example, various structures can be used to provide a breakaway engagement, such as pawl arms, recesses, ridges, notches, detents, etc. As discussed, the first connector 100 can be compatible with various types of second connectors 200, and the second connector 200 may not include the protrusions 214. In some embodiments, the shaft 132 can be rigid.

[0171] In some embodiments, the recesses 159 and associated protrusions 157 can be omitted. The breakaway member 155 can have a shape that is keyed to fit into the shape of the opening 153 in the housing 102. For example, both the breakaway member 155 and the opening 153 can have a hexagonal or other polygonal shape. In some cases, an irregular shape can be used, for example, to control the alignment of the breakaway member 155.

[0172] FIG. 74 shows an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the housing portion 101 and the breakaway member 155. Other features of the connector are omitted from the figure and can be similar to other embodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 75 shows the distal side of the housing portion 101 and FIG. 76 shows the distal side of the breakaway member 155. The breakaway member 155 can have four flat surfaces 304 that can engage with four flat surfaces 302 on the inside of the housing portion 101. The breakaway member 155 can have two protrusions 165 that can engage with two corresponding protrusions 178 on the housing portion 101 to provide a breakaway connection. The engagement of the surfaces 302 and 304 can cause the protrusions 165 on the breakaway member 155 to align with the protrusions 178 on the housing portion 101.

[0173] FIG. 77 shows an exploded view of another exemplary embodiment of the housing portion 101 and the breakaway member 155. In the example of FIG. 77, the breakaway member can have three sides with protrusions 165 that provide a breakaway connection and three sides with key engagement surfaces 304, which can be flat. The housing portion 101 can have a corresponding key engagement surface 302 on each of the six sides, and a protrusion 178 is formed proximal to the key engagement surface 302 on each of the six sides. In this embodiment, the breakaway member 155 can be inserted into the housing in any of the six configurations because each side of the housing portion 101 can interact with either the key engagement surface 304 or the breakaway protrusion 165. The key engagement surfaces 302 and 304 can prevent the breakaway member 155 from rotating relative to the housing portion 101.

[0174] 78 illustrates another example embodiment, in which the breakaway member 155 can have a protrusion 306 having a particular shape configured to fit into a corresponding cutout in the housing 102. The engagement of the protrusion 306 and the cutout 308 can prevent the breakaway member 155 from rotating relative to the housing 102.

[0175] FIG. 79 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the breakaway member 155, which can have threads 163 for engaging threads (e.g., standard female Luer lock threads) on the second connector 200. The breakaway member 155 can have a protrusion 165 configured to engage a breakaway feature, similar to other embodiments disclosed herein. The protrusion 165 can be a ridge extending along some or all of its perimeter. The breakaway member 155 can have a notch 310 formed in the protrusion 165 or ridge, which can provide a gripping feature for a user to grip the breakaway member 155, which can facilitate threading the breakaway member 155 onto the second connector 200.

[0176] FIG. 80 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the housing 102 portion and the breakaway member 155. Other portions of the connector 100 are omitted from the figure and can be similar to other embodiments disclosed herein. In FIG. 80, the left side illustrates the housing 102 and the breakaway member 155 in an assembled configuration, and the right side illustrates the housing 102 and the breakaway member in a disengaged configuration. FIG. 81 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the housing 102 portion and the breakaway member 155. Other portions of the connector 100 are omitted from the figure and can be similar to other embodiments disclosed herein. In FIG. 81, the right side illustrates the housing 102 and the breakaway member 155 in an assembled configuration, and the left side illustrates the housing 102 and the breakaway member in a disengaged configuration. The housing 102 can include an engagement feature, which can be a claw arm 312, which can be configured to removably engage a protrusion 165 on the breakaway member 155. The claw arms 312 can have teeth configured to engage the protrusions 165. The claw arms 312 can bend outward during engagement and / or disengagement. The claw arms 312 can be connected to the remainder of the housing on one side and can be disconnected on three sides, which can allow the claw arms 312 to bend outward.

[0177] The breakaway member 155 can have internal threads for engaging the second connector 200, as in other embodiments disclosed herein. The breakaway member 155 can have a first portion configured to be inserted into the housing 102 and a second portion configured to remain outside the housing 102 even when engaged with the housing 102. The breakaway member 155 can have a step or lip 314 that can prevent further insertion of the breakaway member 155. In some embodiments, the lip 314 can have one or more cutouts 316 and the housing 102 can have one or more corresponding distal protrusions 318 that can engage the cutouts 316. In FIG. 81, the lip 314 can have a polygonal (e.g., hexagonal) shape that can facilitate threading the breakaway member 155 onto the second connector 200.

[0178] 82 illustrates an exploded view of another exemplary embodiment of the connector 100. The connector 100 can have a first housing portion 104, a second housing portion 106, a valve 114, a cover 124, and a breakaway member 155. The first housing portion 104 can include a slit 320 that can facilitate flexing of the housing portion 104 during engagement and / or disengagement of the breakaway member 155 from the remainder of the connector. The housing 102 can have four slits 320, or any other suitable number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, etc.). The slits 320 can define a pawl arm 312 that can have teeth or other engagement features for engaging the breakaway adapter 155. In some embodiments, the housing 102 does not have a slit, and a distal end of the housing 102 can have a substantially continuous (e.g., annular) surface.

[0179] FIG. 83 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the connector 100 with the second connector 200 positioned partially inserted into the housing 102 but prior to engaging the valve 114 or the breakaway member 155. The connector 100 can include a housing (e.g., comprising a first housing portion 104 and a second housing portion 106), a valve 114, a cover 124, a breakaway member 155, and an actuation member 169, which can be similar to other embodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 84 shows an example of the actuation member 169. The actuation member 169 can include a distal body portion 324, which can have an opening therethrough. The protrusion 116 can be received into the opening. The body portion 324 can be an annular piece. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the cover 124 can contact or otherwise interact with the body portion 324 such that the cover 124 can urge the actuating member 169 proximally when the second connector 200 is coupled to the first connector 100. The actuating member 169 can include an arm 326 that can extend proximally from the body portion 324. The arm 326 can extend through a hole or gap in the housing 102 in some embodiments. In some cases, the arm 326 can urge the valve 114 proximally when the second connector 200 is coupled to the first connector 100, displacing the valve shaft from its seating and opening the fluid path.

[0180] As shown in FIG. 83, the connector 100 can include a washer 322 between the arm 326 and the valve 114. The washer can have an annular shape with an opening therethrough. The washer 322 can distribute the force of the arm 326 against the valve 114 (e.g., against its flange portion). The opening through the washer 322 can be large enough to allow fluid to flow therethrough with the valve shaft also extending through the opening. In some embodiments, the washer 322 can be omitted and the arm 326 can press directly against the valve 114. The proximal end of the washer 322 can be shaped to correspond to the contour of the valve 114 (e.g., flange portion 134) where the washer 322 contacts the valve 114, as shown in FIG. 83 and FIG. 86. In some embodiments, the valve 114 can have a thickened region that can receive a washer 322 with a flat proximal side, as shown in FIG. 87. In some cases, the valve 114 can have a thickened region 330, at least where the arm 326 will press against the valve 114, which can serve to distribute the force and open the valve more reliably, such that the washer 322 can be omitted, as shown, for example, in FIG. 88. The thickened region 330 can have a thickness that is about 2 times, about 2.5 times, about 3 times, about 3.5 times, about 4 times, about 4.5 times, about 5 times, or more, the thickness of the biasing portion 332.

[0181] As shown in FIG. 83 , the actuation member 169 can have one or more seals 328, one or more seals 324 that can seal against the housing portions (e.g., against the outside of the protrusions 116 and / or against the inside of the outer wall 120), such as to prevent fluid from leaking out of the fluid path or out of the connector 100. As the actuation member 169 moves, the seals 328 can slide longitudinally against the housing portions and maintain a substantially fluid-tight seal as they move. In some embodiments, the seal 328 can be overmolded onto the actuation member 169, such as on a distal portion thereof. The overmolded seal 328 can be one continuous body of material, but it can seal against at least two different surfaces and can be considered to be multiple seals. The body portion of actuation member 169 may be formed from polycarbonate or another relatively rigid material, and seal 328 may be formed from silicone or another relatively soft or resilient material, which in some cases may be overmolded onto post 146. FIG. 85 shows an example of an actuation member 169 with an overmolded seal 328.

[0182] In some cases, an O-ring can be used for sealing. For example, an O-ring 332 can be mounted on a radially outer surface of body portion 324 of actuation member 169, and O-ring 332 can seal against wall 120. In some embodiments, a proximal end of cover 124 or face seal can form a seal between protrusion 116 and actuation member 169, as shown in FIG. 89. Cover 124 or face seal can be coupled to actuation member by adhesive, by overmolding, by clamps, by fasteners, or in any other suitable manner that can enable a seal between protrusion 116 and actuation member 169.

[0183] 90, in some embodiments, a first O-ring 332 can be disposed on the outside of actuation member 169 (e.g., to seal against wall 120) and a second O-ring 336 can be disposed on the inside of actuation member 169 (e.g., to seal against protrusion 116). In some embodiments, O-ring 336 can be mounted on the outside of protrusion 116, such as to seal between protrusion 116 and actuation member 169. In some embodiments, O-ring 332 can be mounted on the inside of wall 120, as shown in FIG. 91, for example.

[0184] FIG 92 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the valve 114 in an as-molded or undeformed state. FIG 93 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the valve 114 in an assembled state, with the remainder of the connector 100 omitted from the figure. The valve 114 can be distally preloaded. When the valve 114 is displaced proximally, such as by the actuation member 169, the valve 114 can be further loaded with energy.

[0185] FIG. 94 is a perspective view of a distal end of an exemplary embodiment of a breakaway member 155. FIG. 95 is a perspective view of a proximal end of an exemplary embodiment of a breakaway member 155. FIG. 96 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a breakaway member 155. FIG. 97 illustrates an exemplary breakaway member 155 engaged with the remaining portion of a corresponding first connector 100. FIG. 98 illustrates a second connector 200 coupled to a first connector 100 using the breakaway member 155 of FIGS. 94-96. The breakaway member 155 can include multiple (e.g., two or any suitable number) arms configured to engage the second connector 200 by a snap-fit ​​engagement. The connector 200 can be coupled to the first connector 100 by a "push to connect" action.

[0186] FIG. 99 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the medical connector 100, which can be similar to other embodiments disclosed herein, except as described herein. The connector 100 can include a cover 124 or face seal that can have a closed position covering the distal end of the protrusion 116 and / or the distal end of the valve 114. The cover 124 can have a wall 191, which can be at a distal end of the cover 124. The wall 191 can have a slit that can have a closed configuration (e.g., as shown in FIG. 99) and an open configuration. The cover 124 can have a closed distal end in its default assembled configuration. When the second connector 200 is attached to the first connector 100, the housing of the second connector 200 can engage the cover 124 (e.g., wall 191) and can push the cover proximally, which can open the slit in the wall 191. In some cases, the protrusion 116 can extend through the slit when the cover 124 is displaced to its open configuration. When the second connector 200 is removed from the first connector, the cover 124 can return to its default or closed configuration. The biasing structure 128 (e.g., an elastic sleeve) can push the wall 191 portion back onto the end of the protrusion 116, and the slit can close. In the closed configuration, a portion of the cover 124 (e.g., a proximal or inner surface of the wall 191) can contact a portion of the valve 114 (e.g., its distal end). As can be seen in FIG. 99, when the cover 124 is closed, the wall 191 (e.g., its distal end) can be recessed into the cavity. The outer wall 152 or the third housing portion 101 can extend further distally than the distal end of the cover 124, such as by any of the distances or ranges discussed herein.

[0187] Additional Information Various alternatives and combinations of the disclosed features may be used, and the proportions and ratios of the sizes of the various components, edges, and surfaces shown in the figures are intended to form part of this disclosure even when not specifically discussed.

[0188] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, throughout the description and claims, words such as "comprise," "comprising," "include," and "including" are to be construed in an inclusive sense, i.e., "including, but not limited to," as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense. The words "coupled" or "connected," as generally used herein, refer to two or more elements, which may be either directly connected or connected through one or more intermediate elements. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below," and similar words, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole, and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the detailed description using the singular or plural form may also include the plural or singular form, respectively. The word "or" in connection with a list of two or more items is intended to cover all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list. All numerical values ​​provided herein are intended to include similar values ​​within the range of measurement error.

[0189] Although the present disclosure includes specific embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that its scope extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and / or uses, as well as obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the embodiments have been shown and described in detail, other modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art based on the present disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments can be made and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another to form various modes of the embodiments. Any method disclosed herein need not be performed in the order described. It is therefore intended that the scope should not be limited by the specific embodiments described above.

[0190] Conditional language (such as, for example, "can," "could," "might," or "may," among others) is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments do not, unless specifically stated otherwise or understood otherwise in the context as used. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are required in any way by one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining whether those features, elements, and / or steps are included in or should be performed in any particular embodiment, with or without user input or prompting. Any headings used herein are merely for the convenience of the reader and are not meant to limit the scope thereof.

[0191] Furthermore, the devices, systems, and methods described herein may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples of which are shown in the drawings and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosure should not be limited to the specific forms or methods disclosed, but rather, the disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the various implementations described. Furthermore, any particular feature, aspect, method, property, attribute, quality, attribute, or element disclosed herein in connection with an implementation or embodiment can be used in all other implementations or embodiments described herein. Any method disclosed herein need not be performed in the order described. The methods disclosed herein can include specific actions performed by a practitioner. However, the methods can also include any third-party instructions of those actions, either explicitly or implicitly.

[0192] Ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all overlaps, subranges, and combinations thereof. Language such as "up to," "at least," "greater than," "less than," and "between" includes the recited number. Numbers preceded by terms such as "about" or "approximately" are inclusive of the recited number and should be interpreted in the context (e.g., as precisely as reasonably possible under the circumstances, e.g., ±5%, ±10%, ±15%, etc.). For example, "about 3.5 mm" includes "3.5 mm". Phrases preceded by terms such as "substantially" are inclusive of the recited number and should be interpreted in the context (e.g., as precisely as reasonably possible under the circumstances). For example, "substantially constant" includes "constant". Unless otherwise stated, all measurements are made at standard conditions, including ambient temperature and pressure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0193] 100 First Connector 101 Third housing part 102 Housing 104 first housing portion, distal housing portion 105 Projection, engagement feature 106 second housing portion, proximal housing portion 107 Recesses, openings, engagement features 108 First opening, distal opening 110 Second opening, proximal opening 111 Fluid Path 112 Fluid Path 112a: First portion of fluid path 112b second portion of the fluid path 113 Opening 114 Valve 115 Breakaway components 116 Protrusion 117 First Widening Section 118 Base part 119 Proximal protrusion 120 Outer wall 120a Distal wall portion 120b proximal wall portion 121 Side wall 122 Cavity 122a First cavity, distal cavity 122b Second cavity, proximal cavity 123 Biasing mechanism 124 Cover 125 Outer O-ring 126 Wiper 127 Outer O-ring 128 Biasing structure, elastic sleeve 129 Clamp 130 Base part 131 Side wall 132 Shaft 133 Engagement form 134 Flange 135 Finger 136 Connecting part 137 Opening 138 Wall 139 Protrusion, protrusion 140 Wall section 141 Base part 142 Opening 143 lumens 144 spokes 145 lumens 146 Posts 147 Protrusion 148 Connection Fitting 149 Connecting members 150 Shroud 151 Flange 152 Outer wall 153 Opening 154 Biasing mechanism 155 Breakaway components 156 Protruding part 157 Protrusion 158 Step 159 Recess 160 Protrusion 161 Main body part 162 Recess 163 Thread cutting 164 Protrusion 165 Protrusion 166 Step 167 Ridge 168 Step 169 Starting members, activator members 170 Slots 170a First Part 170b Second part 171 Main body part 172 Protrusion 173 Seal 174 Thread cutting 175 Seals 176 Thread cutting 177 First Widening Section 178 Protrusion 179 Second Widening Section 180 Ring 181 Step 182 Neck 183 Valve spring 184 Gap 185 Engagement structure 186 Proximal Lateral 187 Opening 188 Distal Lateral 189 Annular recess 190 Arm 191 Wall 192 Cavity 193 Finger 194 tabs 195 Valve spring 196 Joint 197 Inner part 198 Outer part 199 Circular protuberance 200 Second Connector 202 Housing 204 first housing portion, proximal housing portion 206 second housing portion, distal housing portion 208 First opening, proximal opening 210 Second opening, distal opening 212 Fluid Path 214 Protrusion 216 Opening 218 Valve 220 Base part 222 Biasing structure 224 Protrusion 225 Step 226 Female Luer Fitting 227 Distal step 228 External Threading 230 Male Luer Fitting 232 Shroud 250 Adapter 252 Main body part 254 Arm 256 Gap 258 Breakaway Surface 260 Connection Surface 262 Thread cutting 264 Stop part 266 Protrusion 302 patients 304 IV bag, fluid bag, flat surface, key engagement surface 306 Pole stand, protruding part 308 Tubing, fluid lines, cutouts 310 Catheter, cutout 312 Tubing, Fluid Lines, Claw Arms 314 Lip 316 Cutout 318 Distal projection 320 Slit 322 Washer 324 Main body part 326 Arm 328 Seal 330 Thick Area 332 energizing portion, first O-ring 336 Second O-ring

Claims

1. Breakaway medical connector, The base part, A projection extending distally from the base portion, The distal opening at the distal end of the projection, A proximal end having a proximal opening, A fluid path extending between the distal opening and the proximal opening, wherein the fluid path extends inside the projection, A valve disposed inside the projection, the valve having a closed configuration for closing the distal opening of the fluid path and an open configuration for opening the distal opening of the fluid path, An outer wall portion extending distally beyond the distal end of the projection, wherein a cavity is formed between the projection and the outer wall portion, One or more first engagement forms, A breakaway member disposed in the cavity between the projection and the outer wall, Includes, The breakaway member is One or more second engaging shapes configured to engage with the first engaging shape in order to keep the breakaway member in the cavity, A connecting interface, wherein the connecting interface is configured to connect to the second medical connector when the second engaging form is engaged with the first engaging form and the second medical connector is connected to the breakaway member, and is configured to position the second medical connector so as to open the valve and to establish fluid communication between the second medical connector and the fluid path, Includes, The first and second engagement features are configured to disengage when a force exceeding a threshold pulls the breakaway member distally, thereby providing breakaway disconnection, in a breakaway medical connector.

2. The breakaway medical connector according to claim 1, further comprising a face seal disposed on the outside of the projection, the face seal having a first configuration in which the distal end of the face seal is substantially coplanar with the distal end of the projection and substantially coplanar with the distal end of the valve, and connecting the second medical connector moves the face seal to a second configuration in which the face seal is displaced proximal to the distal end of the projection.

3. The breakaway medical connector according to claim 2, wherein the face seal is configured to form a seal with the proximal end of the second medical connector when the second medical connector is connected to the breakaway member.

4. The breakaway medical connector according to claim 2, wherein the projection includes a widened portion, and the proximal portion of the face seal is configured to engage with the widened portion of the projection.

5. The breakaway medical connector according to claim 2, wherein the connection of the second medical connector to the breakaway member is to move the proximal end of the face seal in the proximal direction.

6. The breakaway medical connector according to claim 5, further comprising a starting member configured to move proximal by the proximal movement of the proximal end of the face seal, the starting member configured to pull the valve proximal to open the valve.

7. The breakaway medical connector according to claim 6, wherein the starting member is biased distally.

8. The breakaway medical connector according to claim 7, wherein the starting member is configured to push the valve distally to close the valve when the breakaway of the second medical connector is disconnected.

9. The breakaway medical connector according to claim 6, wherein the base portion includes an opening, and the starting member includes a body portion located on a first side of the base portion and a post extending through the opening of the base portion.

10. The breakaway medical connector according to claim 1, wherein the coupling interface on the breakaway member includes internal threading configured to engage with a standard female Luer lock thread.

11. The breakaway medical connector according to claim 10, wherein the breakaway medical connector is configured to form a seal with the second medical connector without using a standard Luer taper connection.

12. The valve is a dual-mode valve, and the dual-mode valve is When the projection of the second medical connector is inserted into the distal opening of the projection of the breakaway medical connector and the valve is pushed proximally, When the housing of the second medical connector pushes the starting member proximally when the starting member is connected to the valve, and thereby pulls the valve proximally A breakaway medical connector according to claim 1, configured to open in any of the following cases.

13. The valve comprises a flexible shaft, as described in claim 1, for the breakaway medical connector.

14. The breakaway medical connector according to claim 1, wherein the outer wall portion has a distal opening formed by a continuous distal surface without slits, and the distal opening is configured to allow the breakaway member to pass through the distal opening.

15. The breakaway medical connector according to claim 14, wherein the outer wall portion does not have any openings other than the distal opening that connect the cavity to an area outside the connector.

16. The breakaway medical connector according to claim 1, wherein the outer wall portion has a distal opening having a first shape, and the breakaway member has a second shape that is key-engaged with the first shape to prevent rotation of the breakaway member relative to the outer wall portion.

17. The breakaway medical connector according to claim 1, wherein the breakaway member is configured to be reattached after the breakaway is disconnected in order to re-establish fluid communication between the second medical connector and the fluid path of the breakaway medical connector.

18. It is a medical connector, Including the housing, The aforementioned housing is Outer wall section, The first opening and The second opening and The fluid path between the first opening and the second opening, A hollow projection that defines an internal cavity forming a part of the fluid path, wherein the projection is disposed inward from the outer wall to form a cavity between the projection and the outer wall, It has, Furthermore, the medical connector is A valve disposed inside the projection, the valve having a closed position in which the end of the valve is substantially flush with the end of the projection to close the fluid path, and an open position in which the end of the valve is recessed inward from the projection to open the fluid path, A cover disposed in the cavity between the projection and the outer wall, the cover having a first configuration in which the cover is disposed substantially coplanar with the end of the valve and substantially coplanar with the end of the projection, Medical connectors, including

19. The medical connector according to claim 18, further comprising a breakaway member, the breakaway member configured to be removably connected to the housing and configured to receive the second medical connector to establish fluid communication between the second medical connector and the fluid path, the breakaway member configured to disengage from the housing when a threshold amount of force pulls the breakaway member or the second medical connector away from the medical connector.

20. The medical connector according to claim 18, wherein the cover is configured to be pressed along the outside of the projection when the second medical connector is connected to the medical connector.

21. The medical connector according to claim 20, wherein the cover is configured to form a seal with the housing of the second medical connector.

22. The medical connector according to claim 18, further comprising a starting member configured to move together with the cover, wherein the starting member is configured to pull the valve to the open position.

23. The medical connector according to claim 22, wherein the starting member is biased such that it pushes the valve to the closed position when a breakaway disconnection occurs from the second connector.

24. The medical connector according to claim 22, comprising a hub that divides the inside of the medical connector into a first part and a second part, the hub comprising one or more openings, and the starting member comprising a body portion on the first side of the hub and one or more posts extending through the openings in the hub.

25. The medical connector according to claim 22, wherein the fluid path extends through the starting member.

26. The medical connector according to claim 18, wherein the valve includes a shaft made of an elastic material, and pressing the end of the shaft causes the shaft to bend such that the end of the shaft is recessed into the projection in order to open the valve.

27. ​​The medical connector according to claim 18, wherein the breakaway member is configured to re-engage with the housing after disengagement to re-establish fluid communication between the second medical connector and the fluid path of the breakaway medical connector.

Images