Fluid Connector System

Abstract

The fluid connector system may include first and second connectors that are connectable together to form a fluid pathway through the fluid connector system when the first and second connectors are connected together and that can resist fluid flow through each of the first and second connectors when the first and second connectors are separated from each other, the first and second connectors may include valves within the channels that are configured to resist fluid flow through the respective first or second connector in a closed position and to reduce resistance to fluid flow through the first or second connector in an open position, and the first and second connectors may include one or more arms configured to engage with each other to form a snap-fit structure that can resist separation therebetween.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 397,139, entitled "FLUID CONNECTOR SYSTEM," filed August 11, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to medical fluid connectors, and more particularly to a self-sealing fluid connector system having first and second connectors that can be coupled together to form a fluid pathway and to block the fluid pathway upon separation of the first and second connectors. [Background technology]

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

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

[0005] Disclosed herein, in accordance with at least some embodiments, is the recognition that unintended detachment or disconnection of a medical connection device, such as a medical fluid line, can lead to injury to a patient or caregiver, such as by preventing medication from being administered to the patient, increasing the likelihood of patient infection, and exposing the caregiver to harmful medications.

[0006] Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure provide a fluid connector system comprising a first connector and a second connector, the first connector comprising a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, an inner surface forming a housing channel extending between a proximal opening and a distal opening of the housing, and a first valve disposed within the housing channel, the second connector comprising a body having a proximal end and a distal end, an inner surface forming a body channel extending between a proximal opening and a distal opening of the body, and a second valve disposed within the body channel, the outer surface of the distal end of the body forming a protrusion and one or more arms extending along the protrusion, the one or more arms engaging with the housing to resist separation of the first and second connectors when the first and second connectors are coupled together, and the protrusion extending to the proximal opening of the housing to engage with the first valve and open a fluid path through the first and second connectors.

[0007] In some examples, the disclosure includes a method for providing a fluid connector system, the method including: providing a first connector including a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, an inner surface forming a housing channel extending between a proximal opening and a distal opening of the housing, and a first valve disposed within the housing channel; and providing a second connector including a body having a proximal end and a distal end, an inner surface forming a body channel extending between a proximal opening and a distal opening of the body, and a second valve disposed within the body channel, wherein an outer surface of the distal end of the body forms a protrusion and one or more arms, the one or more arms extending along the protrusion; the first and second connectors are connectable together such that the one or more arms engage with the housing and the protrusion extends to the proximal opening of the housing to engage with the first valve to open a fluid path through the first and second connectors.

[0008] Thus, the present application addresses several operational challenges faced by conventional fluid connection devices and provides numerous improvements that enable users to achieve fluid connections more easily and accurately while improving safety and effectiveness.

[0009] Additional features and advantages of the subject technology will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the subject technology. These advantages of the subject technology will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in this description and the embodiments thereof, as well as the accompanying drawings.

[0010] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the subject technology.

[0011] Various features of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which include the following figures: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a fluid connector system in use with an IV set connected to a patient, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a fluid connector system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the fluid connector system of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the fluid connector system of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a detailed view showing the fluid connector system of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of a fluid connector system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing a first connector of a fluid connector system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 8] An exploded cross-sectional view showing a second connector of a fluid connector system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to enable a thorough understanding of the subject technology. It should be understood that the subject technology may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques are not shown in detail so as not to obscure the subject technology.

[0014] Furthermore, while the present description sets forth specific details of various embodiments, it will be recognized that the description is merely illustrative and should in no way be construed as limiting. In addition, while particular embodiments of the present disclosure may be disclosed or illustrated in the context of an IV set, it is believed that these embodiments may also be used in other fluid delivery systems. Furthermore, various applications of these embodiments and modifications thereof that may occur to those skilled in the art are also encompassed by the general concepts described herein.

[0015] According to several embodiments, the present application discloses various features and advantages of a fluid connector system that can provide efficient and safe maintenance of a fluid connection device, such as a connection device used to transfer medical fluids toward or away from a patient. The fluid connector system can maintain a fluid pathway by resisting unintentional disconnection when a pulling or tension force is applied to the fluid connector system, such as when a patient moves or when medical tubing is pulled away from a patient.

[0016] The fluid connector system may also prevent injury to a patient or caregiver by allowing for a disconnection or separation between portions of the connector system when a tensile or tension force exceeds a threshold. The fluid connector system may also prevent injury to a patient or caregiver by interrupting the fluid path when a disconnection or separation occurs between portions of the connector system. Additionally, the fluid connector system may provide for efficient and safe re-establishment of a fluid path by allowing for reassembly of portions of the system after a disconnection or separation occurs.

[0017] 1 shows an example of a fluid connector system in use according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fluid connector system 100 is coupled to tubing of an IV set being used to direct fluid to a patient 10. The IV set can include a first length of tubing 16A coupled to a first portion of fluid connector system 100 and a second length of tubing 16B coupled to fluid connector system 100 and extending to an IV catheter 18.

[0018] Fluid connector system 100 connects first length of tubing 16A and second length of tubing 16B to IV catheter 18, such that fluid can flow through fluid connector system 100 and travel through tubing 16A, 16B and IV catheter 18. When a sufficient amount of pulling or tension is applied to fluid connector system 100, such as when a patient moves or when the medical tubing is pulled away from the patient, portions of fluid connector system 100 can separate from each other, thereby separating first length of tubing 16A from the patient and resisting fluid flow out of first length of tubing 16A and second length of tubing 16B.

[0019] While the fluid connector system 100 is shown coupled along the fluid path of an IV set, it should be understood that the fluid connector system 100 may be connected within other fluid paths, such as between a patient and an IV pump or between a patient and a dialysis machine. The fluid connector system 100 may also be connected along other portions of the fluid path. For example, the fluid connector system 100 may be connected along a proximal portion of the fluid path, such as between the tubing 16 and the medication bag 12 or other infusion therapy device. In another example, either the first or second portion of the fluid connector system 100 may be directly coupled to another fluid delivery device, such as a catheter or medication bag.

[0020] Portions of the fluid connector system 100 that are separable from one another include a first connector 110 and a second connector 210, shown in Figures 1 and 2. The first connector 110 and the second connector 210 may be coupled together by engaging a portion of the second connector 210 with a portion of the first connector 110. When the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 are coupled together, the fluid channels of each of the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 are coupled together, thereby forming a fluid pathway through the fluid connector system 100.

[0021] The first connector 110 and the second connector 210 resist unintentional separation from one another. However, if either the first connector 110 or the second connector 210 separates from one another, such as when a tensile or pulling force on the fluid connector system 100 exceeds a threshold, the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 can separate from one another while maintaining the ability to reconnect the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 together. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the threshold force for separating the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 is greater than or equal to approximately 22.25 Newtons (5 pounds).

[0022] When the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 are separated from one another as shown in Figure 3, the respective first connector 110 and second connector 210 may resist fluid flow therethrough. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 may each resist fluid flow by blocking a fluid passageway through their respective assemblies.

[0023] The first connector 110 includes a housing 112 having a proximal end 114, a distal end 116, and an inner surface 120 forming a housing channel 122 extending between a proximal opening 124 at the housing's proximal end 114 and a distal opening 126 at the housing's distal end 116. The proximal end of the housing 112, which forms the proximal end 114 and the proximal opening 124, is configured to removably couple to the second connector 210.

[0024] A first valve 140 is disposed within the housing channel 122 to either resist or allow fluid flow through the housing channel 122. When the first connector 110 is not coupled to the second connector 210 or another mating connector, as shown in FIG. 4, the first valve 140 is in a closed position. In the closed position, the housing channel 122 is blocked by the first valve 140 to resist fluid flow through the first connector 110.

[0025] When the first connector 110 is coupled to the second connector 210, as shown in at least Figures 2 and 3, the first valve 114 is moved to an open position. In the open position, the first valve 140 is configured to provide no resistance or less resistance to the open position of the first valve 140. Thus, with the first valve 140 in the open position, the housing channel 122 is unblocked to allow fluid flow through the first connector 110.

[0026] The first valve 140 of the first connector may be configured as a check valve that may allow fluid to move through the first valve 140 in an open position and may resist fluid movement through the first valve 140 in a closed position. In the open position, the first valve 140 does not resist fluid movement in a direction from the proximal end 114 toward the distal end 116 of the housing, and in the closed position, the first valve 140 resists fluid movement in a direction from the distal end 116 toward the proximal end 114 of the housing.

[0027] First valve 140 is shaped as a duckbill check valve in some embodiments, although the present disclosure contemplates that first valve 140 may be configured as a check valve having another shape or configuration.

[0028] The second connector 210 includes a body 212 having a proximal end 214, a distal end 216, and an inner surface 220 forming a body channel 222 extending between a proximal opening 224 at the proximal end 214 of the housing and a distal opening 226 at the distal end 216 of the body.

[0029] A portion of the body 212 including the distal end 216 and the distal opening 226 forms a protrusion 240 and one or more arms 260, wherein the protrusion 240 is configured to extend toward the proximal opening 124 of the housing and the one or more arms 260 are configured to engage with the housing 112 when the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 are connected together.

[0030] The protrusion 240 is further configured to form a portion of a fluid path through the second connector 210, such that the inner surface 220 of the body 212 forms a portion of a body channel 222 through the protrusion 240. The body channel 222 extends to a body distal opening 226 located at the distal end portion of the protrusion 240. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the distal opening 226 is located at the distal-most end of the protrusion 240, although it should be understood that the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which the distal opening 226 is located along another portion of the protrusion 240. For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the distal opening 226 is located between the proximal and distal ends of the protrusion 240.

[0031] The one or more arms 260 extend away from the body proximal end 214 such that when the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 are coupled together, a portion of the one or more arms 260 engages the housing 112 of the first connector to resist movement of the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 away from each other. The engagement of the one or more arms 260 with the housing 112 can define a snap fit or snap joint between the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 in some examples of the present disclosure.

[0032] The one or more arms 260 include an inner surface 262 spaced apart from the outer surface 242 of the protrusion by a distance to allow a portion of the first connector 110 to be positioned between the protrusion 240 and the one or more arms 260 when the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 are connected together.

[0033] To resist movement of the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 away from each other, one or more arms 260 may include a ridge 264 at a distal end portion 266 of the one or more arms. To resist movement of the first connector 110 and the second connector 210, the ridge 264 is configured to engage the first connector 110. To engage the first connector 110, the ridge 264 extends radially inward in a direction toward the protrusion 240 of the second connector.

[0034] While the ridge 246 is configured to resist separation of the first connector 110 and the second connector 210, the one or more arms 260 are further configured to allow separation of the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 when a threshold force between the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 is exceeded. Separation of the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 can occur when the one or more arms 260 are biased or bent away from the protrusion 240.

[0035] When the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 are moved away from each other, one or more arms 260 or the distal end portions 266 of one or more arms are biased or bent due to engagement of the ridges 264 against the housing 112.

[0036] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more arms 260 include a first arm 261 A and a second arm 261 B. For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first arm 261 A and the second arm 261 B can be spaced apart from one another about a longitudinal axis A2 extending between the proximal and distal ends of the body.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more arms 260 are shaped as a continuous or semi-continuous circumferential wall 270 extending about longitudinal axis A2, as shown, for example, in Figures 2 and 6. In some examples of the present disclosure, first arm 261A and second arm 261B may be defined by circumferential wall 270 having one or more channels extending therethrough.

[0038] The second valve 280 is disposed within the body channel 222 such that in a closed position it resists fluid flow through the body channel 222 and in an open position it allows fluid flow through the body channel 222. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second valve 280 is in a closed position when the second connector 210 is not coupled to the first connector 110 and is moved to an open position when the first and second connectors are coupled together. In some embodiments, the second valve 280 is moved from the closed position to the open position by the pressure of fluid within the body channel 222.

[0039] The second valve 280 may be configured as a check valve that may allow fluid to move through the second valve 280 in an open position and may resist fluid movement through the second valve 280 in a closed position. In the open position, the second valve 280 does not resist fluid movement between the proximal and distal ends 214, 216 of the body, and in the closed position, the second valve 280 resists fluid movement between the proximal and distal ends 214, 216 of the body.

[0040] Second valve 280 is shaped as a duckbill check valve in some embodiments, although the present disclosure contemplates that second valve 280 may be configured as a check valve having another shape or configuration.

[0041] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, either the distal opening 126 of the first connector or the proximal opening 224 of the second connector may be configured as either a male luer or a female luer.

[0042] In some embodiments, the distal end portion of housing 112 forming distal opening 126 can have an outer surface shaped as a male luer, and the proximal end portion of body 212 forming proximal opening 224 can be shaped as a female luer. Either the male or female luer can be configured to couple to either tubing or a mating connector.

[0043] For coupling to tubing or a mating connector, first connector 110 and / or second connector 210 forming a male luer further include a sleeve 128 having an inner surface spaced from the outer surface of the male luer. Sleeve 128 is configured to engage with a mating connector coupled to the male luer. In some examples of the present disclosure, sleeve 128 includes threads 130 extending along its inner surface and configured to mate with the threads of the mating connector. In some examples, the present disclosure also contemplates that sleeve 128 may be configured to couple to a mating connector using an interference fit therebetween or using another mating structure, such as a notch and groove.

[0044] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first connector 110 can further include an insert 160 coupled to the proximal opening 124 and configured to retain the first valve 140 with the housing 112. This structural portion of the insert 160 110 can include a first end 162, a second end 164, an inner surface 166 forming a cavity 168 extending into the second end 164, and a passageway 170 extending through the first end 162 and intersecting the cavity 168.

[0045] First valve 140 is disposed between insert 160 and housing 112 and oriented adjacent passageway 170. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a first portion of first valve 140 is disposed within insert cavity 168 and a second portion of first valve 140 is disposed within housing channel 122. Additionally, a portion of first valve 140 can intersect the path defined between passageway 170 and housing channel 122.

[0046] When coupled to the housing proximal opening 124, the insert first end 162 can receive a portion of the second connector 210 through the passageway 170, thereby forming a portion of the fluid path through the fluid connector system 100. A seal 172 is disposed along the insert passageway 170 to prevent leakage or contaminants from migrating between the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 and into the fluid path through the fluid connector system 100. However, although a seal 172 is disclosed herein, it should be understood that the present disclosure also contemplates seals between the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 or between structural portions of each of the first connector 110 and the second connector 210, such as by interference fit, sealant, or adhesive.

[0047] A detailed view of the interface between one or more arms 260 of the body 212 of the second connector and the housing 112 of the first connector is shown in detail in Figure 5. The interface between the one or more arms 260 and the housing 112 may be defined by engagement of a ridge 264 of the one or more arms against a flange 132 of the housing 112.

[0048] The flange 132 can be located along the portion of the housing 112 that defines the proximal end 114 and the proximal opening 124. When the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 are coupled together, a ridge 264 is disposed between the flange 132 and the distal end 116 of the housing.

[0049] Although in some embodiments of the present disclosure, flange 132 is configured to extend radially outward, away from longitudinal axis A1 extending between the distal and proximal ends of the housing, the present disclosure contemplates other structures for resisting movement of one or more arms 260. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, first connector 110 can include structure for resisting movement of one or more arms 260 of the second connector, including, for example, a channel extending into the outer surface of housing 112 and configured to receive ridge 264 therein.

[0050] Additionally, FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure in which flange 132 comprises distal-facing surface 134 and proximal-facing surface 136, and ridge 264 comprises distal-facing surface 256 and proximal-facing surface 258.

[0051] When moved toward one another, distal-facing surface 256 of the ridge can engage with proximal-facing surface 136 of the flange. The engagement of distal-facing surface 256 of the ridge with proximal-facing surface 136 of the flange can bias or bend one or more arms 260 radially outward, thereby allowing first connector 110 and second connector 210 to be moved further toward one another.

[0052] When the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 are moved toward each other a distance that results in the protuberance being placed distal to the flange 132, one or more arms 260 can move radially inward to a position with less bias or bending.

[0053] When the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 are connected together, the distal-facing surface 134 of the flange can be aligned with the proximal-facing surface 258 of the ridge, such that a common plane P1 extends along each of the distal-facing surface 134 and the proximal-facing surface 258.

[0054] The common plane P1 may be formed by forming the distal-facing surface 134 of the flange at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis A1 and by forming the proximal-facing surface 258 of the ridge at a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis A2. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the first and second angles are approximately 40 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis A1 of the housing 112. The first and second angles may, in some examples, be selected to increase or decrease resistance to assembly and separation between the first connector 110 and the second connector 210.

[0055] The resistance or force to assembly and disassembly between the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 as a result of the first and second angles can be configured to reduce the force required to assemble the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 compared to the force required to separate the first connector 110 and the second connector 210. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the force required to deflect or bias one or more arms to result in the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 being separable is approximately two times greater than the force required to deflect or bias one or more arms to result in the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 being coupled together.

[0056] Although in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first and second angles can provide a common plane P1 between distal-facing surface 134 and proximal-facing surface 258, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which distal-facing surface 134 and proximal-facing surface 258 each define a non-intersecting plane.

[0057] Assembly of embodiments of first connector 110 and second connector 210 is shown in Figures 7 and 8, respectively. Referring to Figure 7, first connector 110 may be assembled by inserting first valve 140 into proximal opening 124 of housing 112. Insert 160 may be moved toward proximal end 114 of housing with first valve 140 therebetween. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, first valve 140 is retained within first connector 110 when second end 164 of insert is coupled to proximal end 114 of housing 112. First connector seal 172 may be inserted into passage 170, and in some embodiments, insert 160 may include a groove configured to receive seal 172 therein.

[0058] 8 , the second connector 210 can be assembled by inserting a second valve 280 into the body channel 222 of the body. The second valve 280 can be inserted into the body channel 222 either through a proximal opening 224 at the proximal end of the body or through another opening in the body. However, in some embodiments, the body 212 includes a distal body portion 213B and a proximal body portion 213A, where the distal body portion 213B and the proximal body portion 213A can be coupled together to form the body channel 222 therebetween. Additionally, the distal body portion 213B and the proximal body portion 213A can also be coupled together with the second valve 280 disposed along the body channel 222 therebetween.

[0059] The structure of the present disclosure provides first and second connectors that can be coupled together to form a fluid pathway therebetween. When coupled together, the structure of the present disclosure resists unintentional separation between the first connectors. However, if the first connectors are separated, either unintentionally or intentionally, the fluid pathway for each of the first connectors is closed or blocked, thereby preventing fluid loss therefrom. The structure of the present disclosure further provides that upon separation of the first and second connectors, either of the first connectors can be cleaned and disinfected, and the first and second connectors can be recoupled together, thereby forming a fluid pathway therebetween.

[0060] Subject matter technology examples as terms The subject technology is illustrated, for example, according to various aspects described below. Various examples of aspects of the subject technology are described as numbered sections (1, 2, 3, etc.) for convenience. These sections are provided as examples and do not limit the subject technology. Note that any of the dependent sections may be combined in any combination and may be separated into respective independent sections, such as section 1 or section 5. Other sections may be presented similarly.

[0061] Item 1. A fluid connector system comprising: a first connector comprising: a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, an inner surface forming a housing channel extending between a proximal opening and a distal opening of the housing, and a first valve disposed within the housing channel; and a second connector comprising a body having a proximal end and a distal end, an inner surface forming a body channel extending between a proximal opening and a distal opening of the body, and a second valve disposed within the body channel, the outer surface of the distal end of the body forming a protrusion and one or more arms, the one or more arms extending along the protrusion; when the first and second connectors are coupled together, the one or more arms engage with the housing to resist separation of the first and second connectors, and the protrusion extends to the proximal opening of the housing to engage with the first valve and to open a fluid path through the first and second connectors.

[0062] Item 2. A fluid connector system as in item 1, wherein the first connector comprises an insert having a first end, a second end, an inner surface forming a cavity extending into the second end, and a passageway extending through the first end and intersecting the cavity, and the insert is coupled to the proximal end of the housing using a first valve disposed between the cavity of the insert and a proximal opening of the housing.

[0063] Item 3. The fluid connector system of item 2, wherein when the first and second connectors are coupled together, the protrusion extends through the passage of the insert.

[0064] Item 4. The fluid connector system of item 2, wherein the insert is disposed along the passage and includes a seal configured to engage with the protrusion when the first and second connectors are coupled together.

[0065] Item 5. The fluid connector system of item 2, wherein the second end of the insert extends into the proximal opening of the housing.

[0066] Item 6. A fluid connector system according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the first valve is a check valve configured to allow fluid to move through the check valve in a direction from the proximal end of the housing toward the distal end, while resisting fluid movement through the check valve in a direction from the distal end toward the proximal end of the housing.

[0067] Item 7. The fluid connector system of any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the outer surface of the distal end of the housing forms a male luer shape and the housing channel extends through the male luer shape.

[0068] Item 8. The fluid connector system of item 7, wherein the distal end of the housing comprises a sleeve having an inner surface spaced from the outer surface of the male luer.

[0069] Item 9. The fluid connector system of item 8, wherein the housing includes a screw thread extending along an inner surface of the sleeve.

[0070] Item 10. A fluid connector system according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the outer surface of the housing has a flange extending radially outward in a direction away from a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends of the housing.

[0071] Item 11. The fluid connector system of item 10, wherein when the first and second connectors are coupled together, a portion of one or more arms is disposed between the flange and the distal end of the housing.

[0072] Item 12. The fluid connector system of item 10, wherein the flange has a distally facing surface and the one or more arms have a ridge with a proximally facing surface, and when the first and second connectors are coupled together, the distally facing surface and the proximally facing surface are in the same plane.

[0073] Item 13. A fluid connector system according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein one or more arms have a ridge extending radially inward in a direction toward a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends of the body.

[0074] Item 14. A fluid connector system according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the second valve is a check valve configured to allow fluid to move through the check valve in a direction from the proximal end of the body toward the distal end, while resisting fluid movement through the check valve in a direction from the distal end toward the proximal end of the body.

[0075] Item 15. A fluid connector system according to any one of items 1 to 14, wherein the one or more arms include a first arm and a second arm, the first and second arms being spaced apart about a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends of the body.

[0076] Item 16. The fluid connector system of any one of items 1 to 15, wherein one or more arms include a circumferential wall having an inner surface spaced apart from an outer surface of the protrusion.

[0077] Item 17. A method for providing a fluid connector system, comprising: providing a first connector comprising a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, an inner surface forming a housing channel extending between a proximal opening and a distal opening of the housing, and a first valve disposed within the housing channel; providing a second connector comprising a body having a proximal end and a distal end, an inner surface forming a body channel extending between a proximal opening and a distal opening of the body, and a second valve disposed within the body channel, wherein the outer surface of the distal end of the body forms a protrusion and one or more arms, the one or more arms extending along the protrusion; the first and second connectors are connectable together such that the one or more arms engage with the housing and the protrusion extends to the proximal opening of the housing to engage with the first valve to open a fluid path through the first and second connectors.

[0078] Item 18. The method of item 17, wherein the body comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion, and providing the second valve includes connecting the proximal portion and the distal portion of the body together with the second valve located between the proximal portion and the distal portion of the body.

[0079] Item 19. The method of item 17, further comprising providing an insert configured to couple to the proximal end of the housing.

[0080] Item 20. The method of item 19, wherein providing the first valve includes coupling the insert to the proximal end of the housing with the first valve disposed therebetween.

[0081] Further considerations In some examples, any of the sections herein may be dependent on any one of the independent sections or any one of the dependent sections. In an aspect, any of the sections (e.g., dependent section or independent section) may be combined with any one or more other sections (e.g., dependent section or independent section). In an aspect, a claim may include some or all of the terms (e.g., steps, actions, means, or components) recited in a section, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In an aspect, a claim may include some or all of the terms recited in one or more sections, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs. In an aspect, some of the terms in each section, sentence, phrase, or paragraph may be excluded. In an aspect, additional terms or elements may be added to a section, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In an aspect, the subject technology may be implemented without utilizing some of the components, elements, functions, or operations described herein. In an aspect, the subject technology may be implemented using additional components, elements, functions, or operations.

[0082] This disclosure is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. This disclosure provides various illustrative examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these illustrative examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0083] Reference to a singular element is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically stated otherwise, but rather "one or more." The term "some" means one or more unless specifically stated otherwise. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) also include feminine or neuter (e.g., her or its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, where present, are used merely for convenience and do not limit the invention.

[0084] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. In one aspect, various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0085] The use of a phrase such as "aspect" does not imply that the aspect is essential to the subject technology or that the aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure relating to one aspect may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. Such a phrase "aspect" can refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. A phrase such as "embodiment" does not imply that the embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that the embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure relating to one embodiment may apply to all embodiments or one or more examples. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. Such a phrase "embodiment" can refer to one or more examples, and vice versa. A phrase such as "configuration" does not imply that the configuration is essential to the subject technology or that the configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure relating to one configuration may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. The phrase "such a configuration" can mean one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0086] In one aspect, unless otherwise specified, all measurements, values, orders, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications set forth in this specification, including the following claims, are approximate and not precise, and are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the function to which they relate or with customary practices in the relevant art.

[0087] In one aspect, the term "coupled" or the like can mean directly coupled. In another aspect, the term "coupled" or the like can mean indirectly coupled.

[0088] Terms such as "top," "bottom," "front," and "rear" as used in this disclosure should be understood to refer to any coordinate system other than the typical gravitational coordinate system. Thus, the top, bottom, front, and rear surfaces can extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in the gravitational coordinate system.

[0089] Various items may be arranged in a variety of ways (e.g., arranged in a different order or partitioned differently) without departing from the scope of the subject technology. All structural or functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are known or later become known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made available to the public, regardless of whether the disclosure is expressly recited in the claims. A claim element is not to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for," or, in the case of a method claim, unless the element is recited using the phrase "step for." Furthermore, to the extent terms such as "comprise" or "have" are used, these terms are intended to be inclusive, as are "comprises" when employed as transitional terms in the claims.

[0090] The title, background, summary, brief description of the drawings, and abstract of this disclosure are incorporated into this disclosure as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as a limiting description. They are presented with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, it will be appreciated that the detailed description provides illustrative examples, and that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires features other than those expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed structure or operation. The following claims are incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as separately claimed subject matter.

[0091] The claims are not intended to be limited to only the embodiments described herein, but are intended to be accorded the full scope consistent with the claims set forth and to encompass all legal equivalents. However, no claim is intended to encompass subject matter that fails to meet the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §§ 101, 102, or 103, and no claim should be interpreted as failing to meet the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §§ 101, 102, or 103.

Claims

1. 1. A fluid connector system comprising: a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, an inner surface forming a housing channel extending between the proximal and distal openings of the housing, and a first valve disposed within the housing channel; a first connector comprising: a body having a proximal end and a distal end, an inner surface forming a body channel extending between a proximal opening and a distal opening of the body, and a second valve disposed within the body channel, wherein an outer surface of the distal end of the body forms a protrusion and one or more arms, the one or more arms extending along the protrusion; a second connector comprising: Equipped with a fluid connector system, wherein when the first and second connectors are connected together, the one or more arms engage with the housing to resist separation of the first and second connectors, and the protrusion extends to the proximal opening of the housing to engage with the first valve and to open a fluid path through the first and second connectors.

2. 2. The fluid connector system of claim 1, wherein the first connector comprises an insert having a first end, a second end, an inner surface forming a cavity extending into the second end, and a passage extending through the first end and intersecting the cavity, the insert being coupled to the proximal end of the housing using the first valve disposed between the cavity of the insert and the proximal opening of the housing.

3. 3. The fluid connector system of claim 2, wherein the protrusion extends through the passageway of the insert when the first and second connectors are coupled together.

4. 3. The fluid connector system of claim 2, wherein the insert comprises a seal disposed along the passage and configured to engage the protrusion when the first and second connectors are coupled together.

5. The fluid connector system of claim 2 , wherein the second end of the insert extends into the proximal opening of the housing.

6. 2. The fluid connector system of claim 1, wherein the first valve is a check valve configured to allow fluid movement through the check valve in a direction from the proximal end toward the distal end of the housing while resisting fluid movement through the check valve in a direction from the distal end toward the proximal end of the housing.

7. 2. The fluid connector system of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the distal end of the housing defines a male luer shape, and the housing channel extends through the male luer shape.

8. 8. The fluid connector system of claim 7, wherein the distal end of the housing comprises a sleeve having an inner surface spaced from the outer surface of the male luer.

9. The fluid connector system of claim 8 , wherein the housing includes threads extending along the inner surface of the sleeve.

10. 2. The fluid connector system of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the housing comprises a flange extending radially outwardly in a direction away from a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends of the housing.

11. 11. The fluid connector system of claim 10, wherein a portion of the one or more arms is disposed between the flange and the distal end of the housing when the first and second connectors are coupled together.

12. 11. The fluid connector system of claim 10, wherein the flange has a distally facing surface, the one or more arms have ridges with proximally facing surfaces, and when the first and second connectors are coupled together, the distally facing surface and the proximally facing surface are coplanar.

13. 2. The fluid connector system of claim 1, wherein the one or more arms include a ridge extending radially inward in a direction toward a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the body.

14. 2. The fluid connector system of claim 1, wherein the second valve is a check valve configured to resist fluid movement through the check valve in a direction from the proximal end toward the distal end of the body and to allow fluid movement through the check valve in a direction from the proximal end toward the distal end of the body.

15. 2. The fluid connector system of claim 1, wherein the one or more arms include a first arm and a second arm, the first and second arms being spaced apart about a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the body.

16. The fluid connector system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more arms comprise a circumferential wall having an inner surface spaced from the outer surface of the projection.

17. 1. A method for providing a fluid connector system, comprising: providing a first connector comprising a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, an inner surface forming a housing channel extending between a proximal opening and a distal opening of the housing, and a first valve disposed within the channel of the housing; providing a second connector comprising a body having a proximal end and a distal end, an inner surface forming a body channel extending between a proximal opening and a distal opening of the body, and a second valve disposed within the channel of the body, wherein an outer surface of the distal end of the body forms a protrusion and one or more arms, the one or more arms extending along the protrusion; Including, The first and second connectors are connectable together such that the one or more arms engage with the housing and the protrusion extends to the proximal opening of the housing to engage with the first valve and open a fluid path through the first and second connectors.

18. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the body comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion, and providing the second valve comprises coupling the proximal portion and the distal portion of the body together with the second valve between the proximal portion and the distal portion of the body.

19. The method of claim 17 , further comprising providing an insert configured to couple to the proximal end of the housing.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein providing the first valve comprises coupling the insert to the proximal end of the housing with the first valve disposed therebetween.

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