Screwless snap-lock connector

Abstract

The large diameter threadless snap lock connector is a connector device comprising: a male threadless connector including a first through hole of a particular diameter, an O-ring of a first outer diameter included in a first outer surface on a second end of the first through hole, and an engagement structure included in the first outer surface, the engagement structure having an outer periphery formed as a substantially circle with a second outer diameter; and a female threadless connector including an inner surface having a first inner diameter substantially equal to the first outer diameter and a snap lock ring projecting inwardly from the inner surface and having a second inner diameter smaller than the second outer diameter, wherein the snap lock ring and the engagement structure are provided by a connector device that selectively secures the male threadless connector within the female threadless connector and forms a fluid-tight seal between the inner surface and the O-ring.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 397,744, entitled "Screwless Snap-Lock Connector," filed August 12, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] Suction devices are used as medical devices to remove bodily fluids, such as blood, from a patient. A variety of connectors and tubing may be used to connect two devices or components used for suction that are held in fluid communication with each other. The type of connector selected may depend on the materials being transferred between the two devices, the materials used in the two devices, the pressure at which the fluids are being transferred, whether the connection is permanent or temporary, and various other design considerations. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to improved connectors for use with suction collection devices. The improvements described herein provide various advantages, including, but not limited to, easier use of the connector device, reduction of clinical steps by the operator, use of certain materials previously found to be difficult to work with, the ability to use larger bores allowing for higher suction volumes in a given time frame, a stronger and more reliable seal of the connector when operating with vacuum / negative pressure, and resulting improved or simplified manufacturing techniques. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a threadless connector device comprising: a male threadless connector including a first outer surface, a first through hole between a first end and a second end of the male threadless connector, the first through hole having a first bore at the second end of the male threadless connector, an O-ring of a first outer diameter included on the first outer surface at the second end of the male threadless connector, and an engagement structure included on the first outer surface and positioned between the first end of the male threadless connector and the O-ring, the engagement structure having an outer periphery formed substantially as a circle having a second outer diameter; and a female threadless connector, a female threaded connector including a second through hole having a second bore and a housing including a third through hole opening that receives the male threaded connector, the housing including an inner surface having a first inner diameter substantially equal to the first outer diameter of the O-ring, and a snap lock ring protruding inward from the inner surface and having a second inner diameter smaller than the second outer diameter of the engagement structure, the snap lock ring and the engagement structure securing the male threaded connector within the housing of the female threaded connector and forming a seal between the inner surface of the housing and the O-ring such that the first through hole is in fluid communication with the second through hole.

[0005] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a system including: a stopcock having a first inlet and a second inlet; a suction port having a third inlet and a fourth inlet; a first tube connected to the first inlet and the third inlet; a catheter connected to the fourth inlet; a pressure source including a female threaded connector having an inner surface having a first inner diameter and a snap-lock ring included on the inner surface having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter; and a male threaded connector connected at a first end to the second inlet and at a second end to the pressure source via the female threaded connector, the male threaded connector including: an O-ring that forms a seal with the inner surface of the female threaded connector; and an engagement structure disposed between the O-ring and the snap-lock ring that contacts the snap-lock ring when the male threaded connector is connected to the pressure source via the female threaded connector, the engagement structure having an outer periphery substantially equal to the first inner diameter.

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure is an apparatus including: a male threadless connector including an outer surface, a first tubular cavity within the outer surface, an O-ring on the outer surface, and an engaging structure on the outer surface; and a female threadless connector including a second tubular cavity and an inner mating surface having snap-lock means that mate with the engaging structure of the male threadless connector to form a seal such that the first tubular cavity and the second tubular cavity are in fluid communication. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] The accompanying drawings illustrate various elements of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure and are not to be considered as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0008] In the figures, some elements may not be shown to scale relative to other elements to more clearly show detail. Further, wherever possible, like reference numerals have been used to refer to like elements throughout the several figures.

[0009] It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further description or illustration. For example, when figures show alternative views and periods, various elements shown in a first figure may be omitted from the illustration shown in a second figure without negating the inclusion of those elements in the embodiment shown or described in connection with the second figure.

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exploded isometric view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates an isometric exploded view of a connector incorporated into a suction collection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present disclosure relates generally to improved connectors for use with suction collection devices. The improvements described herein provide various advantages, including, but not limited to, easier use of the connector device, the use of certain materials previously found to be difficult to work with, a stronger and more reliable seal of the connector when operating with vacuum / negative pressure, and improved or simplified manufacturing techniques.

[0012] The described connectors use a snap lock to establish and maintain a connection between a male component inserted into a female component. A snap lock may also be understood as a friction locking device (e.g., a friction lock) because no keying is required to insert or remove the male component from the female component; instead, the user overcomes a threshold level of force to push or pull the components into the desired configuration. The snap lock arrangement allows the user to potentially hear or feel when the connection is established (e.g., when one portion of the male component passes relative to one portion of the female component or "snaps" into place) and allows full rotation (e.g., 360 degrees or more) of the male component relative to the female component. The ability to fully rotate the components relative to one another while maintaining the connection is achieved by a threadless design; that is, the male connector does not connect with the female connector via mating threads or screws. Instead, an engagement structure on the male connector contacts and holds the male connector within the female connector housing via a snap lock ring. The snap-lock ring projects inward from the housing, and the engagement structure projects outward from the male connector, resisting translational movement of the connector parts relative to one another until a threshold level of force is overcome by the user. Additionally, depending on the relative sizes of the male and female parts, friction between their outer and inner surfaces can help maintain connection between the parts.

[0013] In various embodiments, some of the materials and dimensions used by connectors are mandated by various standards or regulatory bodies. For example, when used in medical devices (e.g., for aspiration of blood clots), connectors can use tubing of standardized calibers and thicknesses. Similarly, when used in medical devices, regulatory bodies may specify that a specific subset of materials can be used. These materials may be specified to be various medical-grade plastics or biocompatible polymers (e.g., acetyl or polycarbonate plastics). While medical-grade plastics have many useful properties, these materials are often more brittle than metals. Therefore, snap-lock designs are not preferred for medical devices, especially in large components configured with large bore sizes for through-holes (e.g., bore sizes of 0.090 inches or larger), because the flex imparted by inserting a male connector into a female connection can lead to connector cracking and material fatigue. The present disclosure provides structures and designs that overcome these and other challenges when using hard plastic snap-lock connectors and working with sizes and scales mandated by standards or regulatory bodies.

[0014] FIG. 1 shows an exploded isometric view of a connector device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The connector device 100 can be understood as two pieces: a male threadless connector 110 and a female threadless connector 120. Neither the male threadless connector 110 nor the female threadless connector 120 includes threads for engaging with the other's threads or body material, thereby avoiding a threaded or similar design. Instead, an engagement structure 112 on the outer surface of the male threadless connector 110 and a snap-lock ring 122 (not visible in FIG. 1 ) on the inner surface of the female threadless connector 120 engage with each other to keep the male threadless connector 110 connected within the female threadless connector 120 when the connector device 100 is in an engaged state. In some embodiments, the female threadless connector 120 includes a reinforcing ring 126 on the exterior surface of the housing 124 to provide additional structural support to the female threadless connector 120 and / or to provide an external grip (e.g., a thumb rest) for the user to engage / disengage the connector device 100.

[0015] The exploded isometric view of Figure 1 shows the connector device 100 in an unengaged state, with the male threaded connector 110 not inserted into the female threaded connector 120. Figures 2A and 2B show (in cross section) the connector device 100 in an engaged state, with the male threaded connector 110 inserted into the female threaded connector 120 to a depth where the engagement structure 112 passes through the snap lock ring 122, and the engaged engagement structure 112 and snap lock ring 122 hold the male threaded connector 110 in place relative to the female threaded connector 120.

[0016] When in an engaged state, a through-hole 130 passing between the first and second ends of the male threadless connector 110 is in fluid communication with a second through-hole 140 passing between the first end of the female threadless connector 120 and the housing 124. The male threadless connector 110 is secured within the housing 124 such that a sealing means, such as an O-ring 150 or gasket, is provided at one end of the male threadless connector 110. In various embodiments, the sealing means is larger in diameter than the male threadless connector 110 such that when in an engaged state, the sealing means is compressed between the outer surface of the male threadless connector 110 and the inner surface of the female threadless connector 120. In various embodiments, the sealing means may be made of various rubbers (natural or synthetic) or rubberized plastics such that it has greater compressibility than the materials used for the male threadless connector 110 and the female threadless connector 120.

[0017] The female threadless connector 120 includes a housing 124 having a first through-hole on a first side through which the male threadless connector 110 is inserted into an engaged state. On a second side of the housing 124, the female threadless connector 120 has a second through-hole that is in fluid communication with the through-hole of the male threadless connector 110 when engaged. The sealing means ensures that the seal between the male threadless connector 110 and the female threadless connector 120 is maintained over various pressure differentials, such as at least (approximately) ±20 pounds per square inch (psi) (e.g., 0.0 psi absolute (psia) for a delta of approximately 40 psi—between current atmospheric pressure and 22.5 psi gauge (psig)). The pressure differential may include a negative pressure, such as when suction is applied to a target through the connector device 100 (e.g., to aspirate a fluid), or a positive pressure, such as when a first fluid is injected into a target through the connector device 100. Additionally, the engagement snap lock ring 122 and engagement structure 112 are configured such that the force required to selectively disengage the male threaded connector 110 from the female threaded connector 120 is greater than the force induced by the pressure source (e.g., pressure induced force), preventing the induced pressure from disengaging the connector device 100 during operation.

[0018] The housing 124 includes a snap-lock engagement means, such as a snap-lock ring 122, having a first inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the male threaded connector 110 but a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter. The second inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the male threaded connector 110 but larger than the outer circumference of the engagement structure 112. Thus, the snap-lock engagement means prevents the male threaded connector 110 from being fully inserted into the female threaded connector 120 when initially disengaged (by contacting the engagement structure 112) and prevents the male threaded connector 110 from being withdrawn from the female threaded connector 120 when initially engaged. In various embodiments, the through hole of the male threaded connector 110 and the second through hole of the female threaded connector 120 share a predetermined inner diameter size, such as at least 0.125 inches to 0.300 inches.

[0019] When transitioning between an engaged and disengaged state, a user may push the male threadless connector 110 into the female threadless connector 120 with enough force to temporarily deform one or both of the connectors, thereby allowing the engagement structure 112 to pass through the snap-lock ring 122. Similarly, when transitioning between an engaged and disengaged state, a user may pull the male threadless connector 110 out of (or push from the opposite side of) the female threadless connector 120 with enough force to temporarily deform one or both of the connectors, thereby allowing the engagement structure 112 to pass through the snap-lock ring 122. The engagement or disengagement of the connectors with each other may be accompanied by a "snap" sound indicating that the transition has occurred.

[0020] When using rigid materials such as polycarbonate plastic thermoplastics, temporary deformation of one or both connectors can result in permanent damage to the connectors (e.g., pushing the material past its breaking point) unless care is taken in the design. Therefore, in various embodiments, to accommodate the use of rigid plastics in the construction of connector device 100, engagement structure 112 includes one or more flattened portions 114. While engagement structure 112 is substantially circular in cross section, flattened portions 114 are formed as reliefs in the generally circular engagement structure 112. In various embodiments, engagement structure 112 may include one or more flattened portions 114 located at various locations around male threadless connector 110 that improve the structural integrity of connector device 100 when inserting or removing male threadless connector 110 without damaging connector device 100. These flat portions 114 reduce the amount of force a user needs to apply to assemble and disassemble the connector device 100 by providing areas where the engagement structure 112 does not contact the snap lock ring 122.

[0021] In some embodiments, the connector device 100 includes tube barbs 160a-b on one or both sides (e.g., on the male unthreaded connector 110 and the female unthreaded connector 120) to hold tubing attached to the connector device 100 in place as the connector device 100 transitions between engaged and disengaged states.

[0022] 2A and 2B show cross-sectional views of a connector device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The male threadless connector 110 and the female threadless connector 120 generally exhibit radial symmetry about a central axis 230 that passes longitudinally along the connector device 100, and the cross-sectional views shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B may illustrate various rotations of a given connector device 100 about the central axis 230. Thus, the flat portion 114 is visible in FIG. 2B but not in FIG. 2A. Due to the radial symmetry, the male threadless connector 110 and the female threadless connector 120 can rotate relative to one another up to (and beyond) a 360-degree rotation when assembled into the connector device 100.

[0023] The male threadless connector 110 includes an outer surface 210 and a first tubular cavity 220 disposed within the outer surface 210, with an O-ring 150 and an engagement structure 112 disposed on the outer surface 210. The female threadless connector 120 includes a second tubular cavity 240 and an inner mating surface 250 having snap-lock means for mating with the engagement structure 112 of the male threadless connector 110 to hold the O-ring 150 in contact with the inner mating surface 270, thereby forming a seal that establishes fluid communication between the first tubular cavity 220 and the second tubular cavity 240.

[0024] 2A and 2B, the male threadless connector 110 exhibits a first outer diameter 260a for at least the portion of the male threadless connector 110 that is inserted into the female threadless connector 120, while the engagement structure 112 exhibits a second outer diameter 260b that is larger than the first outer diameter 260a. The first outer diameter 260a and the second outer diameter 260b are smaller than a first inner diameter 270a of the housing 124 of the female threadless connector 120 to allow insertion of the male threadless connector 110 into the female threadless connector 120. However, the snap-lock ring 122 has a second inner diameter 270b that is smaller than the first inner diameter 270a and the second outer diameter 260b, but larger than the first outer diameter 260a.

[0025] In various embodiments, the engagement structure 112 of the male threadless connector 110 may include one or more flattened portions 114 that do not exhibit radial symmetry about the central axis 230 (e.g., a single flattened portion 114, as in FIG. 2B ). Because the one or more engagement structures 112 interrupt the circular cross-section of the engagement structure 112, the second outer diameter 260b defines the maximum extension of the engagement structure 112, and the periphery of the engagement structure 112 may include one or more regions (corresponding to the flattened portions 114) of smaller outer diameters than the second outer diameter 260b. Each flattened portion 114 provides a relief to the substantially circular periphery of the engagement structure 112. This relief in the engagement structure 112 reduces the deformation and force required to transition one or more regions of the male threadless connector 110 and the female threadless connector 120 between the engaged and disengaged states. Thus, the resulting connector device 100 is less susceptible to breakage, even when constructed from a rigid material.

[0026] 3 is an isometric view of a connector device 100 incorporated into a suction collection system 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a syringe 310 is connected to a female threadless connector 120 via a first tube 320a (generally or collectively, tube 320 or tubes), and a male threadless connector 110 is connected to a stopcock 330 via a second tube 320b. In various embodiments, the arrangement of the male and female components of the connector device 100 may be reversed. The stopcock 330 is connected to a suction port 340 via a third tube 320c, which is connected to a fluid target (e.g., a vein) via a catheter 350.

[0027] Each section of tubing 320 connects to various inlets of the respective components and may include barbs or other retaining elements to hold the tubing 320 in place. Although various tubing 320 connecting components of collection system 300 is shown, in various embodiments, one or more sections of tubing 320 may be omitted if other components are connected directly to each other (e.g., inlet to inlet).

[0028] Negative pressure is applied to the fluid target of catheter 350 to draw fluid and entrained solids (e.g., clots) into suction port 340. Suction port 340 includes a collection area so that solids (e.g., clots) aspirated through catheter 350 can be captured and removed. Negative pressure, in the illustrated example, is provided via syringe 310, which allows a user to pull plunger 312 back against syringe body 314 to create a vacuum and aspirate liquids and solids through catheter 350. In various embodiments, other sources of negative pressure (e.g., a pump) may be used in place of syringe 310. A stopcock 330 allows a user to selectively establish or break fluid communication between syringe 310 (or other pressure source) and suction port 340.

[0029] Because the threadless connector device 100 allows for full rotation and the tubing 320 is generally statically connected to the associated components, including the connector device 100 between the two components allows for greater mobility during operation (e.g., a user can move or adjust the relative positions of the components of the collection system 300). Thus, in addition to or instead of placing the connector device 100 between the syringe 310 and the stopcock 330, the connector device 100 may be placed between the stopcock 330 and the suction port 340.

[0030] In various embodiments, one or more of the inlets of a component may include the male unthreaded connector 110 or the female unthreaded connector 120 of the connector device 100. For example, the inlet of the syringe 310 may include the female unthreaded connector 120 as an integral element, while the male unthreaded connector 110 is provided as a separate or stand-alone element to engage with a segment of the tubing 320 and the female unthreaded connector 120. In another example, when the stopcock 330 directly engages the suction port 340 (e.g., without the tubing 320), the inlet of the suction port 340 may include a first of the male unthreaded connector 110 and the female unthreaded connector 120, while the stopcock 330 includes a second of the male unthreaded connector 110 and the female unthreaded connector 120 to engage with the first included in the inlet of the suction port 340. Similarly, if the stopcock 330 engages directly with the syringe 310 (e.g., not via the tube 320), the inlet of the syringe 310 may include a first of the male unthreaded connector 110 and the female unthreaded connector 120, while the stopcock 330 includes a second of the male unthreaded connector 110 and the female unthreaded connector 120 to engage with the first included in the inlet of the syringe 310.

[0031] This disclosure can also be understood with reference to the following numbered sections:

[0032] Item 1: A threaded connector device, comprising: a male threaded connector including a first outer surface; a first through hole between a first end and a second end of the male threaded connector, the first through hole having a first bore at the second end of the male threaded connector; an O-ring of a first outer diameter included on the first outer surface at the second end of the male threaded connector; and an engagement structure included on the first outer surface and positioned between the first end of the male threaded connector and the O-ring, the engagement structure having an outer periphery formed substantially as a circle having a second outer diameter; and a female threaded connector including a second through hole having a second bore. and a female threaded connector including a housing including a third through-hole opening that receives the male threaded connector, the housing including an inner surface having a first inner diameter substantially equal to the first outer diameter of the O-ring, and a snap-lock ring projecting inwardly from the inner surface and having a second inner diameter smaller than the second outer diameter of the engagement structure, the snap-lock ring and the engagement structure securing the male threaded connector within the housing of the female threaded connector and forming a seal between the inner surface of the housing and the O-ring such that the first through-hole is in fluid communication with the second through-hole.

[0033] Item 2: The threadless connector device according to any one of Items 1 and 3 to 7, wherein the first outer diameter of the O-ring is substantially equal to the second outer diameter of the engagement structure.

[0034] Item 3: A threadless connector device according to any one of items 1, 2, and 4 to 7, wherein the engagement structure includes at least one flat portion.

[0035] Item 4: A threadless connector device according to any one of items 1 to 3 and 5 to 7, wherein the male threadless connector and the female threadless connector are made of polycarbonate or a similar material.

[0036] Item 5: A threadless connector device according to any one of items 1 to 4, 6 and 7, wherein the first bore and the second bore are at least 0.125 inches.

[0037] Item 6: A threadless connector device according to any one of items 1 to 5 and 7, wherein the seal is guaranteed against a delta pressure of at least 40 pounds per square inch.

[0038] Item 7: A threadless connector device according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the male threadless connector is configured to rotate relative to the female threadless connector about a central axis between the first through hole and the second through hole while maintaining the seal.

[0039] Item 8: A system comprising: a stopcock having a first inlet and a second inlet; a suction port having a third inlet and a fourth inlet; a first tube connected to the first inlet and the third inlet; a catheter connected to the fourth inlet; a pressure source comprising a female threaded connector having an inner surface with a first inner diameter and a snap-lock ring included on the inner surface, the snap-lock ring having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter; and a male threaded connector connected at a first end to the second inlet and connected at a second end to the pressure source via the female threaded connector, the male threaded connector comprising: an O-ring that forms a seal with the inner surface of the female threaded connector; and an engagement structure disposed between the O-ring and the snap-lock ring that contacts the snap-lock ring when the male threaded connector is connected to the pressure source via the female threaded connector, the engagement structure having an outer periphery substantially equal to the first inner diameter.

[0040] Item 9: A system described in any of items 8 and 10 to 19, wherein all components are in fluid communication through a common through hole having a bore of at least 0.125 inches.

[0041] Item 10: A system described in any of items 8, 9, and 11 to 19, wherein the male unthreaded connector is configured to rotate relative to the female unthreaded connector about a central axis while maintaining the seal.

[0042] Item 11: A system described in any one of items 8 to 10 and 12 to 19, wherein the male threadless connector and the female threadless connector are made of polycarbonate or a similar material.

[0043] Item 12: A system described in any of items 8-11 and 13-19, wherein the seal is fluid-tight to a delta pressure of at least 40 pounds per square inch.

[0044] Item 13: A system described in any of items 8 to 12 and 14 to 19, wherein the force selectively disengaging the male threaded connector from the female threaded connector is greater than the force induced by pressure from the pressure source.

[0045] Item 14: A system described in any of items 8 to 13 and 15 to 19, further comprising a first tube barb included on a first outer surface of the first end of the male threadless connector.

[0046] Item 15: A system described in any one of items 8 to 14 and 16 to 19, further comprising a second tube barb included in the female threadless connector.

[0047] Item 16: A system described in any one of items 8 to 15 and 17 to 19, wherein the first bore of the male unthreaded connector is substantially equal to the second bore of the female unthreaded connector.

[0048] Item 17: A system described in any one of items 8 to 16, 18 and 19, wherein the male threadless connector and the female threadless connector are made of a biocompatible polymer.

[0049] Item 18: The system described in any one of items 8 to 17 and 19, wherein the engagement structure includes a flat portion on the substantially circular periphery of the engagement structure.

[0050] Item 19: The system described in any one of items 8 to 18, wherein the flat portion has a third outer diameter that is smaller than the second outer diameter.

[0051] Item 20: An apparatus comprising: a male threaded connector including an outer surface, a first tubular cavity within the outer surface, an O-ring on the outer surface, and an engaging structure on the outer surface; and a female threaded connector including a second tubular cavity and an inner mating surface having snap-lock means that mates with the engaging structure of the male threaded connector to form a seal such that the first tubular cavity and the second tubular cavity are in fluid communication.

[0052] The description and illustration of one or more embodiments provided in this disclosure are intended to thoroughly and completely disclose the entire scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the relevant art and are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the claimed subject matter in any way. The aspects, examples, and details provided in this disclosure are believed to be sufficient to convey proprietary rights and to enable one skilled in the relevant art to practice the best mode of the claimed subject matter. Descriptions of structures, resources, operations, and acts that are believed to be well-known to those skilled in the relevant art may be abbreviated or omitted to avoid obscuring lesser-known or unique aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The claimed subject matter should not be construed as limited to any embodiment, aspect, example, or detail provided in this disclosure, unless explicitly stated herein. Whether collectively or individually shown or described, various features (both structural and methodological) are intended to be selectively included or omitted to produce embodiments incorporating particular sets of features. Furthermore, some or all of the functions and acts shown or described may be performed in any order or simultaneously.

[0053] Having provided the description and illustrations of this disclosure, those skilled in the relevant art will be able to envision variations, modifications, and alternative embodiments that fall within the spirit of the broader aspects of the general inventive concepts presented in this disclosure without departing from the broader scope of the disclosure.

[0054] As used in this disclosure, a phrase referring to "at least one" of a list of items refers to any set of those items, including sets having a single member and all potential combinations thereof. For example, when referring to "at least one of A or B or C" or "at least one of A and B and C," the phrase is intended to cover the following sets: A, B, C, AB, BC, and ABC, where a set may include one or more instances of a given member (e.g., AA, AAA, AAB, AABBCC, etc.), and any order thereof.

[0055] As used in this disclosure, the term "identify" encompasses various operations including calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., via a table or database or other data structure), ascertaining, receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), searching, resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

[0056] As used in this disclosure, "substantially," "about," "approximately," and other relative terms encompass values ​​within ±5% of the stated amount, percentage, or range, unless a different approximation is explicitly stated in connection with the stated amount, percentage, or range, or unless the context of the value indicates that a different approximation is more appropriate. For example, a value specified as approximately X% may be understood to include values ​​between 0.95 × X% and 1.05 × X%, or between X - 0.05X% and X + 0.05X%, but may stop at 0% or 100% in various contexts. In another example, a feature described as being substantially parallel or perpendicular to another feature shall be understood to be within ±9 degrees of parallelism or perpendicularity. Values ​​stated in relative terms shall be understood to include ranges or subranges between the stated value and the indicated or implied extremes.

[0057] As used in this disclosure, all numerical values ​​(whether or not indicated as approximations) given in the examples inherently include values ​​within the precision and rounding error of that numerical value. For example, the numerical value 4.5 shall be understood to include values ​​from 4.45 to 4.54, and the numerical value 4.50 shall be understood to include values ​​from 4.495 to 4.504. Furthermore, numerical values ​​or ranges that explicitly or by context refer to integer values ​​(e.g., between about X users, approximately Y and approximately Z conditions) shall be understood to be rounded down or up to the next integer value (e.g., X ± 1 users, Y-1 and Z+1 conditions).

[0058] The following claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims. Within the claims, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only," unless specifically so recited, but rather "one or more" or "at least one." Unless otherwise noted, the term "some" refers to one or more. Claim elements are not to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited in "means" or "step" terms. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described in this disclosure that are or later become known to those skilled in the relevant arts are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed in this disclosure is intended to be a public advertisement, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims.

[0059] (Addendum) (Appendix 1) A screwless connector device, A male threadless connector, a first outer surface; a first through hole between a first end and a second end of the male threaded connector, the first through hole having a first bore at the second end of the male threaded connector; an O-ring of a first outer diameter included on the first outer surface at the second end of the male threadless connector; an engagement structure included on the first outer surface and positioned between the first end of the male threadless connector and the O-ring, the engagement structure having an outer periphery formed substantially as a circle having a second outer diameter; and a male threadless connector including: A female threadless connector, a second through hole having a second bore; a housing including a third through-hole opening for receiving the male threadless connector; a female threadless connector including: Including, The housing includes: an inner surface having a first inner diameter substantially equal to the first outer diameter of the O-ring; a snap lock ring projecting inwardly from the inner surface and having a second inner diameter smaller than the second outer diameter of the engagement structure; Including, the snap lock ring and the engagement structure secure the male threadless connector within the housing of the female threadless connector and form a seal between an inner surface of the housing and the O-ring such that the first through-hole is in fluid communication with the second through-hole. Screwless connector fixture.

[0060] (Appendix 2) 2. The threadless connector device of claim 1, wherein the first outer diameter of the O-ring is substantially equal to the second outer diameter of the engagement structure.

[0061] (Appendix 3) 2. The threadless connector device of claim 1, wherein the engagement structure includes at least one flat portion.

[0062] (Appendix 4) 2. The threadless connector device of claim 1, wherein the male threadless connector and the female threadless connector are made of polycarbonate.

[0063] (Appendix 5) 2. The threadless connector device of claim 1, wherein the first bore and the second bore are at least 0.125 inches to 0.300 inches.

[0064] (Appendix 6) 2. The threadless connector device of claim 1, wherein the seal is guaranteed for a delta pressure of at least 40 pounds per square inch.

[0065] (Appendix 7) 2. The threadless connector device of claim 1, wherein the male threadless connector is configured to rotate relative to the female threadless connector about a central axis between the first through hole and the second through hole while maintaining the seal.

[0066] (Appendix 8) 1. A system comprising: a stopcock having a first inlet and a second inlet; a suction port having a third inlet and a fourth inlet; a first tube connected to the first inlet and the third inlet; a catheter connected to the fourth inlet; a pressure source including a female threadless connector having an inner surface with a first inner diameter and a snap lock ring contained within the inner surface with a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter; a male threadless connector connected at a first end to the second inlet and connected at a second end to the pressure source via the female threadless connector; Including, The male threadless connector is an O-ring that forms a seal against the interior surface of the female threadless connector; an engagement structure disposed between the O-ring and the snap-lock ring, the engagement structure contacting the snap-lock ring when the male threadless connector is connected to the pressure source via the female threadless connector; Including, the engagement structure has an outer periphery substantially equal to the first inner diameter; system.

[0067] (Appendix 9) 9. The system of claim 8, wherein all components are in fluid communication via a common through-hole having a bore of at least 0.125 inches.

[0068] (Appendix 10) 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the male unthreaded connector is configured to rotate relative to the female unthreaded connector about a central axis while maintaining the seal.

[0069] (Appendix 11) 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the male threadless connector and the female threadless connector are made of polycarbonate.

[0070] (Appendix 12) 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the seal is fluid-tight to a delta pressure of at least 40 pounds per square inch.

[0071] (Appendix 13) 9. The system of claim 8, wherein a force selectively disengaging the male threadless connector from the female threadless connector is greater than a force induced by pressure from the pressure source.

[0072] (Appendix 14) 9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a first tube barb included in a first outer surface of the first end of the male threadless connector.

[0073] (Appendix 15) 9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a second tube barb included in the female threadless connector.

[0074] (Appendix 16) 9. The system of claim 8, wherein a first bore of the male unthreaded connector is substantially equal to a second bore of the female unthreaded connector.

[0075] (Appendix 17) 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the male threadless connector and the female threadless connector are made of a biocompatible polymer.

[0076] (Appendix 18) 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the engagement structure includes a flat portion on a substantially circular periphery of the engagement structure.

[0077] (Appendix 19) 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the flat portion has a third outer diameter that is smaller than the second outer diameter.

[0078] (Appendix 20) An apparatus, A male threadless connector, The exterior and a first tubular cavity disposed within the outer surface; an O-ring on the outer surface; an engagement structure on the outer surface; a male threadless connector including: A female threadless connector, a second tubular cavity; an inner mating surface having snap-lock means for mating with the engaging structure of the male threadless connector to form a seal in fluid communication between the first tubular cavity and the second tubular cavity; a female threadless connector including: An appliance including:

Claims

1. A screwless connector device, A male threadless connector, a first outer surface; a first through hole between a first end and a second end of the male threadless connector, the first through hole having a first bore at the second end of the male threadless connector; an O-ring of a first outer diameter included on the first outer surface at the second end of the male threadless connector; an engagement structure included on the first outer surface and positioned between the first end of the male threadless connector and the O-ring, the engagement structure having an outer periphery formed substantially as a circle having a second outer diameter; a male threadless connector including: A female threadless connector, a second through hole having a second bore; a housing including a third through-hole opening for receiving the male threadless connector; a female threadless connector including: Including, The housing includes: an inner surface having a first inner diameter substantially equal to the first outer diameter of the O-ring; a snap-lock ring projecting inwardly from the inner surface and having a second inner diameter smaller than the second outer diameter of the engagement structure; Including, the snap-lock ring and the engagement structure secure the male threadless connector within the housing of the female threadless connector and form a seal between an inner surface of the housing and the O-ring such that the first through-hole is in fluid communication with the second through-hole. Screwless connector fixture.

2. The threadless connector device of claim 1 , wherein the first outer diameter of the O-ring is substantially equal to the second outer diameter of the engagement structure.

3. The threadless connector device of claim 1 , wherein the engagement structure includes at least one flat portion.

4. 10. The threadless connector device of claim 1, wherein the male threadless connector and the female threadless connector are made from polycarbonate.

5. 10. The threadless connector device of claim 1, wherein said first bore and said second bore are at least 0.125 inches to 0.300 inches.

6. 10. The threadless connector device of claim 1, wherein the seal is guaranteed for a delta pressure of at least 40 pounds per square inch.

7. 2. The threadless connector device of claim 1, wherein the male threadless connector is configured to rotate relative to the female threadless connector about a central axis between the first through hole and the second through hole while maintaining the seal.

8. 1. A system comprising: a stopcock having a first inlet and a second inlet; a suction port having a third inlet and a fourth inlet; a first tube connected to the first inlet and the third inlet; a catheter connected to the fourth inlet; a pressure source including a female threadless connector having an inner surface with a first inner diameter and a snap-lock ring contained within said inner surface with a second inner diameter smaller than said first inner diameter; a male threadless connector connected at a first end to the second inlet and connected at a second end to the pressure source via the female threadless connector; Including, The male threadless connector is an O-ring that forms a seal against the interior surface of the female threadless connector; an engagement structure disposed between the O-ring and the snap-lock ring, the engagement structure contacting the snap-lock ring when the male threadless connector is connected to the pressure source via the female threadless connector; Including, the engagement structure has an outer periphery substantially equal to the first inner diameter; system.

9. 10. The system of claim 8, wherein all components are in fluid communication through a common through-hole having a bore of at least 0.125 inches.

10. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the male unthreaded connector is configured to rotate relative to the female unthreaded connector about a central axis while maintaining the seal.

11. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the male threadless connector and the female threadless connector are made of polycarbonate.

12. The system of claim 8 , wherein the seal is fluid-tight to a delta pressure of at least 40 pounds per square inch.

13. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein a force selectively disengaging the male threadless connector from the female threadless connector is greater than a force induced by pressure from the pressure source.

14. 9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a first tube barb included on a first exterior surface of the first end of the male threadless connector.

15. The system of claim 8 , further comprising a second tube barb included in the female threadless connector.

16. The system of claim 8 , wherein a first bore of the male unthreaded connector is substantially equal to a second bore of the female unthreaded connector.

17. The system of claim 8 , wherein the male and female threadless connectors are made from a biocompatible polymer.

18. The system of claim 17 , wherein the engagement structure includes a flat portion on a substantially circular periphery of the engagement structure.

19. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the flat portion has a third outer diameter that is smaller than the second outer diameter.

20. An apparatus, A male threadless connector, The exterior and a first tubular cavity disposed within the outer surface; an O-ring on the outer surface; an engagement structure on the outer surface; a male threadless connector including: A female threadless connector, a second tubular cavity; and an inner mating surface having snap-lock means for mating with the engaging structure of the male threadless connector to form a seal in fluid communication between the first tubular cavity and the second tubular cavity; a female threadless connector including: An appliance including:

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