Needleless connector with support member

Abstract

We provide needleless connectors. [Solution] The needleless connector comprises a base coupled to a body, the body including an inner surface forming an internal cavity between the body and the base, and a valve element, the valve element including a valve wall having a distal end forming a valve base coupled to the rim of the base, thereby the valve element being at least partially located within the internal cavity, and a fluid channel being formed at least partially between the outer surface of the valve wall and the inner surface of the body, wherein when the outer surface of the valve wall is subjected to back pressure from the fluid channel, a support member extending from the rim into a recess of the base can resist the movement of the valve base into the recess.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] Medicine often involves the infusion of medical fluids (e.g., saline or medications) to patients using intravenous (IV) catheters, which are typically connected to a fluid source such as an IV bag via a flexible tubing and fitting device commonly referred to as an "IV set." Certain needleless connectors can be used with IV sets and may have an automatic sealing port to prevent fluid leakage when a medical device that fits into such a needleless connector is separated. Additionally, the needleless connector may include a mechanical valve, such as a collapsible valve provided with an automatic sealing port and made of a flexible material to control the flow of fluid inside the IV set.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] ‎

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a needleless connector is used in an IV set but is not accessed (i.e., the mating medical device is not connected to the auto-seal port), this needleless connector may be subjected to back pressure from the fluid flow within the IV set. For example, back pressure can be caused by the patient's blood pressure, infusions performed at other connectors within the IV set, or pumps used within the IV set. The back pressure applied to the needleless connector may break the seal of the auto-seal port. If the seal of an inaccessible needleless connector is broken by back pressure, medical fluid from the IV set may undesirably accumulate in the neck of the auto-seal port or be released from the system. Patent Document 1 is an intermediate document that discloses a needleless connector. A bottomed cylindrical hollow elastic body is housed in a housing formed in a housing section, with the opening facing the outlet side of the chemical solution flow path. Furthermore, a central projection is provided extending from the central part of the bottom wall of the hollow elastic body toward the inlet side of the chemical solution flow path. Patent Document 2 discloses a collapsible valve comprising a first portion having at least one dimple on its side, and a second portion, wherein the second portion is narrower than the first portion and is provided along the axial dimension of the first portion, and the second portion has a notch. Patent Document 3 discloses a cap assembly for use with a lock solution delivery device. The cap assembly defines a receptacle and includes a housing having an inlet end and an outlet end. A plunger is supported within the receptacle so as to be axially movable from a retracted position to an advanced position and so as to be rotatable from a first position to a second position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The subject matter disclosed relates to a connector having a support member for a collapsible valve. In one embodiment, a needleless connector is disclosed, comprising a body; a valve element at least partially disposed inside the body, comprising a cylindrical portion having an outwardly extending flange at its distal end, wherein the flange has a bottom surface divided into an outer and inner portion, with the outer and inner portions aligned; a rim defining a recess having a bottom surface distally separated from the upper surface of the rim, and having an upper surface in contact with at least a portion of the outer portion of the flange of the valve element; and a base comprising at least one support member extending laterally from the rim toward the recess so as to contact the inner portion of the bottom surface of the flange, wherein the base further comprises an air channel extending from the bottom surface of the recess through the base toward the ambient environment.

[0006] In one embodiment, the housing comprises a main body having a proximal end and a distal end, a female mounting portion with a port at the proximal end, a base having a male mounting portion at the distal end, and an internal cavity, and a smiley cut (smiley A needleless connector is disclosed, comprising a valve element having a proximal portion having a cut, a cylindrical portion coupled to the distal end of the proximal portion, and an outwardly extending flange coupled to the distal end of the cylindrical portion, wherein the flange has a bottom surface divided into an outer and inner region, and the outer and inner regions are aligned; a rim having an upper surface that contacts at least a portion of the outer region of the bottom surface of the flange of the valve element, and defining a recess in the base having a bottom surface distally separated from the upper surface of the rim; and a base having a plurality of projections each extending from the rim toward the recess so as to contact the inner region of the bottom surface of the flange, and further comprising an air channel extending from the bottom surface of the recess through the base to the surrounding environment, wherein when the female mounting portion of the needleless connector is not mated with a compatible male connector, the proximal portion of the valve element closes the port.

[0007] It will be understood that various configurations of the subject art will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure, and various configurations of the subject art are illustrated and described in this disclosure as illustrations. As will be understood, without any deviation from the scope of the subject art, the subject art is capable of other and different configurations, and some of its details are capable of various other modifications. Therefore, the summary, drawings and detailed description should be considered as illustrative and not limiting in nature.

[0008] For further understanding, the accompanying drawings, which are included, incorporated herein, and constitute part of herein, illustrate the disclosed embodiments and, together with the description, help to illustrate the principles of the disclosed embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1A] This figure shows a cross-section of a conventional needleless connector. [Figure 1B] This figure shows a cross-section of a conventional needleless connector. [Figure 1C] Figure 1A is a perspective view of the base of a conventional connector. [Figure 1D] This figure shows a cross-section of a conventional connector, as shown in Figure 1A, when mated with a compatible male connector. [Figure 1E] This is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 1D. [Figure 1F] Figure 1A shows a cross-section of a conventional connector when it is fluidically connected but not accessed. [Figure 2] This is an exploded view of an exemplary needleless connector according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a top view of the base according to various aspects of this disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a top view of another embodiment of the base according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a top view of another embodiment of the base according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A]Figure 2 shows a broken perspective view of an assembled needleless connector according to various aspects of this disclosure. [Figure 6B] This is a broken perspective view of a complete connector at the location shown in Figure 6A, according to various aspects of this disclosure. [Figure 6C] This is a broken perspective view of a complete connector at the location shown in Figure 6A, according to various aspects of this disclosure. [Figure 6D] This is a broken perspective view of a complete connector at the location shown in Figure 6A, according to various aspects of this disclosure. [Figure 7] This figure shows a cross-section of the exemplary needleless connector shown in Figure 2, in a state where the connector is fluidly connected but not accessed, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The disclosed self-sealing needleless connector includes a flexible, foldable valve located inside the body of the connector. The bottom surface of this foldable valve contacts a base support member that supports the foldable valve to prevent the foldable valve from deforming toward the base when back pressure is applied to the needleless connector. By preventing the foldable valve from deforming toward the base, the back pressure deforms the foldable valve in a manner that further improves the seal of the needleless connector when it is not accessed.

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

[0012] The following description is directed to the administration of medical fluids to a patient by a healthcare provider using the disclosed needleless connector, but it is to be understood that this description is only an example of the usage and does not limit the claims. The various aspects of the disclosed needleless connector may be used in any application where it is desirable to prevent the valve from breaking the primary seal when the connector is not accessed.

[0013] The disclosed needleless connector overcomes some of the problems found with certain conventional connectors. One problem with a certain conventional needleless self-sealing connector is that the primary seal can be broken when the self-sealing connector is subjected to backpressure from the flow of fluid inside the IV set. Such a breakage of the primary seal is undesirable because it can lead to malfunction of the connector and failure of the administration of the medical fluid.

[0014] Therefore, it is advantageous to provide a needleless connector as described herein that eliminates or substantially reduces backpressure-related problems that may occur inside the needleless connector during use without unduly restricting the air channel of the needleless connector. The disclosed needleless connector provides a support member on the base that substantially prevents the flexible valve from extending toward the recess in the base.

[0015] Figures 1A and 1B show a cross-section of a conventional needleless connector 100. The connector 100 includes a housing 120 having a female luer mounting portion 101 at its proximal end, a base 130 having a male luer mounting portion 102 at its distal end, and a valve element 103. The valve element 103 is located inside the housing portion 120 and on top of the base portion 130. The proximal portion of the valve element 102 has a "smiley cut" 106. An air channel 172 passes from the internal cavity 104 of the valve element 103 through the base portion 130 to the space around the male luer mounting portion 102. The valve element 103 has a shoulder portion 107 that is in continuous contact with the ridge 122 inside the housing 120, forming a primary seal that prevents fluid from the fluid flow channel 174 from leaving the needleless connector 100 through the female Luer mounting portion 101 when the needleless connector 100 is not being accessed (i.e., when the mating medical device is not coupled to the auto-seal port).

[0016] The cross-section shown in Figure 1B is taken perpendicular to the cross-section shown in Figure 1A. In this figure, two dimples 106 formed on the outer surface of the valve element 103 are visible. The fluid flow channel 174 passes from the cavity 22 inside the housing 120 through the base 130 to the flow path 132 inside the male luer mounting portion 102.

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

[0018] Figure 1D shows a cross-section of the conventional connector 100 shown in Figure 1A when mated with a compatible male connector 20. During operation, when the female mounting portion 101 of the connector 100 is accessed by the male mounting portion 20, the valve element 103 has sufficient elasticity to bend out of the path to allow fluid flow and to return to its original shape after the male mounting portion 20 is separated. The foldable valve element 103 is shown in its folded position after the male connector 20 has been inserted into the female mounting portion 101. The fluid can flow out of the connector 100, around the folded valve element 103 from the male connector 20, into the channel including the fluid flow channel 174 of the base 130, and then into the male luer mounting portion 102. The valve base 105 of the valve element 103, deformed by the pressure of the male connector 20, undergoes deformation which is described in more detail with respect to Figure 1E.

[0019] The connector 100 is a positive displacement device. When a new connection is made at the female mounting portion 101, the internal cavity 104 contracts, and the connector 100 draws fluid through the fluid channel 222 through the female mounting portion 101 or the male mounting portion 102 of the base 130. When a disconnection occurs at the female Luer mounting portion 101, the connector 100 releases fluid through the fluid channel 222, effectively flushing the connector 100 and preventing blood from being drawn into the line if one of the lines attached to the mounting portion 101 or 102 is connected to a patient.

[0020] Figure 1F shows a cross-section of the conventional connector 100 shown in Figure 1A when the male connector 20 (shown in Figure 1D) is removed and back pressure 134 is applied to the valve element 103 from a fluid channel 222 which is fluidly connected to a line (not shown) attached to the male mounting portion 102 of the base 130. When back pressure 134 is applied inside the housing 120, the generally cylindrical shape of the valve element 103 is deformed into a generally elliptical tubular shape. The proximal force 136 and distal force 138 are caused by the deformation of the valve element 103 due to its flexibility and foldable nature. If the distal force 138 substantially reacts to the proximal force 136, the shoulder portion 107' may cease to contact the ridge 122 inside the housing 120, thereby causing a breach in the primary seal of the needleless connector 100. As similarly described in Figure 1C with respect to the force applied by the male connector 20, the valve base 105 of the valve element 103 is subjected to the pressure of the distal force 138 generated by the back pressure 134 of the fluid flowing into the flow path 132, and deforms with deformation as described in more detail in Figure 1E.

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

[0022] Here, we describe an example of a needle-free connector that eliminates or substantially reduces undesirable deformation of a valve element in use.

[0023] Figure 2 is an exploded view of an exemplary needleless connector 200 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The connector 200 includes a body 220 defining an internal cavity 204 and having a female mounting portion 201; a flexible valve element 203 having a cylindrical portion with a flange 205 extending outward at the distal end of the cylindrical portion 204 and an internal volume 213; and a base 230. The base 230 has a rim 250 defining the recess 240 together with two air passages 272 passing from the recess 240 through the body 230 to the surrounding environment around the male mounting portion (not visible in Figure 2); and one or more support members 280 extending laterally from the rim 250 toward the recess 240. When assembled, the upper surface of the rim 250 is in contact with the valve base, i.e., the flange 105. The recess 240 has a bottom surface 260 distal to the upper surface of the rim 250. The two passages 274 (only one is visible in Figure 2) pass through the base 230 and are configured similarly to passage 174 in Figures 1B and 1C.

[0024] In one embodiment, the base 230 is made of polycarbonate. However, the base 230 and body 220 of the connector 100 may be made of one or more materials, including, but not limited to, polyester, polyethylene and / or other thermoplastics. In addition, one or both of the base 230 and body 220 may be transparent or translucent, thereby allowing partial visualization of the fluid inside the connector 200. In one embodiment, the flexible valve element 203 is made of silicon.

[0025] In some embodiments, the needleless connector 200 may have certain similar characteristics and functionality to that of the conventional connector 100. For example, in some embodiments, the needleless connector 200 includes certain features that differ from the connector 100, such as a shorter overall length, a smaller port diameter, a smaller fluid path channel, a smaller overall diameter, different valve operation, and a different material composition. For example, in some embodiments, the base 230 is smaller than the base 130. In this respect, some embodiments gain advantages from a base having a support member.

[0026] As shown in the figure, the recess 240 of the base 230 is adjusted to interact with the internal volume 213 of the flexible valve element 203 during assembly. Embodiments of the support member 280 provide a mechanism to eliminate or substantially reduce the intrusion of the flexible valve element 203 into the recess 240. Various examples of the configuration of the support member 280 are described with respect to Figures 3 to 5. As will be described in more detail with respect to Figure 6, when assembled, the flange 205 of the flexible valve element 203 is trapped between the body 220 and the base 230.

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

[0028] Figures 4 and 5 are top views of other embodiments 231 and 232 of the base according to various aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 4 shows another embodiment, base 231, which has projections 282A-282C positioned on a portion of the rim 250 on one side of the central axis 301, and no projections on the other side of the axis 301. By having projections 282A-282C on only one side, for example, improved control of the folding of a flexible valve element 203 can be obtained.

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

[0030] In some embodiments, the support member 280, for example, the projection 282 shown in Figure 3 and / or the rib 285 shown in Figure 5, may extend from 0.0254 cm (0.01 inches) to 0.381 cm (0.15 inches) over the rim 250. In some embodiments, the support member 280 may extend from 0.127 cm (0.05 inches) over the rim 250. In some embodiments, the support member 280 may extend the same length in the longitudinal direction. In other embodiments, the support member 280 may have different lengths in the longitudinal direction. In some embodiments, the support member 280 may have various parts, such as being recessed below the upper surface of the rim 250, being coplanar with the upper surface of the rim 250, or being higher than the upper surface of the rim 250.

[0031] Figure 6A is a broken perspective view of an assembled needleless connector 200 shown in Figure 2, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The flange 205 engages with the rim 250 of the base 230, and the body 220 is positioned to cover the flexible valve element 203 and is sealed and coupled to the body 230, thereby trapping a portion of the flange 205 between the body 220 and the base 230. Different portions BB, CC, and DD are shown in Figures 6B to 6D, respectively. An upper opening to one of the air channels 272 is visible close to the bottom surface 260. This embodiment of the valve element 203 has internal dimples 215 that extend over a portion of the outer periphery of the surface of the internal volume 213.

[0032] Figures 6B to 6D are broken perspective views of the complete connector 200 at the position shown in Figure 6A, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6B shows the cylindrical portion of the valve element 203, which is broken above the flange 205 and located inside the body 220. The internal volume 213 is visible inside the valve element 203, while the fluid channel 222 is visible formed within the inner wall of the body 220 and outside the valve element 203.

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

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

[0035] Referring to Figure 7, an exemplary needleless connector 200 is shown when the needleless connector 200 is fluidically connected but not accessed. As shown in the figure, the needleless connector 200 receives back pressure 234 applied to the valve element 203 from a fluid channel 322 which is fluidly connected to a line (not shown) attached to the male mounting portion 202 of the base 230. The base 230 has protrusions 280A to 280F, which support the valve element 203, particularly the flange 205, when back pressure 234 is applied to the valve element 203 inside the body 220. In this way, the protrusions 280A to 280F of the base 230 eliminate or substantially prevent deformation of the flange 205 toward the recess 240 of the base 230. As a result, in contrast to Figure 1F, the proximal force 236 generated by the back pressure 234 is increased, while the distal force 238 is eliminated or substantially reduced. Thus, the movement of the valve element 203 occurs in a proximal direction toward the female mounting portion 201, thereby further improving the primary seal of the needleless connector 200 between the shoulder portion 307 of the valve element 203 and the internal ridge 323 of the body 220 when subjected to back pressure 234 in a fluidically connected but unaccessed state.

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

[0037] A singular reference to an element, unless otherwise specified, is not intended to mean "one, and only one," but rather "one or more." Unless otherwise specified, the term "several" refers to one or more. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter forms (e.g., her and her), and vice versa. Titles and subtitles, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

[0038] As used herein, the term “exemplary” means “serving as an example or illustration.” Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily construed as being preferable or advantageous compared to other embodiments or designs. In one embodiment, various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0039] The terms "aspects" and similar phrases do not mean that such aspects are essential to the subject art, or that such aspects apply to all configurations of the subject art. Disclosures relating to aspects may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. Terms such as "aspects" may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. The terms such as "examples" and similar phrases do not mean that such examples are essential to the subject art, or that such examples apply to all configurations of the subject art. Disclosures relating to examples may apply to all examples, or to one or more examples. An example may provide one or more examples. Terms such as "examples" may refer to one or more examples, and vice versa. The terms such as "configuration" and similar phrases do not mean that such configurations are essential to the subject art, or that such configurations apply to all configurations of the subject art. Disclosures relating to configurations may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. Terms such as "configuration" may refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0040] In one embodiment, unless otherwise specified, all dimensions, values, ratios, locations, scales, sizes, and other specifications described herein, including the claims that follow, are approximate and not exact. In one embodiment, they are intended to have a reasonable range that corresponds to their relevant function and the conventions of the art to which they belong.

[0041] In one embodiment, “combined” or similar terms may refer to being directly combined. In another embodiment, “combined” or similar terms may refer to being indirectly combined.

[0042] When used in this disclosure, “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” and similar terms should be understood to refer to any viewpoint, not the usual viewpoint of gravity. Therefore, the top surface, bottom surface, front surface, and rear surface may extend upward, downward, obliquely, or horizontally from the viewpoint of gravity.

[0043] Without any deviation from the scope of the subject art, various items may be arranged differently (for example, arranged in a different order or divided in a different way). All structural and functional equivalents to the various aspects of elements described through this disclosure, known to those skilled in the art or to be known thereafter, are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made available to the public, whether such disclosure is expressly stated in the claims or not. No element of a claim should be construed unless it is expressly described using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, using the phrase “step for.” Furthermore, wherever “includes,” “has,” or similar terms are used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “equipment,” as “equipment” is interpreted when “equipment” is used as a transitional term in a claim.

[0044] The title, background, summary, brief description of the drawings, and abstract of this disclosure are thereby incorporated into this disclosure and are presented as illustrative examples, not as an exclusive description of this disclosure. This disclosure is filed with the understanding that they are not used to limit the scope or intent of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description, it is found that the description provides illustrative examples and that various features are summarized in various embodiments for the purpose of rationalizing this disclosure. The method of this disclosure should not be interpreted as indicating an intention that the subject matter of the claims requires more features than are explicitly described in each claim. Rather, as the following claims show, the subject matter of the invention is less than all the features of each disclosed configuration or operation. The following claims are thereby incorporated into the detailed description, and each claim is based on itself as the subject matter of the claims individually.

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

Claims

1. A base attached to a main body, wherein the main body includes an inner surface that forms an internal cavity between the main body and the base, A valve element comprising a valve wall having a distal end forming a valve base coupled to the rim of the base, wherein the valve element is at least partially located within the internal cavity and a fluid channel is formed at least partially between the outer surface of the valve wall and the inner surface of the body, and A needleless connector equipped with, A needleless connector wherein, when the outer surface of the valve wall is subjected to back pressure from the fluid channel, a support member extending from the rim into the recess of the base can resist the movement of the valve base into the recess.

2. The needleless connector according to claim 1, wherein the valve base includes a flange protruding from the valve wall.

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

4. The needleless connector according to claim 1, wherein the rim includes an upper surface that is engaged with the valve base.

5. The needleless connector according to claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the support member is recessed below the upper surface of the rim.

6. The needleless connector according to claim 1, wherein the valve wall includes dimples formed on the inner surface of the valve element.

7. The needleless connector according to claim 1, wherein the recess is located between the upper surface of the rim and a second port at the bottom of the base.

8. The needleless connector according to claim 1, wherein the base includes a fluid passage extending through the outer surface of the base to a second port located at the bottom of the base.

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

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

11. The needleless connector according to claim 10, wherein the inner surface of the valve element forms an internal volume that communicates with the air passage.

12. The needleless connector according to claim 1, wherein the fluid channel extends from a second port at the bottom of the base toward a first port at the top of the body.

13. The needleless connector according to claim 1, wherein when the needleless connector is not accessed by a compatible connector, the proximal portion of the valve element blocks a first port located on the upper part of the body.

14. The needleless connector according to claim 1, wherein the main body comprises a female lure attachment portion that forms a first port located on the upper part of the main body.

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

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