Luer connectors for vascular access devices

Abstract

Luer couplings limit the maximum assembly torque applied to the corresponding male and female Luer connector portions of the coupling and another vascular access device (VAD). Corresponding opposing detents are in slidable, interlocking, abutting engagement with each other and slip relative to each other during Luer assembly when a desired torque threshold is exceeded, thereby limiting the maximum torque applied. The torque threshold is selected to be high enough to ensure a fluid-tight connection, but below a level that would cause adhesion of the mating Luer connector components. In some embodiments, the opposing detents also generate an audible and / or tactile vibration, such as a "click" sound, when the opposing detents leap past each other. In some embodiments, the opposing detents are pawls and ratchets.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to connectors for vascular access devices (VADs). More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a luer connector that couples a luer fitting to another VAD mating luer connector while limiting the tightening torque that can be applied to the luer fitting. [Background technology]

[0002] Vascular access devices (VADs) are commonly used therapeutic devices, including intravenous (IV) catheters. There are two general classifications of VADs: peripheral catheters and central venous catheters. For fluid or medication delivery, several types of access hubs, ports, or valves are attached to VADs. Luer connectors are a common means for connecting or coupling syringes, catheters, hubbed needles, IV tubing, etc. to each other. Luer connectors consist of male and female connecting tubing, slightly tapered to better hold them together with a simple pressure / twist fit. Luer connectors may optionally include an additional outer threaded rim, allowing them to be more secure when screwed onto the mating male and female portions of the device. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Standard luer connectors have a tendency to lock or stick after their male and female portions are mated together, making them difficult to separate. Adhesion is common when mating luer connectors are made of the same material or if the connection was made several days ago. Another potential adhesion condition occurs when the luer connector portions are over-tightened by applying excessive rotational torque force to them when they are first mated. Efforts to remove a stuck luer fitting, such as with pliers or other hand tools, can waste the physician's time and cause inconvenience to the patient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] summary The luer couplings disclosed herein limit the maximum assembly torque applied to the male and female connector portions. Corresponding opposing detents, which are in slidable, interlocking, abutting engagement contact with one another, slide against one another to limit the maximum applied torque during luer assembly. The torque threshold is selected to be high enough to ensure a fluid-tight connection, but below a level that would cause adhesion of the mating luer connector components. In some embodiments, the opposing detents also generate an audible and / or tactile vibration, such as a "click," when the opposing detents leap past one another. In this way, a medical professional assembling the luer connector hears the "click" and knows the assembly is secure. Thus, the opposing detents of the presently disclosed couplings prevent the assembly from being overtightened. In some embodiments, the opposing detents are "one-way" detents, which allow click-tight rotation of the luer connection portions (e.g., during a clockwise relative tightening motion) but lock in place during loosening of the connection portions.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a coupling for a luer connector, including a first fitting having a first fluid passage and a first detent. A second fitting is rotatably coupled to the first fitting about an axis of rotation. The second fitting has a second fluid passage in fluid communication with the first fluid passage and a second detent oriented for slidable mating and abutting engagement with the first detent. The luer connector is coupled to either the first or second fitting and fluidly communicates with the respective first or second fluid passage, and a port is coupled to the other of the first or second fitting and fluidly communicates with the respective first or second fluid passage. The port, in turn, is coupled to another VAD. When a mating luer connector of another device is tightened onto the luer connector of the coupling, relative rotation of the mated fitting portions causes the mating first and second detents to generate audible and / or tactile vibrations as they slide against each other, such as when the luer portions are tightened beyond a specified torque threshold.

[0006] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, one of the first or second detents comprises a ratchet, and the other of the first or second detents comprises a biased pawl in slidable, mating, abutting engagement with the ratchet, the pawl defining a pawl-travel axis. In some embodiments, the mating ratchet and pawl profile of the first and second detents allows clockwise rotation of a fitting coupled to a luer connector relative to a fitting coupled to a port, but prevents corresponding relative counterclockwise rotation between the fittings, upon application of a first rotational torque force threshold. In some embodiments, the mating ratchet and pawl are oriented circumferentially around the fitting's axis of rotation, and the pawl's axis of travel is parallel to the axis of rotation. In other embodiments, the ratchet and pawl are oriented on a pawl-engagement surface perpendicular to the fitting's axis of rotation, and the pawl-travel axis is parallel to the pawl-engagement surface.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a coupling for a luer connector, the coupling including a first fitting having a luer connector in fluid communication with a first portion of a mating plug-in connector and a first detent. The coupling also includes a second fitting having a second portion of the mating plug-in connector rotatably coupled to the first portion about an axis of rotation, a port in fluid communication with the first and second portions of the plug-in connector, and a second detent oriented to be in slidable mating, abutting engagement with the first detent. Relative rotation of the mated fitting portions causes the mating first and second detents to generate audible and / or tactile vibrations as they slide relative to each other.

[0008] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are further described in the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the luer connector end of a luer coupling of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the port connector end of the luer coupling of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the luer coupling of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is another exploded view of the luer coupling of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an axial cross-sectional view of the lure connector of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the luer connector of FIG. 5. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the luer connector of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 1 is another embodiment of a luer coupling. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] To facilitate understanding, the same reference numbers have been used wherever possible to designate identical elements common to the drawings. The drawings are not drawn to scale. Detailed Description Aspects of the embodiments of the Luer coupling disclosed herein limit the maximum assembly torque applied to the corresponding male and female Luer connector portions of the coupling and another vascular access device (VAD). Corresponding opposing detents, which are in slidable, interlocking, abutting engagement contact with one another, slip past each other when a desired torque threshold is exceeded, thereby limiting the maximum torque applied during Luer assembly. The torque threshold is selected to be high enough to ensure a fluid-tight connection, but below a level that would cause adhesion of the mating Luer connector components. In some embodiments, the opposing detents also generate an audible and / or tactile vibration, such as a "click" sound, when the opposing detents jump past each other. In some embodiments, the opposing detents are pawls and ratchets, and the pawl movement axis is parallel to the axis of rotation of the coupling. In other embodiments, the pawl movement axis is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation or is in a perpendicular plane. In some embodiments, the opposing detents are "one-way" detents that allow click-tight rotation of the luer connection (e.g., during a clockwise relative tightening motion) but lock into place during loosening of the connection. Thus, the opposing detents in the presently disclosed couplings prevent the assembly from being over-tightened.

[0011] In this disclosure, where applicable, for example, for delivery of one or more agents to a patient via a Luer coupling disclosed herein, the convention is followed that the distal end of the device is the end closest to the patient and the proximal end of the device is the end away from the patient and closest to the clinician or other healthcare professional. The following definitions are provided with respect to terms used in this disclosure:

[0012] As used herein, the use of "a," "an," and "the" includes the singular and the plural.

[0013] The term "Luer connector" as used herein refers to a connecting collar, a standard means of connecting syringes, catheters, hubbed needles, IV tubing, and the like. Luer connectors consist of male and female connecting tubing, slightly tapered to better hold them together with a simple pressure / twist fit. Luer connectors optionally include an additional threaded outer rim, making them more secure. The male end of the Luer connector is associated with a flush syringe and can mate with and connect to a female end located on a vascular access device (VAD). The Luer connector also has a distal channel that detachably connects the Luer connector to the hub of the VAD and a proximal channel that detachably connects the Luer connector to the barrel of the syringe.

[0014] As used herein, ISO 80369-7:2016 defines specifications for standard Luer connectors, including a 6% taper between the distal and proximal ends. Male standard Luer connectors expand from the open distal end to the proximal end. Female standard Luer connectors contract from the open proximal end to the distal end. According to ISO 80369-7:2016, male standard Luer connectors have an outer cross-sectional diameter between 3.970 mm and 4.072 mm, measured 0.75 mm from the distal end of the tip. The length of the male standard Luer taper is between 7.500 mm and 10.500 mm. The outer cross-sectional diameter, measured 7.500 mm from the distal end of the tip, is between 4.376 mm and 4.476 mm. As used herein, the phrases "male standard luer connector" and "female standard luer connector" refer to connectors having dimensions as set forth in ISO 80369-7, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0015] As will be readily understood by one skilled in the relevant art, descriptive terms such as "tip," "hub," "screw," "projection / insert," "tab," "sloped portion," "wall," "top," "side," "bottom," and the like are used throughout this specification where applicable to facilitate understanding but are not intended to limit the components that may be used in combination or individually or to require a particular spatial orientation to implement various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Before describing some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the details of configuration or process steps set forth in the following description. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in numerous ways. For example, while the luer couplings disclosed herein have first and second mating fittings shown in one configuration (e.g., mating male and female connections), in other embodiments, the positions and orientations of the mating fittings are reversed.

[0017] The matters exemplified in this description are provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Also, for the sake of clarity and conciseness, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations are omitted.

[0018] In an exemplary implementation of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first fitting of a luer connector includes a distal end having a needleless connection luer connector. In one or more embodiments, the needleless connection includes at least one thread and other configurations, in all combinations, that allow it to interact with a corresponding thread or threads of a corresponding connector.

[0019] According to a further exemplary implementation of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the configuration of structural elements that make up the needleless connector includes a collar protruding from the distal end of the barrel, the collar comprising at least one thread for connecting to a corresponding thread or threads of a corresponding connector.

[0020] According to yet another exemplary implementation of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the collar or needleless connector may bend or elastically deform to allow for better interference fit compliance with the corresponding connector.

[0021] According to yet another exemplary implementation of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the needleless connector may include female threads sized and having a thread pattern to mate with a standard ISO 594-2 type male fitting, and / or male threads sized and having a thread pattern to mate with a standard ISO 594-2 type female fitting. An example of an ISO 594-2 type fitting is a Q-style fitting.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the male or female connector may be selected from the group consisting essentially of a needleless connector, a catheter luer connector, a stopcock, and a hemodialysis connector. In one or more embodiments, the needleless connector is selected from "Q-Syte Connector," "MaxPlus," "MaxPlusClear," "MaxZero," "UltraSite," "Caresite," "InVision-Plus," "Safeline," "OneLink," "V-Link," "ClearLink," "NeutraClear," "Clave," "MicroClave," "MicroClaveClear," "Neutron," "NanoClave," "Kendall," "Nexus," "InVision," "Vadsite," "Bionector," etc. In one or more embodiments, the male connector or coupling may be a stopcock coupled to the end of an intravenous tubing or a port of a luer coupling.

[0023] Referring now to the drawings, a first aspect of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 1-5. Luer coupling 10 facilitates coupling to a vascular access device (VAD) 11. Luer coupling 10 has a first fitting 12, the distal end of which incorporates a threaded Luer connector 14. In some embodiments, Luer connector 14 is a male connector portion, while in other embodiments, it is a female connector portion. As shown in FIG. 5, Luer connector 14 mates with a corresponding threaded Luer connector 15 on VAD 11. A second fitting 16 of Luer connector 10 has a port connector 18 at its proximal end, which facilitates coupling to a catheter, as shown. In other embodiments, port connector 18 is configured to accept other types of known VAD connection devices, such as a Luer connector, a drug infusion port, or the like. First fitting 14 and second fitting 16 are rotatably coupled to and in fluid communication with one another, with a first fluid passageway 20 of the first fitting in fluid communication with Luer connector 15 and a second fluid passageway 22 of the second fitting in fluid communication with port 18. The outer periphery of second fitting 16 defines a leading 24 for grasping by a clinician when attaching Luer coupling 10 to another VAD.

[0024] 3 and 4, the first fitting 12 and the second fitting 16 of the Luer coupling 10 are rotatably coupled together via a plug-in connector. The Luer coupling 10 incorporates a first plug-in connector 26 in its first fitting 12, which includes an O-ring seat 28 for receiving an O-ring 30. The first plug-in connector 26 nests with a corresponding second plug-in connector 32 about a common, coaxial axis of rotation. The O-ring 30 provides a circumferential fluid seal between the first plug-in connector 26 and the second plug-in connector 32, preventing fluid communication with the exterior of the Luer coupling 10. While the first plug-in connector 26 is a male connector and the second plug-in connector 32 is a mating female connector, in other embodiments, they are reversed, with the female second plug-in connector being incorporated into the first fitting and the male first plug-in connector being incorporated into the second fitting.

[0025] 3-5, the second plug-in connector 32 has a neck bushing 34 defining an engagement surface 36. The proximal end of the first plug-in connector 26 incorporates a plurality of biased, mating cantilever fingers 38. Each cantilever finger 38 defines a protrusion 40 that projects tangentially to the axis of movement of that cantilever. Each protrusion 40 is biased into engagement with the engagement surface 36 of the neck bushing 34, thereby preventing relative axial separation of the first fitting 12 and the second fitting 16 while permitting relative rotation therebetween about their common axis of rotation.

[0026] The first plug-in connector 26 of the first fitting 12 defines a pair of first detents 42 projecting radially outward from an outer peripheral wall 44 thereof. The second plug-in connector 32 of the second fitting 16 defines a plurality of second detents 46 projecting radially inward from an inner peripheral wall 48 thereof. Each of the first detents 42 and second detents 46 defines an outer tip aligned with the rotational axis of the luer coupling 10. The detent tips are oriented in abutting, opposing, slidable engagement with one another, such that relative rotation of the coupled first and second fitting portions 12, 16 causes the first and second detents 42, 46 to interlock and generate audible and / or tactile vibrations as they slide relative to one another. In the embodiment of Figures 1-6, the mating first and second detents 42, 46 create a "click" sound as they slide relative to one another.

[0027] FIG. 6 and enlarged view 6A are cross-sectional views of the luer coupling 10 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5, showing the first detent 42 and the second detent structure 46, respectively. The opposing abutting first detent 42 and second detent structure 46 are a pawl and a ratchet mechanism, respectively. The inner peripheral wall 48 of the second fitting 16 includes a plurality of circumferentially arranged ratchet teeth 50 extending radially inward from an axially open end 52 of the inner peripheral wall. The circumferentially arranged ratchet teeth 50 are oriented at a 180-degree angle around the outer peripheral wall 44 of the first fitting 16 and engage a pair of pawls 54 projecting radially outward therefrom. In other embodiments, the luer coupling has at least one pawl, while other embodiments have two or more pawls. The profile of each pawl 54 includes a first pawl ramp on a first face 56 and a second pawl ramp on a second face 60 that is significantly steeper than the first ramp. Each ratchet tooth 50 includes a first ramp on a first tooth face 62 and a second ramp on a second tooth face 64 that is significantly steeper than the first ramp.

[0028] When the ratchet teeth 50 and pawls 54 are in slidable, interlocking, abutting engagement with one another, the first fitting 12 is rotatable in a first direction relative to the inner second fitting 16 but not in a second direction opposite the first direction. In particular, the first fitting 12 is rotatable relative to the second fitting 16 as the first face 56 of each pawl 54 moves about a pawl movement axis P (oriented perpendicular to the drawing, which is parallel to the rotation axis of the coupling 10), which then slides on the first slope 62 of each ratchet tooth 50 (see rotation arrow T). Relative rotation of the coupled fitting portions 14 and 16 in direction T causes the interlocking first detents (pawls 54) and second detents (ratchet teeth) to generate audible and / or tactile vibrations (i.e., "clicks") as they slide relative to one another. Conversely, contact between the second pawl surface 60 of each pawl 50 and the second face 64 of each ratchet tooth 50 prevents rotation of the first fitting 14 relative to the second fitting 16 in the opposite direction (see rotation arrow L). Selectively varying structures and profiles of the ratchet teeth 50 and mating pawls 54 adjust the applied torque force required to cause them to slide relative to one another. The applied torque threshold is selected to ensure an adequate fluid seal of the Luer coupling 10 against any VAD that is threaded onto the Luer connector 14, yet less than an over-tightening torque threshold that could cause wear or adhesion of the coupling against the VAD.

[0029] 1, 5, and 6, when a clinician threads an auxiliary VAD device 11 having a Luer fitting 15 onto its corresponding Luer connector 14 of a Luer coupler 10, it tightens the connection. The clinician may optionally choose to grasp the leading protrusion on the periphery of the second fitting 16 as they thread onto the VAD 11. When the tightening torque applied by the clinician in a rotational direction T exceeds a threshold level sufficient to rotate the first fitting 12 relative to the second fitting 16, the pawl 54 and ratchet teeth 50 slide relative to one another, producing a tactilely and audibly detectable "click" sound. The tightening click indicates to the treating clinician that the mating Luer connector portions 14 and 15 are fluid-tight and no further tightening is required. Further efforts by the clinician to further increase the tightening torque on the luer connector 14 will simply result in the first fitting 14 free to rotate relative to the second fitting 16 without any further relative tightening of the luer connector portion 14 and the VAD 11. Thus, it is not possible to overtighten the connection of the VAD 11 to the luer coupling 10.

[0030] 7 shows another embodiment of a luer coupling 70 having a first fitting 72 with a first, pawl detent 74 oriented at its axial end and a second fitting 76 with a second, ratchet tooth detent 78 at its axial end. The pawl 74 and ratchet tooth 78 detents are oriented in opposing, slidable, abutting contact with each other on a pawl engagement surface that is perpendicular to the rotational axes of the fittings 72, 76. In the opposing detent orientation of this illustration, the axis of movement of the pawl 74 is parallel to the pawl engagement surface. All other structural features of the luer coupling 72 are similar to those of the luer coupling 10.

[0031] The luer coupling embodiments disclosed herein are constructed from medical-grade materials known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the fitting portions described are made from polypropylene polymer. The seals are made using fiber-filled polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) polymer and / or polyisoprene polymer. Embodiment Embodiment (a) A coupling for a luer connector, the coupling comprising: a first fitting having a first fluid passageway and a first detent; and a second fitting rotatably coupled to the first fitting about an axis of rotation, the second fitting having a second fluid passageway in fluid communication with the first fluid passageway and a second detent oriented in slidable, interlocking, abutting engagement with the first detent. a luer connector coupled to the other of the first fitting or the second fitting and in fluid communication with its respective first or second fluid passage, and a port coupled to the other of the first fitting or the second fitting and in fluid communication with its respective first or second fluid passage, wherein relative rotation of the coupled fitting portions causes the first detent and the second detent to interlock and generate audible and / or tactile vibrations when sliding relative to each other.

[0032] Embodiment (b). The coupling of embodiment (a), wherein one of the first detent or the second detent comprises a ratchet, and the other of the detent or the second detent comprises a biased pawl in slidable, intermeshing, abutting engagement with the ratchet, the pawl defining a pawl travel axis.

[0033] Embodiment (c). The coupling of embodiment (b), wherein the interlocking profiles of the first and second detents of the ratchet and pawl permit rotation of the fitting coupled to the luer connector relative to the fitting coupled to the port upon application of a first rotational torque force threshold in a first rotational direction, but prevent corresponding relative counter-rotation between the fittings in an opposite rotational direction.

[0034] Embodiment (d). The coupling of embodiment (b), wherein the mating ratchet and pawl are oriented circumferentially about the axis of rotation of the fitting, and the axis of pawl travel is parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0035] Embodiment (e). The coupling of embodiment (b), wherein the ratchet and the pawl are oriented on a pawl engagement surface that is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the fitting, and the pawl travel axis is parallel to the pawl engagement surface.

[0036] Embodiment (f).

[0037] 1. A coupling comprising: a first fitting having a luer connector and a first detent in fluid communication with a first part of a mating plug-in connector; a second part of the mating plug-in connector rotatably coupled to the first part about an axis of rotation; a port in fluid communication with the first and second parts of the plug-in connector; and a second fitting having the first detent and a second detent oriented in a slidable, interlocking, abutting engagement, wherein relative rotation of the coupled fitting parts causes the first detent and the second detent to generate audible and / or tactile vibrations as they slide relative to each other.

[0038] Embodiment (g). The coupling of embodiment (f), wherein one of the first or second detents comprises a ratchet, and the other of the first and second detents comprises a biased pawl in slidable, intermeshing, abutting engagement with the ratchet, the pawl defining a pawl travel axis.

[0039] Embodiment (h). The coupling of embodiment (g), wherein the interlocking profiles of the first and second detents of the ratchet and pawl permit rotation of the fitting coupled to the luer connector relative to the fitting coupled to the port upon application of a first rotational torque force threshold in a first rotational direction, but prevent corresponding relative counter-rotation between the fittings in an opposite rotational direction.

[0040] Embodiment (i). The coupling of embodiment (h), wherein the ratchet and the pawl are oriented circumferentially about the axis of rotation of the fitting, and the axis of pawl travel is parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0041] Embodiment (j). The coupling of embodiment (h), wherein the ratchet and the pawl are oriented with a pawl engagement plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the fitting, and the pawl travel axis is parallel to the pawl engagement plane.

[0042] Embodiment (k). The coupling of embodiment (f), wherein the plug-in connector further comprises: a necked bushing formed on the first fitting or the second fitting, the necked bushing defining an engagement surface; and a biased, mating cantilevered finger projecting from the other of the first fitting or the second fitting, the cantilevered finger defining a protrusion projecting tangentially to its axis of cantilever movement, the protrusion being in biased engagement with the engagement surface of the necked bushing, the protrusion preventing relative axial separation of the first fitting and the second fitting while allowing relative rotation therebetween about the axis of rotation.

[0043] Embodiment (l). The coupling of embodiment (k), further comprising the first and second portions of the plug-in connector in a nested arrangement and a circumferential fluid seal interposed therebetween to prevent fluid communication with an exterior of the coupling.

[0044] Embodiment (m): The coupling of embodiment (1), wherein the fluid seal comprises an O-ring.

[0045] Embodiment (n). The coupling of embodiment (k), further comprising the first and second portions of the plug-in connector in a nested arrangement coaxial with the rotation axis, a first or second detent on an inner portion of the nested connector portion, the first or second detent, respectively, projecting radially outward from an outer circumferential wall thereof, and a first or second detent on the outer portion of the nested connector portion, the first or second detent, respectively, projecting radially inward from an inner circumferential wall thereof, in abutting, opposing, and slidable engagement with the first or second detent on the inner portion of the first and second portions, respectively.

[0046] Embodiment (o). The coupling of embodiment (n), further comprising: an outer portion of the nested connector portions defining a plurality of symmetrical, circumferentially spaced first or second detents, each of the first or second detents defining an outer tip axially aligned with the axis of rotation; and an inner portion of the nested connector portions defining at least one first or second detent, each of the at least first or second detents defining an inner tip axially aligned with the axis of rotation.

[0047] Embodiment (p). The coupling of embodiment (o), wherein the outer tip comprises a ratchet and the inner tip comprises a biased pawl in slidable, intermeshing, abutting engagement with the ratchet, the pawl defining a pawl travel axis.

[0048] Embodiment (q). The coupling of embodiment (p), wherein one of the first or second detents comprises a ratchet, and the other of the first and second detents comprises a biased pawl in slidable, interlocking, and abutting engagement with the ratchet, the pawl defining a pawl travel axis parallel to the rotational axis of the fitting.

[0049] Embodiment (r). The coupling of embodiment (q), wherein the interlocking profiles of the first and second detents of the ratchet and pawl permit rotation of the fitting coupled to the luer connector relative to the fitting coupled to the port upon application of a first rotational torque force threshold in a first rotational direction, but prevent corresponding relative counter-rotation between the fittings in an opposite rotational direction.

[0050] Embodiment (s). The coupling of embodiment (f), further comprising: the first and second portions of the plug-in connector in a nested arrangement and coaxial with an axis of rotation; the first portion of the plug-in connector defining a first axial end oriented along a first axial plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the fitting; the second portion of the plug-in connector defining a second axial end oriented along a second axial plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the fitting and opposite the first axial end; and the first or second detent, respectively, of the first connector portion projecting axially outward from the first axial end, and the first or second detent, respectively, of the second connector portion projecting axially outward from the second axial end and in abutting, opposing, and slidable engagement with the first or second detent, respectively, of the first connector portion.

[0051] Embodiment (t). The coupling of embodiment (s), wherein one of the first or second detents comprises a ratchet, and the other of the first and second detents comprises a biased pawl in slidable, interlocking, and abutting engagement with the ratchet, the pawl defining a pawl travel axis.

[0052] Embodiment (u). The coupling of embodiment (t), wherein the ratchet and pawl are oriented on a pawl engagement surface that is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the fitting, and the pawl travel axis is parallel to the pawl engagement surface.

[0053] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "a particular embodiment," "various embodiments," "one or more embodiments," or "embodiments" mean that a particular configuration, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of phrases such as "in one or more embodiments," "a particular embodiment," "various embodiments," "in one embodiment," or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment of the disclosure. Furthermore, particular configurations, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, it should be understood that the phrases and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having," and variations thereof, herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled," and variations thereof, should be interpreted broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mounting, connecting, supporting, and coupling. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical, mechanical, or electrical connections or couplings.

[0054] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "particular embodiment," "various embodiments," "one or more embodiments," or "embodiments" mean that a particular configuration, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of phrases such as "in one or more embodiments," "particular embodiment," "various embodiments," "in one embodiment," or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment of the disclosure. Furthermore, particular configurations, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0055] Although the disclosure herein has provided a description with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover modifications and variations that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A coupling for a luer connector, said coupling comprising: a first fitting having a first fluid passageway and a first detent; a second fitting rotatably coupled to the first fitting about an axis of rotation, the second fitting having a second fluid passage in fluid communication with the first fluid passage and a second detent oriented in slidable, mating, abutting engagement with the first detent; a luer connector coupled to the first fitting or the second fitting and in fluid communication with the respective first or second fluid passage; a port coupled to the other of the first fitting or the second fitting and in fluid communication with the respective first or second fluid passage; Relative rotation of the coupled fitting portions causes the first detent and the second detent to engage, generating an audible and / or tactile vibration when the first detent and the second detent slide relative to each other.

2. 2. The coupling of claim 1, wherein one of the first detent or the second detent comprises a ratchet, and the other of the first detent or the second detent comprises a biased pawl in slidable, intermeshing, abutting engagement with the ratchet, the pawl defining a pawl axis of travel.

3. 3. The coupling of claim 2, wherein the interlocking profiles of the first and second detents of the ratchet and pawl permit rotation of the fitting coupled to the luer connector relative to the fitting coupled to the port upon application of a first rotational torque force threshold in a first rotational direction, but prevent corresponding relative counter-rotation between the fittings in an opposite rotational direction.

4. 3. The coupling of claim 2, wherein the mating ratchet and pawl are oriented circumferentially about the axis of rotation of the fitting, and the axis of pawl movement is parallel to the axis of rotation.

5. 3. The coupling of claim 2, wherein the ratchet and the pawl are oriented on a pawl engagement surface that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the fitting, and the axis of pawl travel is parallel to the pawl engagement surface.

6. 1. A coupling for a luer connector, said coupling comprising: a first fitting having a luer connector and a first detent in fluid communication with a first portion of a mating plug-in connector; a second fitting having a second part of the mating plug-in connector rotatably coupled to the first part about an axis of rotation, a port in fluid communication with the first and second parts of the plug-in connector, and a second fitting having the first detent and a second detent oriented in a slidable, mating, abutting engagement; 1. A coupling characterized in that relative rotation of the coupled fitting portions causes the first detent and the second detent, which interlock, to generate audible and / or tactile vibrations as the first detent and the second detent slide relative to one another.

7. 7. The coupling of claim 6, wherein one of the first or second detents comprises a ratchet and the other of the first and second detents comprises a biased pawl in slidable, intermeshing, abutting engagement with the ratchet, the pawl defining a pawl axis of travel.

8. 8. The coupling of claim 7, wherein the interlocking profiles of the first and second detents of the ratchet and pawl permit rotation of the fitting coupled to the luer connector relative to the fitting coupled to the port upon application of a first rotational torque force threshold in a first rotational direction, but prevent corresponding relative counter-rotation between the fittings in an opposite rotational direction.

9. 9. The coupling of claim 8, wherein the ratchet and the pawl are oriented circumferentially about the axis of rotation of the fitting, and the axis of pawl movement is parallel to the axis of rotation.

10. 9. The coupling of claim 8, wherein the ratchet and the pawl are oriented with a pawl engagement plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the fitting, and the axis of pawl travel is parallel to the pawl engagement plane.

11. 7. The coupling according to claim 6, wherein the plug-in connector further comprises: a necked bushing formed on the first fitting or the second fitting, the necked bushing defining an engagement surface; a biased, mating cantilever finger projecting from the other of the first fitting or the second fitting, the cantilever finger defining a protrusion projecting tangentially to its axis of cantilever movement, the protrusion being in biased engagement with the engagement surface of the necked bushing, the protrusion preventing relative axial separation of the first and second fittings while allowing relative rotation therebetween about the axis of rotation.

12. 12. The coupling of claim 11, further comprising the first and second parts of the plug-in connector in a nested arrangement and a circumferential fluid seal interposed therebetween to prevent fluid communication with an exterior of the coupling.

13. 13. The coupling of claim 12, wherein the fluid seal comprises an O-ring.

14. 12. The coupling of claim 11, further comprising: the first and second parts of the plug-in connector in a nested arrangement coaxial with the axis of rotation; a first or second detent, respectively, on an inner portion of the nested connector portion, the first or second detent projecting radially outward from an outer peripheral wall thereof; and the first or second detent, respectively, on an outer portion of the nested connector portion protruding radially inward from an inner peripheral wall thereof and in abutting, opposing and slidable engagement with the first or second detent, respectively, on the inner portion of the first and second portions.

15. 15. The coupling of claim 14, further comprising: an outer portion of the nested connector portion defining a plurality of symmetrical, circumferentially spaced first or second detents, each of the first or second detents defining an outer tip axially aligned with the axis of rotation; and an inner portion of the nested connector portions defining at least one first or second detent, each of the at least first or second detents defining an inner tip axially aligned with an axis of rotation.

16. 16. The coupling of claim 15, wherein the outer tip comprises a ratchet and the inner tip comprises a biased pawl in slidable, intermeshing, abutting engagement with the ratchet, the pawl defining a pawl axis of travel.

17. 17. The coupling of claim 16, wherein one of the first or second detents comprises a ratchet and the other of the first and second detents comprises a biasing pawl slidably engaging and in abutting engagement with the ratchet, the pawl defining a pawl axis of travel parallel to the axis of rotation of the fitting.

18. 18. The coupling of claim 17, wherein the interlocking profiles of the first and second detents of the ratchet and pawl permit rotation of the fitting coupled to the luer connector relative to the fitting coupled to the port upon application of a first rotational torque force threshold in a first rotational direction, but prevent corresponding relative counter-rotation between the fittings in an opposite rotational direction.

19. 7. The coupling of claim 6, further comprising: the first and second parts of the plug-in connector in a nested arrangement, coaxial with an axis of rotation; the first portion of the plug-in connector defining a first axial end oriented along a first axial plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the fitting; the second portion of the plug-in connector defining a second axial end oriented along a second axial plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the fitting and oriented opposite the first axial end; the first or second detent, respectively, of the first connector portion projecting axially outward from the first axial end thereof; and a first or second detent, respectively, of the second connector portion projecting axially outward from the second axial end thereof and in abutting, opposing and slidable engagement with the first or second detent, respectively, of the first connector portion.

20. 20. The coupling of claim 19, wherein one of the first or second detents comprises a ratchet, and the other of the first and second detents comprises a biased pawl in slidable, intermeshing, and abutting engagement with the ratchet, the pawl defining a pawl travel axis.

21. 21. The coupling of claim 20, wherein the ratchet and pawl are oriented on a pawl engagement surface that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the fitting, and the axis of pawl travel is parallel to the pawl engagement surface.

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