Adapters for use in fluid transfer systems

Abstract

1. An adapter configured to be connected to a first container of a fluid transfer system and to facilitate fluid communication between the first container and a second container of the fluid transfer system, the adapter comprising: a proximal body portion; and a distal body portion extending distally from the proximal body portion at least partially along a longitudinal axis of the adapter, the distal body portion comprising: a plurality of circumferential elements each extending distally relative to the proximal body portion, each of the plurality of circumferential elements comprising a respective bridge portion; and a plurality of connecting elements each connecting the bridge portions of two corresponding adjacent circumferential elements of the plurality of circumferential elements, each of the plurality of connecting elements configured to be radially displaced between a normal state and an expanded state in a connecting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The subject matter of the present disclosure relates to the field of fluid transfer devices, and more particularly to adapters for connecting to a container of a fluid transfer system to facilitate fluid transfer. [Background technology]

[0002] An adapter is typically connected to a container to facilitate fluid transfer between the container and another container. For example, in a fluid transfer system, a first container contains a volume of fluid to be transferred to one or more second containers, and an adapter is connected to the first container to facilitate the transfer of the fluid. The adapter must be connected sufficiently rigidly to prevent detachment from the container during use, for example, due to unintentional forces. Furthermore, this rigid connection must be achieved without sacrificing the adapter's compact size, shape, and design. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The presently disclosed subject matter relates to an adapter for connecting to a first container of a fluid transfer system and facilitating fluid communication with a second container of the fluid transfer system. More specifically, in the field of medical drug transfer, drugs and / or diluents are contained in containers such as vials and / or IV bags and must be transferred to a different container, e.g., via a syringe and / or another IV bag, for mixing with other drugs, diluents, in liquid or solid form, and / or for delivery to a patient. It is generally preferable, particularly in environments involving hazardous drugs, to connect the syringe and / or IV bag to the vial and / or other IV bag via an adapter. The connection between the adapter and the first container according to the presently disclosed subject matter is secure and prevents disengagement due to twisting / rotation of the first container relative to the adapter. The adapter includes multiple connecting elements configured for radial, rather than axial, displacement, thereby preventing twisting and / or rotation of the connecting elements and thus disengagement from the first container.

[0004] Thus, according to a first aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided an adapter configured to connect to a first container of a fluid transfer system and facilitate fluid communication between the first container and a second container of the fluid transfer system, the adapter comprising: a proximal body portion; and a distal body portion extending distally from the proximal body portion at least partially along a longitudinal axis of the adapter, the distal body portion comprising: a plurality of circumferential elements each extending distally relative to the proximal body portion, each of the plurality of circumferential elements comprising a respective bridge portion; and a plurality of connecting elements each connecting the bridge portions of two corresponding adjacent circumferential elements of the plurality of circumferential elements, the plurality of connecting elements configured to radially displace between a normal state and an expanded state in a connecting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to facilitate connection of the adapter to the first container in the connecting plane. In some examples, the bridge portions may also lie at least partially within the connecting plane.

[0005] It should be understood that, as used herein, a first container may be any container, including a vial, an IV bag, a syringe, an elastomeric pump, a bottle, an ampoule, or generally any vessel or receptacle suitable for holding a fluid or liquid or solid, having a head configured to connect to an adapter according to the presently disclosed subject matter. Any description herein that refers to a vial as a first container should be understood to apply to other examples of the first container as well.

[0006] Additionally, the second container may be any fluid transfer component configured to transfer fluid to and / or from the first container, including a syringe, a pump mechanism, a tubing set, etc. Any description herein that refers to a syringe as the second container should be understood to apply to other examples of the second container as well.

[0007] As referred to herein, fluids typically include medications, diluents, saline solutions, water, or other fluids used in the preparation of pharmaceutical products. The terms "medication" and "drug" are used interchangeably.

[0008] The terms proximal and distal should be understood as used relative to the user. For example, when the adapter is held by a user to connect to a first container, the proximal body portion is closer to the user than the distal body portion. In other words, the distal body portion is closer to the first container than the proximal body portion. Therefore, the distal body portion extending distally from the proximal body portion should be understood as extending toward the first container. The proximal body portion may have a disk-shaped bottom and an elongated stem extending proximally therefrom and having a septum positioned at its upper end for receiving a syringe needle. The adapter may have a spike extending distally from the disk-shaped bottom and configured to pierce the septum of the first container during connection between the adapter and the first container. The spike may have a liquid flow path for transferring liquid and an air flow path for transferring air. A needle of a syringe (or a tubing set that generally constitutes a fluid transfer component) can be positioned within the spike to transfer fluid (and / or air) to or from a first container. It should be understood herein that the spike and / or proximal body portion can have any shape and configuration suitable for their operation. In some examples, the proximal body portion and the distal body portion can be manufactured as separate elements that can be joined together. Also, in some examples, the proximal body portion and the distal body portion can be integrally formed with each other as a single element.

[0009] It should be understood herein that the adapter may have any number of circumferential elements and correspondingly connecting elements between all or some of the circumferential elements to ensure the required strength of the connection.

[0010] In some examples, each connecting element may include a connecting surface extending in the connecting plane and configured to engage a corresponding engaging portion of the first container. The connecting surface may be configured to extend in the connecting plane in the normal and expanded states of the connecting element. For example, the connecting element may be displaced radially (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) rather than axially (parallel to the longitudinal axis). In fact, no component of the displacement of the connecting element may be located axially. In some examples, the connecting surface may have an innermost portion closest to the longitudinal axis, while the connecting element may be displaced between the normal and expanded states such that the innermost portion may be located at a first distance from the longitudinal axis in the normal state of the corresponding connecting element and at a second distance greater than the first distance in the expanded state of the corresponding connecting element. The innermost portion of the connecting surface may define a portion of an imaginary circle extending in the connecting plane, the imaginary circle having a first diameter in the normal state of the connecting element and a second diameter greater than the first diameter in the expanded state of the connecting element.

[0011] In some examples, the connecting element can be configured to be resiliently displaceable radially from the expanded state to the normal state. For example, the connecting element can be configured to displace radially from the expanded state to the normal state when a force is applied and to automatically return to the normal state when the force is released. In some examples, the force can be an axial force applied to the connecting element in a direction from the distal body portion toward the proximal body portion along the longitudinal axis, for example, by the first container during connection of the adapter to the first container.

[0012] Each connecting element may have at least one deformable portion configured to deform to facilitate transition between the normal state and the expanded state of the connecting element. The deformable portion may have any suitable shape configured to change to facilitate expansion of the connecting element when a force is applied and contraction to its original shape when the force is released. The deformable portion may be positioned along the connecting element according to various implementations and examples. In some examples, the deformable portion may have a generally curved shape associated with the normal state of the respective connecting element and a relatively generally elongated, straightened shape associated with the expanded state of the respective connecting element. When a force is applied, the deformable portion changes its shape from the curved shape to the relatively straightened shape, thereby displacing the respective connecting element to the expanded state. The deformable portion may elastically change its shape from the curved shape to the relatively straightened shape. That is, when the force is released, the deformable portion elastically returns to the curved shape, thereby displacing the respective connecting element to the normal state. In some examples, the deformable portions can be implemented in any shape suitable for the described operation of the connecting elements. In some examples, each connecting element can have a central portion and two deformable portions connected to a corresponding bridge portion. The central portion can correspond to and / or be at least partially constituted by the connecting surface. For example, a deformable portion can connect each connecting element to a corresponding bridge portion. Each deformable portion can be configured to change shape to facilitate transitioning each connecting element between a normal state and an expanded state. In some examples, the number and location of the deformable portions can be selected to suit the desired operation of the connecting elements, including the desired degree of expansion of the connecting elements.

[0013] In some examples, each connecting element may include a guide element extending distally from an innermost portion along the longitudinal axis and away from the longitudinal axis, the guide element configured to engage with the first container during connection between the adapter and the first container. The guide element may be an angled element (formed as a single element or multiple elements) angled distally from the innermost portion of the connecting element and away from the longitudinal axis. The guide element may be configured to convert an axial force applied to the guide element by the head of the first container along the longitudinal axis in a direction from the distal body portion toward the proximal body portion into a radial force along the connection plane and away from the longitudinal axis. The radial force may cause the connecting element to move away from the longitudinal axis within the connection plane and displace to an expanded state, thereby creating space for the head of the first container to extend beyond the connecting element. Because the head of the first container extends beyond the connection element, when the radial force is released the connection element can elastically displace to its normal state and grip the neck portion of the first container to achieve a connection between the adapter and the first container in the connection plane.

[0014] In some examples, the connection elements may have respective side surfaces extending distally from and transversely to the respective connection surfaces. The side surfaces define the height of the connection elements along the longitudinal axis. The height of each connection element provides strength to the connection element and facilitates a secure connection between the adapter and the first container. Even if only the connection surface connects with the first container, the entire connection element, i.e., including the central portion and the deformable portion, may have a height, thereby providing the connection element with increased strength against axial / radial forces that may lead to twisting and / or rotation of the connection element. The bridge portion may also have a height corresponding to the height of the connection element, and the connection element may be connected to the bridge portion at its entire height. Thus, axial movement of the connection element along the longitudinal axis may be prevented, and / or the connection element may be configured to prevent the first container from rotating and / or twisting relative to the adapter when connected.

[0015] Embodiment While a more specific description is provided in the detailed description, below are non-limiting examples of different embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0016] 1. An adapter configured to connect to a first container of a fluid transfer system and facilitate fluid communication between the first container and a second container of the fluid transfer system, said adapter comprising: a proximal body portion; and a distal body portion extending distally from the proximal body portion at least partially along a longitudinal axis of the adapter, the distal body portion comprising: a plurality of circumferential elements, each extending distally relative to the proximal body portion, each of the plurality of circumferential elements including a respective bridge portion; a plurality of connection elements, each connecting bridge portions of two corresponding adjacent circumferential elements of the plurality of circumferential elements, each of the plurality of connection elements configured to be radially displaceable in a connection plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis between a normal state and an expanded state to facilitate connection of the adapter to the first receptacle in the connection plane.

[0017] 2. An adapter as described in embodiment 1, wherein each of the multiple connection elements has a connection surface extending within a connection plane and configured to engage with a corresponding engagement portion of the first container.

[0018] 3. An adapter as described in embodiment 2, wherein the connection surface extends within a connection plane in the normal state and the expanded state of the connection element.

[0019] 4. An adapter as described in embodiment 2 or 3, wherein the connection surface has an innermost portion closest to the longitudinal axis, the innermost portion being configured to be located at a first distance from the longitudinal axis in the normal state of the corresponding connection element and to be located at a second distance longer than the first distance in the expanded state of the corresponding connection element.

[0020] 5. An adapter as described in embodiment 4, wherein the innermost portion of the connecting surface defines a portion of an imaginary circle extending in the connecting plane, the imaginary circle having a first diameter in the normal state of the connecting element and a second diameter greater than the first diameter in the expanded state of the connecting element.

[0021] 6. An adapter described in any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the connection element is configured to radially displace from a normal state to an expanded state in response to an axial force applied to the connection element in a direction from the distal body portion toward the proximal body portion along the longitudinal axis.

[0022] 7. An adapter as described in embodiment 6, wherein the axial force is a pressing force applied by the first container during connection of the adapter to the first container.

[0023] 8. An adapter as described in embodiment 6 or 7, wherein the connection element is configured to be elastically displaced radially from the expanded state to the normal state when the axial force is removed.

[0024] 9. An adapter according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the bridge portion extends at least partially within the connection plane.

[0025] 10. An adapter described in any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein each of the connection elements has at least one deformable portion configured to deform to facilitate displacement of the connection element between a normal state and an expanded state.

[0026] 11. An adapter as described in embodiment 10, wherein each of the connecting elements has a central portion and two deformable portions connected to corresponding bridge portions.

[0027] 12. An adapter according to embodiment 11, when dependent on embodiment 2, wherein the connection surface constitutes at least a part of the central portion.

[0028] 13. An adapter described in any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein each of the multiple connection elements comprises an innermost portion closest to the longitudinal axis and a guide element extending distally from the innermost portion in a direction along the longitudinal axis and a direction away from the longitudinal axis, the guide element being configured to engage with the first container during connection of the adapter and the first container.

[0029] 14. An adapter as described in embodiment 13, wherein the guide element is configured to convert an axial force applied to the guide element by the head of the first container in a direction from the distal body portion toward the proximal body portion along the longitudinal axis during connection into a radial force in a direction away from the longitudinal axis along the connection plane.

[0030] 15. An adapter as described in embodiment 14, wherein the radial force causes the connection element to move away from the longitudinal axis in the connection plane and displace to an expanded state, thereby creating space for the head of the first container to extend beyond the connection element.

[0031] 16. The adapter of embodiment 15, wherein the connection element is configured to elastically displace to a normal state when the head of the first container extends beyond the connection element, thereby gripping the neck of the first container and achieving a connection between the adapter and the first container in the connection plane.

[0032] 17. An adapter described in any one of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein each of the connection elements has a respective side extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, the side defining the height of the connection element in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0033] 18. An adapter as described in embodiment 17, wherein each of the bridge portions has a dimension parallel to and corresponding to the height of the connecting element.

[0034] 19. An adapter as described in embodiment 18, wherein the connection elements are connected to their respective bridge portions along the entire height of the connection elements.

[0035] 20. An adapter described in any one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the connection element is configured to prevent the first container from pivoting and / or twisting relative to the adapter when connected.

[0036] 21. An adapter according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20, wherein axial movement in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the connecting element is prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.

[0038] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a top perspective view of an adapter according to one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 1B] 1B shows a bottom perspective view of the adapter of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] 1B shows a bottom perspective view of the adapter of FIG. 1A with the container detached from the adapter. [Figure 1D] 1D shows a top perspective view of the adapter and container of FIG. 1C during connection. [Figure 1E] 1D shows a top perspective view of the adapter and container of FIG. 1C after connection. [Figure 1F] 1B shows a cross-sectional top view of the adapter, the cross section taken along line AA in FIG. 1A. [Figure 1G] 1B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the adapter, the cross section taken along line BB in FIG. 1E. [Figure 1H] 1D shows a cross-sectional top view of the adapter, the cross section taken along line CC of FIG. [Figure 2A] 1 shows a top perspective view of an adapter according to another embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 2B] 2B shows a bottom perspective view of the adapter of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3A] 10 shows a top perspective view of an adapter according to yet another embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. [Figure 3B] 3B shows a bottom perspective view of the adapter of FIG. 3A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] The following detailed description provides general and specific details of features of adapters according to various aspects and embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0040] 1A-1H, which illustrate an adapter 10 according to one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. The adapter 10 is configured to connect to a first container of a fluid transfer system and facilitate fluid communication between the first container and a second container of the fluid transfer system. The first container may be a vial 100 commonly used in medical drug transfer systems to contain a medication that needs to be transferred for mixing and / or delivery. In some examples, the first container may be an IV bag or any other container having a connection configured to connect to the adapter 10. Since syringes are commonly used to transfer medication into and out of the vial 100, according to one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, the second container may be a syringe. In some examples, the second container may be a pump configured to connect to the vial via a tubing set to transfer medication into and out of the vial, thereby forming the second container. It should be understood that, as used herein, vials and syringes are non-limiting examples of first and second containers, and that these containers may be any other containers used in medical or non-medical fluid transfer systems and configured for use with an adapter of the presently disclosed subject matter. For purposes of this specification, the first container has been illustrated and described as a vial 100, and thus the adapter 10 as a vial adapter 10, but it should be understood that, as used herein, the first container may be any other container connectable to an adapter of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0041] The vial adapter 10 has a body 12 that generally extends along a longitudinal axis LA of the vial adapter 10. The body 12 has a proximal body portion 12P and a distal body portion 12D that extends distally from the proximal body portion 12P along the longitudinal axis LA. The terms proximal and distal should be understood as used herein relative to a user. For example, when the adapter 10 is held by a user to connect to a vial 100, the proximal body portion 12P is closer to the user than the distal body portion 12D. In other words, the distal body portion 12D is closer to the vial 100 than the proximal body portion 12P. Therefore, the distal body portion 12D, which extends distally from the proximal body portion 12P, should be understood to extend toward the vial 100. In the illustrated example, the proximal body portion 12P has a disk-shaped bottom and an elongated stem extending proximally therefrom and having a septum S positioned at its upper end for receiving a syringe needle. The adapter 10 also has a spike 13 extending distally from the disk-shaped bottom and configured to pierce the vial septum VS of the vial 100 during connection between the adapter 10 and the vial 100. The spike 13 has a liquid flow path LC for transferring liquid and an air flow path AC for transferring air. A syringe needle may be positioned within the spike to transfer fluid (and / or air) to and from the vial 100, although a needle is not required and fluid transfer may be accomplished in any suitable manner. The structure and function of the spike 13 will not be described in detail herein for the sake of brevity of this description. It should be understood herein that the spike and / or proximal body portion may have any shape and configuration suitable for its operation, and for the sake of brevity of this description, have not been described in detail herein.

[0042] Furthermore, although the proximal body portion 12P and the distal body portion 12D are illustrated herein as separate elements joined to one another, it should be understood that in some examples the proximal body portion 12P and the distal body portion 12D may be integrally formed with one another as a single element.

[0043] Distal body portion 12D has a plurality of circumferential elements, four in the illustrated example, 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D, each extending distally from proximal body portion 12P to a respective distal end 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D. In some examples, adapter 10 may have fewer or more than four circumferential elements. Distal ends 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D extend distally beyond the distal-most ends of spikes 13 to protect the tips of spikes 13. Each circumferential element has a respective bridge portion. For example, circumferential element 14A has a respective bridge portion 18A, circumferential element 14B has a respective bridge portion 18B, circumferential element 14C has a respective bridge portion 18C, and circumferential element 14D has a respective bridge portion 18D.

[0044] While the illustrated examples herein show the circumferential element extending distally from the proximal portion, it should be understood that in some examples, the circumferential element may be implemented so that it does not extend directly from the proximal portion, but rather extends at least partially distally relative to the proximal portion. In such examples, there may be a circumferential covering element extending from the proximal portion, and the circumferential element may extend therefrom. The covering element may be a single element that radially covers at least a portion of the distal body portion, or multiple elements that radially cover the distal body portion.

[0045] The bridge portions constitute the portions of the circumferential elements where each circumferential element is connected (bridged) to its adjacent circumferential element by respective connection elements 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D. For example, connection element 20A connects bridge portion 18A to bridge portion 18B, connection element 20B connects bridge portion 18B to bridge portion 18C, connection element 20C connects bridge portion 18C to bridge portion 18D, and connection element 20D connects bridge portion 18D to bridge portion 18A. Connection elements 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D, and thus the corresponding bridge portions, extend within an imaginary connection plane CP and, while within the connection plane CP, are displaceable between a normal state (FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1E, 1F, and 1G) and an expanded state (FIGS. 1D and 1H). Connection plane CP constitutes the plane in which the connection between vial adapter 10 and vial 100 is established (FIGS. 1E and 1G), as described below.

[0046] Each of the connecting elements 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D has a corresponding connecting surface 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D that lies in the connecting plane CP in both the normal and expanded states. In other words, the connecting elements 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D are displaced radially (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA) rather than axially (parallel to the longitudinal axis LA). In fact, no component of the displacement of the connecting elements is axial. The connecting surfaces 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D engage corresponding mating portions of the vial 100 (as best seen in FIGS. 1E and 1G ) (in the illustrated example, where the neck 102 of the vial 100 and the head 104 of the vial 100 meet) to establish a connection between the adapter 10 and the vial 100. As can be seen, the bridge portions 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D also extend within the connecting plane CP.

[0047] Each of connecting surfaces 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D has a respective innermost portion 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D closest to the longitudinal axis. Innermost connecting surfaces 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D also constitute the innermost portion of the connecting element closest to the longitudinal axis. In the illustrated example, innermost portions 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D are formed as curved edges of connecting surfaces 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D, although in some examples, the innermost portions may have other shapes suitable for engaging with the first container to establish a connection between the adapter and the first container. In the normal state of the adapter 10 (i.e., the normal state of the connection element), the innermost portions 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D are located at a first distance D1 (Figures 1F and 1G) from the longitudinal axis LA, and in the expanded state of the adapter 10 (i.e., the expanded state of the connection element), the innermost portions 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D are located at a second distance D2 (Figure 1H) from the longitudinal axis LA that is longer than the first distance D1. In other words, innermost portions 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D of connecting surfaces 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D define portions of an imaginary circle extending in connection plane CP, which imaginary circle has a first diameter in the normal state of connecting elements 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D (FIGS. 1F and 1G) and a second diameter greater than the first diameter in the expanded state of connecting elements 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D (FIG. 1H).

[0048] Each of the connecting elements 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D has a respective central portion 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D, a respective first deformable portion 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, and a respective second deformable portion 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D (FIGS. 1A and 1B). The first and second deformable portions connect the respective connecting elements to the corresponding two bridge portions. For example, the first deformable portion 24A of the connecting element 20A connects the connecting element 20A to the bridge portion 18A, and the second deformable portion 25A of the connecting element 20A connects the connecting element 20A to the bridge portion 18B. It should be understood that all deformable portions connect the respective connecting elements to the corresponding bridge portions and are not specifically mentioned and individually described herein for the sake of brevity of this description. Each deformable portion is configured to change its shape to facilitate transitioning its respective connection element between a normal state and an expanded state. For example, the deformable portion has a generally curved shape associated with the normal state of its respective connection element and a relatively generally elongated and straightened shape associated with the expanded state of its respective connection element. When a force is applied, the deformable portion changes its shape from the curved shape to the relatively straightened shape, thereby transitioning its respective connection element to the expanded state. It should be understood that, as used herein, the deformable portion elastically transitions its shape from the curved shape to the relatively straightened shape. That is, when the force is released, the deformable portion elastically returns to the curved shape, thereby transitioning its respective connection element to the normal state. It should be understood that the illustrated shapes of the deformable portions are exemplary, and that the deformable portions may be implemented in any shape suitable for the described operation of the connection elements.

[0049] While in the illustrated examples, each connection element is described as having a respective central portion and two respective deformable portions as can be seen in the figures, it should be understood herein that in some examples, one or more of the connection elements may have one (or more) deformable portions configured to deform to facilitate transitioning the connection element between a normal state and an expanded state. The deformable portions may have any suitable shape configured to change to facilitate expansion of the connection element when a force is applied and contraction of the connection element to its original shape when the force is released. The deformable portions may be positioned along the connection element according to various implementations and examples. For example, the deformable portion may be between two non-deformable portions connected to a bridge portion and comprising a connecting surface. In some examples, the deformable portion may include a connecting surface, and in such examples, the connecting surface may be deformable as well. In some examples, the number and location (along the connection element) of the deformable portions may be selected to suit the desired behavior of the connection element, including the desired degree of expansion of the connection element.

[0050] In the illustrated example, the connecting surfaces constitute a portion of the central portion of the respective connecting elements as can be seen in the figures, but it should be understood that the connecting surfaces may extend to the deformable portions. It should be understood herein that even if the connecting surfaces extend to the deformable portions, the deformable portions maintain their deformability. Each of connecting elements 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D has a respective side surface 26A, 26B, 26C, and 26D extending distally and transversely from its respective connecting surface 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D. The side surfaces define a height H of the connecting element in a direction along the longitudinal axis LA. The height H of each of connecting elements 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D provides strength to the connecting element, facilitating a secure connection between adapter 10 and vial 100. Although only the connection surface interfaces with the vial, the entire connection element, i.e., including the central portion and the deformable portion, has a height H, providing the connection element with increased strength against axial / radial forces that could lead to twisting and / or rotation of the connection element. The bridge portion also has a height corresponding to the height H, and the connection element is connected to the bridge portion along the entire height H. In some examples, the connection element may be connected to the bridge portion only partially along the height H. However, connecting the connection element to the bridge portion along the entire height H significantly improves the strength of the connection element, particularly against rotation of the connection element relative to the circumferential portion, thereby preventing detachment of the first container from the adapter. More specifically, connecting the connection element to the bridge portion along the entire height H prevents axial movement (along the longitudinal axis LA) of the connection element.

[0051] It should be appreciated herein that the construction of the connecting and circumferential elements described above facilitates a robust connection between the vial and the adapter without increasing the overall size (particularly the height) of the adapter.

[0052] Each of connecting elements 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D includes a respective guide element 27A, 27B, 27C, and 27D ( FIG. 1B ) extending distally from a corresponding innermost portion 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D along and away from longitudinal axis LA. For example, guide element 27A is a sloped element that slopes distally from innermost portion 22A of connecting element 20A toward side surface 26A. Each of guide elements 27A, 27B, 27C, and 27D is configured to engage with vial 100, e.g., head 104 of vial 100, and convert an axial force applied to the guide element by head 104 into a radial force for displacing the connecting element from its normal state to its expanded state when vial 100 is connected to vial adapter 10.

[0053] 1C-1E, which illustrate the connection between the vial adapter 10 and the vial 100. The vial 100 is held with its head 104 facing the distal body portion 12D of the vial adapter 10. As the vial adapter 10 is pushed toward the vial 100, and / or the vial 100 is pushed toward the vial adapter 10, the head 104 (e.g., its rim) engages with the guide elements 27A, 27B, 27C, and 27D of the connection elements 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D, and simultaneously the spike 13 begins to penetrate the vial septum VS (FIG. 1G). Further pushing causes the head 104 to apply an axial force (along the longitudinal axis LA) to the guide elements 27A, 27B, 27C, and 27D in a direction extending from the distal body portion 12D to the proximal body portion 12P, as indicated by arrow F in FIG. 1C. Guide elements 27A, 27B, 27C, and 27D, which are inclined relative to longitudinal axis LA, convert the axial force into a radial (perpendicular to longitudinal axis LA) force acting on connecting elements 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D. The radial force deforms the deformable portions of the connecting elements such that central portions 23A, 23B, 23C, and 23D and their respective connecting surfaces 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D move away from longitudinal axis LA in connecting plane CP, thereby displacing the connecting elements to their expanded state (best seen in FIG. 1H ). Moving connecting surfaces 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D away from longitudinal axis LA creates a space between innermost portions 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D large enough for head 104 to pass therethrough and over connecting elements 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D. When the entire head 104 clears the connecting elements 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D and the narrower neck 102 of the vial 100 reaches the connecting surface, the radial force acting on the connecting element is removed, causing the connecting element to resiliently deflect to its normal state, thereby gripping the neck 102 of the vial 100 (by the connecting surface) and completing the connection with the adapter 10.

[0054] 1E, the dimensions of and the spaces between circumferential elements 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D are adapted to accommodate head 104 of vial adapter 100. As used herein, the dimensions of and the spaces between circumferential elements 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D may be tailored to the first container to be connected.

[0055] The connecting elements connected to the bridge portions on both sides and in the connecting plane allow the connecting elements to prevent the vial 100 from pivoting and / or twisting relative to the adapter 10. The fact that the connecting elements are connected to the bridge portions along the entire height H further enhances the ability of the connecting elements to prevent the vial 100 from pivoting and / or twisting relative to the adapter 10, thereby preventing the vial 100 from unintentionally detaching from the vial adapter 10.

[0056] 2A and 2B illustrate an adapter 10' according to another embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. It should be understood herein that adapter 10' is identical to adapter 10 and may include all of its features, with the only differences being the shape of distal ends 16'A, 16'B, 16'C, and 16'D, guide elements 27'A, 27'B, 27'C, and 27'D, and spike 13'. Guide elements 27'A, 27'B, 27'C, and 27'D are configured to operate similarly to guide elements 27A, 27B, 27C, and 27D, but have different shapes and structures. For example, guide elements 27A, 27B, 27C, and 27D are single elements positioned in the center of central portions 23A, 23B, 23C, and 23D, while guide elements 27'A, 27'B, 27'C, and 27'D each include two portions extending from a portion of the central portion adjacent to its respective deformable portion.

[0057] 3A and 3B illustrate an adapter 10'' according to another embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. It should be understood herein that adapter 10'' is identical to adapter 10 and may include all of its features, with the only differences being the shape of distal ends 16''A, 16''B, 16''C, and 16''D, guide elements 27''A, 27''B, 27''C, and 27''D, and spike 13''. Guide elements 27''A, 27''B, 27''C, and 27''D are configured to operate similarly to guide elements 27A, 27B, 27C, and 27D, but have similar shapes and structures to guide elements 27'A, 27'B, 27'C, and 27'D of adapter 10'.

[0058] While various exemplary embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art will readily conceive of numerous other means, materials, or structures for performing the functions and obtaining the results, or one or more advantages, described herein, and each such variation or modification is deemed to be within the scope of the exemplary embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are intended to be exemplary only, and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations will depend on the particular application or applications to which the teachings of the present invention are applied. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific exemplary embodiments described herein. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the foregoing examples are presented by way of example only, and that, within the scope of the appended claims, equivalents thereof, and any claims supported by this disclosure, the exemplary embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to the individual features, systems, articles, materials, compositions, kits, methods, and steps described herein. Furthermore, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, compositions, kits, methods, and steps is within the inventive scope of the present disclosure, unless such features, systems, articles, materials, compositions, kits, methods, and steps are mutually inconsistent.

[0059] The embodiments disclosed herein may be combined with one or more features, functions, or materials, as well as complete systems, devices, or methods, to produce still other embodiments and inventions. Furthermore, some embodiments may be distinguishable from the prior art by specifically lacking one and / or another feature disclosed in a particular prior art document. That is, claims to some embodiments may be distinguishable from the prior art by including one or more negative limitations.

[0060] Also, as noted above, various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, examples of which have been provided above. The actions performed as part of a method may be ordered in any suitable manner. Thus, embodiments may be constructed in which actions are performed in an order different from that shown, and may include performing some actions simultaneously even though the illustrative embodiments show actions as sequential.

[0061] Any reference anywhere in this application to a publication or other document, including but not limited to a patent, patent application, article, web page, book, etc., is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Furthermore, all definitions defined and used herein should be understood to supersede dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0062] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used in the specification and claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."

[0063] The term "and / or," as used in the specification and claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are sometimes present conjunctively and sometimes present disjunctively. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" should be construed similarly, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Elements other than the elements specifically identified in the "and / or" clause may optionally be present, whether related to those specifically identified elements or not. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to "A and / or B," when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising," may, in one instance, refer to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another instance, refer to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another instance, refer to both A and B (optionally including other elements); and so forth.

[0064] As used in this specification and the claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" should be interpreted as inclusive, i.e., including at least one element but a plurality of elements, a number of elements, or a list of elements, and optionally additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as "only one of" or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims, "consisting of," refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number of elements or list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used herein should be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., "either / or," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of,") only when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as "either / or," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of." When used in the claims, "consisting essentially of" should have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0065] As used in this specification and in the claims, the phrase "at least one" refers to a list of one or more elements and should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of every element specifically listed in the list of elements, and not excluding any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for the optional presence of elements other than those specifically identified in the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related to those specifically identified elements or not. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B," or, equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") can, in one example, refer to at least one (optionally including multiple) A's (optionally including elements other than B) in the absence of B; in another example, it can refer to at least one (optionally including multiple) B's (optionally including elements other than A) in the absence of A; in yet another example, it can refer to at least one (optionally including multiple) A's and at least one (optionally including multiple) B's (and optionally including other elements), etc.

[0066] In the claims and the above specification, all transitional phrases such as "comprise," "include," "carry," "have," "contain," "involve," "hold," "consist of," and the like, are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., meaning including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0067] Although various exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, in light of this disclosure, many modifications to the exemplary embodiments may be made without substantially departing from the concepts of the disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Similarly, while the specification of the disclosure includes many specific combinations, these specific combinations should not be construed as limiting the scope of either the disclosure or the appended claims, but are provided as descriptions related to one or more specific embodiments that may fall within the scope of the disclosure and the appended claims. Any described feature from the various disclosed embodiments may be used in combination with other disclosed embodiments. Other embodiments of the disclosure may also be devised that fall within the scope of the disclosure and the appended claims.

[0068] It should be understood that the present disclosure may be combined with other examples, embodiments, or features described herein, unless expressly stated otherwise or unless mutually exclusive.

Claims

1. 1. An adapter configured to connect to a first container of a fluid transfer system and facilitate fluid communication between the first container and a second container of the fluid transfer system, the adapter comprising: a proximal body portion; and a distal body portion extending distally from the proximal body portion at least partially along a longitudinal axis of the adapter, the distal body portion comprising: a plurality of circumferential elements, each extending distally relative to the proximal body portion, each of the plurality of circumferential elements including a respective bridge portion; a plurality of connection elements, each connecting the bridge portions of two corresponding adjacent circumferential elements of the plurality of circumferential elements, each of the plurality of connection elements configured to be radially displaceable in a connection plane between a normal state and an expanded state to facilitate connection of the adapter to the first container in the connection plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

2. The adapter of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of connection elements includes a connection surface extending in the connection plane and configured to engage a corresponding engagement portion of the first container.

3. The adapter of claim 2 , wherein the connection surface extends in the connection plane in the normal state and in the expanded state of the connection element.

4. 4. The adapter of claim 2 or 3, wherein the connection surface has an innermost portion closest to the longitudinal axis, the innermost portion being configured to be located at a first distance from the longitudinal axis in the normal state of the corresponding connection element and to be located at a second distance longer than the first distance in the expanded state of the corresponding connection element.

5. 5. The adapter of claim 4, wherein the innermost portion of the connecting surface defines a portion of an imaginary circle extending in the connecting plane, the imaginary circle having a first diameter in the normal state of the connecting element and a second diameter greater than the first diameter in the expanded state of the connecting element.

6. 6. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the connecting element is configured to be radially displaced from the normal state to the expanded state in response to an axial force applied to the connecting element in a direction from the distal body portion toward the proximal body portion along the longitudinal axis.

7. The adapter of claim 6 , wherein the axial force is a pressing force exerted by the first container during the connection of the adapter to the first container.

8. The adapter of claim 6 or 7, wherein the connecting element is configured to be radially elastically displaceable from the expanded state to the normal state when the axial force is removed.

9. An adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bridge portion extends at least partly in the connection plane.

10. 10. The adapter of claim 1, wherein each of the connecting elements comprises at least one deformable portion configured to deform to facilitate the displacement of the connecting element between the normal state and the expanded state.

11. The adapter of claim 10 , wherein each of the connecting elements has a central portion and two deformable portions connected to corresponding bridge portions.

12. 12. An adapter according to claim 11 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the connection surface forms at least a part of the central portion.

13. 13. The adapter of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of connection elements comprises an innermost portion closest to the longitudinal axis and a guide element extending distally from the innermost portion in a direction along the longitudinal axis and in a direction away from the longitudinal axis, the guide element configured to engage the first container during the connection between the adapter and the first container.

14. 14. The adapter of claim 13, wherein the guide element is configured to convert an axial force exerted on the guide element by the head of the first container in a direction from the distal body portion toward the proximal body portion along the longitudinal axis during the connection into a radial force in a direction away from the longitudinal axis along the connection plane.

15. 15. The adapter of claim 14, wherein the radial force causes the connecting element to move in the connecting plane away from the longitudinal axis and displace to the expanded state, thereby creating space for the head of the first container to extend beyond the connecting element.

16. 16. The adapter of claim 15, wherein the connection element is configured to resiliently deflect to the normal state when the head of the first container extends beyond the connection element, thereby gripping the neck of the first container to achieve the connection between the adapter and the first container in the connection plane.

17. 17. The adapter of claim 1, wherein each of the connection elements comprises a respective side surface extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, the side surfaces defining a height of the connection element in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

18. 18. The adapter of claim 17, wherein each of the bridge portions has a dimension parallel to and corresponding to the height of the connecting element.

19. 20. The adapter of claim 18, wherein the connecting elements are connected to the respective bridge portions along the entire height of the connecting elements.

20. The adapter of any preceding claim, wherein the connection element is configured to prevent the first container from pivoting and / or twisting relative to the adapter when connected.

21. The adapter of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein axial movement of the connecting element in a direction along the longitudinal axis is prevented.

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