Vacuum Luer lock for medical infusion fluid line connectors

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure describe a vacuum luer lock connector comprising: a male luer configured to be coupled to a female luer defining a fluid passage; a vacuum chamber positioned between the male and female luers to contain air as the male luer is pushed into the female luer; a solid cylinder surrounding the male luer and functioning as a piston; a cylindrical member surrounding the female luer and functioning as a wall of the vacuum chamber; and a vent passage provided in the female luer to allow air to be released as the male luer is pushed into the female luer. The male and female luers are held connected by a force generated within the vacuum chamber surrounding the luers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to connectors for medical infusion fluid lines, and more particularly to vacuum luer lock connectors. This vacuum luer lock connection is maintained by a vacuum force generated within a vacuum chamber surrounding the male and female luer of the connector. This connection can be easily disconnected by allowing outside air to flow into the vacuum chamber through a designed vent passage.

Background Art

[0002] Patients are generally administered an IV solution initially supplied in an IV (intravenous) reservoir (bottle or bag) by dripping it into the patient's vein through an IV line. Usually, an injection port is provided along the IV line, which is configured to cooperate with a syringe and enables adding an injection fluid to the IV solution. Connectors for medical infusion fluid lines provide a safe suction path for fluids, drugs, or blood sampling through a peripheral venous catheter, an arterial catheter, or a central venous catheter.

[0003] Conventional luer lock connectors rely on the frictional force generated by pressing two tapered luers against each other by the mechanical advantage of the taper and screw mechanism (luer nut). This results in a high contact force over a large contact area for sealing purposes, ensuring sealing performance while making it difficult for the user to remove the luer. On the other hand, fluids such as blood, alcohol, or some drugs can dry between the two connection parts and adhere to the two contacting surfaces, further complicating the removal process. This type of connection is easy to make, but there is no control over the forces involved, making removal very difficult.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] This disclosure relates in general to Luer connections, and more particularly to vacuum Luer lock connectors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a vacuum Luer lock connector comprises a male luer configured to be coupled to a female luer defining a fluid passage; a vacuum chamber positioned between the male and female luers to contain air as the male luer is pushed into the female luer; a solid cylinder surrounding the male luer and functioning as a piston; a cylindrical member surrounding the female luer and functioning as a wall of the vacuum chamber; and a vent passage provided in the female luer to allow air to be released as the male luer is pushed into the female luer. The male and female luers are held connected by the force generated within the vacuum chamber surrounding the luers.

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a vacuum Luer lock connector comprising a male luer configured to be coupled to a female luer defining a fluid passage, and a vacuum chamber positioned between the male and female luers, which traps air as the male luer is pushed into the female luer, wherein the male and female luers are held connected by a force generated within the vacuum chamber surrounding the male and female luers.

[0007] In some embodiments, the vacuum Luer lock connector further comprises a vent passage provided in the female Luer that allows air to be released when the male Luer is pushed into the female Luer. In some embodiments, the vacuum Luer lock connector further comprises a piston, which is a solid cylinder surrounding the male Luer. In some embodiments, the vacuum Luer lock connector further comprises a cylindrical member surrounding the female Luer that functions as a wall of the vacuum chamber. In some embodiments, the vacuum Luer lock connector further comprises an O-ring fitted inside the female Luer to prevent the infusion fluid from leaking into the vacuum chamber. In some embodiments, multiple O-rings are fitted inside the female Luer.

[0008] In some embodiments, the vacuum Luer lock connector further includes a check valve provided on the outer surface of the vent passage to prevent backflow of air into the vacuum chamber. In some embodiments, the vacuum Luer lock connector further includes a second vent passage provided in the piston of the male Luer, the second vent passage connecting the compression region of the male Luer to the surface of the male Luer mating with the female Luer, the surface being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the male Luer, and further including a slot formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical member, the slot extending away from the male Luer along the longitudinal axis of the solid cylinder from the end of the cylindrical member mating with the male Luer, and the vacuum seal is maintained when the second vent passage and the slot are not aligned with each other along the longitudinal axis of the vacuum Luer lock connector. In some embodiments, when the male and female Luers are rotated to a position where the second vent passage aligns with the slot along the longitudinal axis of the vacuum Luer lock connector, air flows into the vacuum chamber, the vacuum seal is lost, and as a result the male and female Luers are easily separated. In some embodiments, the tip of the male luer separates the vacuum chamber from the fluid passage. In some embodiments, the vacuum luer lock connector further includes a "LOCK" indicator to inform the user when the second vent passage and slot are not aligned and the vacuum luer lock connector is held in the connected state. In some embodiments, the vacuum luer lock connector further includes a "UNLOCK" indicator to inform the user when the second vent passage and slot are aligned and the vacuum luer lock connector is not held in the connected state. In some embodiments, the male luer includes a vent passage. In some embodiments, the female luer further includes a second cylindrical member that separates the fluid passage from the vacuum chamber when the male luer mates with the female luer.

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for using a vacuum Luer lock connector, the method comprising connecting a male Luer and a female Luer to form a vacuum seal and define a fluid passage, wherein the vacuum Luer lock comprises a vacuum chamber positioned between the male Luer and the female Luer that traps air as the male Luer is pushed into the female Luer, and the male Luer and female Luer are held connected by a force generated within the vacuum chamber surrounding the male Luer and female Luer. In some embodiments, the vacuum Luer lock further comprises a solid cylinder surrounding the male Luer and functioning as a piston, a cylindrical member surrounding the female Luer and functioning as a wall of the vacuum chamber, and a vent passage provided in the female Luer that allows air to be released as the male Luer is pushed into the female Luer. In some embodiments, the vacuum Luer lock further comprises a second vent passage provided within the piston of the male Luer that connects the compression region of the male Luer to the surface of the male Luer mating with the female Luer, the surface being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the male Luer. In some embodiments, the vacuum Luer lock further comprises a slot formed on the inner surface of a cylindrical member, the slot extending away from the male Luer from the end of the cylindrical member that mates with the male Luer, along the longitudinal axis of the solid cylinder. In some embodiments, the method further includes rotating the male Luer relative to the female Luer so that the second vent passage and the slot do not align with each other along the longitudinal axis of the vacuum Luer lock connector in order to maintain a sufficient vacuum seal. In some embodiments, the method further includes allowing air to flow into the vacuum chamber by rotating the male Luer relative to the female Luer to a position where the second vent passage aligns with the slot along the longitudinal axis of the vacuum Luer lock connector, thereby losing the vacuum seal and separating the male and female Luer.

[0010] Please understand that the general description above and the detailed description below are illustrative and explanatory, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed subject matter technology. Also, please understand that other embodiments may be used, and modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of the subject matter technology.

[0011] The detailed description below describes various configurations of the subject art and is not intended to show only the configurations in which the subject art can be implemented. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a full understanding of the subject art. Accordingly, dimensions may be provided for certain embodiments as non-limiting examples. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject art can be implemented without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject art. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] An IV administration set connected to a patient, according to an aspect of this disclosure, is shown. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum Luer lock connector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] This is a perspective view of a vacuum Luer lock connector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] This is a perspective view of a vacuum Luer lock connector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum Luer lock connector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The detailed description below describes various configurations of the subject art and is not intended to show only the configurations in which the subject art can be carried out. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a full understanding of the subject art. Accordingly, dimensions may be provided for certain embodiments as non-limiting examples. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject art can be carried out without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in the form of block diagrams to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject art.

[0014] It should be understood that this disclosure includes examples of the subject art and does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Various aspects of the subject art are disclosed herein below, in accordance with specific but non-limiting examples. The various embodiments described herein may be carried out in different ways and variations depending on the desired use or implementation.

[0015] This specification relates in general to connectors for infusion fluid lines, and more particularly, exemplary and not limited to, vacuum Luer lock connectors that are held together by vacuum sealing. According to some embodiments, a vacuum Luer lock connector may be a two-part configuration comprising a male Luer and a female Luer.

[0016] In some embodiments, vacuum Luer lock connectors are used in IV administration sets having structures for coupling with IV bags and / or drip chambers. The structure for the IV bag may be formed as an arm, hook, clamp, or other mechanism configured to suspend the IV bag.

[0017] Referring to Figure 1, one embodiment of the IV administration set 2 is connected to patient 1. The IV administration set 2 may include a vacuum Luer lock connector 100. The IV administration set comprises an IV bag 12 and a drip chamber 14, which are fluidly coupled between them by an IV tube 16 extending between them. The IV tube 16 is intravenously coupled to patient 1 via a catheter 18, which preferably includes one or more adapters 10 or connectors 20.

[0018] Referring to Figures 2 to 3B, one embodiment of the vacuum Luer lock connector 100 is shown, which comprises a male Luer 102 configured to be coupled to a female Luer 101 defining a fluid passage 106; a vacuum chamber 105 positioned between the male Luer 102 and the female Luer 101 to trap air as the male Luer 102 is pushed into the female Luer 101; a solid cylinder 108 surrounding the male Luer 102 and functioning as a piston; a cylindrical member 107 surrounding the female Luer 101 and functioning as a wall of the vacuum chamber 105; and a vent passage 109 provided in the female Luer 101 that allows air to be released as the male Luer 102 is pushed into the female Luer 101. The male Luer 102 and the female Luer 101 are connected by the force generated within the vacuum chamber 105 surrounding the Luers. In some embodiments, the vacuum Luer lock connector 100 includes an O-ring 103 or a plurality of O-rings 103 fitted inside the female Luer 101 to prevent the infusion fluid from leaking into the vacuum chamber 105. In some embodiments, the vacuum Luer lock connector 100 includes a check valve 104 provided on the outer surface of the vent passage 109 to prevent backflow of air into the vacuum chamber 105. The check valve 104 allows air or gas to be discharged from the vacuum chamber 105 when the male Luer 102 and female Luer 101 are connected. In some embodiments, the check valve 104 may function as a one-way valve for discharging air from the vacuum chamber 105 while limiting or preventing air from flowing into the vacuum chamber 105 after the Luer 102, 101 are connected.

[0019] In some embodiments, the vacuum Luer lock connector 100 includes a second vent passage 110 provided within the solid cylinder 108 of the male Luer 102, the second vent passage 110 connecting the compression region 111 of the male Luer 102 to the surface 112 of the male Luer 102 that mates with the female Luer 101, the surface 112 being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the male Luer 102. In some embodiments, a slot 113 is formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical member 107. In some embodiments, the slot 113 extends from the end of the cylindrical member 107 of the female Luer 101 that mates with the male Luer 102, in a direction away from the male Luer 102 along the longitudinal axis X of the cylindrical member 107. In some embodiments, in order to maintain sufficient vacuum sealing, the second vent passage 110 and the slot 113 are not aligned with each other along the longitudinal axis of the connector. In some embodiments, when the male luer 102 and female luer 101 are rotated along the longitudinal axis of the vacuum luer lock connector 100 to a position where the second vent passage 110 aligns with the slot 113, air flows into the vacuum chamber 105, the vacuum seal is lost, and as a result, the male luer 102 and female luer 101 can be easily separated. In some embodiments, the tip 114 of the male luer 102 separates the vacuum chamber 105 from the fluid passage 106. In some embodiments, the vacuum luer lock connector 100 is equipped with a "LOCK" indicator to inform the user when the second vent passage 110 and the slot 113 are not aligned and the vacuum luer lock connector 100 is held in a connected state. In some embodiments, the vacuum luer lock connector 100 is equipped with a "UNLOCK" indicator to inform the user when the second vent passage 110 and the slot 113 are aligned and the vacuum luer lock connector 100 is not held in a connected state. The vacuum force is powerful and controllable, and does not rely on high contact force to maintain and seal the connection. Furthermore, the use of the O-ring 103 prevents the contact surface from being exposed to liquid, and sufficient sealing pressure is generated over a significantly small surface area. This combination results in a secure and robust connection, along with easy removal.

[0020] Referring to Figure 4, one embodiment of a vacuum Luer lock connector 200 is shown, which comprises a male Luer 202 configured to be coupled to a female Luer 201 defining a fluid passage 206; a vacuum chamber 205 positioned between the male Luer 202 and the female Luer 201 to trap air as the male Luer 202 is pushed into the female Luer 201; a solid cylinder 208 surrounding the male Luer 202 and functioning as a piston; a cylindrical member 207 surrounding the female Luer 201 and functioning as a wall of the vacuum chamber 205; a second cylindrical member 215 separating the fluid passage 206 from the vacuum chamber 205 to protect it from fluid exposure and contamination; and a vent passage 209 provided in the female Luer 201 to allow air to be released as the male Luer 202 is pushed into the female Luer 201. In some embodiments, the male Luer 202 also comprises a vent passage 216. The male Luer 202 and female Luer 201 are held connected by the force generated within the vacuum chamber 205 surrounding the Luers. In some embodiments, the vacuum Luer lock connector 200 includes an O-ring 203 or a plurality of O-rings 203 fitted inside the female Luer 201 to prevent the infusion fluid from leaking into the vacuum chamber 205. In some embodiments, the vacuum Luer lock connector 200 includes a check valve 204 provided on the outer surface of the vent passage 109 to prevent backflow of air into the vacuum chamber 205.

[0021] In some embodiments, the vacuum Luer lock connector 200 includes a second vent passage 216 provided in the male Luer 202, which connects the vacuum chamber to the outside of the connector. In some embodiments, the second vent passage 216 includes a check valve. The vacuum force is strong and controllable, and does not rely on high contact force to hold and seal the connection. In addition, the use of an O-ring 203 prevents the contact surface from being exposed to liquid, and sufficient sealing pressure is generated over a significantly small surface area. This combination provides a secure and robust connection, along with easy removal.

[0022] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of using a vacuum luer lock according to any of the above embodiments. In some embodiments, the method includes connecting a male luer and a female luer to form a vacuum seal and defining a fluid passageway. In some embodiments, the method includes rotating the male luer relative to the female luer so that a second vent passageway and a slot are not aligned along the longitudinal axis of the connector to maintain a sufficient vacuum. In some embodiments, the method includes rotating the male luer relative to the female luer to a position where the second vent passageway is aligned with the slot along the longitudinal axis of the connector, allowing air to flow into the vacuum chamber, dissipating the vacuum seal, and disconnecting the connector.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method includes allowing air to flow in for removal by controlling a check valve with a user's finger from outside the vacuum luer lock connector. In some embodiments, the method includes controlling the inflow air and the outflow air by a single vent line having a controllable check valve.

[0024] Illustrations of the technology of the subject matter according to the clauses The technology of the subject matter is illustrated, for example, according to the various aspects described below. Examples of the various aspects of the technology of the subject matter are described, for convenience, as numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.). These are provided by way of illustration and do not limit the technology of the subject matter. Note that any dependent clauses can be combined in any combination and incorporated into the corresponding independent clauses such as clause 1 or clause 9. Other clauses can be presented in a similar manner.

[0025] Clause 1. A vacuum Luer lock connector comprising a male luer configured to be coupled to a female luer defining a fluid passage, and a vacuum chamber positioned between the male luer and the female luer, which traps air as the male luer is pushed into the female luer, wherein the male luer and the female luer are held in a connected state by a force generated within the vacuum chamber surrounding the male luer and the female luer.

[0026] Clause 2. The vacuum luer lock connector according to Clause 1, further comprising a vent passage provided in the female luer, which allows air to be expelled when the male luer is pushed into the female luer.

[0027] Clause 3. The vacuum luer lock connector described in Clause 1, further comprising a piston which is a solid cylinder surrounding the male luer.

[0028] Clause 4. The vacuum Luer lock connector according to Clause 3, further comprising a cylindrical member that surrounds the female Luer and functions as a wall of the vacuum chamber.

[0029] Clause 5. The vacuum Luer lock connector according to Clause 1, further comprising an O-ring fitted inside the female Luer to prevent the infusion fluid from leaking into the vacuum chamber.

[0030] Clause 6. The vacuum luer lock connector according to Clause 5, wherein multiple O-rings are fitted inside the female lure.

[0031] Clause 7. The vacuum Luer lock connector according to Clause 2, further comprising a check valve provided on the outer surface of the vent passage for preventing backflow of the air into the vacuum chamber.

[0032] Clause 8. A vacuum luer lock connector according to Clause 4, further comprising: a second vent passage provided within the piston of the male luer, the second vent passage connecting the compression region of the male luer to the surface of the male luer that mates with the female luer, the surface being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the male luer; and a slot formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical member, extending from the end of the cylindrical member that mates with the male luer, in a direction away from the male luer along the longitudinal axis of the solid cylinder, wherein a vacuum seal is maintained when the second vent passage and the slot are not aligned with each other along the longitudinal axis of the vacuum luer lock connector.

[0033] Clause 9. The vacuum luer lock connector according to Clause 8, wherein when the male luer and female luer are rotated along the longitudinal axis of the vacuum luer lock connector to a position in which the second vent passage aligns with the slot, air flows into the vacuum chamber, the vacuum seal is lost, and as a result, the male luer and female luer are easily separated.

[0034] Clause 10. The vacuum luer lock connector according to Clause 1, wherein the tip of the male luer separates the vacuum chamber from the fluid passage.

[0035] Clause 11. The vacuum Luer lock connector as described in Clause 8, further comprising a "LOCK" indicator for informing the user when the second vent passage and the slot are not aligned and the vacuum Luer lock connector is held in a connected state.

[0036] Clause 12. The vacuum Luer lock connector as described in Clause 8, further comprising an indicator "UNLOCK" to inform the user if the second vent passage and the slot are aligned and the vacuum Luer lock connector is not held in a connected state.

[0037] Clause 13. The vacuum luer lock connector according to Clause 1, wherein the male luer is provided with a vent passage.

[0038] Clause 14. The vacuum luer lock connector according to Clause 1, wherein the female luer further comprises a second cylindrical member that separates the fluid passage from the vacuum chamber when the male luer is mated with the female luer.

[0039] Clause 15. A method of using a vacuum Luer lock connector, the method comprising connecting a male Luer and a female Luer to form a vacuum seal and define a fluid passage, wherein the vacuum Luer lock comprises a vacuum chamber positioned between the male Luer and the female Luer, the vacuum chamber containing air as the male Luer is pushed into the female Luer, and the male Luer and the female Luer are held connected by a force generated within the vacuum chamber surrounding the male Luer and the female Luer.

[0040] Clause 16. A method of using the vacuum Luer lock connector according to Clause 15, further comprising: a solid cylinder surrounding the male Luer and functioning as a piston; a cylindrical member surrounding the female Luer and functioning as the wall of the vacuum chamber; and a vent passage provided in the female Luer, the vent passage enabling the discharge of air when the male Luer is pushed into the female Luer.

[0041] Clause 17. A method of using the vacuum Luer lock connector described in Clause 16, further comprising a second vent passage provided within the piston of the male Luer, which connects the compression region of the male Luer to the surface of the male Luer that mates with the female Luer, wherein the surface is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the male Luer.

[0042] Clause 18. A method of using the vacuum Luer lock connector described in Clause 17, wherein the vacuum Luer lock further comprises a slot formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical member, the slot extending from the end of the cylindrical member that mates with the male Luer, in a direction away from the male Luer along the longitudinal axis of the solid cylinder.

[0043] Clause 19. A method of using the vacuum Luer lock connector described in Clause 18, further comprising rotating the male Luer relative to the female Luer so that the second vent passage and the slot do not align with each other along the longitudinal axis of the vacuum Luer lock connector in order to maintain a sufficient vacuum seal.

[0044] Clause 20. A method of using the vacuum Luer lock connector described in Clause 18, further comprising rotating the male Luer relative to the female Luer along the longitudinal axis of the vacuum Luer lock connector to a position where the second vent passage aligns with the slot, thereby allowing air to enter the vacuum chamber and destroy the vacuum seal, thereby separating the male Luer and the female Luer.

[0045] Other considerations In some embodiments, any provision described herein may be dependent on any independent provision or any dependent provision. In one embodiment, any provision (e.g., a dependent provision or an independent provision) may be combined with one or more other provisions (e.g., dependent provisions or independent provisions). In one embodiment, a claim may include some or all of the words (e.g., steps, actions, means, or components) described in a provision, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one embodiment, a claim may include some or all of the words described in one or more provisions, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs. In one embodiment, some of the words contained in each provision, sentence, phrase, or paragraph may be deleted. In one embodiment, additional words or elements may be added to a provision, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one embodiment, the subject art may be carried out without utilizing any of the components, elements, functions, or actions described herein. In one embodiment, the subject art may be carried out by utilizing additional components, elements, functions, or actions.

[0046] This disclosure is provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement the various embodiments described herein. This disclosure provides various examples of the subject art, and the subject art is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may also be applicable to other embodiments.

[0047] Even when referring to elements in the singular form, unless otherwise specified, it means "one or more" and not "only one." Similarly, unless otherwise specified, the term "several" means "one or more." Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter forms (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, where present, are for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

[0048] As used herein, the term “exemplary” means “functioning as an example or illustration.” No embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” should be construed as being preferable or advantageous to other embodiments or designs. In one embodiment, various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0049] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" modifies the entire list of items, rather than each individual item, when it precedes an enumeration of items and the word "or" is used to separate each item. The phrase "at least one" does not require the selection of at least one item, but rather allows it to include at least one of any single item and / or at least one of any combination of items and / or at least one of each item. For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, or C" may refer to A only, B only, or C only, or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0050] The phrase "aspect" does not mean that the aspect is essential to the subject art or that the aspect applies to all configurations of the subject art. Disclosures relating to aspects may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. The phrase "aspect" may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. The phrase "embodiment" does not mean that the embodiment is essential to the subject art or that the embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject art. Disclosures relating to embodiments may apply to all embodiments or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. The phrase "embodiment" may refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. The phrase "configuration" does not mean that the configuration is essential to the subject art or that the configuration applies to all configurations of the subject art. Disclosures relating to configurations may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. The phrase "configuration" may refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0051] In one embodiment, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, evaluations, locations, sizes, dimensions, and other specifications described herein, including those set forth in the following claims, are approximate and not precise. In one embodiment, they are intended to be within a reasonable range consistent with the relevant functions and customary functions in the relevant art.

[0052] It should be understood that any particular order or hierarchy of steps or actions in the disclosed process or method is merely illustrative. Depending on implementation preferences or circumstances, any particular order or hierarchy of steps, actions, or processes may be rearranged. Some steps, actions, or processes may be performed simultaneously. In some implementation preferences or circumstances, certain actions may not be performed. Some or all of the steps, actions, or processes may be performed automatically without user intervention. The claims for the attached method present various elements of steps, actions, or processes in an illustrative order and are not intended to limit the user to any particular order or hierarchy presented.

[0053] All structural and functional equivalents of elements in various forms described throughout this disclosure, known to or subsequently known to those skilled in the art, are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be included in the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public, whether or not this disclosure is expressly contained in the claims. No claim element shall be construed under Section 112(f) of the U.S. Patent Act unless it is expressly described using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, “step for.” Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “include,” “have,” or similar terms are used, such terms are intended to have an inclusive meaning, similar to how “comprise” is interpreted when used as a transitional term in a claim.

[0054] The Title of the Invention, Background Art, Summary of the Invention, Brief Description of the Drawings, and Abstract are provided as illustrative examples of this Disclosure and are incorporated into this Disclosure by reference, not as limiting statements. They are submitted with the understanding that they are not to be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, it is understood that in the Detailed Description, the Description provides examples, and various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are explicitly described in each claim. Rather, as the following claims demonstrate, the subject matter of the Invention lies in less than all the features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description by reference as each claim constitutes the subject matter claimed individually.

[0055] The claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but rather to be given a complete scope consistent with the language of the claims and intended to encompass all legal equivalents. However, no claim is intended, nor should they be construed, to encompass subject matter that does not meet the requirements of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of the U.S. Patent Act.

Claims

1. A vacuum Luer lock connector, wherein the vacuum Luer lock connector is A male lure configured to be coupled to a female lure that defines a fluid passage, A vacuum chamber is positioned between the male lure and the female lure, trapping air when the male lure is pushed into the female lure. Equipped with, A vacuum Luer lock connector in which the male luer and the female luer are connected by a force generated within the vacuum chamber surrounding the male luer and the female luer.

2. The vacuum luer lock connector according to claim 1, further comprising a vent passage provided in the female luer that allows air to be discharged when the male luer is pushed into the female luer.

3. The vacuum luer lock connector according to claim 1, further comprising a piston which is a solid cylinder surrounding the male luer.

4. The vacuum Luer lock connector according to claim 3, further comprising a cylindrical member that surrounds the female Luer and functions as a wall of the vacuum chamber.

5. The vacuum luer lock connector according to claim 1, further comprising an O-ring fitted inside the female luer, which prevents the infusion fluid from leaking into the vacuum chamber.

6. The vacuum luer lock connector according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of the O-rings are fitted inside the female luer.

7. The vacuum Luer lock connector according to claim 2, further comprising a check valve provided on the outer surface of the vent passage for preventing backflow of the air into the vacuum chamber.

8. A second vent passage provided within the piston of the male lure, the second vent passage connecting the compression region of the male lure to the surface of the male lure that engages with the female lure, and the surface being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the male lure, A slot formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical member, the slot extending from the end of the cylindrical member that engages with the male lure, in a direction away from the male lure along the longitudinal axis of the solid cylinder, and Furthermore, The vacuum Luer lock connector according to claim 4, wherein a vacuum seal is maintained when the second vent passage and the slot are not aligned with each other along the longitudinal axis of the vacuum Luer lock connector.

9. The vacuum luer lock connector according to claim 8, wherein when the male luer and the female luer rotate along the longitudinal axis of the vacuum luer lock connector to a position in which the second vent passage aligns with the slot, air flows into the vacuum chamber, the vacuum seal is lost, and as a result, the male luer and the female luer can be easily separated.

10. The vacuum luer lock connector according to claim 1, wherein the tip of the male luer separates the vacuum chamber from the fluid passage.

11. The vacuum Luer lock connector according to claim 8, further comprising a "LOCK" indicator for informing the user when the second vent passage and the slot are not aligned and the vacuum Luer lock connector is held in a connected state.

12. The vacuum Luer lock connector according to claim 8, further comprising the second vent passage and the slot being aligned, and an indicator "UNLOCK" for informing the user when the vacuum Luer lock connector is not held in a connected state.

13. The vacuum luer lock connector according to claim 1, wherein the male luer is provided with a vent passage.

14. The vacuum luer lock connector according to claim 1, wherein the female luer further comprises a second cylindrical member that separates the fluid passage from the vacuum chamber when the male luer engages with the female luer.

15. A method using a vacuum Luer lock connector, the method is The vacuum luer lock includes connecting a male luer and a female luer to form a vacuum seal and define a fluid passage, and the vacuum luer lock is A vacuum chamber is positioned between the male lure and the female lure, the vacuum chamber comprising a vacuum chamber that traps air when the male lure is pushed into the female lure, A method wherein the male lure and the female lure are kept connected by a force generated within the vacuum chamber surrounding the male lure and the female lure.

16. The vacuum Luer lock surrounds the male Luer and functions as a piston, forming a solid cylinder, A cylindrical member surrounds the female luer and functions as a wall of the vacuum chamber, A vent passage provided in the female lure, the vent passage enables the discharge of air when the male lure is pushed into the female lure, and The method according to claim 15, further comprising:

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the vacuum luer lock further comprises a second vent passage provided in the piston of the male luer, the second vent passage connecting the compression region of the male luer to the surface of the male luer that engages with the female luer, the surface being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the male luer.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the vacuum Luer lock further comprises a slot formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical member, the slot extending from the end of the cylindrical member that engages with the male Luer, in a direction away from the male Luer along the longitudinal axis of the solid cylinder.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising rotating the male luer relative to the female luer so that the second vent passage and the slot do not align with each other along the longitudinal axis of the vacuum luer lock connector in order to maintain a sufficient vacuum seal.

20. The method according to claim 18, further comprising rotating the male luer relative to the female luer along the longitudinal axis of the vacuum luer lock connector to a position where the second vent passage aligns with the slot, thereby allowing air to flow into the vacuum chamber and dissipate the vacuum seal, thereby separating the male luer and the female luer.

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