Anti-snag infusion set

Abstract

To provide anti-snagging components.SOLUTION: An anti-snagging component comprises: a covering portion configured to be received by a first input end of a Y-site infusion set component; a tail portion configured to be slidingly connected to an input tube received by a second input end of the Y-site infusion set component; and a sliding surface configured to slidingly guide the Y-site infusion set component past an obstruction without snagging when the infusion set is moved. The covering portion at least covers an access point of a needleless connector when the anti-snagging component is in an engagement position, and the covering portion does not cover the access point of the needleless connector when the anti-snagging component is in a disengagement position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 224,577, filed December 18, 2018. [Background technology]

[0002] Infusion sets are used in the medical field to insert liquid substances into patients. Infusion sets are typically constructed by joining multiple translucent polymer tubing segments to multiple polymer components. The joint is formed by applying a thin layer of a solvent or adhesive on one or both of the contacting surfaces to bond the two surfaces together. Typically, the external geometry of an infusion set has many steps or transition points without a smooth transition. In some cases, the joints / components form sharp angles that are prone to getting caught on stationary edges or objects.

[0003] Infusion sets are moved from one station to another during manufacturing, potentially with components hanging down. Thus, the infusion set may get caught on a bench top edge or on manufacturing equipment. In use, the infusion set may be moved around extensively, for example, when a patient is tethered to the infusion set and a mobile device so that the patient can walk around. If one of the infusion set components gets caught on a stationary object, either during manufacturing or use, it will result in pulling on the lines. If there are weak joints or joints that are still stiffening, leakage or separation of the infusion set will occur. This can result from a simple inconvenience to something more serious. It would be desirable to provide an infusion set with reduced or eliminated snagging points. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides infusion sets having anti-snag structures that reduce or eliminate snagging of the infusion set during manufacture, storage, or use. The infusion components can have integral anti-snag structures and / or anti-snag components added to standard infusion sets or infusion set components.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, an anti-snag component for use in an infusion set is provided. The anti-snag component includes a housing having a fluid input end and a fluid output end, and an anti-snag structure disposed on one of the fluid input end and the fluid output end. The anti-snag structure includes a tube port extending from an end surface of the housing, the tube port configured to receive an end portion of a length of tubing. The anti-snag structure also includes at least one sliding structure disposed on the end surface of the housing, the at least one sliding structure extending from the end surface of the housing to an end portion of the tube port, the sliding surface of the sliding structure configured to slidably guide the housing over an obstacle without snagging when the infusion set is moved.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the anti-snag component is a drip chamber with an anti-snag structure disposed at the fluid output end. In one or more embodiments, the anti-snag component is a check valve with a first anti-snag structure disposed at the fluid output end and a second anti-snag structure disposed at the fluid input end. In one or more embodiments, the sliding structure is a gusset having a curved triangular shape with a first side disposed over the tube port, a second side disposed over the end surface of the housing, and a hypotenuse having a curved sliding surface. In one or more embodiments, the sliding structure is four gussets equally spaced around the end surface of the housing. In one or more embodiments, the curved sliding surface is concave or convex. In one or more embodiments, the sliding structure is a three-dimensional cone-like shape having a sliding surface.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, an anti-snag component for use in an infusion set is provided. The anti-snag component includes a housing having first and second fluid input ends and a fluid output end each configured to receive an end portion of a length of tubing. The anti-snag component includes an anti-snag structure disposed at the first fluid input end. The anti-snag structure includes a first structure end connected to the first fluid input end, the first input end configured to receive an input tube, a second structure end extending away from the first structure end, the second structure end configured to connect to the input tube, and a sliding surface disposed between the first structure end and the second structure end, the sliding surface configured to slidably guide the housing over an obstacle without snagging when the infusion set is moved.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the anti-snag component is a Y-junction and the slide surface is convexly curved. In one or more embodiments, the anti-snag component is a Y-site having a needleless connector disposed at the second fluid input end and the slide surface is convexly curved.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, an anti-snag component for use in an infusion set is provided. The anti-snag component includes a covering portion configured to be received by a needleless connector on a first input end of a Y-site infusion set component, a tail portion configured to slidably connect to an input tube received by a second input end of the Y-site infusion set component, and a sliding surface configured to slidably guide the Y-site infusion set component over an obstacle without snagging when the infusion set is moved. The covering portion is configured to cover an access point of the needleless connector when the anti-snag component is engaged with the Y-site infusion set component, and the covering portion is removed from the access point of the needleless connector when the anti-snag component is disengaged from the Y-site infusion set component.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the tail portion is constructed from a flexible material. In one or more embodiments, the covering portion is a slip-on cap configured to slip over at least a top portion of the needleless connector. In one or more embodiments, the slip-on cap has one or more slits for expanding the slip-on cap as it fits over the top portion of the needleless connector. In one or more embodiments, the slip-on cap is constructed from a flexible material that stretches as it fits over the top portion of the needleless connector. In one or more embodiments, the slip-on cap includes a top surface configured to cover a top surface of the needleless connector and a partial sidewall configured to cover only a portion of the periphery of the needleless connector. In one or more embodiments, the covering portion is a screw-on cap configured to screw over the threads of the needleless connector. In one or more embodiments, the covering portion is a hood configured to slip over both the first input end and the second input end of the Y-site infusion set component. In one or more embodiments, the coated portion includes an antimicrobial coating disposed on an inner surface, the antimicrobial coating configured to contact an access point of the needleless connector when the anti-snag component is engaged with the needleless connector.

[0011] Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure. The objectives and other advantages of the disclosure will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

[0012] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the present disclosure as claimed.

[0013] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrating embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary infusion set. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary infusion set components and joints that may be subject to snagging. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary infusion set components and joints that may be subject to snagging. [Figure 2C] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary infusion set components and joints that may be subject to snagging. [Figure 2D] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary infusion set components and joints that may be subject to snagging. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary infusion set movement with a joint / component hooked onto a stationary object. [Figure 4A] 1 is a schematic diagram of one or more embodiments of an anti-snag infusion set component. [Figure 4B] 1 is a schematic diagram of one or more embodiments of an anti-snag infusion set component. [Figure 4C] 1 is a schematic diagram of one or more embodiments of an anti-snag infusion set component. [Figure 5A] 1 is a schematic diagram of one or more embodiments of an anti-snag infusion set joint component. [Figure 5B]1 is a schematic diagram of one or more embodiments of an anti-snag infusion set joint component. [Figure 5C] 1 is a schematic diagram of one or more embodiments of an anti-snag infusion set joint component. [Figure 6A] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of one or more embodiments of an anti-snag infusion set component in an engaged position. [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one or more embodiments of an anti-snag infusion set component in an unlocked position. [Figure 7A] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of one or more embodiments of an anti-snag infusion set component in an engaged position. [Figure 7B] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of one or more embodiments of an anti-snag infusion set component in an engaged position. [Figure 8A] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of one or more embodiments of an anti-snag infusion set component in an engaged position. [Figure 8B] 1 is a schematic diagram of one or more embodiments of an anti-snag infusion set component. [Figure 8C] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one or more embodiments of an anti-snag infusion set component in an unlocked position. [Figure 9A] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of one or more embodiments of an anti-snag infusion set component in an engaged position. [Figure 9B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one or more embodiments of an anti-snag infusion set component in an unlocked position. [Figure 9C] 1 is a schematic diagram of one or more embodiments of an anti-snag infusion set component. [Figure 10] 1A-1D are schematic diagrams of one or more embodiments of an anti-snag infusion set filter component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The detailed description set forth below describes various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. Thus, dimensions are provided with respect to specific embodiments as non-limiting examples. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring concepts of the subject technology.

[0016] It should be understood that the present disclosure includes examples of the subject technology and does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Various aspects of the subject technology will now be disclosed according to specific, but non-limiting, examples. The various embodiments described in the present disclosure can be implemented in different ways and with modifications according to a desired application or implementation.

[0017] An infusion set may be formed from any combination of infusion components and tubing. Typically, the infusion components and tubing are disposable products that are used once and then discarded. The infusion components and tubing may be formed from any suitable material (e.g., plastic, silicone, rubber). As shown in FIGS. 1-2D, the infusion set 20 may include a drip chamber 30, a check valve 40, and a roller clamp 50 connected together by tubing 60. The infusion set 20 may also include a Y-site 70 having a Y-shaped junction with an inlet port 72 connected to the inlet tube 62, a needleless connector 75, and an outlet port 74 connected to the outlet tube 64. The needleless connector 75 provides a port for the introduction of fluid into the infusion set 20 and / or the removal of air bubbles from the infusion set 20. For example, a needleless syringe (not shown) may be connected to the needleless connector 75 to add medication to the saline fluid that is gravity fed from a saline bag (not shown) into the drip chamber 30. The infusion set 20 may include additional infusion components and may be formed from any combination of components and tubing 60.

[0018] As shown in more detail in FIG 2A, the drip chamber 30 is connected to the inlet tube 62 and the outlet tube 64. Similarly, in FIG 2B, the check valve 40 is connected to the inlet tube 62 and the outlet tube 64. FIG 2C shows a Y-junction 80 having two inlet ports 82 and one outlet port 84, each of which is connected to an inlet tube 62 and an outlet port 84, each of which is connected to an outlet tube 64. FIG 2D shows a Y-site 70 having an inlet port 72 connected to the inlet tube 62, an outlet port 74 connected to the outlet tube 64, and a needleless connector 75.

[0019] Each of the infusion components and junction points of the infusion set 20 provide angled surfaces that may be hooked or engaged by equipment and / or surfaces during manufacture of the infusion set. Similarly, the infusion components and junction points of the infusion set 20 may be hooked by medical equipment and / or the patient / caregiver during use of the infusion set 20. For example, the end surfaces of the drip chamber 30 and check valve 40 are perpendicular to the tubing 60, providing hooking points 90 as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. Similarly, the Y-junction 80 and Y-site 70 have hooking points 90 as shown in Figures 2C and 2D.

[0020] 3 illustrates an example of a Y-site 70 snagging as the infusion set 20 is moved in direction X, where a snagging point 90 formed by the junction between the infusion port 72 and the needleless port 75 engages (e.g., is snagged by) a physical object 95 (e.g., a table edge, a piece of medical equipment, a hospital bed frame) as the infusion set 20 is moved (e.g., pulled) in direction X. Depending on the pulling force in direction X, the infusion tube 62 may pull free or become loose from the infusion port 72, thus leading to an infusion set 20 that is defective during manufacturing or that has a leak or failure during use.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, the infusion component can include anti-snag gussets 100. The gussets 100 can be integrally formed as part of the infusion component or the gussets 100 can be added to an existing infusion component. The gussets 100 can fill some or all of the space defining the snag points 90 described above. For example, FIGS. 4A and 4B show a drip chamber 35 with multiple gussets 100 formed at the bottom of the drip chamber 35. Each gusset 100 can have a curved shape that provides an anti-snag surface (e.g., a sliding surface) 102 that slides along and over a physical object during movement of the infusion set 20. Similarly, the check valve 45 can have gussets 100 formed at both the top and bottom of the check valve 45 to prevent snagging of the check valve 45 by a physical object when moving in either direction.

[0022] The gussets 100 can be of any shape (e.g., triangular, convex, concave) that provides a sliding surface 102 over which an object can slide without getting caught. The sliding surface 102 can extend across an area that would define a catch point (e.g., catch point 90) in the absence of the gusset 100. For example, the sliding surface 102 of the gussets 100 on the drip chamber 35 extends from the drip chamber end surface 37 to the outlet port end surface 39, as shown in FIG. 4B. Similarly, the sliding surfaces 102 of some of the gussets 100 on the check valve 45 extend from the check valve end surface 46 to the inlet port end surface 48, and other gussets 100 on the check valve 45 extend from the check valve end surface 47 to the outlet port end surface 49, as shown in FIG. 4C. 4A-4C, each of the drip chamber 35 and check valve 45 has four gussets 100 spaced apart at 90 degree angles, however, the disclosure is not so limited. Thus, any number of gussets 100 may be used, and the gussets 100 may be disposed in any desired positioning or spacing.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, a snag-resistant webbing 110 is provided. The webbing 110 may be integrally formed as part of an infusion component, the webbing 110 may be added to an existing infusion component, and / or the webbing 110 may be formed as a separate component to be added to an infusion set 20. The webbing 100 may be of any desired shape and size. The webbing 100 may be configured to connect to the tubing 60 of the infusion set 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the Y-site 70 includes a webbing 110 having a bell curve shape with one end 114 connected at the input port 72 and another end (e.g., connection point) 116 connected to the input tube 62. Here, the webbing 110 is positioned such that the sliding surface 112 causes a physical object to slide away from the Y-site 70 and avoids getting caught on the snag point 90 or the needleless connector 75. A similar webbing 110 is shown for the Y-junction 80 as shown in FIG. 5B. Here, the webbing 110 has a bell curve shape with one end 114 connected at the input port 82 and another end 116 connected at the input tube 62. In yet another example, the Y-junction 80 can have a partially semicircular shaped webbing 110 connected to the input port 82.

[0024] The examples shown in Figures 5A-5C are not limiting. For example, the webbing 110 can have any shape and size with a sliding surface 112 configured to move the infusion component over a physical object without getting caught. In addition, the webbing 110 can be a separately formed infusion set component, where both ends of the webbing 110 connect to the tubing 60, and the webbing 110 can slide along the tubing 60 until positioned next to the Y-site 70, Y-junction 80, or any other infusion component.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, an anti-snag structure (e.g., cap) 120 is provided. The cap 120 can have a cover portion (e.g., cap portion) 122 and a tail portion 124. The cap portion 122 can be a slip-on cap that is configured to slip over the needleless connector 75 of the Y-site 70. The cap portion 122 can be a deformable or flexible (e.g., soft) material that stretches as it fits over the needleless connector 75. The cap portion 122 can have one or more slits 123 such that the cap portion 122 opens up to a certain extent (e.g., expands around the leading edge) as the cap portion 122 fits over the needleless connector 75. The tail portion 124 can be flexible and has a tube connection point 126 for connecting the tail portion 124 to a tube 60 (e.g., input tube 62). The tail portion 124 has a sliding surface 128 configured to move the Y-site 70 over a physical object without snagging. The cap 120 can be slid over the tube 60 and then slid toward the Y-site 70 until the cap portion 122 snaps over the needleless connector 75. In addition to preventing snagging of the Y-site 70 when the cap 120 is in place, the cap portion 122 has the added benefit of covering the needleless connector 75, thus reducing or eliminating contact with contaminants. The cap portion 122 can include a coating (e.g., chlorhexidine) configured to act as an antimicrobial agent over the access point 73 of the needleless connector 75.

[0026] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, an anti-snag structure (e.g., cap) 130 is provided. The cap 130 can have a cover portion (e.g., cap portion) 132 and a tail portion 134. The cap portion 132 can be a slip-on cap configured to slip over the needleless connector 75 of the Y-site 70. The cap portion 132 can have a top surface 133 and a sidewall portion 135, where the top surface 133 fits over the top surface (e.g., access point) of the needleless connector 75 and the sidewall portion 135 is partially open such that the sidewall portion 135 does not surround the entire periphery of the needleless connector 75. The tail portion 134 can have a tube connection point 136 for connecting the tail portion 134 to a tube 60 (e.g., input tube 62). The tail portion 134 has a sliding surface 138 configured to move the Y-site 70 over a physical object without snagging. The cap 130 can be slid onto the tube 60 and then rotated around the tube 60 until the cap portion 132 snaps onto the needleless connector 75. In addition to preventing snagging of the Y-site 70 when the cap 130 is in place, the cap portion 132 has the added benefit of covering the access point 73 of the needleless connector 75, thus reducing or eliminating contact with contaminants. The cap portion 132 can include a coating (e.g., chlorhexidine) configured to act as an antimicrobial agent over the access point 73 of the needleless connector 75.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, an anti-snag structure (e.g., cap) 140 is provided. The cap 140 can have a cover portion (e.g., cap portion) 142 and a tail portion 144. The cap portion 142 can be a screw-on cap configured to screw onto the threads 74 of the needleless connector 75 of the Y-site 70. The cap portion 142 can have a top surface 143 and a sidewall portion 145, where the top surface 143 fits over the top surface of the needleless connector 75 and the sidewall portion 145 completely surrounds the needleless connector 75. The tail portion 144 can have a tube connection point 146 for connecting the tail portion 144 to a tube 60 (e.g., input tube 62). The tail portion 144 has a sliding surface 148 configured to move the Y-site 70 over a physical object without getting stuck. The tube connection point 146 of the cap 140 can be slid over the tube 60, sliding the tube 60 down and bringing the cap portion 142 into position to be screwed onto the needleless connector 75. In addition to preventing snagging of the Y-site 70 when the cap 140 is in place, the cap portion 142 has the added benefit of covering the access point 73 of the needleless connector 75, thus reducing or eliminating contact with contaminants. The cap portion 142 can include a coating (e.g., chlorhexidine) configured to act as an antimicrobial agent over the access point 73 of the needleless connector 75.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, an anti-snag structure (e.g., hood) 150 is provided. The hood 150 can have a cover portion 152 and a tail portion 154. The cover portion 152 can be a hood or shroud configured to slip over both the needleless connector 75 and the inlet port 72 of the Y-site 70. The cover portion 152 can be a deformable or flexible (e.g., soft) material that stretches as it fits over the top of the Y-site 70. The tail portion 154 can be flexible and has a tube connection point 156 for connecting the tail portion 154 to a tube 60 (e.g., input tube 62). The hood 150 has a sliding surface 158 that is configured to move the Y-site 70 over a physical object without getting stuck. Hood 150 can be slid over tube 60 and then toward Y-site 70 until covering portion 152 covers some or all of inlet port 72 and needleless connector 75. In addition to preventing snagging of Y-site 70 when hood 150 is in place, covering portion 152 has the added benefit of covering access point 73 of needleless connector 75, thus reducing or eliminating contact with contaminants.

[0029] The infusion set 20 may further include one or more filters 160, as shown in FIG. 10. The filter 160 may have a housing 161, an inlet port 162 that connects to the inlet tube 62, and an outlet port 164 that connects to the outlet tube 64. Fluid may flow through the input tube 62 into the input port 162, through a filter element or material in the housing 161, and through the outlet port 164 to the outlet tube 64. An anti-snag structure guide 170 is provided for the filter 160. The guide 170 may have a filter connection portion 172, which may be integrally formed with the housing 161. The filter connection portion 172 may be formed separately and connected to a portion of the housing 161. The guide 170 may also have a tail portion 174 with a tube connection point 176 for connecting the tail portion 174 to the input tube 62 or the output tube 64. Tail portion 174 has a sliding surface 178 that is configured to move filter 160 over physical objects without snagging. As shown in FIG. 10, filter 160 can have guides 170 disposed at each end of housing 161, thus minimizing or preventing snagging of filter 160 when moving in either direction along the longitudinal axis of filter 160.

[0030] It is understood that any particular order or hierarchy of blocks in the method of the disclosed processes is an illustration of an example approach. Based on design or implementation preferences, it is understood that the particular order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes may be rearranged or all of the illustrated blocks may be performed. In some implementations, any of the blocks may be performed simultaneously.

[0031] The present disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The present disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0032] Reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather "one or more." The term "some" refers to one or more, unless specifically stated otherwise. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter genders (e.g., "her" and "it"), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if present, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

[0033] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. In one aspect, various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent.

[0034] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" preceding a list of items (with the term "or" separating any of the items) modifies the list as a whole rather than each item in the list. The phrase "at least one of" does not require the selection of at least one item. Rather, the phrase allows the meaning to include at least one of any one of the items, and / or at least one of any combination of the items, and / or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, or C" can refer to only A, only B, or only C; or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0035] A phrase such as "aspect" does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure of an aspect may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. A phrase such as "embodiment" does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure of an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or to one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an embodiment may refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. A phrase such as "configuration" does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure of an embodiment may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as a configuration may refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0036] In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, dimensions, sizes, and other specifications set forth in this specification (including the claims which follow) are approximate and not precise, and are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the function to which they relate and with that customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0037] It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes disclosed is an illustration of example approaches. Based on design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes may be rearranged. Some of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed simultaneously. Some or all of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed automatically, without user intervention. The accompanying method claims, if any, present elements of the various steps, operations, or processes in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0038] All structural and functional equivalents (known or later known to those skilled in the art) to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made available to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims. No element of a claim is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for" or, in the case of a method claim, unless the element is recited using the phrase "step for". Moreover, to the extent terms such as "include" or "having" are used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprise" when "comprise" is interpreted when used as a transitional phrase in a claim.

[0039] The title, background, brief description of the drawings, and abstract of this disclosure are hereby incorporated into this disclosure and are provided as examples for illustrative purposes of the disclosure, and are not provided as limiting descriptions. They are submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description, it can be seen that the description provides examples for illustrative purposes, and that various features have been grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed structure or operation. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as separately claimed subject matter.

[0040] The claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and include all legal equivalents. Nonetheless, none of the claims are intended to, and should not be construed to, cover subject matter that does not meet the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §§ 101, 102, or 103.

Claims

1. 1. An anti-snag component for use in an infusion set, the anti-snag component comprising: a covering portion configured to be received by a first input end of a Y-site infusion set component, the first input end including a needleless connector; a tail portion configured to slidingly connect to an input tube received by a second input end of the Y-site infusion set component; a sliding surface configured to slidably guide the Y-site infusion set component over an obstacle without getting caught as the infusion set is moved; Including, the covering portion is configured to cover at least an access point of the needleless connector when the anti-snag component is in an engaged position; An anti-snag component, wherein the covering portion is configured not to cover the access point of the needleless connector when the anti-snag component is in an unlocked position.

2. The anti-snag component of claim 1 , wherein the tail portion is constructed from a flexible material.

3. The anti-snag component of claim 1 , wherein the tail portion includes a tube connection point configured to encircle the input tube and to slideably move along the input tube.

4. The anti-snag component of claim 3 , wherein the tube connection point is configured to slide along the input tube away from the needleless connector to release the anti-snag component from the needleless connector.

5. The anti-snag component of claim 3 , wherein the tube connection point is configured to rotate about the input tube to disengage the anti-snag component from the needleless connector.

6. The covering portion is a cap, and the cap comprises: a top surface configured to cover the access point in the engaged position; a sidewall configured to be disposed about at least a portion of a periphery of the needleless connector in the engaged position; The anti-snag component of claim 1 , comprising:

7. The anti-snag component of claim 6 , wherein the cap is configured to slip over a portion of the needleless connector.

8. 8. The anti-snag component of claim 7, wherein the side wall includes one or more slits configured to allow expansion of the side wall when the side wall fits over the portion of the needleless connector.

9. 8. The anti-snag component of claim 7, wherein the cap comprises a flexible material, the flexible material configured to stretch when the flexible material fits over the portion of the needleless connector.

10. The anti-snag component of claim 7 , wherein the sidewall is configured to cover less than an entire perimeter of the needleless connector.

11. The anti-snag component of claim 6 , wherein the sidewall portion includes internal threads configured to screw over threads of the needleless connector.

12. The anti-snag component of claim 1 , wherein the covering portion includes a shroud, the shroud configured to slip over and cover the needleless connector.

13. The anti-snag component of claim 12 , wherein the shroud is configured to slip over and cover the second input end.

14. The anti-snag component of claim 1 , wherein the covered portion includes an antimicrobial coating disposed on an inner surface.

15. The anti-snag component of claim 14 , wherein the anti-microbial coating is configured to contact the access point in the engaged position.

16. 1. An intravenous (IV) infusion set, comprising: A Y-site infusion set component, comprising: a first inlet port including a needleless connector; a second inlet port; and Exit Port a Y-site infusion set component including: an inlet IV tubing connected to the second inlet port; an outlet IV tubing connected to the outlet port; Anti-snag components and Including, The anti-snag component comprises: a covering portion configured to cover an access point of the needleless connector in an engaged position and to not cover the access point of the needleless connector in a released position; a tail portion slidably and rotatably coupled to the inlet IV tube; a slide surface disposed between the covering portion and the tail portion, the slide surface configured to slidably guide the Y-site infusion set component over an obstacle without getting caught when the IV infusion set is moved; 1. An intravenous (IV) infusion set comprising:

17. 17. The IV infusion set of claim 16, wherein the tail portion includes a tube connection point that surrounds the inlet IV tube, the tube connection point configured to slide along and rotate around the inlet IV tube.

18. The covering portion is a cap, and the cap comprises: a top surface configured to cover the access point in the engaged position; a sidewall configured to be disposed about at least a portion of a periphery of the needleless connector in the engaged position; Including, The side wall portion is one or more slits configured to allow expansion of the sidewall portion when the cap is slid over the needleless connector; a flexible material configured to stretch when the cap is slid over the needleless connector; and internal threads configured to mate with threads of the needleless connector when the cap is threaded onto the needleless connector.

17. The IV infusion set of claim 16, comprising one of:

19. 17. The IV infusion set of claim 16, wherein the covering portion includes a shroud configured to slip over and cover the needleless connector and the second inlet port in the engaged position.

20. 17. The IV infusion set of claim 16, wherein the covered portion includes an antimicrobial coating disposed on an inner surface thereof and is configured to contact the access point in the engaged position.

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