Improved fittings for supply lines

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fitting (10) for an enteral feeding line, comprising: attachment means (3) configured to connect the fitting to a complementary fitting (11); a tapered tip (4) coaxial with an axis; and a flange (5) extending around and coaxial with the tip, the flange extending from the tip enclosing, together with the tip, an annular space (7) configured to receive the complementary fitting; the attachment means disposed in the annular space; the annular space comprising a first portion (70) comprising the attachment means and a second portion (8) without the attachment means; the second portion having an axial length on the axis; and the tip having a predetermined diameter at an interface I between the first and second portions, the ratio of the predetermined diameter to the axial length being greater than or equal to 1.0 and less than or equal to 2.0.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of connectors for making fluid transmission connections in the field of medical devices, and finds particular application in the field of enteral nutrition. [Background technology]

[0002] Enteral feeding lines, i.e., lines that allow food to be provided to a living body directly in the stomach or intestines, generally comprise a nutrient container that is connected to an enteral feeding tube.

[0003] A known nutrition container is provided having a male connector disposed at the connecting end of the container, and an enteral feeding tube is provided having a female connector disposed at one end for connecting the tube, the respective connectors of the container and the tube being directly secured to one another and locked in place by a threaded connection.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 5,949,499 in the name of the present applicant describes several examples of male and female couplers specifically dedicated to enteral feeding lines. The female coupler has an inlet duct into which the tapered tip of the male coupler can be sealingly inserted. The male coupler has a groove in one portion thereof extending between the tapered tip and the outer shell. The head of the female coupler, which surrounds the inlet duct, can be inserted into the groove. The male and female couplers each have locking means in the form of complementary threads to lock the male and female couplers together.

[0005] Furthermore, each of the connectors is sized and designed to prevent misconnection to an infusion line connector or a catheter connector, thus limiting the risk of feeding an enteral feeding tube with a product that is not suitable for enteral nutrition, or even worse, feeding a catheter with a product intended for enteral nutrition.

[0006] However, applicants have discovered that when a connector is connected to a complementary connector over a period of time, the connector is subject to stresses that tend to compromise its chemical resistance, particularly when it is a male connector.

[0007] This becomes particularly evident in use because the male tapered tip of a pair of male / female couplers is susceptible to breakage when mating with and unmating from the complementary female coupler. If a user connects the couplers too forcefully, a crack can form at the base of the male tapered tip.

[0008] However, assembly and disassembly of the feeding line must be possible very quickly in the hospital without risk of mechanical cracking, and therefore this is not possible with the male and female couplers of the state of the art. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2005 / 055919 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] In view of the above, one of the objects of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the art.

[0011] More specifically, one of the objects of the invention is to propose a connector, in particular a connector for enteral feeding lines, which, when assembled with a complementary connector, is able to withstand external loads.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to propose a connector, in particular a connector for enteral feeding lines, which meets the dimensional requirements set out in WO 2005 / 055919 and which is not damaged during assembly / disassembly with a complementary connector.

[0013] Another object is to propose a connector, in particular a connector for enteral feeding lines, which is simple to produce while limiting the risk of serious defects and which is easy to connect to a complementary connector.

[0014] According to another objective, the desired coupler must have limited total mass. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] To meet these needs, the present invention relates, according to a first aspect, to a connector for an enteral feeding line, the connector comprising: a fastening means configured to connect the coupler to a complementary coupler; a tapered tip that is coaxial with the axis; a flange extending around and coaxial with the tip; Equipped with the flange extends a distance from the tip and together with the tip encloses an annular space configured to receive a complementary coupler, the fastening means being disposed in the annular space; the annular space comprises a first portion having a fastening means and a second portion lacking the fastening means, the second portion having an axial length on the axis, and the tip having a predetermined diameter at an interface I between the first portion and the second portion; The ratio of the predetermined diameter to the axial length is equal to or greater than 1.0 and equal to or less than 2.0.

[0016] The coupler defined above may optionally have, but is not limited to, the following characteristics, either alone or in any one of the technically possible combinations: The flange has an inner surface that externally surrounds the annular space, and the fastening means extends from the inner surface of the flange. The tip has an inner surface with a diameter at the free end, and the ratio of the diameter of the tip inner surface to the axial length is greater than or equal to 1.0 and less than or equal to 3.3. The ratio of the diameter of the inner surface of the tip to the axial length is not less than 2.0 and not more than 3.0. The coupler has a free end, a connecting end, and a total axial length on the axis between the free end and the connecting end, and the ratio of the total axial length of the coupler to the axial length of the second portion is 3 or more and 6 or less. The axial length of the second portion is not less than 1.8 mm and not more than 4.0 mm, preferably not less than 2.0 mm and not more than 3.7 mm. The radial thickness of the tip at the bottom of the annular space is greater than or equal to 0.7 millimeters and less than or equal to 1.2 millimeters, preferably greater than or equal to 0.75 millimeters and less than or equal to 0.90 millimeters. The tip has a taper comprised between 5% and 9%, for example equal to 6% or 8%. The coupler further includes a protruding edge at the coupling end that extends radially outward and is configured to axially restrain the locking ring, the protruding edge being preferably annular.

[0017] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a connection assembly for an enteral feeding line comprising a connector as defined above and comprising a complementary connector, The complementary coupler has a distal end with a complementary fastening means extending radially from the distal end. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] Other characteristics, objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, which is given purely by way of example and is not limiting, and which is to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1a] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a male connector for an enteral feeding line according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 1b] 1b is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the male coupler of FIG. 1a, the cross-section being taken through the gripping fin of the male coupler. [Figure 2a] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a female connector of an enteral feeding line according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2b] 2b is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the female connector of FIG. 2a, the cross-section being taken through the gripping fin of the female connector. [Figure 3]Longitudinal cross-sectional view of a connection assembly including the male connector of FIG. 1b and the female connector of FIG. 2b connected together.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] The following detailed description relates to examples of enteral nutrition lines. This may be a nutrition line including a nasogastric tube, an oral gastric tube, and the like. However, it will be understood that the present invention may be incorporated with other types of nutrition or infusion lines, or other liquid transmission connections in the medical field, with the same advantages.

[0020] Throughout the remainder of this description, "free" refers to a site or end (e.g., tip) disposed on the connection side of the connector to a complementary connector, while "connected" refers to a site or end disposed on the side where the connector is fixed to a nutrition line (bag, reservoir, etc.). Generally, in the present application, the free end of the male connector corresponds to its distal end, and the connection end corresponds to its proximal end.

[0021] In addition, the axis A of the connector substantially corresponds to the axis of symmetry of the connector 10 and refers to the axis A around which elements (tips, flanges, etc.) of the connector 10 are arranged. The axial direction corresponds to the direction of the axis A, the radial direction is perpendicular to this axis A and passes through it. Further, the circumferential direction corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the axis A and not passing through it. Unless otherwise specified, "inner" (or "inside") and "outer" (or "outside") are used with respect to the radial direction such that the inner site or surface of an element is closer to the axis A than the outer site or surface of the same element.

[0022] In all of the accompanying drawings and throughout the following description, similar elements are denoted by the same alphanumeric reference signs.

[0023] Enteral nutrition line For example, an enteral nutrition line for use in a hospital comprises at least one connection assembly comprising a first connector 10 configured to be connected to a second connector 11.

[0024] The first coupler 10 has a preferably tapered tip 4 configured to fit into the inlet duct 160 of the second coupler 11. In the following, the first coupler will be referred to as the male coupler 10 and the second coupler will be referred to as the female coupler 11, the tip 4 of the male coupler 10 being configured to at least partially enter the inlet duct 160 of the female coupler 11.

[0025] For example, the male connector 10 may be disposed at the mating end of a nutrition container, such as a bag, flask, bottle, syringe, or enteral feeding hose. Nutrients intended to circulate within an enteral feeding line include, for example, formula formulated for premature newborns.

[0026] The female connector 11 may be partially disposed at the connecting end of an enteral feeding tube, which delivers nutrients to a patient, such as a nasogastric or orogastric tube.

[0027] It will be understood that the enteral feeding line may also include one or several bags, reservoirs, syringes, or other fluid delivery or fluid collection devices, extenders, etc. Several male coupler / female coupler combinations may be used to attach the enteral feeding line.

[0028] The male connector 10 and the female connector 11 are preferably made by molding, for example, from a polymer material.

[0029] coupler 1a and 1b illustrate a male connector 10 for an enteral feeding line according to one exemplary embodiment in a perspective view and a longitudinal cross-sectional view on axis A of the male connector 10, respectively.

[0030] The male coupler 10 comprises a head 2 having a free end E1 of the male coupler 10 and a body 9 having a coupling end E2. The head 2 and body 9 are coaxial with an axis A. The body 9 extends on the axis A contiguous with the head 2 to the coupling end E2 of the male coupler 10.

[0031] The head 2 in particular comprises a tapered tip 4 extending on an axis A, with a flange 5 connected to the tip 4. The flange 5 is coaxial with the tip 4 and extends at least partially around the tip 4. The tip 4 extends from the body 9 of the male coupler 10 in the direction of the coupling end E2.

[0032] The tip 4 has a truncated cone shape, with the long base of the truncated cone of the tip 4 being set towards the connecting end E2 and the short base of the truncated cone of the tip 4 being set towards the free end E1. In appropriate cases, the tip 4 has a taper comprised between 5% and 9%, for example of the order of 6% or 8%.

[0033] Here, furthermore, the tip 4 advantageously defines a male duct 40 on the axis A. The male duct 40 is open at the side of the free end E1 as well as at the side of the connecting end E2, i.e., it allows liquid communication between the connecting end E2 and the free end E1 of the male connector 10. When the male connector 10 is connected to a complementary female connector 11, the male duct 40 thus allows the passage of a liquid, for example, milk prepared for the patient.

[0034] Preferably, as seen in Figure lb, the free end of the tapered tip 4 extends a distance from the free end of the flange such that the tapered tip 4 protrudes beyond the annular edge of the flange 5 on axis A at free end E1 of the coupler. The flange 5 extends around the tip 4 at a distance radially outward from the tip 4. The tip 4 and flange 5 thus define an annular space 7 therebetween. The annular space 7 opens at free end E1 of the male coupler 10 and is configured to receive the head of a complementary female coupler 11.

[0035] In particular, the flange 5 has an inner surface 50 facing the tip 4 and an outer surface 52. The annular space 7 is enclosed by the inner surface 50 and the tip 4.

[0036] In one embodiment, the outer surface 52 of the flange 5 is smooth, i.e., free of irregularities or protrusions, to facilitate cleaning and limit sterilization risks.

[0037] In this example, the outer surface 52 is convex, preferably oval in shape. This outer shape has been found to be optimal for avoiding the risk of injury to the patient upon contact while maintaining ease of manufacture. This is particularly relevant when the male coupler 10 is used with enteral feeding lines intended for neonates, particularly premature neonates, whose skin is very sensitive.

[0038] The annular space 7 comprises a first portion 70 located on the side of the free end E1 and a second portion 8 extending adjacent to the base of the flange 5, contiguous with the first portion 70 on the axis A, in the direction of the connecting end E2.

[0039] The fastening means 3 is disposed in the annular space 7. The fastening means 3 is configured to connect the coupler 10 to a complementary female coupler 11.

[0040] In one embodiment, the securing means 3 comprises threads extending radially into the annular space 7. The threads 3 of the male coupler 10 are configured to cooperate with complementary threads of the female coupler 11 to enable securing by inserting and locking the male coupler 10 into the female coupler 11. The threads of the male coupler 10 may, for example, comprise double threads, each thread extending over one full circumference.

[0041] Alternatively or in combination, the fixing means 3 may comprise a bayonet locking means, wherein the locking means is a female locking means comprising one or several bent grooves formed in the inner surface 50 of the flange 5 and adapted to cooperate with a corresponding number of male protrusions on the female connector 11.

[0042] 1a and 1b, the threads extend radially inward from the inner surface 50 of the flange 5 in a first portion 70 of the annular space 7. The threads therefore face the outer surface of the tip 4.

[0043] The inner surface 50 of the flange 5 and the outer surface of the tip 4, which surround the second portion 8 of the annular space 7, are preferably devoid of fastening means. In the example shown, the second portion 8 is in the form of a longitudinal annular recess extending around the tip 4 on the axis A. Without limitation, the inner surface 50 of the flange 5 and the outer surface of the tip 4 at the second portion 8 are generally tapered, with a smaller taper than at the first portion 70 of the annular space 7.

[0044] The length of the first portion 70 on the axis A between the annular edge (located at the free end) of the flange 5 and the interface I with the second portion 8 is configured to accommodate the head of the complementary female coupler 11. In one embodiment, when the complementary female coupler 11 is connected, no part of the female coupler 11 is accommodated in the second portion 8. In the case of couplers 10 having a screw thread 3, the interface I is located at the base of the thread, i.e., at the coupling end of the thread 3.

[0045] The second portion 8 extends on the axis A and has an axial length E between the connecting end of the first portion 70 located at the interface I with the second portion 8 and the connecting end of the second portion 8 (corresponding to the bottom of the recess) of between 1.8 and 4.0 mm, preferably between 2.0 and 3.7 mm. Furthermore, D1 refers to the outer diameter of the tip 4 measured at the interface I between the first portion 70 and the second portion 8. The ratio of the outer diameter D1 of the tip 4 to the axial length E of the second portion 8 is 1.0 or more and 2.0 or less. In one embodiment, the ratio of D1 to E is 1.1 or more and 1.8 or less, preferably 1.2 or more and 1.3 or less.

[0046] The outer diameter D1 of the tip 4 is, for example, comprised between 3.5 mm and 4.0 mm (inclusive).

[0047] For example, the configuration of the second portion 8 in the form of a longitudinal recess whose length E is at least equal to half the outer diameter D1 has several advantages.

[0048] The dimensioning of the second portion 8 allows for stress absorption over a large surface and the avoidance of shrink marks during the manufacture of the male coupler 10. This further allows for the thickness LE of the tip 4 (the radial dimension of the tip 4 between the inner surface at the interface with the coupling radius with the flange 7 and the outer surface at the bottom of the annular space 7 - see Figure lb) to be increased in the second portion 8, while keeping the inner diameter of the tip 4 constant. This reduces the risk of cracking the tip 4 during assembly or disassembly of the male coupler 10 and the complementary female coupler 11, in contrast to prior art male couplers, whose chemical resistance under stress decreases over time, making them prone to fracture at the base of the tip.

[0049] DC refers to the diameter of the inner surface of the tip 4 measured at the free end of the tip 4 (see FIG. 1b). In one embodiment, the ratio of the inner diameter DC to the thickness LE of the tip 4 is comprised between 1.0 and 3.3 (inclusive), preferably between 2.0 and 3.0.

[0050] For example, for an inner diameter of tip 4 comprised between 1.2 and 2.3 mm (inclusive), preferably between 2.1 and 2.2 mm (inclusive), the thickness LE of tip 4 measured at the conical base of second portion 8 is between 0.7 and 1.2 mm (inclusive), preferably between 0.75 and 0.90 mm (inclusive). Typically, for an inner diameter DC equal to 2.2 mm, the thickness LE of tip 4 is equal to 0.86 mm.

[0051] Furthermore, the dimensioning of the second portion 8 of the annular space between the tip 4 and the flange 5 provides a radial clearance when the male coupler 10 is assembled with the complementary female coupler 11. Thus, the tip 4 as well as the flange 5 have greater radial flexibility than the flanges and tips of prior art couplers, which facilitates assembly of the couplers 10, 11 and limits the radial stresses to which the couplers are subjected during use.

[0052] Finally, such dimensioning of the second portion 8 of the annular space 7 makes it possible to limit significant defects during the manufacture of the male coupler 10, in particular to avoid shrink marks when the material of which the coupler is made cools.

[0053] This dimensioning of tip 4 and annular space 7 thus makes it possible to significantly increase the resistance of male coupler 10, particularly its resistance under stress, and to improve the radial clearance during assembly with complementary female coupler 11. Head 2 and / or body 9 of male coupler 10 can also have a greater length on axis A than prior art male couplers, without excessively increasing the mass of coupler 10.

[0054] Here, the overall axial length LR of the male coupler 10 between the connecting end E2 and the free end E1 is preferably between 10 and 20 mm (inclusive), for example around 15 mm, and the overall axial length LR of the coupler is preferably between 3 and 6 times greater than the axial length E of the second portion 8 on the axis A.

[0055] Finally, the maximum outer diameter D3 of the male connector 10 is preferably comprised between 5 and 7 millimeters (inclusive). This maximum diameter D3 is achieved here at the head 2 of the male connector 10.

[0056] To facilitate manipulation of the male connector 10, it is advantageous for the male connector 10 to have one or several gripping fins 6.

[0057] Fins 6 extend radially outward from head 2 of male coupler 10 .

[0058] In this example, the fins 6 extend laterally from the outer surface 52 of the flange 5 and extend axially to the body 9 .

[0059] In one embodiment, the number of fins 6 on the male coupler 10 is between 2 and 4 to facilitate cleaning of the male coupler 10 and limit the risk of sterilization while ensuring a good grip by the operator. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the male coupler 10 comprises four fins.

[0060] The fins are preferably uniformly distributed circumferentially about the axis A. When the number of fins 6 is even, the fins 6 are in opposing pairs. Preferably, all gripping fins 6 are identical in shape.

[0061] Gripping fins 6 on the head 2 of the male coupler 10 allow the male coupler 10 to be easily held and manipulated, whether or not mated with a complementary female coupler 11. In particular, the fins 6 facilitate manipulation of the male coupler 10 by automated assembly machines. The male coupler 10 can be easily held in the grip of the automated assembly machine.

[0062] The presence of the gripping fins 6 further stabilizes the center of gravity of the male coupler 10. This facilitates selection of the male coupler 10 by the distributor of the assembly machine.

[0063] Another advantage of the gripping fins 6 is that they facilitate verification of the rotation of the coupler during assembly by an automated assembly machine. Verification can be done with a proximity sensor.

[0064] In this example, each fin 6 has two substantially parallel opposing side surfaces extending radially from the outer surface 52 of the flange 5. The two side surfaces are connected at their radially outer ends by an axial edge 61 and at their connecting ends by a radial edge 60. The thickness of the fin (the circumferential dimension between the side surfaces) is reduced, for example to about 1 millimeter.

[0065] The outer surface 52 of the head 2, here having an oval shape, has an area Z of maximum diameter, where this area Z is located near the free annular edge of the flange 5. In one embodiment, each fin 6 extends axially from this area Z and maintains a constant distance from the axis A until it approaches the axis A at a radial edge 60 where it is joined to the body 9. In other words, the axial edge 61 of the fin 6 extends at a substantially constant distance from the axis A up to its radial edge 60.

[0066] In one embodiment, the junction between axial edge 61 and radial edge 60 is rounded. The radius of curvature of this junction is comprised, for example, between 0.5 and 2.0 millimeters (inclusive). In this way, the fins do not have sharp angles, thus avoiding the risk of injury to the patient's skin or mucous membranes upon contact with male coupler 10.

[0067] The fins 6, and in particular the rounded joints between the edges, are produced directly during the molding of the male coupler 10.

[0068] To further limit the risk of injury to the patient, the radial extent of the fins 6 is limited. More specifically, by looking at DA, the maximum radial dimension between the axial edges of two opposing fins on a radial axis relative to axis A, the radial dimension DA is equal to within no more than 0.1 millimeters of the maximum diameter D3 of head 2. In other words, the fins 6 protrude no more than 0.1 millimeters beyond the rest of head 2 to avoid abrading the patient's skin or mucosa upon contact. In the orientation of FIG. 1b, the radial dimension DA extends vertically.

[0069] In one embodiment, the radial dimension DA and the maximum diameter D3 are equal. In this way, the risk of injuring the patient is limited while ensuring a good grip of the fin 6 by the operator.

[0070] The axial length LA of each gripping fin 6 between the fastening area of ​​the outer surface 52 and the radial edge 60 preferably comprises between 30% and 80%, preferably between 40% and 70% of the total axial length LR of the coupler. It should be recalled that the total axial length LR is measured on the axis A, between the connecting end E2 and the free end E1. The gripping fins 6 thus project radially from the head 2 and have sides with a sufficient surface area to allow good gripping by a person or by an automatic assembly machine.

[0071] Finally, with regard to the body 9 of the male connector 10 mounted at the coupling end E2, this body 9 may have a generally cylindrical shape, the diameter of which is smaller than the maximum diameter D3 of the flange 5. Where appropriate, the outer surface of the body 9 is a cylinder of revolution.

[0072] The body 9 forms the anchor for a male connector 10 with a nutrient container, tubing, extensions, etc.

[0073] The body 9 preferably includes a protruding edge 90 at the connecting end E2. The edge 90 protrudes from the side of the body 9.

[0074] The lip 90 is configured to axially restrain the locking ring. In particular, the lip 90 can be used to mate with one tub cap end. The tub cap can have a closure tip at the other end to reclose the nutrient line.

[0075] Here, edge 90 has a radial flat surface facing flange 5 and is chamfered on the connecting side to facilitate the fitting of the fixing ring, which after its installation comes into abutment with the radial flat surface of edge 90.

[0076] Preferably, edge 90 is annular and continuous around the entire circumference of body 9. Alternatively, edge 90 may be discontinuous and comprise one or several angular sectors extending circumferentially around body 9.

[0077] In one embodiment, the fins 6 extend a distance from the edge 90 to allow for fixation of the fixation ring.

[0078] female coupler 2a and 2b illustrate female connector 11 of an enteral feeding line according to one exemplary embodiment in a perspective view and a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along the axis of extension of female connector 11. Female connector 11 is configured to receive male connector 10, and the axis of extension of female connector 11 is coaxial with axis A.

[0079] In this example, female coupler 11 is further configured to be partially received within male coupler 10. More specifically, first head portion 16 of female coupler 11 is configured to be partially received within annular space 7 defined by tip 4 and flange 5 of male coupler 10 when connected.

[0080] Similar to the male coupler 10 described above, the female coupler 11 comprises a head comprising the free end E1 of the female coupler 11 and a body 19 comprising the coupling end E2. The head and body 19 are coaxial with and extend along axis A.

[0081] The head of the female coupler 11 includes a tip 16 disposed at the free end E1 and a flange 17 contiguous with the tip 16 in the direction of the free end E1 of the female coupler 11. The tip 16 has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter D'3 of the flange 17.

[0082] The tip 16 of the head is provided with a fastening means 13 .

[0083] In this example, the locking means 13 comprises threads extending radially from the outer surface of the tip 16 and configured to cooperate with the threads of the locking means 3 of the male coupler 10. Alternatively or in combination, the locking means of the female coupler 11 may comprise a bayonet locking means or other sealing and fixed locking means. For example, the locking means may be a male locking means and comprise one or several male protrusions extending from the outer surface of the tip 16 and adapted to cooperate with a corresponding number of female bending grooves of the male coupler 10.

[0084] In this example, the tip 16 has double threads, each thread extending over a full circumference, as can be seen in Figure 2b.

[0085] Advantageously, the outer diameter of the tip 16 of the head is definitely smaller than the inner diameter of the inner surface 50 of the flange 5 of the male connector 10 at interface I.

[0086] The tip 16 defines an inlet duct 160 of the female coupler 11. The inlet duct 160 has a shape complementary to the shape of the tip 4 of the male coupler 10.

[0087] In this example, tip 16 thus has a frusto-conical shape configured to receive tip 4 of male coupler 10. Where appropriate, tip 16 has a taper equal to the taper of male tip 4, typically between 5% and 9%, for example of the order of 6% or 8%.

[0088] Tip 16 is configured to receive a portion of tip 4 that extends inside first portion 70 of annular space 7. Thus, inner diameter D'1 of tip 16 is greater than outer diameter D1 of tip 4. Furthermore, when tip 4 of male coupler 10 is inserted into inlet duct 160, tip 16 itself is housed within annular space 7 defined by tip 4 and flange 5.

[0089] The geometric complementarity between the tip 16 of the female coupler 11 and the head 2 of the male coupler 10 is illustrated in Figure 3, which shows in longitudinal section the connection assembly formed by the connected male coupler 10 and female coupler 11. By "connected" it is meant that the fastening means 3 of the male coupler 10 at least partially mates with the fastening means 13 of the female coupler 11 so that the two couplers 10, 11 are connected to one another.

[0090] As can be seen in FIG. 3, the tip 16 is shaped to extend into the second portion 70 of the annular space 7, but does not reach the second portion 8, which is in the form of a longitudinal recess.

[0091] Returning to Figures 2a and 2b, the flange 17 now has on its free side (to the left according to the orientation of Figure 2b) a flat side surface that extends radially outwards from the tip 16.

[0092] D'3 refers to the maximum outer diameter of the flat side of the flange 17. The diameter D'3 is greater than the outer diameter D'2 of the tip 16.

[0093] On the free side, the flange 17 has an outer surface 170. Here, the outer surface 170 of the flange 17 has an oval shape. In one embodiment, the outer surface 170 is configured to extend continuously with the outer surface 52 of the flange 5 when the male and female connectors 10 and 11 are connected, thus reducing the protruding surface and therefore limiting the risk of injury to the patient. Where appropriate, when the connectors 10, 11 are connected, the flat side of the flange 17 of the female connector comes into abutment with the annular edge of the flange 5 of the male connector 10.

[0094] Finally, with regard to the body 19 installed on the free side of the female connector 11, this is preferably cylindrical and has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter D'3 of the outer surface 170 of the head.

[0095] The body 19 defines a continuous duct 15. This continuous duct 15, which is not necessarily provided to cooperate with a part of the male connector 10, is arranged on the axis A and continues to the tip 16. In this way, a liquid can circulate inside the female connector 11 between the free end E1 and the connecting end E2. The continuous duct may be cylindrical.

[0096] Where appropriate, a radial reduction is provided at the interface between the inlet duct 160 and the continuous duct 15 .

[0097] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the periphery of the body 19 of the female connector 11 does not have any edges projecting beyond the sides of the body to provide for axial restraint of the locking ring, but this is not limiting and such projecting edges can be added if appropriate, for example to cooperate with a tab cap.

[0098] It will be noted that all of the characteristics described for the male 10 apply mutatis mutandis to the female connector 11. In particular, the female connector 11 may be equipped with one or several gripping fins 6.

[0099] Each fin 6 extends radially from the head of the female coupler 11 , from the flange 17 to the body 19 .

[0100] Like the fins 6 of the male coupler, the radial extent of the fins 6 is limited so that the coupler is atraumatic to the patient. Thus, the maximum radial dimension DA between two opposing fins 6 is at most equal (within 1 mm) to the maximum diameter D'3 of the outer surface 170 (here corresponding to the diameter of the flange 17 at its flat side). In other words, the fins 6 protrude by a maximum of 0.1 mm beyond the rest of the head, avoiding abrasion of the patient's skin or mucous membranes upon contact.

[0101] In one embodiment, the maximum diameter D'3 is comprised between 4.5 mm and 6.5 mm (inclusive).

[0102] In this example, the radial dimension DA of the fin 6 is smaller than the maximum diameter of the flange 17 , so that the axial edges of the fin 6 are set back radially from the outer surface 170 of the flange 17 .

[0103] Preferably, all gripping fins 6 are identical in shape, where each fin 6 has a shape similar to that of the fins of the male connector, with two opposite sides extending radially from the head and connected together by an axial edge 61 and a radial edge 60 joined by a rounded joint.

[0104] The fins 6 are spaced axially from the fastening means 13. In the example of the female coupler 11 of figures 2a and 2b, the flat sides of the flange 17 separate the fastening means 13 and the fins 6.

[0105] The gripping fins 6 allow the female connector 11 to be easily held and manipulated by a person or by an automated assembly machine, whether the connector is mated with a complementary connector or not.

[0106] Any properties presented above with reference to the male coupler 10 of Figures 1a and 1b are also valid for the gripping fins of the female coupler 11.

[0107] In particular, The number of gripping fins is comprised between two and four. The fins are uniformly distributed circumferentially about axis A. From the fastening area on the outer surface 170 of the flange 17 to the radial edge 60, the axial length LA of each gripping fin comprises between 30% and 80%, preferably between 40% and 70%, of the total axial length L'R of the female coupler 11 between the connecting end E2 and the free end E1.

[0108] The overall length L'R of the female connector 11 is, for example, comprised between 10 and 20 mm (inclusive), for example 15 mm.

[0109] The radius of curvature R of the junction between the axial edge 61 and the radial edge 60 of each gripping fin 6 is preferably comprised between 0.5 and 2.0 millimeters (inclusive) to ensure at all times that the connector remains atraumatic to the patient's skin and mucous membranes.

[0110] The connection assembly formed by the male coupler 10 and female coupler 11 described above combines high ease of use due to the gripping fins 6 that simplify assembly and disassembly, with high reliability due to the significantly limited risk of mechanical cracks at the tapered tip of the male coupler during assembly and disassembly.

[0111] Furthermore, large numbers of couplers 10, 11 can be produced while ensuring manufacturing quality control. The gripping fins 6 facilitate the transfer of couplers 10, 11 through automated assembly machines, and the shape described above for the annular space of male coupler 10 allows for the avoidance of shrink marks at the head of male coupler 10. [Industrial Applicability]

[0112] Therefore, the enteral feeding line coupler described above is more suitable for high volume hospital use than couplers of the art. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 2 heads 3 Fixing means, thread 4 Tip 5 flange 6 Fins 7 Annular Space 8 Second part of the annular space 9 Body 10 1st coupler 11 Second coupler 13 Complementary fastening means 15 Continuous duct 16 Tip 17 Flange 19 Body 40 Male duct 50 Inner surface of flange 52 Outer surface of flange 60 Radial Edge 61 Axial Edge 70 First part of the annular space 90 Protruding edge 160 Inlet duct 170 Outer surface A axis DA radial dimension DC diameter D1 Outer diameter D'1 Inner diameter D'2 Outer diameter D3 Maximum outer diameter D'3 Outer diameter E Axial length E1 Free end E2 Connection end I boundary surface LA Axial length LE Radial Thickness LR axial total length L'R Total length in axial direction Z Area

Claims

1. A connector (10) for an enteral feeding line, comprising: a fastening means (3) adapted to connect the coupler (10) to a complementary coupler (11); a tapered tip (4) coaxial with the axis (A); a cylindrical portion extending around the tapered tip (4) and coaxial with the tapered tip (4); Equipped with the cylindrical portion extends at a distance from the tapered tip (4) and together with the tapered tip encloses an annular space (7) having a bottom and an opening configured to receive the complementary connector (11), the fixing means (3) being disposed in the annular space (7); The cylindrical portion has an inner surface (50) that surrounds the annular space (7) from the outside, the fastening means (3) extending from the inner surface (50) of the cylindrical portion; the annular space (7) comprises a first portion (70) adjacent to the opening and having the fastening means (3) configured to receive a complementary tip (16) of the complementary connector having an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the opening, and a second portion (8) adjacent to the bottom and lacking the fastening means, the cylindrical portion being configured such that only the first portion (70) receives a portion of the complementary connector, the second portion (8) having an axial length (E) on the axis (A), and the tapered tip (4) having a predetermined diameter (D1) at an interface I (I) between the first portion (70) and the second portion (8); The coupler (10) is characterized in that the ratio of the predetermined diameter (D1) to the axial length (E) is 1.0 or more and 2.0 or less, and the inner diameter of the second portion (8) is smaller than the maximum inner diameter of the first portion (70).

2. 2. The coupler (10) of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the tapered tip (4) has a diameter (DC) at a free end (E1), and the ratio of the diameter (DC) of the inner surface of the tapered tip (4) to the axial length (E) is greater than or equal to 1.0 and less than or equal to 3.

3.

3. 3. The coupler (10) of claim 2, wherein the ratio of the diameter (DC) of the inner surface of the tapered tip (4) to the axial length (E) is greater than or equal to 2.0 and less than or equal to 3.

0.

4. The coupler (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the coupler (10) has a free end (E1) located on the opening side, a connecting end (E2) that is the end opposite to the free end (E1), and a total axial length (LR) on the axis (A) between the free end (E1) and the connecting end (E2), and the ratio of the total axial length (LR) of the coupler to the axial length (E) of the second portion (8) is 3 or more and 6 or less.

5. 5. The connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the axial length (E) of the second portion (8) is equal to or greater than 1.8 mm and equal to or less than 4.0 mm.

6. 6. The coupler (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the radial thickness (LE) of the tapered tip (4) at the bottom of the annular space (7) is greater than or equal to 0.7 mm and less than or equal to 1.2 mm.

7. 7. A coupler (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the tapered tip (4) has a taper comprised between 5% and 9%.

8. 5. The coupler (10) of claim 4, further comprising a protruding edge (90) at said coupling end (E2) extending radially outward and configured to axially restrain the locking ring.

9. 9. A connection assembly for an enteral feeding line, comprising a connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a complementary connector (11), wherein the complementary connector (11) has a complementary tip (16) provided with a complementary fastening means (13) of the fastening means (3), the complementary fastening means (13) extending radially from the complementary tip (16).

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