Tube system including anti-reassembly mechanism

Abstract

The tubing connector system is configured to connect first and second pieces of medical tubing. The tubing connector system includes a male module and a female module. The female module remains connected to the male module by a plurality of locking mechanisms. The plurality of locking mechanisms are configured to prevent reconnection of the male module 118 after separation from the female module 120. The tubing connector system also includes a valve assembly including a first valve member held within the male module and a second valve member held within the female module. The first and second valve members are interconnected by a gimbal support.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 032,609, entitled "Tubing System with Reassembly Prevention Mechanism," filed May 30, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] The present invention relates to medical access devices, and more particularly to disconnected systems for medical tubing. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Medical access devices, including intravenous catheters, feeding tubes, urinary catheters, chest tubes, and various surgical drains, are used in the treatment of hospitalized patients for a variety of purposes. Many of these medical access devices use various flexible tubing to transport fluids to and from the patient and to provide the patient with a range of motion during treatment. Unfortunately, the degree of freedom of movement exhibited by patients often subjects tubing associated with medical access devices to forces that can cause damage to the tubing, the patient, or both. For example, tubing commonly used in the administration of intravenous fluids is often several feet long and, therefore, can become entangled in hospital beds or other medical equipment around the patient. As the patient moves, the tubing can be pulled and become dislodged. In extreme cases, fluids being administered to the patient, or the patient's own bodily fluids, can leak, creating a risk of contamination of the patient's treatment environment and potentially exposing the patient to infection.

[0004] To alleviate these concerns, many different tubing connectors and adapters have been developed that are designed to "break apart" when sufficient tension is applied. In some cases, these connectors include internal valves that prevent fluid from passing through another connector. While these products are often effective in minimizing leakage from another adapter, these prior art connectors present a contamination risk if a patient or caregiver attempts to reconnect the tubing adapter. When a tubing adapter becomes disconnected and exposed to a non-sterile environment, reassembly of the adapter poses a significant contamination risk that can increase the likelihood of patient infection. Therefore, there is a need for an improved tubing adapter that provides the benefits of a leak-resistant, disconnectable design while minimizing the contamination and infection risks associated with reconnecting a disconnected adapter. The present embodiment addresses these and other shortcomings in the prior art. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a tube connector system constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0006] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows an isolated perspective view of a separation assembly of the tube connector system of FIG.

[0007] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the tube connector system of FIG. 1 with the separation assembly in an unconnected state.

[0008] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows an isolated perspective view of the disconnected separation assembly of the tube connector system of FIG. 3.

[0009] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows an end view of the tube connector system of FIG.

[0010] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the tube connector system of FIG.

[0011] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an end view of the tube connector system of FIG.

[0012] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the tube connector system of FIG.

[0013] [Figure 9] 9A to 9C provide views of a valve assembly separate from the tube connector system of FIG.

[0014] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows an end view of the independent separation assemblies in a connected state.

[0015] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional side view of the independent separation assembly of FIG.

[0016] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows an end view of the independent separation assembly in an unconnected state.

[0017] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional side view of the independent separation assembly of FIG.

[0018] [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows an end view of the independent separation assembly in an unconnected state.

[0019] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional side view of the independent separation assembly of FIG.

[0020] [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the engagement between the locking collar and locking ring in a connected state.

[0021] [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the engagement between the locking collar and the locking ring in an unconnected state.

[0022] [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a close-up view of the engagement between the stabilizer, alignment tabs and locking collar.

[0023] [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of the engagement between the female module and the assembly tool.

[0024] [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows an enlarged perspective view of the assembly tool.

[0025] [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows an end view of the engagement between the assembly tool, the female module and the male module.

[0026] [Figure 22] FIG. 22 shows a side cross-sectional view of the engagement between the assembly tool, the female module and the male module.

[0027] [Figure 23] FIG. 23 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the engagement between the wedge of the assembly tool and the locking tab of the locking collar. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a tubing connector system 100 configured to connect two lengths of medical tubing. The tubing connector system 100 includes a first tubing adapter 102, a second tubing adapter 104, and a central connector 106 between the first tubing adapter 102 and the second tubing adapter 104. Generally, the tubing connector system 100 is designed for use as a disposable separation mechanism between two lengths of medical tubing connected between a patient and either an upstream fluid source (e.g., an infusion bag) or a downstream fluid container (e.g., a drain or urinary catheter). It should be appreciated that the tubing connector system 100 is well suited for use in connecting an upstream bag of medical solution to a patient through an intravenous line. In some embodiments, the first tubing adapter 102 and the second tubing adapter 104 are attached to the central connector 106 in a manner that allows the central connector 106 to rotate relative to the first tubing adapter 102 and the second tubing adapter 104.

[0029] As used herein, it will be understood that, in general, the tube connector system 100 is cylindrical and symmetrical about a longitudinal axis extending through the center of the central connector 106 between the first tube adapter 102 and the second tube adapter 104. References to "longitudinal" will refer to a direction or axis that is parallel to or collinear with the central longitudinal axis extending through the tube connector system 100. References to radial directions or radial axes will be understood to be directions that are substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. References to rotational motion or directions will be understood to be references to clockwise or counterclockwise motion about the longitudinal axis (unless another axis or rotation is specified). When describing features within the tube connector system 100, references to internal features or inward directions will refer to those toward (either radially or longitudinally) the center of the central connector 106, and external features or outward directions will refer to those away from (again, either radially or longitudinally) the center of the tube connector system 100. Unless otherwise noted, the components of the tubing connector system 100 are fabricated from medical grade plastics that are easily sterilized during manufacturing.

[0030] The first tube adapter 102 is configured to connect to a first piece of medical tubing (T1). The second tube adapter 104 is configured to connect to a second piece of medical tubing (T2). As shown, the first tube adapter 102 includes a first pressure fitting 108 that maintains a first tube fitting 110 connected to the central connector 106. Similarly, the second tube adapter 104 includes a second pressure fitting 112 that maintains a second tube fitting 114 connected to the central connector 106. In some embodiments, the first tube adapter 102 and the second tube adapter 104 are configured for use in connecting conventional "luer" adapters that rely on a friction fit to medical tubing. It should be understood that the first tube adapter 102 and the second tube adapter 104 can be configured to connect a variety of medical tubing fittings to the central connector 106.

[0031] As shown in a disconnected state in Figure 2, the central connector 106 includes a two-part separation assembly 116 that includes a male module 118 connected to a female module 120 in a manner that allows the male module 118 and female module 120 to separate upon application of sufficient tension. The separated central connector 106 is shown within the tube connector system 100 in Figure 3, and the disconnected separation assembly 116 of the central connector 106 is shown in isolation in Figure 4. The central connector 106 maintains a two-part valve assembly 122 that includes a first valve member 124 in the male module 118 and a second valve member 126 in the female module 120.

[0032] 5-7, end and cross-sectional views of the tube connector system 100 are shown. The male module 118 includes a male valve housing 128 and a male module stem 130 extending from the male valve housing 128 toward the first tube fitting 110. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8, the first pressure fitting 108 is configured to rotate about the male module stem 130 during threaded insertion of the first tube fitting 110 into the center connector 106. The male module stem 130 includes a first fluid passageway 132 extending through the center of the male module stem 130 from an outer end 134 of the male module stem 130 to an inner end 136 of the male module stem 130 within the male valve housing 128. The male module stem 130 includes one or more male module bores 138 adjacent the inner end 136 of the male module stem 130. The male module bore 138 is an opening in the male module stem 130 that positions a first fluid passageway 132 that is in fluid communication with a first annular space 140 within the male valve housing 128. As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the male module stem 130 includes an inner end wall 142 that forces fluid exchange to occur between the first annular space 140 and the first fluid passageway 132 through the one or more male module bores 138.

[0033] The female module 120 includes a female valve housing 144 and a female module stem 146 extending from the female valve housing 144 to a second tube fitting 114. As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the second tube fitting 114 is configured to fit within the female module stem 146, and the second pressure fitting 112 is configured to capture the second tube fitting 114 in fluid communication with a second fluid passageway 148 within the female module stem 146 for a threaded connection with the exterior of the female module stem 146.

[0034] The second fluid passageway 148 extends through the center of the female modular stem 146 from the outer end 150 of the female modular stem 146 to the inner end 152 of the female modular stem 146 within the female valve housing 144. The female modular stem 146 includes one or more female modular bores 154 proximate the inner end 152 of the female modular stem 146. The one or more female modular bores 154 are openings in the female modular stem 146 that position the second fluid passageway 148 in fluid communication with the second annular space 125 of the female valve housing 144. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 , the female modular stem 146 includes an inner end wall 158 that forces fluid exchange to occur between the second annular space 156 and the second fluid passageway 148 through the one or more female modular bores 154.

[0035] The first valve member 124 and the second valve member 126 are maintained in a first annular space 150 and a second annular space 156, respectively. The male valve housing 128 includes an inner valve flange 160, a foot wall 162, and an outer wall 164 that cooperate to maintain the first valve member 124. The first annular space 140 exists between the outer wall 164 and the male modular stem 130. Similarly, the female valve housing 144 includes an inner valve flange 166, a foot wall 168, and an outer wall 170 that cooperate to maintain the second valve member 126. The second annular space 156 exists between the outer wall 170 and the female modular stem 146.

[0036] As shown in Figures 9A-9C, the first valve member 124 and the second valve member 126 are generally cylindrical and fabricated from a flexible polymer or plastic. In some embodiments, the first valve member 124 and the second valve member 126 are fabricated from an elastomeric material, such as USP Class VI silicone rubber. The first valve member 124 includes a first valve foot 172, a first valve bellows 174, and a first valve head 176. The first valve head 176 has an outer diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the first valve bellows 174. The first valve head 176 includes a first valve shoulder 178 and a protrusion 180 extending longitudinally inward from the first valve head 176.

[0037] The first valve member 124 includes a first valve bore 182 extending axially through the interior of the first valve member 124. During installation, the first valve member 124 is positioned in the male module 118 such that the inner end 136 of the male module stem 130 is disposed within the first valve bore 182. As depicted in FIG. 9A , the first valve member 124 includes a first valve seal 184 formed by a constriction of the first valve bore 182 radially inwardly of the first valve shoulder 178. The first valve seal 184 is sized and configured to cover the male module bore 138 when the first valve member 124 is in a relaxed state (see FIG. 9A ).

[0038] The second valve member 126 includes a second valve stem 186, a second valve bellows section 188, and a second valve head 190. The second valve head 190 has an outer diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the second valve bellows section 188. The second valve head 190 includes a second valve shoulder 192 and a receiver 194 configured to receive the first valve projection 180 from the first valve head 176 within close tolerances.

[0039] The second valve member 126 includes a second valve bore 196 extending axially through the interior of the second valve member 126. During installation, the first valve member 124 is positioned in the female module 120 such that the inner end 152 of the female module stem 146 is disposed within the second valve bore 196. As depicted in FIG. 9A , the second valve member 126 includes a second valve seal 198 formed by a constriction of the second valve bore 198 radially inwardly of the second valve shoulder 192. The second valve seal 198 is sized and configured to cover the female module aperture 154 when the second valve member 126 is in a relaxed state (see FIG. 9A ).

[0040] In an assembled state of the tube connector system 100, the male module 118 and the female module 120 are connected (see FIG. 6 ) and the first valve member 124 and the second valve member 126 are engaged such that the first valve projection 180 is captured within the receiver 194 of the second valve member 126 (see FIG. 9B ). When the first head valve 176 and the second head valve 190 are engaged in this manner, an inter-valve flow path 200 is formed between and within the first valve member 124 and the second valve member 126.

[0041] When the male modular stem 130 and the female modular stem 146 are adjacent in the assembled state, the first head valve 176 and the second head valve 190 remain stationary. This forces the inner end 136 of the male modular stem 130 to move past the first valve seal 184 of the first valve member 124, thereby exposing the male modular bore 138. At the same time, the inner end 152 of the female modular stem 146 is pressed past the second valve seal 198 of the second valve member 126, thereby exposing the female modular bore 154. In this retracted position, the first valve bellows section 174 and the second valve bellows section 188 are compressed, applying a spring force to maintain a sealed connection between the first valve head 176 and the second valve head 190. This ensures that fluid passing through inter-valve flow path 200 between male module aperture 138 and female module aperture 154 is contained within connected first and second valve members 124, 126 (see FIG. 9B). When male module 118 and female module 120 are separated, first and second valve bellows portions 174, 188 urge first and second valve seals 184, 198 from their retracted positions (FIG. 9B) to their deployed positions (FIG. 9A), closing off male and female module apertures 138, 154.

[0042] Importantly, the first and second valve members 124, 126 are configured such that the first and second valve heads 176, 190 are gimbaled to the first and second valve bellows sections 174, 188, respectively. As shown in FIG. 9C , the plug-and-socket connection between the receivers 194 of the first valve projection 180 and second valve head 190 allows the first and second valve members 124, 126 to remain engaged without compromising the inter-valve flow path 200, even if the tube connector system 100 becomes disengaged and the male and female modular stems 130, 146 become misaligned. This ensures that potentially harmful fluids are retained even if the first and second valve members 124, 126 become twisted when separated.

[0043] 10-18 and 1-4, various depictions of the separation assembly 116 are shown, particularly the interconnecting exterior elements of the male module 118 and female module 120 (detailed internal elements of the male module 118 and female module 120 have been omitted for clarity). Generally, the male module 118 and female module 120 include multiple locking engagement features that cooperate to provide a limited longitudinal linear range when the male module 118 and female module 120 are locked together in the assembled state. In addition to limited rotation, bending, or radial movement between the male module 118 and female module 120, these features also prevent the male module 118 and female module 120 from reconnecting after separation. This prevents reuse of the tubing connector system 100 once the male module 118 and female module 120 are separated in a non-sterile environment.

[0044] The male module 118 includes a plurality of stabilizers 202 that project longitudinally inward toward the female module 120. Each stabilizer 202 is generally configured as a finger or tab with a radial curvature that conforms to the cylindrical shape of the male module 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the stabilizers 202 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the male module 118. The male module 118 also includes a plurality of alignment tabs 204 that extend radially outward from an abutment ring 206 that extends circumferentially around the outer periphery of the male module 118. The male module 118 also includes a locking ring 208 that extends circumferentially around the male module 118, inward of the abutment ring 206. As best shown in FIG. 4 , the stabilizers 202 are connectable to and extendable from the locking ring 208.

[0045] The female module 120 includes a locking collar 210 that extends circumferentially around the inner end of the female module 120. The locking collar 210 is attached to the exterior of the female module 120 by a plurality of collar mounts 212. The locking collar 210 includes a plurality of locking tabs 214 that extend inwardly toward the male module 118. Each locking tab 214 is configured as a generally U-shaped member, with two adjacent ends attached to adjacent collar mounts 212 to support a cross member 216 in a cantilevered manner. As such, each locking tab 214 defines a stabilizer recess 218 between the adjacent collar mounts 212 to which the locking tab 214 is attached.

[0046] As best seen in Figures 11 and 13, locking tabs 214 are attached to collar mounts 212 with reinforced, curved interiors that limit outward flexing of cantilever-style locking collar 210. Additionally, because locking collar 210 is constructed as a circular member, the distal, free end of the locking collar exhibits "hoop strength" that further resists outward radial flexing. In this manner, locking collar 210 provides spring force resistance against the application of outward radial force.

[0047] The cross member 216 of each locking tab 214 includes a plurality of teeth 220 projecting radially inward from the cross member 216. As shown, each cross member 216 includes pairs of spaced apart teeth 220 on the outer end of the cross member 216. The teeth 220 are spaced back from the distal end of the cross member 216. The cross member 216 also includes an alignment tab recess 222 on the inner side of the center of the cross member 216. Each alignment tab recess 222 is configured to receive a corresponding one of the five alignment tabs 204 extending radially outward from the abutment ring 206 of the male module 118. The locking tabs 214 and teeth 220 are cylindrically shaped to fit the circular shape of the corresponding locking feature on the male module 118.

[0048] As illustrated, the female module 120 includes five locking tabs 214 extending from the locking collar 210, thereby forming five stabilizer recesses 218 for receiving the five stabilizers 202 from the male module 118. It should be understood that these locking features may be evenly distributed around the circumference of the male module 118 and the female module 120. While the illustrated embodiment shows five locking tabs 214, five stabilizers 202, and five alignment tabs 204, it should be understood that more or less than five such features are contemplated within the scope of these embodiments. For example, it may be desirable to include 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 locking tabs 214, stabilizers 202, and alignment tabs 204. In some applications, an odd number of each locking feature is preferred over an even number.

[0049] As best seen in the enlarged views of Figures 16-18, the abutment ring 206 includes an abutment face 224 that extends radially outward in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis extending through the tube connector system 100. The locking ring 208 includes a sloped locking face, a sloped release face 228, and a blocking face 230. Relative to a plane extending perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis through the peak of the locking ring 208, the locking face 226 extends outward and radially inward at an angle between 10° and 80°. As shown, the locking face 226 extends longitudinally outward away from the female module 120 and radially inward at an angle of approximately 45°. Relative to the same perpendicular plane, the release face 228 is sloped radially inward and longitudinally toward the female module 120 at an angle of approximately 45°. In other embodiments, release surface 228 can be configured at an angle between 10° and 80°. Locking surface 226 intersects release surface 228 at a circular peak 232. Blocking surface 230 extends radially outward in a plane substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the longitudinal length of locking ring 208 is approximately the same as the longitudinal length of each alignment tab 204.

[0050] Each tooth 220 includes a sloped surface 234 at an angle that substantially matches the angle of the locking surface 226 (see FIG. 16). Each tooth 220 has a circular crest 236 that joins the sloped surface 234 to a blocking surface 238. Thus, the sloped surface 234 and the blocking surface are oriented at an angle between 10° and 80°, approximately 45° in FIG. 16.

[0051] When the male module 118 and the female module 120 are connected, each stabilizer 202 is captured in one of the corresponding stabilizer recesses 218. Each alignment tab 204 is captured in one of the corresponding alignment tab recesses 222. Each tooth 220 is engaged in a locked position where the sloped surface 234 contacts and engages with the angled locking surface of the locking ring 208 (see FIGS. 1, 2, 6, 11, 16, and 18). Further approximation of the male module 118 and the female module 120 is prevented by contact between the prevention surface 238 and the abutment surface 224. In this position, the captured stabilizer 202 and captured alignment tab 204 prevent the male module 118 and the female module 120 from rotating, bending, or further approximation. The only movement allowed, ie, linear separation of the male module 118 and female module 120, is limited by the engagement of the teeth 220 with the locking ring 208.

[0052] An attempt to separate the male module 118 and female module 120 by pulling in opposite directions along the central longitudinal axis causes the locking collar 210 to bend radially outward as the teeth 220 pull up on the locking faces 226 of the locking ring 208. The rigidity of the locking collar 210 resists this deformation until the tension between the male module 118 and female module 120 causes the tooth crests 236 to reach the peaks 232 of the locking ring 208 between the locking and release faces 228. The peaks 232 and crests 236 are designed so that the relative motion of the male module 118 and female module 120 does not stall when the peaks 232 contact the tooth crests 236. As the tooth crests 234 are pulled into contact with the peaks 232, the inward pressure exerted by the locking collar 210 on the teeth 220 on the inward slope of the release surface 228 quickly snaps the male module 118 and female module 120 away from each other. Thus, when the male module 118 and female module 120 are pulled apart by a "threshold longitudinal separation distance" in response to a "threshold separation force" that may compromise the seal provided by the valve assembly 122, the male module 118 and female module 120 quickly separate and the first valve member 124 and second valve member 126 return to their deployed state, preventing leakage and contamination through the male module apertures 138 and female module apertures 154. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, to ensure that the valve assembly 122 is deployed to the closed position before the male module 118 and the female module 120 separate, the longitudinal travel distance for the first valve seal 184 and the second valve seal 189 (the "valve travel distance") is less than the longitudinal separation distance threshold.

[0053] Importantly, the longitudinal separation distance threshold is preferably the same distance as the longitudinal length of the alignment tabs 204 and 222. This prevents the male module 118 and female module 120 from rotating relative to one another until they are unlocked and released. The separation force threshold required to separate the male module 118 and female module 120 can be adjusted by modifying the geometry of the mating components of the locking ring 208 and teeth 220. Increasing the slope of the locking surface 226 and the sloped surface 234 increases the amount of tension required to separate the male module 118 and female module 120. Similarly, the longitudinal separation distance threshold can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the longitudinal distance of one or both of the locking surface 226 and sloped surface 234.

[0054] When the male module 118 and female module 120 separate (see Figures 3, 4, 8, 13, 15, and 17), the configuration of the locking ring 208 and teeth 220 prevents reconnection of the central connector 106. As best illustrated in Figure 17, the preventing surfaces 238 and blocking surfaces 230 are oriented to press the male module 118 and female module 120 together, simply forcing the preventing surfaces 238 of the teeth 220 against the blocking surfaces 230. The blocking surfaces 230 prevent the teeth 220 from being forced upward and up against the locking ring 208. In particular, the teeth 220 are positioned proximate the distal end of the locking tabs 214 by a distance sufficient to cover the abutment ring 206 when the central connector 106 is locked (see FIG. 16 ) or to cover the locking surface 226 of the locking ring 208 when the central connector 106 is separated (see FIG. 17 ). This prevents a patient or caregiver from using a tool to pry underneath the locking collar 210 in an attempt to lift the locking collar 210 and teeth 220 in order to separate or reconnect the male and female modules 118, 120 of the central connector 106.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 19-23 , in an assembled state, the male module 118 engages the female module 120 using an assembly tool 240. The assembly tool 240 has a cylindrical body 242 with a conical nose 244 that includes a series of wedges 246 and reliefs 248. The reliefs 248 are sized and positioned to accommodate the alignment tabs 204 as the male module 118 passes through the assembly tool 240. The assembly tool 240 is inserted onto the male module 118 so that the wedges 246 are positioned between the distal ends of the locking tabs 214 of the female module 120 and the abutment ring 206 of the male module 118. The assembly tool 240 is forced toward the female module 120, expanding the locking collar 210 outwardly enough to allow the peaks 232 of the locking ring 208 to pass within the apex 236 of each inwardly oriented tooth 220. A separate tool may be used to press the male module 118 into the female module 120. Once the locking ring 208 passes through the outwardly flared teeth 220, the assembly tool 240 can be withdrawn while maintaining the position of the male module 118, thereby allowing the spring-loaded locking collar 210 to bring the teeth 220 into locked engagement with the locking ring 208. Figure 23 depicts the teeth 220 of the locking collar 210 being lowered toward the locking ring 208 and the assembly tool 240 being withdrawn.

[0056] It will be apparent that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above, as well as those inherent therein. Although the presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in considerable detail for purposes of disclosure, it will be understood that numerous changes may be made which will be readily suggested to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention disclosed herein.

Claims

1. 1. A tubing connector system for use in connecting two pieces of medical tubing, comprising: a first tube adapter; a second tube adapter; a central connector between the first tube adapter and the second tube adapter; The central connector A male module, the male module comprising: A locking ring, the locking ring comprising: an inclined rocking surface; a locking ring having a blocking surface; a male module comprising an abutment ring; a female module including a locking collar having a plurality of locking tabs that engage the locking ring and one or more teeth extending radially inward from each locking tab, each of the one or more teeth comprising: A slope surface, a female module having a blocking surface; a valve assembly, the valve assembly comprising: a first valve member maintained within the male module; a second valve member maintained within the female module; when the male module and the female module are connected, an inclined surface of each of one or more teeth of the plurality of locking tabs contacts an inclined surface of the locking ring; a tube connector system, wherein after the male module and the female module are separated, when the male module and the female module approach each other, a prevention surface of each of the one or more teeth of the plurality of locking tabs abuts a blocking surface of the locking ring.

2. The male module is a plurality of alignment tabs extending radially outward from the abutment ring; The tube connector system of claim 1 , further comprising: a plurality of stabilizers.

3. The locking collar is a plurality of alignment tab recesses, each of the plurality of alignment tab recesses configured to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of alignment tabs; 3. The tube connector system of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of stabilizer recesses, each of the plurality of stabilizer recesses configured to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of stabilizers.

4. The first valve member comprises: a first valve leg; a first valve head; 10. The tube connector system of claim 1, further comprising a first valve bellows section between the first valve stem and the first valve head.

5. 5. The tube connector system of claim 4, wherein the first valve member further comprises a first valve projection extending from the first valve head.

6. The second valve member comprises: a second valve leg; a second valve head; 6. The tube connector system of claim 5, further comprising a second valve bellows section between the second valve stem and the second valve head.

7. 7. The tube connector system of claim 6, wherein the second valve member further comprises a receiver within the second valve head, the receiver configured to receive the protrusion of the first valve member.

8. 10. The tube connector system of claim 1, wherein the male module comprises a male module stem including one or more male module apertures.

9. 9. The tube connector system of claim 8, wherein the female module comprises a female module stem including one or more female module apertures.

10. 10. The tube connector system of claim 9, wherein the first valve member selectively seals the one or more male module holes on the male module stem and the second valve member selectively seals the one or more female module holes on the female module stem.

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