Connectors including sealed parts

Abstract

Described herein are connectors. The connectors include a connecting portion, a tubing portion, and a sealing portion. The connecting portion is configured to engage with a mating connector. The tubing portion extends from the connecting portion. The tubing portion may have a tubing portion elastic modulus and define a lumen in fluid communication with the connecting portion. The sealing portion may be coupled to the tubing portion. The sealing portion may have a sealing portion elastic modulus that is lower than the tubing portion elastic modulus. The sealing portion may be configured to sealingly engage with the tubing.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to connectors, and more particularly to tubing connectors. [Background technology]

[0002] Medical procedures often involve infusing a patient with medical fluids (e.g., saline or liquid medications) using an intravenous (IV) catheter, which is connected to a fluid source, e.g., an IV bag, through a flexible tubing and fitting arrangement commonly referred to as an "IV set." An IV set may include various components, such as a needle / catheter, an IV pump, a dripper, a check valve, an access port, a luer, and / or a clamp for controlling the flow rate within the IV line. As can be appreciated, each component of an IV set may be connected to one another via fittings or junctions.

[0003] In some applications, differences between the tubing and the connector may prevent a seal and / or fit between the fittings or joints. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The disclosed subject matter relates to a connector. In certain embodiments, a connector is disclosed that includes: a connecting portion configured to engage a mating connector; a tubing portion extending from the connecting portion, the tubing portion having a tubing portion elastic modulus, defining an inner lumen in fluid communication with the connecting portion and configured to engage the tubing; and a sealing portion coupled to the tubing portion, the sealing portion having a sealing portion elastic modulus lower than the tubing portion elastic modulus, and configured to sealingly engage the tubing.

[0005] In certain embodiments, a method is disclosed that includes advancing tubing toward a connector, engaging the tubing with a tubing portion of the connector, and sealingly engaging the tubing with the tubing portion of the connector via a sealing portion coupled to the tubing portion, wherein the sealing portion has a modulus of elasticity that is lower than the tubing portion modulus of elasticity.

[0006] In certain embodiments, a connector assembly is disclosed that includes a connector comprising: a connecting portion configured to engage a mating connector; a tubing portion extending from the connecting portion, the tubing portion having a tubing portion elastic modulus and defining a connector lumen in fluid communication with the connecting portion; a sealing portion connected to the tubing portion, the sealing portion having a sealing portion elastic modulus that is lower than the tubing portion elastic modulus; and tubing defining a tubing lumen, the tubing in sealing engagement with the sealing portion, the tubing lumen in fluid communication with the connector lumen.

[0007] It is understood that various configurations of the subject technology will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure, and that various configurations of the subject technology have been shown and described by way of example. As will be recognized, the subject technology is capable of other various configurations, and its several details are capable of modification in various other respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the summary, drawings, and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate disclosed embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 illustrates a patient receiving an infusion of medical fluid through an IV pump according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector with tubing shown in hidden lines. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The disclosed connectors incorporate a sealing portion coupled to a tubing portion. The sealing portion may have a lower modulus of elasticity than the connector body, allowing the sealing portion to easily conform or adapt to any imperfections or voids in the connector body and / or tubing. By adapting to imperfections or voids in the connector body and / or tubing, the connector may enable a secure, leak-free connection with less manufacturing complexity and less testing.

[0011] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of 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. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. For ease of understanding, similar components are labeled with the same element numbers. Reference numbers may have suffixes attached to indicate separate instances of common elements, but are generally referred to by the same number without the suffix.

[0012] While the following description is directed to connecting medical tubing fittings for the administration of medical fluids using the disclosed connector, it should be understood that this description is merely an example of use and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Various aspects of the disclosed connector may be used in any application where it is desirable to provide a reliable connection with reduced manufacturing and testing requirements.

[0013] The disclosed connector overcomes several challenges encountered with certain conventional connectors. One challenge with certain conventional connectors is that they require the use of solvents to ensure precise fit between mating surfaces and / or secure connections between them, leading to connections that may leak and / or separate. Another challenge with certain conventional connectors is that they may use application-specific or size-specific designs, such as multiple flared or tapered tips. Such variations often require unique manufacturing tooling and testing, leading to complex fitting portfolios. For example, certain conventional pump sets may require the use of over 12 unique connectors. The use of certain conventional connectors is undesirable because leaking or separating connectors can prevent the administration of medical fluids, and because producing a large portfolio of connectors can lead to complex testing and manufacturing.

[0014] It would therefore be advantageous, in accordance with the present disclosure, to provide a connector as described herein that allows for a secure and leak-free connection across imperfections between mating surfaces. It would further be advantageous to provide a connector as described herein that can be used in a variety of applications while limiting the number of connectors that need to be manufactured and tested.

[0015] Next, examples of connectors that provide secure and leak-free connections will be described.

[0016] 1 illustrates a patient 5 receiving an infusion of medical fluid through an IV pump 30 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The IV pump 30 includes a controller 32 and two pump modules 34. An IV set 20 is connected between a container 36 of medical fluid and the patient 10. As can be appreciated, the IV set 20 can include various components, such as a needle / catheter, a dripper, a check valve, an access port, a luer, and / or a clamp for controlling flow rate within the IV line. As described herein, each component of the IV set can be connected to one another via connectors.

[0017] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a connector 100 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the connector 100 of Figure 2. In the illustrated example, tubing 110 may be terminated by connector 100 to allow connection and / or disconnection of tubing 110 to allow fluid flow between tubing 110 and components of an IV set.

[0018] As shown, tubing 110 may be coupled or engaged with tubing portion 120 of connector 100. Tubing portion 120 may be in fluid communication with tubing lumen 114 of tubing 110 to allow fluid to pass through connector 100. In some embodiments, inner surface 117 of tubing portion 120 defines connector lumen 126. Optionally, a portion of tubing 110 may be inserted into connector lumen 126 to engage or otherwise couple with connector 100. Connector lumen 126 may define a docking pocket between connector 100 and tubing 110.

[0019] Optionally, the tubing 110 may be terminated by a rigid connector 118. As shown, the rigid connector 118 of the tubing 110 may be inserted into the connector lumen 126 to couple the tubing 110 with the connector 100. The rigid connector 118 may have a generally tapered configuration. As can be appreciated, the rigid connector 118 may have a variety of unique shapes configured to connect with one or more other components. The rigid connector 118 may be formed from a rigid material having a relatively high modulus of elasticity. In some examples, the tubing 110 may include or define a tubing end or collar 112 adjacent the rigid connector 118 to control insertion of the tubing 110 into the connector 100.

[0020] Fluid can flow from connector 100 through a connecting portion 122 extending from tubing portion 120. Connector lumen 126 can be in fluid communication with connecting portion 122. In some embodiments, connecting portion 122 can include a threaded luer connection to facilitate connection to other IV set components.

[0021] Optionally, coupling portion 122 may include raised features 124 located on a surface of connector 100 to allow a clinician to more easily handle or manipulate connector 100. Raised features 124 may allow connector 100 to be rotated to connect or disconnect the connector to or from other IV set components. Some embodiments of connector 100 may provide a connector that is compatible with connectors on other portions of a fluid delivery system.

[0022] In some embodiments, connector 100 may have a generally rigid structure. Connector 100 may be formed from materials such as plastic, ceramic, metal, and / or composites. In some embodiments, connector 100 may be formed from materials having a generally high modulus of elasticity.

[0023] In the illustrated example, connector 100 may include a sealing portion 130 for sealingly engaging tubing 110 and / or rigid connector 118 to securely couple tubing 110 to connector 100. Advantageously, sealing portion 130 may accommodate variations in the geometry of tubing 110 and / or rigid connector 118 to enable a leak-free and secure connection between tubing 110 and connector 100 for a wide range of tubing 110 and / or rigid connector 118 geometries.

[0024] As shown, the sealing portion 130 can conform to the shape of the tubing 110 and / or the rigid connector 118 to fill any gaps, voids, or imperfections between the mating surfaces of the tubing portion 120 and the tubing 110 and / or the rigid connector 118. In the illustrated example, the sealing portion 130 is formed from a resilient material that can accommodate differences between the mating surfaces of the tubing portion 120 and the tubing 110 and / or the rigid connector 118. The sealing portion 130 can be formed from a material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity. In some embodiments, the modulus of elasticity of the sealing portion 130 is lower than the modulus of elasticity of the connector 100 and / or the rigid connector 118. The sealing portion 130 can be formed from a flexible, spring-like material, such as an elastomer. In some cases, the sealing portion 130 can be formed from a common material to simplify manufacturing and testing of the fluid coupling. In some embodiments, the sealing portion 130 may be formed from the same material as the tubing 110 (e.g., the sealing portion 130 and the tubing 110 are both formed from PVC). Advantageously, forming the sealing portion 130 from the same material as the tubing 110 allows the tubing 110 to more effectively bond or engage with the sealing portion compared to conventional bonding.

[0025] In some embodiments, sealing portion 130 is disposed within connector lumen 126 to fill any gaps between inner surface 134 and tubing 110 and / or rigid connector 118. As shown, inner surface 134 may define a sealing portion lumen. Additionally, sealing portion 130 may further conform or otherwise resiliently engage any gaps between outer surface 132 and inner surface 117 of connector lumen 126.

[0026] In some embodiments, sealing portion 130 may have a generally cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, sealing portion 130 may have a generally circular or non-circular outline. Sealing portion 130 may extend toward connecting portion 122 at a distal end 136. Proximal end 138 may extend partially into connector lumen 126. In some embodiments, sealing portion 130 may be embedded in or otherwise coupled to connector lumen 126. In some embodiments, sealing portion 130 may be embedded in or otherwise coupled to tubing 110 and / or rigid connector 118. In some applications, sealing portion 130 is overmolded or co-molded with connector 100, tubing 110, and / or rigid connector 118.

[0027] In some embodiments, sealing portion 130 can be circumferentially disposed around tubing 110 and / or rigid connector 118. In some embodiments, sealing portion 130 can be partially circumferentially disposed around tubing 110 and / or rigid connector 118. In some cases, sealing portion 130 can include alternating elastic and synthetic portions (e.g., low modulus and high modulus materials) to provide a wide range of clamping force in response to axial displacement.

[0028] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of connector 200 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of connector 200 with tubing shown in hidden lines. In the illustrated example, connector 200 includes features similar to those of connector 100. Similar features may be referred to with similar reference numbers. As shown, tubing 210 may be terminated by connector 200 to allow connection and / or disconnection of tubing 210 to allow flow between tubing 110 and tubing 250 and / or other components of an IV set.

[0029] As shown, tubing 210 may be coupled or engaged with tubing portion 220 of connector 200. Tubing portion 220 may be in fluid communication with tubing lumen 214 of tubing 210 to allow fluid to pass through connector 200. In some embodiments, an outer surface of tubing portion 220 may engage or couple with tubing lumen 214. In some embodiments, a portion of tubing 210 may be inserted over tubing portion 220 of connector 200 to engage or otherwise couple with connector 200. As shown, tubing end 212 may be advanced toward coupling portion 222 of connector 200.

[0030] Fluid can flow from connector 200 through connecting portion 222 extending from tubing portion 220. Connector lumen 226 can be in fluid communication with connecting portion 222. As shown, connecting portion 222 can engage or couple with a mating connecting portion to allow flow through the connector to another section of tubing 250.

[0031] Optionally, the interfacing portion 122 may include features 124 disposed on a surface of the connector 200 to allow a clinician to more easily handle or manipulate the connector 200. The raised features 224 may allow the connector 200 to be engaged with a mating portion of the connector 200.

[0032] In the illustrated example, connector 200 may include sealing portion 230 for sealingly engaging tubing 210 to securely couple tubing 210 to connector 200. Similar to sealing portion 130, sealing portion 230 may be formed from a material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity. In some embodiments, the modulus of elasticity of sealing portion 230 is lower than the modulus of elasticity of connector 200.

[0033] In some embodiments, sealing portion 230 is disposed around the outer surface of tubing portion 220 to fill any gaps between outer surface 234 and tubing 210. Additionally, sealing portion 230 can further conform or otherwise resiliently engage any gaps between inner surface 232 and the outer surface of tubing portion 220.

[0034] In some embodiments, sealing portion 230 may be embedded in or otherwise coupled to the outer surface of tubing portion 220. In some applications, sealing portion 230 is overmolded or co-molded with tubing portion 220.

[0035] 6 shows a perspective view of a connector 300 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, connector 300 includes features similar to those of connector 100. Similar features may be referred to with similar reference numbers. In the illustrated example, tubing 110 without a rigid connector may be terminated by connector 300 to allow connection and / or disconnection of tubing 110 to allow fluid flow between tubing 110 and components of an IV set.

[0036] As described herein, tubing 110 can be coupled or engaged with tubing portion 320 of connector 300. As shown, tubing end 112 of tubing 110 can be advanced distally into connector lumen 236. In some embodiments, tubing end 112 can be advanced adjacent to coupling portion 322 of connector 300.

[0037] As shown, sealing portion 330 may have a generally cylindrical shape. Sealing portion 330 may extend toward connecting portion 322 at a distal end 336. Proximal end 138 may extend the length of connector lumen 326 to increase the engagement or bonding surface between sealing portion 330 and tubing 110.

[0038] This disclosure is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. This 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.

[0039] Reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless otherwise specified, but rather "one or more." The term "some" means one or more unless otherwise specified. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter pronouns (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used merely for convenience and do not limit the invention.

[0040] The term "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.

[0041] The use of expressions 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 relating to one aspect may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. One aspect may provide one or more examples. An expression such as "aspect" may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. The use of expressions 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 relating to one embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or to one or more embodiments. One embodiment may provide one or more examples. An expression such as "embodiment" may refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. The use of expressions 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 relating to one configuration may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. One configuration may provide one or more examples. References to an element or the like may mean one or more elements, and vice versa.

[0042] In one aspect, unless stated otherwise, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, dimensions, sizes, and other specifications set forth in this specification, including the following claims, are approximate and not exact, and are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the function to which they relate and what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0043] In one aspect, "coupled" or the like may mean directly coupled. In another aspect, "coupled" or the like may mean indirectly coupled.

[0044] Terms such as "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," and the like, as used in this disclosure, should be understood to refer to any frame of reference other than the conventional frame of reference of gravity. Thus, top, bottom, front, and rear surfaces may extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in the frame of reference of gravity.

[0045] Various items may be arranged differently (e.g., placed in a different order or divided in a different manner) without departing from the scope of the subject technology. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later become known to those skilled in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be general, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, unless the element is recited using the phrase "means for" or, in the case of a method claim, unless the element is recited using the phrase "step for." Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "include," "have," or similar are used, such terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the transitional term "comprise" when used in the claims.

[0046] The title, background art, summary, brief description of the drawings, and abstract of this disclosure are incorporated into this disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as limiting descriptions. They are submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the Detailed Description, it will be appreciated that the descriptions provide illustrative examples, and that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to 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 does not comprise all features of a single disclosed structure or operation. The following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description herein, with each claim standing on its own as separately claimed subject matter.

[0047] The claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but are intended to be accorded full scope consistent with the language claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, no claim is intended, nor should it be construed, to encompass subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §§ 101, 102, or 103.

Claims

1. a coupling portion having an internal threaded luer connection configured to engage a mating connector; a tubing segment extending from the connecting portion, the tubing segment having a tubing segment elastic modulus, defining a lumen in fluid communication with the connecting portion, and configured to engage tubing; a sealing portion coupled to an inner surface of the lumen and positioned proximate the internal threaded luer connection, the sealing portion having a sealing portion modulus lower than the tubing portion modulus, and configured to sealingly engage the tubing; A connector comprising:

2. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the sealing portion comprises the same material as the tubing.

3. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the tubing portion is configured to receive the tubing within the lumen.

4. The connector of claim 3 , wherein the sealing portion is configured to receive the tubing.

5. The connector of claim 4 , wherein the sealing portion is co-molded with the tubing portion.

6. advancing the tubing toward a mating portion of a connector, the mating portion including an internal threaded luer connection; engaging the tubing with a tubing portion of the connector; sealingly engaging the tubing with the tubing portion of the connector via a sealing portion coupled to an inner surface of the tubing portion and positioned adjacent to the internal threaded luer connection, the sealing portion having a lower elastic modulus than the tubing portion elastic modulus; A method comprising:

7. Filling a gap defined between the tubing and the tubing portion of the connector through the sealing portion. The method of claim 6 further comprising:

8. advancing the tubing into a lumen defined by the tubing portion of the connector; The method of claim 6 further comprising:

9. co-molding the sealing portion with the tubing portion of the connector. The method of claim 6 further comprising:

10. overmolding the sealing portion with the tubing portion of the connector; The method of claim 6 further comprising:

11. a coupling portion having an internal threaded luer connection configured to engage a mating connector; a tubing segment extending from the connecting portion, the tubing segment having a tubing segment elastic modulus and defining a connector lumen in fluid communication with the connecting portion; a sealing portion coupled to an inner surface of the connector lumen and positioned proximate to the internal threaded luer connection, the sealing portion having a sealing portion modulus of elasticity that is lower than the tubing portion modulus of elasticity; a tubing defining a tubing lumen, the tubing being in sealing engagement with the sealing portion, the tubing lumen being in fluid communication with the connector lumen; A connector comprising: A connector assembly comprising:

12. The connector assembly of claim 11 , wherein the tubing includes a built-in connector, the built-in connector being sealingly engaged with the sealing portion of the connector.

13. The connector assembly of claim 12 , wherein the assembly connector has an assembly connector modulus of elasticity, the assembly connector modulus of elasticity being greater than the sealed portion modulus of elasticity.

14. The connector assembly of claim 12 , wherein the built-in connector has a tapered geometry.

15. The connector assembly of claim 11 , wherein the sealing portion comprises an elastomer.

16. The connector assembly of claim 11 , wherein the tubing portion is configured to receive the tubing within the connector lumen.

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