Medical connectors

Abstract

An adapter for connecting a first connector to a second connector can include a proximal portion configured to linearly engage with the first connector in a snap-fit ​​engagement. The adapter can include a distal portion configured to rotationally engage with the second connector. Rotation of the adapter relative to the second connector can advance a male luer of the first connector into substantial sealing engagement with a female luer on the second connector. The adapter can be configured to displace a collar on the first connector when coupled to the first connector. The second connector can include a proximal portion configured to engage with the first connector, for example, in a snap-fit ​​engagement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.§ 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 228,982, entitled MEDICAL CONNECTORS, filed on August 3, 2021. The entire contents of each of the applications identified above are hereby incorporated by reference into this specification and are part of this specification for all that they disclose.

[0002] Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to medical connectors.

Background Art

[0003] There are various medical connectors, but there remains a need for improved medical connectors.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Some exemplary embodiments are summarized below for illustrative purposes. Embodiments are not limited to the specific implementations described herein. Embodiments can include several novel features, but none of these alone is responsible for its desirable attributes nor is it essential to the embodiments.

[0006] Various embodiments disclosed herein may relate to medical connectors, which may include a proximal end with a proximal opening, a distal end with a distal opening, and a fluid path between the proximal and distal ends. The connector may include a body portion and a projection extending distally from the body portion, with a proximal step formed between the body portion and the projection. The projection may include a distal step. The projection may include a male luer with a tapered outer surface configured to engage with the tapered inner surface of a female luer. A collar may be positioned between the proximal and distal steps. The collar may substantially surround the projection. The collar may have a female thread. The adapter may include a proximal portion having one or more projections extending inward and engaging with the distal step on the projection to connect the adapter to the projection. The adapter may have a distal portion having a female thread.

[0007] The proximal portion of the adapter may be between the projection and the collar. The proximal portion of the adapter can be fitted inside the collar without engaging with the threads of the collar. One or more projections may include annular flanges. The adapter may include one or more arms, which, when operated, may apply a force that displaces one or more projections to facilitate disengagement of the adapter from the projections. The proximal portion of the adapter may include one or more slits. The medical connector may include a sealing element between the adapter and the projection. The sealing element may include an O-ring or a gasket. The adapter may include a shroud that extends proximal to substantially cover the main body portion.

[0008] Various embodiments disclosed herein may relate to an adapter which can be configured to couple a first medical connector to a second medical connector. The adapter may include a proximal portion configured to allow linear coupling of the first medical connector to the adapter without rotating the adapter relative to the first medical connector. The adapter may include a distal portion configured to allow rotational coupling of the second medical connector to the adapter.

[0009] The proximal portion may include one or more projections that extend inward and are configured to engage with an engagement mechanism on the first medical connector. One or more projections may include an annular flange. The proximal portion may have an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the distal portion. The adapter may include one or more arms, which, when operated, may apply a force that spreads the proximal portion to facilitate disengaging the adapter from the first medical connector. The proximal portion may include one or more slits. The adapter may include a sealing element located inside the adapter. The sealing element may include an O-ring or a gasket. The adapter may include a shroud that extends proximal beyond the proximal portion.

[0010] Various embodiments disclosed herein may relate to an adapter that can be configured to connect a first medical connector to a second medical connector. The adapter may include a proximal portion that can include one or more snap-fit ​​engagement mechanisms for linear engagement with the first medical connector. The adapter may include a distal portion having a female thread for rotational engagement with the second medical connector.

[0011] The proximal portion may have a smaller outer diameter than the distal portion. The adapter may include one or more arms, which, when operated, may be configured to apply a force that spreads the proximal portion to facilitate disengaging the adapter from the first medical connector. The proximal portion may include one or more slits. The adapter may include a sealing element located inside the adapter. The sealing element may include an O-ring or a gasket. The adapter may include a shroud that extends proximal beyond the proximal portion. One or more snap-fit ​​engagement mechanisms may include a proximal sliding surface and a distal engagement surface.

[0012] Various embodiments disclosed herein may relate to medical connectors, which may include a distal end with a distal opening and a proximal end with a proximal opening. The proximal end may include a female Luer bore and a male thread. The medical connector may have a fluid path between the proximal and distal ends. The adapter may include a distal portion having a female thread that engages with the male thread of the proximal end. The adapter may include a proximal portion, which may have one or more projections having a proximal inclined sliding surface and a distal engaging surface. The proximal portion of the adapter may have an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the distal portion of the adapter. One or more projections may provide a snap-fit ​​engagement mechanism. The proximal portion of the adapter may be configured to engage linearly with another connector.

[0013] Various embodiments disclosed herein may relate to a method that includes a step of accessing a first medical connector which may include a proximal end with a proximal opening, a distal end with a distal opening, a fluid path between the proximal and distal ends, a body portion, and projections extending distally from the body portion. The projections may include steps. The projections may include a male luer having a tapered outer surface which can be configured to engage with a tapered inner surface of a female luer. The first medical connector may include a collar substantially surrounding the projections. The collar may include female threads. The method may include a step of accessing an adapter which may include a proximal portion having one or more inwardly extending projections and a distal portion having female threads. The method may include a step of coupling the adapter to the first medical connector by inserting the projections into the proximal portion of the adapter and advancing the adapter axially in the proximal direction until one or more projections engage with steps on the projections.

[0014] As the adapter is advanced axially, the proximal portion of the adapter may be inserted into the collar. This method may include accessing a second medical connector which may include a distal end with a distal opening and a proximal end with a proximal opening. The proximal end may include a female Luer and a male thread. The second medical connector may include a fluid path between the proximal and distal ends. This method may include coupling the second medical connector to the adapter by inserting the proximal end of the second medical connector into the distal portion of the adapter and rotating the second medical connector relative to the adapter such that the male thread on the proximal end of the second medical connector engages with the female thread on the distal portion of the adapter, so that the male Luer of the first medical connector engages with the female Luer of the second medical connector in a sealing manner. This method may include further rotating the second medical connector relative to the adapter so that one or more breakable elements on the second medical connector break, causing the second medical connector to transition to a free-spin configuration.

[0015] Various embodiments disclosed herein may relate to a method that includes the step of accessing a first medical connector which may include a distal end with a distal opening and a proximal end with a proximal opening. The proximal end may include a female Luer and a male thread. The first medical connector may have a fluid path between the proximal and distal ends. The first medical connector may have an adapter which may include a distal portion having a female thread that engages with the male thread of the proximal end, and a proximal portion having one or more projections. The method may include the step of accessing a second medical connector which may include a proximal end with a proximal opening, a distal end with a distal opening, a fluid path between the proximal and distal ends, a body portion, and a projection extending distally from the body portion. The projection may include a step. The projection may include a male Luer with a tapered outer surface. The second medical connector may include a collar substantially surrounding the projection. The collar may include a female thread. The method may include the step of coupling a second medical connector to an adapter by inserting a projection into the proximal portion of the adapter and advancing the adapter axially in the proximal direction relative to the second connector until one or more projections engage with steps on the projections and the male luer of the second medical connector engages with the female luer of the first medical connector in a sealed manner.

[0016] Several embodiments will be discussed in detail with reference to the following figures, where similar reference numbers throughout refer to similar features. These figures are provided for illustrative purposes only, and embodiments are not limited to the specific implementations shown in the figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] An example of a medical connector embodiment is shown. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows the medical connector connected to another medical connector. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector in Figure 1. [Figure 4]Another cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of a first connector coupled to a portion of a second connector. [Figure 6A] Perspective view of an example embodiment of an adapter. [Figure 6B] Cross-sectional view of the adapter of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6C] Cross-sectional view of another example embodiment of an adapter. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view of the adapter of FIG. 6C coupled to a first connector. [Figure 7A] Cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of an adapter coupled to a first connector and a component of a second connector. [Figure 7B] Cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of an adapter coupled between a first connector and a second connector. [Figure 7C] Detailed cross-sectional view of the engagement between an adapter and a first connector and a second connector. [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of an adapter. [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view showing an example embodiment of an adapter coupled to a connector. [Figure 10] Shows an example embodiment of a connector coupled to an adapter. [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view showing an example embodiment of a connector attached to an adapter including a shroud. [Figure 12] Shows an example embodiment of a connector coupled to an adapter having a sealing element. [Figure 13] Shows an example embodiment of an adapter coupled to a connector. [Figure 14] Shows an example embodiment of a connector coupled to a connector. [Figure 15] Cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of a first connector coupled to a portion of a second connector. [Figure 16] Cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of a first connector coupled to a portion of a second connector. [Figure 17A] This document illustrates an example of a process for connecting a first connector to a second connector using an adapter. [Figure 17B] This document illustrates an example of a process for connecting a first connector to a second connector using an adapter. [Figure 17C] This document illustrates an example of a process for connecting a first connector to a second connector using an adapter. [Figure 17D] This document illustrates an example of a process for connecting a first connector to a second connector using an adapter. [Figure 17E] This document illustrates an example of a process for connecting a first connector to a second connector using an adapter. [Figure 17F] This document illustrates an example of a process for connecting a first connector to a second connector using an adapter. [Figure 18A] Another example embodiment of a method for connecting a first connector to a second connector using an adapter is shown. [Figure 18B] Another example embodiment of a method for connecting a first connector to a second connector using an adapter is shown. [Figure 18C] Another example embodiment of a method for connecting a first connector to a second connector using an adapter is shown. [Figure 18D] Another example embodiment of a method for connecting a first connector to a second connector using an adapter is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Various features and advantages of the systems, apparatus, and methods of the technology described herein will become more fully apparent from the following description of the examples shown in the figures. These examples are intended to illustrate the principles of the disclosure, and the disclosure should not be limited merely to the examples shown. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in considering the principles disclosed herein, the features of the examples shown can be modified, combined, omitted, and / or replaced.

[0019] Figure 1 shows an example of a medical connector 100. Figure 2 shows a medical connector 100 coupled to another medical connector 200. Figures 3 and 4 show cross-sectional views of the connector 100. The medical connector 100 may have a proximal end 102 with a proximal opening and a distal end 104 with a distal opening. A fluid path 106 fluidly couples the proximal opening to the distal opening. In some cases, the fluid path may be a linear fluid path without bends or obstacles, and the fluid path may have a substantially uniform inner diameter, but various other configurations may also be used. The proximal end 102 may be coupled to a conduit 108 such as a flexible medical tubing or catheter, so that the conduit is in fluid communication with the fluid path 106 through the connector 100. The conduit 108 may be coupled to the connector 100 by adhesive, friction fitting, ultrasonic welding, or any other suitable engagement. The proximal end 102 of connector 100 can be coupled to a variety of other medical devices capable of transporting fluids, such as syringes, other connectors, pumps, etc. In some implementations, the proximal end 102 may have an engagement mechanism (e.g., a female Luer or other coupling structure) for detachably coupling to a medical device. In some implementations, the conduit 108 can couple connector 100 to a pump, medical fluid bag, other fluid source, or other medical device. The distal portion of connector 100 may have a male coupling mechanism, such as a male Luer 110, which may be an ANSI-compliant male Luer tip. The male Luer 110 may have a tapered outer surface, which may be configured to engage with a corresponding tapered inner surface of a female Luer, which may be an ANSI-compliant female Luer.

[0020] The connector 100 may include a body portion 112. The outer surface of the body portion 112 may have textures, protrusions, recesses, splines, and / or other gripping mechanisms configured to facilitate the user's gripping of the body portion during certain operations, such as the process of connecting or disconnecting the connector 100 to or from another medical device. A projection 114 may extend distally from the body portion 112. The distal end of the projection 114 may include a male Luer 110. An extended portion 116 of the projection 114 may extend between the body portion 112 and the male Luer 110. The projection 114 (e.g., the extended portion 116) may have an outer diameter or cross-sectional area smaller than the outer diameter or cross-sectional area of ​​the body portion 112, such that a step 118 is formed at the transition between the body portion 112 and the projection 114. The step 118 may be at the distal end of the body portion 112 and / or the proximal end of the projection 114. In some implementations, the extended portion 116 may have an outer surface that does not include a tapered surface (for example, without an ANSI-compliant tapered surface). The extended portion 116 may have one or more sections with substantially uniform outer diameters. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first section 116a of the extended portion may have a first outer diameter, and the second section 116b of the extended portion may have a second outer diameter larger than the first outer diameter, with a step 120 formed at the transition from the first section 116a to the second section 116b. The second section 116b may be positioned distal to the first section 116a. In some cases, the second section 116b of the extended portion may be omitted so that the tapered surface of the male lure 110 begins at the step 120. In some modifications, the step 120 may be formed by a projection, such as an annular projection.

[0021] The connector 100 may include a collar 122, the collar 122 may include a shroud 124, the shroud 124 may have one or more sidewalls 126 that at least partially surround a recess. The collar 122 may have a continuous annular sidewall 126, but the sidewall 126 may have cuts or slits, or separated portions or fingers. The inside of the sidewall 126 may have threads 128, the threads 128 may be configured to engage with corresponding threads on a medical device such as the connector 200 shown in Figure 2. The outer surface of the sidewall 126 may have textures, protrusions, recesses, splines, and / or other gripping mechanisms configured to facilitate the user's gripping of the collar 122 during certain operations, such as the process of connecting or disconnecting the connector 100 to or from another medical device. In some implementations, the collar 122 may have a distal portion 130 that does not have a gripping mechanism. The portion of the collar 122 equipped with a gripping mechanism (e.g., splines) may have a larger outer diameter than the distal portion 130 of the collar 122 without a gripping mechanism (e.g., splines), thereby forming one or more steps (for example, each individual spline may have a step at its distal end at the transition to the distal portion 130 of the collar 122).

[0022] The collar 122 may have an engaging portion 132 that engages with the projection 114. The engaging portion 132 may have an opening with an inner diameter approximately the same size as, or slightly larger than, the outer diameter of the projection 114 (e.g., the first section 116a of the projection). For example, a flange may extend inward from the proximal end of the side wall 126. The opening through the proximal end of the collar 122 may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the recess formed by the side wall 126, forming a step 134. The step 134 may be formed by the flange in the proximal portion of the collar (e.g., at the proximal end of the recess). The distal end of the collar 122 may be open to the recess.

[0023] The collar 122 can be made movable relative to the body portion 112 and / or the projection 114. Figure 3 shows the collar 122 in the proximal position, where the proximal end of the collar 122 can abut against the step 118 or a surface at the distal end of the body portion 112 to prevent the collar 122 from moving further proximal. Figure 4 shows the collar 122 in the distal position, where the step 134 abuts against the step 120 to prevent the collar 122 from moving further distal. The range of motion for the collar 122 can be defined by the distance between the step 118 and the step 120 minus the distance between the step 134 and the proximal end of the collar 122. The collar 122 can be configured to move axially between the proximal and distal positions. The collar 122 can be configured to rotate (for example, around a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends through the connector 100, such as through the fluid path 106).

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the distal portion of connector 100 can be connected to the proximal portion 202 of medical connector 200 or to other medical devices. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of connector 100 coupled to the proximal portion 202, with the remainder of connector 200 omitted from the figure. For example, medical connector 200 has similar features to an embodiment of a connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, published on March 14, 2019, entitled "AXIALLY ENGAGING MEDICAL CONNECTOR SYSTEM WITH DIMINISHED FLUID REMNANTS," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The connector proximal portion 202 shown in Figure 5 may have similar features to the first cap component in an embodiment of a closable male connector disclosed in connection with Figures 1 to 20C of Patent Document 1. The proximal portion 202 may have a female luer 204, which may have a tapered surface corresponding to the tapered surface of male luer 110. The male luer 110 can advance distally and engage with the female luer 204 such that these tapered surfaces form a seal, allowing fluid to be transferred between the connectors 100 and 200 virtually without leakage during normal operation. Thus, the male luer 110 of connector 100 can be coupled with the female luer of connector 200. The exterior of the proximal portion 202 may have threads 206, which may be configured to engage with threads 128 on the collar 122. The threads may include projections and / or grooves, and in some cases one side may have one or more helical grooves and the other side may have one or more corresponding helical projections, or one or more projections that are not helical but still engage with helical grooves. The collar 122 can be rotated onto the proximal portion 202 of connector 200 so that the thread engagement causes the collar 122 to advance distally toward the connector 200. The step 134 on the color pushes the step 120, allowing the projection 114 (for example, the male lure 110) to also move distally.

[0025] During normal operation, the collar 122 advances the male luer 110 distally until the tapered surface of the male luer 110 substantially seals with the tapered surface of the female luer 204. However, in some cases, the collar 122 may be prevented from advancing distally, preventing the male luer 110 from properly engaging with the female luer 204, which may result in leakage at the connection between the connectors 100 and 200. For example, if the collar 122 is deformed (for example, either during manufacturing or assembly), the collar 122 may seize when screwing it into the proximal portion 202. In some cases, the collar 122 may have an inner diameter smaller than the appropriate size for engaging with the proximal portion 202, for example, due to manufacturing tolerances or defects. Various other features on the collar 122, such as the width, height, or pitch of the internal threads 128 of the collar 122, may be deformed in a way that prevents the collar 122 from advancing properly. In some cases, the engaging portion 132 of the collar 122 may deform during assembly, which may cause the collar 122 to shift position (for example, when the step 134 abuts against the step 120). These issues may increase friction between the collar 122 and the proximal portion 202, preventing the collar 122 from advancing distally, which may cause leakage. Leakage may result in loss of fluid (e.g., which could be an expensive drug), inaccurate dosing or sampling, and exposure to hazardous substances (e.g., chemotherapy drugs). A deformed proximal portion 202 (e.g., a larger outer diameter, or deformed threads 206) may also prevent the collar 122 from advancing, which may cause leakage. Furthermore, attempting to mount the connector 100 to a device not designed to receive the collar 122 may result in leakage, even if both components are properly formed.

[0026] In some implementations, the connector 200 can be configured to transition to a spinning configuration when a threshold amount of torque is applied to the connector 200. For example, as discussed in Patent Document 1, the connector may have one or more tabs configured to break when a threshold amount of torque is applied to the connector 200, and the proximal portion 202 may be configured to rotate relative to the rest of the connector 200 when the tab breaks. Thus, a user can apply torque to twist the collar 122 and connector 200 together until a threshold torque is reached, at which point the tab breaks, and the connector 200 simply spins when additional torque is applied. These features can be used to prevent the connector 200 from later coming loose from the connector 100. This configuration can effectively set the maximum torque that can be applied when screwing the collar 122 into the connector 200. If the maximum torque is reached before the male lure 110 fully engages with the female lure 204 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal (for example, due to a deformed collar 122), the connection between connectors 100, 200 may leak. When attaching connector 100 to a device that does not have a maximum torque threshold, the user may be able to compensate for a deformed collar by overtightening the collar 122 to advance the male lure 110 sufficiently to prevent leakage. However, with connector 200 having a torque limiting mechanism, the torque limiting mechanism can prevent the user from overtightening the collar 122, which could result in leakage as a result of the same deformation of the collar 122. Furthermore, overtightening the collar 122 may lead to other problems such as damage or deformation of the collar 122 or other components, which could result in significant leakage.

[0027] In some embodiments, the adapter 300 can be used to connect the connector 100 to the connector 200 or to another medical device. Figure 6A shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of the adapter 300. Figure 6B shows a cross-sectional view of the adapter 300 of Figure 6A. Figure 6C shows a cross-sectional view of another example embodiment of the adapter 300. Figure 7A shows an example embodiment in which the adapter 300 of Figure 6C is connected to one component of connectors 100 and 200. Figure 7B shows a cross-sectional view of the adapter 300 connected between connectors 100 and 200. Figure 7C shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the engagement between the adapter 300 and connectors 100 and 200. The adapter 300 can be configured to have a snap-fit ​​engagement with connector 100 and a screw engagement with connector 200. In some embodiments, the adapter 300 can be used in place of the collar 122 of connector 100. In some embodiments, when the adapter 300 is used to connect connector 100 to connector 200, the collar 122 does not engage with connector 200. The adapter 300 can displace the collar 122 of the connector 100 so that it moves away from the connector 200.

[0028] The adapter 300 may have an overall shape of a hollow cylinder with annular sidewalls surrounding an open internal chamber that can be open at the proximal and distal ends. The adapter 300 may include a proximal portion 302 and a distal portion 304. The proximal portion 302 may be configured to engage with the connector 100, for example, using a snap-fit ​​engagement. The proximal portion 302 has an inner diameter 306, which may be substantially the same as or larger than the outer diameter of the projection 114 (e.g., the second section 116b of the projection), so that the distal portion 304 of the adapter 300 can fit onto the projection 114. The proximal portion 302 may include a flange 308 or one or more projections, the flange 308 or projections may extend inward to form a step 310 or engagement surface. The flange 308 or projection may form a region with an inner diameter approximately the same size as, or slightly larger than, the outer diameter of the projection 114 (e.g., the first section 116a of the projection), and this inner diameter may be smaller than the inner diameter 306 of the front proximal portion of the flange 308. Each of the flange 308 or projection may define a step 310 or engagement surface. The flange 308 or one or more projections may not be threaded and may have substantially the same axial position around their circumference. As shown in Figure 6C, the proximal end of the adapter 300 may have a tapered surface 312, and the tapered surface 312 may be inclined distally in a direction pointing radially inward. In some embodiments, the flange 308 or projection may include one or more teeth with a sliding surface 312 inclined opposite the step 310 or engagement surface, as shown, for example, in Figure 6B. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6C, the flange 308 may extend substantially around the inner circumference of the adapter. In some embodiments, one or more projections 308 may include individual teeth or other projections that can be spaced apart around the inside of the adapter 300, for example, as shown in Figure 6B.

[0029] To attach the adapter 300 to the connector 100, the projection 114 (e.g., male luer 110) can be inserted through the proximal end of the adapter 300, allowing the adapter 300 to be moved axially in the proximal direction relative to the connector 100. The inner diameter of the flange 308 can be smaller than the outer diameter of the second portion 116b of the projection 114. The projection 114 (e.g., its second portion 116b) can contact the flange 308 or projection, and as the adapter 300 moves further proximal, the flange 308 or projection can be bent, compressed, or otherwise deformed laterally outward. Once the adapter 300 has moved proximal enough for the flange 308 to cross the step 120, the flange 308 or projection can be moved or expanded laterally inward so that the proximal portion 302 of the adapter 300 engages with the projection 114 on the connector 100. In some implementations, the flange 308 or projection can fit into a predetermined position proximal to the step 120. The step 310 on the adapter 300 abuts against the step 120 on the connector 100, preventing the adapter from moving distally beyond the position shown in Figure 7. The tapered surface 312 of the adapter can facilitate the adapter 300 sliding over the projection 114 of the connector 100. The inner edge of the proximal end can be chamfered, rounded, or tapered to prevent the inner edge from catching on the projection 114. When engaged with the connector 100, the adapter 300 can rotate (for example, around its longitudinal axis).

[0030] The proximal portion 302 of the adapter 300 may have an outer diameter 314, which may be smaller than the inner diameter of the collar 122 on the connector 100 and / or smaller than the distance between opposing threads on the inside of the collar 122, so that the proximal portion 302 of the adapter 300 can fit into the recess between the collar 122 and the projection 114. The adapter does not engage with the threads 128 of the collar, and the collar 122 and the adapter 300 can rotate relative to each other. The distal portion 304 of the adapter 300 may have an outer diameter 316 that is larger than the outer diameter 314 of the proximal portion 302, so that a step 318 can be formed at the transition from the proximal portion 302 to the distal portion 304. When the adapter 300 is coupled to the connector 100, the step 318 can push the collar 122 of the connector 100 in the proximal direction. The proximal portion 302 of the adapter 300 may have a sufficiently long length 320 (e.g., measured axially) such that when the proximal portion 302 of the adapter is engaged with the connector 100 (e.g., the step 310 is in contact with the step 120), the distance 322 between the steps 318 and 118 at the distal end of the body portion 112 of the connector 100 is at least as long as the length of the collar 122 (e.g., measured axially between the step 118 and the portion in contact with the step 318). In some embodiments, the distance 322 may be greater than the length of the collar 122 so that a gap can be formed between the collar 122 and the step 118 and / or between the collar 122 and the step 318. The collar 122 may have a range of axial movement between the step 118 and the step 318. In some embodiments, the range of clearance and / or axial movement can be less than about 10 mm, less than about 8 mm, less than about 6 mm, less than about 4 mm, less than about 2 mm, less than about 1 mm, or less than that, or any range or value between these enumerated values, although some implementations may use other dimensions. In some embodiments, the collar 122 can be moved to provide the adapter 300 with the same range of axial movement.Color 122 can fill the distance 322 between steps 118 and 318 axially by more than 70%, more than 80%, more than 85%, more than 90%, more than 95%, more than 98%, or more than 100%, or any value or range between these enumerated values, although some implementations may use other dimensions.

[0031] The distal portion 304 can be configured to engage with the connector 200, for example, using a screw engagement. Figure 7 shows an example embodiment of an adapter 300 that connects the connector 100 to the connector 200 (only the proximal portion 202 of the connector 200 is shown in Figure 7). The inside of the distal portion 304 of the adapter 300 may have threads 324. The outside of the proximal portion 202 may have threads 206, which can be configured to engage with the threads 324 on the adapter 300. The threads may include projections and / or grooves, and in some cases one side may have one or more helical grooves and the other side may have one or more corresponding helical projections, or one or more projections that are not helical but still engage with helical grooves. The distal portion 304 of the adapter 300 may have an inner diameter 326, which can be large enough to accommodate the side wall of the female lure 204 in the recess between the male lure 110 and the side wall of the distal portion 304 of the adapter 300. The inner diameter 326 of the distal portion 304 may be larger than the inner diameter 306 of the proximal portion 302. The inner diameter 326 of the distal portion 304 may be larger than the outer diameter 314 of the proximal portion 302. The distal portion 304 may have a length (for example, along the axial direction) that can be longer than, shorter than, or equal to the length 320 of the proximal portion.

[0032] In some embodiments, the adapter 300 can be attached first to the connector 100 and then to the connector 200. As discussed herein, the adapter 300 can be pushed proximal to the connector 100 until it engages with the connector 100 (for example, by snap-fitting) to prevent the adapter 300 from detaching from the connector 100. Once the adapter 300 is attached to the connector 100, it can push the collar 122 distally. The proximal portion 302 of the adapter can be inserted into the recess between the projection 114 and the collar 122. The distal portion 304 of the adapter 300 can then be advanced distally so that the threads 324 engage with the threads 206 on the proximal portion 202 of the connector 200. The adapter can be rotated relative to the connector 200, thereby allowing the adapter 300 to advance further distally. As the adapter 300 advances distally, the step 310 pushes the step 120, causing the male luer 110 to also advance distally until the outer tapered surface of the male luer 110 engages with the inner tapered surface of the female luer 204, thereby providing a substantially fluid-tight seal. The proximal portion 302 of the adapter 300 can be configured to engage linearly with the first connector 100 (for example, without rotating the adapter 300 relative to the first connector 100), and / or the distal portion 304 of the adapter 300 can be configured to rotate engage with the second connector 200.

[0033] In some embodiments, the adapter 300 can be attached first to the connector 200 and then to the connector 100. The distal portion 304 of the adapter can be screwed into the proximal portion 202 of the connector 200. If the male luer 110 is not attached to the adapter 300, the adapter 300 can be screwed into a position (or possibly slightly proximal to that position) that is expected to provide a sealing engagement. The male luer 110 can then be advanced through the adapter 300 into the proximal portion 202. The male luer 110 and the rest of the projection can be advanced distally (e.g., without requiring rotation) until the flange 308 or projection engages with the step 120 (e.g., snap-fit). In some cases, the adapter 300 can be tightened to seal the male luer 110 to the female luer 204. In some cases, if the adapter 300 advances too far distally and becomes unable to engage with the connector 100, the adapter 300 can be loosened and moved proximal, thereby making it possible to engage the adapter with the connector 100 (for example, by snapping into place).

[0034] Together with the adapter 300, the connector 100 may have two nested collars. When the adapter 300 connects the connector 100 to the connector 200, the proximal portion 202 of the connector 200 may be located inside the distal portion 304 of the adapter, and the proximal portion 302 of the adapter 300 may be located inside the distal portion of the collar 122, and / or the projection 114 of the connector may extend through the proximal portion of the collar 122, through the distal portion of the collar 122, through the proximal portion 302 of the adapter 300, through the distal portion 304 of the adapter 300, and into the proximal portion 202 of the connector 200.

[0035] In some embodiments, the adapter 300 can be made from polycarbonate. In some embodiments, the collar 122 can be made from acrylic. Other suitable materials can be used for the adapter 300 and / or collar 122 (and other components disclosed herein), including polymers, plastics, metals, glass, and the like. In some embodiments, the adapter 300 can be made from a material harder than the material of the collar 122. The material and geometric shape can be configured so that the adapter 300 can slide over the step 120 without deforming or damaging the step 120 or the adapter 300 (e.g., the flange or projection 308) in a way that prevents the adapter 300 from being retained on the connector 100. This can be achieved by sizing the components, flexibility of the geometric shape, flexibility of the material of the structure, or any combination thereof.

[0036] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of the adapter 300. The adapter 300 may have a proximal portion 302 with one or more slits 330, which facilitates the bending of the proximal portion 302 when the adapter 300 is coupled onto the connector 100. In some cases, multiple slits 330 may be used, which separates the proximal portion 302 into two or more sections. The embodiment in Figure 6B also includes slits 330. The proximal portion 302 may have two or more separate arms. For example, Figure 8 shows an adapter 300 with a first section 332a (e.g., the first arm) and a second section 332b (e.g., the second arm), where the first section 332a and the second section 332b are separated by slits 330, and the adapter 300 may have another slit on the opposite side of the slit seen in Figure 8. The adapter 300 may have two arms, three arms, four arms, five arms, six arms, or any other suitable number of separate arms. In some embodiments, the proximal portion 302 can be a continuous, uninterrupted sidewall (for example, an annular sidewall).

[0037] In some embodiments, the adapter 300 can be made detachable from the connector 100. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example embodiment of the adapter 300 coupled to the connector 100, where the adapter 300 is configured to be detachable from the connector 100. The adapter 300 may have one or more arms 334a, 334b, which can be manipulated (e.g., by pushing or pulling) to apply a force that bends the proximal portion 302 of the adapter 300 laterally outward. This facilitates disengagement from the flange 308 or the step 120 on the projection 114 of the step 310 on the protrusion, allowing the adapter 300 to be moved distally relative to the connector 100 and disconnected. A feature of the detachable adapter 300 is that it can use the slit 330 in Figure 8 or separate sections 332a, 332b or arms, which facilitates bending of the proximal portion 302 for disengagement. In some embodiments, a continuous proximal portion 302 can also be used. As shown in Figure 9, the first arm 334a can be positioned on the first side of the adapter, and the second arm 334b ​​can be positioned on the second side of the adapter 300. The arms 334a and 334b ​​can extend outward and distally from the body 303 of the adapter (for example, from the part of the adapter 300 where the proximal portion 302 transitions to the distal portion 304, from the proximal portion of the distal portion 304, or from any other suitable location). To disconnect the adapter 300 from the connector 100, the user can apply force as indicated by the arrows in Figure 9, which can be directed laterally inward and / or distally by, for example, pinching the arms 334a and 334b ​​together between the thumb and fingers of one hand and, in some cases, holding the connector 100 with the other hand, pulling the adapter 300 and the connector 100 apart. This force is transmitted through the adapter, causing the opposing portions or protrusions of the flange 308 to move apart, allowing the step 310 to be removed from the step 120 in order to remove the adapter 300 from the connector 100.By pushing arm 334a laterally inward, arm 332a (shown in Figure 8) can be moved laterally outward, and / or by pushing arm 334b ​​laterally inward, arm 332b (shown in Figure 8) can be moved laterally outward. In some embodiments, the adapter may include only one arm 334a, or any suitable number of arms may be used, such as two, three, four, or more. In some embodiments, one or more arms 334a, 334b ​​can be used when attaching the adapter 300 to the connector 100. For example, a user may push one or more arms 334a, 334b ​​laterally inward while advancing projection 114 into the adapter 300, causing the proximal portion 302 of the adapter 300 to bend or otherwise displace, facilitating the entry of the second portion 116b of projection 114 into the proximal portion 302 of the adapter 300. One or more arms 334a, 334b ​​can be released to engage the flange 308 or projection with the connector 100, as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the adapter 300 can be configured so that, once coupled to the connector 100, it is not removable.

[0038] In some cases where the connector 100 is coupled to the connector 200 using the collar 122 (for example, as shown in Figure 5), unintended rotation of the collar 122 relative to the body portion 112 (or projection 114) of the connector 100 may cause leakage at the connection between the connectors 100 and 200. For example, the collar 122 and / or body portion 112 may be accidentally struck, pressed or otherwise contacted in a manner that could cause the collar 122 to rotate relative to the body portion 112. When the collar 122 first rotates relative to the body portion 112 or projection 114, frictional engagement between the male lure 110 and the female lure 204 may prevent the proximal portion 202 from rotating with the collar 122. Therefore, the collar 122 may rotate relative to the proximal portion 202, which may cause the proximal portion 202 to move distally away from the connector 100 due to the thread engagement between the threads 128 and 206, which may cause the male lure 110 to detach from the female lure 204, resulting in leakage. In some cases, the rotation of the collar 122 relative to the body portion 112 or projection 114 may cause the connector 200 to move distally until it completely detaches from the connector 100.

[0039] In some embodiments, the adapter 300 may be configured to prevent unintended rotation of the body portion 112 or the projection 114. Figure 10 shows an example embodiment of a connector 100 coupled to an adapter 300 configured to prevent rotation of the adapter 300 relative to the body portion 112 of the connector 100. The adapter 300 may include a shroud 336, which may be configured to cover, or at least partially surround, the body portion 112 and / or projection 114 of the connector 100. The shroud 336 may prevent the body portion 112 from being struck or otherwise manipulated in a way that would cause it to rotate relative to the adapter 300. The shroud 336 may extend proximal beyond the proximal end of the body portion 112 (for example, as shown in Figure 10), or the shroud 336 may extend substantially flush with the proximal end of the body portion 112. In some embodiments, the shroud 336 may extend proximal to cover only a portion (e.g., most of) of the body portion 112 without extending to the end of the proximal end of the body portion 112. The shroud 336 may extend from the distal portion 302 of the adapter 300 (e.g., from the proximal portion of the distal portion 304, or from any other suitable location), or from the portion of the adapter 300 where the proximal portion 302 transitions into the distal portion 304. The shroud 336 may extend from a location on the body of the adapter 300 distal to the collar 122, and / or from a location on the body of the adapter 300 distal to a surface or step 318 configured to restrict the distal movement of the collar 122. The inner diameter of the shroud 336 may be greater than the outer diameter of the body portion 112 and greater than the outer diameter of the collar 122. The inner diameter of the shroud 336 can be made large enough to accommodate the distal portion of the collar 122 in the recess between the proximal portion 302 of the adapter 300 and the shroud 336.

[0040] Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of a connector 100 attached to an adapter 300, which includes a shroud 336 similar to that in Figure 10. The adapter 300 may include a flange 338 or projection configured to engage with the body portion 112 of the connector to couple the adapter 300 to the connector 100. The flange 338 or projection may extend laterally inward from the inside of the shroud 336 (for example, at the proximal end of the shroud 336). The shroud 336 may move proximal to the connector 100, allowing it to pass through the collar 122 and / or body portion 112 until the flange 338 or projection reaches the proximal end of the body portion 112, at which point the flange 338 or projection can snap into place with the proximal end of the body portion 112, thereby mounting the adapter 300 to the connector 100. In some embodiments, the adapter 300 does not engage with the projection 114 (for example, the step 120). In some embodiments, the proximal portion 302 configured to engage with the projection 114 can be omitted, as shown in Figure 11. The shroud 336 can be the proximal portion of the adapter 300 configured to engage with the connector 100.

[0041] Figure 12 shows an example embodiment of a connector 100 coupled to an adapter 300, which includes a sealing element 340 configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the adapter 300 and the connector 100. In some embodiments, the sealing element 340 can be an O-ring or a gasket. The O-ring sealing element 340 can be placed on an inner recess (e.g., an annular recess) of the proximal portion 302 of the adapter 300, or on an outer recess (e.g., an annular recess) of the projection 114 of the connector 100. The sealing element 340 can be compressed between the inside of the proximal portion 302 of the adapter 300 and the outside of the projection 114. In some embodiments, multiple sealing elements 340 (e.g., O-rings) can be used, and these sealing elements 340 can improve the seal or function as a backup or fail-safe. In some embodiments, the adapter 300 may have a slit 330 similar to that discussed in relation to Figure 8, but the slit can stop before reaching the sealing element 340.

[0042] Figure 13 shows an example embodiment of an adapter 300 coupled to a connector 100 without a collar 122. Except that the collar 122 can be omitted, the embodiment in Figure 13 can function similarly to other embodiments disclosed herein. Figure 14 shows an example embodiment of a connector 100 coupled to a connector 200 having similar features to the adapter 300 incorporated into the proximal portion 202 of the connector 200. In Figure 14, the proximal portion 202 is the only part of the connector 200 shown, and other components of the connector 200 are omitted from the figure. Other components of the connector 200 may have similar features to the embodiments disclosed in Patent Document 1. In Figure 14, the collar 122 is omitted from the connector 100, but some embodiments of the connector 100 may include the collar 122 or any other features disclosed herein. The proximal portion 202 of the connector 200 may include a female luer 204, which may have a tapered inner surface configured to substantially seal with the outer tapered surface of the male luer 110. The proximal portion 202 may include an engaging portion 250, which may extend proximal to the female luer 204. The engaging portion 250 may have similar features to the proximal portion 302 of the adapter 300 in embodiments disclosed herein. The engaging portion 250 may have one or more sidewalls, which may at least partially surround the internal chamber. The engaging portion 250 may have an overall shape of a hollow cylinder. The engaging portion 250 may have, for example, a flange 252 or projection at its proximal end, which may form a step 254, which may engage with the step 120 on the projection 114 to couple, for example, the connector 100 to the proximal portion 202 of the connector 200. The engaging portion 250 may include any combination of various other features disclosed in connection with the adapter 300, such as a release element, one or more slits, one or more sealing elements, or a shroud. The adapter 300 may also include any suitable combination of these features.

[0043] Figure 15 shows an example embodiment of a connector 100 coupled to the proximal portion 202 of connector 200. The proximal portion 202 may have an engaging portion 250, which may have similar features to the embodiment of the engaging portion disclosed in relation to Figure 14. In some embodiments, the male luer 110 and female luer 204 may be omitted. The projection 114 of connector 100 and / or the inside of the proximal portion 202 of connector 200 may have one or more sealing elements 256, the sealing elements 256 may include O-rings or gaskets. The O-ring sealing element 256 may be placed in an inner recess (e.g., an annular recess) of the proximal portion 202 of connector 200, or on an outer recess (e.g., an annular recess) of the projection 114 of connector 100. The sealing element 256 can be compressed between the inside of the proximal portion 202 of connector 200 and the outside of the projection 114. In some embodiments, multiple sealing elements 256 (e.g., O-rings) may be used.

[0044] Figure 16 shows an example embodiment of a connector 100 coupled to a connector 200, the connector 100 having one or more arms 150 that engage with an engaging portion 250 of a proximal portion 202 to couple the connectors 100, 200. The engaging portion 250 of the connector 200 may have a step 260, which may be defined by a recess 262 (e.g., an annular recess). The connector 100 has one or more arms 150 or an annular shroud, the arms 150 or annular shroud may extend distally and be spaced away from the projection 114, so that the engaging portion 250 of the connector 200 can be received in a recess between the projection 114 and one or more arms 150 or shroud. The arms may extend from the projection 114, or from the body portion 112, or from any other suitable location on the connector 100. One or more arms 150 or shrouds may have flanges 152 or projections extending laterally inward and may be configured to engage with steps 260 on the connector 200 to connect the connectors 100, 200. The connector 100 may include various features disclosed herein for engagement features, such as release mechanisms, one or more sealing elements, one or more slits, etc.

[0045] Figures 17A to 17F illustrate an example embodiment of the process of coupling connector 200 to another connector 100 using an adapter 300. In some embodiments, the adapter 300 can be coupled first to connector 100 and then to connector 200. In Figure 17A, a user can access the adapter 300. In some cases, a user can open the blister pack or other sealed package containing the adapter 300. A cap 350 can be fitted to the adapter 300. The cap 350 may have an engagement mechanism 352 (e.g., a flange, lug, projection, or thread) configured to engage with the threads 324 of the adapter 300. For example, the cap 350 may screw onto the distal side 304 of the adapter 300. The cap 350 may have side walls 354, which may at least partially or completely enclose an internal cavity. The side walls 354 may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The side wall 354 may have ribs or textures to facilitate gripping by the user, for example, when removing the cap 350, as discussed herein. The cap 350 may have an open bottom side 356. The cap 350 may have a closed top side 358.

[0046] In Figure 17B, the adapter 300 can be coupled to the connector 100. The adapter 300 can be advanced axially onto the male luer 110 of the connector 100. The male luer 110 of the connector 100 can be inserted into the proximal end 302 of the adapter 300 and can extend through the interior of the adapter 300. The end of the male luer 110 can extend beyond the distal end of the adapter 300. In some cases, once the adapter 300 is attached to the connector 100, the male luer 110 can be inserted into the cap 350. As the adapter 300 is advanced, the male luer 110 can extend through the open end 356 of the cap 350 and can extend into the internal cavity of the cap 350. The adapter 300 can be advanced onto the connector 100 by, for example, by the flange 308 or projection fitting onto the step 120 on the connector 100 until the adapter 300 is attached to the connector 100. The user can push the collar 122 of the connector 100 proximal to create space for, for example, the adapter 300 to engage with the connector 100, exposing, for example, the step 120. In some embodiments, as the adapter 300 is advanced proximal to the connector 100, the adapter 300 can push the collar 122 proximal to the connector. As the adapter 300 is advanced proximal to the connector 100, the proximal portion 302 of the adapter 300 can extend into the internal cavity of the collar 122. The adapter 300 can be pressed axially onto the male luer 110 until it snaps into engagement with the connector 100. In some cases, the adapter 300 may be rotatable during engagement and / or after being coupled to the connector 100, but rotation of the adapter 300 does not cause engagement or disengagement between the adapter 300 and the connector 100. Figure 17C shows the adapter 300 coupled to the connector 100.

[0047] In Figure 17D, the cap 350 can be removed from the adapter 300. For example, a user can grasp the side wall 354 of the cap 350 and rotate the cap 350 to loosen it from the adapter 300. A user can also grasp the outside of the distal portion 304 of the adapter 300, which may have a ridge or texture to facilitate gripping. In some embodiments, the cap 350 can also be removed from the connector 100 by removing the cap 350 from the adapter 300. For example, removing the cap 350 allows the male luer 110 of the connector 100 to be pulled out from the internal cavity of the cap 350. In some embodiments, the cap 350 can also be removed before coupling the adapter 300 to the connector 100.

[0048] In Figure 17E, the connector 200 can be coupled to the adapter 300. The user can access the connector 200, for example, by opening the blister pack or other sealing package containing the connector 200. The connector 200 may include a proximal portion 202 with a thread 206 configured to engage with the thread 324 of the adapter 300. The user can rotate the connector 200 relative to the adapter 300 and / or rotate the adapter 300 relative to the connector 200 so that the thread 206 engages with the thread 324 and advances the connector 200 onto the connector 100 and the adapter 300. The user can provide rotation by gripping the outside of the distal portion of the adapter 300 and / or the outer housing of the connector 200. As connector 200 advances proximal and / or as connector 100 and adapter 300 advance distally, the male luer 110 of connector 100 can engage with the female luer bore 204, thereby forming a substantially fluid-tight seal between connector 100 and connector 200. The user can rotate connector 200 relative to adapter 300 until one or more breakable tabs of connector 200 break. In this state, connector 200 can spin freely in, for example, both directions, and connector 200 is not easily detached from connector 100 and adapter 300. Figure 17F shows connector 200 coupled to adapter 300 and connector 100 in, for example, a free-spinning or non-detachable configuration. The user can connect another connector or other medical device to the distal end (e.g., the male end) of connector 200. In some embodiments, connector 200 may already be coupled to another connector or medical device at its distal end before being coupled to adapter 300 and connector 100.

[0049] Figures 18A to 18D show another example embodiment of a method for coupling connector 200 to connector 100 using adapter 300. In some embodiments, adapter 300 can be coupled first to connector 200 and then to connector 100. In Figure 18A, a user can access adapter 300 and connector 200. The user can attach adapter 300 to connector 200. For example, the user can insert the end of proximal portion 202 into the distal end of adapter 300, and / or rotate connector 200 relative to adapter 300 so that threads 206 engage with threads 324, and / or rotate adapter 300 relative to connector 200. In some embodiments, the user can continue to rotate connector 200 relative to adapter 300 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) until one or more breakable tabs of connector 200 break, thereby placing connector 200 in a free-spin configuration. In a free-spin configuration, the connector 200 does not detach from the adapter 300 even if the housing of the connector 200 rotates relative to the adapter 300 in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise). Figure 18B shows the connector 200 coupled to the adapter 300. The adapter 300 in Figure 18 may also be fitted with a cap 350, which can be removed before the adapter 300 is coupled to the connector 200. In some embodiments, the connector 200 and / or the adapter 300 may have a stopper configured to prevent the adapter 300 from rotating too far over the proximal portion 202 of the connector 200. The stopper can position the adapter 300 over the proximal portion 202 of the connector 200 such that the female lure 204 of the connector 200 engages sealably with the male lure 110 of the connector 100 when the adapter 300 engages with (e.g., fits into) the connector 100. The stopper can be the end of the screw threads 324 and / or 206, or the stopper can be the distal end of the adapter 300 that abuts against the surface of the connector 200.

[0050] In Figure 18C, the adapter 300 and connector 200 can be coupled to the connector 100. The male luer 110 of the connector 100 can be inserted through the proximal end of the adapter 300. The adapter 300 and connector 200 can be advanced axially until the adapter engages with the connector 100, for example, by a snap-fit ​​engagement. For example, as discussed herein, the flange 308 or projection can engage with the step 120 to hold the adapter 300 on the connector 100. When the adapter 300 engages with the connector 100, it can push the collar 122 proximal, allowing the adapter 300 to engage with the step 120, for example. Once the adapter 300 is coupled to the connector 100, the proximal portion of the adapter 300 can be inserted into the distal end of the collar 122. Figure 18D shows the connector 200 and adapter 300 coupled to the connector 100.

[0051] In some embodiments, the adapter 300 can be pre-attached to the connector 200. Therefore, Figure 18A can be omitted. In some cases, the user can access the connector 200 with the adapter 300 already attached. In some embodiments, the adapter 300 can be omitted, for example, as in Figures 14-16, and a snap engagement mechanism can be incorporated into the proximal portion 202 of the connector 200. In some embodiments, the connector 200 does not have one or more breakable tabs, and the proximal portion 202 can always be in a free-spin configuration relative to the housing of the connector 200.

[0052] When the adapter 300 connects the connector 200 to the connector 100, the adapter 300 can spin freely in both directions relative to the connector 100. The housing of the connector 200 can spin freely in both directions relative to the adapter 300. In some cases, the proximal portion 202 of the connector 200 can rotate with the adapter 300. For example, after one or more breakable tabs are broken, the proximal portion 202 of the connector can spin freely in both directions relative to the housing of the connector 200. The housing of the connector 200 can spin freely in both directions relative to the connector 100.

[0053] Various alternatives and combinations of the disclosed features can be used. Furthermore, the ratios and proportions of the various components, edges, and surfaces shown in the figures are intended to form part of this disclosure, even when not specifically discussed.

[0054] Unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context, words such as “comprise,” “comprising,” “include,” and “including” throughout the description and claims should be interpreted in a comprehensive sense, i.e., “includes, but not limited,” rather than in an exclusive or thorough sense. The words “combined” or “connected,” as used throughout this specification, refer to two or more elements that are directly connected or connected by one or more intermediate elements. In addition, the words “as specified herein,” “above,” “below,” and similar important words, when used in this application, refer to the application as a whole and not to any particular part of the application. Where the context allows, words used singular or plural in the detailed description may also include plural or singular, respectively. The word “or” in relation to a list of two or more items is intended to cover all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list. All numerical values ​​provided herein are intended to include similar values ​​within the margin of error of measurement.

[0055] While this disclosure includes several embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that its scope extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and / or uses, as well as obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the embodiments are illustrated and described in detail, other modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art based on this disclosure. It is also conceivable that various combinations or partial combinations of particular features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined or substituted with each other to form various modes of embodiments. None of the methods disclosed herein need to be performed in the order described. Therefore, it is not intended that the scope should be limited by the particular embodiments described above.

[0056] In particular, conditional statements such as “can,” “may,” “might,” or “possible” are generally intended to convey that some embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while others do not, unless otherwise stated or understood otherwise in the context in which they are used. Therefore, such conditional statements are not generally intended to suggest that features, elements, and / or steps are required in any way to one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining whether these features, elements, and / or steps will be included or performed in any particular embodiment, with or without user input or prompting. Any headings used herein are for the convenience of the reader only and are not intended to limit scope.

[0057] Furthermore, while various modifications and alternative forms may be possible for the apparatus, systems, and methods described herein, specific examples are shown in the drawings and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to any particular form or method disclosed, but rather covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the various implementations described herein. Furthermore, any particular features, aspects, methods, characteristics, features, qualities, attributes, elements, etc., disclosed herein relating to one implementation or embodiment may also be used in all other implementations or embodiments described herein. None of the methods disclosed herein need to be performed in the order described herein. The methods disclosed herein may include several actions performed by a physician, but these methods may also include, expressly or implicitly, instructions from any third party for these actions.

[0058] The scope disclosed herein includes all overlaps, sub-scopes, and combinations thereof. Words such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” and “between” include the stated number. Numbers preceded by terms such as “about” or “approximately” include the stated number and should be interpreted on a contextual basis (e.g., as accurately as reasonably possible under those circumstances, e.g., ±5%, ±10%, ±15%). For example, “about 3.5 mm” includes “3.5 mm.” Phrases preceded by terms such as “substantially” include the stated phrase and should be interpreted on a contextual basis (e.g., as accurately as reasonably possible under those circumstances). For example, “substantially constant” includes “constant.” Unless otherwise stated, all measurements are taken under standard conditions, including ambient temperature and pressure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 100 connectors 102 Proximal end 104 Distal end 106 Fluid pathways 108 Conduit 110 Male Lures 112 Main body part 114 Protrusion 116 Extended part 116a Section 1 116b Section 2 118 steps 120 steps 122 Colors 126 Side wall 128 threads 130 Distal portion 132 Engagement part 134 steps 150 Arm 152 Flange 200 connectors 202 Proximal portion 204 Female Lure 206 threads 250 Engagement part 252 Flange 254 steps 256 sealing elements 260 steps 262 recesses 300 adapter 302 Proximal portion 304 Distal portion 306 Inner diameter 308 Flange 310 steps 312 Tapered surface 314 Outer diameter 316 Outer diameter 318 steps 320 Length 322 distance 324 threads 326 Inner diameter 330 slits 332a Arm 332b Arm 334a First Arm 334b Second Arm 336 Shroud 338 Flange 340 sealing elements 350 caps 352 System 354 sidewall 356 Open bottom side 358 Locking top side

Claims

1. A proximal end with a proximal opening, A distal end with a distal opening, The fluid path between the proximal end and the distal end, The main body and A projection extending distally from the main body portion, wherein a proximal step is formed between the main body portion and the projection, the projection includes the distal step, and the projection includes a male lure having a tapered outer surface configured to engage with the tapered inner surface of the female lure, A collar positioned between the proximal step and the distal step, substantially surrounding the projection, having an internal thread, It is an adapter, A proximal portion having one or more projections that extend inward and engage with the distal step on the projection to connect the adapter to the projection, A distal portion having an internal thread, Includes an adapter, Medical connectors, including [specific component].

2. The medical connector according to claim 1, wherein the proximal portion of the adapter is located between the projection and the collar.

3. The medical connector according to claim 1, wherein the proximal portion of the adapter fits inside the collar without engaging with the female thread of the collar.

4. The medical connector according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the projections include an annular flange.

5. The medical connector according to claim 1, wherein the adapter includes one or more arms configured, when operated, to apply a force that displaces one or more protrusions in order to facilitate disengagement of the adapter from the protrusions.

6. The medical connector according to claim 1, wherein the proximal portion of the adapter includes one or more slits.

7. The medical connector according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing element between the adapter and the projection.

8. The medical connector according to claim 7, wherein the sealing element includes an O-ring or a gasket.

9. The medical connector according to claim 1, wherein the adapter includes a shroud extending proximal to substantially cover the main body portion.

10. The medical connector according to claim 1, wherein the female thread of the collar is configured to engage with a thread on another medical connector, and the female thread of the adapter is configured to engage with the same thread on the same other medical connector.

11. The medical connector according to claim 1, wherein the proximal portion of the adapter has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the collar such that the proximal portion of the adapter fits into a recess between the collar and the projection, and the distal portion of the adapter has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the collar such that the adapter provides a stop for distal movement of the collar.

12. A step of accessing a first medical connector, wherein the first medical connector is Proximal end with proximal opening, Distal end with distal opening, The fluid path between the proximal end and the distal end, main body part, A projection extending distally from the main body portion, the projection including a step, and the projection including a male lure having a tapered outer surface configured to engage with the tapered inner surface of the female lure, and A collar that substantially surrounds the aforementioned projection and has an internal thread, Steps including, A step of accessing the adapter, wherein the adapter A proximal portion having one or more projections extending inward, and Distal portion having female threads Steps including, The step of connecting the adapter to the first medical connector, Inserting the projection into the proximal portion of the adapter, The adapter is advanced axially in the proximal direction until one or more of the projections engage with the step on the projections. The steps include connecting the adapter to the first medical connector, Methods that include...

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the proximal portion of the adapter is inserted into the collar as the adapter is advanced in the axial direction.

14. A step of accessing a second medical connector, wherein the second medical connector is Distal end with distal opening, A proximal end having a proximal opening, including a female luer and a male thread, and Fluid path between the proximal end and the distal end Steps including, The step of connecting the second medical connector to the adapter, Inserting the proximal end of the second medical connector into the distal portion of the adapter, Rotate the second medical connector relative to the adapter such that the male luer of the first medical connector engages with the female luer of the second medical connector in a sealing manner, and the male thread on the proximal end of the second medical connector engages with the female thread on the distal portion of the adapter. The steps include connecting the second medical connector to the adapter, The method according to claim 12, further comprising:

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the step of further rotating the second medical connector relative to the adapter such that one or more breakable elements on the second medical connector break, thereby transitioning the second medical connector to a free-spin configuration.

16. A step of accessing a first medical connector, wherein the first medical connector is Distal end with distal opening, A proximal end having a proximal opening, including a female luer and a male thread, The fluid path between the proximal end and the distal end, and It is an adapter, A distal portion having a female thread that engages with the male thread at the proximal end, and Proximal portion having one or more protrusions Includes adapters, Steps including, A step of accessing a second medical connector, wherein the second medical connector is Proximal end with proximal opening, Distal end with distal opening, The fluid path between the proximal end and the distal end, main body part, A projection extending distally from the main body portion, the projection including a step, and the projection including a male lure having a tapered outer surface, and A collar that substantially surrounds the aforementioned projection and has an internal thread, Steps including, The step of connecting the second medical connector to the adapter, Inserting the projection into the proximal portion of the adapter, The adapter is advanced axially in a proximal direction relative to the second medical connector until one or more of the protrusions engage with the steps on the projections, and the male luer of the second medical connector engages with the female luer of the first medical connector in a sealed manner. The steps include connecting the second medical connector to the adapter, Methods that include...

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