Cap assembly for a medical device
The cap assembly with a body and sheath of differing rigidity and threaded coupling members enables easy detachment from medical devices, preserving sealing and protection, addressing the challenge of difficult cap removal.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BECTON DICKINSON FRANCE SAS
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
AI Technical Summary
Current cap elements on medical devices are difficult to remove due to contact with the hub, leading to potential damage and user injury, while maintaining protection and sealing capabilities.
A cap assembly with a body and sheath of varying rigidity materials, featuring threaded coupling members, allows for easy attachment and detachment by rotating the cap element relative to the connection element, ensuring protection and sealing without hindering removal.
Facilitates easy removal of the cap element from the medical device while maintaining the sealing and protective functions, adaptable to various medical devices.
Smart Images
Figure EP2026051298_30072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of medical devices. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a cap assembly configured for use on a medical device.BACKGROUND
[0002] A medical device configured to deliver a material contained in the medical device to a user by injection and / or spraying, such as an intravenous device and / or an ear, nose, and throat spray device, respectively, may include a cap element configured to protect and / or seal a tip of the medical device configured to dispense the material from the medical device.
[0003] Cap elements of currently available medical devices may include a resilient protective member, formed from a rubber material and / or the like, included within the cap element configured to protect and / or seal the tip. The protective member may be in contact with a hub of the medical device configured to connect the tip to a barrel of the medical device, which results in difficultly removing the cap element from the medical device due to the contact between the protective member and the hub.
[0004] Difficulty removing the cap element from the medical device may cause damage to the tip and / or injuries to a user inadvertently coming into contact with the tip during removal of the cap element from the medical device.
[0005] It is desirable to provide a cap assembly configured for use on a medical device configured to facilitate removal of a cap element from the medical device, without sacrificing a capability of the cap element to protect and / or seal a tip of the medical device.SUMMARY
[0006] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a cap assembly configured for use on a medical device is provided. The cap assembly extends longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end along an axis. The cap assembly includes a cap element configured to enclose at least a portion of a medical device. The cap element includes a body extending axially between a proximal end and a distal end, a sheath oriented between the proximal end and the distal end of the body, and a first coupling member oriented at or adjacent to the proximal end of the body. The cap assembly includes a connection element configured to be mounted to the medical device. Theconnection element includes a second coupling member configured to mate with the first coupling member of the cap element to secure the cap element to the connection element.
[0007] According to aspects of the disclosure, the sheath of the cap element may extend axially between a proximal end and a distal end.
[0008] According to aspects of the disclosure, the first coupling member of the cap element may extend axially between the proximal end of the body of the cap element and the proximal end of the sheath of the cap element.
[0009] According to aspects of the disclosure, the body of the cap element may include a first segment and a second segment, the first segment may be oriented proximally relative to the second segment, the first coupling member of the cap element may be oriented within the first segment, and the sheath of the cap element may be oriented within the second segment.
[0010] According to aspects of the disclosure, the body of the cap element may be formed from a first material having a first rigidity, the sheath of the cap element may be formed from a second material having a second rigidity, and the first rigidity of the first material may be greater than the second rigidity of the second material.
[0011] According to aspects of the disclosure, the first coupling member of the cap element may be included on an inner surface of the body of the cap element.
[0012] According to aspects of the disclosure, the second coupling member of the connection element may be included on an outer surface of the connection element.
[0013] According to aspects of the disclosure, the connection element may extend axially between a proximal end and a distal end.
[0014] According to aspects of the disclosure, the connection element may define a first opening at the proximal end of the connection element, a second opening at the distal end of the connection element, and a passage extending axially between the first opening and the second opening.
[0015] According to aspects of the disclosure, each of the first opening of the connection element, the second opening of the connection element, and the passage of the connection element may be configured to receive at least a portion of a hub of the medical device.
[0016] According to aspects of the disclosure, the connection element may be configured to engage a hub of the medical device within the passage of the connection element.
[0017] According to aspects of the disclosure, the connection element may be configured to receive one or more of an adhesive bond and a thermal bond with a hub of the medical device within the passage of the connection element.
[0018] According to aspects of the disclosure, each of the first coupling member of the cap element and the second coupling member of the connection element may be configured to form a threaded connection.
[0019] According to aspects of the disclosure, the sheath of the cap element may be configured to seal a tip of the medical device.
[0020] According to aspects of the disclosure, a medical device is provided. The medical device includes the cap assembly according to any aspect of the disclosure presented herein.
[0021] According to aspects of the disclosure, a method of securing a cap element to a medical device is provided. The method includes providing the cap assembly according to any aspect of the disclosure presented herein, inserting the connection element into the cap element, and rotating the cap element relative to the connection element.
[0022] In the manner described and according to aspects illustrated herein, the cap assembly, the medical device, and the method are configured to facilitate removal of a cap element from a medical device, without sacrificing a capability of the cap element to protect and / or seal a tip of the medical device. Additionally, in this manner, the cap assembly, the medical device, and the method are configured to be adaptable and / or implementable on a variety of medical devices.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Aspects of an example will be described with reference to the drawings, where like numerals represent like parts:
[0024] Figure 1 shows a side view of a medical device according to aspects of the present disclosure;
[0025] Figure 2 shows a side view a cap assembly configured for use on the medical device of Figure 1 according to aspects of the disclosure;
[0026] Figure 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of the cap assembly of Figure 2 according to aspects of the disclosure;
[0027] Figure 4 shows a bottom perspective view of a cap element of the cap assembly of Figure 2 according to aspects of the disclosure; and
[0028] Figure 5 shows a top perspective view of a connection element of the cap assembly of Figure 2 according to aspects of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] A cap assembly configured for use on a medical device according to aspects of the disclosure is described with reference to Figures 1-5. Like numerals represent like parts, and the cap assembly will generally be referred to by the reference numeral 10. Although the cap assembly 10 is described with reference to specific examples, it should be understood that modifications and changes may be made to these examples without going beyond the general scope as defined by the claims. In particular, individual characteristics of the various examples shown and / or mentioned herein may be combined in additional examples. Consequently, the description and the drawings should be considered in a sense that is illustrative rather than restrictive. The Figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative aspects and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The illustrative aspects depicted are intended only as exemplary.
[0030] The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example,” rather than “ideal.” While aspects of the disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit aspects of the disclosure to a particular example described. On the contrary, the intention of this disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0031] Various materials, methods of construction, methods of fastening, and the like may be described in the context of disclosed examples. Those skilled in the art will recognize known substitutes for the materials, construction methods, fastening methods, and the like, all of which are contemplated as compatible with the disclosed example and are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.
[0032] As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in a sense including “and / or,” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
[0033] Throughout the description, including the claims, the terms "comprising a,” “including a,” and “having a” should be understood as being synonymous with "comprising one or more," “including one or more,” and “having one or more” unless otherwise stated. In addition, any range set forth in the description, including the claims, should be understood as including its end value(s), unless otherwise stated. Specific values for described elements should be understood to be within accepted manufacturing or industry tolerances known to one of skill in the art, and any use of the terms "substantially," "approximately," and “generally” should be understood to mean falling within such accepted tolerances.
[0034] When an element or feature is referred to herein as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or feature, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element or feature, or intervening elements or features may be present. In contrast, when an element or feature is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or feature, there may be no intervening elements or features present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements or features should be interpreted in a like manner (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.).
[0035] Spatially relative terms, such as “top,” “bottom,” “middle,” “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or relationship of a feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of a device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
[0036] Although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, sections, and / or parameters, these elements, components, regions, layers, sections, and / or parameters should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, section, or parameter from another element, component, region, layer, section, or parameter. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, section, or parameter discussed herein could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, section, or parameter without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.
[0037] As shown by Figures 1-5, the cap assembly 10 is configured for use on a medical device 100. Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated that the cap assembly 10 may be considered to be and / or referred to as included by the medical device 100. However, the cap assembly 10 will be described herein as being independent of the medical device 100, unless description of the cap assembly 10 being included by the medical device 100 is otherwise necessary. In examples, the medical device 100 to which the cap assembly 10 is configured for use on may be configured to deliver a material (not shown) contained in the medical device 100 to a user by injecting, spraying, and / or otherwise dispensing a flow of a fluid to and / or within a body part of a user. However, the medical device 100 will be described herein as being configured to deliver the material to the user by injecting a flow of a fluid to and / or within a body part of the user, unless describing the medical device 100 as being configured to deliver the material to the user by spraying and / or otherwise dispensing a flow of a fluid to and / or within a body part of the user is otherwise necessary. It is contemplated that the material contained within the medical device 100 may be a fluid having medicinal properties.
[0038] Referring to Figures 1-3, the medical device 100 extends substantially longitudinally between a proximal end 102 and a distal end 104 along an axis A-A. Additionally or alternatively, the axis A-A may be considered to be and / or referred to as the axis A-A of the cap assembly 10. It is contemplated that the terms “proximal” and “distal” as used herein may be understood as a position and / or location corresponding to a component, device, and / or a portion thereof in relation to a hand (not shown) of the user when the user is holding the cap assembly 10 and / or the medical device 100. In examples, the term “proximal,” with respect to the cap assembly10 and / or the medical device 100, may correspond to a position and / or location provided at a distance closer to the hand of the user holding the cap assembly 10 and / or the medical device 100 than a “distal” position and / or location. The term “distal,” with respect to the cap assembly 10 and / or the medical device 100, may correspond to a position and / or location provided at a distance that is farther from the hand of the user holding the cap assembly 10 and / or the medical device 100 than a “proximal” position and / or location. Additionally or alternatively, a “distal direction” may be understood as a direction of delivery of the material from the medical device 100 during performance of a delivery operation of the material from the medical device 100 and a “proximal direction” may be understood as a direction substantially opposite the direction of delivery of the material from the medical device 100 and / or a direction toward the hand of the user holding the cap assembly 10 and / or medical device 100.
[0039] Referring to Figure 1, the medical device 100 may include a barrel 106 (may also be considered to be and / or referred to as a “reservoir”) configured to contain the material; a flange 108 (may also be considered to be and / or referred to as a “finger flange”) extending radially outwardly from the barrel 106 and configured to allow the user to grip and control the medical device 100; a plunger element 110 configured to decrease a volume within the barrel 106 and / or to increase a volume within the barrel 106 to push the material out of the barrel 106 and / or to draw the material into the barrel 106, respectively; a stopper 112 (may also be considered to be and / or referred to as a “piston”) affixed to the plunger element 110 and configured to seal the volume and / or the barrel 106; a tip 114 (may also be considered to be and / or referred to as a “needle” or a “nozzle”) configured to deliver the material to the user; a hub 116 configured to connect the tip 114 to the barrel 106; and a cap element 20 (may also be referred to herein as a “shield”) configured to protect and / or seal the tip 114. In examples, the hub 116 of the medical device 100 may be formed from a glass material and / or the like.
[0040] It is contemplated that the terms “outer,” “outward,” “inner,” and “inward” may be understood in relation to the axis A-A, such that the terms “outer” and “outward” may correspond to a position and / or direction farther from and / or away from the axis A-A in contrast with an “inner” and “inward” position and / or direction and the terms “inner” and “inward” may correspond to a position and / or direction closer to and / or toward the axis A-A in contrast with an “outer” and “outward” position and / or direction.
[0041] As shown by Figures 2-3, the cap assembly 10 extends substantially longitudinally between a proximal end 12 and a distal end 14 along the axis A-A. It is contemplated that the distal end 14 of the cap assembly 10 may correspond to, be considered to be, and / or be referred to as the distal end 104 of the medical device 100.
[0042] As shown by Figures 2-4, the cap assembly 10 includes a cap element 20 configured to enclose at least a portion of the medical device 100. In particular, the cap element 20 is configured to protect and / or seal the tip 114 of the medical device 100. Accordingly, the cap element 20 is configured to be mounted to the medical device 100. In examples, the cap element 20 may be configured to be, considered to be, and / or referred to as the cap element 20 of the medical device 100, such that the cap element 20 is configured to replace and / or be interchangeable with a corresponding cap element 20 of a corresponding medical device 100. Alternatively, in examples, the cap element 20 may be configured to be coupled to a corresponding cap element 20 of a corresponding medical device 100. However, the cap element 20 will be described herein as being configured to replace and / or be interchangeable with a corresponding cap element 20 of a corresponding medical device 100, unless description of the cap element 20 being configured to be coupled to a corresponding cap element 20 of a corresponding medical device 100 is otherwise necessary.
[0043] The cap element 20 includes a body 26 extending substantially axially between a proximal end 22 and a distal end 24 of the body 26. It is contemplated that the proximal end 22 and the distal end 24 of the body 26 of the cap element 20 may correspond to, be considered to be, and / or be referred to as the proximal end 12 and the distal end 14 of the cap assembly 10. Additionally, it is contemplated that the distal end 24 of the body 26 may correspond to, be considered to be, and / or be referred to as the distal end 104 of the medical device 100. The body 26 may be substantially cylindrical in shape. In examples, the body 26 may include a first segment 28a and a second segment 28b. The first segment 28a of the body 26 may be oriented proximally with respect to the second segment 28b of the body 26. Additionally or alternatively, the first segment 28a may extend from the proximal end 22 of the body 26 toward and / or to an intermediary portion 28c of the body 26. The second segment 28b may extend from the distal end 24 of the body 26 toward and / or to the intermediary portion 28c of the body 26. The first segment 28a may be distanced, offset, and / or otherwise separated from the second segment 28b. In examples, the first segment 28a mayinclude a length within a range of 1 mm and 15 mm. The second segment 28b may include a length within a range of 10 mm and 30 mm.
[0044] Referring to Figures 3-4, the body 26 of the cap element 20 defines an opening 30 at the proximal end 24 of the body 26. The opening 30 of the body 26 is configured to receive at least a portion of the medical device 100. In particular, the opening 30 of the body 26 is configured to receive the tip 114 of the medical device 100 and at least a portion of the hub 116 of the medical device 100. Additionally, the opening 30 of the body 26 is configured to receive at least a portion of a connection element 60 (discussed in further detail below) of the cap assembly 10 to mount and / or secure the cap element 20 to the connection element 60 and, thus, to the medical device 100. In examples, the distal end 24 of the body 26 is closed.
[0045] The body 26 of the cap element 20 defines a cavity 32 extending substantially axially from the proximal end 22 of the body 26 toward and / or to the distal end 24 of the body 26. The cavity 32 of the body 26 is in communication with the opening 30 of the body 26. The cavity 32 is configured to receive at least a portion of the medical device 100. In particular, the cavity 32 is configured to receive at least the tip 114 of the medical device 100. Additionally or alternatively, the cavity 32 may be configured to receive at least the tip 114 of the medical device 100 and at least a portion of the hub 116 of the medical device 100. Additionally, the cavity 32 is configured to receive at least a portion of the connection element 60 of the cap assembly 10.
[0046] As shown by Figure 3, the cap element 20 includes a sheath 40 configured to protect and / or seal the tip 114 of the medical device 100. The sheath 40 extends substantially axially between a proximal end 42 and a distal end 44 of the sheath 40. The sheath 40 may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The sheath 40 is oriented between the proximal end 22 and the distal end 24 of the body 26 of the cap element 20. Additionally or alternatively, the sheath 40 is oriented within the cavity 32 defined by the cap element 20. The sheath 40 defines a channel 46 configured to receive at least a portion of the medical device 100. In particular, the channel 46 of the sheath 40 is configured to receive at least the tip 114 of the medical device 100. The sheath 40 may be configured to be in surface-to-surface engagement with the tip 114 within the channel 46. Additionally, the sheath 40 may be configured to be in surface-to-surface engagement with the body 26 within the cavity 32.
[0047] In examples, the body 26 of the cap element 20 may formed from a first material having a first rigidity and the sheath 40 of the cap element 20 may be formed from a second material having a second rigidity. The first rigidity of the first material of the body 26 may be greater than the second rigidity of the second material of the sheath 40. In examples, the body 26 may be formed from a plastic material and / or the like. The sheath 40 may be formed from a rubber material and / or the like. In examples, one or more of the body 26 and the sheath 40 may be configured to maintain a position of the sheath 40 within the body 26. Accordingly, the body 26 may include a first engagement member (not shown) and the sheath 40 may include a second engagement member (not shown). The first engagement member of the body 26 may be configured to engage with the second engagement member of the sheath 40 to maintain a position of the sheath 40 within the body 26.
[0048] Referring to Figures 3-4, the body 26 of the cap element 20 includes a first coupling member 48 configured to mount and / or secure the cap element 20 to the connection element 60. The first coupling member 48 may be oriented at or adjacent to the proximal end 22 of the body 26. In examples, the first coupling member 48 may extend from the proximal end 22 of the body 26 toward the distal end 24 of the body 26. Additionally or alternatively, the first coupling member 48 may extend between the proximal end 22 of the body 26 and the proximal end 42 of the sheath 40 of the cap element 20. In particular, the first coupling member 48 may extend from the proximal end 22 of the body 26 toward and / or to the proximal end 42 of the sheath 40. In examples, the first coupling member 48 may be oriented within the first segment 28a of the body 26 and the sheath 40 may be oriented within the second segment 28b of the body 26. In this manner, the cap assembly 10 is configured to prevent the sheath 40 from obstructing removal of the cap element 20 from the connection element 60.
[0049] The first coupling member 48 of the cap element 20 may be oriented on an inner surface 50 of the body 26. Accordingly, the first coupling member 48 may be oriented within the cavity 32 defined by the body 26. In examples, the first coupling member 48 may be configured to be, considered to be, and / or referred to as a thread. Additionally or alternatively, the first coupling member 48 may be configured to be, considered to be, and / or referred to as a Luer lock thread and / or Luer-Lok™ thread, such as that defined by ISO 80369, configured to form an air-tight and leak-free connection. In thismanner, the cap assembly 10 is configured to hermetically seal the tip 114 of the medical device 100.
[0050] As shown by Figures 3 and 5, the cap assembly 10 includes the connection element 60 extending axially between a proximal end 62 and a distal end 64 of the connection element 60. It is contemplated that the proximal end 62 of the connection element 60 may correspond to, be configured to be, and / or be referred to as the proximal end 12 of the cap assembly 10. In examples, the connection element 60 may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The connection element 60 may be formed from a plastic material and / or the like. The connection element 60 is configured to be mounted and / or secured to at least a portion of the medical device 100. In particular, the connection element 60 is configured to be mounted and / or secured to at least the hub 116 of the medical device 100. Additionally, the connection element 60 is configured to be received by the cap element 20. In this manner, the connection element 60 is configured to mount and / or secure the cap element 20 to the connection element 60 and, thus, to secure the cap element 20 to the medical device 100. Additionally, in this manner, the cap assembly 10 is configured to be easily adaptable and / or implementable on a variety of medical devices 100.
[0051] Referring to Figures 3 and 5, the connection element 60 includes a second coupling member 68 configured to mount and / or secure the cap element 20 to the connection element 60. In examples, the first coupling member 48 of the cap element 20 is configured to mate with the second coupling member 68 of the connection element 60. The second coupling member 68 may extend between the proximal end 62 of the connection element 60 and the distal end 64 of the connection element 60. In particular, the second coupling member 68 may extend from the proximal end 62 of the connection element 60 toward and / or to the distal end 64 of the connection element 60. The second coupling member 68 may be oriented on an outer surface 70 of the connection element 60. In examples, the second coupling member 68 may be configured to be, considered to be, and / or referred to as a thread, complimentary to the first coupling member 48. Additionally or alternatively, the second coupling member 68 may be configured to be, considered to be, and / or referred to as a Luer lock thread and / or Luer-Lok™ thread, such as that defined by ISO 80369, configured to allow for an air-tight and leak-free connection. In this manner, the cap assembly 10 is configured to hermetically seal the tip 114 of the medical device 100.
[0052] Referring to Figure 3, the connection element 60 defines a first opening 72 at the proximal end 62 of the connection element 60 and a second opening 74 at the distal end 64 of the connection element 60. The first opening 72 and the second opening 74 of the connection element 60 are oriented about the axis A-A. Additionally, the connection element 60 defines a passage 76 extending substantially axially between the first opening 72 and the second opening 74 of the connection element 60. The passage 76 of the connection element 60 is in communication with the first opening 72 and the second opening 74 of the connection element 60.
[0053] Each of the first opening 72, the second opening 74, and the passage 76 of the connection element 60 are configured to receive at least a portion of the hub 116 of the medical device 100. Accordingly, the hub 116 may be inserted through the first opening 72 of the connection element 60 and through the passage 76 of the connection element 60. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the hub 116 may extend out of the second opening 74 of the connection element 60 when the hub 116 is inserted through the first opening 72 of the connection element 60 and through the passage 76 of the connection element 60. Accordingly, the tip 114 of the medical device 100 may be inserted through the first opening 72 of the connection element 60 and through the passage 76 of the connection element 60. The tip 114 extends out of the second opening 74 of the connection element 60 when the tip 114 is inserted through the first opening 72 of the connection element 60 and the passage 76 of the connection element 60. In this manner, the connection element 60 may be mounted and / or secured to the hub 116.
[0054] In examples, the connection element 60 is configured to engage the hub 116 of the medical device 100 within the passage 76 of the connection element 60. Additionally or alternatively, the connection element 60 may be configured to be joined to the hub 116 within the passage 76 of the connection element 60. In particular, the connection element 60 may be configured to receive an adhesive bond with the hub 116, with epoxy glue and / or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the connection element 60 may be configured to receive a thermal bond with the hub 116, with controlled heating and / or the like.
[0055] In operation, the connection element 60 is mounted and / or secured to the hub 116 of the medical device 100 by inserting the hub 116 through the connection element 60. The cap element 20 is mounted and / or secured to the connection element 60 byinserting the connection element 60 within the cap element 20 and mating the first coupling member 48 of the cap element 20 with the second coupling member 68 of the connection element 60. In particular, mating the first coupling member 48 with the second coupling member 68 includes rotating the first coupling member 48 and / or the cap element 20 in a first direction relative to the second coupling member 68 and / or the connection element 60. The cap element 20 is removed from the connection element 60 by rotating the first coupling member 48 and / or the cap element 20 in a second direction relative to the second coupling member 68 and / or the connection element 60. Additionally or alternatively, mating the first coupling member 48 with the second coupling member 68 may include rotating the second coupling member 68 and / or the connection element 60 in a first direction relative to the first coupling member 48 and / or the cap element 20. Accordingly, the cap element 20 may be removed from the connection element 60 by rotating the second coupling member 68 and / or the connection element 60 in a second direction relative to the first coupling member 48 and / or the cap element 20.
[0056] In this manner, the cap assembly 10 is configured to facilitate removal of the cap element 20 from the medical device 100, without sacrificing a capability of the cap element 20 to protect and / or seal the tip 114 of the medical device 100. Additionally, in this manner, the cap assembly 10 is configured to be adaptable and / or implementable on a variety of medical devices 100.
[0057] Although the present disclosure herein has been described with reference to particular examples, it is to be understood that these examples are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure.
[0058] It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.
[0059] Additionally, all of the disclosed features of an apparatus may be transposed, alone or in combination, to a method and vice versa.
Claims
CLAIMS1. A cap assembly (10) configured for use on a medical device (100), the cap assembly extending longitudinally between a proximal end (12) and a distal end (14) along an axis (A-A), the cap assembly comprising:a cap element (20) configured to enclose at least a portion of a medical device (100), the cap element including a body (26) extending axially between a proximal end (22) and a distal end (24), a sheath (34) oriented between the proximal end and the distal end of the body, and a first coupling member (48) oriented at or adjacent to the proximal end of the body; anda connection element (60) configured to be mounted to the medical device (100), the connection element including a second coupling member (68) configured to mate with the first coupling member (48) of the cap element (20) to secure the cap element to the connection element.
2. The cap assembly (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the sheath (34) of the cap element (20) extends axially between a proximal end (42) and a distal end (44).
3. The cap assembly (10) according to claim 2, wherein the first coupling member (48) of the cap element (20) extends axially between the proximal end (22) of the body (26) of the cap element and the proximal end (42) of the sheath (40) of the cap element.
4. The cap assembly (10) according to any of claims 1 -3, wherein the body (26) of the cap element (20) includes a first segment (28a) and a second segment (28b), the first segment is oriented proximally relative to the second segment, the first coupling member (48) of the cap element is oriented within the first segment, and the sheath (40) of the cap element is oriented within the second segment.
5. The cap assembly (10) according to any of claims 1 -4, wherein the body (26) of the cap element (20) is formed from a first material having a first rigidity, the sheath (40) of the cap element is formed from a second material having a second rigidity, and the first rigidity of the first material is greater than the second rigidity of the second material.
6. The cap assembly (10) according to any of claims 1 -5, wherein the first coupling member (48) of the cap element (20) is included on an inner surface (50) of the body (26) of the cap element.
7. The cap assembly (10) according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the second coupling member (68) of the connection element (60) is included on an outer surface (70) of the connection element.
8. The cap assembly (10) according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the connection element (60) extends axially between a proximal end (62) and a distal end (64).
9. The cap assembly (10) according to claim 8, wherein the connection element (60) defines a first opening (72) at the proximal end (62) of the connection element, a second opening (74) at the distal end (64) of the connection element, and a passage (76) extending axially between the first opening and the second opening.
10. The cap assembly (10) according to claim 9, wherein each of the first opening (72) of the connection element (60), the second opening (74) of the connection element, and the passage (76) of the connection element are configured to receive at least a portion of a hub (116) of the medical device (100).11.The cap assembly (10) according to any of claims 9-10, wherein the connection element (60) is configured to engage a hub (116) of the medical device (100) within the passage (76) of the connection element.
12. The cap assembly (10) according to any of claims 9-11 , wherein the connection element (60) is configured to receive one or more of an adhesive bond and a thermal bond with a hub (116) of the medical device (100) within the passage (76) of the connection element.
13. The cap assembly (10) according to any of claims 1-12, wherein each of the first coupling member (48) of the cap element (20) and the second coupling member (68) of the connection element (60) are configured to form a threaded connection.
14. A medical device (100) including the cap assembly (10) according to any of claims 1-13.
15. A method of securing a cap element (20) to a medical device (100), the method comprising:providing the cap assembly (10) according to any of claims 1-13;inserting the connection element (60) into the cap element (20); and rotating the cap element (20) relative to the connection element (60).