US20190134375A1 - Enteral feeding connector - Google Patents
Enteral feeding connector Download PDFInfo
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- US20190134375A1 US20190134375A1 US16/110,662 US201816110662A US2019134375A1 US 20190134375 A1 US20190134375 A1 US 20190134375A1 US 201816110662 A US201816110662 A US 201816110662A US 2019134375 A1 US2019134375 A1 US 2019134375A1
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- Prior art keywords
- connector
- enteral feeding
- annular
- connecting portion
- annular portion
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M39/00—Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
- A61M39/10—Tube connectors; Tube couplings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M39/00—Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
- A61M39/10—Tube connectors; Tube couplings
- A61M2039/1027—Quick-acting type connectors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M39/00—Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
- A61M39/10—Tube connectors; Tube couplings
- A61M2039/1033—Swivel nut connectors, e.g. threaded connectors, bayonet-connectors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M39/00—Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
- A61M39/10—Tube connectors; Tube couplings
- A61M2039/1038—Union screw connectors, e.g. hollow screw or sleeve having external threads
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M39/00—Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
- A61M39/10—Tube connectors; Tube couplings
- A61M2039/1066—Tube connectors; Tube couplings having protection means, e.g. sliding sleeve to protect connector itself, shrouds to protect a needle present in the connector, protective housing, isolating sheath
Definitions
- the present disclosure generally relates to an enteral feeding connector, and more particularly, to a small-bore enteral feeding connector including a fluid drain.
- tubing adapted for manual connection in order to provide a fluid connection between devices or between a device and a patient including enteral feeding pumps and enteral feeding lines.
- Each of these devices includes one or more connectors that a user or practitioner may connect together.
- FIG. 1 shows a conventional enteral feeding connector assembly of the prior art including a male enteral feeding small-bore connector 1 and a female enteral feeding small-bore connector 3 configured to be connected to one another for use in connecting enteral fluid lines in healthcare applications.
- the enteral feeding connectors 1 , 3 deliver fluid in the fluid lines through a fluid passage 5 extending through the connectors. Fluid is typically delivered from the female connector 3 to the male connector 1 .
- the male enteral feeding small-bore connector 1 includes a well 7 located at an end of the male connector that engages with the female connector 3 for threadably connecting the male connector with the female connector.
- enteral feeding connectors of this type A problem with enteral feeding connectors of this type is that when the female connector 3 is separated from the male connector 1 , after fluid has been delivered through the connectors, fluid can collect in the well 7 of the male connector. This exposed fluid can become contaminated by the surrounding environment. When the connectors 1 , 3 are subsequently reconnected ( FIG. 2 ), the contaminated fluid can be forced into the fluid passage 5 of the connectors and delivered to the patient.
- a medical tubing connector generally comprises a first connector portion configured for connecting to a mating second connector.
- a tube engagement portion is integral with and opposite the first connector portion and configured for connecting to a medical tube.
- a liquid passage extends through the first connector portion and the tube engagement portion.
- the first connector portion includes a continuous outer surface for sealing engagement with the mating second connector.
- An annular portion is integral with and surrounds the first connector portion.
- a connecting portion connects the first connector portion to the annular portion. The connecting portion is discontinuous permitting liquid to pass through the connecting portion so that liquid is prevented from pooling between the first connector portion and the annular portion.
- the discontinuity comprises an open area of the connecting portion.
- the open area of the connecting portion extends over at least 40% of the connecting portion.
- the open area of the connecting portion extends over at least 80% of the connecting portion.
- the connecting portion is defined by spaced apart connecting arms extending between the first connector portion and the annular portion.
- the connecting portion comprises a floor extending circumferentially around the first connector portion, the floor defining a plurality of openings permitting liquid to pass through the connecting portion.
- the openings are circumferentially spaced around the connecting portion.
- the openings comprise circular holes in the floor.
- the openings comprise oblong slots in the floor.
- the slots extend at least partially along the annular portion.
- the annular portion comprises a threaded inner surface for mating with threads on the mating second connector.
- the connector comprises a small-bore connector.
- the first connector portion, the tube engagement portion, and the annular portion are formed as one piece of material.
- the first connector portion is continuous such that the first connector portion is free of any channels or grooves in the outer surface of the first connector portion.
- a male enteral feeding connector generally comprises a first connector portion configured for connecting to a female enteral feeding connector.
- a tube engagement portion is integral with and opposite the first connector portion and configured for connecting to an enteral feeding tube for delivering enteral feeding fluid to a patient.
- a liquid passage extends through the first connector portion and the tube engagement portion.
- the first connector portion includes a continuous outer surface for sealing engagement with the female enteral feeding connector.
- An annular portion is integral with and surrounds the first connector portion.
- a connecting portion connects the first connector portion to the annular portion. The connecting portion is discontinuous permitting liquid to pass through the connecting portion so that liquid is prevented from pooling between the first connector portion and the annular portion.
- the discontinuity of the connecting portion comprises an open area of the connecting portion.
- the connecting portion is defined by spaced apart connecting arms extending between the first connector portion and the annular portion.
- the connecting portion comprises a floor extending circumferentially around the first connector portion, the floor defining a plurality of openings permitting liquid to pass through the connecting portion.
- the openings are circumferentially spaced around the connecting portion.
- the connector comprises a small-bore connector.
- the first connector portion, the tube engagement portion, and the annular portion are formed as one piece of material.
- the male enteral feeding connector is in combination with the female enteral feeding connector.
- the first connector portion is continuous such that the first connector portion is free of any channels or grooves in the outer surface of the first connector portion.
- an enteral feeding connector generally comprises a first connector portion configured for connecting to a mating second connector.
- a tube engagement portion is integral with and opposite the first connector portion and configured for connecting to a medical tube.
- a liquid passage extends through the first connector portion and the tube engagement portion.
- the first connector portion includes a continuous outer surface for sealing engagement with the mating second connector.
- An annular portion is integral with and surrounds the first connector portion.
- a connecting portion connects the first connector portion to the annular portion. A drain between the first connector portion and the annular portion prevents fluid from pooling between the first connector portion and the annular portion.
- FIG. 1 is a cross section of a prior art enteral feeding connection assembly in a disconnected configuration illustrating fluid collection in a well in the assembly;
- FIG. 2 is a cross section of the prior art enteral feeding connection assembly of FIG. 1 in a connected configuration
- FIG. 3 is a perspective of an enteral feeding connector assembly
- FIG. 4 is a perspective of a male enteral feeding connector of the assembly of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a front end view of the male enteral feeding connector of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 6 is a rear end view of the male enteral feeding connector of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective of a female enteral feeding connector of the assembly of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 8A is a section of the male enteral feeding connector disconnected from the female enteral feeding connector
- FIG. 8B is a section of the male enteral feeding connector connected to the female enteral feeding connector
- FIG. 9 is a perspective of another male enteral feeding connector
- FIG. 10 is a front end view of the male enteral feeding connector of FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 11 is a rear end view of the male enteral feeding connector of FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 12 is a perspective of another male enteral feeding connector
- FIG. 13 is a front end view of the male enteral feeding connector of FIG. 12 ;
- FIG. 14 is a rear end view of the male enteral feeding connector of FIG. 12 .
- an enteral feeding connector assembly is generally indicated at 11 .
- the assembly comprises a male enteral feeding small-bore connector 13 and a female enteral feeding small-bore connector 15 configured to connect to the male enteral feeding small-bore connector.
- the male enteral feeding small-bore connector 13 may be configured to connect to tubing (not shown) that interfaces with a patient at a tube connection end 17 of the male enteral feeding small-bore connector, and connect to the female enteral feeding small-bore connector 15 at a connector end 19 of the male enteral feeding small-bore connector.
- the female enteral feeding small-bore connector 15 may be configured to connect to the male enteral feeding small-bore connector 13 at a connector end 21 of the female enteral feeding small-bore connector, and connect to tubing (not shown) from a fluid source (e.g., nutrient bag) at a tube connection end 23 of the female enteral feeding small-bore connector.
- the male enteral feeding small-bore connector 13 may include a drain 25 permitting fluid to drain out of the connector as will be explained in greater detail below.
- the connector ends 19 , 21 of the enteral feeding connectors 13 , 15 may be discriminating connectors such that they are incompatible with any other small-bore connectors. It is also envisioned that other types of enteral feeding connectors can be used. For instance, luer-type enteral feeding connectors are also within the scope of the disclosure.
- the male enteral feeding small-bore connector 13 may comprise a connector body 31 including the connector end 19 , the tube connection end 17 , and a fluid passage 33 extending through the connector body from the connector end to the tube connection end.
- the connector end 19 of the connector body 31 may comprise a male connector portion 35 defining a part of the fluid passage 33 , an annular portion 37 surrounding the male connector portion, and a connecting portion 39 connecting the annular portion to the male connector portion.
- An outer surface 41 of the male connector portion 35 may be configured for sealing engagement with an inner surface 43 of the connector end 21 of the female enteral feeding small-bore connector 15 ( FIGS. 7 and 8B ).
- the outer surface 41 of the male connector portion 35 may have a continuous profile such that the male connector portion is free of any channels or grooves in the outer surface of the male connector portion.
- An inner surface 45 of the annular portion 37 may include threads 47 for engaging threads 49 on an outer surface 51 of the connector end 21 of the female connector 15 for securely engaging the male enteral feeding small-bore connector 13 with the female enteral feeding small-bore connector. Connection of the male and female enteral feeding small-bore connectors 13 , 15 establishes fluid communication between the fluid passage 33 in the male connector and a fluid passage 53 in the female connector.
- the connecting portion 39 may comprise a pair of spaced apart connecting arms 55 extending between the male connector portion 35 and the annular portion 37 .
- a pair of arcuate openings 57 at sides of the connecting arms 55 may communicate with an interior space 59 of the annular portion 37 to create secondary passages around the male connector portion 35 and past the connecting portion 39 .
- the openings 57 allow fluid to pass from the interior space 59 of the annular portion 37 directly through the connecting portion 39 without being obstructed by structure of the male connector 13 . Therefore, when the female connector 15 is separated from the male connector 13 , after fluid has been delivered through the connectors, a substantial amount of fluid cannot collect within the interior space 59 of the annular portion 37 ( FIG. 8A ).
- the openings 57 allow the fluid to pass through the connecting portion 39 preventing the fluid from pooling and potentially becoming contaminated.
- the connectors 13 , 15 are reconnected ( FIG. 8B )
- there is no or very little fluid within the interior space 59 of the annular portion 37 so that no fluid is forced from the annular portion interior space into the fluid passages 33 , 53 and delivered to the patient.
- the spaced apart connecting arms 55 form a discontinuity in the connecting portion 39 which provides an open area for fluid to pass through the connecting portion.
- the discontinuity extends over about 80% of the connecting portion 39 .
- the discontinuity can be defined by the open space extending from the sides of the connecting arms 55 circumferentially around the male connector portion 35 .
- the discontinuity of the connecting portion 39 could be greater or lesser than 80% depending on an extent to which the connecting arms 55 extend in the circumferential direction and/or the number of connecting arms. For example, in one or more embodiments, the discontinuity can be greater than 40%.
- a male enteral feeding small-bore connector 113 may comprise a connector body 131 including a connector end 119 , a tube connection end 117 , and a fluid passage 133 extending through the connector body from the connector end to the tube connection end.
- the connector end 119 of the connector body 131 may comprise a male connector portion 135 ( FIG. 10 ) defining a part of the fluid passage 133 , an annular portion 137 surrounding the male connector portion, and a connecting portion 139 connecting the annular portion to the male connector portion.
- An outer surface 141 of the male connector portion 135 may be configured for sealing engagement with the inner surface 43 of the connector end 21 of the female enteral feeding small-bore connector 15 ( FIG. 7 ).
- the outer surface 141 of the male connector portion 135 may have a continuous profile such that the male connector portion is free of any channels or grooves in the outer surface of the male connector portion.
- An inner surface 145 of the annular portion 137 may include threads 147 for engaging the threads 49 on the outer surface 51 of the connector end of the female connector 15 for securely engaging the male enteral feeding small-bore connector 113 with the female enteral feeding small-bore connector. Connection of the male and female enteral feeding small-bore connectors 113 , 15 establishes fluid communication between the fluid passage 133 in the male connector and the fluid passage 53 in the female connector.
- the connecting portion 139 may comprise an annular floor 155 extending circumferentially around the male connector portion 135 between the male connector portion and the annular portion 137 .
- a plurality of openings 157 extending through the floor 155 may communicate with an interior space 159 of the annular portion 137 to create secondary passages around the male connector portion 135 and past the connecting portion 139 .
- the openings 157 may comprise circular holes that are circumferentially spaced around the connecting portion 139 .
- Adjacent openings 157 may be spaced by an angle .alpha. about 45 degrees from each other ( FIG. 11 ). Other degrees of spacing are also envisioned.
- the openings 157 allow fluid to pass from the interior space 159 of the annular portion 137 through the connecting portion 139 . Therefore, when the female connector 15 is separated from the male connector 113 , after fluid has been delivered through the connectors, a substantial amount of fluid cannot collect within the interior space 159 of the annular portion 137 . Instead, the openings 157 allow the fluid to pass through the connecting portion 139 preventing the fluid from pooling and potentially becoming contaminated. Thus, when the connectors 113 , 15 are reconnected, there is no or very little fluid within the interior space 159 of the annular portion 137 so that no fluid is forced from the annular portion interior space into the fluid passages 133 , 53 and delivered to the patient.
- the openings 157 in the floor 155 form a discontinuity in the connecting portion 139 which provides an open area for fluid to pass through the connecting portion.
- the discontinuity extends over about 35% of the connecting portion 139 .
- the discontinuity can be defined by the open spaces formed by the openings 157 .
- the discontinuity of the connecting portion 139 could be greater or lesser than 35% depending on the size and/or the number of the openings 157 .
- a male enteral feeding small-bore connector 213 may comprise a connector body 231 including a connector end 219 , a tube connection end 217 , and a fluid passage 233 extending through the connector body from the connector end to the tube connection end.
- the connector end 219 of the connector body 231 may comprise a male connector portion 235 defining a part of the fluid passage 233 , an annular portion 237 surrounding the male connector portion, and a connecting portion 239 connecting the annular portion to the male connector portion.
- An outer surface 241 of the male connector portion 235 may be configured for sealing engagement with the inner surface 43 of the connector end 21 of the female enteral feeding small-bore connector 15 ( FIG. 7 ).
- the outer surface 241 of the male connector portion 235 may have a continuous profile such that the male connector portion is free of any channels or grooves in the outer surface of the male connector portion.
- An inner surface 245 of the annular portion 237 may include threads 247 for engaging the threads 49 on the outer surface 51 of the connector end of the female connector 15 for securely engaging the male enteral feeding small-bore connector with the female enteral feeding small-bore connector. Connection of the male and female enteral feeding small-bore connectors 213 , 15 establishes fluid communication between the fluid passage 233 in the male connector and the fluid passage 53 in the female connector.
- the connecting portion 239 may comprise an annular floor 255 extending circumferentially around the male connector portion 235 between the male connector portion and the annular portion 237 .
- a plurality of slots 257 extending through the floor 255 may communicate with an interior space 259 of the annular portion 237 to create secondary passages around the male connector portion 235 and past the connecting portion 239 .
- the slots 257 may comprise oblong holes that are circumferentially spaced around the connecting portion 239 and extend radially along the connecting portion.
- a portion of each slot 257 may also extend continuously from the connector portion 239 longitudinally along the annular portion 237 increasing a total open area of the slots.
- Adjacent slots 257 may be spaced by angle .beta. about 45 degrees from each other ( FIG. 14 ). Other degrees of spacing are also envisioned.
- the slots 257 allow fluid to pass from the interior space 259 of the annular portion 237 through the connecting portion 239 and annular portion 237 . Therefore, when the female connector 15 is separated from the male connector 213 , after fluid has been delivered through the connectors, a substantial amount of fluid cannot collect within the interior space 259 of the annular portion 237 . Instead, the slots 257 allow the fluid to pass through the connecting portion 239 and annular portion 237 preventing the fluid from pooling and potentially becoming contaminated. Thus, when the connectors 213 , 15 are reconnected, there is no or very little fluid within the interior space 259 of the annular portion 237 so that no fluid is forced from the annular portion interior space into the fluid passages 233 , 53 and delivered to the patient.
- the slots 257 in the floor 255 form a discontinuity in the connecting portion 239 which provides an open area for fluid to pass through the connecting portion.
- the discontinuity extends over about 35% of the connecting portion 239 .
- the discontinuity can be defined by the open spaces formed by the slots 257 .
- the discontinuity of the connecting portion 239 could be greater or lesser than 35% depending on the size and/or the number of the slots 257 .
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/863,654, titled ENTERAL FEEDING CONNECTOR, which was filed on Mar. 31, 2016, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
- The present disclosure generally relates to an enteral feeding connector, and more particularly, to a small-bore enteral feeding connector including a fluid drain.
- In a medical environment, many devices have tubing adapted for manual connection in order to provide a fluid connection between devices or between a device and a patient including enteral feeding pumps and enteral feeding lines. Each of these devices includes one or more connectors that a user or practitioner may connect together.
-
FIG. 1 shows a conventional enteral feeding connector assembly of the prior art including a male enteral feeding small-bore connector 1 and a female enteral feeding small-bore connector 3 configured to be connected to one another for use in connecting enteral fluid lines in healthcare applications. Theenteral feeding connectors fluid passage 5 extending through the connectors. Fluid is typically delivered from thefemale connector 3 to themale connector 1. The male enteral feeding small-bore connector 1 includes awell 7 located at an end of the male connector that engages with thefemale connector 3 for threadably connecting the male connector with the female connector. A problem with enteral feeding connectors of this type is that when thefemale connector 3 is separated from themale connector 1, after fluid has been delivered through the connectors, fluid can collect in thewell 7 of the male connector. This exposed fluid can become contaminated by the surrounding environment. When theconnectors FIG. 2 ), the contaminated fluid can be forced into thefluid passage 5 of the connectors and delivered to the patient. - In one aspect, a medical tubing connector generally comprises a first connector portion configured for connecting to a mating second connector. A tube engagement portion is integral with and opposite the first connector portion and configured for connecting to a medical tube. A liquid passage extends through the first connector portion and the tube engagement portion. The first connector portion includes a continuous outer surface for sealing engagement with the mating second connector. An annular portion is integral with and surrounds the first connector portion. A connecting portion connects the first connector portion to the annular portion. The connecting portion is discontinuous permitting liquid to pass through the connecting portion so that liquid is prevented from pooling between the first connector portion and the annular portion.
- In some embodiments, the discontinuity comprises an open area of the connecting portion.
- In certain embodiments, the open area of the connecting portion extends over at least 40% of the connecting portion.
- In some embodiments, the open area of the connecting portion extends over at least 80% of the connecting portion.
- In certain embodiments, the connecting portion is defined by spaced apart connecting arms extending between the first connector portion and the annular portion.
- In some embodiments, the connecting portion comprises a floor extending circumferentially around the first connector portion, the floor defining a plurality of openings permitting liquid to pass through the connecting portion.
- In certain embodiments, the openings are circumferentially spaced around the connecting portion.
- In some embodiments, the openings comprise circular holes in the floor.
- In certain embodiments, the openings comprise oblong slots in the floor.
- In some embodiments, the slots extend at least partially along the annular portion.
- In certain embodiments, the annular portion comprises a threaded inner surface for mating with threads on the mating second connector.
- In some embodiments, the connector comprises a small-bore connector.
- In certain embodiments, the first connector portion, the tube engagement portion, and the annular portion are formed as one piece of material.
- In some embodiments, the first connector portion is continuous such that the first connector portion is free of any channels or grooves in the outer surface of the first connector portion.
- In another aspect, a male enteral feeding connector generally comprises a first connector portion configured for connecting to a female enteral feeding connector. A tube engagement portion is integral with and opposite the first connector portion and configured for connecting to an enteral feeding tube for delivering enteral feeding fluid to a patient. A liquid passage extends through the first connector portion and the tube engagement portion. The first connector portion includes a continuous outer surface for sealing engagement with the female enteral feeding connector. An annular portion is integral with and surrounds the first connector portion. A connecting portion connects the first connector portion to the annular portion. The connecting portion is discontinuous permitting liquid to pass through the connecting portion so that liquid is prevented from pooling between the first connector portion and the annular portion.
- In certain embodiments, the discontinuity of the connecting portion comprises an open area of the connecting portion.
- In some embodiments, the connecting portion is defined by spaced apart connecting arms extending between the first connector portion and the annular portion.
- In certain embodiments, the connecting portion comprises a floor extending circumferentially around the first connector portion, the floor defining a plurality of openings permitting liquid to pass through the connecting portion.
- In some embodiments, the openings are circumferentially spaced around the connecting portion.
- In certain embodiments, the connector comprises a small-bore connector.
- In some embodiments, the first connector portion, the tube engagement portion, and the annular portion are formed as one piece of material.
- In certain embodiments, the male enteral feeding connector is in combination with the female enteral feeding connector.
- In some embodiments, the first connector portion is continuous such that the first connector portion is free of any channels or grooves in the outer surface of the first connector portion.
- In another aspect, an enteral feeding connector generally comprises a first connector portion configured for connecting to a mating second connector. A tube engagement portion is integral with and opposite the first connector portion and configured for connecting to a medical tube. A liquid passage extends through the first connector portion and the tube engagement portion. The first connector portion includes a continuous outer surface for sealing engagement with the mating second connector. An annular portion is integral with and surrounds the first connector portion. A connecting portion connects the first connector portion to the annular portion. A drain between the first connector portion and the annular portion prevents fluid from pooling between the first connector portion and the annular portion.
- Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
-
FIG. 1 is a cross section of a prior art enteral feeding connection assembly in a disconnected configuration illustrating fluid collection in a well in the assembly; -
FIG. 2 is a cross section of the prior art enteral feeding connection assembly ofFIG. 1 in a connected configuration; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective of an enteral feeding connector assembly; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective of a male enteral feeding connector of the assembly ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a front end view of the male enteral feeding connector ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is a rear end view of the male enteral feeding connector ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective of a female enteral feeding connector of the assembly ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 8A is a section of the male enteral feeding connector disconnected from the female enteral feeding connector; -
FIG. 8B is a section of the male enteral feeding connector connected to the female enteral feeding connector; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective of another male enteral feeding connector; -
FIG. 10 is a front end view of the male enteral feeding connector ofFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 11 is a rear end view of the male enteral feeding connector ofFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective of another male enteral feeding connector; -
FIG. 13 is a front end view of the male enteral feeding connector ofFIG. 12 ; and -
FIG. 14 is a rear end view of the male enteral feeding connector ofFIG. 12 . - Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
- Referring now to
FIG. 3 , an enteral feeding connector assembly is generally indicated at 11. The assembly comprises a male enteral feeding small-bore connector 13 and a female enteral feeding small-bore connector 15 configured to connect to the male enteral feeding small-bore connector. The male enteral feeding small-bore connector 13 may be configured to connect to tubing (not shown) that interfaces with a patient at a tube connection end 17 of the male enteral feeding small-bore connector, and connect to the female enteral feeding small-bore connector 15 at aconnector end 19 of the male enteral feeding small-bore connector. The female enteral feeding small-bore connector 15 may be configured to connect to the male enteral feeding small-bore connector 13 at aconnector end 21 of the female enteral feeding small-bore connector, and connect to tubing (not shown) from a fluid source (e.g., nutrient bag) at a tube connection end 23 of the female enteral feeding small-bore connector. The male enteral feeding small-bore connector 13 may include adrain 25 permitting fluid to drain out of the connector as will be explained in greater detail below. - The connector ends 19, 21 of the
enteral feeding connectors - Referring to
FIGS. 4-6 , the male enteral feeding small-bore connector 13 may comprise aconnector body 31 including theconnector end 19, thetube connection end 17, and afluid passage 33 extending through the connector body from the connector end to the tube connection end. Theconnector end 19 of theconnector body 31 may comprise amale connector portion 35 defining a part of thefluid passage 33, anannular portion 37 surrounding the male connector portion, and a connectingportion 39 connecting the annular portion to the male connector portion. Anouter surface 41 of themale connector portion 35 may be configured for sealing engagement with aninner surface 43 of theconnector end 21 of the female enteral feeding small-bore connector 15 (FIGS. 7 and 8B ). For instance, theouter surface 41 of themale connector portion 35 may have a continuous profile such that the male connector portion is free of any channels or grooves in the outer surface of the male connector portion. Aninner surface 45 of theannular portion 37 may includethreads 47 for engagingthreads 49 on anouter surface 51 of theconnector end 21 of thefemale connector 15 for securely engaging the male enteral feeding small-bore connector 13 with the female enteral feeding small-bore connector. Connection of the male and female enteral feeding small-bore connectors fluid passage 33 in the male connector and afluid passage 53 in the female connector. - The connecting
portion 39 may comprise a pair of spaced apart connectingarms 55 extending between themale connector portion 35 and theannular portion 37. A pair ofarcuate openings 57 at sides of the connectingarms 55 may communicate with aninterior space 59 of theannular portion 37 to create secondary passages around themale connector portion 35 and past the connectingportion 39. In the illustrated embodiment, theopenings 57 allow fluid to pass from theinterior space 59 of theannular portion 37 directly through the connectingportion 39 without being obstructed by structure of themale connector 13. Therefore, when thefemale connector 15 is separated from themale connector 13, after fluid has been delivered through the connectors, a substantial amount of fluid cannot collect within theinterior space 59 of the annular portion 37 (FIG. 8A ). Instead, theopenings 57 allow the fluid to pass through the connectingportion 39 preventing the fluid from pooling and potentially becoming contaminated. Thus, when theconnectors FIG. 8B ), there is no or very little fluid within theinterior space 59 of theannular portion 37 so that no fluid is forced from the annular portion interior space into thefluid passages - The spaced apart connecting
arms 55 form a discontinuity in the connectingportion 39 which provides an open area for fluid to pass through the connecting portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the discontinuity extends over about 80% of the connectingportion 39. The discontinuity can be defined by the open space extending from the sides of the connectingarms 55 circumferentially around themale connector portion 35. The discontinuity of the connectingportion 39 could be greater or lesser than 80% depending on an extent to which the connectingarms 55 extend in the circumferential direction and/or the number of connecting arms. For example, in one or more embodiments, the discontinuity can be greater than 40%. - Referring to
FIGS. 9-11 , a male enteral feeding small-bore connector 113 may comprise aconnector body 131 including aconnector end 119, atube connection end 117, and afluid passage 133 extending through the connector body from the connector end to the tube connection end. Theconnector end 119 of theconnector body 131 may comprise a male connector portion 135 (FIG. 10 ) defining a part of thefluid passage 133, anannular portion 137 surrounding the male connector portion, and a connectingportion 139 connecting the annular portion to the male connector portion. Anouter surface 141 of themale connector portion 135 may be configured for sealing engagement with theinner surface 43 of theconnector end 21 of the female enteral feeding small-bore connector 15 (FIG. 7 ). For instance, theouter surface 141 of themale connector portion 135 may have a continuous profile such that the male connector portion is free of any channels or grooves in the outer surface of the male connector portion. Aninner surface 145 of theannular portion 137 may includethreads 147 for engaging thethreads 49 on theouter surface 51 of the connector end of thefemale connector 15 for securely engaging the male enteral feeding small-bore connector 113 with the female enteral feeding small-bore connector. Connection of the male and female enteral feeding small-bore connectors fluid passage 133 in the male connector and thefluid passage 53 in the female connector. - The connecting
portion 139 may comprise anannular floor 155 extending circumferentially around themale connector portion 135 between the male connector portion and theannular portion 137. A plurality ofopenings 157 extending through thefloor 155 may communicate with aninterior space 159 of theannular portion 137 to create secondary passages around themale connector portion 135 and past the connectingportion 139. Theopenings 157 may comprise circular holes that are circumferentially spaced around the connectingportion 139. - Other opening shapes are also envisioned.
Adjacent openings 157 may be spaced by an angle .alpha. about 45 degrees from each other (FIG. 11 ). Other degrees of spacing are also envisioned. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
openings 157 allow fluid to pass from theinterior space 159 of theannular portion 137 through the connectingportion 139. Therefore, when thefemale connector 15 is separated from themale connector 113, after fluid has been delivered through the connectors, a substantial amount of fluid cannot collect within theinterior space 159 of theannular portion 137. Instead, theopenings 157 allow the fluid to pass through the connectingportion 139 preventing the fluid from pooling and potentially becoming contaminated. Thus, when theconnectors interior space 159 of theannular portion 137 so that no fluid is forced from the annular portion interior space into thefluid passages - The
openings 157 in thefloor 155 form a discontinuity in the connectingportion 139 which provides an open area for fluid to pass through the connecting portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the discontinuity extends over about 35% of the connectingportion 139. The discontinuity can be defined by the open spaces formed by theopenings 157. The discontinuity of the connectingportion 139 could be greater or lesser than 35% depending on the size and/or the number of theopenings 157. - Referring to
FIGS. 12-14 , a male enteral feeding small-bore connector 213 may comprise aconnector body 231 including aconnector end 219, atube connection end 217, and afluid passage 233 extending through the connector body from the connector end to the tube connection end. Theconnector end 219 of theconnector body 231 may comprise amale connector portion 235 defining a part of thefluid passage 233, anannular portion 237 surrounding the male connector portion, and a connectingportion 239 connecting the annular portion to the male connector portion. Anouter surface 241 of themale connector portion 235 may be configured for sealing engagement with theinner surface 43 of theconnector end 21 of the female enteral feeding small-bore connector 15 (FIG. 7 ). For instance, theouter surface 241 of themale connector portion 235 may have a continuous profile such that the male connector portion is free of any channels or grooves in the outer surface of the male connector portion. Aninner surface 245 of theannular portion 237 may includethreads 247 for engaging thethreads 49 on theouter surface 51 of the connector end of thefemale connector 15 for securely engaging the male enteral feeding small-bore connector with the female enteral feeding small-bore connector. Connection of the male and female enteral feeding small-bore connectors fluid passage 233 in the male connector and thefluid passage 53 in the female connector. - The connecting
portion 239 may comprise anannular floor 255 extending circumferentially around themale connector portion 235 between the male connector portion and theannular portion 237. A plurality ofslots 257 extending through thefloor 255 may communicate with aninterior space 259 of theannular portion 237 to create secondary passages around themale connector portion 235 and past the connectingportion 239. Theslots 257 may comprise oblong holes that are circumferentially spaced around the connectingportion 239 and extend radially along the connecting portion. A portion of eachslot 257 may also extend continuously from theconnector portion 239 longitudinally along theannular portion 237 increasing a total open area of the slots. Other slot configurations are also envisioned.Adjacent slots 257 may be spaced by angle .beta. about 45 degrees from each other (FIG. 14 ). Other degrees of spacing are also envisioned. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
slots 257 allow fluid to pass from theinterior space 259 of theannular portion 237 through the connectingportion 239 andannular portion 237. Therefore, when thefemale connector 15 is separated from themale connector 213, after fluid has been delivered through the connectors, a substantial amount of fluid cannot collect within theinterior space 259 of theannular portion 237. Instead, theslots 257 allow the fluid to pass through the connectingportion 239 andannular portion 237 preventing the fluid from pooling and potentially becoming contaminated. Thus, when theconnectors interior space 259 of theannular portion 237 so that no fluid is forced from the annular portion interior space into thefluid passages - The
slots 257 in thefloor 255 form a discontinuity in the connectingportion 239 which provides an open area for fluid to pass through the connecting portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the discontinuity extends over about 35% of the connectingportion 239. The discontinuity can be defined by the open spaces formed by theslots 257. The discontinuity of the connectingportion 239 could be greater or lesser than 35% depending on the size and/or the number of theslots 257. - When introducing elements or the preferred embodiments, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.
- In view of the above, it will be seen that the several technical effects are achieved and other advantageous results attained.
- As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/110,662 US20190134375A1 (en) | 2014-09-25 | 2018-08-23 | Enteral feeding connector |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201462055311P | 2014-09-25 | 2014-09-25 | |
US14/863,654 US10080879B2 (en) | 2014-09-25 | 2015-09-24 | Enteral feeding connector |
US16/110,662 US20190134375A1 (en) | 2014-09-25 | 2018-08-23 | Enteral feeding connector |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/863,654 Continuation US10080879B2 (en) | 2014-09-25 | 2015-09-24 | Enteral feeding connector |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20190134375A1 true US20190134375A1 (en) | 2019-05-09 |
Family
ID=54293354
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/863,654 Active US10080879B2 (en) | 2014-09-25 | 2015-09-24 | Enteral feeding connector |
US16/110,662 Abandoned US20190134375A1 (en) | 2014-09-25 | 2018-08-23 | Enteral feeding connector |
Family Applications Before (1)
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US14/863,654 Active US10080879B2 (en) | 2014-09-25 | 2015-09-24 | Enteral feeding connector |
Country Status (6)
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US (2) | US10080879B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3197536B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2017528269A (en) |
AU (2) | AU2015320583B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2961931A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2016049296A1 (en) |
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AU2015320583B2 (en) | 2014-09-25 | 2019-05-23 | Kpr U.S., Llc | Enteral feeding connector |
USD791938S1 (en) * | 2015-05-18 | 2017-07-11 | Fresenius Kabi Deutschland Gmbh | Enteral feeding connector male component with tethered closure |
USD797068S1 (en) * | 2015-05-18 | 2017-09-12 | Fresenius Kabi Deutschland Gmbh | Enteral feeding connector |
DE102015211370B3 (en) * | 2015-06-19 | 2016-12-01 | Christopher Müller | Male and female Luer connector and Luer connection system |
US10549083B2 (en) * | 2016-01-15 | 2020-02-04 | Neomed, Inc. | Large bore enteral connector |
USD831200S1 (en) * | 2016-08-08 | 2018-10-16 | Ultradent Products, Inc. | Delivery tip |
US11154699B2 (en) * | 2017-03-31 | 2021-10-26 | Codan Us Corporation | Enteral feeding connector |
JP6891618B2 (en) * | 2017-04-27 | 2021-06-18 | ニプロ株式会社 | Medical connector |
USD850615S1 (en) * | 2018-04-24 | 2019-06-04 | Gi Supply | Tube connector |
USD910170S1 (en) * | 2019-04-19 | 2021-02-09 | Hollister Incorporated | Ostomy pouch outlet |
USD905852S1 (en) * | 2019-07-23 | 2020-12-22 | Hollister Incorporated | Drainage bag outlet including closure |
US11918540B2 (en) * | 2020-04-23 | 2024-03-05 | Vonco Products, Llc | Cap for spout and modified spout |
KR102592609B1 (en) * | 2023-06-30 | 2023-10-23 | 엔지오텍 주식회사 | Lure connector structure with air drain hole |
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2015
- 2015-09-24 AU AU2015320583A patent/AU2015320583B2/en active Active
- 2015-09-24 WO PCT/US2015/051909 patent/WO2016049296A1/en active Application Filing
- 2015-09-24 JP JP2017516093A patent/JP2017528269A/en active Pending
- 2015-09-24 US US14/863,654 patent/US10080879B2/en active Active
- 2015-09-24 EP EP15779089.0A patent/EP3197536B1/en active Active
- 2015-09-24 CA CA2961931A patent/CA2961931A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2018
- 2018-08-23 US US16/110,662 patent/US20190134375A1/en not_active Abandoned
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2019
- 2019-08-22 AU AU2019219803A patent/AU2019219803A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US10080879B2 (en) | 2018-09-25 |
AU2015320583A1 (en) | 2017-04-13 |
AU2019219803A1 (en) | 2019-09-12 |
CA2961931A1 (en) | 2016-03-31 |
JP2017528269A (en) | 2017-09-28 |
WO2016049296A1 (en) | 2016-03-31 |
US20160089528A1 (en) | 2016-03-31 |
EP3197536A1 (en) | 2017-08-02 |
AU2015320583B2 (en) | 2019-05-23 |
EP3197536B1 (en) | 2021-09-08 |
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