HK1182976B - Medical connector with closeable luer connector - Google Patents

Description

Medical connector with closable luer connector

Priority information and incorporation by reference

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application 61/332103 (entitled "medical connector with closable luer connector") filed on 5/6/2010, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein. Priority is set forth in accordance with the applicable legal basis, which includes but is not limited to 35u.s.c. § 119 (e).

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to medical connectors in which fluids are communicated, and more particularly, to medical connectors with luer connectors.

Background

Systems consisting of connectors, valves and tubing are routinely used in hospitals and other medical facilities to facilitate the transfer of fluids into and out of a patient. A general challenge is to keep such systems sterile and prevent liquid leakage when the various components are engaged and disengaged. To maintain a barrier to bacterial, debris, and fluid leakage, the female connector is typically provided with a closure, such as a septum, flexible seal, or other barrier, at its mating end. When the male luer connector is engaged with the female connector, the closure of the female connector is temporarily opened, pierced or moved to allow liquid to flow between the two connectors. The male connector typically uses a needle or luer connector to open, pierce, or move a closure on the female connector.

In many systems, only the female connector is automatically isolated from the external environment when disconnected. Male luer connectors are generally not provided with an automatic shut-off mechanism. Male luer connectors sometimes use additional elements, such as a closure cap, to prevent liquid flow and to block entry of bacteria and debris. Because these closure mechanisms are not automatic (or not used at all), male luer connectors are sometimes unsealed with liquid dripping. This may increase the risk of unsanitary conditions inside and outside the liquid delivery system. Furthermore, in some medical applications, such as in certain chemotherapies, the fluid in the tubing and connector may be harmful if discharged.

Furthermore, in the busy environment of hospitals and other medical facilities, medical personnel often must quickly handle multiple medical devices with one hand, making it difficult to retrieve the closure cap of a male luer connector and quickly attach the closure cap when the male connector is disconnected. In addition, male luer connectors are commonly used on the downstream end of gravity-fed liquid sources, such as IV bags (intravenous bags). When the connectors and tubes are initially connected to these liquid sources, they are typically empty (e.g., filled with air) and must be filled with liquid before they can be connected to the patient. In priming operations, liquid is allowed to flow from the upstream end of the tube to the male luer connector at the downstream end.

As the liquid flows through the tube, air in the tube leaks to the environment through the male connector at the downstream end. Once the liquid itself reaches the male connector, it can also leak out. Because male luer connectors typically do not automatically close after priming, male luer connectors typically drip off a small amount of liquid when the male connector is quickly moved into engagement with the female connector. For this reason, the male luer connector is typically held over a basin or waste tank at the end of its priming procedure to collect dripping liquid.

Disclosure of Invention

Various embodiments of medical connectors with closable male luer connectors are disclosed. It is contemplated that one or more features of the various embodiments disclosed herein can be combined with one or more features of other embodiments to form yet further embodiments. Such combinations are also included within the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the closeable male luer connector automatically opens when engaged with a female connector, automatically closes when disconnected from a female connector, or may be easily mechanically opened or closed to minimize or eliminate dripping of fluid during filling and other procedures and to enhance the barrier of the fluid delivery system from bacteria and other debris. In some embodiments, the closable male luer may be opened mechanically by a user without damaging the mechanical connection between the connectors (such as by unscrewing the connection between the housings) to minimize or eliminate fluid dripping between filling and other procedures and to enhance the barrier of the fluid system against bacteria and other debris, as well as to allow the user to more precisely control the timing of the opening of the closable male luer.

In some embodiments, a male luer connector has a main housing with a first end and a second end. The first end of the housing may include a male luer and a shroud surrounding at least a portion of the male luer. The enclosure may have threads provided on an inner wall thereof. A tubular valve member having a fluid passageway may be provided within the housing. The valve member has a top end at a first end thereof. One or more fluid ports are provided in the valve member adjacent the tip to provide fluid communication through the port. The tip abuts against an inner wall of the male luer at a region at or near the first end of the male luer. In some embodiments, the valve member may also have one or more struts directed toward the first end. The strut may extend axially through a portion of the housing, and an end of the strut toward the first end may be disposed in a space between the male luer and the enclosure on the first end of the housing. A length of medical tubing may be connected to the connector. The end of the tubing may be attached to the second end of the valve member by adhesive, welding, threading or other means. At least a portion of a resilient member, for example, made of metal and/or a resilient material, may be disposed within the housing, the resilient member biasing the valve member toward the closed position.

In the closed condition or position, the top end of the valve member may be pressed into intimate contact with a portion of the inner wall on the first end of the male luer, while fluid flow through the tubular valve member from the medical tubing is blocked. Fluid typically does not flow out through the opening in the first end of the male luer because the opening can be closed off by the top end of the valve member.

When the force is applied to move the valve member away from the housing, the resilient member is compressed against its bias and the top end of the valve member moves towards the open position. Such a driving force may be automatically applied by connecting the male luer to the female end of another medical device. As the forward end of the female connector advances along the threads on the first end of the male luer connector housing, the female connector contacts and applies a force against the struts of the valve member or other portions of the valve member, such as the luer tip, toward the second end. This force causes the valve member to move a portion of the valve member toward the second end against a biasing force exerted by the resilient member directed toward the first end. In the open state, fluid is able to flow through the opposed apertures, around the top end of the valve member, and out of the connector through the gap between the top end of the valve member and the inner wall on the first end of the male luer connector. In some embodiments, with the male and female connectors engaged with one another, the valve member may automatically advance in the direction of the first end when the valve member is in contact with a fluid conduit (e.g., a conduit located within the female connector).

In some embodiments, the resilient member may again urge the housing into the closed position when the separation force is removed, for example, by releasing a manual fastening on the housing and tubing or detaching the female connector from the first end of the housing. This causes the valve member to seat against a portion of the interior wall in the region adjacent the first end of the male luer, preventing fluid flow out of the valve member.

Additional embodiments of other features and configurations thereof directed to the above-described embodiments, as well as other connectors having closable male luers, are also disclosed herein. These embodiments generally include a means for allowing or preventing fluid flow through a male luer on a connector that is automatically operable when connected to a corresponding female connector. These embodiments also include features and configurations that allow the female end of the male luer connector to couple with a corresponding male luer portion or other component of a male luer connector (e.g., a syringe).

Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a first configuration of a luer connector having a housing with a hollow bore, a first end, and a second end. A male luer tip may be supported by the housing. The male luer tip is configured to rotate relative to the housing. The male luer tip has a first open end and a channel therethrough in fluid communication with the first open end. The luer connector may have a generally rigid inner member extending into the channel of the male luer tip toward the first open end of the male luer tip. In some embodiments, at least one of the male luer tip and the internal member is axially movable relative to the other of the male luer tip and the internal member between a first position and a second position. The male luer tip and the internal member may cooperate such that rotation of the male luer tip in a first direction relative to the housing will increase axial displacement between the male luer tip first open end and the end of the internal member.

In the first position, an end of the inner member may form a substantially fluid-tight seal against the first open end of the male luer tip, thereby substantially preventing fluid flow through the male luer tip. In the second position, an end of the inner member is spaced from the first open end, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the first open end of the male luer tip. In any of the first configurations described above, the male luer tip may be configured to rotate relative to the housing when a female connector is threaded onto the luer connector.

In some embodiments, the male luer tip and the internal member may cooperate such that rotation of the male luer in a second direction relative to the housing reduces axial displacement between the male luer tip and its first open end and the end of the internal member. In some embodiments, the inner member is axially movable relative to the male luer tip and may have a solid cross-section along at least a majority of the length of the male luer tip such that at least a majority of fluid flowing through the luer connector needs to flow around the outer surface of the inner member. Some configurations of the inner member may have an axial opening through at least a portion of the inner member, the axial opening being in fluid communication with the housing hollow bore and configured to allow fluid to flow through the inner member.

Some embodiments of the luer connectors disclosed herein may further have a chamber within the housing configured to change in volume as at least one of the male luer tip and the internal member moves axially relative to the other of the male luer tip and the internal member between the first position and the second position. The chamber volume is greater when the male luer tip and the internal member are both in the first position. Some configurations of the inner member may have a helical or angled (beveled) surface that may be configured to mate with the male luer tip and cause a change in axial displacement between the male luer tip and the inner member as the male luer tip is rotated. The luer connector may have a resilient member configured to bias the male luer tip and the inner member toward the first position.

In some embodiments, the first open end of the male luer tip and the opening in the end of the inner member may be oval or other non-circular shapes in cross-section. The opening in the first open end of the male luer tip may have a tapered inner wall portion and the end of the inner member may have a tapered outer wall portion that mates with the inner wall portion of the male luer tip. The male luer tip and the internal member are configured such that relative rotation between the male luer tip and the internal member causes axial displacement between the male luer tip and the internal member.

Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a luer connector having a housing with a hollow bore, a first end, and a second end. A male luer tip supported by the housing and configured to move axially relative to the housing, the male luer tip having a first open end for passage therethrough in fluid communication with the first open end; and a substantially rigid inner member extending into the channel of the male luer tip toward the male luer first open end. In some embodiments, the male luer tip is axially movable relative to the inner member between a first position and a second position. In the first position, an end of the inner member may form a substantially fluid-tight seal with respect to the first open end of the male luer tip, thereby substantially preventing fluid flow through the male luer tip. In the second position, an end of the inner member is spaced from the first open end, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the first open end of the male luer tip.

In some embodiments of the luer connector, the male luer tip may be configured to move axially from a first position to a second position when a female connector is threaded to the luer connector. Some embodiments of the inner member have a solid cross-section along at least a majority of its length such that fluid flowing through at least a majority of the luer connector needs to flow around the outer surface of the inner member. In some embodiments, the inner member may have an axial opening through at least a portion of the inner member, the axial opening being in fluid communication with the housing hollow bore and configured to allow fluid to flow through the inner member. The luer connector also includes a resilient member configured to bias the male luer tip toward the first position.

Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to luer connectors having a housing with a hollow bore, a first end, and a second end. A male luer tip supported by the housing and configured to rotate relative to the housing. The male luer tip has an opening at a first end and a channel through the male luer tip in fluid communication with the opening in the first end of the male luer tip. The luer connector has an inner member extending into the channel of the male luer tip toward the opening in the first end of the male luer tip, the inner member having an opening at the first end thereof and a channel therethrough in fluid communication with the opening in the first end of the male luer tip. The male luer tip may be configured to rotate relative to the inner member between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the opening at the first end of the male luer tip may be substantially offset relative to the opening at the first end of the inner member, thereby substantially preventing fluid flow through the male luer tip. In the second position, the opening of the first end of the male luer tip may be substantially aligned relative to the opening of the first end of the inner member, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the male luer tip.

In some embodiments, the male luer tip may be configured to move in a first direction from the first position to a second position relative to the housing when a female connector is threadably connected to the luer connector, and/or to rotate in a second direction from the second position to the first position relative to the housing when a female connector is unthreaded from the luer connector. In some embodiments, the inner member may be rotatably mounted relative to the housing. The luer tip may be biased toward the first position. The luer connector is configured to prevent rotation of the male luer tip beyond the first position or the second position.

Drawings

Some embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These figures are for illustration only and the embodiments are not limited to the subject matter illustrated in the figures.

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a male luer connector attached to tubing configured to receive a gravity-fed IV bag from a hanger. In this and other figures, the size of the connector and attached tubing is exaggerated relative to other items to help view certain details;

fig. 1B shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the male luer connector of fig. 1A connected to a female connector attached to tubing inserted into a patient;

fig. 2A is a side view of the outside of the embodiment of the luer connector shown in fig. 1A;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2B-2B of the connector shown in FIG. 2A in a closed position;

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2B-2B of the connector shown in FIG. 2A in the open position;

fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a luer connector in a closed position;

fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the connector of fig. 3A in an open position.

Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a luer connector in a closed position;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 4A in an open position;

fig. 4C is a perspective view of an embodiment of a luer tip of the embodiment of the luer connector shown in fig. 4A;

fig. 4D is a side view of the embodiment of the luer tip shown in fig. 4C;

fig. 4E is a perspective view of the valved conduit embodiment of the luer connector shown in fig. 4A.

FIG. 4F is a side view of the valve guide embodiment shown in FIG. 4E;

fig. 5A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a luer connector in a closed position;

fig. 5B is an end view of the embodiment of the luer connector shown in fig. 5A in a closed position;

fig. 5C is an end view of the embodiment of the luer connector shown in fig. 5A showing the embodiment of the luer connector in an open position;

fig. 5D is a cross-sectional view of the luer connector embodiment shown in fig. 5A taken along line 5D-5D in fig. 5C;

fig. 5E is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the luer connector shown in fig. 5A taken along line 5E-5E of fig. 5C;

fig. 5F is a perspective view of a portion of the valved conduit embodiment of the luer connector shown in fig. 5A;

fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a luer connector in a closed position;

fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the luer connector embodiment shown in fig. 6A in an open position;

fig. 6C is an end view of the embodiment of the luer connector shown in fig. 6A in a closed position;

fig. 6D is an end view of the luer connector embodiment shown in fig. 6B in an open position;

fig. 6E is a perspective view of a luer tip embodiment of the luer connector embodiment shown in fig. 6A;

fig. 6F is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the luer connector shown in fig. 6A taken along line 6F-6F of fig. 6A;

fig. 6G is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the luer connector shown in fig. 6A taken along line 6G-6G in fig. 6B;

fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a luer connector in a closed position;

fig. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the luer connector shown in fig. 7A in an open position;

fig. 8A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a luer connector in a closed position;

fig. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the luer connector shown in fig. 8A in an open position;

fig. 9A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a luer connector in a closed position;

fig. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the luer connector shown in fig. 9A in an open position;

fig. 10A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a luer connector in a closed position;

fig. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the luer connector shown in fig. 10A in an open position;

fig. 11A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a luer connector in a closed position;

fig. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the luer connector shown in fig. 11A in an open position.

Detailed Description

In some embodiments, the closure mechanism functions to substantially prevent and/or impede fluid from escaping from or entering the male luer end of the connector while allowing fluid flow when the male luer is manually opened or engaged with a corresponding female luer. Terms such as "closed", "sealed", "preventing" or "preventing" as used herein are to be understood as obstacles or barriers to the flow of liquid. These terms should not be construed as requiring a particular structure or configuration to achieve complete fluid containment in all cases.

Some drugs, including those used in chemotherapy, are harmful to the patient in certain applications. For example, contact with the skin sometimes results in chemical burns. Inhalation of certain aerosolized forms of medication can also be harmful. Therefore, it is highly desirable to control the amount of drug.

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a male luer connector connected to tubing configured to receive fluid from a hanging gravity-fed iv bag. In some embodiments, the female end of the connector may also be configured to engage a standard male luer. Fig. 1A shows an embodiment of a closable male luer connector 10 in a closed position. Luer connector 10 may be connected to a gravity-fed iv bag 9, containing a fluid, suspended on a post 11. A single-stage piping 13 is connected to the bottom of the bag 9. The other end of tubing 13 may be connected to second end 14 of luer connector 10. As long as luer connector 10 remains in the closed configuration, the closure mechanism located inside first end 12 of luer connector 10 prevents fluid within bag 9 from flowing through tubing 13 and leaking out of luer connector 10.

The intravenous system shown in fig. 1A may be readily prepared for fluid communication with a patient. In most cases, when tubing 13 is initially connected to IV bag 9, tubing 13 is filled with a gas. If the other end of tubing 13 is connected to a closed connector, as shown in FIG. 1A, gas cannot escape and fluid cannot enter tubing 13 from IV bag 9. In some embodiments, luer connector 10 may be manipulated to an open position such that fluid in iv bag 9 fills tubing 13 and connector 10 until all gas is evacuated through luer connector 10. This process is called "priming". With the fluid line and connector properly primed, the medical professional can immediately turn luer connector 10 to the closed position to stop the flow of fluid through luer connector 10.

Fig. 1B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the male luer connector of fig. 1A connected to an exemplary female connector attached to tubing inserted into a patient. Referring to FIG. 1B, catheter 17 has been inserted into patient's arm 15. Catheter 17 penetrates the skin of arm 15 and is in fluid communication with the patient's bloodstream. The catheter 17 may also be connected to a length of medical tubing 19 that is attached to a medical female connector 21. The medical female connector 21 shown in fig. 1B is, for example, manufactured by ICUMedical, incA connector is provided. Various embodiments of this type of connector are shown and described in U.S. patent No. 5,685,866, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. It is contemplated that the various male luer connectors described herein may be used with other types of female luer connectors. Tubing 19, catheter 17 and female connector 21 are pre-drained using standard procedures. Luer connector 10 may be drained and engaged with female connector 21 in the manner previously described. As described in more detail below, when male connector 10 and female connector 21 are engaged, fluid may flow from iv bag 9 into the patient. When male connector 10 and female connector 21 are disconnected, fluid is again prevented from flowing out of first end 12 of male connector 10. Generally, fluid cannot flow out of the opening in the female connector 21.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1B is described in more detail below. Each of the other embodiments disclosed herein may be used in the fluid system shown in the figures, as well as in various modifications or other alternatives to the fluid system. In addition, the various embodiments of the connector may also be used in many other medical fluid systems. For example, the connectors disclosed herein may also be used to deliver bodily fluids, such as blood, urine, or insulin, tonic fluids, and/or therapeutic fluids, such as fluids used in chemotherapy. The connectors disclosed herein may also be used to interconnect various other components of a fluid delivery system.

Reference is now made to fig. 2A-2C, which depict the embodiment of the closable male luer connector 10 of fig. 1A-1B in greater detail. Fig. 2A is a side view of the exterior of luer connector 10. Fig. 2B and 2C are cross-sectional views of luer connector 10 in the closed (or first) position and the open (or second) position, respectively. The valve member 20 may substantially prevent fluid flow through the luer connector 10 when the luer connector 10 is in the closed position. In the open position, the valve member 20 is movable to the open position so as to not significantly impede fluid flow through the luer connector 10.

As shown in fig. 2A, some embodiments of the assembled luer connector 10 include a housing 22, a port member 24 positioned adjacent the second end 14 of the luer connector 10, a male luer or luer tip 26 positioned adjacent the first end 12 of the luer connector 10, a shroud 28 that surrounds at least a portion of the luer tip 26, and the valve assembly 20 described above supported by the housing 22. The housing 22 may define a parting line 25 thereon at which at least two separately formed portions of the housing may be joined. Referring to the embodiment shown in the figures, the port member 24 and the housing 22 may be connected at the parting line 25 using ultrasonic welding, epoxy or other adhesives, interference fits, mechanical connections, integral constructions, and/or any other suitable joining method(s).

In some embodiments, the port member 24 and the housing 22 may be integrally formed, which requires a different configuration of the valve assembly 20 and the housing 22 to accommodate assembly of the valve member and the housing with other components. For example, in some embodiments in which the port member 24 is integrally formed with the housing 22, the luer tip 26, the valved conduit 32, and the seal 44 may be fitted within the housing 22 by the shroud 28 at the first end 12 of the luer connector. A retainer (not shown) configured to secure the luer tip 26 and seal 44 in a desired position within the housing 22 may be assembled with the housing 22 after the other components have been assembled in the housing 22. In some embodiments, the positioning member (not shown) may be a flat disk having a plurality of openings formed therein and configured to allow axial translation of the luer tip 26 and the strut 36 relative to the positioning member. The retainer may be connected to the housing 22 using ultrasonic welding, epoxy or other adhesives, interference fit, mechanical connection, and/or any other suitable coupling method(s).

Further, the valve seat 34 may be configured such that the valve seat 34 is maintained in a fixed axial position adjacent the port member 24 after the valve seat 34 has been inserted into the housing 22. In some embodiments, valve seat 34 may be configured to form an interference fit with port member 24 when assembled with the port member. In some embodiments, valve seat 34 may be attached to port member 24 using ultrasonic welding, adhesives, mechanical connections (such as tabs, channels, or protrusions), and/or any other suitable coupling method(s). An axial opening (not shown) may be formed in the valve seat 34 or any similar component described herein to allow fluid or medication to flow therethrough. Thus, in some embodiments, the valve seat 34 is configured to flatly abut against more than one of the inner surfaces of the port member 24. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the valve seat 34 and valve catheter 32 may be integrally formed with the port member 24, and the distal end 32a of the valve catheter 32 may be configured to be attached to the valve catheter 32 after the luer tip 26 has been assembled.

Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 22 may be configured such that the luer tip 26 extends through an opening 40 formed in an inner wall 42 within the housing 22. As will be described in greater detail below, the luer connector 10 may be configured to axially move the luer tip 26 relative to the opening 40 formed in the inner wall 42.

In the illustrated embodiment, the valve assembly 20 may include a tube 32 extending from a valve seat 34 toward the first end 12 of the connector 10; and a pair of valve arms or struts 36 which also preferably extend from and are supported by the second region 26c of the male luer 26. In the illustrated embodiment, in the assembled configuration, the valve strut 36 may be positioned along the side of the tip 26 to the vicinity of the tip 26. When luer connector 10 is in the closed position, a portion of the outer surface of distal end 32a of valved conduit 32 is sealingly closed against a portion of the inner surface of distal end 26a of luer tip 26, thereby substantially preventing fluid flow through opening 38 formed in distal end 26a of luer tip 26.

Below are some sample cross-sectional diameters of the opening 38 preferably formed in the distal end 26a of the luer tip 26, or any opening in any luer tip described herein: about 2mm or less and about 0.5mm to about 2.0 mm. Other diameters within or outside the listed range may also be used. In some embodiments, the opening 38 may be of any desired or suitable geometry. Regardless of the geometry of the opening 38, the distal end 32a of the valved conduit 32 may be sized to properly occupy the space within the opening 38, thereby forming a substantially fluid-tight seal when the luer connector 10 is in the closed position.

In the illustrated embodiment, luer connector 10 may be configured to support valved conduit 32 in an axially fixed position relative to housing 22. Specifically, in some embodiments, the rear end 34a of the valve seat 34 may be supported indirectly or directly by the inner side surface 24a of the port member 24. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more generally rigid lugs 50 are formed to extend from the rear end 34a of the valve seat 34. Tab 50 may be configured to abut against inner surface 24a of port member 24. Preferably, the valve seat 34 and tab 50 are configured to allow free flow of fluid or medicament around the valve seat 34. Further, as described above, luer tip 26 is slidably supported for axial movement relative to valve catheter 32.

The valve strut 36 may be arranged in a cantilevered manner by the second end region 26c of the male luer 26, which strut may be configured to slide within an opening 48 formed through the inner wall 42 of the housing 22. The number of openings 48 through the inner wall 42 may be equal to the number of valve struts 36 supported by the valve seat 34.

An annular seal 44 may be provided between the outside surface of the luer tip 26 and the inside surface of the housing 22 to substantially prevent any fluid from flowing through either of the openings 40, 48. Seal 44 may be made of an elastomeric material and configured to exert an axial biasing force on luer tip 26 toward first end 12 of luer connector 10, thereby biasing luer connector 10 to the closed position.

Referring to fig. 2B and 2C, luer connector 10 is configured such that seal 44 abuts against rear surface 36B of valve strut 36 at a first end of seal 44 (e.g., at an end of seal 44 closer to first end 12 of luer connector 10). Similarly, luer connector 10 is configured such that seal 44 abuts interior surface 24b of port member 24 at a second end of seal 44 (e.g., at an end of seal 44 closer to second end 14 of luer connector 10).

In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in fig. 2B-2C, the valve conduit 32, or any other valve conduit or valve member described with reference to any other embodiment herein, may be solid, with a majority of fluid flowing through the luer connector bypassing the outside of the valve member. Further, any of the luer connector embodiments disclosed herein may be configured such that the valve conduit is solid or such that the valve conduit includes an aperture axially through at least a portion of the valve conduit.

In some embodiments, the valve 20, the valve seat 34, the valve strut 36, and the protrusion 52 may be integrally formed. In some embodiments, any portion of the valve member 20, including the valve conduit 32, the valve seat 34, the valve struts 36, and the projections, may be manufactured separately and bonded or otherwise joined together in a subsequent manufacturing step.

In some embodiments, housing 22 may be a generally tubular structure having a channel 54 extending from second end 14 of connector 10 away from a hub extending through luer connector 10. Likewise, in some embodiments, when luer connector 10 is in the open state or position, as shown in fig. 2C, fluid is permitted to flow from second end 14, through port member 24, around valve seat 34 and valve catheter 32, and out through opening 38 formed in luer tip 26 of first end 12 of luer connector 10. Referring to fig. 2B and 2C, near the second end 14 of the luer connector 10, the port member 24 and corresponding section of the fluid channel 54 may be sized and configured to receive a portion of a standard diameter medical tubing inserted therein, or may engage with any standard or appropriately sized medical connector or assembly, particularly a medical device conforming to ISO and/or ANSI standards.

In some embodiments, the length of housing 22 (or any housing described herein) from second end 14 to the distal end of luer tip 26 is about 0.75 inches. However, the size of the housing 22 is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the length of housing 22 (or any housing described herein) from second end 14 to the distal end of luer tip 26 is about 0.5 inches to about 0.75 inches, or about 0.75 inches to about 1.0 inches, or about 1.0 inches to about 1.5 inches or more, or any value within these ranges to a certain value. Thus, the length of housing 22 from second end 14 to distal end 6 of luer tip 2 may be, but is not required to be, less than or equal to about 1.5 inches to minimize the weight and volume of the connector. However, the housing 22 may have any length suitable for the particular application.

The enclosure 28 may have internal threads 56 on an inner wall to removably securely attach the connector 10 to another medical implement. In other embodiments, the enclosure 28 may include other structures or materials for providing releasable connections, including quick release mechanisms and other components. As shown, the housing 22 and enclosure 28 may be provided with a plurality of protrusions 58 or other suitable features on the outer surface to assist the user in firmly gripping and twisting the enclosure 28 and housing 22 with the fingers, thereby preventing the luer connector 10 from slipping out of the user's grip when twisted. In other embodiments (not shown), the housing 22 or enclosure 28 may also or additionally be provided with a plurality of recesses having upwardly tapered sidewalls that prevent fingers from sliding off the connector 10 or any other component or material that may prevent fingers from sliding relative to the connector 10. The protrusion 58 may extend substantially around the entire outer surface of the housing 22 or enclosure 28 so that when a user's fingers are placed on opposite sides of the connector 10 during use, the fingers may contact the recess regardless of the orientation of the connector 10.

Referring to fig. 2A-2C, the tip 26 may have a tapered outer wall. The luer tip 26 may taper in diameter from the valve seat 34 toward the distal end 26a of the luer tip 26. As noted above, the tip 26 may define an opening 38 positioned at the distal end 26a of the luer tip 26. Near the base of luer tip 26, which may be near inner wall 42, interior space 60 (shown most clearly in fig. 2B) may communicate with fluid channel 54 and opening 38 of luer connector 10, providing a fluid flow channel through the entire luer connector 10. In some embodiments, the term fluid channel refers to the entire fluid path through the luer connector. With respect to any luer connector described herein, the housing, shroud, luer tip or port member (e.g., male and female ends), or other interface may be sized to conform to applicable standards and/or rules, such as ANSI standards and or ISO standards.

As most clearly illustrated in fig. 2C, in some embodiments, distal end 32a of tube 32 is configured to complement the size and shape of distal end 26a of luer tip 26 to form a sealable closure mechanism. Specifically, in some embodiments, when in the closed position, the inner surface 26b of luer tip 26 may be seated against the outer surface 32b of valve catheter 32, providing a substantially fluid-tight seal that may prevent fluid or other medication from passing through the opening 38 that may be formed in the distal end 26a of luer tip 26. Thus, in this configuration, the closure mechanism can preferably be adapted to disconnect the fluid channel extending through the closable male luer 10 from the external environment whenever the male luer 10 is not engaged with the female connector.

Thus, when the distal end 32a of catheter 32 is seated against the inside surface of luer tip 26, a closure may be formed at or near the first end 12 of male luer 10. Further, the distal end portion 32a of the catheter 32 may be made of or coated with a material different from the material from which the catheter 32 is made. For example, in some embodiments, distal end 32a may be made of a softer, more malleable, or more deformable material that exhibits better sealing properties than the material from which catheter 32 is made, thereby forming a better seal between distal end 32a of catheter 32 and luer tip 26.

Any of the luer connectors described herein may be configured to include features of any of the embodiments of luer connector 10 described above. Further, in some embodiments, the valve assembly 20 may be configured without a fluid path and with the function of a blocking plunger for fluid flowing around the valve assembly 20, rather than a means for carrying fluid between the first and second ends of the luer connector 10.

The housing 22 of the illustrated embodiment, or the housing, the port member 24, and any other components disclosed herein of any of the embodiments described herein, may be fabricated from any of various materials or combinations of such materials. In some embodiments, housing 22, or any of the housings described herein, may be made of a relatively rigid material, such as polycarbonate or other polymeric material. The housing 22, port member 24, and/or valve assembly in any of the embodiments described herein, or any of the components in this or any other embodiment, may also be made of a hydrophobic material, such as, for example, bayer polycarbonate (bayer markrolon), germany, or any other suitable material.

The length of the valve assembly 20 is shorter than the length of the housing 22, but the length of the valve assembly 20 is not limited thereto. Any of the valve assemblies described herein, including but not limited to valve assembly 20, may be manufactured by injection molding. Finally, while the valve assembly 20 of the illustrated embodiment is configured as shown in FIGS. 2B-2C, it may have a variety of other configurations.

In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in fig. 2A-2C, one or more protrusions or lugs 66 (such as, but not limited to, threads) may be machined on the outer surface 24a of the port member 24 to removably attach a medical implement (not shown) to the second end 14 of the valve assembly 20. Thus, in some embodiments, the portion of the outer surface 24a other than the protrusions, lugs, or other features formed thereon may be cylindrical. In some embodiments, the inner surface of port member 24 may be conical such that the diameter of the inner surface is greatest at the portion of the inner surface adjacent second end 14 of luer connector 10. The internal taper of the inner surface may conform to and mate with the taper of a standard male luer. The internal taper conforms to ANSI and/or ISO standards and/or rules, such as standards for medical syringes.

Similarly, the outer surface 26c of the luer tip 26 may be straight or tapered to conform to ANSI and/or ISO standards and/or rules, such as standards for medical syringes. In some embodiments, the inner surface of luer tip 26 and the outer surface of catheter 32 may be straight or tapered. Tapering the inner surface of the luer tip 26 and the outer surface of the catheter 32 helps to minimize the amount of fluid that flows into and collects in the interior space 60 between the catheters 32 located in the luer tip 26 because the distance between the tapered inner surface of the luer tip 26 and the outer surface of the catheter 32 will decrease as the catheter 32 moves toward the closed position.

As shown in fig. 2A-2C, closeable luer connector 10 has a female mating end at second end 14 of luer connector 10 and a male luer mating end at first end 12 of luer connector 10. The closeable female connector 21 of fig. 1B (mentioned above), and other standard female connectors with similar external structures, may also have both female and male ends. In many embodiments, such female connectors may utilize seals or other fluid barriers to prevent fluid flow at the female end, but do not generally do so on the male end. In many embodiments of the closable male luer connector illustrated and described herein, a seal or other fluid barrier may not be shown on the female end. However, the female end of any of the closable male luer connectors described herein can be configured to include a closable female end. For example, a configuration for selectively blocking fluid utilizing female connector 21 or other standard female connectors may be included within the female end of any of the closeable male luer connectors disclosed herein to provide a connector that selectively seals or blocks fluid flow on both ends. In some embodiments of the type having closable female and male ends, it may be advantageous to provide a resilient sealing element at or near the female opening, as disclosed in US5685866 entitled "medical valve and method of use thereof", filed 11/4/1994, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, as described herein. By so providing the seal member, the female opening may be cleaned with an antimicrobial agent in a wiping action prior to use, while avoiding debris, bacteria, antimicrobial agents, or other undesirable substances from being deleteriously accumulated on the seal and/or in the area between the seal and the housing of the connector proximate the seal.

The seal 44 will now be described in more detail with reference to fig. 2B and 2C. In some embodiments, the seal 44 may define a generally cylindrical cross-section, as shown in fig. 2B and 2C. In some embodiments, the seal 44 may define a generally circular cross-section. In some embodiments, the seal may be generally cylindrical and have a bore extending axially through the center of the seal. In some embodiments, the seal further includes a pair of generally rectangular projections extending from the cylindrical portion sidewall at diametrically opposed locations. In other embodiments, the protrusions may have different shapes and/or locations that can assist in positioning and/or aligning the seal in a desired position. In some embodiments, the seal 44 may have a smaller diameter middle portion surrounded by two larger diameter rings at each end. The seal may be made from a variety of different materials. In some embodiments, the seal may be fabricated from a silicon-based deformable material. Silicon-based deformable materials are among those that can form fluid-tight seals with plastics or other rigid polymeric materials.

As discussed above, fig. 2C is a cross-sectional view of luer connector 10 in an open position, generally allowing fluid flow through luer connector 10. The flow of fluid or medication through luer connector 10 is represented by arrows in fig. 2C. Referring to fig. 2C, housing 22, valve assembly 20, and seal 44 are in an assembled configuration. Valve assembly 20 is preferably movable to the open position by insertion into the female connector 76, as shown. Thus, fig. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of luer connector 10 in which valve assembly 20 is opened, preferably by insertion of an exemplary female connector.

With reference to the embodiment shown in fig. 2C, the structure of the exemplary female connector 76 will now be discussed in more detail. Female connector 76 may include an elongated body 78 with a fluid passage 80 therethrough, and female connector 76 may have a tip 82 near its proximal end. In some embodiments, the top end 82 of the female connector 76 may have a radially extending surface 84 disposed on an outer surface thereof. Female connector 76 may have a fluid conduit (not shown) within female connector 76. Not all female connectors that mate with the connector 10 disclosed herein contain or require such fluid conduits. . Fluid passageway 80 may taper along a proximal interior surface 86 of female connector 76 such that the diameter of fluid passageway 80 decreases in the distal direction.

As shown in fig. 2B and described above, the struts 36 of the valve assembly 20 can extend through the openings 48 in the inner wall 42 of the housing 22 such that, in the closed position, the ends of the struts 36 extend beyond the inner wall 42 toward the first end 12 of the connector 10. Strut 36 is configured to engage proximal end 84 of female connector 76 as female connector 76 is advanced into engagement with closable male luer 10. To engage male luer 10 with female connector 76, as shown in fig. 2C, radially extending surface 84 of female connector 76 may be threaded into internal threads 56 of male luer 10. As shown in fig. 2C, the two luers 10, 76 may be threadably engaged with one another until the taper of the inner surface 86 of the female luer connector 76 is located adjacent the tapered outer surface 26C of the corresponding tip 26.

The proximal end 86 of the top end of the female connector 76 may contact the struts 36 of the valve assembly 20 when the male luer connector 10 and the female connector 76 are threaded toward each other. As male luer connector 10 and female connector 76 are further threaded, strut 36, and thus luer tip 26, is moved by female connector 76 toward second end 14 of male connector 10. Thus, as male luer connector 10 and female connector 76 are moved for further threading, distal end 26a of luer tip 26 may be moved away from inner distal end 32a of valved conduit 32 in the direction of second end 14 of male connector 10. As luer tip 26 and valve catheter 32 are moved away from each other, a space or void may be formed between luer tip 26 and valve catheter 32, allowing fluid to pass through opening 38 into fluid channel 80 of female connector 76, and vice versa.

In some embodiments, as described above, when the valve strut 36 and luer tip 26 are retracted into the housing 22, the seal 44 may compress such that the seal 44 applies a biasing force to the luer tip 26 toward the closed position or such that the seal 44 increases the biasing force it applies to the luer tip 26. The biasing force exerted by the seal 44 is overcome by the radially extending surface 84 of the female connector 76 contacting the internal threads 56 of the housing 22. However, when female connector 76 is withdrawn from male luer 10, seal 44 may return the portion of luer tip 26 used for sealing to the closed position around valved conduit 32.

The seal 44 may be configured to maintain a fluid barrier between the outer surface of the catheter 32 and the inner surface of the luer tip 26 despite relative movement between the housing 22 and the luer tip 26. In some embodiments, the seal 44 includes generally rectangular protrusions by which the position of the seal 44 may be maintained. In some embodiments, the seal 44 is provided by bonding the outer surface of the protrusion to the inner surface of the luer tip 26. In some embodiments, the seal 44 is provided by bonding an outer surface of the seal 44 to an inner surface of the luer tip or an outer surface of the valved conduit 32. Other suitable methods may be used to fix the position of the seal 44.

As shown in fig. 2C, in the open configuration, fluid passage 80 of female connector 76 may be in fluid communication with passage 54 of valve assembly 20, allowing fluid to flow in either direction through passage 54 and fluid passage 80 of female connector 76. Thus, fluid may flow from a tubing (not shown) or other connector or conduit that can be attached to the second end 14 of the luer connector 10, into the channel 54 of the housing 22, around the valve seat 34, through the interior space 60 of the luer tip 26, through the opening 38 at the distal end 26a of the luer tip 26, into the fluid channel 80 of the female connector 76, and vice versa. In some embodiments, a substantially fluid-tight seal may also be formed between an outer surface of tip 26 and a corresponding tapered portion of inner surface 86 of female connector 76.

Some embodiments of closeable luer connector 10' will now be described in more detail with reference to fig. 3A-3B. In some embodiments, luer connector 10' may include any component, feature, material, dimension, geometry, detail, or configuration of any other luer connector disclosed herein. Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view of luer connector 10' in a first or closed position. As described above, when the valve assembly 20 ' of luer connector 10 ' is in the closed position, fluid flow through luer connector 10 ' is substantially prevented. Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of female connector 76 in a second or open position due to engagement with luer connector 10'. The flow of fluid or medication through luer connector 10' is indicated by arrows in fig. 3B. As described above, fluid flow through luer connector 10 ' is generally permitted when valve assembly 20 ' of luer connector 10 ' is in the open position. For any of the embodiments of luer connectors described herein, a perfect seal need not be achieved through the valve assembly, although in some embodiments such a seal is preferred.

In some embodiments, luer connector 10' may be the same as or similar to luer connector 10 described above, except for the components and assemblies that will be illustrated and/or described below. First, in some embodiments, as in the illustrated embodiment, luer tip 36' may be moved from a first closed position (as shown in fig. 3A) to a second open position (as shown in fig. 3B) without the use of an actuator or strut 36 as described above with respect to luer connector 10. Referring to fig. 3B, luer connector 10' may be threadably engaged with a closable female connector 76. The closable female connector tip 82 of the female connector 76 is provided on its outer surface with a radially extending surface 84 that engages with internal threads formed on the inner surface of the enclosure 28 ' of the luer connector 10 ' to engage the connectors 10 ' and 76, as shown.

In some embodiments, as illustrated, the outer surface 26c ' of the luer tip 26 may be tapered such that the luer tip distal end 26a ' forms a smaller cross-sectional dimension or diameter than the portion of the luer tip 26 ' adjacent the inner wall 42 ' of the housing 22 '. Additionally, the inner surface 86 of the female connector 76 may be tapered, as shown, or may be cylindrical, thereby forming a uniform cross-sectional size or diameter. Female connector 76 may be engaged with luer connector 10 'by any suitable method, including, but not limited to, threaded engagement with luer connector 10' as described above. Luer tip 26 ' may be configured such that at least a portion of an inner surface 86 of female connector 76 merges with and abuts a portion of an outer surface 26c ' of luer tip 26 as female connector 76 is engaged with luer connector 10 '. When a portion of the inner surface 86 of the female connector 76 has abutted a portion of the outer surface 26c 'of the luer tip 26', further engagement of the female connector 76 with respect to the luer connector 10 'may cause the luer tip 26' to retract axially toward the second end 14 'of the luer connector 10', e.g., toward the open position (also referred to as the second position) as shown in fig. 3B. In some embodiments, as female connector 76 is further threadably engaged with luer connector 10 ', luer tip 26 ' is rotated about the axial centerline of luer connector 10 '. Conversely, when female connector 76 is disengaged from luer connector 10 ', the axial biasing force of seal 44' will preferably return luer tip 26 'to a closed position (also referred to as a first position) relative to valved conduit 32'.

Some embodiments of closeable luer connector 110 will now be described with reference to fig. 4A-4F. In some embodiments, the luer connector 110 may have any of the components, features, materials, dimensions, geometries, details, or configurations of any other luer connector disclosed herein. Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view of luer connector 110 in a closed position. As described above, when the valve assembly 120 of the luer connector 110 is in the closed position, fluid flow through the luer connector 110 is substantially prevented. Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment with luer connector 110 in the open position due to female connector 76 engaging the luer connector. The flow of fluid or medication through luer connector 110 is indicated by arrows in fig. 4B. As described above, when the valve conduit 132 (also referred to as an inner member) of the luer connector 110 is in the open position, fluid flow through the luer connector 110 may be substantially permitted. When the valve conduit 132 is in the closed position, fluid flow through the luer connector 110 may be substantially prevented. For any of the embodiments of luer connectors described herein, a perfect seal need not be achieved by the valve assembly, although in some embodiments such a seal is preferred.

As shown in fig. 4A, in some embodiments, the assembled luer connector 110 may include a housing 122, a port member 124 positioned adjacent the second end 114 of the luer connector 110, a luer tip 126 positioned adjacent the first end 112 of the luer connector, an enclosure 128 surrounding at least a portion of the luer tip 126, a seal 118, and a valve assembly 120. As shown, seal 118 and valve assembly 120 may be supported within housing 122. In the illustrated embodiment, valve assembly 120 may include luer tip 126 and valve catheter 132. In some embodiments, the valve catheter 132 may be positioned at least partially within an opening 138 formed in the luer tip 126.

In some embodiments, as in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 122 may define an opening 140 that allows the luer tip 126 to protrude. Referring to fig. 4A, luer connector 110 may be configured such that luer tip 126 projects toward first end 112 of luer connector 110. Luer tip 126 is preferably coaxially aligned with the centerline of housing 122, port member 124, and shroud 128. The opening 140 is sized and configured to provide radial support for the luer tip 126 while maintaining the luer tip 126 in substantially coaxial alignment with the centerline of the housing 122. The luer connector 110 may also be configured such that the luer tip 126 is axially supported within the housing 122. Further, for reasons that will be described below, the housing 122 and the opening 140 are sized and configured such that the luer tip 126 is free to rotate relative to the housing 122 and the shroud 128 over at least a predetermined range of angles.

Fig. 4C and 4D are perspective and side views, respectively, of an embodiment of the luer tip 126 of an embodiment of the luer connector 110. As shown most clearly in fig. 4C-4D, in some embodiments, the luer tip 126 may be configured to have a generally conically tapered outer surface 126a projecting from the flat base portion 126b toward the first end 112 of the luer connector 110. Further, in some embodiments, the luer tip 126 may be configured as a spiral or angled (beveled) portion 126C projecting from the base portion 126B toward the second end 114 of the luer connector 110. The beveled portion 126C may define a generally flat beveled surface 126 d. As will be described below, beveled portion 126c may extend from base portion 126b any suitable length that causes valve catheter 132 to move axially away from luer tip 126 as luer tip 126 is rotated relative to valve catheter 132, causing luer connector 110 to change from a closed position to an open position as luer tip 126 is rotated relative to valve catheter 132.

The luer tip 126 may also be configured to form a generally cylindrical opening or channel 160 through at least a portion of the luer tip 126, with the opening 160 generally axially aligned with the axial centerline of the luer tip 126. The end 126e of the luer tip 126 is preferably formed with an angled (beveled) or tapered surface 126f, wherein the inner surface of the luer tip 126 may be generally conical such that the size of the opening 138 at the distal tip of the luer tip 126 is reduced relative to a portion of the opening 160 adjacent the opening 138.

Fig. 4E and 4F are perspective and side views, respectively, of an embodiment of the valve catheter 132 of an embodiment of the luer connector 110. As shown most clearly in fig. 4E-4F, in some embodiments, the valve catheter 132 may be configured to form a generally cylindrical outer surface 132a sized and configured to be received within a generally cylindrical opening 160 that may be formed in the luer tip 126.

As shown in fig. 4E and 4F, the outer surface 132a of the valve catheter 132 may protrude from the base portion 132b of the valve catheter 132 toward the first end 112 of the luer connector. Alternatively, the valve conduit 132 may form a spiral or angled (beveled) portion 132c extending from the first end 112 of the luer connector 110 toward the base portion 132b of the valve conduit 132. The beveled portion 132c may form a generally flat surface 132d that, in some embodiments, is sized, angled, and configured to mate with the beveled portion 126c of the luer tip 126.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the luer tip 126 or the valve catheter 132 may be configured such that either component defines lugs, pins, or other protrusions (not illustrated) instead of having the beveled portions 126c, 132c, to function generally as either beveled portion. For example, in some embodiments, a tab, pin, or other protrusion (not illustrated) may extend from base portion 126b of luer tip 126 toward second end 114 of luer connector 110 (instead of beveled portion 126 c) that may interact with bevel 132c of valve conduit 132 to urge valve conduit 132 away from luer tip 126, thereby causing opening 138 in luer tip 126 to open as luer tip 126 is rotated relative to valve conduit 132.

In some embodiments, the luer tip 126 may be axially and radially supported by the housing 122 while allowing the luer tip 126 to substantially freely rotate relative to the housing 122, preferably within a determined angular range, but substantially preventing the luer tip 126 from moving axially relative to the housing 122 and with sufficient rotational resistance to prevent the connector 10 from accidentally opening. For example, a detent may be formed on the luer connector 110 to prevent inadvertent rotation of the male luer tip 126 relative to the housing 122. In some embodiments, the luer tip 126 may be configured to move axially relative to the housing. Referring to fig. 4A and 4B, the luer tip 126 may be axially supported by an inner wall 142 formed on the inside of the housing 122, thereby preventing the luer tip 126 from axially translating relative to the housing 122 toward the first end 112 of the luer connector 110. Similarly, luer tip 126 may be axially supported by an inner wall 143 formed on the inside of port member 124, thereby preventing luer tip 126 from axially translating relative to housing 122 toward second end 114 of luer connector 110. Further, in some embodiments, the port member 124 may be bonded, fused, welded, or otherwise attached to the housing 122 along the split-mold line surface 125 after the luer tip has been assembled within the housing 122.

The valve conduit 132 may be supported within the housing 122 as shown in fig. 4A-4B. As shown, the valve catheter 132 may be axially supported by an inner wall 143 formed in the housing 122, thereby preventing the valve catheter 132 from axially translating relative to the housing 122 toward the first end 112 of the luer connector 110. Further, luer connector 110 may be configured to prevent valve conduit 132 from rotating relative to housing 122 or port member 124. Specifically, in some embodiments, the port member 124 and the base portion 132b of the valve guide 132 may form a keyway, channel, protrusion, lug, pin, or other indexing feature configured to prevent rotation of the valve guide 132 relative to the housing 122 or the port member 124. As will be discussed in more detail below, in some embodiments, it is preferable to prevent rotation of the valve catheter 132 relative to the port member 124 or housing 122 such that the luer tip 126 may be rotated relative to the valve catheter 132 to cause the valve catheter 132 to open and close in response to rotation of the luer tip 126.

Further, referring to fig. 4A and 4B, the seal 18 may be attached to the inner surface 124A of the port member 124 and the base portion 132B of the valve conduit 132. In some embodiments, the seal 118 may be annular or cylindrical such that substantially all of the fluid or drug flowing through the port member 124 flows through the axial opening 164a in the valve conduit 132 (e.g., thereby substantially preventing the fluid or drug from bypassing the base portion 132b of the valve conduit 132) and the at least one opening 164b in fluid communication with the axial opening 164 a. The opening 164b may be disposed generally transverse to the axial opening 164a and/or the valve conduit 132. Further, in some embodiments, the seal 118 may be made of an elastic material that may apply a biasing force to the valve catheter 132 that biases the valve catheter 132 toward the first end 112 of the luer connector 110 (e.g., the valve catheter 132 is biased toward the closed position relative to the luer tip 126).

Referring to fig. 4D, the beveled portion 126c of the luer tip 126 may form a flat surface 126D. In some embodiments, surface 126d or surface 132d may be curved, or other suitable shape. As shown in fig. 4D, the flat surface 126D may form an angle a1 with respect to a horizontal reference plane. Similarly, referring to fig. 4F, the beveled portion 132c of the valve conduit 132 may form a flat surface 132 d. As shown in fig. 4F, the flat surface 132d may form an angle a2 with respect to a horizontal reference plane. In some embodiments, the value of angle a1 is approximately equal to the value of angle a 2. In some embodiments, the value of angle a1 may be different than the value of angle a 2.

In some embodiments, the angle a1 and/or a2 has a value of about 30 degrees. In some embodiments, angle a1 and/or angle a2 has a value of about 15 degrees to about 75 degrees. In some embodiments, the value of angle a1 may be different than the value of angle a 2.

As will now be described in greater detail, in an assembled configuration, as shown in fig. 4A and 4B, rotation of the luer tip 126 relative to the valve conduit 132 may cause the valve assembly 120 of the luer connector 110 to move between an open position and a closed position. As described above, in some embodiments, the seal 118 may exert a biasing force on the valve catheter 132 that may urge the valve catheter 132 to move into or remain in contact with the luer tip 126. Specifically, the seal 118 may facilitate the flat surface 132d of the valve guide 132 against the flat surface 126d, as shown in fig. 4A and 4B. Referring to fig. 4A, 4D, and 4F, when the highest point 126D2 on the flat surface 126D (e.g., the point on the surface 126 furthest from the base portion 126) is substantially radially aligned with the lowest point 132D1 on the flat surface 132D (e.g., the point on the surface 132D closest to the base portion 132 b), as shown in fig. 4A, the rear end 132F of the valve conduit 132 will preferably sealingly contact the inner surface of the rear end of the luer tip 126, thereby substantially sealingly closing the opening 138. Conversely, when the highest point 126d2 on the flat surface 126d is substantially radially aligned with the highest point 132d2 on the flat surface 132d (e.g., the point on the surface 132d furthest from the base portion 132B), as shown in fig. 4B, the rear end 132f of the valve catheter 132 will preferably be spaced from the inner surface of the rear end of the luer tip 126 such that the opening 138 is not sealed by the valve catheter 132.

Thus, relative rotation of the luer tip 126 with respect to the valve conduit 132 may cause the valve conduit 132 to move between the open and closed positions. In some embodiments, the luer tip 126 may be configured with a rotational limiter or rotational stop provided to ensure that, as the female connector 76 is threadably connected with the luer connector 110, as will be described in greater detail below, the luer tip 126 stops rotating at a desired radial position where the valve conduit 132 opens at a sufficient angle to allow fluid or medication to flow through the luer connector 110. Similarly, a rotational limiter or rotational stop may be provided to ensure that luer tip 126 stops rotating at a desired radial position as female connector 76 is unthreaded from luer connector 110, allowing valved conduit 132 to sealingly abut the inner surface of luer tip 126 by the biasing force exerted by resilient seal 118. Specifically, in some embodiments, the luer tip 126 and the housing 122 may form a keyway, channel, protrusion, lug, pin, or other indexing feature configured to control the range of rotation of the luer tip 126 relative to the housing 122. When the luer connector 110 is in the closed position, the outer surface of the distal end 132a of the valve catheter 132 may sealingly abut the inner surface of the distal end of the luer tip 126, thereby substantially preventing fluid flow through the opening 138 formed in the distal end of the luer tip 126.

As noted above, in the illustrated embodiment, the tube 132 is slidably supported for axial translation within the luer tip 126. Additionally, an annular sealing member 144 is disposed between the outer surface of the valve catheter 132 and the inner surface of the luer tip 126, thereby preventing fluid flow into the chamber 146. The seal 144 may include any material, geometry, dimensions, or other details or configuration of any other seal described herein. In some embodiments, the seal 144 may be made of the same material as the valve conduit 132, and may be integrally formed with the valve conduit 132. In some embodiments, the seal 144 may be made of a different material than the valve conduit 132. In some embodiments, the seal 144 may be made independent of the valve catheter 132 and positioned at a desired axial location on the valve catheter 132 or on the inner surface of the luer tip 126. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the luer tip 126 and/or the outer surface of the valve catheter 132 may include features such as grooves or recesses to secure the seal 144 in a desired position.

In some embodiments, the seal 118 may be resilient and biased toward the expanded position, as shown in fig. 4A, thereby applying a force to the valve conduit 132 that biases the valve conduit 132 toward the closed position. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the seal 118 may bias the valve catheter 132 to sealably abut against an inner surface of the luer tip 126. Additionally, the seal 118 may be configured such that the volume contained within the seal 118 when the valve member 120 is in the substantially closed position (represented by V1 in FIG. 4A) is greater than the volume contained within the seal 118 when the valve member 120 is in the open position (represented by V2 in FIG. 4B). Thus, the volume contained within the seal 118 decreases as the valve assembly 120 moves from the closed position to the open position and increases as the valve assembly 120 moves from the open position to the closed position. By increasing the volume within the seal 118 as the valve assembly 120 moves to the closed position, the seal 118 may create a reduced pressure or suction to reduce the amount of fluid or medication flowing or dripping out of the opening 138 by drawing fluid back into the volume of space inside the seal 118 as the valve assembly 120 closes.

In some embodiments, the seal 118, the tube 132, and the seal 144 may be integrally made of the same material. However, in some embodiments, any of these features may be separately manufactured and supported in a desired location as described above or in any other suitable manner. The housing 122 may be of generally tubular construction having a passage 154 extending from the second end 114 of the connector 110 through the axial center of the luer connector 110. Thus, in some embodiments, when the luer connector 110 is in the open configuration as shown in fig. 4B, the channel 154 may allow fluid to flow from the second end 114, through the port member 124, the seal 118, and the opening 164a in the tube 132, and out of the opening 138 in the luer tip 126 at the first end 112 of the luer connector 110.

Referring to fig. 4A and 4B, near the second end 114 of the luer connector 110, the port member 124 and the corresponding section of the fluid channel 154 are wide enough to accommodate a portion of standard diameter medical tubing inserted therein. The length, diameter, or other characteristics of the housing 122 (or any housing described herein) may be the same as any other housing described herein.

Further, the enclosure 128 may be sized and configured as described above or as desired to fixedly or removably attach the luer connector 110 to another medical implement. Further, the housing 122, tip 126, seal 118, or any other component or structural feature of the luer connector 110 may be made of materials, shapes, features, sizes associated with the construction or details of any other tip member described herein. As with other embodiments of the luer tip, the luer tip 126 may be manufactured in compliance with applicable standards and/or regulations, such as ANSI and/or ISO standards.

Referring to fig. 4B, as male luer connector 110 and female connector 76 are threaded toward one another, inner surface 86 of female connector 76 may contact the outer surface of luer tip 126. This may facilitate a fluid-tight seal between inner surface 86 of female connector 76 and the outer surface of luer tip 126. As male luer connector 110 is moved further into threaded connection with female connector 76, contact forces between inner surface 86 of female connector 76 and the outer surface of luer tip 126 may cause the luer tip to rotate substantially in unison with female connector 76. This may cause the luer tip 126 to rotate relative to the valve catheter 132, as described above, causing the distal end 132a of the valve catheter 132 to move away from the inner distal end 126a of the luer tip 126. As tube 132 and luer tip 126 are moved away from each other, a gap may form between tube 132 and luer tip 126, allowing fluid to flow through opening 138 into fluid channel 80 of female connector 76, and vice versa.

As described above, when the valve conduit 132 opens to compress the seal 118, the volume of fluid that may be contained within the seal 118 will thus decrease. In some embodiments, when a constant positive pressure source is applied to the passage 54 at the second end 114 of the luer connector 110 while the seal 118 is compressed (which reduces the volume of fluid in the seal 118), the fluid within the seal 118 is subjected to an increased pressure due to the seal compression. In some embodiments, this increased pressure may cause the fluid within the seal 118 to flow through the channel 154 at an increased rate toward the first end 112 of the luer connector 110 until the seal 118 is no longer compressed.

Conversely, in some embodiments, when female connector 76 is removed from luer connector 110, interaction between inner surface 86 of female connector 76 and the outer surface of luer tip 126 may cause luer tip 126 to rotate relative to valve conduit 132, causing valve conduit 132 to move to a closed position relative to luer tip 126. As the valve conduit 132 moves toward the closed position, the volume within the seal 118 may increase back to the volume V1. The expansion of the interior volume of the seal 118 may cause a reduced pressure or suction to be created within the seal 118, drawing at least a portion of the fluid within the opening 164a back into the space within the seal 118. In some embodiments, luer connector 110 may be used to control the flow of harmful or corrosive fluids or drugs, advantageously preventing even few droplets from dripping out of opening 138 when female connector 76 is removed.

Reference is now made to fig. 5A-5F, which depict another embodiment of the closeable luer connector 210. Fig. 5A is a cross-sectional view of luer connector 210, showing luer connector 210 in a closed position. Fig. 5B is an end view of the luer connector 210 showing the luer connector 210 in a closed position. Fig. 5C is an end view of luer connector 210 showing an embodiment of the luer connector in an open position. Fig. 5D is a cross-sectional view of luer connector 210 taken along line 5D-5D in fig. 5C, showing luer connector 210 in an open position. Fig. 5E is a cross-sectional view of luer connector 210 taken along line 5E-5E in fig. 5C, showing luer connector 210 in an open position. Fig. 5F is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a valve catheter 232 (also referred to as an inner member) of luer connector 210.

In some embodiments, the luer connector 210 may have any of the components, features, materials, dimensions, details, or configurations of any other luer connector disclosed herein. As discussed above, fig. 5A is a cross-sectional view of luer connector 210 in a closed position where fluid flow through luer connector 210 may be substantially prevented. Fig. 5D is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of luer connector 210 in the open position due to female connector 76 engaging luer connector 210. The flow of fluid or medication through luer connector 210 is indicated by arrows in fig. 5D. As described above with respect to other luer connectors, when valve conduit 232 of luer connector 210 is in the open position, fluid flow through luer connector 210 may be substantially permitted. Similarly, when valve conduit 232 is in the closed position, fluid flow through luer connector 210 may be substantially prevented. As with any of the embodiments of luer connectors described herein, a perfect seal through the valve assembly is not required, although such a seal is preferred in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, luer connector 210 may be the same as or similar to luer connector 110 described above, except for the features and components that will be illustrated and/or described below. Thus, in some aspects, the luer connector 210 may operate in the same or similar manner as the luer connector 110 described above. As shown in fig. 5A, some embodiments of the assembled luer connector 210 may include a housing 222, a port member 224 disposed near the second end 214 of the luer connector 210, a luer tip 226 disposed near the first end 212 of the luer connector 210, a shroud 228 surrounding at least a portion of the luer tip 226, a seal 118, and a valve assembly 220. As shown, the seal 218 and valve assembly 220 may be supported within a housing 222. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve assembly 220 may include a luer tip 226 and a valve catheter 232. In some embodiments, the valve catheter 232 may be at least partially disposed within an opening 260 formed in the luer tip 226.

In some embodiments, as in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 222 may form an opening 240 that allows the luer tip 226 to protrude. Referring to fig. 5A, the luer connector 210 may be configured such that the luer tip 226 projects toward the first end 212 of the luer connector 210. Luer tip 226 is preferably coaxially aligned with the centerline of housing 222, port member 224, and shroud 228. The size and configuration of the opening 240 may allow for radial support to be provided to the luer tip 226 such that the luer tip 226 remains in substantially coaxial alignment with the centerline of the housing 222. In some embodiments (not shown), a seal may be disposed between the outer surface of the luer tip 226 and the opening 240. Luer connector 210 may be configured such that luer tip 226 is axially supported within housing 222. Furthermore, for reasons that will be described in detail below, the housing 222 and the opening 240 are sized and configured such that the luer tip 226 is free to rotate either completely about the housing 222, the enclosure 228, and the valve conduit 232 or within a certain angular range relative to the housing 222, the enclosure 228, and the valve conduit 232.

In some embodiments, the luer tip 226 may be configured to form a generally conical tapered outer surface 226a that projects from the flat base portion 226b toward the first end 212 of the luer connector 210. Further, in some embodiments, the luer tip 226 may be configured to form an angled (beveled) surface 226c on the inside of the end of the luer tip 226. As will be discussed below, the ramped surface 226c may be configured to axially move the valve catheter 232 away from the luer tip 226 when the luer tip 226 is rotated relative to the valve catheter 232, causing the luer connector 210 to transition from the closed position to the open position when the luer tip 226 is rotated relative to the valve catheter 232. The luer tip 226 may also be configured to form a generally cylindrical opening 260 through at least a portion of the luer tip 226, with the opening 260 generally aligned with an axial centerline of the luer tip 226.

In some embodiments, the valve catheter 232 may be configured to form a generally cylindrical outer surface 232a that is sized and configured to be received in a generally cylindrical opening 260 that may be formed in the luer tip 226. As shown in fig. 5A-5D, an outer surface 232a of valve conduit 232 may protrude from a base portion 232b of valve conduit 232 toward first end 212 of luer connector 210. Further, as shown, the end of the valve catheter 232 may be formed with a beveled, oval, or other non-circular shape such that the distal surface 232d of the valve catheter 232 forms an oval or other non-circular edge. Similarly, in some embodiments, the opening 238 formed in the end of the luer tip 226 may be oval or other non-circular shape.

In some embodiments, the luer tip 226 may be axially and radially supported by the housing 220 while allowing the luer tip 226 to freely rotate relative to the housing 222, preferably within a determined angular range, but preventing the luer tip 226 from moving axially relative to the housing 222. In some embodiments, the luer tip 226 may be configured to move axially relative to the housing 222. Referring to fig. 5A and 5D, the luer tip 226 may be axially supported by an inner wall 242 formed on the inside of the housing 222, while preventing the luer tip 226 from axially translating relative to the housing toward the first section 212 of the luer connector 210. Similarly, the luer tip 226 may be axially supported by an inner wall 243 formed on an interior side of the port member 224 to prevent axial translation of the luer tip 226 relative to the housing 222 toward the second end 214 of the luer connector 210. In some embodiments, port member 224 may be bonded, fused, welded, or otherwise attached to housing 222 along split line surface 225 after luer tip 226 has been fitted within housing 222. In some embodiments, the housing 222 may define additional or different split lines so that all internal components, such as the valve catheter 232, the seal 218, and the luer tip 226, may be fitted therein.

The valve conduit 232 may be supported within the housing 222 as shown in fig. 5A, 5B, and 5E. As shown, the valve conduit 232 may be axially supported within an opening 241 formed in an inner wall 243 of the housing 222, thereby laterally confining the valve conduit 232. As shown, a seal may be supported by the inner wall 243 to seal the opening 241. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner wall 243 may prevent the valve conduit 232 from translating axially relative to the housing 222 toward the first end 212 of the luer connector 210. Further, luer connector 210 may be configured to prevent valve conduit 232 from rotating relative to housing 222 or port member 224. Specifically, in some embodiments, the port member 224 and the base portion 232b of the valve conduit 232 may form a keyway, channel, protrusion, lug, pin, or other indexing feature configured to prevent rotation of the valve conduit 232 relative to the housing 222 or the port member 224. As will be described in greater detail below, in some embodiments, valve conduit 232 may be prevented from rotating relative to port member 224 or housing 222 such that luer tip 226 may rotate relative to valve conduit 232, causing valve conduit 232 to open and close rotationally in response to luer tip 226.

Further, referring to fig. 5A and 5E, the seal 218 may be attached to the inner surface 224a of the port member 224 and the base portion 232b of the valve conduit 232. In some embodiments, the seal 218 may be annular or cylindrical such that substantially all of the fluid or drug flowing through the port member 224 may flow through the axial opening 264 and the transverse opening 264a in the valve conduit 232 (e.g., substantially preventing the fluid or drug from bypassing the base portion 232b of the valve conduit 232). Further, in some embodiments, the seal 218 may be made of an elastic material, thereby applying a biasing force to the valve conduit 232 that biases the valve conduit 232 toward the first end 212 of the luer connector 210 (e.g., biases the valve conduit 232 toward a closed position relative to the luer tip 226). In some embodiments, the seal 218 may be a spring or other biasing device that may bias the valve conduit 232 toward the first end 212 of the luer connector 210, but free of fluid flowing through the connector 210. Instead, fluid flow around the valve conduit 232 to the first end 212 may be prevented by the seal 241.

As will be described in greater detail below, in the assembled configuration as shown in fig. 5A, 5D, and 5E, rotation of the luer tip 226 relative to the valve catheter 232 may cause the valve assembly 220 of the luer connector 210 to move between the open and closed positions. As described above, in some embodiments, seal 218 may apply a biasing force to valve catheter 232 that may urge valve catheter 232 into contact with luer tip 226. Specifically, the seal 218 may urge the surface 232c of the valve conduit 232 against the surface 226c, as shown in fig. 5A, 5D, and 5E. In some embodiments, the luer connector 210 may be configured such that when the luer tip 226 is rotated, the valve conduit 232 moves from an open position to a closed position or from a closed position to an open position, depending on the direction of rotation of the luer tip. Specifically, in some embodiments, the luer tip may define an angled (beveled) surface 226c having an oval cross-section, and the valve conduit 232 may define an angled (beveled) surface 232c, which may also have an oval cross-section. As with other embodiments disclosed herein, in some embodiments, the luer tip 226 and valve catheter 232 may be at least partially fabricated from a rigid, medically neutral material, such as plastic or metal. Preferably, rotation of the luer tip will cause the luer tip 226 and valve catheter 232 to translate relative to one another without deformation and maintain their sealed relationship. As luer tip 226 is rotated in a first direction relative to valve conduit 232, their respective beveled oval surfaces may urge valve conduit 232 to move toward second end 214 of luer connector 210. Similarly, when the valve catheter 232 is in the open position, as the luer tip 226 is rotated relative to the valve catheter 232 in a second direction opposite the first direction, the resilient seal 218 may urge the end of the valve catheter 232 into gradual engagement with the opening 238 formed in the end of the luer tip 226 and thus substantially seal the opening 238 when the oval beveled surface 232c of the valve catheter 232 is aligned with the oval beveled surface 226c of the luer tip 226.

Thus, rotation of the luer tip 226 relative to the valve conduit 232 may cause the valve conduit 232 to move between the open and closed positions. In some embodiments, the luer tip 226 may be configured to form a rotational limiter or rotational stop that is intended to ensure that when the female connector 76 is threadably connected to the luer connector 210 (as will be described in greater detail below), the luer tip 226 rotates to a desired radial position that causes the valve conduit 232 to open a sufficient amount to allow fluid or medication to flow through the luer connector 210. Similarly, when the rotational limiter or rotational stop may be configured to ensure that when the female connector 76 is unthreaded from the luer connector 210, the luer tip 226 rotates to a desired position to allow the valved conduit 232 to sealingly abut the inner surface of the luer tip 226 with the biasing force provided by the resilient seal 218. Specifically, in some embodiments, the luer tip 226 and the housing 222 may form a keyway, channel, protrusion, lug, pin, or other indexing feature that controls the range of rotation of the luer tip 226 relative to the housing 222. When the luer connector 210 is in the closed position, an outer surface of the distal end of the valve catheter 232 may sealingly abut an inner surface of the distal end 226a of the luer tip 226, substantially preventing fluid flow through the opening 238 formed in the distal end of the luer tip 226.

As noted above, in the illustrated embodiment, the tube 232 is slidably supported so as to be axially translatable within the luer tip 226. Additionally, an annular seal 224 may be disposed between the outer surface of the valve catheter 232 and the inner surface of the luer tip 226 to prevent fluid flow into the chamber 246. The seal 244 may include any other seal described herein or any material, geometry, dimensions, or other details or configuration of a seal. In some embodiments, the seal 244 may be made of the same material as the valve conduit 232 and may be made of a different material than the valve conduit 232, and may be sealably attached to the valve conduit 232. In some embodiments, the seal 244 may be formed separately from the valve catheter 232 and disposed at a desired axial location on the interior surface of the valve catheter 232 or luer tip 226. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the luer tip, the outer surface of the valve conduit 232 may include grooves or recesses, for example, for securing the sealing member 244 in a desired position.

In some embodiments, as described above, the seal 218 may be resilient and biased toward the expanded position, as shown in fig. 5A, thereby exerting a force on the valve conduit 232 that biases the valve conduit 232 toward the closed position. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the seal 218 may bias the valve catheter 232 into sealing abutment with an inner surface of the luer tip 226. Further, the seal 218 may be configured such that the volume inside the seal 218 (represented by V1 in FIG. 5A) when the valve member 220 is in the closed position is greater than the volume inside the seal 218 (represented by V2 in FIG. 5D) when the valve member 220 is in the open position. Thus, the fluid contained within the seal 218 may decrease as the valve assembly 220 moves from the closed position to the open position and increase as the valve assembly 2220 moves from the open position to the closed position, by increasing the volume of space within the seal 218 as the valve assembly 220 moves to the closed position, the seal 218 may generate a suction that reduces the amount of fluid or drug that flows or drips out of the opening 238 by drawing fluid back into the volume of space within the seal 218 during closing of the valve assembly 220.

In embodiments where the seal 218 does not substantially enclose a volume, for example, when the seal 218 is a spring, it may function in a similar manner. Chamber 246 may be configured such that the volume therein is greater when valve assembly 220 is in the closed position than when valve assembly 220 is in the open position. As the connector 210 moves from the open position to the closed position, the change in volume may draw fluid from the first end 212 of the luer connector 210 into the connector 210.

In some embodiments, the seal 218, the tube 232, and the seal 244 can all be made of the same material. However, in some embodiments, any of these features may be formed separately and supported or attached to the desired location as described above or in any other suitable manner. The housing 222 may be generally tubular in structure and has a channel 254 extending from the second end 214 of the connector 210 through the axial center of the luer connector 210. Thus, in some embodiments, when luer connector 210 is in the open configuration as shown in fig. 5B, channel 254 allows fluid to flow from second end 214, through port member 224, seal 218, opening 264 in tube 232, and out of opening 238 in luer tip 226 disposed at first end 212 of luer connector 210.

Referring to fig. 5A and 5D, near the second end 214 of the luer connector 210, the port member 224 and corresponding section of the fluid channel 254 may be wide enough to accommodate a section of standard diameter medical tubing or a standard male luer inserted therein. The length, diameter, or other characteristics of the housing 222 (or any housing described herein) may be the same as any other housing described herein.

Further, the enclosure 228 is sized and configured as described above or as desired to fixedly or removably attach the luer connector 210 to another medical implement. Further, the housing 222, tip 226, seal 218, or any other component or part of the luer connector 210 may have any material, shape, feature, size, or other configuration or detail described herein with respect to any other tip member. As with other embodiments of luer tips, the luer tip 226 may be manufactured according to applicable standards and/or rules, such as ANSI and/or ISO standards.

Referring to fig. 5D, as male luer connector 210 and female connector 76 are threaded toward one another, inner surface 86 of female connector 76 may contact the outer surface of luer tip 226. This may facilitate a fluid-tight seal between inner surface 86 of female connector 76 and the outer surface of luer tip 226. As male luer connector 210 is further threaded with female connector 76 moving, the contact force between inner surface 86 of female connector 76 and the outer surface of luer tip 226 may cause the luer tip to rotate substantially in unison with female connector 76. This may cause luer tip 26 to rotate relative to valve catheter 232 as described above, thereby causing distal end 232a of valve catheter 232 to move away from distal end 226a within luer tip 226 as described above. As the valve catheter 232 and the luer tip 226 move away from each other, a gap may form between an outer surface of the end of the valve catheter 232 and an inner surface of the end of the luer tip 226, allowing fluid to flow through the opening 238 into the fluid channel 80 of the female connector 76, and vice versa.

As described above, when the valve conduit 232 opens causing the seal 218 to compress, the volume within the seal 218 that can contain fluid will decrease. In some embodiments, when a constant positive pressure source is imparted on the channel 254 at the second end 214 of the luer connector 210, at which time the seal 218 is compressed (which reduces the volume of fluid in the seal 218), the fluid in the seal 218 will be subjected to increased pressure due to the compression of the seal 218. In some embodiments, this increased pressure will cause fluid within the seal 218 to flow at an increased rate through the channel 254 toward the first end 212 of the luer connector 210 until the seal 218 is no longer compressed.

Conversely, in some embodiments, when female connector 76 is removed from luer connector 210, interaction between inner surface 86 of female connector 76 and the outer surface of luer tip 226 may cause luer tip 226 to rotate relative to valve conduit 232, thereby causing valve conduit 232 to move to a closed position relative to luer tip 226. As the valve conduit 232 moves toward the closed position, the volume within the seal 218 may increase back to the volume V1. The expansion of the interior volume of the seal 218 may cause a reduced pressure or suction to be generated within the seal 218. As described above, this reduced pressure or suction may cause the luer connector 210 to draw at least some fluid within the opening 264 back into the volume of space within the seal 218. In some embodiments, luer connector 210 may be used to control the flow of harmful or corrosive fluids or drugs, thereby facilitating the prevention of even a few droplets from dripping out of opening 238 when female connector 76 is removed.

Reference will now be made to fig. 6A-6G, which describe another embodiment of the closeable luer connector 310. Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view of luer connector 310 showing luer connector 210 in a first or closed position. Fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view of luer connector 310 showing luer connector 310 in a second or open position. Fig. 6C is an end view of an embodiment of luer connector 310 showing luer connector 310 in a closed position. Fig. 6D is an end view of the luer connector 310 showing the luer connector 310 in one open position. Fig. 6E is a perspective view of an embodiment of a luer tip 326. Fig. 6F is a cross-sectional view of luer connector 310 taken along line 6G-6G in fig. 6B, showing luer connector 210 in the open position.

In some embodiments, the luer connector 310 may have the components, features, materials, sizes, geometries, details, or configurations of any other luer connector disclosed herein. Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view of luer connector 310 in a closed position, substantially preventing fluid flow through luer connector 310 when luer connector 310 is in the closed position. Fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of luer connector 310 in an open position due to engagement of female connector 76 with the luer connector. In fig. 6B, the arrows indicate the flow of fluid or medication through luer connector 310. As described above with respect to other luer connectors, when the valve conduit 332 (also referred to as an inner member) of the luer connector 310 is in the open position, fluid flow through the luer connector 310 may be substantially prevented. Similarly, when the valve conduit 332 is in the closed position, fluid flow through the luer connector 310 is generally prevented, as with any of the embodiments of luer connectors described herein, a perfect seal by the valve assembly is not required, but in some embodiments is preferred.

In some embodiments, the luer connector 310 may be the same as or similar to the luer connector 310 described above, except for the features and components that will be described below. Thus, in some aspects, the luer connector 310 may operate in the same or similar manner as the luer connector 210 described above. As depicted in fig. 6A, the assembled luer connector 310 may include a housing 322, a port member 324 positioned near the second end 314 of the luer connector 310, a luer tip 326 positioned near the first end 312 of the luer connector 310, an enclosure 328 surrounding at least a portion of the luer tip 326, and a valve assembly 320. As shown, the valve conduit 322 may be integrally formed with the housing 322, or may be formed separately from the housing 332 and attached to the housing 322 using any bonding or fusing technique described or known in the art. The luer tip 326 may be supported within the housing 322. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve assembly 320 may include a luer tip 326 and a valve catheter 332. In some embodiments, the valve catheter 332 may be at least partially disposed within an opening 360 that may be formed in the luer tip 326.

In some embodiments, as in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 322 may form an opening 340 that allows the luer tip 326 to extend therethrough. Referring to fig. 6A, the luer connector 310 may be configured such that the luer tip 326 protrudes toward the first end 312 of the luer connector 310. Preferably, luer tip 326 is coaxially aligned with the centerline of housing 322, port member 324, and shroud 328. The opening 340 is sized and configured to provide radial support to the luer tip 326 such that the luer tip remains in substantially coaxial alignment with the centerline of the housing 322. The opening 320 is sized and configured to not restrict rotation of the luer tip 326 relative to the housing 322. Luer connector 310 is also configured such that luer tip 326 may be axially supported within housing 322. Furthermore, for reasons that will be described in greater detail below, the housing 322 and the opening 340 are sized and configured such that the luer tip 326 is free to rotate within a determined angular range relative to the housing 322, the enclosure 328, and the valve conduit 332.

Referring to fig. 6E, in some embodiments, luer tip 326 may be configured to form a generally conical tapered outer surface 326a projecting from flat base portion 326b toward first end 312 of luer connector 310. Referring to fig. 6F, in some embodiments, the flat base portion 326b may be configured to form a first abutment surface 326c and a second abutment surface 326 d. Further, in some embodiments, housing 322 may form a protrusion or tab 323 that may be longitudinally aligned with first and second abutment surfaces 326c and 326 d. As will be described in greater detail below, the lug 323 and the first and second abutment surfaces 326c and 326d may be configured to form or limit the angular range of rotation between the luer tip 326 and the housing 322. The luer tip 326 may also be configured to form a generally cylindrical opening 360 through at least a portion of the luer tip 326, the opening 360 being aligned with an axial centerline of the luer tip 326.

In some embodiments, the valve catheter 332 may be formed to define a generally cylindrical outer surface 332a sized and configured to be received within a generally cylindrical opening 360 formed in the luer tip 326. An outer surface 332a of the valve catheter 332 may protrude from the housing 322 toward the first end 312 of the luer connector 310.

As described above, the luer tip 326 may be axially and radially supported by the housing 322, allowing the luer tip 326 to substantially freely rotate relative to the housing 322, preferably within a defined angular range, in response to coupling or other manipulation with another connector, but substantially preventing the luer tip 326 from axially moving relative to the housing 322. As described in other embodiments, the opening 340 may include a resilient seal, such as an O-ring, that engages the rotating luer tip 326. In some embodiments, port member 324 may be bonded, fused, welded, or otherwise attached to housing 322 along parting line surface 325 after luer tip 326 has been fitted within housing 322. In some embodiments, the housing 322 may form additional or different parting lines such that all internal components, such as the valve guide 322, the seal 318, and the valve guide 326, may be assembled in the housing 322.

As will now be described in greater detail, in the assembled configuration as shown in fig. 6A and 6B, rotation of the luer tip 326 relative to the valve catheter 332 may cause the valve assembly 320 of the luer connector 310 to move between the second open position and the first closed position. In the open position as shown in fig. 6B and 6D, the opening 238 in the luer tip 326 is substantially aligned with the opening 364 in the valve catheter 332. In the closed position as shown in fig. 6A and 6C, the opening 338 in the luer tip 326 is substantially misaligned with the opening 364 in the valve catheter 332. In some embodiments, the luer connector 310 is configured such that as the luer tip 326 is rotated, the valve conduit 332 moves from an open position to a closed position, or from a closed position to an open position, depending on the direction of rotation of the luer tip 326. The first and second abutment surfaces 326c, 326d may be configured to stop rotation of the luer tip 326 in the first or second direction such that the luer tip 326 may be aligned in an open or closed position relative to the valve tube 332 in the stopped position.

Thus, relative rotation of the luer tip 326 with respect to the valve conduit 332 may cause the valve assembly 320 to move between the open and closed positions. As described above, in some embodiments, the luer tip 326 may be configured to form a rotational limiter or rotational stop that ensures that when the female connector 76 is threaded with the luer connector 310 (as will be described in more detail below), the luer tip 326 is rotated to a desired angle, causing the valved conduit 332 to open a sufficient amount to allow fluid or medication to flow through the luer connector 310. Similarly, a rotation limiter or rotation stop may be configured to ensure that when female connector 76 is unthreaded from luer connector 310, luer tip 326 is rotated to a desired radial position, allowing valve conduit 322 to sealingly abut the inner surface of luer tip 326.

An annular seal 344 may be disposed between an outer surface of the valve catheter 332 and an inner surface of the luer tip 326 to prevent fluid from flowing through the opening 360 and out the opening 340 toward the base portion 326b of the luer tip 326. Seal 344 may include any other seal described herein or any material, geometry, dimensions, or other details or configuration of a seal. In some embodiments, the seal 344 may be separately made and sealably attached to the valve catheter 332 or the luer tip 326. In some embodiments, the seal 344 may be formed separately from the valve catheter 332 and disposed at a desired axial location on the valve catheter 332 or on the inner surface of the luer tip 326. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the luer tip 326 or the outer surface of the valve catheter 332 may include grooves or recesses, for example, to secure the seal 344 in a desired position.

Housing 322 may be a generally tubular structure having a channel 354 that may extend from second end 314 of luer connector 310 through the axial center of luer connector 310. Thus, in some embodiments, when luer connector 310 is in the open configuration depicted in fig. 6B, channel 354 allows fluid to flow from the second end, through port member 324, seal 318, opening 364a in tube 332, and out of opening 338 in luer tip 326 disposed at first end 312 of luer connector 310. The length, diameter, or other features of the housing 332 may be the same as any other housing described herein.

Further, the enclosure 328 may be sized and configured as described above or as desired to fixedly or removably attach the luer connector 310 to another medical implement. Further, the housing 322, tip 326, seal 318, or any other component or part of the luer connector 310 may have any material, shape, feature, size, or other configuration or detail described herein with respect to any other tip member. For other embodiments of luer tips, the luer tip 326 may be manufactured according to applicable standards and/or rules, such as ANSI and/ISO standards.

Referring to fig. 6B, as male luer connector male 310 and female connector 76 are threaded toward each other, inner surface 86 of female connector 76 may contact the outer surface of luer tip 326. This may facilitate a fluid-tight seal between inner surface 86 of female connector 76 and the outer surface of luer tip 326. As male luer connector 310 is moved further into threaded connection with female connector 76, the contact force between inner surface 86 of female connector 76 and the outer surface of luer tip 326 may cause luer tip 326 to rotate substantially in unison with female connector 76. This may cause the luer tip 326 to rotate relative to the valve catheter 332 as described above, thereby causing the opening 338 in the luer tip 326 to move relative to the opening 364 in the valve catheter 332, as described above.

In some embodiments, the luer connector 310 may be configured to substantially prevent inadvertent rotation of the luer tip 326 from the first closed position to prevent inadvertent opening of the luer connector 310 and thereby prevent inadvertent release of fluid in the luer connector 310. For example, some embodiments of the luer connector 310 may have detents, grooves, lugs, resilient members, or other features that prevent the luer tip 326 from rotating relative to the valve catheter 332.

Another embodiment of a closeable luer connector 410 will now be described with reference to fig. 7A-7B. In some embodiments, the luer connector 410 may have any of the components, features, materials, dimensions, geometries, details, or configurations of any other luer connector disclosed herein. Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view of luer connector 410 showing luer connector 410 in a closed position substantially preventing fluid flow through luer connector 410. Fig. 7B is a cross-sectional view of luer connector 410 showing luer connector 410 in an open position substantially allowing fluid flow through luer connector 410. As described below, in some embodiments, the luer connector 410 may be configured to manually move the luer connector between the open and closed positions without automatically changing to the open position when the luer connector 410 is engaged with a female connector. The flow of fluid or medication through luer connector 410 is indicated by arrows in fig. 7B. As with any of the embodiments of luer connectors described herein, a perfect seal is not required to be achieved by the valve assembly, but in some embodiments such a seal is preferred.

In some embodiments, luer connector 410 may be the same as or similar to luer connector 310 described above, except for the features or components shown in fig. 7A and 7B and/or described below. Thus, in some embodiments, the luer connector 410 may operate in the same or similar manner as the luer connector 310 described above. As shown in fig. 7A, some embodiments of the assembled luer connector 410 may include a housing 422, a port member 424 positioned near the second end 414 of the luer connector 410, a luer tip 426 positioned near the first end 412 of the luer connector 410, a shroud 428 surrounding at least a portion of the luer tip 426, and a valve assembly 420. As shown, the luer tip 426 may be integrally formed with the housing 422, or in some embodiments, the luer tip 426 may be separately formed and attached to the housing 422 by any bonding or fusing technique described herein or known in the art.

In the illustrated embodiment, the valve assembly 420 can include a luer tip 426, a valve catheter 432 (also referred to as an inner member) supported within the luer tip 426, and a handle 433. In some embodiments, the valve conduit 432 may be integrally formed with the handle. In some embodiments, the handle 433 may be made separately from the valve conduit 432 and attached to the valve conduit 432 by any bonding or fusing technique described herein or known in the art. In some embodiments, the valve conduit 432 may be at least partially disposed within an opening 460 formed in the luer tip 426.

Similar to the other luer connectors described herein, the end of the valve conduit 432 may be configured to create a substantially fluid-tight seal with respect to the luer tip 426 when the valve assembly 420 is in the closed position. Additionally, when the valve assembly 420 is in the open position, fluid may be allowed to flow through the opening 464 formed in the valve conduit 432 and out of the opening 428 formed in the luer tip 426. In some embodiments, the valve assembly 420 can be moved between the open and closed positions by manually applying a force to the handle 433, which can extend through one or more openings 423 formed in the housing 422. Specifically, the valve assembly 420 may be closed by moving the handle 433 toward the first end 412 of the luer connector 420.

In some embodiments, the resilient seal 418 may be supported by the housing 422 and configured to create a fluid-tight seal around an outer surface of a portion of the valve conduit 432. Additionally, the resilient seal 418 may be configured to apply a biasing force to the valve conduit 432 that biases the valve assembly 420 to the closed position. In some embodiments, the resilient seal 418 may be defined as a generally flat ring with a circular opening that tightens around an outer surface of a portion of the valve conduit 432. Another seal 444 may be positioned around a portion of the valve tube 432 adjacent the second end 414 of the luer connector to substantially prevent fluid leakage through the one or more openings 423 and the housing 422.

In some embodiments, the valve conduit 432 and/or the housing 422 may be configured to form a detent, or other feature to urge the valve assembly 420 to remain in an open or partially open position against the biasing force of the seal 418 after the valve assembly 420 has been moved to the open position by a user. This may allow the valve assembly 420 to remain in the open position without requiring the user to hold the handle 433 in the open position. In some embodiments, applying a force to the handle in the direction of the first end 412 of the luer connector 410 may cause the valve assembly 422 to close. In some embodiments, the valve conduit 432 and housing 422 may be configured such that a user holds the handle 433 in an open position while the valve assembly 420 remains open.

Another embodiment of a closeable luer connector 510 will now be described with reference to fig. 8A and 8B. In some embodiments, the luer connector 510 may have any of the components, features, materials, sizes, geometries, details, or configurations of any other luer connector disclosed herein. Fig. 8A is a cross-sectional view of luer connector 510, showing luer connector 510 in a closed position, thereby substantially preventing fluid flow through luer connector 510. Fig. 8B is a cross-sectional view of luer connector 510 showing luer connector 510 in an open position, substantially allowing fluid flow through luer connector 510. As described below, in some embodiments, the luer connector 510 may be configured to be manually changeable between an open position and a closed position and not automatically changeable to the open position when the luer connector 510 is engaged with a female connector. The flow of fluid or medication through luer connector 510 is indicated by arrows in fig. 8B. As with any of the embodiments of luer connectors described herein, the valve assembly is not required to achieve a perfect seal, but in other embodiments such a seal is preferred.

In some embodiments, luer connector 510 may be the same as or similar to luer connector 410 described above, except for the features and components shown in fig. 8A and 8B and/or described herein. Thus, in some embodiments, the luer connector 510 may operate in the same or similar manner as the luer connector 410 described above. As shown in fig. 8A, some embodiments of the assembled luer connector 510 may include a housing 522, a port member 524 positioned at least a portion of the luer tip 526, a luer tip 526 positioned near the first end 512 of the luer connector 510, a shroud 528 surrounding at least a portion of the luer tip 526, and a valve assembly 520. The luer tip 526 may be integrally formed with the housing 522 as shown, or may be separately made and attached to the housing 522 by any bonding or fusing technique described herein or known in the art.

In the illustrated embodiment, the valve assembly 520 may include a luer tip 526, a valve conduit 532 (also referred to as an inner member) supported within the luer tip 526, a protrusion or lug 533, and an index 534. In some embodiments, the valve conduit 532 and the lug 533 may be integrally formed. In some embodiments, the tab 533 may be manufactured separately from the valve conduit 532 and attached to the valve conduit 532 by any bonding or fusing technique described herein or known in the art. The valve conduit 532 may be at least partially disposed within an opening 560 formed in the luer tip 526. In some instances, the valve conduit 532 and the housing 522 may be configured to allow the valve conduit 532 to axially translate within a determined range relative to the housing 522 such that the valve conduit 532 and the housing 522 may define a channel, groove, protrusion, indexing feature, or otherwise be configured to substantially prevent the valve conduit 532 from rotating relative to the housing 522.

Similar to the other luer connectors described herein, the end of valve conduit 532 may be configured to create a substantially fluid-tight seal with respect to luer tip 526 when valve assembly 520 is in the closed position. Additionally, when the valve assembly 520 is in the open position, fluid may be allowed to flow through the opening 564 formed in the valve conduit 532 and out of the opening 538 formed in the luer tip 526. In some embodiments, the valve member 520 may be moved between the open and closed positions by manually applying a force to a tab 533 extending through one or a series of openings 523 in the housing 522. Specifically, the valve assembly 520 may be opened by moving the tab 533 toward the second end 514 of the luer connector 510, as described below. Similarly, the valve assembly 520 may be closed by moving the tab 533 toward the first end 512 of the luer connector 510.

In some embodiments, the resilient seal 518 may be supported by the housing 522 and configured to create a liquid-tight seal around an outer surface of a portion of the valve conduit 532. Additionally, the resilient seal 518 may be configured to apply a biasing force to the valve conduit 532 that may bias the valve assembly 522 to the closed position. In some embodiments, the resilient seal 518 is a generally flat ring with a circular opening that may surround the portion of the catheter tube 532 adjacent the second end 514 of the luer connector, substantially preventing fluid from leaking out of the opening or series of openings 523 and the housing 522.

In some embodiments, the index 534 may be composed of two or more pieces and snap together or otherwise be joined together around the housing 522 and lugs 533. The index member 534 may be supported by the housing 522, allowing the index plate to rotate freely relative to the housing 522 and the valve guide 532, while being axially supported by the housing 522, thereby substantially preventing the index member 534 from translating in either axial direction relative to the housing 522. Further, the index member 534 and/or the housing 522 can be configured to form a detent, stop, or other feature to bias or stop the index member 534 in a particular predetermined position that corresponds to a desired position of the valve member 520, such as, but not limited to, an open position, a closed position, and a fill position.

In some embodiments, index member 534 may form a generally helical channel 535 configured to slidably receive lug 533. In this configuration, in some embodiments, because the valve conduit 532 and the lugs 533 are substantially prevented from rotating relative to the housing, when the index plate 534 is rotated, the helical shape of the channels 535 may urge the lugs 533, and thus the valve conduit 532, to move in either axial direction relative to the housing, depending on the direction of rotation of the index plate 534. In this manner, valve assembly 520 may be moved between an open position and a closed position.

In some embodiments, as described above, the index member 534 and/or the housing 522 can be configured to form a detent, stop, or other feature to facilitate the valve assembly 520 being held in an open or partially open position against the biasing force of the seal 518 after the valve assembly 520 has been moved to the open position. This allows valve assembly 520 to remain in the open position without the user holding index 534 in the desired position.

Another embodiment of a closeable luer connector 610 will now be described with reference to fig. 9A-9B. In some embodiments, the luer connector 610 may have any of the components, features, materials, sizes, geometries, details, or configurations of any other luer connector disclosed herein. Fig. 9A is a cross-sectional view of luer connector 610 showing luer connector 610 in a closed position such that fluid flow through luer connector 610 may be substantially prevented. Fig. 9B is a cross-sectional view of luer connector 610 showing luer connector 610 in an open position such that fluid may be substantially allowed to flow through luer connector 610. As will be described below, in some embodiments, the luer connector 610 may be configured to manually move the luer connector 610 between the open and closed positions and not automatically change to the open position when the luer connector 610 is engaged with a female connector. The flow of fluid or medication through luer connector 610 is indicated by arrows in fig. 9B. As with any of the embodiments of luer connectors described herein, a perfect seal by the valve assembly is not required, but in some embodiments such a seal is preferred.

In some embodiments, the luer connector 610 may be the same as or similar to the luer connector 510 described above, except for the features and components shown in fig. 9A and 9B and/or described below. Thus, in some embodiments, the luer connector 610 may operate in the same or similar manner as the luer connector 510 described above. As shown in fig. 9A, some embodiments of an assembled luer connector 610 may include a housing 622, a port member 624 positioned near the second end 614 of the luer connector 610, a luer tip 626 positioned near the first end 612 of the luer connector 610, a shroud 628 surrounding at least a portion of the luer tip 626, and a valve assembly 620. The luer tip 626 may be integrally formed with the housing 622 as shown, or in some embodiments, the luer tip 626 may be separately made and attached to the housing 622 by any bonding or fusing technique described herein or known in the art.

In the illustrated embodiment, the valve assembly 620 may include a luer tip 626, a valve conduit 632 (also referred to as an inner member) supported within the luer tip 626, and a stopcock or handle member 633. The valve catheter 632 may be at least partially disposed within an opening 660 formed in the luer tip 626. In some embodiments, the luer connector 610 is configured to allow the valve catheter 632 to axially translate within a predetermined range relative to the housing 622 and luer tip 626 such that the valve catheter 632 can move between an open position and a closed position.

A generally cylindrical resilient seal 618 may be supported within the housing 622 and/or luer tip 626. The seal 618 may be configured to sealingly cover the one or more openings 664a of the channel 664 in the valve catheter 632 such that when the valve catheter 632 is in the closed position as shown in fig. 9A, the seal 618 substantially prevents any fluid or drug from flowing out of the one or more openings 664a formed in the valve catheter 632. In addition, the seal 618 is sized and configured to allow fluid or medication to flow through the one or more openings 664a in the valve catheter 632 and out the opening 638 in the luer tip 626 when the valve assembly 620 is in the open position.

Additionally, the seal 618 may be supported within the housing 622 and configured to apply a biasing force to the valve conduit 632 that biases the valve conduit 632 to the closed position. Specifically, the seal 618 may be supported by the luer tip 626 and/or the housing 622 such that the seal 618 is in at least a slightly compressed state, thereby exerting a biasing force on the valve conduit 632 in the direction of the second end 614 of the luer connector 610. When the handle 633 is moved to the open position as shown in fig. 9B, the valve conduit 632 may be moved toward the first end 612 of the luer connector 610 against the biasing force of the seal 618. When the handle 633 is moved from the open position to the closed position (as shown in fig. 9A), the biasing force of the seal 618 may restore the valve conduit 632 to the closed position, thereby preventing additional fluid flow through the valve assembly 620. In some embodiments, fluid may flow around the base of the handle 633 in either the open or closed position. Another seal 644 may be disposed about a portion of the valve conduit 632 adjacent the second end 614 of the luer connector to substantially prevent fluid flow through the opening or series of openings 623 and the housing 622.

In some embodiments, the handle 633 may be supported by the housing 622, allowing the handle to rotate substantially freely with respect to the housing 622 and the valve conduit 632, while being supported by the housing 622 such that the handle 633 does not accidentally disengage from the housing 622. In addition, the handle 633 and/or housing 622 may be configured to form a detent, stop, or other feature to bias or stop the handle 633 in a particular rotational position that corresponds to a desired position of the valve member 620, such as, but not limited to, an open position, a closed position, and a priming position.

The base portion 633a of the handle 633 may be formed into an oval or other non-circular cross-section or otherwise fitted such that the valve conduit 632 is axially displaced upon rotation of the handle 633. Therefore, the radial distances from the axial center line or the rotational center (indicated by the axis a in fig. 9A and 9B) to different points on the surface of the base portion 633a may be different from each other. Specifically, in some embodiments, when the valve conduit 632 is in the open position (as shown in fig. 9B), the distance between the center of rotation a to the point on the surface of the base portion 633a that is in contact with the valve conduit 632 is greater than the distance between the center of rotation a to the point on the surface of the base portion 633a that is in contact with the valve conduit 632 when the valve conduit 632 is in the closed position (as shown in fig. 9A). In this configuration, the valve assembly 620 may be moved between the open and closed positions by rotating the handle 633 relative to the housing 622, thereby causing the valve assembly 620 to move between the open and closed positions.

In some embodiments, as described above, the handle 633 and/or housing 622 may be configured to form a detent, stop, or other feature to facilitate the retention of the valve assembly 620 in an open or partially open position against the biasing force of the seal 618 after the user has moved the valve assembly 620 to the open position. This allows the valve assembly 620 to remain in the open position without requiring the user to maintain the handle 633 in the desired position.

Another embodiment of a closeable luer connector 710 is now described with reference to fig. 10A-10B. In some embodiments, the luer connector 710 may have any of the components, features, materials, sizes, geometries, details, or configurations of any other luer connector disclosed herein. Fig. 10A is a cross-sectional view of luer connector 710 showing luer connector 710 in a closed position such that fluid flow through luer connector 710 may be substantially prevented. Fig. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the luer connector 710 showing the luer connector 710 in an open position such that fluid may be substantially allowed to flow through the luer connector 710. As will be described below, in some embodiments, the luer connector 710 may be configured to manually move the luer connector 710 between the open and closed positions and not automatically change to the open position when the luer connector 710 is engaged with a female connector. The flow of fluid or medication through luer connector 710 is indicated by arrows in fig. 10B. For any of the embodiments of luer connectors described herein, a perfect seal by the valve assembly is not required, but in some embodiments such a seal is preferred.

In some embodiments, luer connector 710 may be the same as or similar to luer connector 10 described above, except for fig. 10A and 10B and/or features and components to be described below. Thus, in some embodiments, luer connector 710 may operate in the same or similar manner as luer connector 10 described above. As shown in fig. 10A, some embodiments of an assembled luer connector 710 may include a housing 722, a port member 724 positioned near the second end 714 of the luer connector 710, a luer tip 726 positioned near the first end 712 of the luer connector 710, a shroud 728 surrounding at least a portion of the luer tip 726, and a valve assembly 720. The luer tip 726 may be integrally formed with the housing 722 as shown, or in some embodiments, the luer tip 726 may be separately made and attached to the housing 722 by any bonding or fusing technique described herein or known in the art.

In the illustrated embodiment, the valve assembly 720 can include a luer tip 726, a valve conduit 732 (also referred to as an inner member) supported within the luer tip 726, and a handle piece 733. The valve catheter 732 may be at least partially disposed within an opening 760 formed in the luer tip 726. In some embodiments, the valve catheter 732 and the housing 722 may be configured to allow the valve catheter 732 to axially translate within a predetermined range relative to the housing 722 and the luer tip 726, such that the valve catheter 732 may move between an open position and a closed position. In some embodiments, the valve catheter 732 may form a lug, protrusion, or other feature 735 to limit axial displacement of the valve catheter 732 from the housing 722 so that the valve catheter 732 does not accidentally disengage the housing 722 when withdrawn. Thus, the valve conduit 732 can be moved between the open and closed positions by manually pulling or pushing a handle 733 made integral with or attached to the valve conduit 732.

A substantially liquid-tight seal 744 may be supported by the housing 722 and may be configured to seal an opening in the housing 722 through which the valve conduit 732 may pass. In some embodiments, seal 744 may be configured to provide a radially inward force on the outer surface of valve conduit 732 to prevent axial movement of valve conduit 732 relative to housing 722. In some embodiments, seal 744 may be configured to exert a biasing force on valve conduit 732 that may bias valve conduit 732 to the closed position. The seal 744 may be configured such that the magnitude of the radially inward force is sufficient to prevent the valve assembly 720 from accidentally opening from the closed position. Additionally, seal 744 may be configured to substantially prevent any fluid or drug from flowing out of an opening formed in housing 722 through which valve conduit 732 may pass. In some embodiments, the valve conduit 732, seal 744, and/or housing 722 may be configured to form a detent, stop, or other feature to maintain the valve assembly 720 in a predetermined axial position relative to the housing 722.

Another embodiment of a closeable luer connector 810 will now be described with reference to fig. 11A-11B. In some embodiments, the luer connector 810 may have any of the components, features, materials, sizes, collective shapes, details, or configurations of any other luer connector disclosed herein. Fig. 11A is a cross-sectional view of luer connector 710 showing luer connector 810 in a closed position such that fluid flow through luer connector 810 may be substantially prevented. Fig. 11B is a cross-sectional view of luer connector 810 showing luer connector 810 in an open position such that fluid may be substantially allowed to flow through luer connector 810. As will be described below, in some embodiments, the luer connector 810 is configured to manually move the valve assembly 820 of the luer connector 810 between the open and closed positions without automatically changing to the open position when the luer connector 810 is engaged with a female connector. The flow of fluid or medication through luer connector 810 is indicated by arrows in fig. 11B. When the valve conduit 832 (also referred to as an inner member) of the luer connector 810 is in an open position, fluid may be substantially allowed to flow through the luer connector 810. Likewise, when the valve conduit 832 is in the closed position, fluid flow through the luer connector 810 is substantially prevented. As with any of the embodiments of luer connectors described herein, a perfect seal is not required to be achieved by the valve assembly, but in some embodiments such a seal is preferred.

In some embodiments, the luer connector 810 may be the same as or similar to the luer connector 710 described above, except for the features and components shown in fig. 11A and 11B and/or described below. Thus, in some embodiments, the luer connector 810 may operate in the same or similar manner as the luer connector 710 described above. As shown in fig. 11A, some embodiments of an assembled luer connector 810 may include a housing 822, a port member 824 positioned near the second end 814 of the luer connector 810, a luer tip 826 positioned near the first end 812 of the luer connector 810, a shroud 828 around at least a portion of the luer connector 826, and a valve assembly 820. The valve conduit 832 may be integrally formed with the port member 824 as shown, or in some embodiments, the valve conduit 832 may be separately made and attached to the port member 824 by any bonding or fusing technique described herein or known in the art.

In the illustrated embodiment, the valve assembly 820 may include a luer tip 826 and a valve conduit 832 supported within the luer tip 826. The valve conduit 832 may be at least partially disposed within an opening 860 formed in the luer tip 826. In some embodiments, the luer tip 826 and the housing 822 may be configured to allow the luer tip 826 to axially translate within a predetermined range relative to the housing 822 and the valve catheter 832 such that the valve assembly 820 may be moved between an open position and a closed position. In some embodiments, the luer tip 826 may form a lug, protrusion, or other feature 835 to engage the end of the female connector 76 such that the luer tip 826 may be retracted when the female connector 76 is threadably connected with the luer connector 810, as described below. As will be described below, the luer tip 826 may be moved between the open and closed positions by threading or unthreading the female connector 76 with the luer connector 810, respectively.

A substantially fluid tight seal 844 may be supported by the valve catheter 832 and configured to seal the opening 860 between the outer surface of the valve catheter 832 and the inner surface of the luer tip 826 to substantially prevent fluid flow into the chamber 856 and within the housing 822. In some embodiments, the luer tip 826 may be configured to be biased toward the closed position such that the luer tip 826 automatically returns to the closed position when the female connector 76 is removed from the luer connector 810.

Referring to fig. 11B, as the male luer connector 810 and the female connector 76 are moved toward each other to be threadably connected, the inner surface 86 of the female connector 76 may contact the outer surface of the luer tip 826, or the end of the female connector 76 may contact the lugs 835 formed on the outer surface of the luer tip 826. This may form a fluid-tight seal between the inner surface 86 of the female connector 76 and the outer surface of the luer tip 826. As the male luer connector 810 is moved with the female connector for further threaded connection, the contact force between the female connector 76 and the luer tip 826 may force the luer tip to retract, causing the pliable end 826a of the luer tip 826 to expand around the valve catheter 832, thereby causing the opening or slit 838 in the pliable end 826a of the luer tip 826 to expand, thereby exposing the opening 864a in the valve catheter 832, allowing fluid to flow into the female connector 76. When the female connector 76 is removed from the luer connector 810, the luer tip 826 preferably returns to its closed position.

Any features of the embodiments not explicitly described herein but shown and/or depicted in the figures, such as distances between components, ratios, etc., should also be understood to form part of the present invention. Furthermore, while the invention has been disclosed in terms of various embodiments, features, aspects and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is intended to cover various alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents of the invention, beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments. Thus, it should be understood that the various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to carry out various modes of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention disclosed herein is not limited by the above disclosed embodiments.

Claims (20)

1. A luer connector, comprising:

a housing having a hollow bore, a first end and a second end;

a male luer tip supported by the housing, the male luer tip configured to rotate relative to the housing, the male luer tip having a first open end and a channel therethrough in fluid communication with the first open end; and

a substantially rigid inner member extending into the channel of the male luer tip toward said first open end of the male luer tip;

wherein:

at least one of the male luer tip and the inner member is axially movable between a first position and a second position relative to the other of the male luer tip and the inner member;

the male luer tip cooperating with the internal member such that rotation of the male luer tip in a first direction relative to the housing increases axial displacement between said first open end of the male luer tip and an end of said internal member;

in said first position, the end of the inner member provides a substantially fluid tight seal with respect to the first open end of the male luer tip, thereby substantially preventing fluid flow through the male luer tip; and

in the second position, the end of the inner member is spaced from the first open end, allowing fluid to flow through the first open end of the male luer tip.

2. The luer connector of claim 1, wherein the male luer tip is configured to rotate in a first direction relative to the housing as a female connector is threaded to the luer connector.

3. The luer connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the male luer tip mates with the internal member such that rotation of the male luer tip in the second direction relative to the housing reduces axial displacement between the first open end of the male luer tip and the end of the internal member.

4. The luer connector of claims 1 or 2, wherein the inner member is axially movable relative to the male luer tip.

5. The luer connector of claims 1 or 2, wherein the inner member includes an axial opening through at least a portion of the inner member, the axial opening being in fluid communication with the hollow bore of the housing and configured to allow fluid to flow through the inner member.

6. The luer connector of claims 1 or 2, wherein the inner member has a solid cross-section along at least a majority of its length such that at least a majority of fluid flowing through the luer connector needs to flow around an outer surface of the inner member.

7. The luer connector of claims 1 or 2, further comprising a chamber within the housing configured to change in volume as at least one of the male luer tip and the internal member is moved axially relative to the other of the male luer tip and the internal member between the first position and the second position, and wherein the volume of the chamber is greater when both the male luer tip and the internal member are in the first position.

8. The luer connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the internal member comprises a helical or beveled surface configured to mate with the male luer tip to cause a change in axial displacement between the male luer tip and the internal member as the male luer tip is rotated.

9. The luer connector of claims 1 or 2, further comprising a resilient member configured to bias the male luer tip and the inner member toward the first position.

10. The luer connector of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the male luer tip has a conical outer surface.

11. The luer connector of claims 1 or 2, wherein the opening in the first open end of the male luer tip and the end of the inner member are oval or other non-circular cross-sectional shapes.

12. The luer connector of claim 11, wherein the opening in the first open end of the male luer tip has a reduced inner wall portion, the end of the inner member has a reduced outer wall portion that mates with the inner wall portion of the male luer tip, the male luer tip and the inner member configured such that relative rotation between the male luer tip and the inner member causes axial displacement between the male luer tip and the inner member.

13. A luer connector, comprising:

a housing having a hollow bore, a first end and a second end;

a male luer tip supported by the housing, the male luer tip configured to rotate relative to the housing, the male luer tip having an opening in a first end thereof and a channel therethrough in fluid communication with the opening in the first end of the male luer tip; and

an inner member extending into the channel of the male luer tip toward the opening in the first end of the male luer tip, the inner member having an opening in the first end of the inner member and a channel therethrough in fluid communication with the opening in the first end of the inner member;

wherein:

the male luer tip rotating relative to the inner member between a first position and a second position;

in said first position, the opening in the first end of the male luer tip is substantially offset from the opening in the first end of the inner member, thereby substantially preventing fluid flow through the male luer tip; and

in the second position, the opening in the first end of the male luer tip is substantially aligned with the opening in the first end of the inner member, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the male luer tip.

14. The luer connector of claim 13, wherein the male luer tip is configured to rotate in a first direction relative to the housing from the first position to the second position as a female connector is threaded to the luer connector.

15. The luer connector of claim 13 or 14, wherein the male luer tip is configured to rotate in a second direction relative to the housing from the second position to the first position as the female connector is unthreaded from the luer connector.

16. The luer connector of any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the inner member is rotatably mounted with respect to the housing.

17. The luer connector of claims 13 or 14, wherein the inner member includes an axial opening through at least a portion of the inner member, the axial opening being in fluid communication with the opening in the first end of the inner member.

18. The luer connector of any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the luer tip is biased toward the first position.

19. The luer connector of any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the male luer tip has a conical outer surface.

20. The luer connector of any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the luer connector is configured to prevent rotation of the male luer tip beyond the first position or the second position.