Disinfecting caps for medical male luer connectors
Inventors
Solomon, Donald D. • Ferguson, F. Mark • HITCHCOCK, ROBERT • Bandis, Steven • Mercer, James V. • Howlett, Michael W.
Assignees
HEALTH LINE INTERNATIONAL CORP., DBA HEALTH LINE MEDICAL PRODUCTS
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-10155056-B2
Publication Date
2018-12-18
Expiration Date
Abstract
Disclosed herein are disinfecting caps that can be used to cover and disinfect both a male medical connector and needleless injection site when not in use or when disconnected from each other. The caps contain a disinfecting agent.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a disinfecting system comprising a medical male luer-lock connector and an antiseptic-containing male-disinfecting cap. The cap includes a receiving portion defining a chamber with a single proximal opening, no distal opening, and an unthreaded inner surface comprising a channel configured to allow an antiseptic agent to exit. Protrusions on the receiving portion engage helical threads of the connector skirt, bringing the antiseptic agent into contact with the outside of the connector post.
A seal disposed over the chamber opening prevents evaporation of the antiseptic agent prior to use. Disinfection is performed by undoing the seal to permit entry of the connector post and moving the cap relative to the connector. This relative motion causes the connector post to advance into the chamber and contact the antiseptic agent. Dual-cap assemblies join a male cap and a female cap via a sealing sleeve.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims comprise claim 1, directed to a system, and claim 5, directed to a method, covering two inventive features.
Antiseptic-containing male-disinfecting cap and connector system
Claim 1 covers a system comprising a medical male luer-lock connector and a male-disinfecting cap. The cap has a receiving portion defining a chamber with a single proximal opening, no distal opening, and an inner surface devoid of threads comprising a channel configured to allow antiseptic to exit. External protrusions engage the connector skirt helical threads, antiseptic is disposed in the chamber to contact the outside of the connector post, and a seal over the opening prevents evaporation prior to use.
Method of disinfecting a medical male luer-lock connector
Claim 5 covers a method comprising providing a medical male luer-lock connector and the antiseptic-containing male-disinfecting cap, undoing the seal over the chamber opening to permit entry of the connector post, and moving the cap relative to the connector so the post enters the chamber and contacts the antiseptic agent.
The independent claims cover an antiseptic-containing cap and connector system that brings antiseptic into contact with the exterior of the connector post, and a corresponding disinfection method executed after undoing the cap seal.
Stated Advantages
The seal over the receiving portion opening prevents evaporation of the antiseptic agent in the chamber prior to use.
Documented Applications
Disinfecting a medical male luer-lock connector by bringing an antiseptic agent into contact with the outside of the connector post.
Interested in licensing this patent?