Carrier assembly with caps for medical connectors
Inventors
Solomon, Donald D. • Kennedy, James Paul
Assignees
HEALTH LINE INTERNATIONAL CORP., DBA HEALTH LINE MEDICAL PRODUCTS
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Publication Number
US-10213589-B2
Publication Date
2019-02-26
Expiration Date
Abstract
An assembly for mounting medical connector caps includes a carrier formed from a sheet of material and having an array of holes. The assembly also includes a plurality of medical connector caps. Each cap is inserted into one of the holes of the array. The assembly also includes a plurality of sealing tabs. The tabs may be retained on the carrier by friction fit into the holes of the carrier. The carrier may also include a mounting hole to hang on a pole of an IV line.
Core Innovation
The invention describes an assembly mounting medical connector caps for use. A sheet-like carrier has an array of holes that retain the caps, with portions of each cap extending from the upper side and the underside of the carrier. The described arrangement separates cap retention from sealing: individual sealing tabs cover each cap's openable end and include tethers affixed to the carrier.
The assembly addresses accidental displacement of caps and contamination risk. A cap can be removed together with its seal, or detached while the seal remains intact. The carrier includes mounting holes for hanging or positioning, and the caps may cover female or male ends of medical connectors and may contain disinfectant.
Claims Coverage
The two independent claims are claims 1 and 11. They cover assemblies in which medical connector caps are inserted into holes in a sheet-shaped carrier and extend from both sides; claim 11 additionally recites means for retaining each cap in a hole.
Caps retained in carrier holes
Claim 1 recites a carrier shaped as a sheet of material with an array of holes, and medical connector caps inserted into the holes such that each cap is retained and portions extend from the upper side and the underside of the carrier. Each cap has an openable end configured to cover a medical connector and a closed graspable end.
Means for retaining caps in carrier holes
Claim 11 recites a sheet-shaped carrier with an array of holes, medical connector caps inserted into the holes with portions extending from the upper side and the underside of the carrier, and means for retaining each cap in a hole. Each cap has an openable end configured to cover a medical connector and a closed graspable end.
The independent claims cover a sheet-shaped carrier that mounts medical connector caps in an array of holes. Claim 1 specifies that the caps are retained in the holes, while claim 11 recites means for retaining them.
Stated Advantages
The arrangement reduces accidental cap displacement and contamination risk.
A cap can be removed together with its seal, or detached while the seal remains intact.
Documented Applications
The assembly mounts medical connector caps for use. The caps cover medical connectors, including female or male connector ends.
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