Disinfecting caps having an extendable feature
Inventors
Solomon, Donald R. • Ferguson, F. Mark • Bandis, Steven • Mercer, James V. • Howlett, Michael W. • HITCHCOCK, ROBERT
Assignees
HEALTH LINE INTERNATIONAL CORP., DBA HEALTH LINE MEDICAL PRODUCTS
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Publication Number
US-10493261-B2
Publication Date
2019-12-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
Some assemblies can include a male cap and a female cap, each of which can be used to cover separated medical connectors. In certain arrangements, a male cap can include a movable carriage that transitions from a retracted position when an assembly with which the male cap is associated is in a closed state to an extended position when the assembly is in an open state.
Core Innovation
An assembly comprising a cap and a medical connector is configured to disinfect the medical connector. An outer housing contains an inner housing defining a chamber that holds antiseptic, with an exterior connection interface on the inner housing configured to connect to the medical connector. The inner housing transitions between retracted and extended positions relative to the outer housing.
A biasing member or resilient member moves or biases the inner housing toward the extended position, where the connection interface is accessible to engage the connector. In specific claim configurations, antiseptic releases from the chamber in the extended position, and a seal member prevents antiseptic release until distally displaced by a male protrusion of the medical connector.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims are claims 1, 7, and 8, which cover three inventive features concerning a movable antiseptic-containing cap assembly configured to disinfect a medical connector.
Movable inner housing with an antiseptic chamber
Independent claim 1 covers an outer housing and an inner housing defining a chamber containing antiseptic when the cap is not connected to the medical connector. A biasing member coupled with both housings biases the inner housing toward an extended position, where an exterior laterally extending connection interface is accessible to engage the medical connector.
Threaded connection interface and resilient member
Independent claim 7 covers an inner housing chamber containing antiseptic when the cap is not connected to the medical connector, an exterior connection interface comprising an outwardly facing thread, and a resilient member transitioning the inner housing from a retracted position to an extended position where the interface is accessible to engage the medical connector.
Displaceable seal member controlling antiseptic release
Independent claim 8 covers an inner housing chamber containing antiseptic biased toward an extended position relative to an outer housing, wherein antiseptic releases from the chamber when extended. A seal member prevents antiseptic from exiting before connection and is distally displaceable by a male protrusion of the medical connector.
Together, the independent claims cover an assembly comprising a cap that holds antiseptic within a movable inner housing to engage and disinfect a medical connector, utilizing resilient or biasing members to position the connection interface and incorporating displaceable sealing structures.
Stated Advantages
The seal member is configured to prevent antiseptic from exiting the chamber before the cap is connected to the medical connector.
The cap is configured to disinfect the medical connector.
Documented Applications
A cap assembly configured to disinfect a medical connector.
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