Disinfecting cap for male luers
Inventors
HITCHCOCK, ROBERT • Avula, Mahender
Assignees
HEALTH LINE INTERNATIONAL CORP., DBA HEALTH LINE MEDICAL PRODUCTS
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Publication Number
US-10589080-B2
Publication Date
2020-03-17
Expiration Date
Abstract
A male-disinfecting cap is configured to couple with and apply an antiseptic agent to medical male luer-lock connector of the type including a post having a lumen. The cap includes a receiving portion which defines a chamber. The post of the male luer-lock connector is received into a single opening of the chamber. The receiving portion is configured to fit within the skirt of the male luer-lock connector when the post is received into the receiving portion. At least one vent is defined on the internal surface of the receiving portion and extends from the opening into the chamber, where an antiseptic is disposed. Protrusions on the external surface of the receiving portion engage helical threads of the internally helically threaded skirt. The male-disinfecting cap also includes a seal that prevents evaporation of the antiseptic agent in the chamber prior to use.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a male-disinfecting cap for applying an antiseptic agent to a medical male luer-lock connector. Its receiving portion defines a chamber configured to receive the connector post and has a tapered surface region, an intermediate region, and a shelf between them. A vent extends from the opening to the intermediate region, and antiseptic fluid is disposed in the chamber.
A further cap configuration includes a pad comprising an antiseptic agent and a movable member in the chamber. The claims also describe disinfecting the connector by coupling the cap so the antiseptic agent contacts the post. The provided content does not include the background section, so the problem being solved is not explicitly described in patent.
Claims Coverage
The three independent claims are claims 1, 10, and 14, covering three inventive features directed to two male-disinfecting cap configurations and a method of disinfecting a medical male luer-lock connector.
Vented cap with antiseptic fluid
Claim 1 covers a male-disinfecting cap with a receiving chamber having a tapered surface region, an intermediate region with a larger inner diameter at the shelf, and a shelf between the regions. A vent on the tapered surface extends from the opening to the intermediate region, and antiseptic fluid is disposed in the chamber. Dependent claims specify vent structure and functions, including evaporation-rate control and reduced likelihood of microbes passing into the chamber.
Cap with an antiseptic pad and movable member
Claim 10 covers a male-disinfecting cap with the specified receiving chamber, tapered and intermediate regions, shelf, and vent, together with a pad comprising an antiseptic agent and a movable member in the chamber. Dependent claims describe evaporation through the vent and specify that the movable member prevents the antiseptic agent from entering the connector post's lumen.
Method of disinfecting a male luer-lock connector
Claim 14 covers coupling a cap having the specified chamber, shelf, vent, and antiseptic fluid to a medical male luer-lock connector so the antiseptic agent comes into contact with the post. Dependent claims further address evaporation-rate control and a movable member configured to prevent antiseptic agent from entering the post lumen.
The independent claims cover a vented antiseptic cap in two configurations and a cap-based method of disinfecting a medical male luer-lock connector. The claims specify chamber geometry and vent placement, with dependent claims adding vent functions and a movable member that keeps antiseptic agent out of the connector lumen.
Stated Advantages
The vent reduces the likelihood of microbes passing through it into the chamber when the connector post is in the receiving portion.
The vent controls the rate of antiseptic-fluid evaporation from the chamber to the external atmosphere.
The movable member prevents antiseptic agent from entering the connector post's lumen.
Documented Applications
Applying an antiseptic agent to, and disinfecting, a medical male luer-lock connector having a post with a lumen.
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