Disinfecting cap for valved connectors and method of use
Inventors
Avula, Mahender • Sykes, Kenneth • JENKINS, RICHARD P.
Assignees
HEALTH LINE INTERNATIONAL CORP., DBA HEALTH LINE MEDICAL PRODUCTS
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Publication Number
US-11058858-B2
Publication Date
2021-07-13
Expiration Date
Abstract
Devices used to disinfect and maintain sterility of a medical valve connector are disclosed. The devices may comprise an insert that is configured to dispense disinfecting solution when the device is coupled to the medical valve connector. Insert grooves are configured to collapse sequentially as the insert is compressed by the medical valve connector.
Core Innovation
The disclosed disinfecting medical device comprises a cap with a bore and an insert disposed within the bore. The insert has a cavity and is configured to longitudinally collapse and dispense disinfecting solution; circumferential grooves collapse sequentially, and apertures and a retention feature control solution release while retaining the insert. A flat insert surface is configured to avoid actuating the connector valve, and optional top-surface protrusions wipe the connector during removal.
The medical system is configured to cover and disinfect a medical valve connector, and the disclosed method couples the disinfecting cap to the connector so the insert compresses and dispenses solution to bathe the connector end. The background section is not included in the supplied partial content, so the problem being solved is not explicitly described in the patent content provided.
Claims Coverage
The relevant claims identify three independent claims: claims 1, 12, and 17. The inventive features below summarize the principal stated elements of each independent claim and relevant dependent claim refinements.
Insert that collapses to dispense disinfecting solution
Claim 1 covers an insert disposed within a cap bore, with an open first end, a selectively closed second end, and an insert cavity extending between the ends. The insert is configured to longitudinally collapse and dispense disinfecting solution from the cavity.
Sequential collapse of circumferential grooves
Claim 1 specifies first and second circumferential grooves with a circumferential rib between them, and requires the insert to collapse at the second groove before collapsing at the first groove. A dependent claim further specifies that the first groove is narrower than the second groove.
Apertures and retention feature in the insert
Claim 1 specifies a first aperture in the top surface, a second aperture in a lateral wall, and a retention feature. Relevant dependent claims assign the first aperture a cavity-filling function, the second aperture a dispensing function during compression, and the retention feature the functions of retaining the insert while permitting solution flow into the bore.
Medical system with a threaded cap and insert
Claim 12 covers a medical system configured to cover and disinfect a medical valve connector, with a cap bore comprising internal threads and an insert disposed within the bore. The insert includes a cavity, two circumferential grooves, a rib between the grooves, and a retention feature.
Groove dimensions that establish collapse order
Claim 12 requires the width of the first groove to be less than the width of the second groove, so the second groove collapses before the first when the insert is longitudinally compressed. A relevant dependent claim specifies coupling of the retention feature with the internal threads to retain the insert.
Top-surface protrusions for connector wiping
Relevant dependent claims for claims 1 and 12 specify protrusions on the insert's top surface that wipe the proximal surface of the medical valve connector as it is rotatably decoupled. A further dependent claim states that the protrusions permit disinfecting solution to flow over the top surface when the cap is coupled to the connector.
Method of bathing the connector end in disinfecting solution
Claim 17 covers obtaining a disinfecting cap, coupling it to the medical valve connector so the insert is compressed and dispenses disinfecting solution, and bathing an end of the connector in the solution. A dependent claim adds rotatable decoupling and wiping the connector end with protrusions on the insert's top surface.
The three independent claims cover a collapsible, solution-dispensing insert in a disinfecting cap; a medical system with groove dimensions that establish sequential collapse; and a method of coupling the cap to bathe the connector end in disinfecting solution. Relevant dependent claims further specify aperture functions, insert retention, and connector wiping.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Covering and disinfecting a medical valve connector by coupling the disinfecting cap to the connector and bathing the connector end in disinfecting solution.
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