Enhanced pen-like portable device for cleaning needle-free iv-connectors

Inventors

Tüysüz, Mehmet • BASARAN, Ahmet Reha

Assignees

ASSET MEDICAL, INC. • Asset Medikal Tasarim Sanayi Ve Ticaret AS

Abstract

The present disclosure proposes a pen-like assembly of caps for cleaning and protecting needle-free iv-connectors, with an extended shelf life. An enhanced gas-tightness in sealing is arranged in-between successively arranged caps that are engaged together. A first approach is based on enhancing geometric compliance between striking surfaces, by contacting one or more material components that have different respective Shore hardness values. A second approach is based on meandering and extending a possible fluid communication route from a cavity inside a cap towards surroundings of the assembly. A third approach includes the provision of the fluid communication route with an adhesive or sealant to achieve a gas-tight sealing. A fourth approach includes circumferentially covering junctions with one or more covers that are substantially gas impermeable.

Core Innovation

The invention relates to a pen-like assembly of interengaged caps removably attached to a septum of a needle-free intravascular connector. Each cap includes a main body with a protrusion at a first end, a cavity, and an opening at a second end distal to the first end for access into the cavity. The cavity has a circumferential side surface radially facing the main axis, and the protrusion has a circumferential side surface sized and shaped to geometrically match the side surface of the cavity, enabling interpenetration when caps are successively engaged.

The main body of the cap is formed with integrated first and second material components, with the first material component having a higher hardness value than the second material component. The main body is arranged such that the second material component is radially compressed by the first material component during interpenetration between the protrusion and the respective cavity when the cap is engaged with a further and identical cap. This configuration is used to enhance gas-tight sealing between successively engaged caps, including conformity of striking surfaces and extension of a vapor escape route.

In further approaches, the sealing performance is supported by geometry and additional sealing elements between successively arranged cap junctions. Complementary circular ridges or grooves around the opening extend parallel to the main axis and have corresponding shapes and sizes for axially engaging with identical caps, and matched circumferential radial extensions and recesses provide geometrical mating. Opposing surfaces of successively arranged cap couples can be circumferentially provided with one or more adhesives or sealants around the main axis, and the junction between successively arranged caps can be covered by removable covers sized and shaped for circumferentially contacting the cap couples, including removable belt covers with perforations and/or an adhesive layer.

Claims Coverage

The partial content includes four independent claims. Across these claims, the main inventive features are organized around a cap with integrated first and second material components that enable radially compressive sealing during interpenetration, an alternating successively arranged multi-cap pattern using those two material components, successively arranged cap geometry features for matched engagement using circular ridges or grooves and/or matched circumferential extension and recess, and additional circumferential sealing measures using adhesives or sealants and/or removable covers that cover junctions between successively arranged caps.

Across the independent claims, the coverage emphasizes a mechanically interengaging cap architecture with geometrically matching protrusion/cavity side surfaces and integrated first and second material components configured for radially compressive compression during interpenetration, extended to alternating successively arranged multi-cap assemblies. Additional coverage includes matched engagement features, circular ridges or grooves, and further junction sealing via circumferential adhesives or sealants and/or removable covers that circumferentially contact cap couples and cover cap junctions.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications