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Publication Number
US-12752093-B2
Publication Date
2026-10-06
Expiration Date
Abstract
A breakaway medical connector can include a housing with engagement features that interface with corresponding engagement features on a breakaway member so that the breakaway is attached to the housing. A second connector can couple to the breakaway member to provide a fluid connection between the first connector and the second connector. If a force above a threshold is applied that pulls the second connector apart from the breakaway connector, the engagement features can be overcome and the breakaway member can detach from the housing. The second connector can detach from the first connector along with the breakaway member. The connector can have a valve that closes the fluid pathway upon the separation of the breakaway member from the housing. In some embodiments, the breakaway member can be reattached to the housing, such as to reestablish fluid communication between the breakaway medical connector and the second medical connector.
Core Innovation
Medical connectors comprise a fluid pathway, a hollow projection, an internal valve, and a cavity defined between the projection and an outer wall. In breakaway arrangements, a breakaway member is retained within the cavity to receive a second medical connector and position it to open the valve, establishing fluid communication. Engagement features disengage when a pulling force exceeding a threshold pulls the breakaway member distally, while disconnecting closes the fluid pathway.
Additional disclosed configurations incorporate a cover positioned in the cavity substantially flush with the valve and projection ends, alongside a resilient valve shaft configured to bend and recess when pressed. Other configurations provide an activation member that moves with the cover to pull the valve open. The connector structures facilitate disinfectant swabbing and permit tool-free reattachment of the breakaway member to restore fluid communication.
Claims Coverage
The claims include five independent claims covering four connector configurations and one method of using a breakaway medical connector across five inventive features.
Breakaway connector with a valve and coupling interface
Claim 1 covers a base portion with a projection containing a fluid pathway and a valve, plus an outer wall forming a cavity with the projection. A breakaway member retained in the cavity includes a coupling interface that positions a second medical connector to open the valve and establish fluid communication, disengaging when a pulling force exceeding a threshold is applied distally.
Connector with a resilient-shaft valve and cover
Claim 19 covers a housing with two openings, a fluid pathway, a hollow projection, and a valve inside the projection. The valve has a resilient-material shaft that bends when pressed to recess the valve end and open the fluid pathway, with a cover disposed in the cavity substantially flush with the valve and projection ends in a first configuration.
Connector with a removable breakaway member
Claim 20 covers a housing, fluid pathway, hollow projection, valve, and cover, together with a breakaway member configured to removably couple to the housing and receive a second medical connector. The breakaway member establishes fluid communication between the second connector and the fluid pathway, disengaging from the housing when a threshold pulling force is applied.
Connector with a cover-driven valve activation member
Claim 26 covers a housing with a fluid pathway, hollow projection, valve, and a cover configured to move along the exterior of the projection when a second medical connector is coupled, with an activation member that moves with the cover to pull the valve to the open position.
Method of using and reattaching a breakaway connector
Claim 31 covers coupling a second medical connector to a breakaway member to establish fluid communication, detaching the breakaway member and second connector from the first connector by pulling, and reattaching the breakaway member by pushing it into the first connector without a tool to reestablish fluid communication.
The independent claims cover breakaway connector structures with valves and covers, threshold-force release mechanisms, cover-driven valve activation arrangements, and a method for tool-free reattachment to restore fluid communication.
Stated Advantages
The breakaway member separates from the connector when a pulling force exceeds a threshold, providing a breakaway disconnection.
The valve closes the fluid pathway upon disconnection.
The breakaway member can be reattached to the first connector without a tool to restore fluid communication between the second medical connector and the fluid pathway.
The cover provides sealing, wipes the projection, and provides a substantially flush swabbing surface with an outer-wall opening at least about 6 mm wide that facilitates disinfectant swabbing access before reattachment.
Documented Applications
The medical connector is illustrated in an infusion-line setup and used in intravenous (IV) fluid-transfer applications.
The connector couples to a second medical connector to establish fluid communication, including via a threaded coupling interface configured to engage a standard female luer lock.
Disinfectant swabbing of the connector body or main body of the first medical connector prior to reattaching the breakaway member in a connection that can be detached and reattached without tools.
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