Assembly of medical connector caps
Inventors
Solomon, Donald D. • Ferguson, F. Mark • HITCHCOCK, ROBERT • Bandis, Steven • Mercer, James V. • Howlett, Michael W.
Assignees
HEALTH LINE INTERNATIONAL CORP., DBA HEALTH LINE MEDICAL PRODUCTS
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Publication Number
US-9079692-B2
Publication Date
2015-07-14
Expiration Date
Abstract
Disclosed herein are disinfecting caps that can be used to cover and disinfect both a male medical connector and needleless injection site when not in use or when disconnected from each other. The caps contain a disinfecting agent.
Core Innovation
The male-disinfecting cap includes a receiving portion defining a chamber that receives the post of a male luer-lock connector, an antiseptic agent contained in the chamber, and a movable member. When the post is received, the movable member overlaps the distal-most point of the post to diminish flow of antiseptic agent into the lumen. Concurrently, the member permits the antiseptic agent to pass around the member to the post. Described embodiments also include antiseptic-impregnated porous media and connector-thread engagement.
The disclosure also includes sleeve-mounted caps with camming separation assists and a female cap with contact and venting regions that inhibit sealing against a connector. Embodiments configure the receiving portion to fit within the connector skirt while holding antiseptic agent within the chamber. The independent claims cover the male-disinfecting cap and a method of disinfecting a male luer-lock connector.
Claims Coverage
The claims provide two inventive features across two independent claims covering a male-disinfecting cap and a method of disinfecting a male luer-lock connector.
Cap chamber with antiseptic agent and movable member
A receiving portion defines a chamber configured to fit within the connector skirt and receive the post of the male luer-lock connector. The chamber contains an antiseptic agent and a movable member shaped so that its proximal-most point overlaps the post's distal-most point when the post is received, diminishing antiseptic flow into the lumen while permitting flow past the member to the post.
Disinfecting method using the movable member
The method comprises moving the cap relative to the male luer-lock connector so that the post enters the chamber and contacts the movable member. The member covers the lumen and overlaps the post's distal-most point, diminishing antiseptic flow into the lumen while permitting flow past the member to the post.
The independent claims cover the cap structure and its method of use to disinfect a male luer-lock connector by applying antiseptic agent while diminishing flow into the post lumen.
Stated Advantages
The movable member diminishes antiseptic flow into the connector lumen while permitting antiseptic agent to pass to the post.
Documented Applications
Applying an antiseptic agent to, and disinfecting, a medical male luer-lock connector.
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