Disinfecting caps having an extendable feature
Inventors
Solomon, Donald D. • Ferguson, F. Mark • Bandis, Steven • Mercer, James V. • Howlett, Michael W. • HITCHCOCK, ROBERT
Assignees
HEALTH LINE INTERNATIONAL CORP., DBA HEALTH LINE MEDICAL PRODUCTS
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Publication Number
US-9242084-B2
Publication Date
2016-01-26
Expiration Date
Abstract
Some assemblies can include a male cap and a female cap, each of which can be used to cover separated medical connectors. In certain arrangements, a male cap can include a movable carriage that transitions from a retracted position when an assembly with which the male cap is associated is in a closed state to an extended position when the assembly is in an open state.
Core Innovation
A cap configured to disinfect a medical connector comprises an outer housing with a cavity opening at its proximal end and an inner housing disposed within the cavity. The inner housing connects to the medical connector, features a single opening directed toward its proximal end, and defines a chamber containing an antiseptic prior to use. The inner housing is movable within the outer housing between retracted and extended positions.
A biasing member or transitioning mechanism located within the outer housing but outside the inner housing biases or transitions the inner housing toward an extended position upon connection with the medical connector. In the unconnected state, the inner housing remains retracted closer to the distal end of the outer housing. The background problem being solved is not explicitly described in patent.
Claims Coverage
The relevant claims include two independent claims, claims 1 and 19, which define four primary inventive features directed to a cap for disinfecting a medical connector.
Outer housing and cavity
Claims 1 and 19 recite an outer housing that defines proximal and distal ends and a cavity that opens to the proximal end and extends toward the distal end.
Antiseptic-containing inner housing
Claims 1 and 19 recite an inner housing disposed within the outer housing, having a connection interface configured to connect to a medical connector, a single opening directed only toward the proximal end, and a chamber having an antiseptic prior to use.
Biasing member urging inner housing extension
Claim 1 recites a biasing member coupled with the outer and inner housings and located within the outer housing but outside the inner housing, configured to bias the inner housing from a retracted position toward an extended position during transition from an unconnected state to a connected state.
Means for transitioning the inner housing
Claim 19 recites means, located within the outer housing but outside the inner housing, for transitioning the inner housing from a retracted position when the cap is unconnected with the medical connector to an extended position when the cap is connected with the medical connector.
Together, the independent claims cover the housing arrangement, the antiseptic chamber and connector interface, and the transition of the inner housing between retracted and extended positions via a biasing member or a transitioning means.
Stated Advantages
A fluid-tight seal between the connection interface and a second cap prevents evaporative loss of antiseptic.
Seals help prevent antiseptic from entering the connector lumen.
Documented Applications
Disinfecting a medical connector with a cap containing antiseptic.
A paired female cap can disinfect a separated connector.
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