阅读说明：本技术 流体输送设备及其包装件 (Fluid delivery device and package therefor ) 是由 L·桑德斯 J·金 于 2015-04-21 设计创作，主要内容包括：流体输送系统包括：容器,该容器具有本体,该本体具有在敞开的顶部端部和底部端部之间沿中心轴线延伸以限定内部腔体的侧壁；和从侧壁的内部部分延伸到内部腔体中的至少一个突出部。系统还包括连接件,该连接件构造用于接收在内部腔体内。连接件具有：本体,该本体具有远侧端部、近侧端部、和在远侧端部和近侧端部之间延伸并限定通过其中的流体通路的侧壁；和锁定装置,该锁定装置设置在连接件的内构件的至少一部分上并且能够通过连接件的外构件的至少一部分接近。锁定装置构造用于与所述至少一个突出部配合,以防止内构件相对于外构件旋转。(The fluid delivery system comprises: a container having a body with a sidewall extending along a central axis between open top and bottom ends to define an internal cavity; and at least one protrusion extending from an interior portion of the sidewall into the interior cavity. The system also includes a connector configured to be received within the internal cavity. The connecting piece has: a body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a sidewall extending between the distal end and the proximal end and defining a fluid passageway therethrough; and a locking device disposed on at least a portion of the inner member of the connector and accessible through at least a portion of the outer member of the connector. The locking device is configured to cooperate with the at least one protrusion to prevent rotation of the inner member relative to the outer member.)

1. A fluid delivery system, comprising:

a container, the container comprising:

a container body having a sidewall extending along a central axis between open top and bottom ends to define an internal cavity; and

at least one protrusion aligned with the central axis and extending from an interior portion of the sidewall into the interior cavity; and

a connector configured for receipt within the internal cavity, the connector comprising:

a connector body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a sidewall extending between the distal end and the proximal end and defining a fluid passage therethrough; and

an interface member disposed at one of a distal end and a proximal end of the connector body and configured to be connected to a drug delivery device, the interface member including an annular skirt and being rotatable relative to the connector body,

wherein upon application of a radially inward compressive force on the container, the at least one protrusion of the container is configured to engage at least a portion of the annular skirt to prevent rotation of the interface member relative to the connector body.

2. The fluid delivery system of claim 1, wherein the annular skirt comprises at least one radially extending tooth, and the at least one protrusion engages the at least one tooth to prevent rotation of the interface member.

3. The fluid delivery system of claim 1, wherein the annular skirt comprises a plurality of radially extending teeth, and the at least one protrusion engages the annular skirt between adjacent teeth of the plurality of teeth.

4. The fluid delivery system of claim 3, wherein the interface member is locked in place relative to the connector body when the at least one protrusion is positioned between the adjacent teeth.

5. The fluid delivery system of claim 1, wherein the annular skirt comprises a friction surface that engages the at least one protrusion to prevent rotation of the interface member relative to the connector body.

6. The fluid delivery system of claim 1, wherein the annular skirt comprises a plurality of radially extending teeth and a friction surface disposed between adjacent teeth of the plurality of teeth, and the at least one protrusion is configured to engage the friction surface disposed between the adjacent teeth to prevent rotation of the interface member and lock the interface member in place relative to the connector body.

7. The fluid delivery system of claim 1, wherein the connector body further comprises an outer member surrounding at least a portion of the annular skirt of the interface member, and the interface member is configured to rotate freely relative to the outer member.

8. The fluid delivery system of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the annular skirt is accessible through at least a portion of the outer member.

9. The fluid delivery system of claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a pair of protrusions oriented opposite one another about a circumference of the container.

10. The fluid delivery system of claim 1, wherein the sidewall of the container body is inclined relative to the central axis such that the sidewall narrows radially inward from the open top end to the bottom end.

11. The fluid delivery system of claim 10, wherein the at least one protrusion is substantially parallel to the central axis of the container.

12. The fluid delivery system of claim 1, wherein the connector body further comprises at least one window recessed within the connector body.

13. The fluid delivery system of claim 12, wherein the at least one window is configured to receive the at least one protrusion of the container when the connector is inserted into the internal cavity and the at least one protrusion is deflected radially inward by a compressive force applied to the container, thereby preventing rotation of the connector relative to the container.

14. The fluid delivery system of claim 1, wherein the interface member further comprises a luer lock fitting configured to connect the interface member to the drug delivery device.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a fluid transfer device for closed transfer of fluid from a medical device to a patient administration device, such as an IV line or a syringe. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fluid delivery device and a package therefor configured to use the package to engage and disengage a connecting element from the fluid delivery device.

Background

Medical personnel, such as doctors and nurses, are subject to serious and long-term health risks when repeatedly exposed to drugs or solvents that may escape into the air during drug preparation, drug delivery, and other similar processes. This problem is particularly acute when cytotoxins, antiviral drugs, antibiotics, and radiopharmaceuticals are involved. Health risks faced by exposure to these drugs may include causing cancer, reproductive problems, genetic conditions, and other serious problems. Other areas of risk may be sample collection, such as samples related to viral infection or the like. When performing an infusion, it is often necessary to inject a drug or other medical substance into the infusion fluid in an infusion bag or other infusion fluid container. This is typically accomplished by penetrating a septum or other fluid barrier of an injection port on an infusion bag or infusion fluid line with the needle of a syringe filled with the medical fluid of interest. However, prior to this, it may be necessary to deliver the medical fluid from the vial to the syringe and then from the syringe to the secondary container. In each of these steps, personnel may be exposed to the medical fluid through contaminants. Such contaminants may be airborne medical fluids or aerosols. The contaminants may contaminate the person by the person's lungs, or by airborne vaporized medical fluid or aerosol that condenses on the skin to subsequently penetrate the person's skin. Even some medications are known to penetrate protective gloves, thereby contaminating personnel.

As mentioned above, prolonged exposure to contaminants in this manner can result in extremely high concentrations of drugs in the blood or human body of the person. It is known that due to the many transfer steps between containers (e.g. vials, syringes, infusion systems, etc.), it is necessary to suppress the risk of contamination during the actual insertion of a needle or withdrawal of a needle from a container (e.g. vial). Closed system delivery devices (CSTDs) have been developed to ensure that the drug is contained within the delivery device during delivery of the drug.

Typically, a CSTD includes an adapter for connecting to a syringe and an adapter for connecting to a vial, a second syringe, or a catheter that provides a fluid inlet to the patient's circulatory system. According to one arrangement, a healthcare worker may reconstitute a powdered or lyophilized compound with saline or some other reconstitution medium by attaching a syringe to a vial via connection of a corresponding adapter, reconstituting the drug, drawing the compound into the syringe, disconnecting the adapter, and then attaching the syringe to a fluid conduit through a corresponding adapter connected to a patient administration device (e.g., an IV line or syringe for administration to a patient).

One type of adapter that may be used in a CSTD has a first connector with a male or female luer lock element arranged to engage with a corresponding female or male luer lock element of a second connector component. According to an aspect, the second connector part may be a patient administration device, such as an IV line or a syringe. Thus, the luer lock element may be screwed to or unscrewed from the corresponding luer lock element. It is desirable to prevent the components from being accidentally or inadvertently unscrewed, which could result in a break in the fluid pathway. Such disconnection may pose a serious risk of contamination to the patient and/or any other personnel in the vicinity of the disconnected medical connector. Safety concerns in the delivery of hazardous medical compounds have been recognized as critical by professional organizations and government agencies and the like.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an adapter that can allow fluid transfer between a first connection and a second connection by facilitating positive connection of the connectors and preventing inadvertent or accidental disconnection of the connectors.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect, a fluid delivery system may include a container and a connector. The container may include a tubular body having a sidewall extending along a central axis between open top and bottom ends to define an internal cavity. The at least one protrusion may be aligned with the central axis and extend from the interior portion of the sidewall into the interior cavity. The connector may be configured to be received within the interior cavity of the container. The connector may include a body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a sidewall extending between the distal end and the proximal end and defining a fluid passageway therethrough. The inner member may be disposed at one of the distal end and the proximal end of the body such that the inner member is configured to cooperate with a patient administration device to provide fluid communication between the body and the patient administration device. Further, the outer member may surround at least a portion of the inner member such that the inner member is configured to rotate freely relative to the outer member. The locking device may be disposed on at least a portion of the inner member and accessible through at least a portion of the outer member. The locking device may be configured to cooperate with the at least one protrusion to prevent rotation of the inner member relative to the outer member.

The locking device may be configured to engage the at least one protrusion upon application of a compressive force to the container to prevent rotation of the inner member relative to the outer member.

According to another aspect of the invention, the at least one protrusion may comprise a pair of protrusions oriented opposite each other around the perimeter of the container. The container may further include a pair of tabs extending radially outward from the outer portion of the sidewall opposite the protrusion. The protrusion may be configured to deflect radially inward in response to a compressive force directed toward the tab. The sidewall of the container may be inclined relative to the central axis such that the sidewall narrows radially inward from an open top end to a bottom end. The at least one protrusion may be substantially parallel to a central axis of the container.

According to another aspect of the invention, the connector may comprise at least one window recessed within the body of the connector in the longitudinal direction of the connector. The at least one window may be configured to receive the at least one protrusion of the container when the connector is inserted into the internal cavity to prevent rotation of the connector relative to the container. Each window may extend through a side wall of the connector such that, when deflected by a compressive force, the at least one projection engages the locking mechanism to prevent rotation of the inner member of the connector relative to the outer member of the connector. The locking device may comprise at least one tooth extending from an engagement surface of the locking device. The engagement surface of the locking means may be engaged by the at least one projection upon application of a compressive force. The inner member may include a luer lock fitting.

According to another aspect of the invention, the container may be configured for engaging/disengaging the connector with/from the patient administration device. The container may include a tubular body having a sidewall extending along a central axis between open top and bottom ends to define an internal cavity configured to receive a connector therein. The at least one protrusion may be aligned with the central axis and extend from the interior portion of the sidewall into the interior cavity. The at least one protrusion may be configured to align the connector and prevent rotation of the connector relative to the container. The at least one tab may extend radially outward from the outer portion of the sidewall opposite the at least one projection. The at least one projection is configured to deflect radially inward in response to a compressive force directed at the tab and engage the locking device of the connector. The at least one protrusion may comprise a pair of protrusions oriented opposite each other around the perimeter of the container. The sidewall of the container may be inclined relative to the central axis such that the sidewall narrows radially inward from an open top end to a closed bottom end. The at least one protrusion is substantially parallel to a central axis of the container.

In another aspect, the connection device may be configured for engaging/disengaging the connector with/from the patient administration device. The connection apparatus may include a flexible body having an arcuate shape, at least one tab disposed at one end of the body, and an engagement structure disposed on the at least one tab. The engagement structure may be configured to engage the locking device on the connector to prevent rotation of the inner member of the connector relative to the outer member of the connector when a compressive force is applied to the at least one tab. The at least one tab may further comprise a finger engagement surface. The at least one tab may be connected to the flexible joint.

These and other features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the specification and in the claims, the singular form of "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Drawings

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a container and a connector according to an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the container with the lid removed from the container.

Fig. 1C is a side view of the container of fig. 1B.

FIG. 1D is a top view of the container of FIG. 1B.

Fig. 2A is a front view of the container of fig. 1B with the connector removed from the container.

Fig. 2B is a side view of the container of fig. 2A.

Fig. 2C is a top view of the container of fig. 2A.

Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the connector of fig. 1A without the container.

Fig. 3B is a side view of the connector of fig. 3A.

Fig. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the connector of fig. 3A.

Fig. 3D is a perspective view of the inner member of the connector of fig. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 2A, wherein the container is in an initial state prior to application of a radially-oriented force.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 4A, wherein the container is in a state after application of a radially-oriented force.

Fig. 4C is a top view of the container of fig. 4A.

Fig. 4D is a top view of the container of fig. 4B.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a junction area between a container and a connector according to an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 6A is a perspective view of a connector with a connection device according to an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 6B is a detailed perspective view of the connector with the connecting device of fig. 6A.

Fig. 6C is a perspective view of the connection device of fig. 6A.

Detailed Description

The drawings generally illustrate preferred and non-limiting aspects of the systems and methods of the present disclosure. While this description presents aspects of the device, it should not be construed as limiting the disclosure in any way. Further, those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiments as a basis for modifying or modifying other structures, systems, or components for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure.

Furthermore, for purposes of the following description, the terms "end," "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "lateral," "longitudinal," and derivatives thereof shall refer to the orientation of the elements as they are oriented in the figures. The term "proximal" refers to a direction toward the center or central region of the device. The term "distal" refers to a direction that extends outward away from a central region of the device. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary aspects of the disclosure. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting. For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the disclosure, the drawings and description set forth preferred aspects of the disclosure from which the various aspects of the disclosure, its structure, construction and method of operation, as well as many advantages, will be appreciated and understood.

Referring to fig. 1A-1D, a container, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, is shown in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The container 10 is generally configured as a vessel capable of receiving and housing medical connections, generally indicated at 12, which may be used as part of a CSTD. It is desirable to place the coupling element 12 entirely within the interior cavity 14 (shown in fig. 1B) of the container 10. The container 10 and the connector 12 have corresponding shaped features to facilitate insertion of the connector 12 into the container 10 and removal of the connector 12 from the container 10, as will be described in more detail below.

A lid 16 (shown in fig. 1A) is provided to enclose the interior cavity 14 of the container 10. The lid 16 may be in the form of a membrane that provides a seal with the container to prevent contaminants from entering the internal cavity 14. It is desirable that the lid 16 be removable from the container 10 so that the internal cavity 14 is accessible once the lid 16 is removed. The lid 16 and container 10 may be separate components or may be formed together as a combined structure. A safety feature (not shown) may be provided on the lid 16 or the container 10 to indicate an attempt to remove the lid 16 and enter the internal cavity 14. Optionally, once removed, the lid 16 may be placed on the container 10 again to close the internal cavity 14 again. In one aspect, the lid 16 may be connected to the container 10 by a connecting element (not shown). The lid 16 has a tab 18 configured to be gripped by a user's finger to facilitate removal of the lid 16.

Referring to fig. 2A-2B, the container 10 is a generally tubular body having a sidewall 20 defining an open top end 22 and a closed bottom end 24. The sidewall 20 extends continuously along a central axis 26 between an open top end 22 and a closed bottom end 24 to define the internal cavity 14. The sidewall 20 may be inclined relative to the central axis 26 such that the container 10 has a generally conical shape that narrows radially inward from the open top end 22 to the closed bottom end 24. Alternatively, the sidewalls are substantially parallel relative to the central axis 26 such that the container 10 has a generally cylindrical shape.

The container 10 is sealed at the top end 22 by the lid 16. A lip 28 extends radially outwardly from the open top end 22 relative to the central axis 26. The lip 28 provides an interface for engaging the lid 16 and the container 10. The closed bottom end 24 may have a substantially flat shape to enable the container 10 to be supported when the closed bottom end 24 is placed on a horizontal surface. Alternatively, the closed bottom end 24 may have a rounded or arcuate shape, or a shape configured to correspond to the bottom end of the connector 12. The container 10 may be constructed of any known material, such as a molded, injection molded, or thermoformed plastic material. Desirably, the container 10 is constructed of materials that: the material provides flexibility to the sidewall 20 at least in a radial direction relative to the central axis 26. In particular, it is desirable that the container 10 be constructed of materials such as: this material allows the cross-sectional shape of the container 10 to change with the application of radially directed forces, as will be described in more detail below.

Referring to fig. 2A-2C, the container 10 has a pair of tabs 30 on an exterior portion of the sidewall 20. The tabs 30 extend radially outward from the sidewall 20 relative to the central axis 26. In one aspect, each tab 30 may be in the form of a substantially cylindrical protrusion extending radially outward in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis 26. As shown in fig. 2A and 2C, the tabs 30 may be oriented 180 degrees apart around the perimeter of the container 10. As will be described later, the tabs 30 define gripping surfaces by which the container 10 may be gripped. The container 10 is configured to deflect radially inward in response to a radially directed force exerted on the tab 30. The tab 30 may be hollow such that the sidewall 20 has a uniform thickness along the entire longitudinal length of the container 10. Alternatively, the tabs 30 may be solid such that the side wall 20 has an increased thickness in the region of the tabs 30.

With particular reference to FIG. 2B, container 10 further includes a recess 32 configured to receive an activation tab of connector 12, as will be described later. The recess 32 extends radially outward relative to the central axis 26. The recess 32 also extends along at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the container 10. The recess 32 is shaped such that the side wall 20 bulges radially outwards in the region of the recess 32. In addition to receiving the activation tab of the connector 12, the recess 32 also orients the connector 12 so that it can be received in the internal cavity 14 in only one direction. In this manner, the connector 12 is aligned with the tab 30 and the recess 32. Other features of the container 10 or the connector 12 may be used to align the connector 12 within the interior cavity 14 of the container 10.

With particular reference to fig. 2A, a pair of longitudinal projections 34 extend radially inward from the sidewall 20 within the internal cavity 14. The projection 34 extends in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis 26. In certain aspects, the projections 34 may be angled with respect to the central axis 26. The tab 34 may have any desired shape including, but not limited to, square, rectangular, circular, and the like. In one aspect, the protrusion 34 extends from an area of the inner sidewall 20 proximate the closed bottom end 24 to an area of the inner sidewall 20 opposite the tab 30. In aspects where the sidewall tapers outwardly from the closed bottom end 24 to the open top end 22 as shown in fig. 2A, the protrusion 34 may have a first surface parallel to the tapered sidewall 20 and coextensive with the tapered sidewall 20, and a second surface parallel to the central axis 26 and at least partially offset from the sidewall 20. In an alternative aspect where the sidewall 20 is parallel to the central axis 26, the protrusion 34 may have a first surface parallel to the sidewall 20 and coextensive with the sidewall 20, and a second surface parallel to the sidewall 20 and offset from the sidewall 20. As shown in fig. 2A and 2C, the projections 34 may be oriented 180 degrees apart around the circumference of the container 10 such that each projection 34 is aligned with a corresponding tab 30. For example, the longitudinal midpoint of each tab 34 may be aligned with an axis extending through the center of each tab 30. As will be described later, the tab 34 defines an alignment feature for aligning the connector 12 within the internal cavity 14 of the container 10. In addition, the tabs 34 interact with corresponding slots on the connector 12 to prevent the connector 12 from rotating within the container 10. As will be described in greater detail below, the tab 34 is configured to deflect radially inward in response to a radially directed force exerted on the tab 30. 2A-2C show a pair of tabs 34 equally spaced about the perimeter of the container 10, it should be understood that more than two tabs 34 may be provided at equal or unequal intervals about the perimeter of the container 10. However, at least one protrusion 34 is provided on the inner sidewall 20 opposite the single tab 30.

Referring to fig. 3A-3B, connector 12 is a combination of components adapted to form a tamper-proof connection interface between connector 12 and medical devices or components, including but not limited to: a vial, a fluid bag, a syringe, or a patient fluid line. The connector 12 is configured to prevent accidental or inadvertent disconnection of the connector 12 from the medical equipment or component, which could compromise the integrity of the CSTD. It is desirable to place the coupling element 12 entirely within the interior cavity 14 (shown in fig. 1B) of the container 10. The container 10 and the connector 12 have corresponding shaped features to facilitate insertion of the connector 12 into the container 10 and removal of the connector 12 from the container 10. The connector 12 has a body 36 with a distal end 38, a proximal end 40, and a generally cylindrical sidewall 42 extending between the distal end 38 and the proximal end 40 and defining a fluid passage 44 (shown in fig. 3A) therethrough. An activation tab 72 is provided on the body 36 for connecting and/or disconnecting the connector 12 to/from a medical device or component. The activation tab 72 extends radially outward from the sidewall 42. Desirably, as shown in FIG. 1C, the activation tab 72 is shaped to be received within the recess 32 provided on the container 10. Other features of the connector 12 may be used to align the connector 12 within the container 10 such that the container 10 is aligned relative to the protrusion 34.

With continued reference to fig. 3A-3B, the connector 12 includes an inner member 46 at the proximal end 40 of the body 36. The inner member 46 provides a connection interface with a patient administration device 48, such as a syringe or IV line (shown in fig. 3B). It should be understood that depending on the orientation of the connector 12 relative to the patient administration device 48, it is contemplated that the connection interface may be located at the distal end 38 of the body 36. The inner member 46 is configured to mate with a patient administration device 48 to provide fluid communication via the fluid pathway 44 between the connector 12 and the patient administration device 48. As shown in fig. 3A-3D, inner member 46 has a luer lock connection 50 configured for mating with a corresponding luer connection 52 (shown in fig. 3B) on patient administration device 48. While fig. 3A-3D show the luer lock connector 50 as a male connector, the luer lock connector 50 may be embodied as a female connector configured for connection to a male connector on a corresponding luer connector 52 on the patient administration device 48. Alternatively, the luer lock connection 50 can be implemented as any other mating connection configured for coupling with the patient administration device 48.

Referring to fig. 3C, the outer member 54 surrounds at least a portion of the inner member 46. The radial extension 56 of the inner member 46 is received within an annular sleeve 58 on the outer member 54 such that the inner member 46 is configured to rotate freely relative to the outer member 54 and relative to the patient administration device 48. Once the patient administration device 48 is connected to the inner member 46, the freely rotatable state prevents the patient administration device 48 from being accidentally and/or inadvertently disconnected from the inner member 46 because application of a rotational force to the patient administration device 48 will cause the inner member 46 to rotate with the rotation of the patient administration device 48 without applying the rotational force required to remove the patient administration device 48 from the inner member 46. It should be understood that the connector 12 of the present invention and/or the connection interface of the present invention is not limited to use with patient administration equipment 48, but may be used in conjunction with other components in a CSTD or other medical equipment.

With reference to fig. 3D and with continued reference to fig. 3C, inner member 46 has an annular skirt 60 that extends distally from radial extension 56. The annular skirt 60 is recessed relative to the radial extension 56. The annular skirt 60 has a locking arrangement 62 configured to prevent the inner member 46 from freely rotating relative to the outer member 54 to enable the inner member 46 to be connected to the patient administration device 48 and/or to enable the inner member 46 to be disconnected from the patient administration device 48. As shown in fig. 4A-4C, a locking device, generally indicated by reference numeral 62, is configured to be engaged by the tab 34 of the container 10 upon application of a compressive force F. By engaging the locking device 62, the inner member 46 is locked relative to the outer member 54 such that an axial or rotational force can be applied to the interface between the inner member 46 and the patient administration device 48 to attach the connector 12 to the patient administration device 48 or detach the connector 12 from the patient administration device 48.

According to one aspect, as shown in fig. 3C and 3D, the locking device 62 may include a plurality of teeth 64 extending from an outer surface of the annular skirt 60. The teeth 64 are radially spaced at equal intervals around the circumference of the annular skirt 60. In another aspect, the teeth 64 may be spaced at unequal intervals around the periphery of the annular skirt 60. The teeth 64 are configured to not contact the inner surface of the outer member 54 during rotation of the inner member 46 relative to the outer member 54. The teeth 64 are spaced apart by a plurality of engagement surfaces 66 extending therebetween. The teeth 64 are generally concealed by the outer member 54 of the body 36. It should be understood that other locking devices may be provided that are capable of locking the inner and outer members 46, 54 relative to one another when engaged. For example, a single tooth 64 may be provided on the annular skirt 60. Alternatively, the engagement surface 66 may provide a frictional interface with the inner member 46 to prevent rotation of the inner member 46. The surface finish, coatings and materials of the engagement surface 66 and the inner member 46 may be optimized for achieving the desired frictional conditions for the locking device 62 to function properly. As shown in fig. 5, the engagement surface 66 is configured to be engaged by the protrusion 34 of the container 10 upon application of the compressive force F. By engaging with the engagement surface 66, the projection 34 is arranged between two adjacent teeth 64 such that the inner member 46 is locked relative to the outer member 54. In this manner, an axial or rotational force can be applied to the interface between the inner member 46 and the patient administration device 48 to attach the connector 12 to the patient administration device 48 or detach the connector 12 from the patient administration device 48.

Referring to fig. 3C, a pair of slots 68 are provided on the outer member 54 of the body 36; however, in alternative aspects, a single slot 68 may be provided. The slot 68 extends over at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the body 36 between the distal end 38 and the proximal end 40. At least a portion of the slot 68 extends through the side wall 42 of the connector 12 to define a window 70 for accessing an interior portion of the connector 12. Specifically, a window 70 defined by the slot 68 is configured to provide access to the locking device 62. In other aspects, the window 70 may be provided separately from the slot 68. Further, in aspects where activation tab 72 is used to align connector 12 within container 10, slot 68 need not be provided.

With continued reference to fig. 3C, the slots 68 may be oriented 180 degrees apart around the circumference of the connector 12 such that each slot 68 is aligned with a corresponding tab 30 (fig. 1C). For example, the longitudinal midpoint of each slot 68 may be aligned with an axis extending through the center of each tab 30. The slot 68 defines an alignment feature for aligning the connector 12 with the tab 34 of the container 10. In particular, the slot 68 is shaped to receive the tab 34 such that the connector 12 is guided by the tab 34 when the connector 12 is inserted into or removed from the container 10. In the uncompressed state of the container 10, the tab 34 is not biased against the locking device 62. Although fig. 3C shows a pair of slots 68 equally spaced about the periphery of the connector 12, it should be understood that more than two slots 68 may be provided at equal or unequal intervals about the periphery of the connector 12. However, upon insertion of the connector 12 into the container 10, the at least one slot 68 is disposed in alignment with at least one of the tab 30 and the projection 34. In various aspects, the number of slots 68 need not correspond to the number of tabs 34.

Referring to fig. 4A-4D, a compressive force F applied in a radial direction causes the container to compress radially in the direction of the force F. Specifically, by applying a force F on the tab 30, the container 10 is locally compressed such that portions of the sidewall 20 proximate the tab 30 are compressed toward one another. In this manner, when a compressive force F is applied to the tab 30, the projections 34 are also biased toward each other such that the distance between opposing projections 34 is reduced. In aspects where a single projection 34 is provided, when a compressive force F is applied to the tab 30, the compressive force F biases the projection 34 toward the inner sidewall of the container 10 opposite the projection 34 such that the distance between the projection 34 and the opposite sidewall is reduced. The structure of the container 10 of the present invention is such that: it requires the careful action of applying a radially directed compressive force F on the tab 30 to bias the projection 34 against the locking means 62 to prevent rotational movement of the inner member 46 relative to the outer member 54 to allow tightening or loosening of the patient administration device 48 by applying a rotational force thereto.

Referring to fig. 5, when the projections 34 are biased toward each other from an initial uncompressed state (represented by solid lines) to a compressed state (represented by dashed lines) due to the application of a radially-directed compressive force F on the tab 30, the projections 34 engage the locking device 62 through windows 70 extending through the slots 68. In this manner, the tab 34 engages the annular skirt 60 of the inner member 46. In particular, the projections 34 engage the engagement surface 66 of the annular skirt 60 in the region between the teeth 64. On the other hand, a frictional interface may be created between the protrusion 34 and the engagement surface 66 as a result of the radially-oriented compressive force F exerted on the tab 30. With the retaining force F, the tab 34 is biased against the engagement surface 66 to prevent rotation of the inner member 46 relative to the outer member 54. The locking arrangement 62 locks the inner member 46 relative to the outer member 54 through engagement of the projections 34 such that an axial or rotational force can be applied to the interface between the inner member 46 and the patient administration device 48 to attach the connector 12 to the patient administration device 48 or detach the connector 12 from the patient administration device 48. By releasing the force F, the container 10 returns to its original shape, wherein the relative distance between the projections 34 increases, such that the projections 34 are decoupled from the locking means 62 and the inner member 46 is free to rotate relative to the outer member 54, thereby preventing the patient administration device 48 from being inadvertently or accidentally removed from the inner member 46.

Having described the structure of the container 10 and the connector 12 disposed therein, a method of securing the connector 12 to the patient administration set 48 using the container 10 will now be described. The method includes providing a container 10 and a connector 12 as described above. Desirably, the connector 12 is disposed entirely within the container 10 and sealed by the lid 16. After removal of the lid 16, a radially-directed compressive force F is applied to the tabs 30 of the container 10, thereby causing the container 10 to be compressed and biasing the projections 34 of the container 10 toward each other. The method further includes engaging the tab 34 with the locking device 62 due to the radial offset of the tab 34. As the tab 34 is radially deflected, the tab 34 advances through the window 70 and is biased into engagement with the engagement surface 66 of the locking device 62. This engagement prevents the inner member 46 from freely rotating relative to the outer member 54, thereby allowing a connection between the patient administration set 48 and the inner member 46 of the connector 12. Although the protrusion 34 prevents rotation of the connector 12 within the container 10 when the patient administration device 48 is secured to the inner member 46, any other portion of the connector 12 may interfere with the container 10 to prevent relative rotation between the container 10 and the connector 12. In particular, activation tab 72 of connector 12 is received within recess 32 of container 10, which serves to prevent relative rotation between container 10 and connector 12 when connector 12 is positioned within container 10.

Upon release of the compressive force F, the tab 34 of the container 10 disengages from the locking means 62 to allow the inner member 46 to rotate freely relative to the outer member 54, thereby preventing inadvertent and/or accidental disconnection of the inner member 46 from the patient administration device 48. The method may further include reapplying the compressive force F to reengage the locking means 62 to remove the patient administration device 48 from the connector 12.

Referring to fig. 6A-6C, a connection device 80 is shown for use with the connector 12 described above. The connection apparatus 80 is configured for engaging the locking device 62 on the connector 12 to prevent relative movement between the inner member 46 and the outer member 54. Referring to fig. 6C, the connection apparatus 80 has a generally arcuate shape configured to enclose a portion of the connection member 12. In one aspect, the connection apparatus 80 encloses a portion of the perimeter of the outer member 54. The connection device 80 has a flexible body 82 and a pair of tabs 84 at opposite ends of the body 82. In another aspect, the connection device 80 may have a single tab 84 located at one end of the connection device 80. The outer portion of the tab 84 has a finger engaging surface 86 configured for engagement with a user's finger. The inner portion of the tab 84 has a projection 88 configured for engagement with the locking device 62. The projection 88 extends outwardly from the surface of the inner portion of the tab 84. The tabs 84 are connected together by a flexible joint 90 (shown in fig. 6C) that is configured to deflect as the tabs 84 move toward or away from each other. The structure of the connecting device 80 of the present invention is such that: it requires the careful action of applying a radially directed compressive force F on the tabs 84 to bias the tabs 88 against the locking means 62 to prevent rotational movement of the inner member 46 relative to the outer member 54 to allow tightening or loosening of the patient administration device by applying a rotational force to the patient administration device 48 (shown in fig. 3B). In this way, the patient administration device 48 can be connected to or removed from the inner member 46 without the need for the container 10 described above with reference to fig. 1A-2C.

Referring to fig. 6B, the tab 88 of each tab 84 is configured to be received within the window 70 of the slot 68. Once placed within the window 70, the tabs 84 can be squeezed toward one another by applying a radially directed compressive force F. This force F causes the projection 88 to engage the engagement surface 66 of the locking device 62. In particular, the tabs 88 engage the engagement surface 66 of the annular skirt 60 in the area between the teeth 64. On the other hand, a frictional interface may be created between the projection 88 and the engagement surface 66 as a result of the radially-oriented compressive force F exerted on the tab 84. With the retaining force F, the tabs 88 are biased against the engagement surface 66 to prevent rotation of the inner member 46 relative to the outer member 54. The locking arrangement 62 locks the inner member 46 relative to the outer member 54 through engagement of the projections 88 such that an axial or rotational force can be applied to the interface between the inner member 46 and the patient administration device 48 to attach the connector 12 to the patient administration device 48 or detach the connector 12 from the patient administration device 48. By releasing the force F, the connection device 80 returns to its original shape, wherein the relative distance between the tabs 84 increases, such that the protrusions 88 are decoupled from the locking means 62 and the inner member 46 is free to rotate relative to the outer member 54, thereby preventing the patient administration device 48 from being inadvertently or accidentally removed from the inner member 46.

On the other hand, the connecting device 80 may naturally be biased into interference with the locking means 62 without the need to apply a radially directed force F. In this aspect, the connection device 80 may be snap-fit or clipped to the connector 12 such that the projection 88 is biased against the engagement surface 66 to prevent rotation of the inner member 46 relative to the outer member 54. The connecting device 80 is uncoupled by releasing the tabs 88 from the snap or clamp by applying a force directed in a radially outward direction. The connection device 80 may be completely removable from the connector 12 or may be integrally formed with the connector such that the projection 88 is capable of decoupling from the engagement surface 66.

Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred aspects, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed aspects, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any aspect can be combined with one or more features of any other aspect.